Severin Luthi, who has been in Roger Federer's team for a long time, stresses that there's nothing to worry about the Swiss' current fitness despite coming off a major knee surgery because he's moving like a 25-year old netter again. As for Novak Djokovic dominance, the Swiss coach has confidence Federer can still beat the Serb even at his best, as they know exactly how to beat the guy.
After putting up an excellent campaign last year, Federer had huge expectation entering the 2016 season but had to sit out for roughly two months - missing the Indian Wells and Miami Masters - due to a torn meniscus in his knee - an injury suffered off the tennis court.
Because it was the first time Federer sustained a major injury, there had been concerns about Federer's ability to recover just in time for the big tournaments at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open. Then there's the Rio Olympics where he's gunning for his first gold medal in men's singles.
However, Luthi insisted that Federer is doing well with his rehab. As a matter of fact, he thinks the Swiss Master is playing like he was in the early days.
Related Story: [With or without Novak Djokovic at Monte Carlo, Rafael Nadal vows to fight in every match - ATP update]
"For Roger, with its many opportunities I see even more upside potential. And he still feels like a 25-year-old. He not only wants to maintain his level, but he is still constantly improving. That makes me positive," Luthi said in an interview via [World Tennis Italia].
As to Federer's capacity to beat Djokovic, Luthi has all the confidence in the world the Federer Express will be competitive against a player who has been head and shoulder above the rest of the field.
"He certainly has the necessary looseness and a lot of confidence by his many wins. I would worry if I do not know how to beat him. But ithat is not the case. Roger has beaten him three times last year. And in the matches, where he lost, he had his chances. I do not know what could make Djokovic even better. He plays at the optimum level."
Live Stream Story: [Nadal vs. Bedene, Djokovic vs. Vesely: Live Stream, Predicted Winners, TV Schedule, Start Time - Monte Carlo Masters]
The 34-year old Federer made a triumphant return in the court as he cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in the preliminary round of the Monte Carlo Masters - the first big tournament of the European clay-court season.