Roger's stick change...

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There have been a lot of threads and posts regarding the fact that people here think that Roger needs to change to a larger head size. I don't think that is true. Roger has the best eyes in the game. He has arguably the best fitness in the game. He also has the best timing in the game.

Roger had mono in the beginning of the season. It is not an excuse, but it takes a long time to recover from that illness. I don't think Roger has fully recovered from that. Considering his points to defend and his regime in regards to physical conditioning and workouts--he pushes it more than anyone. I remember posts on here about him taking three or four up and coming players and having them rotate out to stay fresh while he stayed on court bashing balls in the 125 degree heat in the desert. That type of workout system will not allow Roger to fully recover from a tough illness.

Those that say Roger needs and APD to compete with Rafa make me chuckle.

What Roger needs is rest. Following the US Open, I'd like to see him forget about the rankings, defending points, and just take time off from his workout schedule. Hit a few balls here and there to remember the muscle memory, etc. But don't push. Get fresh mentally and physically.

Roger's stick has nothing to do with it. He pushed damn hard for the last four years to stay where he is/was. Yes, he slipped, but it was bad timing with a serious illness such as mono and young guns pushing him and his defense of points in 2007.

It has nothing to do with the stick.....
 

crosscourt

Professional
The guy needs confidence. His fitness looks ok to me now. Whether or not he needs a new racket to improve his strokes etc -- which I doubt -- what the article on Tennis.com pointed out was that a change in racket has boosted his confidence in the past. It doesn't strike me as essential, but if its a shortcut to gettign back into gear then maybe it would be worth experimenting with.

cc
 

quest01

Hall of Fame
If Federer wants to surpass Sampras's 14 grand slam titles he needs to switch to a larger head size. He should start experimenting now and make the switch permanently if he wants to have any chance in not only breaking Sampras's open era record but to also winning the French Open.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
If Federer wants to surpass Sampras's 14 grand slam titles he needs to switch to a larger head size. He should start experimenting now and make the switch permanently if he wants to have any chance in not only breaking Sampras's open era record but to also winning the French Open.
Geez, I wish you had told Federer that 5 years ago BEFORE he won his 12 Grand Slams in record time with his tiny racquet. :-?
 

albino smurf

Professional
The idea of Federer not knowing what racquet he should use is hilarious. Like he is sitting around on a messageboard wanting to know what Rafa strings at so he can get his Babolat just right instead of working with the R&D folks at Wilson to customize his racquet so it fits him perfectly.

That article(column) was stupid. Want to get a lot of clicks to your website, post a headline like that. Others might include: Nadal should fire Tony if he wants to make #1... Sharapova should go back to left hand.. Why Djokovic is the G.O.A.T.

Federer is on the crest of the hill. It is sad, but he has accomplished a lot. He needs to do what the Williams sisters do now and pick and choose his battles. IMO he should skip the AO and focus on the clay if he wants the FO.. but with Nadal doing what he does and where he is in his career it might be better to write off the FO and focus on Wimbeldon or hardcourts exclusively if beating 14 is his focus.
 

2nd_Serve

Professional
If Federer wants to surpass Sampras's 14 grand slam titles he needs to switch to a larger head size. He should start experimenting now and make the switch permanently if he wants to have any chance in not only breaking Sampras's open era record but to also winning the French Open.

You wouldn't know that...
 
There have been a lot of threads and posts regarding the fact that people here think that Roger needs to change to a larger head size. I don't think that is true. Roger has the best eyes in the game. He has arguably the best fitness in the game. He also has the best timing in the game.

Roger had mono in the beginning of the season. It is not an excuse, but it takes a long time to recover from that illness. I don't think Roger has fully recovered from that. Considering his points to defend and his regime in regards to physical conditioning and workouts--he pushes it more than anyone. I remember posts on here about him taking three or four up and coming players and having them rotate out to stay fresh while he stayed on court bashing balls in the 125 degree heat in the desert. That type of workout system will not allow Roger to fully recover from a tough illness.

Those that say Roger needs and APD to compete with Rafa make me chuckle.

