Roger Federer And Pete Sampras’ Former Spanish Coach Honored With Prestigious ATP Award

The 70-year-old Spanish, Jose Higueras is a tennis coach and a former professional tennis player. However, his coaching stint is well known for working with some legends of the game like Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, and many more. But as a player, he has won 16 singles titles during his 13 years of becoming a pro player. So, the Spaniard comes up with a vast experience in the racket sport.

Higueras is the epitome of leadership, excellence and respect for the sport. Though his career-best ranking was number 6, he played a pivotal role in guiding several players to reach the summit of his beloved sport. Recently, the former coach of Federer received a prestigious ATP award for his contributions to the tennis world. 

Roger Federer’s former coach bags a prestigious ATP award at the age of 70

Jose Higueras was first hired by Roger Federer to help him through his woes on the clay court. Later, the duo extended the partnership to grass and hard courts. The renowned coach then became the director of coaching for elite player development at USTA (United States Tennis Association).

Recently, Higueras became the third Spaniard to get honoured with the 2023 Tim Gullikson Career Coach Award. This award is named after the late Tim Gullikson, who was also a tennis player and coach. He even coached Pete Sampras in 2002. This award recognizes the individuals who have inspired generations of young players and coaches who have helped the sport to grow. 

After having a successful run ever since 2000, Roger Federer had a poor start to the season in 2008 and the French Open was knocking at the door. Federer and clay courts always seemed to be poles apart, and he needed a way out of it.

There’s no point of guessing that Higueras came in as the savior and the rest is history.

When Federer brought in the clay-court specialist to see him through the Paris event

Roger Federer is considered one of the greatest tennis players in the world. He has won 103 singles titles in his career, including a staggering 20 Grand Slam triumphs. The Swiss Maestro has been number one for 310 weeks, including a record of 237 consecutive weeks. 

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But even after all these success stories, there remained a discontentment among his fans. Out of his 20 Grand Slam titles, the Swiss have only managed to win only one title at the French Open. He made his debut at the Roland Garros in 1999, but this tournament has been one of the toughest challenges in his 24-year career span.

Roger Federer entered the 2009 season with 13 Grand Slam titles in his bag. He was just one behind Pete Sampras’s all-time record. Federer got the taste of his first silverware at the French Open in 2009. It also marked his completion of Career Grand Slam, but that’s the first and last. He never got success again in the French event. Share your memorable moment from FedEx’s remarkable career with us in the comment box.

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