One of tennis' most productive player-coach partnerships has come to an end.
Magnus Norman announced he will not return as Stan Wawrinka's coach in 2018.
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The 41-year-old Swede said his desire to spend more time with his family—Norman is the father of two young children—prompted his "difficult" decision to pull the plug on the four-year partnership.
“After much thought I have decided to dedicate my future to my family," Norman said in a statement posted on his Good to Great Academy website. "With two young kids at home, now is the right time for me to be with them. I could not have had a better player to work with and this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make.
“I’m really honored to have worked with Stan who is a great tennis player, but more importantly a fantastic person. I wanna thank the whole team behind Stan for all the work over the last four years. It’s been a teamwork and a privilege from the first day.”
The decision ends a highly successful pairing.
When Wawrinka hired Norman in April of 2013 he was ranked No. 17 and had never been beyond a Grand Slam quarterfinal.
Under Norman's guidance, Wawrinka captured 13 titles, including three Grand Slam championships—defeating the reigning world No. 1 in all three major finals—and ascended to a career-high rank of No. 3.
An oustanding player in his own right, Norman is a former world No. 2 and 2000 French Open finalist.
Norman encouraged Wawrinka to play with a bit more spin on his forehand, assert his powerful first serve to set up the first strike and play the score with more care.
Wawrinka, who admitted dissolving in tears in a panic attack before facing then world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the US Open final, credited his coach with helping him maintain his calm and establishing a clear game plan before his major final victories.
Norman, who will continue coaching at his Good to Great Academy, continues to compete as a world class athlete in triathalons. He fulfilled a coaching mission guiding Wawrinka from very good to great.
Wawrinka said he was grateful for the time the pair, who are good friends, spent together and the success they achieved.
"I would like to thank Magnus for the amazing four years we had together," Wawrinka said. "I will always be grateful for the work and the time he spent on me to make me improve and become a three times Grand Slam champion.
"He was not only part of my team but also part of the family. For now I’m focusing on my rehabilitation and I will take time to decide with my team the necessary next steps."
Photo credit: Good to Great Tennis Academy