What Roger needs is rest. Following the US Open, I'd like to see him forget about the rankings, defending points, and just take time off from his workout schedule. Hit a few balls here and there to remember the muscle memory, etc. But don't push. Get fresh mentally and physically.

Roger's stick has nothing to do with it. He pushed damn hard for the last four years to stay where he is/was. Yes, he slipped, but it was bad timing with a serious illness such as mono and young guns pushing him and his defense of points in 2007.

It has nothing to do with the stick.....

how do you know all this and what federer should be doing? how do you know he has the best eyes in the game????? is it because you saw a picture of federer looking right at the ball in mid stroke whereas most players' eyes are focused at a point behind the ball, i.e., "the past."

and as others have said repeatedly, if you have mono or other serious sicknesses, you can't push yourself in 125 degree heat nor can you reach the semis and finals of grand slams. it doesn't make sense to say that he lost in the finals of events because he has mono, but completely ignoring that he actually got to the finals!
 
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5263

G.O.A.T.
Not saying Fed should change, but Sampras did say in an interview that changing to a 95 head is something he may should have done at near the end. It all needs to be in context, but worth noting.
 

quest01

Hall of Fame
Geez, I wish you had told Federer that 5 years ago BEFORE he won his 12 Grand Slams in record time with his tiny racquet. :-?

The thing is if Federer started out his career with a mid plus racquet instead of a mid he would have won probably 15 grand slams including a few French Open titles.

He would have already surpassed Sampras's 14 grand slam titles if he started out his career with a mid plus.
 

mtommer

Hall of Fame
Why don't we all let Federer decide what Federer needs? If you're not a tour player, in or having been in the top five, may I suggest your opinions are worth as much as that stuff that comes out of your back end?
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
The thing is if Federer started out his career with a mid plus racquet instead of a mid he would have won probably 15 grand slams including a few French Open titles.

He would have already surpassed Sampras's 14 grand slam titles if he started out his career with a mid plus.
And you know this because......? :-?

Sampras won 14 Grand Slams with an 85. Federer won 12 Grand Slams with a 90. How can anyone in their right mind possibly claim that Federer would have won even more Grand Slams with a Mid Plus? :confused: That just baffles the mind. Logic would dictate that he would have won more Grand Slams if he had used a SMALLER racquet, because that's what Sampras did. Name one player that has won more Grand Slams than either Sampras or Federer using a Mid Plus? Go ahead. I'm waiting.

Look, just because you can't handle a Mid does not mean that Federer can't either. He obviously can handle his Mid just fine.
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
The thing is if Federer started out his career with a mid plus racquet instead of a mid he would have won probably 15 grand slams including a few French Open titles.

He would have already surpassed Sampras's 14 grand slam titles if he started out his career with a mid plus.

Wow, just think what Agassi could have done with a Weed.
 

10isDad

Hall of Fame
Why don't we all let Federer decide what Federer needs? If you're not a tour player, in or having been in the top five, may I suggest your opinions are worth as much as that stuff that comes out of your back end?

Hooray! Sanity! 100% Total agreement...
 

NoBadMojo

G.O.A.T.
Amen. How can anyone here think to counsel Roger Federer concerning tennis equipment?? :confused: CC

How do you know that fed hasnt been considering what we've been thinking is reasonable for some while and hasnt been experimenting with other less demanding frames perhaps when he goes to Dubai for practice for example. ? i've been saying for a year or so now, that it wouldnt hurt Fed to look to change to something w. a bigger sweetzone. he changed once, he could change again. he also changed string. believe it or not pros do make changes in their gear in the course of their careers in order to look for any possible little edge. Good players adapt and make changes especially when they are being passed by..i think Fed is a pretty good player.
 
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hoodjem

G.O.A.T.
Sampras won 14 Grand Slams with an 85. Federer won 12 Grand Slams with a 90. How can anyone in their right mind possibly claim that Federer would have won even more Grand Slams with a Mid Plus? :confused: That just baffles the mind. Logic would dictate that he would have won more Grand Slams if he had used a SMALLER racquet, because that's what Sampras did. Name one player that has won more Grand Slams than either Sampras or Federer using a Mid Plus?

