Severin Lüthi - "Roger Federer is not stressed out"
Severin Lüthi, Roger Federers' long-time companion and Swiss Davis Cup captain, spoke in an interview with the Reuters agency about his protégé's plans.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Sep 18, 2019, 09:10 am
When Roger Federer switched from a U.S. equipment brand to a Japanese one last year, it was clear to many observers that the Swiss had a fixed place on his list for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Federer himself took these questions out of the discussion at the US Open, declaring that he first had to talk to his team about the tournament planning next summer.
Severin Lüthi is an important part of this team. The long-time Swiss Davis Cup captain accompanies Federer to all tournaments on the ATP tour, unlike Ivan Ljubicic, who occasionally devotes himself to other things. Last weekend Lüthi was a guest with the Swiss team in Slovakia, the defeat there means that the Swiss cannot qualify for the Davis Cup final tournament 2020 on their own (the possibility of a wildcard still exists - for the premieres UK event and November event benefited from free access).
Great respect for Rafael Nadal
With regard to the Olympics, Severin Lüthi is in the same horn as his protege. "It is possible, but not a goal of Roger," Lüthi told Reuters. "He'll keep that open. I don't know how it works with wildcards. They used to give them to the smaller nations, but I think when Roger says he wants to play ... "
However, the Grand Slam tournaments have priority for the 38-year-old Basel bidder, with the success in New York Rafael Nadal has come close to winning 20 of Federer. Which, according to Severin Lüthi, no longer challenges the maestro. "I don't think Roger gets stressed out by it. He focuses on himself. He has a lot of respect for Rafa and knows what it takes to win so many titles. ”
"He won't be completely devastated when Rafa hits 20," Severin Lüthi continued. "It's good for the fans. Especially for those who thought it was all over when Roger had 16 or 17 and Rafa 14. ”