Legendary coach Larry Stefanki has joined the coaching team of ATP Top-30 star Alejandro Tabilo, who is looking for a change after an incredible losing streak. This week, Tabilo managed to secure a win at Indian Wells after a disappointing start to the year.
American Stefanki reached world No. 35 as a player, but he’s best known for his coaching career with several tennis legends.
He coached players like John McEnroe and Tim Henman, whom he helped achieve his highest-ever ranking of world No. 4. He also worked with Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, former world No. 5 and Australian Open finalist. Additionally, Stefanki coached two players to world No. 1: Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov and fellow Chilean Marcelo Rios.
His most recent experience in men’s tennis was with Andy Roddick for three years, after which he briefly coached on the WTA Tour, working with none other than Maria Sharapova.
This time, Stefanki will return to coach a South American tennis star, Alejandro Tabilo, who had a remarkable rise in 2024. In just a few months, he climbed from outside the Top-150 to the Top-20 and captured three titles, all on different surfaces.
The South American also achieved the biggest victory of his career at the Australian Open, defeating none other than Novak Djokovic before reaching the semifinals, where he was defeated by eventual champion Alexander Zverev.
However, 2025 has been far below last season’s performance for Tabilo. He endured six consecutive defeats to start the year, including three losses during the Golden Swing on clay, one of his best stretches of the year considering the surface and his local support.
Tabilo bounced back with a victory this week, defeating Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 7-5, securing a spot in the third round. The challenge ahead will be much greater as he faces home favorite and world No. 4 Taylor Fritz, a strong contender for the title and the 2022 Indian Wells champion.
👀 EPAA Y ESTA COLABORACIÓN? 👀🔥
— VTC Tenis (@VtcTenis) March 9, 2025
En legendario coach Larry Stefanki brindando consejos a Alejandro Tabilo, luego de su avance en el M1000 de Indian Wells.
Stefanki -ex coach de Ríos, McEnroe, González, Roddick, entre otros- estará en el staff por algunos partidos. pic.twitter.com/TzyuARaxOs
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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