“Expansive Thinker”: Former Coach Explains Why Roger Federer Used a Different Strategy Than Nadal and Djokovic

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have been the undisputed dominators of men’s tennis in the last two decades. But what’s even more interesting is their world’s apart playing style and formula of success. In this instance, Paul Annacone, Federer’s former coach, explained why the Swiss maestro worked with several coaches over the years, unlike Nadal and Djokovic.

Notably, Nadal and Uncle Toni were an incomparable team for 27 years before parting ways after the 2017 season. Likewise, Djokovic and Marion Vajda have worked together for the past 18 years and continue to prosper on the ATP Tour. However, Federer has had many coaches throughout his illustrious career.

Read More: An Insight Into Roger Federer’s Illustrious Career: The Coaches Behind the Tennis Maestro

Why did Roger Federer have a different formula for coaches than Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic?

Tennis is an individual’s sport; therefore, self-understanding becomes a vital element for success. Accordingly, Paul Annacone insisted that Roger Federer knew ‘himself really well.’ It included the knowledge of self, personality, life, strengths, and weaknesses.

Furthermore, the retired American professional reflected on Federer’s foundation and the role of his wife, Mirka Federer. Annacone said, “He’s historically a student of the game, understands the game really well, and he had a bunch of terrific coaches growing up, so the foundation was there.”

“His wife, Mirka, you know, is a former pro player, so she understands the game really well, and more importantly, understands Roger really well.”

Additionally, Annacone explained that because Federer “enjoys different perspectives” and is “an expansive thinker,” he had numerous coaches. Besides that, he even lauded the Swiss maestro’s compatible personality.

“He’s so affable,” the former coach continued. “That’s why I don’t know anybody that worked with him that is not his friend still.”

Conclusively, Annacone noted that Federer never had any “ill intent” but was only interested “to hear different perspectives,” and that’s why he had it differently than Nadal or Djokovic.

Read More: “On His Way To Be Loved”: Boris Becker Rallies Behind Novak Djokovic

Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic tied together in the GOAT race

Incredibly, the 2021 season has equaled the big three at 20 Grand Slams each. Indeed, it is a phenomenon unlikely to repeat in tennis.

Accordingly, the 2022 season will bring more excitement to see who becomes the first player with 21 Grand Slam titles. For the same, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic will be looking forward to competing next year.

Hopefully, the era of the big three will bring more joy than ever in the remaining years. Who do you think will end up with most Grand Slam titles?

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