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Daniel Vallverdú

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Daniel Vallverdú
Daniel Vallverdú (left) in 2011
Country (sports)Venezuela
ResidenceLondon,United Kingdom
Born(1986-03-17)March 17, 1986(age 38)
Valencia,Venezuela
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Turned pro2004
PlaysRight-handed (two-handed backhand)
CollegeUniversity of Miami
Singles
Career record2-5
Career titles0
Highest rankingNo. 727 (August 8, 2005)
Doubles
Career record4-2
Career titles0
Highest rankingNo. 746 (August 15, 2005)
Team competitions
Davis CupSFAm(2005)

DanielVallverdú(born March 17, 1986) is a Venezuelan tennis coach and a former professional player. Vallverdu is the Tournament Director of the WashingtonMubadala Citi DC OpenATP andWTA 500tournament. He was also the Co-Tournament Director of the2023 Next Generation ATP Finalsin Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.[1]He is currently coachingGrigor Dimitrov.

Vallverdu is also the Co-Founder of AD Global Sports, a company founded to promote the growth of sports in the UK and around the world. In November 2023, AD Global Sports, together withAndy Murrayacquired the Team AD/vantage part of the Hexagon Cup which took place in Madrid in February 2024.

Biography

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Vallverdú has formerly coachedAndy Murray[2](2010–2014),Tomáš Berdych(2014–2016),Juan Martín del Potro,Stan Wawrinka(2019–2022) and recently he is coachingGrigor Dimitrov(2016–2019, 2022–).[3]Vallverdu has also worked alongsideIvan Lendl,Andre Agassi,Magnus NormanandJamie Delgado.

Vallverdú and Murray's partnership led to many tournament wins, including Murray's firstOlympic Gold medalin 2012 (Vallverdú was head coach for the British Olympic tennis team), and twoGrand Slamwins: the2012 US Openand2013 Wimbledon Championships.[2]

Under Vallverdú's guidance in May 2015, at the age of 29,Czechplayer Tomáš Berdych reached his highest career singles ranking of No. 4 in theATP rankings.

He became the coach ofGrigor Dimitrov[3]in July 2016. At the time the Bulgarian was No. 40 in the ATP rankings.[4]Vallverdú guided him to his first Masters 1000 title at the2017 Cincinnati Masters,[5]followed by theATP Finalstitle in November 2017,[4]resulting in Dimitrov's career high ranking of No. 3 by the end of 2017. In May 2019, Dimitrov and Vallverdú ended their working relationship.

Vallverdú joinedStan Wawrinkain July 2019 as his coach, together with Magnus Norman. Wawrinka ended 2019 back in the top 20 of the ATP rankings ranked 16 in the world. Magnus Norman and Stan Wawrinka parted ways in September 2020. Vallverdu and Wawrinka ended their working relationship in October 2022.

In December 2022 Vallverdu agreed to start coaching Grigor Dimitrov again.[6]

ATP Player Council

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In June 2018, Vallverdú was voted by the body of ATP Coaches to act as the Coaches' representative in the ATP Player Council.[7]After electing to leave the Players Council for a short period of time, Vallverdu was re-elected by the body of ATP Coaches to serve as the Coaches' Representative in the newly formed ATP Player Council of 2021 which included Andy Murray,Rafael NadalandRoger Federer.[8]

In 2023, Vallverdu was re-elected by the body of ATP Coaches to continue serving as the Coaches' Representative in the newly formed ATP Player Council of 2023.[9]

Tournament Director

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San Diego Open ATP 250

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In August 2021, after the cancellation of the Asia Swing, Vallverdu instigated the collaboration between the ATP and the San Diego Barnes Tennis Centre which was then allocated a one-year 250 tournament license to be held 27 September - 3 October 2021 as a lead up to theIndian Wells Masterswhich had been postponed to October due to Covid.[10][11][12]

Vallverdu took on the role of Managing Director and the tournament attracted players includingDenis Shapovalov,Andrey Rublev,Kei Nishikori,Dimitrov and Murray. With 8 of the top 20 players attending and the ranking cut off being 42 to get in the main draw it was the 2nd most competitive ATP 250 all season since Doha.Billie Jean King[13]accepted the role of honorary tournament chair.[12]

