Federer and Nadal Work on Strategy in Private: Hewitt

Australian veteran Lleyton Hewitt believes that the secret to working well is working on details in private. He was also willing to bet that players like Federer and Nadal adopt the same strategy. In a recent interview, the former world no. 1, who is competing this year in Wimbledon doubles, said: ‘A lot of my training I did behind closed doors.

On the fitness side, I certainly wasn’t out in front of everyone doing it all the time. I think Roger Federer and Rafa [Nadal] are pretty similar. You only see them doing the real basic stuff.

You don’t want people to know what you’re dealing with. Your close-knit group know exactly what you’re going through any niggles you have but no-one else. The top players all have that same mentality. Those are just the small things that make those guys the champions that they are.’

The Australian player also believes that one has a strong personality when spending time with your rivals. Hewitt also believes that it can help mentally as well: ‘How you present yourself to the other players in the locker room goes a long way to creating an aura.

You want to show the rest of the guys that you mean business and are ready. I prided myself on being one of the better competitors throughout my career and that probably got me over the line in a lot of big matches.’

Hewitt paired up with Alex Bolt at this year’s Wimbledon doubles. They faced off against the 13th seeded players Michael Venus and Raven Klaasen in the opening round match. Unfortunately, they lost in 4 sets to their compatriot and his South African partner. The final score read 5-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 in Venus and Klaasen’s favour. Thus ended Hewitt’s dream of a triumphant return to the sport