‘Have Him Watch Federer’- Serena Williams’s Former Coach Says Kids Need to Learn From Roger Federer

Roger Federer is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players in the history of our sport. In a career spanning more than two decades, the 40-year-old has some of the biggest records in the sport to his name. Having an elegant game that is pleasing to the eye as well, the Swiss maestro has been a role model and has inspired budding players for decades now. However, the question remains, is it just the game?

Recently, star coach Rick Macci gave his take on why Roger Federer is the greatest of all time. Rick Macci has one of the greatest portfolios as far as coaching is concerned. Being a seven-time USPTA National Coach of the year, Macci has trained five former World No. 1’s in his career. He has been the coach of Jennifer Capriati, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams, and is equally responsible for their incredible success on the Pro Tour.

Rick Macci explains why Roger Federer is the greatest of all-time

Recently, while attending a tennis event, Rick Macci stopped by a poster of Roger Federer. Seeing the Swiss player, Macci took no time to give his take on the former World No. 1. He soon uploaded the video on his Youtube channel.

The star coach started by confessing that Roger Federer is the greatest role model in his opinion. “Let’s talk a bit about this player right here,” he said while pointing towards the poster. “In my opinion…the best player of all time as a role model.”

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Roger Federer is known for his nearly perfect game. His on-court speed, his quick reflexes, and his on-court fluidity are some of the biggest factors behind Federer’s incredible success over the years. However, Rick Macci thinks beyond it. As per the coach, these factors do count in, but one factor that makes him the greatest player is his on-court temperament.

Macci applauds Federer’s on-court demeanor

Elaborating further on why he thinks Federer is the greatest, Macci opened up on Federer’s temperament. “You talk about speed, quickness, balance, agility, fluidity. But more importantly, temperament. He makes mistake, you can’t even tell anything has happened,” he said.

Macci has been running his own tennis academy since 1985. Every year, numerous budding players come to the academy with the hope of improving their game. However, being a coach himself, Macci asserted that Federer is the ideal player to watch if a kid wants to get better. He said, “He’s been the leader in the clubhouse and to do it ever since a young age is unbelievable. You want your kid to get better, have him watch Federer.” 

The 67-year-old coach ended by touching Federer’s technical part. However, he made sure to re-emphasize on how Federer behaves on court. “I am not talking so much the mechanical part, even though his forehand is beyond unbelievable. His forehand biomechanically is unreal. Just look how he responds after each point. Just like nothing’s happened. The greatest player of all time, Fed.”

Roger Federer’s much-anticipated comeback

Roger Federer last played on the tour at the 2021 Wimbledon. Following his quarterfinal loss to Hubert Hurkacz, Federer underwent knee surgery. Following his third knee surgery within 18 months, the maestro missed the remainder of the 2021 season and is currently in rehab as well.

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Seeing Nadal win the 2022 Australian Open, a motivated Federer is keen on making a comeback on the tour soon and has begun light training. Till now, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has confirmed his participation at the 2022 Laver Cup.