Coach Gets Li Na to Control Her Emotions

Written by: Staff on 24th January 2013

Coach Gets Li Na to Control Her Emotions

epa03552760 Li Na of China hits a backhand during her semi final match against Maria Sharapova of Russia at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2013. EPA/BARBARA WALTON |

The last time the renowned coach Carlos Rodriguez was at the Australian Open was three years ago when his longtime student, seven time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin, played her last tournament.

But all eyes are back on the Argentine this week as he has coached China’s Li Na to the final. Li blitzed Maria Sharapova in the semifinals, avenging three straight losses to the Russian and said she has never played so well before.

While the 2011 Roland Garros champion has an impressive resume before he started working with her last August, she had gone off the rails a bit. Now he has her steaming down the track.

“The key was to control her emotions, and control the atmosphere which is always difficult for women,” Rodriguez told Daily Tennis.

“The most important thing is to understand if you create a tactical plan, don’t look at the opponent. Stay within yourself and don’t go anywhere else and you can write your own future.”

Like many top 10 players, Li can be impatient with her level when she isn’t registering wins. It’s not easy to convince a former Grand Slam champion to change, especially in the twilight of her career. But he got through to the 30 year old and she is benefiting.

“I explained to her that to learn you have to make mistakes and then we can build something and strengthen your base,” he said.

“Everyone makes mistakes on court. But it’s easier to talk about it than to accept it on court.”

Rodriguez has convinced her to add a little more topspin to her forehand and more kick to her serve as she tends to play very flat, but even that took work on the mental side. A tight arm tends to cause errors.

“If she can’t relax and control herself then she starts missing, he said. “She had to take a step back and actualize who she is and what her game is about.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Australian Open, Carlos Rodriguez, Chinese tennis news, Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News