Good point. What did Emerson use for all his GS titles (singles and doubles), probably a 66 sq. in. head.

(Did Emmo use a Maxply?)
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Well, I think the facts speak for themselves:

Total prize money $41,742,219 (and counting)
Wilson endorsement $2,000,000/year for life
Nike endorsement estimated 6 figures a year too

I don't know....a 90 may be just right
 

autumn_leaf

Hall of Fame
Well, I think the facts speak for themselves:

Total prize money $41,742,219 (and counting)
Wilson endorsement $2,000,000/year for life
Nike endorsement estimated 6 figures a year too

I don't know....a 90 may be just right

wow i knew the guy has to be making some serious money but wow...prolly worth around 100mil by now.

o yea. +1 post for this worthless thread, don't mean to offend the OP since they're sticking up for his choice of racquet but that's exactly what it is, his choice. for those thinking he should change to a larger frame like 95-100 then "you" should switch to a 135+
 

NoBadMojo

G.O.A.T.
Well, I think the facts speak for themselves:

Total prize money $41,742,219 (and counting)
Wilson endorsement $2,000,000/year for life
Nike endorsement estimated 6 figures a year too

I don't know....a 90 may be just right

your comment has absolutely zero to do with what headsize Fed uses..it is only relevant to the brand name Fed uses..this is by your own statement.
 

quest01

Hall of Fame
Roger is doing just fine.

Not this year he's not. If Federer wants to have any chance of surpassing Sampras's open era record of 14 majors, he will need to switch to a larger head size in particular a mid plus. He needs to start experimenting with mid plus racquets immediately or he will be in jeopardy of never conquering the open era record.

This is his only saving grace.
 

RoddickistheMan

Professional
Im for this too he really needs to quit being so stubborn and make some changes to his game. I mean look at nadal he made some drastic changes and they have made dividends. It wouldnt hurt to try especially since hes been losing like crazy as of late.
 

JW10S

Hall of Fame
I suppose that threads like this just underline the overriding theme of this board--that it's the racquet that is the single most important factor in determining how one plays. Ability, training, practice and strategy have nothing to do with it. Can't hit a certain shot? Just get a new racquet. Lose some matches? Just get a new racquet. Need more spin? Just get a new racquet. Absurd...
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
your comment has absolutely zero to do with what headsize Fed uses..it is only relevant to the brand name Fed uses..this is by your own statement.

Reading comprehension is a wonderful thing.

My statement has everything to do with the headsize Roger Federer uses since hsi results with that headsize and smaller earned him the $'s.

a) Players don't earn that kind of money for 2nd place
b) Players don't earn that kind of money in endorsements for not winning


You see, it wasn't that he won because of his endorsements. It was because he won that he got endorsements.

Speaking of reading comprehension, where's the sig? No love/advertising for the Becker Mid?
 
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BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Good point. What did Emerson use for all his GS titles (singles and doubles), probably a 66 sq. in. head.

(Did Emmo use a Maxply?)
Well, he used a wood racquet I believe and almost all of them were about 65 sq. in. Even the early metal racquets were the same size, some even smaller I think.
 

Richie Rich

Legend
I've stayed with the same racquet head size (100 square inch) for a little while now but lets not mix up recreational players with professional tennis players.

Trust me if Federer ever wants to save his career and give himself an opportunity to succeed for the future he must change to a mid plus. This is his only hope for survival in surpassing Sampras's open era record. Listen its got to be done or Federer's lasting legacy will be over and when he's 40 he's going to ponder why he never changed to a larger head size. He will end up writing a book dedicated to why he regrets never switching to a larger head size.

why MUST he change? The guy has played his whole career with an 85/90 sq inch racquet. he has figured out what works for him. one off year (results, by the way, that most other pro's would kill for) by Fed's standards doesn't mean he has to overhaul his game or his equipment.

going to a larger head frame now would probably result in worse results for a guy like federer. but who knows, he may switch, but i doubt it and i don't think he needs to.

speaking of regrets, i'm sure every pro has regrets when their career is over. something they could have done different will be in the back of their minds.
 