In 2022, with the Asia swing still cancelled due to Covid, Vallverdu again instigated the collaboration between the ATP and the San Diego Barnes Tennis Centre which was then allocated a second one year 250 tournament license to be held post US Open 17-25 September Vallverdu again took on the position of Managing Director.[citation needed]

Washington D.C. Citi Open ATP 500

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In 2023, Vallverdu took on the role of Tournament Director of the Washington D.C.Mubadala Citi DC Open.[14]

Jeddah Next Generation ATP Finals

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In 2023, Vallerdu took on the role of Co-Tournament Director of the2023 Next Generation ATP Finalsto be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.[15]

Coaching history

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Andy Murray

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Vallverdú met British tennis playerAndy Murrayin the Sánchez-Casal Barcelona Tennis Academy when he was 15, where they were both training to become professional tennis players. The two became friends.

In June 2008, Vallverdú became Murray's doubles partner for the2008 Queen's Club Championshipsin London.

Vallverdú started working with Murray following his split with Miles Maclagan in 2010 and became Murray's de facto coach after he parted company withAlex Corretjain March. He coached Murray, organised practice sessions and served as liaison withDarren CahillandSven Groeneveld."Quiet and unassuming, Vallverdú scouts opponents and helps devise tactical plans. Despite his relative youth, he is known for his professionalism and in-depth knowledge of the game."[16]

Vallverdú was also selected to be the head coach of the British men's tennis team for theLondon Olympics 2012,in which Murray won theGold medal.[17]

With Andy Murray, Vallverdú worked alongsideIvan Lendl,[18]who joined Murray's team in 2012.[19]

Other memorable highlights of his coaching work with Murray and Lendl included when Murray won two Grand Slam titles, theUS Open in 2012andWimbledon 2013.[2][20]Following a mutual split with Murray in November 2014, Vallverdú took on the head coaching job for Tomáš Berdych.

Tomáš Berdych

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Vallverdu started working withTomáš Berdychfollowing the mutual split from Andy Murray in November 2014.

At the time Tomáš Berdych was ranked World No. 7.

It was an immediate success as Tomáš Berdych reached his secondAustralian Opensemifinal after beatingRafael Nadal,but then losing to Andy Murray in a tense match 6-7 (6-8) 6-0 6-3 7–5.

Under Vallverdú's guidance in May 2015, at the age of 29, Berdych reached his highest career singles ranking of No. 4 in the ATP rankings and entered Roland Garros as the fourth seed.

On 16 May 2016, Berdych and Vallverdú parted their ways.

Grigor Dimitrov

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He became the coach ofGrigor Dimitrovin July 2016.[3]At the time theBulgarianwas No. 40 in the ATP rankings.[4]Vallverdú guided him to his first Masters 1000 Win, as he beatNick Kyrgiosin the final of the2017 Cincinnati Masters.This success was followed by theATP Finalstitle for Dimitrov in November 2017, resulting in a career high ranking of No. 3 by the end of 2017. On 7 May 2019, after three years, Dimitrov and Vallverdú ended their working relationship.[21]

In October 2022 after parting ways with Wawrinka, Vallverdu agreed to coach Dimitrov again till the end of the 2022 season which ended in November 2022.[22]On 1 December 2022, it was confirmed he will continue to coach Dimitrov in 2023.[23]

Dimitrov under Vallverdu’s guidance made his first ATP Final since the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament Rotterdam 2018 at the 2023 GonetGeneva Open.[24]

At the2023 US OpenDimitrov beat Andy Murray in straight sets to advance to the third round during the second-round match. Dimitrov had both of his coaches Vallverdu andJamie Delgado- two of Murray’s former coaches, in his coaching Box.[25]

After a solid run of form in the China circuit, making the semifinals of theChengdu Openand the quarterfinals of theBeijing Openat the2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters,Dimitrov beatCarlos Alcaraz(ranked No. 2 in the world) in the last 16 to reach the quarterfinals againstNicolas Jarry.[26]Dimitrov beat Jarry to make it to the semifinals.[27]

At the2023 Rolex Paris Masterswith his 94-minute triumph overHubert Hurkacz,Dimitrov reached 40 tour-level wins in a season for the first time since 2017, which is also the year he last lifted an ATP Tour crown at the Nitto ATP Finals with Vallverdu.[28]Dimitrov advanced to his second ATP Masters 1000 final and first since 2017 when he clawed pastStefanos Tsitsipas6-3, 6-7(1), 7-6(3) at the Rolex Paris Masters.[29]

Dimitrov lifted his first title in Brisbane 2024 since he won his last title with Vallverdu at the ATP Finals in 2017.[30]After beating Andy Murray in the first-round match up, Dimitrov did not lose another set the whole tournament beating Rune 7-5 6-4 in the Brisbane Final.

