Ex-coach drops hint on Roger Federer’s future

Roger Federer still has the capability to mix it with the best for another couple of years, according to former coach Paul Annacone. “Roger is still one of the best in the world,” Annacone exclusively told Express Sport. “After not playing great in 2018 there is no reason that should change in 2019. He still is one of the favourites at Wimbledon and we’ve seen what he can do in Australia. So I don’t see why the next couple years should be any different if he stays healthy.” Alexander Zverev, Borna Coric and Stefanos Tsitsipas all pulled off upsets during 2018 and they are expected to build on those performances in the New Year. “I think Zverev closest to greatness,” Annacone added. “He has been very consistent, his one-speed bump has been the Majors but based on what I’ve seen no reason why 2019 can’t be Zverev’s breakthrough year. Beating Roger and Novak to win the ATP finals should be a huge confidence booster for him. [Borna] Coric and [Stefanos] Tsitsipas are next of the young guns — don’t forget about [Dominic] Thiem, on the clay especially. He is the heir apparent to Rafa but I’m not sure on the other surfaces he will have the same consistency. “Tsitsipas has a very new landscape - expectation and pressure have changed internally and externally. The Sophomore year is always a challenge at this level. He has the skills, just needs some fine tuning I also worry about how much he plays - now it’s time to streamline his schedule a bit. Coric is so solid mentally he is right there and ready for another jump - he’s raised his level of offensive play and his dome a great job improving the serve-and-serve game strategy.”

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