London:Roger Federer’s coach Paul Annacone has predicted that the world number two could extend his record Grand Slam tally to 20 titles.”If he can stay healthy and happy and eager, I don’t know what the end number would be. But is 20 realistic, sure, why not?” Annacone said. Federer, 29, will bid for his 17th Grand Slam title at the 2011 Australian Open starting on Monday.Annacone was hired by the Swiss after a quarter-final Wimbledon exit in 2010. Federer has credited the Californian coach for his recent resurgence, capped by victory over world number one Rafael Nadal to win the season-ending World Tour Finals in November.”He can win every tournament he plays, he’s probably not going to, but he can win every match he plays and there’s not a lot of guys you can say that about,” Annacone, who works with Federer’s Swiss coach Severin Luthi, told the Australian Open website.Outlining his approach to coaching the world number two, Annacone, who has previously coached American Peter Sampras and Briton Tim Henman, added: “It’s about combining the head, heart and talent components of a player, and understanding how they interact, the best way to match up against other players.”And, ultimately, the best way for them to keep having fun doing it, and the best way to try to get better.” Federer kicked off his season with victory at the Qatar Open when he thrashed Russian former top-10 player Nikolay Davydenko in the final.The Swiss is in Melbourne preparing for next week’s Australian Open and he hopes to organise a charity exhibition match on Sunday to help the victims of the flooding in Queensland, Australia.
Federer organised a similar event last year following the Haiti earthquake, with Nadal and Serena Williams among those who took part.”The floods here in Australia are devastating!” Federer said on Facebook. “I am on my way to practise now and am going to speak with Tennis Australia to see if we perhaps can organise something on Sunday to help raise some funds for the people of Queensland who have been affected. “Stay tuned as it would be great if the sport of tennis can help out right before the Australian Open begins.”Queensland’s flooding has caused billions of dollars worth of damage and affected 200,000 people, with the death toll at 12 so far and many others reported missing. American Andy Roddick pledged $100 for every ace he served at the Brisbane International last week, and doubled the tally to $10,800 after losing the final to Robin Soderling.Australian Sam Stosur offered the same and the ATP and WTA professional tours expect to donate A$40,000 with their pledge of $100 for every ace over three tournaments, including next week’s Australian Open.England’s cricketers and their Australian counterparts also passed collection buckets around the crowd at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday during their first Twenty20 match, and plan to donate part of their match fees to Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief appeal. It was announced that $24,899 had been raised from the crowd of 32,054.England bowler Graeme Swann said: “It is important that we do something, those people need as much help as possible. It’s a terrible time and each day it seems to get worse and worse.” England batsman Kevin Pietersen had already announced that he would auction off one of the shirts he wore in England’s Ashes triumph, as well as a bat and two tickets to a one-day international to raise funds – Dailymailnews
