Carlos Rodríguez is an Argentinian tennis coach. Although he has coached several players both on the ATP and the WTA tour, Rodríguez is most notable for his long-time collaboration with the former World No. 1 and multiple grand slam winner Justine Henin. As of 2011, the pair had been together for 15 years, but a portion of that span includes Henin's brief retirement from the pro circuit.[1] Upon Henin's comeback, she insisted that she could not have any other coach than Rodriguez.[2] Rodriguez obliged. He has since commented that her aspiration to return to the highest echelon of the women's game – and rankings, as she retired while holding the No. 1 ranking – has as much to do with factors off the court, that is, mental preparedness and her private life, as it does with her physical fitness or shot-making abilities.[2]
Before Rodríguez became Henin's coach, he coached Belgian tennis player Dominique Monami from 1994 to 1996.[3] On the men's tour he is notable for coaching Olivier Rochus and Dick Norman.
In July 2012, Rodríguez was hired by former French Open champion Li Na on a trial basis. After becoming Li's full-time coach, he was credited for her late career surge during which she ascended to world No. 2 and won her second Major title at the 2014 Australian Open.[4] In July 2014, Rodríguez and Li parted ways.[5] Rodríguez resided in Beijing and works at a tennis academy there.[6] In December 2014, he started coaching Daniela Hantuchová.[7] In late 2019, Rodriguez and Amanda Animisova joined forces and worked together for a trial until the 2020 Australian open where they parted ways. [8]
