Secrets of Roger Federer

In his first Slam ever in 1999, Roger Federer lost in 4 sets to Patrick Rafter.

Sure he lost in the French semi-final to Nadal this year. But how amazing was it Roger Federer was even in that semi-final? At age 37. After not playing the French for three years.

Federer first played the French in 1999, getting in on a wildcard at the age of 17. It was his first Grand Slam. He lost in the first round to Pat Rafter then ranked 3 in the world. . But he actually won the first set 7-5 before losing 6-3, 6-0, 6-2.

He wore a baseball cap turned backwards and showed flashes of temper. Aside from his obvious talent in some ways he was unrecognizable from the serene, groomed, gracious champion he became over the next 20 years.

Now here is something that is amazing about that 20 year duration. Of the 128 players in the singles draw that year in 1999, Federer is the only one still playing singles on the tour. Agassi finished that year number 1, Sampras was 3, Gustavo Kuerten was 5. Marcelo Rios was 9. Richard Krajicek was 10. Tommy Haas was 11. And Tim Henman was 12.

That now seems like an ancient era, and yes, Federer was a teenager then, but if you contemplate it, it's almost unbelievable he has been on tour for 20 years at or near the top of the game.

20 years ago one of those 128 players at the French was Christian Ruud. This year Christian's 20 year old son Casper was in the field.

Federer's 20 years at the French from Christian to Casper Rudd.

According to a fascinating interview he did recently with Christopher Clarey of the New York Times, he is already talking with his team about playing the clay court season next year. According to the interview he has no thought of retiring. "The more I think about retirement, the more I am already retired."

So how is that all even possible? Yeah Nadal defended him off the court that semi, but Roger's game and his movement don't seem discernibly different from the last several years—except his backhand is better than ever.

Already in 1999 Federer was working on his temper with Dr. Chris Marcoli.

As Clarey points out, in that first French his power and variety and fluidity were already there as well as his unique gaze control with his head staying sideways on the contact point.

One thing was different. Roger was occasionally volcanic, berating himself and throwing his racket in the third set after a Rafter passing shot.

Interestingly Federer told Clarey that he was actually more restrained than usual in the Rafter match. "This was controlled me in 1999."

"I knew it was live TV, 12,000 people in the stands. So it was 'Keep it together Roger. Keep it together.' I was on my best behavior in that match."

At the time Federer was working with a Swiss based psychologist named Dr. Chris Marcolli. He had started feeling uncomfortable when he would watch his own highlights on TV.

"You throw the racket in the corner and you are so frustrated and disappointed, and it's just a bad look. It looks stupid and silly. And I said 'Let's get your act together a little bit.' It took me a long time but it was interesting."

Federer said he also felt his temper was draining his energy, but that he still likes to see the younger players going through the same process, losing control from time to time.

Two extended training blocks a year with Pierre Paganini. One key to Federer's longevity.

"Instead of telling them 'Buddy clean it up!' I am happy the guy shows it. I don't want to see robots all around."

"I don't want to see the 18-year-old guy like super, super composed already. When you have a guy who is finally a little lively let him be and eventually he will channel it anyway."

So what did Roger have to say about the reasons for his continued excellence from 1999 to 2019?

For one thing his long term plan with his fitness coach Pierre Paganini, committing to two extended training blocks every year to "protect longevity." Paganini is on record saying: "It's wrong to say that Roger Federer trains less than Nadal and Djokovic."

And for a second reason, according to Roger, "not chasing all the appearance fees and not going to all the smaller events. Already back in 2004 when I became world No. 1, that was my mind set," Federer said. "I made the decision early and I think that's why I am still here today. I never fell out of love with the sport."

The secret to the mental game. Don't stay clenched up like a fist.

He also thinks his technique was a factor. "Maybe where my talent has helped me a little bit is to shape and get the technique I have today that puts maybe less wear and tear on me."

"But I think I have earned it with my schedule and my build up and maybe my mental side of the game as well."

To me what Federer said next about his mental game was the most fascinating part of the interview. Here is how he described it to Clarey:

"As much as I take things very serious, I am very laid back, so I can let go very quickly. I truly believe that this is a secret for a lot of the players and for the young guys to be able to say when you leave the site, 'OK I am going to leave it behind. I still know I'm a professional tennis player, but I am relaxing. I am doing it my way, whatever helps me decompress.'"

Then Federer stopped for a moment and clenched his left fist tightly across the table. "Because if you are constantly like this," he said, showing Clarey the fist, "that's when you burn out."

Secrets of Roger Federer

John Yandell