”Roger just floats around and people think that it just happens,” Annacone on his coaching stint with Federer


”Roger just floats around and people think that it just happens,” Annacone on his coaching stint with Federer

Roger Federer

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Roger Federer does not train specifically for either Nadal or Djokovic

Paul Annacone, former coach of Roger Federer has given insights into Federer’s training routine and has revealed that the Swiss maestro never trains specifically for either Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic. While appearing on a podcast for the channel, ‘Tennis With An Accent,’ Annacone said that Federer would devise strategies against his rivals throughout the year.

“About specific people, we – or I – tended not to do that in the off-season: ‘Roger, here’s what you would need to do against Rafa or Roger here’s one of the things I need you to do when you play Novak’.” Annacone said.

“Those conversations would come up during dinner throughout the year and then we would talk about philosophies and things to do to create different ways to be successful against players and then we implement those strategies in training periodically through the year. But it was never focused during the seven days. It is an ongoing conversation that happens throughout the year,” the American added.

Roger would just show up everyday and punch the clock: Paul Annacone

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Paul Annacone applauded the Swiss for his dedication towards training

Paul Annacone then gave details of Roger Federer’s training regime and said that the Swiss had three major training blocks and one minor one annually. “So in pre-season or training block time we always had a big one after US Open to finish the year, we had a big one in December to start the next season for Australia and then a healthy one before the clay swing to get through the grass season,” Annacone said. “And after the grass season, we usually just had an acclimatization period. So Roger had 3 significant (training blocks) and one we had to piece in a little bit.”

Many people believe that Roger Federer is a god-gifted athlete and his game comes naturally to him but Annacone said that people do not consider the amount of hard work he puts into his training. “Roger would just show up everyday and punch the clock,” Annacone added. “People see this graceful athlete that just floats around and they think that it just happens. I can promise you, he has put in an unbelievable amount of work throughout his life and because he has done so many repetitions it is easier for him now to get to a high level and he knows his body well,” the American said.

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