Roger Federer’s ex-coach had ‘extraordinarily tough’ moments working with icon
Roger Federer’s ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic has admitted he discovered it “extremely difficult” to make an influence on the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Ljubicic labored with Federer from 2016 up till the star’s retirement final yr and helped him add three Majors to his trophy cupboard.
By the time Federer linked-up with Ljubicic within the latter levels of his profession, he had gained only one Grand Slam trophy in virtually six years. But the Croat quickly helped Federer rediscover his type of yesteryear and gave the legendary participant the help he wanted to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017 adopted by one other Grand Slam title in Melbourne the next yr.
Federer was one of the vital gifted tennis gamers to ever grace the ATP Tour and made the sport look simple due to his elegant groundstrokes and easy winners. But Ljubicic says teaching the blockbuster star wasn’t as plain-sailing as some individuals might think about.
“There’s a lot of times where you just don’t need to push much,” the 44-year-old informed Tennis Majors. “But also at the same time it’s also not easy not to say anything when you have nothing to say. You find yourself in a moment where you’re like, ‘I’m here to do actually something and say something so you’d better say something.’
“And that’s where you can make a mistake. Of course then when it’s something expected from you, that’s where the tough time comes and you have to be there. You have to be ready and prepared, firm – make sure he hears you and that the message is clearly delivered.
“And those are the tough times. It depends what your objective is. If the objective is just to hang around, it’s easy. But if your objective is to make a difference, then it’s extremely difficult, yes.”
Federer gained his first Grand Slam title in 2003 when he defeated Australian ace Mark Philippoussis within the Wimbledon closing. That victory was the beginning of a run that noticed him declare 16 Grand Slam titles in 27 makes an attempt.
Federer in the end acquired his fingers on eight trophies on the All England Club as he proved time and time once more simply how skilful he was on grass courts. The 41-year-old additionally gained six Australian Opens, 5 US Opens and one French Open earlier than hanging up his racket following final yr’s Laver Cup in London. He is the third most profitable participant in males’s historical past behind 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.