Stan Wawrinka

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After parting ways with Grigor Dimitrov, Vallverdú joinedStan Wawrinka's coaching team before the start of the 2019 grass court season.

Following the departure ofMagnus Normanin September 2020 Vallverdu became the de facto head coach.

Vallverdu and Wawrinka ended their working relationship in October 2022.[31]

AD Global Sports

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In 2023, Vallverdu co-founded the company AD Global Sports with Arran Yentob to support the development of sports in the UK and globally.

In November AD Global Sports partnered with Andy Murray to acquire the Padel team AD/vantage - one of six teams in the Hexagon Cup which took place in Madrid in February 2024.[32]

Philanthropy

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COVID-19—Coaches & Players Fan Experiences

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During theCOVID-19 pandemic,Vallverdú in collaboration with the ATP launched the coaches and players fan experience initiative to help raise funds for tennis coaches most affected during the pandemic.[33]The first round of bidding raised over 90,000 USD.

In July 2020, The second round was launched and gave fans the chance to bid on more exclusive fan experiences[34]which included hitting with players Murray, Wawrinka,[35]Lopez and Dimitrov.[36]

The highest individual bid was made for two Wimbledon Final tickets and the chance to hit with Grand Slam Champion Murray and reached close to 52,000 USD. The bid to hit with the Swiss Grand Slam Champion Wawrinka went for 27,000 US Dollars.

In total, the initiative launched by Vallverdú raised 218,000 US Dollars.

HIA - High Impact Athletes

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In 2020, Vallverdu became an ambassador for the charity organization HIA Athletes. He is quoted saying “My family and I are passionate about the environment and helping the planet. Having coached some of the greatest tennis players in the world I understand how important optimization is. High Impact Athletes helps me optimize my giving by providing easy access to the most effective, impactful charities in the world.”[37]

Tour career

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Doubles

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In June 2008, he becameBritishtennis playerAndy Murray's doubles partner for the2008 Queen's Club ChampionshipsinLondon.

Davis Cup

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Vallverdú has played forVenezuelain eight matches over six ties, including a semifinal appearance in Group I of the Americas Zone in 2005.

Educational background

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Sánchez-Casal Barcelona Tennis Academy

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Vallverdú attended the Sánchez-Casal Barcelona Tennis Academy when he was 15, where he metAndy Murray.

University of Miami

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Vallverdú graduated from theUniversity of Miamiin 2009 with a BA in International Marketing and Finance.[38]

During his time at the University of Miami, Vallverdú was captain of the university tennis team.

He received five all-American honors, was no. 3 in the nation in singles and no. 1 in the nation in doubles with teammate Carl Mikael Sundberg.

