Trainer Confident About Roger Federer on Clay

Pierre Paganini, fitness trainer of Roger Federer describes how Roger Federer prepared for the clay season. He also gave an update on the current health of the Swiss Maestro.

Roger Federer is all set to play his first clay-court tournament after three years. The World no. 4 will compete at the Madrid Masters, next week. Roger Federer skipped the clay season in 2017 and 2018 mainly due to fitness problems. His last match on the red-dirt was at the 2016 Italian Masters against Dominic Thiem.

Pierre Paganini explained in an interview about how Federer trained for the clay season. He said, “Our work lasts until the 5th of May. So it’s too early to say that. It is only when the results are good. But we started well.”

Paganini compared Roger with a child going to school. He said, “He is like a child going on his first school trip, it‘s great to see this enthusiasm, it has a positive impact on the quality of the practice sessions.”

Roger Federer started his practice on clay after winning his 101st title at the Miami Masters. He started to adapt to changes and readjustments on clay with his coach Severin Luthi and Ivan Ljubicic and long-time fitness trainer Pierre Paganini.

Talking about Federer’s fitness and injury, Pierre said, “He was rarely injured in the course of his career and in principle no more often on a certain surface.”

“It is important when changing the surface to quickly adjust to something new in your head, so you have the right reflexes in the implementation. Luckily, that’s one of Roger’s most underrated qualities, ” added the trainer.

“His adaptability is fascinating. If I create a different session in training, he will find the optimal version within a few seconds.

Paganini also acknowledged Roger Federer strategic and tactical mind. He added, “I do not just want to be nice with him, but he’s also intelligent. Roger is much more strategic than you think. His playing style is very spontaneous, but he always thinks one step ahead.”

Roger Federer will try to make an impact on the clay season with his promising performance. He will certainly aim for the best results at the French Open. Only time will tell how well the 20-time grand slam winner will play on the clay court.