Magnus Norman, long-time coach of Stan Wawrinka, pays tribute to ‘tremendous’ Swiss
Magnus Norman has paid tribute to ‘tremendous’ Stan Wawrinka in a long-form interview with Punto de Break, commenting that “it will be difficult to work with another player” after the Grand Slam champion retires.
The Swede has been Wawrinka’s head coach from 2013 until 2017, later rejoining his team in 2023.
It was during that initial period when the Swiss claimed all three of his Grand Slam titles, also rising to the world No 3 spot.
More recently, however, the 40 year old has struggled to achieve consistent results, having not won a Grand Slam match since Wimbledon in 2024 and falling to the world No 153 spot in the ATP rankings.
“We started working together in April 2013, a couple of months after that Australian Open where Stan faced Djokovic in the round of 16, won 13-11 by Novak in the fifth,” began Norman, during the interview.
“In fact, during that tournament, I was already in talks with his agent, so I remember perfectly watching that match from home. Some time later, we met and started working together. Although he couldn’t win that day, I assure you it is one of the best tennis matches I have ever seen in my entire life.
“I didn’t think too much at that moment, just pondered whether or not to accept that offer to start working with Stan. I already knew he was a tremendous player at that time, even that he was going to be much better than he already was, especially after that match against [Novak) Djokovic.
“I trained Robin Soderling for some years, and we faced Stan many times, had him in front of us, so I knew perfectly well what tools and virtues he possessed.
“We talked about these topics for hours, although I have to admit that one of the things that surprised me the most about Stan, even before winning his first Grand Slam final, was the confidence he had in his game.”
Wawrinka lifted his first Grand Slam at the 2014 Australian Open, having beaten three-time defending champion Djokovic in the quarter-finals – avenging the heartbreaking loss from the year prior.
In the final, the Swiss came up against world No 1 Rafael Nadal, who had been in scintillating form, ultimately victorious 6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3 – although it should be noted that the Spaniard was suffering from a freak back injury which occurred during the warm-up for the match.
Norman recalls the historic moment in fine detail.
“My first Grand Slam final was very challenging for me; all the pressure surrounding it was too much, so I didn’t want to overwhelm him during the hour before that final against Nadal,” commented the Swede.
“In fact, I wasn’t even close to him. I am proud to see how he could handle that pressure of the first times much better than I did, then becoming a tremendous champion for so many years.
“It is amazing to see his record of victories on big stages; not many players can say they have beaten the best on the greatest stages.”
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Whilst the number of match victories may be lessening for Wawrinka, the three-time Grand Slam champion shows the same passion that has helped carry him over the line through countless thrilling encounters – most recently reaching the final Concord Iasi Open, an ATP Challenger Tour 100 event in Romania.
Due to his lower ranking, Wawrinka is unable to participate in the Canadian Masters, but may yet receive a wildcard for the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open – a tournament which he once won in 2016.
“Without a doubt, I appreciate the energy and willingness he keeps putting in every day he steps onto a tennis court, whether to compete or for a simple practice session,” admired Norman.
“He always tries to give his best all the time, which is a gift for a coach; I would say it’s the best thing in the world. This morning we practised for an hour and a half, and I confess that I still enjoy it exactly like the first day.
“After all we have experienced together, it will be very tough for me to start working with another player. There have been many things, thanks to his way of being and continuing with that incredible one-handed backhand he has. I still watch his matches and enjoy them as in the beginning, so it will be difficult to open a new chapter after this.”
