Paul Annacone reveals the peculiar habit of Roger Federer that earned him the nickname ‘Why Man’
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Roger Federer and Paul Annacone
Roger Federer bid goodbye to tennis this year in September but tributes for the Swiss maestro continue to come in. While many shared their favorite memories of the 20-time major winner when he retired after the Laver Cup, stories about him are still being recalled by many former colleagues of his.
One such story was recently shared by Paul Annacone. Annacone was part of Federer’s coaching setup from 2010 to 2013. Annacone was brought in mid-season by Federer during the 2010 season on a trial basis which was then made permanent lasting three years before the two parted ways.
Annacone is a recurring face on Tennis Channel. During their recent show honoring Federer and Serena Williams upon their retirement this season, the American brought out the story of how Federer worked hard during the practice courts to win matches ‘effortlessly’ during the season.
“It’s almost unfortunate because people thought that it came so easily, he didn’t ever have to do anything. I can tell you firsthand that the training sessions in Dubai pre-season after the US Open with Pierre Paganini and Severin Luthi, it was very strategic. He spent a ton of time in the gym. He spent a ton of time on the practice court.
“One of the most interesting things I did with Roger the first time I met him was we talked about doing something. I asked him to do something and he said, “Why?” I said what do you mean ‘Why’ and he goes, “When I was a kid everyone used to call me the ‘Why Man’. I am happy to do it but you have to tell me ‘Why’ and how does it fit in my game,” narrated Annacone.
“That mantra lasted from the day he started to the day he stopped as a professional tennis player,” concluded Annacone giving an insight into the mentality of Federer had while preparing for the season.
Roger Federer won the 2012 Wimbledon under Paul Annacone
Federer brought on Annacone in mid-July following his back-to-back quarter-final exits from the French Open and Wimbledon that year. The defeats meant Federer lost his World No. 1 rank and fell to the third spot on the rankings leaving the Top-2 for the first time in over 6 years and 8 months.
The 2011 season saw Federer failing to win a single Grand Slam title. Novak Djokovic rose to the scene emphatically that year winning all the Grand Slams except the French Open where he was defeated by Federer in the semis ending his 43-match winning streak since the start of the season. Federer however won the Swiss Indoors, Paris Masters, and the 2011 ATP Finals to end the season on a high.
In the 2012 season, Federer was back to his best as he regained the World No. 1 rank. He won the Wimbledon that year, his 7th at the Championships equalling Annacone’s former pupil Pete Sampras‘ record. He also clinched the Olympics Silver medal in men’s singles and finished runner-up at the ATP Finals as well.
The 2013 season was the hardest for the 20-time Grand Slam winner as consistent injury troubles saw him drop to World No. 6. With only one title to his name from 3 finals that year, Federer and Annacone parted ways in October 2013 bringing an end to a good partnership. Federer then brought Stefan Edberg to his coaching team with the partnership lasting 2 years till 2015.
Also Read: Kim Clijsters reflects upon her past relationship with Lleyton Hewitt and how it impacted her
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