Federer’s coach explains Djokovic and Nadal emotional ‘trigger’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Roger Federer’s coach has opened up on the touching night that his charge ended his 24-year career. The 41-year-old played his final match at the Laver Cup before waving goodbye to professional tennis, and Ivan Ljubicic has now admitted that it was Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal who “triggered” his emotions on the night.

Federer retired at last week’s Laver Cup as he returned for one final match alongside Nadal, with the pair losing to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the doubles. Afterwards, the night turned into a heartfelt celebration of the Swiss star’s career with Federer and his fellow players in tears.

The 103-time title winner’s coach has now shared his experience of the night and admitted it was seeing the tears of Federer’s rivals that “triggered” him as he watched the likes of Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray struggling to contain their emotions. Now adjusting to life with Federer no longer on the tour, Ljubicic told Eurosport: “It is going to take some time, but we obviously knew a little bit more in advance.

“We could prepare for it, but it is hard. It is hard. I knew Roger would struggle emotionally, of course, I think everyone expected that.” With Federer and his team already having the time to deal with his retirement in advance, Ljubicic said it was seeing those from outside of the team that made him emotional.

JUST IN: Norrie’s brutal schedule backfires as Brit forced into late withdrawal

“But for me personally, the trigger was to see others – Rafa, Novak and Andy – the whole thing was really emotional,” he added. “Then you see Team World and wherever you look, you look around and everyone is in tears. It is really difficult to go through that moment, but in the end, we decided that it is a celebration.”

The former-pro-turned-Federer’s coach also doubled-down on the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s comments that he would remain around tennis even if he was no longer an active player. The Croat continued: “It is not a funeral, nobody died, it is all good – so we have to move on and celebrate who Roger is, what he brought to our sport, and what he will keep bringing in the future because, as he said, he is not going anywhere.

“He is not going to be playing any competitive matches, but he is definitely going to be close to our sport. He loves it too much to not be connected to it.” Returning to Federer’s farewell at the Laver Cup – his first appearance in 14 months after ending his 2021 season following Wimbledon – Ljubicic explained why he believed the 41-year-old returned to the tournament for his last dance.

DON’T MISS
Ruud details emotional private Federer speech after Laver Cup farewell
Kei Nishikori caught in Hurricane Ian and speaks out on ‘scary day’
Tennis stars in feisty altercation after match as umpire steps in

“I think this week, this moment, was for the fans,” he said. “For everybody here in London and watching from home. We, who are lucky enough to be closer to him will have more of those private moments.”

But even Ljubicic himself admitted it was tough in the immediate aftermath as Federer’s coach of six years. “We try to kind of be ready for it and not make too big of a deal about it because, in the end, he is still around,” he added. “We are still going to spend time together. It was not easy and it was tough to get up in the morning, that is for sure.”

Source: Read Full Article