Federer's coach: Paul the new man

 Dubai : As former Swedish tennis great Stefan Edberg put it during an interview to XPRESS in November 2008 that even someone as gifted as Roger Federer would have trouble if he suddenly wanted to change his game to serve and volley.

While the 29-year-old may not be thinking about changing his game so drastically even as he seems to have lost a bit in speed, both on his feet and serve besides having to work harder on his backhand, he certainly plans to try out something different as evident by his hiring of Pete Sampras's former coach Paul Annacone.

For starters, it sends out a clear signal to Rafael Nadal that the battle for top spot is far from over. Federer though isn't one to give much away. "It's just nice to hear a fresh, different voice for a change," he said.

Federer's association with Annacone began on a trial basis a month before the US Open and the partnership has already borne fruit, a final in Toronto and the title in Cincinnati proof that he is still the man to beat at the US Open.

Annacone's coaching credentials are unquestioned having helped Sampras win nine Grand Slams. For Federer, it means a lot to be working with Sampras's coach.

"We speak occasionally about Pete and about how he was with him or about his experiences and stuff," he said. "But... I know so much about Pete already that I never try to copy him. I never try to be like him, but I tried to learn from him as a junior because he was my hero growing up. So definitely when I do hear stories from Paul about Pete it can be inspiring,"

Besides narrating inspiring stories, what Annacone will also hope to do is reinforce that belief in Federer, help him focus better and get that extra bit more out of his tennis.