MAX PLY

Hall of Fame
I've stayed with the same racquet head size (100 square inch) for a little while now but lets not mix up recreational players with professional tennis players.

Trust me if Federer ever wants to save his career and give himself an opportunity to succeed for the future he must change to a mid plus. This is his only hope for survival in surpassing Sampras's open era record. Listen its got to be done or Federer's lasting legacy will be over and when he's 40 he's going to ponder why he never changed to a larger head size. He will end up writing a book dedicated to why he regrets never switching to a larger head size.

There you have it. Clearly a highly ranked player or teaching pro AND a psychic weighing in on how Federer can "save his career." Any stocks I should buy?
 

TennisDawg

Hall of Fame
If Federer wants to surpass Sampras's 14 grand slam titles he needs to switch to a larger head size. He should start experimenting now and make the switch permanently if he wants to have any chance in not only breaking Sampras's open era record but to also winning the French Open.


A bit contradictory when you consider that Pete played with a smaller racquet head, I beleive 85 sqin. Keep in mind that Roger has won 12 grand slams with a small head size.
 

s7evin

Rookie
If your game performance suddenly drops, do you immediately start to blame your equipment that served you well for ~10 years???

Just think about what are you saying.
What are these theories based on?- Did everyone started to play better all of a sudden or does Fed have a bad year (i think that the one who doesn't know which one is more likely to be true is a ******)
Give the man a break what do you except that he plays 20 years on the tour flawless?
I thik that he knows what's wrong and if it was the racket he would change it.
 

NoBadMojo

G.O.A.T.
Irrelevant


for sure...people keep bringing up stuff from then..this is now...the game has changed. the game has even changes since Sampras retired let alone when Emmo played. a 64k dual 5.25" single density floppy computer used to be the cats pajamas years ago.

Fed really does NOW have a big problem with high bounding balls to his backhand with many and just not with Nadal. <especially on his return of serve>. There is too little hitting space on a 90headsized racquet because of the face angle and sweetzone size to slice his backhand back with control and pace with the way those balls are coming at him, and he doesnt have a choice of shots because the balls are up too high and hit too hard for him to hit over on..it's matter of the geometry...
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Fed really does NOW have a big problem with high bounding balls to his backhand with many and just not with Nadal. <especially on his return of serve>

That is correct. It was pointed out by commentators in CIncy that Fed had big trouble with the Karlovic serve when it bounced high to his BH. It is not just Rafa and topspin anymore, it is others too.
 

Richie Rich

Legend
That is correct. It was pointed out by commentators in CIncy that Fed had big trouble with the Karlovic serve when it bounced high to his BH. It is not just Rafa and topspin anymore, it is others too.

so are there any players with a one handed b/h, regardless of racquet headsize they use, that wouldn't have had trouble with karlovic's serve or nadal's topspin? it's got more to do with the one handed b/h being a weaker shot on those types of balls than the frame he uses
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
so are there any players with a one handed b/h, regardless of racquet headsize they use, that wouldn't have had trouble with karlovic's serve or nadal's topspin? it's got more to do with the one handed b/h being a weaker shot on those types of balls than the frame he uses

Yes the basic problem is the 1 hander. But 95 is a good compromise for him.
 

Richie Rich

Legend
Yes the basic problem is the 1 hander. But 95 is a good compromise for him.

i'm sure fed will be glad to take your recommendation under consideration - since you know exactly what he needs and are qualified to give that recommendation :lol:
 

MAX PLY

Hall of Fame
for sure...people keep bringing up stuff from then..this is now...the game has changed. the game has even changes since Sampras retired let alone when Emmo played. a 64k dual 5.25" single density floppy computer used to be the cats pajamas years ago.

Fed really does NOW have a big problem with high bounding balls to his backhand with many and just not with Nadal. <especially on his return of serve>. There is too little hitting space on a 90headsized racquet because of the face angle and sweetzone size to slice his backhand back with control and pace with the way those balls are coming at him, and he doesnt have a choice of shots because the balls are up too high and hit too hard for him to hit over on..it's matter of the geometry...

