Ivan Ljubicic reveals how Fernando Gonzalez ‘destroying’ Rafael Nadal helped Roger Federer beat the Spaniard at 2017 Australian Open
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Roger Federer (R) and Rafael Nadal (L) at the 2017 Australian Open men's singles prize ceremony
Roger Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic has revealed how analysis of the 2007 Australian Open match where rival Rafael Nadal was ‘destroyed’ by Fernando Gonzalez in three sets helped the Swiss prepare for his own 2017 encounter in Melbourne against the Spaniard. Federer beat Nadal in five sets in the final of the 2017 Aussie Open.
“Before the final against Nadal, I showed him a game of Fernando Gonzalez against Rafa, I can’t remember the year, but it was at the Australian Open. There, Fernando destroyed Rafa and I took some ideas from that match and others. One of the things we talked about was that he had to be mentally prepared for five sets. Even in the fifth set, when he was trailing by a break, I felt…I’m not going to say confident but I felt he could win,” Ljubicic told Spanish media outlet Punto De Break.
“I thought against Rafa he should play more flat, be more attacking with his backhand and he shouldn’t slice. Just add a few tricks to get a great weapon. No trainer in the world can assure you that after a long period of hard work results will come,” the Croatian player-turned-coach added.
Also Read: What is the name of Rafael Nadal’s baby?
Rafael Nadal sobs like a baby after Roger Federer’s emotional farewell at the Laver Cup
Federer recently played his last professional tennis match alongside his biggest rival and friend, Nadal at the Laver Cup. Pairing only for the second time in their careers, Federer and Nadal went down fighting against the American duo of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock in three sets 4-6,7-6,11-9.
Despite the result, it was one of the most emotional nights in tennis history. Federer, who is probably the Greatest of all time, and is definitely the most loved tennis player of all time, was very emotional after the match finished. He couldn’t hold back his tears as he shook hands with everyone on the team but interestingly, his were not the only eyes that were moist.
As the camera turned to Nadal, he was seen sobbing like a baby and was continuously wiping down his tears. His tears just couldn’t stop. He cried during Federer’s entire speech and it won’t be an understatement that he was the second most emotional person in the O2 Arena after Federer himself.
The bond that Nadal shares with Federer is very special. Nadal was the player that challenged Federer’s dominance and if it was not for Federer, he wouldn’t have become the player he is now. Federer himself considers Nadal to be his greatest rival and friend on tour and one thing is for sure; the feeling is mutual.
Also Read: Roger Federer breaks down during farewell interview while thanking wife Mirka
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Ashish Maggo
(191 Articles Published)