Roger Federer’s coach, Paul Annacone, tells the Sag Harbor Express that the Swiss is primarily focusing on the mental aspect of his game to continue competing at the top level.
"When you’re fortunate enough to be with someone like Roger, most of it is just game management: Understanding what he wants to do and how he’s going to do it," Annacone said. "Obviously, in today’s men’s game it’s very difficult to compete. And you see Novak Djokovic having such a great year and Rafa’s always Rafa, so that makes it difficult. But, Roger got to the semis in the Australian Open, got to the finals of the French Open, and quarterfinals of Wimbledon: he’s right there. I don’t see any reason why he’s not going to be really geared up and ready to play in New York. A lot of it is your mental disposition and also the strategic way you’re approaching the match on the day. Obviously, we go on the court and do a lot of drills and we do a lot of things to work on good habits and engrain good technique in their shots and understand how they’re hitting the shots. But a lot of it is shot selection and an emphasis on strategy."
Annacone, who was once head of USTA player development, added that its hard to tell who the next great American player will be, but said he does like Ryan Harrison’s potential. It appears that Harrison might need a wild card to into the U.S. Open, with his No. 118 ranking. His ranking dropped 17 places last Monday from a career-high No. 101. However, 10 other U.S men should receive direct entry, which is up form last year. Veterans James Blake, Robert Kendrick, Michael Russell as well as No. 105 Donald Young all look assured of spots.
"[Harrison has] done extremely well," Annacone said. "He’s in the Top100 in the world and he’s only 19 years old. He’s going to be a very good player."