Mardy Fish’s new role is that of “Expert Consultant” for men’s tennis for USTA Player Development, the USTA announced in a press release, also naming Gil Reyes, Andre Agassi’s longtime strength and conditioning trainer as a “master strength and conditioning coach.” Fish’s role will be coaching and advising men in the Top 100.
Fish, the Vero Beach native who ranked as high as No. 7 in the world, began working with Player Development in the offseason at the USTA Training Center – West in Carson, Calif., and will focus on coaching and advising men in the Top 100. He has been working closely with Taylor Fritz, the American teenager who burst into the Top 100 of the rankings since winning the U.S. Open junior title last years.
These are the latest in a series of moves made by USTA Player Development General Manager Martin Blackman. Fish was brought on late last year for the men’s pre-season training block in Carson, designed to help American pros and top juniors prepare for the upcoming year, in particular the Australian Open. It is part of a strategy to involve former champions and top American players in the development of current American pros and juniors. Other such former pros and champions to be involved have included Billie Jean King, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, Lisa Raymond, Jill Craybas, Michael Russell, Brian Baker, Marianne Werdel and Ann Grossman-Wunderlich, among others.
“Our approach is to look for systematic ways to give our players any competitive advantage that we can, in conjunction with and in collaboration with their private coaches,” Blackman said. “‘Let’s leave no stone unturned’ characterizes our approach to supporting our players, and the additions of Gil Reyes and Mardy Fish are a part of our ongoing initiative to re-engage master trainers, former players and past champions.”
More recently, USTA Player Development announced the creation of its Team USA – Pro department, led by Kathy Rinaldi and Tom Gullikson and designed to provide professional men’s and women’s players with coaching assistance, training and financial resources to help them reach the Top 100.
Mardy fish will be the best player coach in the world. No one knows more than Mardy about match play , fitness, mental game. He has played all these guys and knows how to beat them. A fabulous asset to the USTA staff. Brilliant to hire him!!! Make sure you keep him happy. Florida tennis is so thrilled!!!
Mardy’s Minnesota fans have been watching him play tennis since he was two years old. Mardy is passionate about tennis and is committed to helping develop and mentor young players in the United States. Mardy will be able to share his unique experiences of playing professional tennis since he was a teenager. I honestly think that Mardy has the personality to bring out the best in our players. This is Mardy’s opportunity to give back to the sport and country that he loves!