Us Open - Roger Federer Stands As One Of The Favorites To Win This Year

Rumor has it, that most of Roger Federer’s recent on-the-court success comes from the relationship he has established with his new coach, Paul Annacone. His great performance at Flushing Meadows during the third round of the US Open is (or at least might be) the tip of the iceberg, as Federer could be en-route to winning his 17th grand slam.

Without much of an effort, at least he seemed fairly cool for most of the game, Federer was able to win his third-round match against Paul-Henri Mathieu, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. Mathieu had upset Lleyton Hewitt on the in the first round, and was hoping to pull-off another gigantic upset against Roger Federer. The Swiss proved to have a much more efficient game and kept his personal 5-0 record against Mathieu.

Annacone is a well-respected and very knowledgeable coach in the professional circuit. And it seems that he has exactly what it takes to bring back to top shape players that either because of age, or because they have simply been so dominant throughout the years, that as their professional career seems to unfold, they lose track. If Annacone can do for Roger Federer what he did for Pete Sampras, then we might see the Federer Express take this game to some unprecedented levels.

From 1995 to 2001, Annacone was the mastermind behind the great revival that Pete Sampras was experiencing in his career. Sampras was 24 when he hired Annacone to be his full-time personal coach. Even though Annacone was never able to guide Sampras to win the French Open, he was Sampras’ coach when for once he made was the Roland Garros semifinalist back in 1996.

After a one month-trial, Federer decided to stick around and extend his contract with Annacone. Not only did Federer came back and won his first tournament since he hit the 16 grand slam mark at this year’s Australian Open, but he is certainly diversifying his game. Federer is listening carefully to the feedback he is getting from Annacone, and given his talent and his almost unnatural ability for the game, the results are starting to come back.

Taking it back

In his third round game against Mathieu, Roger Federer completed 13 aces and had no double-faults. There is much more diversity in his game now. He is more competitive, if you will. Don’t get me wrong here, he has always been an extremely competitive guy. He has been as calm, as professional and precise as you can expect from a professional tennis player. The difference is in his attention to detail.

In his early departures from both the French Open and Wimbledon, Federer had been giving out easy points. It seemed as if he had taken some of his competitors for granted, and had to struggle greatly to overcome some of the advantages he had given his opponents. The Federer that we have seen in Cincinnati and in the first three rounds of the US Open is more combative. He is not giving out easy points, and he is really trying to pursuit his goal.
Federer has won 5 times here. When the ATP tour makes its stop in New York’s fastest courts, it has been Federer who has been the dominant force.

Argentine Del Potro gave him a sour surprise last year, when he snapped his 5 consecutive US Open streak. This time, Federer is only trying to recover what seems already his.

By: Stephen_Lars

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Stephen Lars is a prominent sports blogger and currently covers the ATP Tennis news, previews and handicaps for the BetIAS' Sports Betting Blog . You may reprint this article in its full content, please note no modifications to it are accepted.