Mackenzie McDonald Reflects on Valuable Training Experiences with Roger Federer

Mackenzie McDonald, currently ranked 125th in the world, has spoken fondly of his training experiences with tennis legend Roger Federer, emphasizing the impact the Swiss maestro had on his development both on and off the court. The insights come as McDonald competes in the Cap Cana Challenger in the Dominican Republic.

Early Training Opportunities

McDonald recounted a significant period of training with Federer in Dubai during the 2016 pre-season, shortly after completing his university studies. “I spent a lot of time with Roger. I went to Dubai and spent two weeks with him during the 2016 pre-season, when I had just finished university. For a recent graduate, being able to spend time with him was the experience of a lifetime,” McDonald stated. He also trained with Federer in Zurich before the grass-court season.

A Lasting Friendship and Mentorship

McDonald described Federer as a close friend and a significant influence on his career. “I am lucky to consider him a friend. When we witness each other, we always talk. He is without a doubt my favorite player,” McDonald shared. He highlighted Federer’s exceptional character, noting, “It was very enriching to be able to get closer to him. Of course he gave me a lot of advice. I don’t want to say too much, but first and foremost I want to emphasize what an incredible person he is. He’s an extraordinary player, but as a person he’s extremely kind, and I find that very special.”

Federer’s Impact on McDonald’s Career

The relationship between the two players dates back several years, with Federer offering guidance and support to McDonald throughout his career. In 2017, it was noted that McDonald had trained with Federer in both Dubai and Zurich, preparing for Wimbledon. NorCal Tennis Czar reported on this mentorship, highlighting the value McDonald placed on these sessions.

Recent Performance and Current Tournament

As of March 17, 2026, McDonald’s record for 2026 stands at 8-8 with a 6-7 record on hard courts. Tennis Tonic provides a detailed overview of McDonald’s career statistics, including his head-to-head record against Federer (currently 0-0). He recently competed in the Cap Cana Challenger, losing to Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round. Tennis Tonic details his recent match results, including losses to Kecmanovic and Cameron Norrie.

McDonald’s Career Overview

Throughout his career, McDonald has achieved a high ranking of 37th and has a total record of 361-284. Tennis Abstract provides a comprehensive overview of his career statistics and performance data.