One of Roger Federer’s greatest strengths is his capacity to deal with wins and defeats in the same manner. That is according to his former coach Paul Annacone.
With over 1,500 matches under his belt, Federer has had his fair share of victories to celebrate with 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 career wins.
But there have also been several tough losses for the Swiss star, with the most notable recent example being last year’s Wimbledon final.
On that occasion, Federer was just two points away from winning a 21st Grand Slam title but he failed to take the opportunity and Novak Djokovic fought back to get level and eventually win the final.
Federer cut a forlorn figure as he sat down in his chair after the match but an hour later in his press conference, he was already in a philosophical mood.
“I just feel like it’s such an incredible opportunity missed, I can’t believe it,” he said. “It is what it is, you know.”
Severin Luthi has been on Federer’s team since 2007 and worked alongside Annacone from the end of 2010 to the end of 2013.
Speaking in an interview on Tennis Channel, the pair reflected on Federer’s mentality and praised the way he hands his emotions.
“He is so good at being able to lose and also to win,” Annacone explained.
“And he said: ‘I’ve won a lot of titles, I’ve lost a lot of matches, I’ve won some but it balances out’.
“I think back to the match with Novak last year at Wimbledon. That’s so painful.”
Luthi then added: “Sometimes you win matches you shouldn’t, sometimes you lose matches you shouldn’t.
“Don’t get too negative on yourself and then maybe you get a second chance.”
