Fifteen years ago, the British Tennis Federation decided to hire Louis Cayer as manager of the doubles teams. A decision that those responsible were certainly happy to make at the time.
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After leaving Montreal for England, Cayer looked for a job in the world of tennis. His expertise was recognized worldwide.
“When I arrived in Europe, I started working with a couple from Israel (Andy Ram and Jonathan Erlich),” says Louis Cayer during our visit to Wimbledon. Initially, she was 60th in the world.
“I managed to get them in the top 10. They were also Australian Open champions in 2008.”
With kind approval
Louis Cayer (center) with brothers Andy and Jamie Murray.
This feat did not go unnoticed. Judy Murray, mother of Andy and Jamie, has spoken out in favor of Cayer at the British Football Association.
“She watched me work and liked my approach. Judy learned a little about me and she knew that I used to come to London regularly to hang out with my friend Stella” (who later became his wife).
“One thing led to another, Judy helped me get the job. »
From Jamie to Joe
During his interview, the people in charge of the LTA (British Tennis Federation) asked him some interesting questions.
“They had asked me if I could bring two players among the best doubles players in the world. I replied that I would be very disappointed if I only brought two.
“Since then I’ve guided several of them into the top 20 in the world. »
Jamie Murray, for example, was world No. 1 in doubles in 2016. He now has a total of 26 career titles, including two Grand Slam titles. And it’s not the only one that’s had success.
Joe Salibury is currently the best doubles player in the world. He, too, has been advised by Cayer for several years.
Despite the successes of some of his charges, the Quebecer remains humble. He’s only happy when they achieve their goals on the pitch. And it’s far from over.
The Cayer method
When he left Tennis Canada, several of his peers wished him luck. Cayer had his own vision of tennis.
“They told me that the British were very conservative in their approach and that I would find it difficult to implement my philosophy within this federation. »
You were wrong. Cayer managed to listen carefully. After 15 years with the LTA, all trainers use the same language and methods as him.
“Above all, we manage a person, a performer and a tennis player,” explains the 69-year-old tennis pro.
“The player has to feel good to be effective in training. We also need to pay attention to their mental health. »
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“I define the strategy based on goals to win the game. The player has to give everything on the field, stay positive and have energy from start to finish. We help players become competitive in both training and tournaments.
“If they don’t run the balls to the second bounce or haven’t given their all on the court, we don’t give feedback on tennis. It’s not worth it to us. However, the players often know it themselves. »
Still passionate
At his age, Cayer could have a golden retirement. It’s not the case yet. The essence of tennis still flows through his veins.
“I’m still passionate about what I do. It’s not just the passion for tennis or coaching. It’s the feeling of making a difference and helping players achieve their dreams.
“I am happy to be able to help them have a great career in tennis and even have the opportunity to win Grand Slams and achieve a very high world ranking. »
Over the years he has maintained the same philosophy despite the arrival of the new generation of players.
“It’s less of an adaptation to the athletes and more of an evolution that a coach has to do. In the past it was very directive. it was ok Well, if you’re too directive, you come off as a bully.
“Now I can influence them in other ways. I give them the choice. It is important that the coach does not appropriate the emotion. It has more of a role of empowerment and support. »
Well deserved honors
His contribution to British tennis has been recognized in recent months.
Last December he received an award from the Association of Tennis Journalists. He was honored for his lifetime achievement by the British Tennis Federation (LTA).
Then, a few weeks later, he received an honorary degree, an MBE medal, from the British government.
“It’s very prestigious in England and it’s a great honor for me,” said Cayer. It is designed to highlight your contribution to the sport. I can now put the letters MBE next to my name. Not many people get that honor. It’s always good to be recognized. »
Louis Cayer will be at the National Bank Open this week. We could very well see a Brit snatching the title in doubles. If this is the case, we can assume that Louis Cayer will have had a say in this conquest.
love before tennis
The couple lives perfect happiness in England
In 2007, Louis Cayer had a good job at Tennis Canada. However, a certain Stella changed her life.
In the early years of their relationship, the Brit attempted to live with her two teenagers at Cayer’s residence in Saint-Sauveur. It wasn’t conclusive.
heartbreaking choice
At this point, Cayer faced a heartbreaking decision.
“I had to choose between two options: I either ended my relationship or I followed her to London,” Cayer recalls. When I left Tennis Canada, I didn’t want to work with another association.
“It was joining a person who became my wife. Today we are 20 years together. I can say that I made the best decision of my life. »
Sebastian’s arrival
Louis and Stella had a child together in 2011, the same year the two lovebirds got married. Sébastien, who will be 11 in September, has already made several trips for his father’s work.
” It’s fantastic. He’s come to the US Open with me six times already. Whenever possible, he’s traveled with me a lot. »
With kind approval
Louis Cayer spins the perfect fortune with his family in England. In the photo we see him with his wife Stella, his stepchildren Christopher and Alexandra and his son Sébastien.
In recent years, Cayer has agreed with the British FA to travel four months less per year. The purpose of this change was to spend more time with her son.
It has become a priority for the tennis man.
For example, he will drive him to school every day. A privileged moment for the father and his son.
Less strong ties
It took Cayer a few years to become a true Londoner.
“After 15 years in London, my ties to Quebec are a little weaker. Most of my family members have passed away.
“It happened gradually. I removed the background pictures from my old house in Saint-Sauveur. Then I stopped watching the Canadiens games because they ended in the middle of the night. Eventually I stopped reading Quebec newspapers. »
However, he is happy to return to Montreal for the tournament. He will lead some players in the doubles tournament.
” I’m very excited. It’s always nice to see friends and a few family members again. It will be a pleasure to get back in touch with Eugène Lapierre in particular. Before the tournament, he wants to introduce his players to the city. Cayer will be possibly take to the Old Port and Mount Royal.