Robin Soderling says in a new book: I had to choose
After successful years, the breakup was surprising.
In his new book Sluten, former star Robin Söderling tells how Magnus Norman pressured him to choose between a coach and the company of his girlfriend Jenny during trips.
It wasn’t a difficult choice, Robin Söderling tells Sportbladet.
together with Magnus Norman Taking Robin Soderling From 2008 it was the last and difficult steps to the top of the world.
The tennis star climbed from number 35 in the world rankings to the top five.
But in the fall of 2010, the relationship between the player and coach cracked.
In interviews about the breakup, both parties have indicated that there is no conflict behind the decision to go their separate ways, but in the book Sluten (Nature and Culture) written by Robin Söderling with Henrik Johnsson and Johar Bendjelloul, the historical description is different.
A heated exchange of words between Robin Soderling and Magnus Norman followed a meeting, which is described as much in the book in the third person.
“You play badly when Jenny is with you, you can’t focus, you can’t focus. These are facts. In Barcelona and Rotterdam you weren’t there – then you went to the final. I won in Rotterdam,” Magnus said without blinking.
Robin was initially surprised and tried to respond. He also won with Jenny in place? Then he got angry.
“Hey, it’s the end of the season, we’ve worked together for two years, can’t you just shut up and wait for it to end, you have to bring this up now?”
“I always have to say what I think. It’s my duty to be honest,” said Magnus.
Magnus was right up to a point. He was set to make Robin a better tennis player, which he managed to do. Then it included saying uncomfortable things from time to time. But there was a limit here. Robin learns that Jenny’s presence has irritated Magnus, and that Jenny has bitten her and turns away so she doesn’t get in her way.
Robin tried to mediate, but he didn’t quite know how to handle the situation. After all, he played better under Magnus, wouldn’t it have been possible to change the concept of winning? But now, in the hotel lobby in Kuala Lumpur, Robin had a choice. The choice was easy.
As for Sportbladet, Robin Söderling is now talking about the decision and the ultimatum that the coach was said to have given her.
– It was at a time when I played very well and was playing tennis. It helped me a lot when Jenny started traveling with me. I know that before I felt so lonely, I had been out for many weeks. There are so many thoughts when you’re alone and when Jenny was with me that she helped me, I stopped longing for home, he says and points out.
So it wasn’t a difficult choice for me, says Soderling.
Stand between me and Robin.
The book shows the important role played by Jenny Mostrom, now wife of Robin Soderling, who left her golf career to support her future husband, during the tennis player’s difficult time due to his health issues.
It is very difficult to stand aside and not be able to do anything. It certainly wasn’t easy. Soderling says I’ve had an incredible amount of support from her and I’m so grateful for that.
Magnus Norman has not read Robin Soderling’s book Sluten. When Sportbladet reaches him, he listens to the description in the book, but it becomes clear when he deals with the information.
– It’s something between me and Robin. I don’t want to comment on that because there are other people involved. That should stay between me and Robin. We both know what was said and don’t have fun defending, denying, or talking about another person. I have a lot of respect for Robin, and I have a lot of respect for all the people who were around at the time and there is something between me and Robin. It was a professional discussion and I always say what I think of. But what was said and how things ended is still between me and Robin, says Magnus Norman, who still coaches young players.
The players must feel confident that I will not go out and talk about them in the media. It was absurd to comment on things about Robin’s wife. I like Jenny a lot and I like Robin a lot, so I feel like I don’t want to comment on that.
Magnus Norman chose to remember the good times he and Robin Soderling had in the ATP arenas.
We’ve had great years if you look at the successes we’ve had. He was in the French Open final twice in those years and played the ATP Finals in London in both years. He beat Nadal during that time, says Magnus Norman, who was himself a successful player.
