Jimmy Connors spent three consecutive years as the World number one, so he has a good idea of what it is going to take for fellow American Andy Roddick to return to that lofty perch.
Hall of Famer Connors and Roddick announced on Monday a link-up between the two former World number ones that is designed to end Roddick’s struggles and get him winning tournaments again.
”This is a great opportunity for me,” the 53-year-old Connors said on Monday. ”We start today. My job is to make Andy the best he can be.”
Roddick, who is known for his explosive serves and competitive spirit, is hoping that by hiring Connors as his coach he will shake his ”one-Slam wonder” label.
Roddick captured the 2003 US Open title but he has not won a Major since. He is winless on the ATP Tour in 2006.
The 23-year-old Roddick was bounced from the fourth round of this year’s Australian Open and lost in the first round of the 2006 French Open and last year’s US Open.
”I felt like I was going into matches hoping something good was going to happen instead of working hard and making good things happen,” said Roddick, who was world number one for three months, from November 3 2003 to February 1 2004.
No details of the agreement were revealed, although Connors said the union would be for one year to start.
Eight time Grand Slam winner Connors is working with Roddick at the $500 000 ATP tournament that began on Monday at the University of California, Los Angeles. Roddick’s first match is on Wednesday.
Roddick, who fired his coach Dean Goldfine in February, said he initially approached Connors about becoming his coach after this year’s French Open.
They have had numerous talks since and Roddick travelled to Connors’ home in Santa Barbara, California earlier this month.
”I never thought I would coach a player. He [Roddick] has the passion and emotion. I don’t have to instil that in him,” said Connors, who retired in 1991.
Connors was World number one numerous times during his glorious 20-year career, including three consecutive years between 1974 and 1977.
He is generally considered to be one of the top players of all time, having captured 109 career singles titles.
”His [Roddick’s] record speaks for itself,” Connors said. ”He does so many things well. It is not major surgery here.” — AFP
