Coach Roche believes Federer can be the best

Dubai: Roger Federer's coach Tony Roche feels his best student has still a long way to go before he nestles comfortably among the tennis greats.

"There is no discounting that Roger is a great player already. But he can still improve on certain aspects of his game," Roche told Gulf News.

The Australian has been coach to some of the best names that have surfaced in the sport, including the likes of Pat Rafter, Ivan Lendl and now Federer.

Though he was on a fulltime basis for Lendl and Rafter, Roche coaches Federer on a sort of a 'hand-shake deal' without a contract. Roche is accompanying Australian Sophie Ferguson at the 8th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge.

Garros failure

Federer, who has won all the Grand Slams except the French Open, has sought Roche's help to bag that one title which has eluded him in his short yet dominant career.

"But he's getting there fast enough. Last year he lost (to Rafael Nadal) in the semifinals and this year he lost to the same player in the final. So we can see a definite improvement in his game," Roche noted. "Roger has to always try and keep improving on various aspects of his game.

"Obviously , he is a very complete player. But he needs to keep on getting better with each outing," Roche offered.

The coach is pleased with the way his best student has morphed over the past three years winning all of the Grand Slams, but only falling short of the elusive crown at Roland Garros.

Earlier this year after losing to Nadal at the Dubai Duty Free Men's Open, Federer had promised himself enough time to prepare for the clay season, particularly the French Open.

"But he has shown improvement in all departments of his game, and if he continues the way he has done over the past three years, there will be no stopping Roger from being right up there," Roche stated.

Roche was particularly pleased with the respectful rivalry brewing between Federer and Nadal.

"Both hold each other with a lot of respect and that is important in any sport. Nadal is a great player and it is good to have both of them compete against each other all the while," Roche said.

No pressure

Though Nadal has been a nemesis for the Swiss star, Federer has managed to defeat him in the past two meetings. "There is no such thing as Roger wilting under pressure against Nadal," Roche said.

"And the last two occasions have shown that he is right on the top," he shrugged.

"He can win the French Open and even break Sampras' record."

"Roger has to always try and keep improving on various aspects of his game. He needs to keep on getting better with each outing."