Tomas Berdych says he is looking to new coach Dani Vallverdu to improve his strategy and take a new approach to his game.
Berdych, who had attempted to get Andy Murray's former coach Ivan Lendl to work with him, said he asked Vallverdu to join him following his decision to leave his longtime position as Murray's assistant coach.
"When I finish, I want to be able to say I tried everything and in that sense I was looking to make the decision to change my team... the news came up that Dani was available and it helped in all my decisions. I approached him and it all started," 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."
The former Wimbledon finalist also has a new trainer, and is changing things up following a season in which he reached one Grand Slam semifinal but won just two titles overall, neither above the 500 level.
Berdych wants his new team to get him contending for the majors once more, saying, “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.
“I'm giving myself the opportunity that when I step on the tennis court, I'll have all the cards in my hand and can use them in the match. It's going to be all about getting those details and the things that Dani can teach me with his different view and try to replicate them on the court.”
However, the 29-year-old sees it as a long-term effort. “It's not about miracles,” said Berdych. “It's about the constant preparation and constant work. It's like building a house. You have to start with the foundations; you can't start with the roof. Let's say the roof is the results and we have to start with the base. We're in that preparation stage and working hard."