Roger Federer
IN PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - 2/6/15 Men's Singles - Switzerland's Roger Federer looks dejected as he applauds spectaters after losing his quarter final match Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic Reuters / Jason Cairnduff

Roger Federer is undeniably one of the most successful tennis players to ever walk the earth. He has cemented his legacy in the sport with his accomplishments that aren’t likely to be matched by any other player. What exactly is the reason behind Federer’s success? The answer is simple - it is his ability to plan smart by choosing his tournaments wisely and his ability to guard himself from exhaustion.

Federer chooses his tournaments wisely. In 2014, he skipped playing in several events. He didn’t play at the Rome Open and also decided to sit out the Davis Cup tie last year. Federer also pulled out of the season-ending tournament on men’s tour at the 2014 ATP Barclays World Tour Finals in London because of a back injury.

This season, Federer also opted not to take part at the Miami Open so that he can guard his body from burnout. Such approach has worked wonder for Federer because he has been able to reap great rewards for his remarkable career.

Federer’s fitness trainer Pierre Paganini recently talked to Wimbledon.com and talked about Federer’s physical and mental fitness. According to Paganini, the Swiss tennis great has played in so many grand slam tournaments because he is able to play committed tennis whenever he wants to and it has greatly contributed to his longevity to the sport. Federer is blessed with instinct wherein he knows when to do the right things at the right moments, Paganini further revealed.

“To work hard is one thing, it’s another thing to decide with to work hard and when to rest, and for how long,” Paganini said. “It’s when you work on the right things at the right time, and use the right amount of energy, that you get the greatest benefit.”

Paganini is Federer’s ally, who helps the Swiss strengthen and condition his body. Having played in more than 1,200 matches, Paganini admitted that there are some places in Federer’s body that have gotten weaker. However, he said that his job was made easier because Federer knows what part of his body needs help with.

Now that the tournaments on the surface that the Swiss tennis maestro is most successful, with Federer starting his grasscourt campaign at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Paganini said that they had to work on special strength and coordination exercises to make the Federer’s body ready for the change of surface.

At 33, Federer’s achievements in tennis are unthinkable. He held the World No. 1 spot for 302 weeks. He won 85 career titles including 17 grand slam titles. This season, he has won three titles (Brisbane, Dubai, and Istanbul) to add to his already impressive resume. Federer’s choice of tournaments and game style has helped him secure his position at the peak of the sport.

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