paul annacone

Australian Open 2011: Headlining The Rafael Nadal/ Roger Federer Rivalry

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Today—the 16th of January—is the eve of the 2011 Australian Open.

History will be made at the Asia-Pacific Grand Slam if Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal clinch the men’s title.

It will be Roger Federer’s 17th major. It will be a Star Trek landmark—going where no man has been before. If Nadal wins, it will be the culmination of the Rafa Slam—an event much anticipated by players and fans.

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A Gallery Of Roguish Quotes At The US Open 2010

What they said, what they really  meant and what they definitely  didn’t.

Our beloved tennis players are eminently quotable. They can rise to the occasion and serve up wonderful sound bytes  – some terrific , some terrible – when accosted at their press conferences and when grilled at interviews.

A sampling from the articulate geniuses.

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Four Reasons Why It Could Be Federer All The Way At Flushing Meadows

The Poached Egg

The hiring of Paul Annacone as coach appears a masterstroke in hindsight. Federer’s results and ranking since have shown an upward trajectory.

He has reached two consecutive finals: The Rogers Cup and Cincinatti Masters, winning the latter.

A new resilience and a willingness to slug it out with the best of them exemplify Federer’s ascendant star. He expects no easy wins and is willing to stay the course. This was so not the case earlier when Federer’s opponents were  overawed by his reputation and gifted away easy victories.

The mortality of Federer has unlocked a new stream of consciousness in his opponents  that there is life in professional tennis despite his looming presence.

As to how Annacone has added luster to Federer’s glory, the answer is still in the realm of  speculation.

Roger, what is it? Is it validation? Is it motivation? Is it technical? Or is he a trophy coach?

Either way, Annacone is there to egg Federer on to his sixth US Open title.

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