Spilling my own thunder

Goodbye Roche, Federer going solo

Roger Federer has bid goodbye to his coach Australian Tony Roche. The split came after Federer’s poor run of form in recent weeks. With no win in as much as four tournaments, this is by far the longest spell without a title in Fed’s career since becoming World No. 1 in February 2004. His last win was Dubai in February.

He lost to Italian wild card Filippo Volantri in the Rome Masters Series recently. He was the first athlete to arrive in Rome with over a week before the tournament. He was looking to step-up his clay court training for the French Open which begins on May 27. This is the only Grand Slam tournament Fed has yet to win.

Watching Fed last night play against Argentinian Juan Monaco in Hamburg Masters, he looked very subdued and was very obvious he was struggling with his game. He appeared emotionally low and very uncertain of his strokes. He had to save five break points in the final set to win 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. Unconvincingly.

Having watched (on TV) a lot of Federer’s games, the win against Monaco tells a lot about his recent form. If his slump continues, his dream of a Roland Garros title this year will be over even before the tournament starts.

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