Please read The Physics and Technology of Tennis by Howard Brody and Technical Tennis by Rod Cross. Then, please explain how a bigger racquet (especially by a whole 5 square inches!) would materially increase the area of contact between the ball and the strings. The high bounding ball to the backhand "weakness" (a very relative term) is more a function of the spin of the oncoming ball, grip, turn, footwork and the type of backhand one is trying to hit (i.e., flat, underspin or topspin). A larger racquet may (and I reapeat MAY--because there are about a zillion factors, stiffness, string pattern, etc) require less effort on such a shot because it is more powerful but that potential result has nothing to do with geometry. Why one would choose a different racquet for that one shot also makes no sense (because if his opponent doesn't get it to his backhand, Roger has a high inside out forehand asking to be spanked).
 

Bubba

Professional
The thing is if Federer started out his career with a mid plus racquet instead of a mid he would have won probably 15 grand slams including a few French Open titles.

He would have already surpassed Sampras's 14 grand slam titles if he started out his career with a mid plus.

That's just a stupid statement. Where'd you buy your crystal ball?
 

NoBadMojo

G.O.A.T.
so are there any players with a one handed b/h, regardless of racquet headsize they use, that wouldn't have had trouble with karlovic's serve or nadal's topspin? it's got more to do with the one handed b/h being a weaker shot on those types of balls than the frame he uses

good point. There is a big advantage to a two fister on the return of serve, and you can always go to a one if you get pulled really wide.

since Fed obviously isnt going to switch to a two hander, i dont think it a bad idea that he consider switching to something with a bit more sweetzone real estate , if he already isnt considering

Please read The Physics and Technology of Tennis by Howard Brody and Technical Tennis by Rod Cross. Then, please explain how a bigger racquet (especially by a whole 5 square inches!) would materially increase the area of contact between the ball and the strings. The high bounding ball to the backhand "weakness" (a very relative term) is more a function of the spin of the oncoming ball, grip, turn, footwork and the type of backhand one is trying to hit (i.e., flat, underspin or topspin). A larger racquet may (and I reapeat MAY--because there are about a zillion factors, stiffness, string pattern, etc) require less effort on such a shot because it is more powerful but that potential result has nothing to do with geometry. Why one would choose a different racquet for that one shot also makes no sense (because if his opponent doesn't get it to his backhand, Roger has a high inside out forehand asking to be spanked).

i explain this by saying that racquets w. larger sweetzones have larger sweetzones and are therefore easier to flush hit especially when faced with awkward balls
 

Rabbit

G.O.A.T.
Could it just be that Federer is having, for him, a down year? A slump? Sheesh....the guy loses two GS finals in a row and everybody's ready to completely retool his game.
 

Babb

Professional
Best fitness in the game, OP? Um... I really need to save that picture on my PC for quick reference-- the one of his stomach sticking out. That's shameful for a pro tennis player, IMO.
 
How do you know that fed hasnt been considering what we've been thinking is reasonable for some while and hasnt been experimenting with other less demanding frames perhaps when he goes to Dubai for practice for example. ? i've been saying for a year or so now, that it wouldnt hurt Fed to look to change to something w. a bigger sweetzone. he changed once, he could change again. he also changed string. believe it or not pros do make changes in their gear in the course of their careers in order to look for any possible little edge. Good players adapt and make changes especially when they are being passed by..i think Fed is a pretty good player.

Hey Mojo,

I think it's likely Fed has tried out other, potentially even larger, frames. I've even always wondered if Wilson may have 'cooked up' the HPS 6.0 95 for him because it, in essence, plays like a slightly larger, slightly more powerful K90. ;)

What I was addressing in my post was the idea that Fed needs any of US to counsel him concerning matters related to tennis. :)

Be well,

CC
 

hoosierbr

Hall of Fame
I think it's unwise for Fed or anyone to automatically assume that it's time to change racquets. Fed has lacked confidence all year going back to Australia. Confidence is the great equalizer as we all know. Fed lost it and got it back at Wimby but came up short. He didn't play a great match and still almost won.

I was hoping his come from behind win against Ginepri would be a spark. Maybe it'll take an Olympic medal.
 

