Sports Articals

This phase that Roger Federer is in is not easy. I can feel what is happening. But I’m convinced that it’s not a crisis. It’s much more a pure Nadal complex.

Federer is motivated, he radiates joy when playing. This was seen in Melbourne. He was superior to his opponents, played freely. And then came Nadal. I can see it, he visibly cramps up. This is due to Roger’s lack of experience playing against players who can meet him eye-to-eye.

Federer was untouchable for many years. He didn’t know this situation of having a real opponent. Suddenly, Nadal appeared in Paris. And this was probably an ‘Aha!’ experience for both. Someone came from zero to a hundred into his kingdom and now this person has even defeated Roger on a hard court. Such defeats sit deep.

For me one of the worst defeats was in the semifinals at Roland Garros, when I clearly led against Stefan Edberg before he took me in the fifth set. That stayed with me. It took a while for me to process it. Young challengers are tough to overcome mentally. When I saw Sampras rising at Wimbledon, I brooded over the situation for a long time. It was almost like a midlife crisis for me, you start thinking that he is younger, faster, unspent. You focus everything on that one player and how to play him, no longer playing instinctively, thinking too much.

Like Federer in Melbourne. He broke immediately, but lost his service again. That was an exclamation point of nervousness. But I am convinced that Nadal is not shortening Roger’s career, but will extend it. For Federer it must have been boring to play against players of the caliber of Hewitt and to win every time. He is an intelligent player who can learn, train even harder.

Borg lost Wimbledon to McEnroe once and then stopped. But Federer sees it as a challenge. What he needs to change is his attitude towards Nadal. I’m always surprised at how nice he is. He can like him off the court but only there. On court he needs to be aware and needs to think: “He cost me the last three or four Grand Slams.

Without him I would have long been the greatest in history. He wants to take something away from me. Today he is my worst enemy. And I am his.”

I am convinced that Federer remains motivated. If he eventually starts being eliminated in the semis on a regular basis then he will not be motivated any longer. But as he has been in the last four major finals and has won one of these, this is far from a crisis.

He needs to set priorities. This means that he should leave the Davis Cup. I also did the same, and in Germany they nearly crucified me. But that same year, I became number 1 in the world - and everyone was satisfied.

Famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri told Swiss newspaper Blick what Roger Federer needs to beat Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray - a good kick in the behind. Check it out (click here for the original):


Blick: Why is it so difficult for Federer to win against Nadal and Murray?

Nick Bollettieri: Nadal’s forehand is extremely toxic, with that high jumping bounce and left-handed spin. In addition, he’s vastly improved his serve.

And Murray?

Murray covers the court great, and always plays the balls deep, but not necessarily fast. Thus, he puts all the pressure on his opponent.


What does Roger Federer have to do against the two to win?

Against Murray, he needs his most brilliant strokes to actually win. It rests more with him than in Murray’s strengths. He must put Nadal under pressure by taking the ball early and forcing the Spaniard into risky passing shots. Playing from the baseline, Roger will lose 7 of 10 games against Nadal.

Would you want to coach Federer?

No, but I could give him a few helpful tips. I would never mess around with Roger’s technique. It’s not a matter of playing the forehand this way or that. It’s a question of the head. I’d remind him how damn good he is. Roger must get back to that place and be certain: I’m the winner.

Is that enough?

Before, no one wanted to be in Roger’s half of the draw. This fear from his opponents gave him a decisive advantage. He must work to get that again.

Does he also need a coach?

Roger is the best tennis player who has ever played. He doesn’t need a coach who tells him how he should play. But maybe he needs somebody who kicks him in the ass and says to him: Hey, you’re the best, you will win!