An inside look at Team Federer in Queens, Manhattan and beyond with Roger’s former coach, Paul Annacone
For a substantial part of his professional career, Roger Federer played without a formal coach. It speaks to the Swiss’ self-sufficiency and confidence—and to the acumen of the minds who have earned a seat in Federer’s exclusive player box.
Paul Annacone is one of the chosen few who has been a part of this inner sanctum, having coached Federer from July 2010 through October 2013. Under Annacone’s tutelage, Federer won his 17th Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon, in 2012, and reached two US Open semifinals. These achievements were but part of a wide-ranging conversation with Annacone about one the game’s most beloved players; why Federer treats the US Open differently than any other Grand Slam tournament; the matches he remembers most while in the superstar’s corner; and what the 36-year-old must do in Flushing Meadows this summer to win his first title there since 2008.Federer is a fan favorite everywhere he plays, but the bond between him and New York City appears especially strong. What is it about this particular connection between person and place?
One of Roger’s strengths as a global icon is that he always keeps things in perspective. But he also grows relationships with individual places. I think he loves going to New York and loves all that New York has to offer, both culturally and for his family. It’s a good thing for him because he really is a citizen of the world.
The second part is the personality of the US Open. He enjoys the fact that the tournament is so vibrant, and the fact that people—both players and fans—really thrive being out there. When you’ve had as much success as he’s had, it’s a pretty unique combination of things that makes him really have a strong affinity for being in New York.
What was a typical day like for you during the US Open when you were coaching Federer?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Sept/Oct 2017-Ausgabe von Tennis.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Sept/Oct 2017-Ausgabe von Tennis.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The Tennis Conversation: Jenson Brooksby, a piano man
Billy Joel may be a New York City icon, but the fans in Queens should start getting to know this piano man
The Five-Step Sit-Down Plan
Don’t neglect the value of a smart changeover routine
MAKING THE TURN
Six years after saying goodbye to the protour grind, Mardy Fish may be more active than ever—on the court, on the course, and helping combat a struggle anyone can encounter
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Queens is known for its gastronomy as much as its tennis. Daniil Medvedev, equal parts sugar and spice, hopes to add a unique flavor to the borough as he vies for his first major
SUMMER IN THE CITIES
Broadway may not re-open until mid September, but tennis offers its own brand of live theatre in the preceding months
REOPEN SEASON
The pandemic halted tennis as an up-close experience— but is now giving way to pandemonium among crowds. As the pro game reopens this summer and fans gather again, we’re realizing what we’ve been missing for so long
Court of Appeals
Resolving Your Rules Questions&Quarrels
An Open Mind: New York's Slam has no shortage of history, but it always evolves
In the last decade, Arthur Ashe Stadium got a roof, and a new Grandstand and Louis Armstrong Stadium debuted.
Those Fall Feels
The end of summer may be bittersweet, but getting lost amid the backroads of NEW ENGLAND adds a silver—and golden—lining to the season change. Pack a few sweaters along with your tennis kit and prepare for leaf-peeping, scenic drives and delicious autumnal ingredients to pair with your forehands
Court of Appeals
Resolving Your Rules Questions & Quarrels