Pierre Paganini, the longtime fitness trainer of 17-time Grand Slam champion, spoke to Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger about the work they are doing in training before his eagerly-awaited come-back at the Hopman Cup next January. Federer has not played since the Wimbledon semifinal he lost against Milos Raonic last July.
The Swiss trainer admitted that he was not used to such a long break from playing on the tour.
“It is a little bit strange not seeing him on court and on ATP Tour. Now we are going through an interesting process characterized by an intense work. So far everything has gone as planned. We are satisfied but careful too. We don’t need to forget he has been playing for many years, and there are sgns of tiredness. In early December we will do the last block in Dubai. So far there are many positive aspects but it’s like a football match. We had been playing for 70 minutes but the match is not finished yet. Sometimes the last minutes are very important. The last five weeks of the year are the most important ones of this journey started on 27th August four weeks after the decision of shutting down the season”, said Paganini.
Paganini said that the key for Federer’s come-back is his great passion for tennis.
“He is simply unique. He doesn’t have to show anything to anybody but works every day as if he owes something to someone. I can guarantee you one thing. His passion for practice and tennis is big. How can’t a person who smiles every day before practicing have passion ? If he wasn’t willing, he wouldn’t play. He feels like he is 25”, continued Paganini.
