Without Federer, Nadal Would have Retired

Rafael Nadal’s former coach Francisco Roig recently spoke about his ward and Roger Federer. Rafa and Roig had been working together since 2005. He said: ‘The first thing I have to say is that I feel privileged to work with Rafa.

He is a phenomenon, one of the best sportsmen ever. What hits me the most is his easiness to overcome difficulties. I remember when in 2005 they told him that he could not play tennis anymore due to a foot issue. He made an effort and he has been in the elite for 15 years.’

Roig then recalled a conversation they had during the 2007 Queen’s tournament: ‘I perfectly remember that in the locker room I had asked him how many Grand Slams he would win.

He, humble as always, told me between six, seven or maximum eight. I told him that he was better than players who had between seven and nine and so I believed that he would win between eight and 12. I also asked him until what age he would play.

Rafa replied until 27. They were saying that he could not play for a long time, he was aware of it and he learned to evolve himself.’

Roig finally spoke about Swiss player Roger Federer: ‘On a daily basis, you don’t speak about the no.1 or being the best ever but Rafa is motivated by it. Here there is a very clear thing. If Federer hadn’t continued playing, Rafa wouldn’t have done it either. What Federer did, skipping the clay-court season, we don’t speak about it but I think he does it in order to avoid knee injuries.

Speaking about Federer’s chances at Wimbledon 2018, Roig said, “We will see if this year it will happen the same thing because it’s difficult not competing for much time. It may surprise but Rafa is a great grass-court player.’

When he is healthy, his game suits this surface and he uses the slice very well. I think he can have an amazing tournament.’