Roger Federer’s former coach thinks Swiss maestro’s genius would have kept him in the top 5 of the rankings had he remained fit.
The Croat, who coached Federer from 2016 to the end of his career in 2022, said that his ability (to win) would not go down with the age going up. The unassailable 20-time Grand Slam Champion called it a day after partnering Rafael Nadal in his final match of the 24-year career in doubles rubber at Laver Cup. He played his final singles match at the 2021 Wimbledon Championships where he was eliminated by Polish sensation Hubert Hurkacz in the quarters.
Federer 20’s slam trophies are the third most of all-time in men’s tennis after Nadal and Djokovic with 22 and 23 respectively. The former world No. 3 claimed that the record 8-time Wimbledon Champion would not have called time on his illustrious 24-year career, if it was not for his bad knees that caught up in the later stages of his career.
Former French Open semi-finalist talked about the already lengthened career of the Federer who will turn 42 next month and why it became difficult for him to hang around a bit more.
“Well, I think that (injury) was the only way for him to stop, honestly. I don’t think there was any other way. His ability would not go down,” said the Croatian in an interview with Tennis Majors.
“His fitness would maybe, with time, he would be slightly slower, slightly this, slightly that, but his genius would still keep him in the top, whatever, five. I honestly think that the only way for him to stop was the body was not able to carry on.
“Looking back, because he loves it so much, there was no way for him to make a decision to stop playing because, I don’t know… I don’t want to play anymore. That would never happen.”
Ljubicic, also talked about the Swiss’ love for tennis and enjoying everything that is linked with the sport.
“His genius is also finding joy in everything he does, even in doing press conferences, even meeting up with people, spending time with sponsors, he always enjoyed it. It does not necessarily come automatically, but he finds the way to enjoy it,” added Ljubicic.
“And I think that’s the key why you can keep on for so long and actually have fun. And tennis, it’s something different. I mean, whenever he sees the racket, any kind of racket, he would pick it up and start swinging. You know, it’s just love for hitting that ball is just too big.”