Well, we were wondering which former Champion would step up and offer to help the struggling, racquet-smashing Roger Federer, and now we have our answer: tennis’ original bad boy, John McEnroe.
Here’s the scoop from Eurosport (click here for original):
Former great John McEnroe has offered to help Roger Federer rediscover his form after the Swiss suffered a series of uncharacteristic defeats this year.
Since the start of the season, Federer has failed to win a tournament or beat any of his rivals ranked in the world’s top four.
After the world number two’s latest loss to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, when he was knocked out of the Miami Masters in the semi-finals, McEnroe said he was willing to lend a helping hand.
“I would really like to help Roger. Especially as he needs to change his strategy if he wants to beat (Rafael Nadal). And I have an idea about that,” the American was quoted as saying in the French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche.
“I can’t see myself accompanying a player all year long but it could be really interesting to help out from time to time.”
Federer has failed to beat his greatest rival Nadal for almost 18 months and has emerged second best in their last five meetings, including five-set final thrillers at last July’s Wimbledon and at the Australian Open in February.
McEnroe said the Spaniard could cause Federer, who is one shy of Pete Sampras’s all time Grand Slam title record of 14, even more problems in the future.
“I think (Federer) will beat Pete Sampras’s record of 14 Grand Slam wins. But it will not be easy at all for him to become world number one again,” said McEnroe, a former world number one himself.
“Even though Roger is a fantastic player, I think that Nadal will play at a higher level this year than last year provided he stays in a good shape. It could be hard for Roger to keep up.”
Hear that Roger? John McEnroe, the guy who pushed the great Bjorn Borg into retirement by breaking his win streak at Wimbledon, wants to help you beat Nadal – (and why not Djokovic and Murray, while he’s at it?) I suggest you take a meeting.
And wouldn’t it be cool if Edberg and Becker joined McEnroe to form some kind of super-duper Fed-coaching triumvirate? How intimidating would it be to see those guys lined up in the player’s box? Yeah, I know, keep dreaming!
Photo: NDTV
Tags: ATP, Federer, John McEnroe, Nadal, tennis
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You certainly post a lot, but do you actually have any knowledge of tennis?
Hey Jack,
Yes I post a lot and yes, I know about tennis.
Thanks!
Do you have any actual knowledge of tennis? Do tell.
If JMac is offering, I think that Roger should take the offer seriously, and not just because, back in the day, McEnroe’s game was what brought me to tennis.
Love him or loathe him, John McEnroe is really smart, and and I think his , er, blunt approach and wealth of technical expertise would serve Roger well. Becker: Maybe. Edberg: That gorgeous man can coach me about anything from backhands to birdwatching, any way, any day, but he might be too polite to grab Fed back from the brink.
So, Roger: have your guy call John’s guy, get a sports shrink and let’s go.
Hey Alice!
It’s worth a try, right?
But I don’t think Roger will bite – he probably wants a more traditional type of coach, and a full time one, at that.
It would be so cool if Roger just said, “What the hell?” and went for it.
Johnny Mac is not a nice man, he’s rude, he doesn’t appreciate what he has and who helped him get there, the fans, but, one thing I’ll give him is he knows tennis. He has great insight into the games and its nuances down to its smallest detail. He can be creative and have interesting new approaches. I think Roger(my all time favorite players) could benefit greatly from Johnny Mac’s insight. Even if it is on a Part Time basis.
Hey Rona! And I forgot to add in my post – JMac is a lefty! That could be helpful, too, when it comes to Rafa-beating, don’t you think?
Chere Freaky:Wouldn’t you take J Mac on part-time? I agree with you that the conservative Swiss Roger would feel more comfortable with a more traditional coach, but I mos def think he should say “What the hey?” and give McEnroe a shot.
Roger and JMac? Nah-uh. I see personality clashes. Fed needs to call up Hewitt for a showdown. The prize being Tony Roche. I miss the good old days when Rochey looked like he was half asleep in Fed’s box.
Or I was also thinking some other Aussies – maybe Todd Woodbridge or Pat Rafter. I know they’ve both coached players for short periods of times before. And imagine the beauty overload of Fed and Pat.
Wow. I’ve got the ‘on the other hand’ debate working overtime at this news. On the one hand, JMac is ridiculously knowledgeable about tennis and could probably offer a multitude of insight into strategy for breaking Roger’s slump, helping him deal better with the matchup against Rafa and just breaking his malaise in general. BUT, on the other hand, I don’t see JMac as a coach (and Roger may not really need/want a coach–just an advisor) for an individual player and I would rather see Roger with someone like Darren Cahill or Tony Roche if he’s going the coaching route. JMac did a great job when he was captaining the Davis Cup squad, I know, but I just don’t see him as a good matchup for Roger. Actually I think he’s a better fit for Andy Murray, technically but the personalities there are obviously a clash.
My biggest objection to this is that JMac announced it to the public rather than getting his people to get in touch with Roger’s people. His big mouth and need to be in the spotlight and right all the time would put me off him. Roger might or might not feel the same way. Who knows?
I am afraid Jmac and Roger are not good match personality wise.
Yeah, it’s definitely one of those “on the other hand” kind of scenarios. And I AGREE that it was silly of JMac to announce his offer via the press. Likely a sign of attention getting and not a serious offer of help.
But given Roger’s personality swings lately, maybe he’s in the mood for a fellow tennis bad boy!
I think Federer could use the help. There’s no harm in trying anyway! And it would be great if Federer beats Nadal on Roland Garros. Never going to happen though.
I’m wondering if there’s anyone who can beat Nadal on clay. . .it will be fun to see people attempt the impossible in the next couple months!
It would be interesting to see what sort of game change McEnroe can implement on Federer’s game. http://www.gototennisblog.com/2009/04/06/sony-ericsson-open-report-roger-federer-postloss-video/comment-page-1/#comment-3311
Yes, I think JMAc would have a lot of insight, especially in terms of playing a lefty and also with net play. At the very least, Roger should invite him out for lunch!
At this point, what has he got to lose? Heck, I’ll even consider Brad Gilbert now.
YES! I’ve talked you over to the dark side JFK.
“Edberg: That gorgeous man can coach me about anything from backhands to birdwatching, any way, any day, but he might be too polite to grab Fed back from the brink.”
Couldn’t agree more Alice Marble! I love Stephan but though he’s made a comment or two that he’d like to see Roger play more agressively against Rafa, I don’t think he’d ever leave Sweden to do the necessary coaching (and he probably is too diplomatic I agree). I do remember though that Stephan benefited greatly from his almost career long association with Tony Pickard who reminded him not to let the other guy see he when was discouraged. What a psychological game.
McEnroe? I don’t think it will happen but a couple of weeks might not hurt? then again the person who suggested Tony Roche coming back – not the worst idea?
Oops misspelled Stefan – sorry – it’s been awhile but I still watch him (on Youtube now) – such memories
Hi Rosemary! Nice to hear from you!
Stefan is the best – every time he shows up on one of those tennis documentaries I go “AWWWWWWW!”