After seeing him defeated 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 by Britain’s Andy Murray, I am convinced that the Federer Express needs some re-evaluation from another perspective – a dedicated coach.

The coach is most of the time the player’s right-hand man. He helps the player strategise, calms him down, and helps him to rediscover his game when all strokes fail. When things go well, both player and coach find out what went right during the match and what to avoid moving forward. Equally important is the coach’s ability to counsel.

But being coachless, Federer needs to do all of these things all by himself. Sure it worked for him big-time, but the demands of staying on top is getting harder and harder. How could hiring a coach hurt his stature? Even our well-trusted Ferrari needs a good mechanic.

'Is he at that point where he knows all there is to know when it comes to tennis?'


In Australia, Federer commented: “I usually concentrate on my own game. I used to concentrate much more when I was younger. Right now, it's all automatic. I don't actually have to necessarily change my game a whole lot."

Which leads me to question, is it out of pure pride that Federer prefers to play solo? Is he at that point where he knows all there is to know when it comes to tennis?

This is not what his matches suggest lately. Maybe it's time to eat humble pie and admit that we all need some help sometimes.