Federer not worried about lack of coach

CINCINNATI – Methodical Roger Federer is considering whether he even wants to bother with finding a coach.

Since parting with Tony Roche this spring, the world number one from Switzerland has continued at his usual high-standard pace, lifting is fifth straight Wimbledon unaided along the way. But as he prepares for the US Open at this week’s ATP Cincinnati Masters, the Swiss admits he’s giving careful contemplation to his particular situation.”Do I want a coach? If so, do I want a guy to pick up balls or someone to travel with me all the time?” said the top seed on Tuesday.”I started thinking a bit after Wimbledon.”I need to consider what I want and what I need.”The 26-year-old self-starter has proved that he can go it alone, assisted by girlfriend Mirka, a former pro on the WTA.”I’m not sure about it at all.I’m very happy on my own,” he admitted.”If I get a coach it has to be the right guy.”I’m world number one and I don’t want to take chances.Everything I decide has to be thought out.I have to take all of my decisions wisely and slowly.”Federer said that he may or may not have any answers by January.”Maybe then, the Australian Open, I’ll know something – or maybe not,” he said.Federer hopes to manage his career so that he can play until 35 if he wants, giving the 11-time Grand Slam champion nearly another decade to chase the all-time Grand Slam win record of 14 owned by Pete Sampras.Nampa-AFPBut as he prepares for the US Open at this week’s ATP Cincinnati Masters, the Swiss admits he’s giving careful contemplation to his particular situation.”Do I want a coach? If so, do I want a guy to pick up balls or someone to travel with me all the time?” said the top seed on Tuesday.”I started thinking a bit after Wimbledon.”I need to consider what I want and what I need.”The 26-year-old self-starter has proved that he can go it alone, assisted by girlfriend Mirka, a former pro on the WTA.”I’m not sure about it at all.I’m very happy on my own,” he admitted.”If I get a coach it has to be the right guy.”I’m world number one and I don’t want to take chances.Everything I decide has to be thought out.I have to take all of my decisions wisely and slowly.”Federer said that he may or may not have any answers by January.”Maybe then, the Australian Open, I’ll know something – or maybe not,” he said.Federer hopes to manage his career so that he can play until 35 if he wants, giving the 11-time Grand Slam champion nearly another decade to chase the all-time Grand Slam win record of 14 owned by Pete Sampras.Nampa-AFP