Federer’s Careful Scheduling Pays Off

Written by: Staff on 15th November 2011

Federer’s Careful Scheduling Pays Off |

The calm long-range outlook of Roger Federer helped the Swiss to master his late-career scheduling and should allow the 30-year-old to remain a force in the game for seasons to come. If Federer coach Paul Annacone is to be believed, his client has mastered the secret of tennis longevity, as documented by his back-to-back titles in Basel and Paris Bercy.

Annacone said that his client, who now owns 69 career titles, has time on his side and proved it at the weekend in Paris by winning the indoor title for the first time.

“He really wanted to win here,” the American told France’s L’Equipe newspaper. “It wasn’t for lack of trying; he loves the city, he loves the tournament … The key to his success, to me, is that he knows his body very well. He’s mature enough to know when to say stop.”

Annacone said pacing through a championships season is a huge ask, and a lesson that injured No. 1 Novak Djokovic is now learning the hard way. “After his huge season, he’s starting to discover the difficulty of managing all that. He’ll have to be careful – most notably with his shoulder.

“Roger has mastered it, which has allowed him to last,” said Annacone. “He doesn’t get crazy when he loses, even after his missed match points against Djokovic at the US Open. He stays calm when he wins. He never goes from one extreme to the other, even if the expectations are enormous.”

The coach, a former ATP player, added that Federer could well have more Grand Slam left to win due to his relaxed attitude. “If he doesn’t win three Grand Slams, the season is ruined? He doesn’t see things that way. There’s more depth in the game, more very strong opponents. He understands that and he doesn’t panic.

“Quite the opposite, he says “Great, another challenge!” That’s what makes him optimistic and enthusiastic. And, quite simply, he loves the game, the travel. He adores tennis. He’s 30 and he’s in great shape.

“At his age, he still belongs among the best. So, why not aim for another Grand Slam?”

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”

Topics: Roger Federer