Help
4/17/08 6:52 AM | Ricky Dimon
Roger Federer, as everyone knows by now, has employed the help of coach Jose Higueras for the clay-court season and possibly beyond. Former world No. 1 Jim Courier, once coached by Higueras, approves of Federer’s decision.
Jim Courier, who won French Open titles in 1991 and 1992 to go along with two Australian Open trophies, likes Roger Federer’s choice of temporary coach Jose Higueras, with whom Courier worked in the early 1990s.
“There are a handful of great coaching minds out there and Jose is one of them so I was not surprised to see Roger hire Jose,” Courier explained. “I am sure Roger is looking for a spark and a new voice often can do that.”
Higueras’ voice certainly gave Courier that added spark, aiding the American’s 1992 run to the top of the ATP rankings, where Courier found himself for 58 weeks. Higueras also worked with American Michael Chang player profile" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #000;">Michael Chang, winner of the 1989 French Open.
The red clay of Roland Garros, of course, is the only thing standing in between Federer and the career Grand Slam. Rafael Nadal is also a big factor, as the Spaniard has denied Federer at the French Open each of the last three years (semifinals in 2005, final in 2006 and 2007). Federer is just 1-6 lifetime on clay against the three-time Roland Garros champion.
Higueras’ mastery of clay-court tactics might not necessarily pay off in the form of an immediate French Open title, but it should at least maximize Federer’s chances of overcoming Nadal in Paris and winning more matches on the red stuff in general. Courier, for one, is certainly of that opinion.
“Jose understands the mind of a champion, knows how to deliver information tactfully and knows how to prepare a player as well as anyone you'll find,” he said. “It's anyone's guess as to whether they will connect as player and coach but it seems like a logical choice by Roger.”
Tell a friend »
Scan QR code to access Unibet mobile.
Bet on Sports wherever you are and whenever you like, with Unibet's quick and simple mobile client you can place bets, check results and see live odds.
For more info about QR codes & scanners click here.
Contact us
/ About us
/ Cookies
/ Recommended links
/ Advertise
/ Sitemap
Tennistalk v1.5.0
Disclaimer © 2001-2012, Moneytainment Media Ltd - All rights reserved
