Would it benefit Federer to...

[wings56]

Would it benefit Federer to let out some of his hot-headedness and play with a bit more emotion? Obviously, what initially pushed him (and others, i.e. Djokovic) into dominance was his ability to maintain a constant level as opposed to great up and down swings. It just seems as of late, that fire is what is keeping him from coming up with the mental goods to close out the big matches on the big stages.

I'm not saying he should revert to his old racquet breaking self, but I wonder if he has just gotten too stable (if there is such a thing) in his on court mentality. There is endless debate on what he needs to do to beat certain players and I'm not trying to make a statement, just raising topic for discussion.

Without a DOUBT Fed still has the physical ability. He has unfortunately come into a mental funk that needs to be fixed.

[Tammo]

Fed has lost physical ability. That is why his best result at the slams last year was at the French open.

[phnx90]

Originally Posted by Tammo

Fed has lost physical ability. That is why his best result at the slams last year was at the French open.

But wouldn't clay be the first surface where declining physical abilities would show up...?

[DjokovicForTheWin]

Fed's attitude is indeed a concern. He doesn't seem to care as much even though he may claim otherwise. After huge losses he just shrugs them off. Not the same Fed from yore.

[Cup8489]

Originally Posted by phnx90

But wouldn't clay be the first surface where declining physical abilities would show up...?

Fed is such a shotmaker that this doesn't really apply to him. Clay gives him time to set up for his shots, and he's simply a better mover on it than most guys.

[Nostradamus]

Originally Posted by phnx90

But wouldn't clay be the first surface where declining physical abilities would show up...?

Not really. because he moves so well on clay. he grew up on it. His timing and racket has speed is slowing down. Very very small margin but it makes a difference especially in critical points. Roger used to be better than everybody by 10-15 %. now he has come down to earth and is only better by 5%. problem is guys like Novak raised his level by 10 %

[flyinghippos101]

Originally Posted by phnx90

But wouldn't clay be the first surface where declining physical abilities would show up...?

Sarcasm doesn't work well on the internet. You're forgiven

[TheNatural]

It would benefit Fed to work on his volleys and not to give up coming to net for the rest of the match after he gets passed twice.

[achokshi99]

Fed would benefit from facing guys like Roddick, Baghdatis, Gonzo, Phillipousis in GS finals. Could also sub in Lleyton Hewiit now as a second rate 35 y/o Agassi too. I like ripping the *******s but in all seriousness, Fed is more than capable of still winning a GS. He doesn't need an attitude adjustment. He can beat Djoker and I definitely believe he is due to beat Nadal in a big tournament. You watch Fed tear up Del Po in the AO or routinely destroy other top 10s. Sure he's lost to Berdych and Tsonga in GS but he came right back against Tsonga and tore him apart last year both at the USO and WTF. I think Nadal is slipping a bit, Fed's BH has gotten a lot better and I think if he can get past the mental hex he can take Nadal out. Against Nadal, Fed just plays poorly, not because of Nadal in a lot of cases, sometimes the shot selection and execution on even routine stuff is bizarre. I think Annacone is helping Fed a lot more than is evident, esp on the BH side and trying to close points out faster and I think this will help against Nadal sooner than people think.

Djoker is in god mode but it can't be sustained. So in either case, Fed has a shot at a GS title still.

Originally Posted by wings56

Would it benefit Federer to let out some of his hot-headedness and play with a bit more emotion? Obviously, what initially pushed him (and others, i.e. Djokovic) into dominance was his ability to maintain a constant level as opposed to great up and down swings. It just seems as of late, that fire is what is keeping him from coming up with the mental goods to close out the big matches on the big stages.

I'm not saying he should revert to his old racquet breaking self, but I wonder if he has just gotten too stable (if there is such a thing) in his on court mentality. There is endless debate on what he needs to do to beat certain players and I'm not trying to make a statement, just raising topic for discussion.

Without a DOUBT Fed still has the physical ability. He has unfortunately come into a mental funk that needs to be fixed.

[Homeboy Hotel]

You'd actually be surprised how much emotion he starts to show now he's not the dominant multi-slam defending champion for the last couple years.

When he's loosing he does amplify his body language - shrugging his shoulders, muttering to himself, instantly turning his back to bad points, shaking his head in disgust. It's very minor really, but slowly he's reverting back to his pre-slam days.

[serve stopper]

I think he should show some emotions. He needs to get cocky imo. In 09 Federer showed so much emotion and I think it made him a better player because of it

[devila]

no attitude change is required. fed's just overrated. djoker didn't play "a" level always...he's just not one dimensional as federer.
only difference is federer stopped improving.

this makes the fighting spirit of nadal more admirable, despite his heavy, jerky movements and weaker serve.

[SystemicAnomaly]

^ This is the most absurd thing that I've read here in a while -- Federer is one dimensional (and overated)!!! Is this supposed to be sarcasm? I can't tell.

The basic premise of this thread appears to be flawed. I guess that many here have forgotten (or did not realize) that, prior to his prime/dominance, Federer was quite emotional on the court. He was considered to be a hothead in his earlier years, even by his own admission.

[Mike Sams]

Some people said that after he has kids, he will decline in every way since tennis will not be his #1 love any longer.

[cc0509]

Originally Posted by Mike Sams

Some people said that after he has kids, he will decline in every way since tennis will not be his #1 love any longer.

I am sure tennis is not his number 1 love now that he has kids. Kids change everything. But, he is 30 so kids or no kids, he is much past his prime.

[DeShaun]

I have consciously tried to emulate his cocky, loose on-court demeanor. Sometimes this has served me well, acting (it seemed) as a kind of psyche job against lesser opponents. Other times, usually when playing against tougher opponents it seems, I desperately wanted to let out a massive roar just to purge myself of pent up tension, but I fought the impulse by maintaining stoicism and emotional equanimity--and that repression usually felt unnatural or somehow unhealthy.

[Mike Sams]

Originally Posted by cc0509

I am sure tennis is not his number 1 love now that he has kids. Kids change everything. But, he is 30 so kids or no kids, he is much past his prime.

Instead of fighting hard like Djokovic, he just puts his head down and mopes. No fighting spirit left in him.

[cc0509]

Originally Posted by Mike Sams

Instead of fighting hard like Djokovic, he just puts his head down and mopes. No fighting spirit left in him.

I think he might be over it. How will Djokovic and Nadal be at 30? Will either of them still be playing at that age? I highly doubt it.

[Sid_Vicious]

Originally Posted by cc0509

I think he might be over it. How will Djokovic and Nadal be at 30? Will either of them still be playing at that age? I highly doubt it.

Djokovic will the be the President of Serbia and Nadal will be the Spanish davis cup captain.


jk

[Mike Sams]

30 is the new 20. Nadal has not even reached his prime. It's just his knees that are breaking but he can get knee surgery if need be and win another 32 Slams by the time he's 34.