VGP

Legend
I suppose that threads like this just underline the overriding theme of this board--that it's the racquet that is the single most important factor in determining how one plays. Ability, training, practice and strategy have nothing to do with it. Can't hit a certain shot? Just get a new racquet. Lose some matches? Just get a new racquet. Need more spin? Just get a new racquet. Absurd...

I like this post.....

.....this is Tennis Warehouse's discussion board, right?

.....and Tennis Warehouse sells, like uh, tennis stuff......rackets etc.

.....perhaps there are posters that are planted here (or at least paid) by TW to play on your insecurities and perceived need for more tennis crap.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Best fitness in the game, OP? Um... I really need to save that picture on my PC for quick reference-- the one of his stomach sticking out. That's shameful for a pro tennis player, IMO.
Federer outlasted Ginepri in the intense heat and humidity of Cincy and Ginepri is renowned for being one of the fittest guys on the tour. Federer also looked physically fine in the 3rd set tiebreak against Karlovic in the midday sun and heat and humidity while Nadal looked pretty spent by the 2nd set in a night match against Haas. When Federer says he's fitter than Nadal, I tend to believe him. That's what training in the heat of Dubai does for you.

Now I know someone's going to mention his mono, but he's in the recovery stage so it would still be hard for him to sustain that kind of energy over too many matches in a row.
 

tennis_hand

Hall of Fame
There have been a lot of threads and posts regarding the fact that people here think that Roger needs to change to a larger head size. I don't think that is true. Roger has the best eyes in the game. He has arguably the best fitness in the game. He also has the best timing in the game.

Roger had mono in the beginning of the season. It is not an excuse, but it takes a long time to recover from that illness. I don't think Roger has fully recovered from that. Considering his points to defend and his regime in regards to physical conditioning and workouts--he pushes it more than anyone. I remember posts on here about him taking three or four up and coming players and having them rotate out to stay fresh while he stayed on court bashing balls in the 125 degree heat in the desert. That type of workout system will not allow Roger to fully recover from a tough illness.

Those that say Roger needs and APD to compete with Rafa make me chuckle.

What Roger needs is rest. Following the US Open, I'd like to see him forget about the rankings, defending points, and just take time off from his workout schedule. Hit a few balls here and there to remember the muscle memory, etc. But don't push. Get fresh mentally and physically.

Roger's stick has nothing to do with it. He pushed damn hard for the last four years to stay where he is/was. Yes, he slipped, but it was bad timing with a serious illness such as mono and young guns pushing him and his defense of points in 2007.

It has nothing to do with the stick.....


He doesn't have to change. He will still play well.
But if he changes to a slightly larger one, he will player better at this time of his conditions.

Look. He used to be a S&Ver in the early days. But now he is now mostly a baseliner. When he S&V, a small head size probably served him. Now that he mostly stays behind the baseline, a larger racket will do him good.

Just take a K90 and a tennis ball to compare. The K90's sweetspot is probably the same size as that of a ball. U gotta hit it every time. and wonder why he had so much mishits on his backhand? when he used to S&V using the PS 85, it doesn't expose it much because u volley most of the time.

His game and time have changed. His racket should also change with that, if he is adaptive as with the rest of his games.
 

BreakPoint

Bionic Poster
Just take a K90 and a tennis ball to compare. The K90's sweetspot is probably the same size as that of a ball. U gotta hit it every time. and wonder why he had so much mishits on his backhand?
You should take a 90 and overlay it on a 95. There's barely any difference. Thus, the difference in the sizes of the sweetspots is negligable. If the size of the sweetspot on his 90 is the size of a tennis ball, then the size of the sweetspot on a 95 is the size of 1.05 tennis balls since 95 is only 5% bigger than 90. That's not going to help him much. All the bigger racquet is going to do is give him less maneuverability and slow down his racquet head speed.
 

D. Dokas

Rookie
if federer needs a 95 to reduce frames at RG i need a gamma big bubba.
guys c'mon listen to yourselfs at breakpoint said above there is almost no difference between a 90 and 95. he is not winning roland garos if he changes. wilson and federer have both created a racquet to perfectly suit federer.
please why would he change?
 
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