Roger Federer hails Rafael Nadal after Laver Cup coaching advice – 'It is very enjoyable’

Roger Federer has praised Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard’s advice helped inspire a dramatic fightback against Nick Kyrgios at the Laver Cup.

Federer dropped the first set in the tiebreak but fought back to win the second set 7-5 and force a match tiebreak.

And in front of his home crowd, Federer kept his nerve and composure to overcome Kyrgios 6-7(5) 7-5 10-7.

At 5-4 in the second set with Federer preparing to serve to stay in the match, Nadal approached him and said: “After five shots [in the rally], you are winning more [points] than him.

“Like 8-5 for you – I checked the numbers so the percentages are much better for you.

“I know it’s difficult because he reads the ball so well. Wait for the right one and then attack because he’s not missing.”

And clearly the advice worked as Federer won three games in a row to take the match into a match tiebreak.

In his post-match press conference, Federer was asked if the advice helped.

And he said: “Absolutely, look at the result. We did it.

“I really enjoy his clarity in his advice. It reminded me of the match in Prague against Nick.

“It was a struggle from the baseline trying to find the right balance of how aggressive to play.

“What I really enjoy with Rafa, our ideas often align. When it comes to rally points, he is excellent.

“He knows how much is enough and how much is too much. And he’s a great problem, solution finder.

“I found it quite impressive in the doubles when I played with him, how he is constantly looking for a new way to win or stay on a certain track if he feels that it’s winning.

“So that is the true reason why he is the champion he is today. Because he is not scared of changing a winning tactic and he is also a big believer in resting and I do similar things.

“So it is very enjoyable to hear him speak especially during the game.”

Federer will look to show his own coaching talents when Nadal plays his first match of the Laver Cup this evening.

source: express.co.uk