It is very different being a coach to being a player.
When I was on court I would always show my emotions but I cannot act like that when I’m watching my man, Marin Cilic.
Marin is a very nice guy but I want him to be different when he is playing. I would like him to be more aggressive and scream when he misses a ball so he can get it out of his system.
When he lost the second set of his first-round match to Paul-Henri Mathieu, I could see in his eyes he was upset and he won the next two sets very quickly for a good 6-4, 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 win.
I want to see Marin more upset when he loses a point or a set he should have won — just as I was when I was playing. As I said, I can’t be like that as a coach and I asked Marin what he wanted me to do? Should I sit like a robot or be more emotional? Marin said he wanted me to fist pump and give him energy. I am happy that I am doing something rather than just sit there but I have to make sure if there is a bad shot, he doesn’t look over and see me making a face.
The women’s matches before Marin went on court lasted longer than expected. Therefore, we had a lot of time to deal with and I did all the work that was needed before the match and so I became more of a spectator.
Famous Wimbledon Moments
When Marin came off court I gave him time before we had a chat because, when I was a player, I didn’t want my coach to jump on me right after the final point. I needed to be myself for half an hour. After his first match, Marin went to the gym and warmed down on the bike while I went for a walk and we spoke after that.
I think I am doing okay and this is a challenge for me to help make him a better player. I have no idea if I will be able to stay this calm throughout the Championships.
