20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer has been described as a ‘child going on his first school trip’ by one of his long-time coaches as he makes his final preparations ahead of the Madrid Open next week.
Fitness trainer Pierre Paganini has given an update about the current health of the former world No.1, who is set to play in his first clay court tournament in almost three years. In recent times Federer has opted to skip the clay due to either injury or deciding to rest his body ahead of the grass-court swing of the tour. His last competitive match on the surface was at the 2016 Italian Masters against Dominic Thiem.
“Our work lasts until the 5th of May. So it’s too early to say that. It is only when the results are good. But we started well.” Paganini commented about Federer’s preparation for the clay.
“He is like a child going on his first school trip, it‘s great to see this enthusiasm, it has a positive impact on the quality of the practice sessions.“ He added.
Federer began training on the clay shortly after the Miami Masters. It is understood that he took a week off before starting a training program overseen by Paganini. Somebody that has worked with him for almost two decades.
Earlier this year the Swiss player played down his chances of success on the dirt. This year is the 10th anniversary of his first and only triumph at the French Open back in 2009. Overall, 11 out of his 101 ATP titles has been won on the clay.
Despite Federer’s remarks, Paganini believes he could still pose a threat over the coming weeks. With no points to defend in Madrid, a strong run could see Federer return back into the world’s top three. He is currently in fourth position and is only 180 points adrift from Alexander Zverev, who is playing in Munich this week.
“In Roger, the enthusiasm is always the same as the ambition and vice versa.” He said.
“I think Roger can get great results on any surface. He goes to every tournament as if it were the first and the last.”
One of the principal reasons for the former world No.1 skipping this time of the year in the past was due to the potential risk of injury. However, his trainer argues that it poses no greater threat than any other surface. It just depends on each player.
“Every surface has its pitfalls.” He said, “On clay, quadriceps and adductors are specifically required, the lower back area on grass and the foot, knee and hip joints on hard surface. That’s tennis. Each body has other vulnerabilities and strengths.
“Rafael Nadal feels better protected on clay, his knees hurt more hard. Certain injuries cannot be avoided, but I think that we can prevent a lot with individually tailored training.”
At the moment it is understood that Federer’s intention is to play tournaments in both Madrid and at the French Open. However, there is a chance that he could take a last-minute entry into the Italian Masters. Although that depends on how he fairs in Madrid.
Federer hasn’t won a clay-court title since the 2015 Istanbul Open.