References

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  1. ^"Dani Vallverdu, directeur du Masters Next Gen: « Créer une culture tennis prend du temps »".L'Équipe(in French).Retrieved2024-01-25.
  2. ^abcHarman, Neil."Joy of Dani Vallverdu who became Andy Murray's closest confidant".
  3. ^abc"Dani Vallverdu Explains Why He Opted to Coach Grigor Dimitrov Instead of del Potro".18 August 2016.
  4. ^abc"Hear Him Roar, Nitto ATP Finals Title Belongs to Grigor Dimitrov! | ATP Tour | Tennis".
  5. ^"Formerly Baby Fed, Grigor Dimitrov won Cincy with an all-grown-up game".
  6. ^"Отново заедно за постоянно: Григор ще работи с Валверду и през новия сезон - Tennis.bg".tennis.bg(in Bulgarian).Retrieved2024-01-25.
  7. ^"New ATP Player Council Elected in London | ATP Tour | Tennis".
  8. ^"ATP Announces 2021-2022 Player Council".
  9. ^"ATP Player Advisory Council Meets In Melbourne | ATP Tour | Tennis".ATP Tour.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  10. ^Clarey, Christopher (4 October 2021)."Pro Tennis Finds New Cities to Play in, but Will It Return?".The New York Times.
  11. ^"Given a unique chance to host the pros, San Diego charged up to host" one of the toughest 250s "".28 September 2021.
  12. ^abGanguly, Sudipto (2021-09-17)."San Diego auditions for permanent spot on calendar with strong field".Reuters.Retrieved2021-09-25.
  13. ^"Billie Jean King Named Honorary Tournament Chairperson for San Diego Open ATP 250 Tournament".20 September 2021.
  14. ^"Mubadala Citi DC Open: Draws, Dates, History & All You Need To Know | ATP Tour | Tennis".ATP Tour.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  15. ^"Dani Vallverdu, directeur du Masters Next Gen: « Créer une culture tennis prend du temps »".L'Équipe(in French).Retrieved2024-01-25.
  16. ^"Wimbledon 2011: The men who make Murray tick".BBC Sport.30 June 2011.
  17. ^"Box Shots: Team Murray Cheers Andy to Olympic Final | the Slice".Archived fromthe originalon 2012-10-16.Retrieved2013-01-18.
  18. ^"Dani Vallverdu Photos Photos: 2012 French Open - Day Nine".
  19. ^Hodgkinson, Mark (24 March 2011)."Andy Murray hoping old pals' act with new coach Dani Vallverdu will rekindle his form".
  20. ^"'An amazing day for Britain' - How Murray ended a 77-year wait ".BBC.Retrieved2023-08-03.
  21. ^Dimitrov, Grigor (2019-05-07)."pic.twitter.com/FKzimMLkzg".@GrigorDimitrov.Retrieved2019-05-07.
  22. ^"Dimitrov will work with Valverdu till the end of the 2022 season".18 October 2022.Retrieved19 November2022.
  23. ^"Dimitrov will work with Valverdu also in the 2023 season".1 December 2022.
  24. ^"Nicolas Jarry Wins Geneva Title, Defeats Grigor Dimitrov | ATP Tour | Tennis".ATP Tour.Retrieved2023-10-20.
  25. ^Amako, Uche (2023-08-31)."Andy Murray beaten at the US Open by classy Grigor Dimitrov".The Telegraph.ISSN0307-1235.Retrieved2023-10-20.
  26. ^"Alcaraz beaten by Dimitrov at Shanghai Masters".BBC Sport.2023-10-11.Retrieved2023-10-20.
  27. ^"Dimitrov beats Jarry to reach Shanghai semifinals".BBC Sport.2023-10-13.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  28. ^"Grigor Dimitrov Beats Hubert Hurkacz In Paris | ATP Tour | Tennis".ATP Tour.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  29. ^"Grigor Dimitrov Defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas In Paris | ATP Tour | Tennis".ATP Tour.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  30. ^"His parents left early, but Grigor Dimitrov stayed to finish the job in Brisbane final | ATP Tour | Tennis".ATP Tour.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  31. ^Tennis.com."Stan Wawrinka reunites with Magnus Norman, who helped him to three Grand Slam titles".Tennis.com.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  32. ^Love, Tom (2023-11-17)."MURRAY TRIES HIS HAND AT TEAM OWNERSHIP".Sport Industry Group.Retrieved2024-01-25.
  33. ^"ATP Coaches Launch Fan Experience".ATP Tour.ATP Tour, Inc.Retrieved27 June2020.
  34. ^"Murray Wimbledon Lesson, 'Big 4' Racquet Draw Top New Fan Experience Prizes".ATP Tour.ATP Tour, Inc.Retrieved7 July2020.
  35. ^"Corona-Hilfsauktion – Wawrinka versteigert sich für arbeitslose Coaches".
  36. ^"Andy Murray happy to support Daniel Vallverdu's efforts to raise funds for coaches".
  37. ^"Athletes".
  38. ^"Wimbledon 2011: The men who make Murray tick".BBC Sport.30 June 2011.
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