Australian Open 2011 | On the eve of the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne, Roger Federer has credited Paul Annacone, his coach, for his recent resurgence in form. He is on a 19-match winning streak.
"It's about combining the head, heart and talent components of a player, and understanding how they interact, the best way to match up against other players.
"And, ultimately, the best way for them to keep having fun doing it, and the best way to try to get better."
Paul Annacone outlined his approach to coaching the current world number two. The 47-year-old American was hired by Federer at the end of August last year, has previously coached Pete Sampras and Tim Henman.
"If he can stay healthy and happy and eager, I don't know what the end number would be. But is 20 (Grand Slam tally) realistic, sure, why not?" said Annacone.
Federer has had several temporary associations with coaches in recent years, including Darren Cahill, Jose Higueras and Tony Roche, but has also gone without a coach for extended periods.
Rafael Nadal is the favourite to win the Australian Open which starts on Monday. If Nadal does do it, he will hold all four Grand Slam titles concurrently for a Non-Calendar Grand Slam. Federer acknowledged that Nadal has been dominating the Slams and that makes Nadal a favourite. He also believes that Nadal can become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time (Calendar Grand Slam).
However, Federer, who starts the defence of his title against Slovakia's Lukas Lacko on Monday is targeting his own 17th Grand Slam. Ever since Annacone came onboard his team, he has won the last 4 of the 5 tournaments he has entered since the US Open. His only loss was in the final of the ATP World Tour Masters in Shanghai to Andy Murray, the tournament he had played right after the US Open. Since then he has also beaten Nadal to win the year end ATP World Tour Finals in London.
As all eyes in the men's singles will be on Rafael Nadal to see whether he can win a fourth consecutive major, Roger Federer is ready to add to the 16 Grand Slam record he currently holds. Either way, the player who wins at the end of the two weeks will have a chance to go on to make a Grand Slam in 2011.
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