IT’S TRUE! Roger Federer’s agent Tony Godsick confirmed via Blick today that Roger Federer is currently training with Darren Cahill in Dubai. Holy rollers, my friends – the speculation is OVER! I repeat, Roger Federer is DEFINITELY with Darren Cahill, at least on a trial basis. Here’s the scoop – pardon the translation as always (and DiGG it if you like it!):
The speculation is over in Dubai: Federer is working with Cahill. The Swiss, who is taking a timeout in order to spare his back, is testing his new coach in the desert.
Federer’s IMG Manager Tony Godsick confirmed: “Yes, the two have met in Dubai and played a few balls together.” More specifically: “It is a test for both. One can not yet say whether it will be something long term. They work together now and see how it works out. “
The American manager is also denying the widespread opinion that Cahill was not Federer’s first choice: “The two have long had a great respect for each other. It was occasionally discussed. It’s a trial. Now that Roger’s had a break, anyway, because of his back, the timing was perfect for a test. So Roger’s with him and has reported that he’s arrived.“
This also means that Federer’s current companion Severin Lüthi no longer matters in the future? “No! As I said, with Darren it’s on a trial basis. And if it works, we will continue with Severin on the team. There is no question about it. “
The 43-year-old Cahill has an excellent reputation on the tour.
Under his aegis Lleyton Hewitt was the youngest player to end a year as number 1 (20 years and 8 months). And during his time with Andre Agassi, the American won the top position – at 33 years old he was the oldest player in history to do so. Cahill and fitness guru Gill Reyes last worked with Spaniard Fernando Verdasco and brought him to form. The result was obvious. Verdasco got to the Australian Open semis and played breathtaking tennis.
Cahill would be the third Australian coach for Federer. The first, Peter Carter, who tragically died in a car accident in 2002, led Federer from his youth to years at the top. And with Tony Roche, the Swiss had a very successful period, winning six out of 13 majors now.
And here are Tony Godsick’s updates on Roger’s back injury that’s supposedly keeping him out of Davis Cup this weekend, and his preparations for the upcoming Indian Wells Masters tournament, via Tages Anzeiger (translated):
Federer underlined that his retirements from Dubai and the Davis Cup in Birmingham vs. the USA have nothing to do with the test-training with Cahill. “No one should question Roger’s honesty about his back. He made a selfish and unpopular decision, but it was the only possibility for his health and his back. He noticed that his back had a problem again and wanted to eliminate this before it could become a real handicap,” said Godsick.
Federer has trained hard for his back injury over the past 2 weeks with Pierre Paganini and is now totally in shape to play without any problems. He will come to California at the beginning of next week to play Indian Wells and Miami. It’s not certain, yet, if Cahill will be at his side, said Godsick. The possibility to work together came up in the last few weeks, and because of his will to always get better, Roger did not want to let this chance pass him by. “The test is important for both of them. Although they know and respect each other, it could be that their personalities do not match,” said Godsick.
I’m a little stunned – I can’t believe that it’s true! What say you, Fed fans!
Photo via: Blick
Updated as of 3/4/09 5:55 EST
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