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
Tags: Federer, Miami Open, Murray, Nadal, Nick Bollettieri, Sony Ericsson Open, tennis
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So maybe Federer is right about turning the corner, being optimistic etc. Hope to watch a good (and victorious
) match agaist Nole today.
ME TOO! GOOOOO ROGER!I’ll be so sad if he loses to Novak.
What a disaster! A complete mental breakdown! IMHO, Roger needs a mental coach to move forward. He seems to lose his confidence WHEN HE’S AHEAD and seems to have momentum. (At 5-1 in the first set today; in the second set against Roddick; after winning a set against Murray [IW] and Nadal [AO].) This could be the beginning of a long dry spell for Roger if he can’t get this part of his game back.
I can’t believe Roger clocks out in the 2nd set and then falls apart in the 3rd even though the crowd was pulling for him. If this loss doesn’t convince him to get a coach I don’t know what will.
He needs to suck it up, get a new team around him , and learn to win again.
Roger seriously needs to get over himself at this point. He’s clearly been humbled. Ridiculously so, in fact. Please, Roger–change something.
Hey guys! I SOOOO agree. Roger’s winning sets and then losing his confidence. WTF???? It’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. Crazy. . .crazy. . .crazy. . .
Sorry I can’t be more erudite right now, I’m just befuddled, bothered and bewildered right now.
He needs someone to be in his corner right now aside from his GF and his parents. it should be a wake up call for him…its a dryspell for him but still am not losing hope that he will bounce back.
I’m depressed and somewhat angry, though it’s understandable that such an uber-dominant superstar had to come back to the level of the mortals at some point. I dont mind the losses. but not in THIS manner – that too it happens very frequently these days.
I think the Fedster would do well by taking a break from the game for sometime (even if it means he has to miss a slam or two). I know the rankings will drop, he will get tougher opponents very early in the tournaments. Still, he has to do something to counter the problems posed by the top players. Plus, seems like the back is still bothering him and that adds to his confidence crisis right now. And he has the real ‘Baby Federer’ coming out shortly. so…
a break + recharge + play pressure free + and actually dont be too stubborn.
Just throw ole Pete under the bus. RF isn’t the best of all time yet-prettiest for sure. We also must question the decision (we presume of both Mirka and him) to have a child at this time. That shouldn’t be distracting at all!!!!!!!!! Frankly when have we ever seen Roger gut out a 5 setter-Miami vs Nadal was the only one a few years ago that I can recall. RF has never had what Nadal clearly has the WILL to fight to the end.
Also Ted Robinson said that no other guy on the pro tour ever busted a racket before. Is this true?-Serena did it I remember. Yuosni(sp?) did it on his head-broke the head not the frame. He does not KNOW HOW to grind-period. And I hate to bring it up again but the crying in AUS. was ridiculous-he couldn’t even grind thru the award ceremony. He’s GOT IT ALL and he’s standing there BALLING. Luckily the next day was the Superbowl and Phelps smoked pot so old Roger didn’t make Sports Center(he did this A.M. with the frame smashing).
He obviously has bigger problems- some between the ears, maybe some personal all obvious in the post match press conference in Miami!!!! (and again what’s with the baby NOW!!!) The real Roger might be that racket smacking fellow we saw yesterday. Pete, you’re still the greatest until RF proves otherwise.
Hey Natasha!
I think Ted said that that awas the first time he ever saw Roger busting a racquet. Safin, alone busts at least three a tournament, if not a match.
Now that I think about it – did Roger get a “racquet abuse” warning for that? don’t remember hearing it.
Ooooh. . . roger was on Sports Center, huh? Did they do any commentary or just show the footage. . .I always love to see how tennis-know-nothings (i.e. most sports commentators) talk about tennis.
I was a huge Pete fan in the day, but my obsession has transferred over to Roger and now he must beat Pete! (Tho his mental meltdowns are not giving me confidence that he’ll do so.)
i ever want to c roger federer win, and thats it.
very very best of luck