In the genteel world of professional tennis, practice sessions are often seen as a collegial affair, a time for mutual improvement away from the bright lights of center court. However, even the sport's most revered gentleman, Roger Federer, has admitted there was one all-time great he simply "didn't like" sharing a training court with: the legendary Andre Agassi.
The surprising revelation came to light during an in-depth interview where Federer, known for his effortless grace and sportsmanship, peeled back the curtain on the less glamorous, grind-it-out reality of life on the tour. While he shared countless practice courts with rivals like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, it was the specific, unrelenting style of the American baseliner that got under the Swiss maestro's skin for one very particular reason.
The Grind From The Baseline
Federer explained that the issue wasn't personal. He held, and continues to hold, immense respect for Agassi's game and his incredible career resurgence. The problem was purely technical and, frankly, exhausting. Agassi, famous for his impeccable ball-striking, relentless return of serve, and ability to take the ball incredibly early, turned every practice session into a brutal war of attrition from the baseline.
"Andre was a practice nightmare," Federer quipped, reflecting on their sessions. "He would just stand there, right on the baseline, and hit ball after ball after ball right at you. It was so incredibly intense. There was no messing around, no joking. It was just bang, bang, bang, right back."
This style was the antithesis of Federer's own practice preferences. The 20-time Grand Slam champion often used training to work on variety, to experiment with new shots, and to groove his all-court game. Agassi’s machine-like consistency and laser-focused intensity offered none of that flexibility. Every rally was a test of sheer stamina and concentration, leaving little room for creative exploration or tactical tinkering.
A Clash of Tennis Philosophies
This practice dynamic highlighted a fundamental clash in their tennis philosophies and personalities. Agassi, who famously confessed in his autobiography "Open" that he hated the sport for much of his early career, approached practice with a workmanlike, almost grim determination. It was a necessary evil, a grind to be endured and mastered.
Federer, by contrast, has always seemed to play with a palpable joy. His practice sessions, while undoubtedly rigorous, were an extension of his love for the game. The unyielding, repetitive nature of hitting with Agassi stripped away that joy and replaced it with a grueling physical challenge.
"You couldn't just have a light hit with Andre," Federer stated. "It was immediately 100%. He was preparing for matches his way, and his way was to bludgeon the ball from the first minute to the last. It was amazing for him, but for me, it was just so draining."
The Specific Gripe
So, what was the simple reason? In a word: recovery. For a top player navigating the long, demanding ATP calendar, managing energy levels is paramount. A typical practice session is designed to sharpen skills without completely depleting the body before a match.
A session with Agassi, however, was anything but typical. Federer found that practicing with the eight-time major winner would leave him physically spent in a way that other hitting sessions did not. The constant, explosive movement and the mental focus required to handle Agassi's pace and depth were akin to playing a full-blown, three-set match.
This had a direct impact on his preparation and recovery schedule. Hitting with Agassi the day before a big match could be detrimental, potentially leaving Federer with heavy legs and a fatigued mind when he needed to be at his sparkling best.
- Physical Drain: The relentless baseline rallies were exhausting.
- Mental Toll: The required constant focus was mentally taxing.
- Recovery Impact: It jeopardized his readiness for actual matches.
Respect Above All Else
It is crucial to note that Federer's comments were layered with a deep and abiding respect for Agassi. This was not a personal critique but a professional observation about style. Federer has always praised Agassi's intelligence, his return game, and his incredible ability to redirect pace, calling him one of the greatest players he ever faced.
Their rivalry, though not as frequent as Federer's with Nadal or Djokovic, produced some spectacular matches, including the 2005 US Open final, which Federer won in four sets. That match was a perfect exhibition of their contrasting styles: Federer’s all-court artistry against Agassi’s baseline power and precision.
"You learn so much from a guy like Andre," Federer said. "He forces you to be better, to be sharper. In a match, it was incredible. In practice, I just had to be careful about when I did it because I knew what was coming."
A Common Sentiment?
While Federer is perhaps the most high-profile player to voice this specific complaint, it’s likely he wasn’t alone. Agassi’s reputation for brutal practice sessions is well-documented. His long-time coach, Brad Gilbert, often spoke of Agassi's uncompromising work ethic and how he would treat every ball in practice as if it were match point at Wimbledon.
This approach, while forging Agassi into one of the toughest competitors the game has ever seen, was undoubtedly not for everyone. For a player like Federer, whose game is built on fluidity and variation, the predictable intensity of Agassi’s practice regimen offered limited benefits beyond pure physical conditioning.
Conclusion: The Practice Court Paradox
Roger Federer’s admission provides a fascinating glimpse into the hidden world of professional tennis training. It underscores that what makes a player great in competition doesn't always translate to being an ideal practice partner. The very skills that made Andre Agassi a nightmare opponent—his consistency, his pressure, and his relentless power—are what made him a less-than-desirable hitting partner for Federer.
Ultimately, the story isn't about a feud but about contrast. It’s a tale of two legends, two contrasting styles, and two different approaches to mastering their craft. Federer’s need for a practice session that complemented his artistic game clashed with Agassi’s groundstroke grind, creating a unique paradox: sometimes, the best way to prepare to beat a great champion is to avoid practicing with them altogether.
The revelation adds a new layer to the legacies of both men, reminding fans that beyond the glory of Grand Slam finals, the sport is filled with these nuanced, human interactions that shape careers and define rivalries, even on the practice courts where no one is watching.