The D-Day moment came that spring in Rome. Wins at the “Sunshine Double” tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami had propelled Courier into the Top 10. But he also began to feel pressured by new expectations. Following a frustrating third round loss at the Italian Open, Stine recalled that Courier left the tournament quickly, without talking to anyone. “For me, as a collegiate coach,” says Stine, “that was completely unacceptable.” Eventually finding Courier, Stine approached him to discuss the match and other matters. “Not now,” said an agitated Courier.
As Stine recalls, “And I said, ‘Well if not now then don’t expect me to be here when you’re ready.’ And he kind of looked at me with a shocked look on his face.” The two continued, having what Stine describes as a “pretty adversarial confrontation.” But in the end, they found common ground. The next day, Stine and Courier toured Rome, including a trip to the Vatican. There, the essence of Stine: in your face, supported by faith. “He’s on a pilgrimage,” says Patton. “He has to be out, traveling in his robes, helping people.” The next month, Courier won the singles title at Roland Garros, his first of four majors. Stine and Courier would work together for two stints, one from ’91-’94, another from ’97 until the end of Courier’s career in ’00.
The Tao of Brad
As much as Stine has lived his life in the zero-sum world of athletic competition, tennis might well be merely his means for a higher purpose. Says Patton, “It’s evident that he’s a holy monk and it’s all about the cause… You think he’s a mechanic, but he’s really a philosopher and a poet.”
Stine’s favorite book is The Tao of Pooh, a short, proverb-like tale that explains how Winnie-the-Pooh, the iconic children’s book character, brilliantly blends acceptance and serenity. As the book’s author, Benjamin Hoff, writes, “When you know and respect your own Inner Nature you know where you belong.”