Open For Discussion

An inside look at Team Federer in Queens, Manhattan and beyond with Roger’s former coach, Paul Annacone

- Ed McGrogan

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?