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Nick’s Notes: What Bollettieri learned from coaching Mary Pierce

In the second of a five-part series, gain insight into what the late tennis coach learned from working with some of the sport’s greatest champions.

ByBaseline Staff

Published Dec 20, 2022

WATCH: Unstrung: Remembering the late Nick Bollettieri

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In memory of Nick Bollettieri, TENNIS.com proudly presents “Nick’s Notes,” an exclusive look at tips, tricks, and takes written by one of the greatest coaches of the modern era.

Next up: Nick’s observations from coaching two-time Grand Slam champion Mary Pierce:

As one of the best coaches of all time, Nick Bollettieri used his tennis academy to elevate skills and raise champions.

I can still remember in the mid-90s, a few months before the Australian Open, Mary asked me to start coaching her again.

Before saying yes, I wrote her a letter and explained my thoughts. Mary came to me the next morning with her eyes full of tears and blurted out, “Why did you write I was overweight and close to being fat?”

My answer was, “Because you are overweight.” Without hesitation, she said, “I will do exactly what you ask of me.”

Her traveling coach was Sven Groeneveld, who is the very vest in the coaching arena and for the past several years, coach to Maria Sharapova.

Our team worked a total of 6-8 hours per day on the court, in the gym, and at night with Sven watching her eat and keeping her from hiding dessert under her bed.

Believe me, she paid the price in so many ways in order to be fit again.

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After her victory against Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Mary Pierce proudly holds up her trophy and stuffed kangaroo for winning the 1995 Australian Open final.

However, she never, ever complained in any way. As a result, she went on to win the Australian Grand Slam in 1995 and reached No. 3 in the world.

This is what I have learned from Mary and will share with you:

When your technique breaks down, 9-out of-10 times it is because your foundation breaks down. The same goes for your balance.
For consistent technique, get into shape. You can’t hit a ball if you can’t move your feet to the ball!

Today, Mary Pierce is as fit as a fiddle and stays in contact with me, always asking if I need anything.

Yes, I am sure some of you will say I could have been a little softer in my letter. Maybe so, but my approach in combination with Sven’s turned out to make an impact long after her playing days.

Mary, you are special and I truly love you.

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