Nicolas Massu on Roger Federer: "He makes everything look so easy"
Nicolas Massu , Touring Coach from Dominic Thiem, spoke about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in an interview with ESPN Exo - and expressed his admiration.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 16, 2020, 07:28 am
Nicolas Massu obviously knows how to adjust his protégé Dominic Thiem to Roger Federer's game. All three duels between Federer and Thiem, in which Massu was in the box of the Austrian, could also decide for himself. "Fortunately Dominic was able to play well against him last year, there were three super hard, hard-won victories, there were very tight games that Federer could have won easily," said Massu in an interview with ESPN Exo .
According to Massu, it is particularly important in these duels to cope with the pressure, because: "Playing against the" Big Three "is impressive, what they have achieved is something unique. I am glad, for example, that I played against Federer," emphasizes the Chilean. The Swiss is someone you should take an example from, that he is still on the tour today, is simply "impressive".
When asked about the game of the 20-time Grand Slam champion, Massu is enthusiastic: "It is impressive how complete he is, which makes it so difficult to defeat him." Federer has an enormous number of variations and can surprise his opponents at any time. "He can play on all surfaces and makes everything look simple - especially in difficult moments. And now at the age of 38," quotes the Spanish tennis medium PuntoDeBreak Thiems Coach.
Nadal "best mentality I've ever seen"
Even for Federer's long-standing competitor, Rafael Nadal, Massu has only positive words left. "I saw him when he started 15, 16 on the tour. He has the best mentality I've ever seen," said Massu. He has this positive attitude and a way of working that should be an example for young players. "If you are someone who is committed to sport and wants to become a champion, you have to be guided by Rafa Nadal," stated the 2004 Olympic champion.
With all the praise for the 39-time Grand Slam Champions, Massu has at least as Thiem's coach a very passable record. In addition to the clean sheet against Roger Federer, the comparison between Thiem and Nadal since the takeover of Massus is also positive. Lichtenwörther won two of the three duels with the Spaniard, most recently winning one of the greatest victories of his career at the Australian Open.