Carlos Rodríguez (tennis coach)

Carlos Rodríguez is an Argentinian tennis coach. Although he has coached several players both on the ATP and the WTA tour, Rodríguez is most notable for his long-time collaboration with the former World No. 1 and multiple grand slam winner Justine Henin. As of 2011, the pair had been together for 15 years, but a portion of that span includes Henin's brief retirement from the pro circuit.[1] Upon Henin's comeback, she insisted that she could not have any other coach than Rodriguez.[2] Rodriguez obliged. He has since commented that her aspiration to return to the highest echelon of the women's game – and rankings, as she retired while holding the No. 1 ranking – has as much to do with factors off the court, that is, mental preparedness and her private life, as it does with her physical fitness or shot-making abilities.[2]

Carlos Rodríguez
Country (sports) Argentina
Coaching career (1994–)
Dominique Monami (1994–1996)
Justine Henin (1995–2008; 2010–2011)
Li Na (2012–2014)
Daniela Hantuchová (2015-2017)
Peng Shuai (2018-2019)
Amanda Anisimova (2019-2020)
Coaching achievements
Coachee singles titles total48
Coachee(s) doubles titles total2
List of notable tournaments
(with champion)

2x Australian Open (Henin-Hardenne, Li)
4x French Open (Henin)
2x US Open (Henin)
Olympic Gold Medal (Henin-Hardenne)
2x WTA Tour Championships (Henin)
11x WTA Tier I/Premier Mandatory/Premier 5 (Henin, Li)
Fed Cup (Henin)

Last updated on: 22 September 2014.

Before Rodríguez became Henin's coach, he coached Belgian tennis player Dominique Monami from 1994 to 1996.[3] On the men's tour he is notable for coaching Olivier Rochus and Dick Norman.

In July 2012, Rodríguez was hired by former French Open champion Li Na on a trial basis. After becoming Li's full-time coach, he was credited for her late career surge during which she ascended to world No. 2 and won her second Major title at the 2014 Australian Open.[4] In July 2014, Rodríguez and Li parted ways.[5] Rodríguez resided in Beijing and works at a tennis academy there.[6] In December 2014, he started coaching Daniela Hantuchová.[7] In late 2019, Rodriguez and Amanda Animisova joined forces and worked together for a trial until the 2020 Australian open where they parted ways. [8]

References

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  1. ^ New York Times: Good Times and Bad, Henin Kept Her Coach in View
  2. ^ a b Australian Open Archived January 22, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Rothenberg, Ben (27 August 2012). "After Replacing Coach, Li Finds Quick Success". The New York Times. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  4. ^ "Li Na's career, marriage saved by coaching change | National Post". Archived from the original on 2014-10-06. Retrieved 2014-10-06.
  5. ^ "Li Na, Carlos Rodriguez part ways". ESPN. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  6. ^ Sun, Xiaochen (13 April 2011). "Top coach to help China's future stars". China Daily. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  7. ^ "Hantuchová to be coached by Carlos Rodriguez". Tennis.com. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
  8. ^ "Amanda Animisova and Carlos Rodriguez End Coaching Arrangement". 11 February 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2022.