Roger Federer’s Man in the Box
There are probably a lot of men out there who have man crushes on Roger Federer.
That’s not what I’m here to talk about.
The end of 2003 saw Roger part ways with his coach, Peter Lundgren, but he [Roger] didn’t want to hit up the 2004 Aussie Open alone. So Federer gave his long-time friend Reto Staubli a jingle and asked if he would come down.
Sure. Not a problem. Federer seemingly likes the Johnny Cash persona - a man who walks alone. He’s got his girlfriend, his parents…and apparently Staubli.
Staubli had met a teeny-bopper Roger back in the mid-90s at a tennis club. Staubli was one of the best players in Switzerland at the time and, knowing what we know now, he was at the beginning of having a big impact on one of the best players of his era.
Staubli ended up traveling to 10 events that year after the Australian Open and watched Federer win three slams. Staubli wasn’t paid but, seriously, who needs to be? It’s something to watch poetry at the end of a racket.
After a stint with Tony Roche, Federer is again coachless and seems to like it that way. Staubli still travels a bit to the biggest events and has been an ear for Federer to bounce ideas off of for the last few years.
Staubli thinks Federer will have a great second career after his playing days are over.
“He knows all about the players, why certain grips and techniques might be wrong, all the strategies,” said Staubli. “He could be an unbelievable coach.”
I can see that, you know. Federer - no matter how you feel about the man - is a master of the game. To have him in your corner…dang. My only question is this, though. Just how good of a player would you have to be and how much potential would have you to have in order for someone like Federer to put his expertise and experience behind you?
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m thinking Federer isn’t going to throw his money behind a losing horse.
Tags: Roger Federer Reto Staubli, tennisRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Roger Federer
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