Why it all went so right
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ByEurosport
Published 31/01/2005 at 22:25 GMT
At Melbourne Park, it took four rounds for Marat Safin to throw his racket. For a player famed for his outbursts and dilettante lifestyle, this was the sign that the tall Muscovite had turned over a new leaf. The reason? His coach, writes James Buddell.
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Employing Peter Lundgren did more than help Safin defeat the Swedish coach's former star pupil Roger Federer.
It gave the once and (perhaps) future king of men's tennis the momentum to stop a freefall that saw the 2000 U.S. Open champion drop from world number one to 77th at the end of 2003.
EXPEDIENCY
The Swedish coach hasn't changed his technique, but helped improved every part of Safin's game, teaching the Russian when and when not to use his big weapons.
This, in turn, has helped him save more energy.
Lundgren is of the philosophy that players' shouldn't show their opponents any emotion. It took the former ATP professional three years to change Federer's hothead attitude as a junior.
At the start of the Australian Open, Lundgren talked of instilling a newfound calm in Safin's game.
While the tactic didn't always go to plan it's worth pointing out that by the time Safin reached the 2004 final he had played 27 sets.
This year, the Russian had played 17 sets prior to Thursday's semi-final win over Federer.
This meant he came into the final fresher than Hewitt, who had 17 hours and 32 minutes under his belt.
GREAT PEP TALKS
Another factor is Lundgren has helped the 25-year-old believe he 'is' a great player.
Safin explained of his coach, "He makes me believe that I can be a good player and I don't have so much doubt about myself."
It sounds a simple way to boost a player's confidence, but isn't.
Prior to teaming up with Federer's former coach, Safin hadn't won a tournament in 22 months.
Now he has four titles, including back-to-back Masters Series crowns, and 45 wins to 14 losses.
And Roland Garros in May cannot come soon enough.
STAY OFF THE GRASS
Excellent off both wings and capable of breaking his opponent, on average, every three games; on clay Safin will have more time to execute his shots.
Safin can become a major threat in Paris and will be looking to improve upon his 2002 semi-final appearance.
But he holds no hope of winning "at least another two majors" in his career at Wimbledon.
Despite possessing the necessary weapons, Lundgren will have to work hard on improve Safin's attitude to playing on grass.
"I cannot play on that surface and I feel like I can't waste my time, my energy," Safin said in Melbourne on Monday.
"Some people can't play on clay, some people can't play on hard court. I just don't feel comfortable on that surface. I will play but not with many expectations."
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