Federer talks about losing Roche to Hewitt
Roger Federer admits it was a “tough blow” splitting with Tony Roche and says the Australian coaching guru is an obvious asset for Lleyton Hewitt.
The career rivals commence their Australian Open campaigns at Melbourne Park on Tuesday and Federer says Hewitt can only benefit from having Roche in his box.
“Lleyton’s a pretty good player already. He’s been No.1 in the world, he’s won his fair share of grand slams, the most important ones basically,” Federer said ahead of his first-round clash with Argentine Diego Hartfield.
“He obviously hopes to win this one. It’s the big goal for him every year. You know, there’s big talk around Lleyton every time.
“I’m sure Tony can teach him some stuff. I think you never know enough, so it’s good to have a guy like Tony on his side, for sure.”
The now-coachless Federer split with Roche before last year’s French Open after a two-and-a-half-year partnership which yielded six grand slam trophies for the Swiss superstar.
While it was Federer’s call to end their union, he said it was no easy decision.
“Of course it’s a pity that we’re not together anymore,” the world No.1 said.
“It was a tough blow in some ways, the way it didn’t work out. But sometimes that’s the way it goes.
“It’s been a bit of a change obviously. It was hard - just before the French Open - and I’ve had to definitely adjust my practice sessions accordingly, you know, getting really well organised with practice partners, sparring partners.” SMH