Famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri told Swiss newspaper Blick what Roger Federer needs to beat Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray – a good kick in the behind. Check it out (click here for the original):
Blick: Why is it so difficult for Federer to win against Nadal and Murray?
Nick Bollettieri: Nadal’s forehand is extremely toxic, with that high jumping bounce and left-handed spin. In addition, he’s vastly improved his serve.
And Murray?
Murray covers the court great, and always plays the balls deep, but not necessarily fast. Thus, he puts all the pressure on his opponent.
What does Roger Federer have to do against the two to win?
Against Murray, he needs his most brilliant strokes to actually win. It rests more with him than in Murray’s strengths. He must put Nadal under pressure by taking the ball early and forcing the Spaniard into risky passing shots. Playing from the baseline, Roger will lose 7 of 10 games against Nadal.
Would you want to coach Federer?
No, but I could give him a few helpful tips. I would never mess around with Roger’s technique. It’s not a matter of playing the forehand this way or that. It’s a question of the head. I’d remind him how damn good he is. Roger must get back to that place and be certain: I’m the winner.
Is that enough?
Before, no one wanted to be in Roger’s half of the draw. This fear from his opponents gave him a decisive advantage. He must work to get that again.
Does he also need a coach?
Roger is the best tennis player who has ever played. He doesn’t need a coach who tells him how he should play. But maybe he needs somebody who kicks him in the ass and says to him: Hey, you’re the best, you will win!
I think Bollettieri’s right on about Roger Federer’s coaching needs – at least it’s the kind of coaching that Roger would respond to. Its about finding the right messenger more than the right message and Federer needs someone with some serious court cred. Now which former pro’s going to step up and volunteer? John McEnroe? Stefan Edberg? Boris Becker?
And we’ll see how the conversation changes once Miami’s over.
(Article translated with google translate.)
Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
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