Dani Vallverdu Hired to Coach No. 7 Berdych

Former University of Miami men’s tennis player Dani Vallverdu has been hired to coach No. 7-ranked Tomas Berdych, who reached the Australian Open semifinals last season.

Berdych told the ATP website: “The thing I like most about Dani is that he’s a fresh new guy who’s going to come and work with me. He’s going to see my tennis with different eyes, which is very important because I think when you’ve spent a long time with a certain team, you can kind of lose the wider angle. Dani is very strong in knowing the players and making strategies for matches. That’s something I was missing a bit. It’s about trying to bring a bit more variety in my game, having options, and knowing what is the right thing to do in each moment. I think these details can make a big difference in the end.”

Vallverdu, a longtime hitting partner, coach and friend of Andy Murray, is Miami’s only four-year All-American. He posted a 90-31 singles record and a 78-34 doubles mark at Miami from 2005-09.

“Dani had an amazing run with Andy Murray winning Wimbledon, US Open, and the Olympics,” said Miami Coach Mario Rincon. “He was also the only coach traveling with Andy when he reached the semifinals in all Grand Slams in 2012. Now he’s ready to take another player to winning a Grand Slam title.”

Vallverdu and Murray worked out on the University of Miami campus a season ago, and Rincon expects the same with Berdych.

“We are looking forward to having Dani and Tomas Berdych visit UM soon,” added Rincon.