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In the world of Swiss tennis, names like Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have long reigned as symbols of excellence and inspiration. As the young and talented Dominic Stricker emerges onto the scene, he finds himself following in the footsteps of these illustrious compatriots. At just 20 years old, Stricker’s exceptional form has catapulted him to the forefront of the tennis world, sparking hopes that he may become the next Swiss star. However, in a recent podcast, his coach, Sven Swinnen, revealed an intriguing twist in the tale.

Despite being an ardent Roger Federer fan, Stricker aspires to incorporate certain qualities of Rafael Nadal into his game. This revelation adds a fascinating layer to the rising star’s journey, hinting at a blend of two tennis legends’ attributes that may shape his future.

Dominic Stricker’s coach reveals one Nadal habit Dominic wants in himself

With every passing match, Dominic Stricker showcases his immense talent and determination, firmly establishing himself as a rising sensation in Swiss tennis. The 20-year-old prodigy’s performances have drawn comparisons to the likes of Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka, igniting hopes that he could be the next big thing from Switzerland.

“Everybody talks always about his intensity, his fighting spirit, but what he can do with the ball is really also amazing and that’s maybe for Dominic, also good to see who also has a good hand. But he sees also (that) if you have a good hand and you’re talented, you need to really work hard to make it so that would be something from Rafa,” said Sven in the podcast highlighting that one quality which Dominic desires in himself.

Roger Federe

In the podcast, Dominic Stricker’s coach, Sven Swinnen, who himself grew up watching Federer, expressed appreciation for the young player’s dedication to learning from the best. While Stricker is undeniably a Federer fan, it is revealed that he also admires certain qualities of Rafael Nadal, another legendary figure in the sport.

This intriguing revelation opens up a world of possibilities for the young star, hinting at a unique blend of attributes from two tennis greats that may shape his path to stardom.

How could that ‘one’ Rafael Nadal quality help Stricker win silverware?

As Dominic Stricker sets his sights on tennis greatness, he finds inspiration in the tenacity and fighting spirit of Rafael Nadal. Despite having a natural talent and a good hand for the game, Stricker understands that hard work and relentless effort are vital ingredients for success. In Nadal, he sees a shining example of unwavering determination and resilience, qualities that have helped the Spanish legend secure an astonishing 22 Grand Slam titles.

Despite facing setbacks and injuries, Nadal’s indomitable spirit never wavered, and this is a lesson that Stricker aims to take to heart. The young Swiss player understands that talent alone is not enough; the willingness to persevere and push beyond one’s limits truly elevates an athlete to the pinnacle of success.

Roger Federer’s coach Ivan Ljubicic spoke about the difficulties retirement forced upon the Swiss legend and the people around him.

Roger Federer is approaching a year since the official announcement of his retirement, which has allowed his family, friends, and fans to get to terms with the fact that he is no longer an active tennis player. However, as an iconic and important part of the ATP for over 20 years, it is still a difficult fact to reconcile with.

Former world number 3 Ivan Ljubicic, who was Federer’s coach over the latter part of his career, opened up about the difficulties retirement has forced upon Federer and the people around him. The Swiss played his final singles match in the Wimbledon 2021 quarterfinals, but would wait until the Laver Cup of 2022 to say goodbye, signing off with a doubles match alongside his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal.

Ljubicic spoke about how he was informed of Federer’s decision, made because of age and his body beginning to become more and more of a burden on him. “It was a phone call. But it didn’t come out of nowhere. We had doubts for a long time if he would ever return.”

Roger Federe

Federer won his final grand slam at the Australian Open 2018, but a run to the finals in Wimbledon 2019 and a semifinal appearance in Melbourne 2020 would have indicated that he still had some time left to give to the tour. However, that 2020 AO run was extremely laboured and difficult, and knee surgery would follow.

Despite Federer’s retirement on the horizon at age 40 and struggling with movement on and off the court, it was still a difficult pill for Ljubicic to swallow. “It was silence. I didn’t know what to say, honestly. It’s hard… I felt his pain.”

The Croatian went pro in 1998, the same year as Federer, but retired in 2012 at the age of 33, having peaked at number 3 in his best season in 2006. Ljubicic, who has also coached Tomas Berdych and Milos Raonic, revealed that he tried his best to ease the process fo calling it time on Federer’s long and successful career.

Federer has been out of the public spotlight for large parts since his retirement, but was present at Wimbledon 2023 to watch Andy Murray play, amongst others, as well as for duties for his various foundations and partnerships. Federer wishes to spend time with his family after the majority of his life spent on the ATP tour, and it remains to be seen if he returns to tennis in any capacity in the future.

Roger Federer won a staggering 20 Grand Slam titles throughout his illustrious career and he has Ivan Ljubicic to thank for some of that success.

Roger Federer’s ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic has admitted he found it “extremely difficult” to make an impact on the 20-time Grand Slam champion. Ljubicic worked with Federer from 2016 up until the star’s retirement last year and helped him add three Majors to his trophy cabinet.

By the time Federer linked-up with Ljubicic in the latter stages of his career, he had won just one Grand Slam trophy in almost six years. But the Croat soon helped Federer rediscover his form of yesteryear and gave the legendary player the support he needed to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017 followed by another Grand Slam title in Melbourne the following year.

Federer was one of the most gifted tennis players to ever grace the ATP Tour and made the game look easy thanks to his elegant groundstrokes and effortless winners. But Ljubicic says coaching the blockbuster star wasn’t as plain-sailing as some people may imagine.

Roger Federe

“There’s a lot of times where you just don’t need to push much,” the 44-year-old told Tennis Majors. “But also at the same time it’s also not easy not to say anything when you have nothing to say. You find yourself in a moment where you’re like, ‘I’m here to do actually something and say something so you’d better say something.’

“And that’s where you can make a mistake. Of course then when it’s something expected from you, that’s where the tough time comes and you have to be there. You have to be ready and prepared, firm – make sure he hears you and that the message is clearly delivered.

“And those are the tough times. It depends what your objective is. If the objective is just to hang around, it’s easy. But if your objective is to make a difference, then it’s extremely difficult, yes.”

Federer won his first Grand Slam title in 2003 when he defeated Australian ace Mark Philippoussis in the Wimbledon final. That victory was the start of a run that saw him claim 16 Grand Slam titles in 27 attempts.

Federer ultimately got his hands on eight trophies at the All England Club as he proved time and time again just how skilful he was on grass courts. The 41-year-old also won six Australian Opens, five US Opens and one French Open before hanging up his racket following last year’s Laver Cup in London. He is the third most successful player in men’s history behind 23-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.