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Paris
- 04/11/2004
Not
as famous as coaches of the likes of Brad Gilbert or Nick
Bollettieri, Walt Landers has worked since 1989 as a physical
trainer with everyone from Sampras to Safin, without forgetting
Agassi, Noah, Hewitt, Forget, Becker, Pioline, Moya, and more...
This Polish-American seems to always be the man in the shadow of a
champion.
How
does Marat rate as opposed to other players you've worked with?
I started working with Marat, last year in Monte-Carlo. He was going
through some rough times because of numerous injuries following one
after the other. We worked together, and I was very surprised by his
commitment and desire to always do more. I heard different things
about him, but I make it a point to always forge my own opinion on
someone. The thing about Marat, is that when he wants to work he may
be the most professional person I've worked with.
When
did you first start working on the tour?
The first time I worked on the tour was in 1989 in San Francisco, I
met Pete shortly later. He then won his first tournament in
Philadelphia, beating Gomez in the finals and then went on to win
the US Open. We worked together for 7 years. By hiring me, Pete was
a sort of pioneer. Employing a physical coach full time was
something new, only Becker and Graf had already done it.
Who
was your favourite player to work with?
I enjoyed working with many people, but I think my favourite is
Carlos Moya. He has a good personality, a good heart, and there was
a lot of mutual respect between us. I stayed in his house in Spain.
I worked with him the season before he won the French Open.
(Eli
Weinstein)
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