Bärlocher credits Federer’s wife Mirka with helping the 20-time grand slam winner become more collected on the court. The pair have been married since 2009 having met as team-mates at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Bärlocher said of Mirka’s influence: “How do you explain that when he was younger, he was so agitated on the court, but now he seems so calm- it’s all thanks to Mirka.”
The interview with Bärlocher also showed the drive and competitive nature which made Federer such an outstanding champion for so long.
Asked about whether or not his parents were pushy with the prodigy, the former coach said: “No, his parents never pushed him. It is always Roger and Roger alone who said he wanted to become professional. At barely eight, he was already talking about becoming number one.”