Yesterday during the Bjorkman vs Ginepri match Federer's Coach, Jose Higueras was there why?

Question

I understand that a lot of the time coaches scope prospective players that will compete against their client, but honestly I have never seen a coach of Federer's (he only seems to have a coach occasionally) watch a match where the expected winner will go against Federer, since it was done with Nadal 5 years ago. Do you think Federer is not taking anything for granite anymore? Give me your thoughts.

Answer 1

He was there knowing that ginepri is a strong hard courter and with federer's string of losses to guys like simon and nadal there is a small chance of a upset by ginepri so he went there for a bit of scouting and as you saw ginepri easily put away a tricky player in bjorkman.

Answer 2

Jose coaches both of them, so it will really be interesting to see who he roots for today, since they're playing ea other!!  (or are they playing tomorrow). Either way, what an unusual situation.

Answer 3

Let me tell u this:

Federer and Ginepri shared a coach.. So, as a coach, there's nothing weird Higueras watch Ginepri plays against Bjorkman..

Answer 4

Sometimes coaches will watch an opponent that will come up against their star pupil. Get a feel for their game, and see their strenghts and weaknesses, so they can come up with a game plan. However, though its rare to see Fed's coach do this, I think in part, its to try and avoid another upset, and not be surprised with an opponents tactics. He wants this tournament win to prove to himself, and some doubters, that he is fine and not as vulnerable as most think. He should handle Ginepri quite easily, perhaps with a 6-3 6-3 win.

Answer 5

I don't think Federer ever took things for granted.  Remember that Federer talks about watching a lot of matches on video  and knowing his opponents and that's how he prepares for matches besides practicing.  He did hire a coach and most likely to have another knowledgable person's observation and input on different ways to approach things. I feel that Federer needs something new, some changes here and there that will keep him motivated and always striving to do his best.  Something to improve otherwise it becomes stagnant and what else would there be?

Answer 6

Jose is also coach to Ginepri according to the ATP:

http://www.atptennis.com/3/en/players/pl...

altough im not to sure how up to date the site is nd im no expert... :S