After winning the ATP World Tour Final over Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer thanked American coach Paul Annacone, who used to work with Pete Sampras, as well as his Swiss coach, Severin Luthi.
Since he hooked up with Annacone, Federer has reached six finals and compiled a 35-4 record.
"I had to regain some confidence. That only comes through winning matches,” he said. “After having somewhat of a disappointing clay season, Halle, Wimbledon stretch, where I wasn't able to win any tournaments and didn't play my best tennis, played a bit passive, it was important that I was able to pick up my game. I started moving better, started feeling well physically and mentally. I'm sure Paul has helped in this regard. So has Severin. That's why I'm very happy with my team at this stage of the season."
Federer, 29, also said he has no plans of retiring and hopes to play for “many more years.” The Swiss added that he’ll bring confidence into the Australian Open and likes the pressure of being the defending champion. He stated that it’s conceivable that he and Nadal could dominate 2011.
“Obviously with Rafa having won three Grand Slams in a row, seems like not many people stopping him,” he said. “And now that I've found back to my best form as well, when I'm on, that's a hard thing to do, as well. Look, Murray, Djokovic had another great year, maybe lacking some of the bigger titles. Murray won two against me in the finals, too. That is a positive sign next year for him. Then you have other guys like Berdych and Soderling that had another excellent season and were able to beat me a few times. I think tennis, the men's game, is at an absolute high right now.”—Matthew Cronin