Wilander對Paulo好有愛喔，揪甘心Ａ～
A meeting with… Mats Wilander
http://www.rolandgarros.com/
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
After a shaky start, the collaboration between Mats Wilander and Paul-Henri
Mathieu is finally bearing fruit. The Swede is determined to help PHM reach
his full potential. We meet with the former world No1 and king of clay.
Mats Wilander wears many hats; Davis Cup captain, businessman, trainer with
Team Lagardère, media consultant, player on the “Legends’ Tour”… In
life, as on the court, the Swede can cope with anything.
However, he has decided to refocus his activities and concentrate on
Paul-Henri Mathieu who he has been working with since January 2008.
“I’m going to devote myself entirely to Paulo,” he affirms, sitting
in the player’s restaurant. “I love working with him and I like to think
that he’ll make progress with me.”
Wilander only joined Team Lagardere on a part-time basis and has not always
accompanied Mathieu. The pair were thrown together when Thierry Champion was
sent to the aide of Gael Monfils. The partnership was not expected to last
but Wilander has obviously embraced the role. He likes how Team Lagardere
works and has fallen under the charm of PHM.
Like being in a rock group
“I never imagined I’d find such a professional organisation,” he says,
“In December 2007, I came to Paris to get a feel for things and to work
with Paulo and Mahut. I realised that it was a great opportunity and that
I had to seize the chance. Since then, I must have spent 10 weeks on the
tour with him. I’m delighted. We enjoy ourselves because it’s like being
in a rock group. Everyone is working together, everyone helps each other
and there’s only one goal; to help Paulo reach the top.”
According to the three-time Roland Garros winner (82, 85 and 88), Mathieu
is getting closer to his goal. His straight sets defeat against Djokovic
does not change that. “Paulo can go all the way. He has outstanding
qualities. He works hard, he’s a fighter. He’s unbelievably courageous.
On the court, in the gym or in the weight room, it’s the same – he doesn’t
give up. He’s a “warrior”. I’ve noticed unbelievable qualities these
last three weeks. What’s great is that he uses in matches what
we’ve done in training. That’s just so satisfying for a coach.”
In sync
Patrice Hagelauer, the third member of the team has noticed Mathieu’s
progress. “Mats’ talks do him the world of good. Both of them are doing
a good job. I love talking with Mats. He shares all his experience with
Paulo. Paulo fought well at Roland Garros this year. He took the ball
earlier than usual. He has to learn to move forward more but that will
come…”
“That’s definitely the goal,” acknowledges Wilander. “It’s a part of
his game that’s missing but that he’s soon going to have. As for everything
else, Paulo is great. He’s incredibly powerful from the back of the court.
He reminds me of Marat Safin, who I also worked with. He has enormous
potential. We’re going to accomplish great things!”
But to do that, Mathieu needs to progress psychologically. “His problem
isn’t psychological,” counters Wilander, “Paulo still has certain
technical deficiencies to overcome, that’s all. When he loses by missing
match points, it’s that he’s just not good enough. It’s as simple as
that. If he was a more complete player, he’d be more relaxed closing
things out and he’d win more tight matches. But I’m going to help him
improve. He deserves it. Paulo is a great guy and a great player.” There
is no longer any doubt – the Wilander-Mathieu partnership is finally in sync.
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