Tennis coach Nick Bollettieri spoke at the Rio Open. He was interviewed on the Big Three like Gustavo Kuerten. However, he spoke on much different topics compared to the Brazilian, especially when the American tennis coach was asked about Rafael Nadal.
Bollettieri on Djokovic and Becker’s Impact
Since Boris Becker took the reigns as Djokovic’s head coach in 2014, he has seen the Serb win five Grand Slam titles, including two Australian Opens and two Wimbledons. He also has coached him to 10 of his 26 Masters 1000 titles. The American knows that Djokovic has the Career Grand Slam on his mind this year after missing out on the French Open title.
“Djokovic has Roland Garros in his mind'. He analyzed his game too: I've been coaching for 60 years and he is the most perfect player that I have never seen, it's difficult to find a weakness. I would say that Djokovic is the best of the history in terms of game. If he succeeds to win three, four, five Grand Slam, there will be Sampras or Federer, he will be there.”
He then went on to continue about Becker’s impact on the world number one, “What has Becker brought? Go on the court and don't give to the opponent any idea on how to beat him. To be the best in the World you have to be the best in every match, every day. Coaches have an important impact, you need to have familiarity with the athlete, with his wife, mom. Coach is more than a coach.”
Bollettieri on Nadal and the Possibility of a New Coach
Like many people, including VAVEL USA’s own Pete Borkowski, they have all voiced their opinion for Nadal to get a new coach in light of his recent struggles. However, the New Yorker offered another suggestion. He said, “The big question is if Nadal can comeback this year. I don't feel that he has to hire a new coach; maybe someone with Toni, Edberg made a big difference with Federer. Agassi could help Nadal. He has much respect, Toni would have a different opinion. Agassi is acceptable. Stop working with Toni would not be good, but Agassi's help would be definitely good. First of all Agassi should hear Nadal.”
He then went on to speak about the Spaniard’s recent struggles, “Nowadays players want to face him before it wasn't like this. When you lose you have fear. No one knows what he has in his mind, sometimes he has not done well, but now he is improving, improving, but clay will not allow him to be at the top again, he has to win on hard and grass.”
Bollettieri on Federer’s Chances Against Djokovic
Federer has fallen to the hands of Djokovic at the last three Grand Slams, including two finals. It seems like the Swiss can not get the better of the Serb, in best of five matches. Here’s what Bollettieri had to say on Federer’s chances against Djokovic, “If I were Djokovic and played against Federer I would have let him win one (he laughs). Federer is so important for the sport, he respects the opponent, the family, helps his foundation. Federer is Federer, something you cannot teach.”