“I still don’t have Juan withdrawn in my head”, unexpectedly launches Davin in an extensive and exclusive chat with Ámbito from Miami. A few days ago, coach and pupil saw each other again. “I notice it as he is not resigned to hanging up the racket, although it is increasingly difficult. If they tell me tomorrow that she is training, I wouldn’t be surprised.”contrasts that of Pehuajó, formed in the same Independiente de Tandil that years later saw the prodigal son of the city grow up.
Davin started working with Del Potro in February 2008. From the beginning, the coach observed that he had to change technical details on his right. A few months later the titles arrived: the first four were in consecutive weeks. Total, together they won 18 trophies, the 2009 US Open at the topuntil they parted ways professionally in mid-2015, after a dark period in “Delpo’s” career that included four surgeries on his wrists.
The two forged a bond that became the milestone of the other’s career and that transcended the tennis courts. That is why the coach became an emotional pillar for the “Rook”, whom he compares to Lionel Messi in the search for a balance between success and the bloody voracity of criticism.
“It makes me a little angry what it cost him to convince the Argentines of what he was and what could have happened if he didn’t win the World Cup”, sentence with some anger at the attacks on Rosario. He knew this situation first hand: “I lived a lot with Juan because people constantly ask you. I told him: ‘Being the No. 1 in the world, they are always going to ask you for more, he doesn’t stop’ ”.
“I fought a lot with him for that, because I asked him who bothered him that he gave his opinion, what did him wrong, because he did not know the person who gave his opinion”says the current coach of the Russian Veronika Kudermetova.
The 2022 season not only left Del Potro’s last game in the dark. In September the world of tennis was shocked by the retirement of Roger Federer, the Swiss legend who was always close to the man from Tandil.
“It’s unbelievable not to see him anymore. The typical thought was ‘this is crazy what he is doing, this guy is impressive’ ”, comments with a certain nostalgia about one of the greatest players in history and who he remembers “what he did in difficult times.” “What they put in a video today as highlights, he did it at a time of pressure. It’s a pity not to see him anymore, ”she laments.
Of course, the circuit continues despite the casualties and Davin highlights the physical capacity of the new figures: “Today they are beasts.” “A while ago, the one who was physically fit made a difference, but now they are all incredible”, he analyzes.
According to his vision, “The physique helped a lot, because when you arrive in a better position, the players bring any ball from anywhere and they put you in defense when you were attacking”. However, it does not only refer to the young or to those who use power as a weapon of war. There are exceptions, and one is ahead of all: Novak Djokovic, recent champion of the Australian Open.
“It is surprising to see him putting Stefanos Tsitsipas in difficulty with 11 more years. Many times it happens that one plays a quick shot and the ball will come faster and you are not prepared ”reflects on a clear example that experience can currently be a good resource against tennis players who amaze with the arrogance of their blows.
Davin also focuses on another aspect of the world number 1: mental strength. “It is very difficult for the elite athlete to be happy. What Djokovic has been doing after everything that happened is very difficult, there are many days of pressure, ”he argues.
Few know the reality of the tennis circuits like the former Fed Cup and Davis Cup captain. Maker of champions, his experience as a coach was nourished for more than two decades by both youth and professionals. The next challenge is yet to come and it could mean the most important title of his career.
