Federer News

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What was with Federer pumping himself up so much almost as early as opening game of the match ?...Probable signs of things to come in the coming months leading upto next year ? or just wanting to get back Ramos Vinolas for the loss four years ago?
 

oldmanfan

Legend
What was with Federer pumping himself up so much almost as early as opening game of the match ?...Probable signs of things to come in the coming months leading upto next year ? or just wanting to get back Ramos Vinolas for the loss four years ago?

The latter.

Plus, Fedr came especially early to Shanghai this year to prepare for the tourney and fulfill sponsor events. Sounds like the fact that his parents enjoy Shanghai so much motivates him a little extra. Bc the deeper he goes, the longer they can tour the city. See his answers below:

 

oldmanfan

Legend

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R

Robert Baratheon

Guest
So how do you guys think he played today?
Courts play fast. As a result Roger has no problem on the serve.
The problem is his return game. It's almost as if he doesn't have one these days. A few tournaments or more like a few days in the year he does tend to return wonderfully out of nowhere but other than it's mostly down the toilet.
It could just be rust as naturally the return game does take a bit more time to show up compared to the serve game.
Let's hope Roger makes the finals here. Would love myself some Djokerer magic.
US series was rather uneventful and disappointing for both of them.
 

mike danny

Bionic Poster
Courts play fast. As a result Roger has no problem on the serve.
The problem is his return game. It's almost as if he doesn't have one these days. A few tournaments or more like a few days in the year he does tend to return wonderfully out of nowhere but other than it's mostly down the toilet.
It could just be rust as naturally the return game does take a bit more time to show up compared to the serve game.
Let's hope Roger makes the finals here. Would love myself some Djokerer magic.
US series was rather uneventful and disappointing for both of them.
Actually in the first set I would say his return was quite good and the stats seem to show it (55% points won on first serve returns and 27% on second serve returns). But in the second set his return went missing, especially the infamous second serve return (24% points on first serve returns and only 7%=1 point on second serve returns :oops:).

Overall good showing, first set was impressive, but he needs some work on that return.
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
Actually in the first set I would say his return was quite good and the stats seem to show it (55% points won on first serve returns and 27% on second serve returns). But in the second set his return went missing, especially the infamous second serve return (24% points on first serve returns and only 7%=1 point on second serve returns :oops:).

Overall good showing, first set was impressive, but he needs some work on that return.
This has been noticeable for a while now. Why does he struggle with serve as it goes on?
 

oldmanfan

Legend
Actually in the first set I would say his return was quite good and the stats seem to show it (55% points won on first serve returns and 27% on second serve returns). But in the second set his return went missing, especially the infamous second serve return (24% points on first serve returns and only 7%=1 point on second serve returns :oops:).

Overall good showing, first set was impressive, but he needs some work on that return.

I didn't see the full match, but based on the 12min highlights, it seemed Fedr almost didn't use his slice return, no? It almost felt like he returned ARV's serves the way he plays Nadl recently. If he did use BH slice returns more, his returns-in % would be higher I'd imagine bc he can make them in his sleep (not necessarily more return pts % won). But he's olderrer now, and slice returning requires more effort in rallies as he's in neutral at best to start the point vs. in-the-plus via topspin returns. Of course, the downside of BH topspin returns for Fedr is that it's not his most-comfortable return on the BH side, thus he misses more.

Ideally, if he can get his returns to his peak-level, it would be great to go along with his still-great service games. But at his current age, as long as his service games are dominant, he's in a good position to win most of his matches. I think he's returning well enough to sneak a break or two, and he is favored to win TBs with his normally comfortable serves.
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
I didn't see the full match, but based on the 12min highlights, it seemed Fedr almost didn't use his slice return, no? It almost felt like he returned ARV's serves the way he plays Nadl recently. If he did use BH slice returns more, his returns-in % would be higher I'd imagine bc he can make them in his sleep (not necessarily more return pts % won). But he's olderrer now, and slice returning requires more effort in rallies as he's in neutral at best to start the point vs. in-the-plus via topspin returns. Of course, the downside of BH topspin returns for Fedr is that it's not his most-comfortable return on the BH side, thus he misses more.

Ideally, if he can get his returns to his peak-level, it would be great to go along with his still-great service games. But at his current age, as long as his service games are dominant, he's in a good position to win most of his matches. I think he's returning well enough to sneak a break or two, and he is favored to win TBs with his normally comfortable serves.
Maybe he is simply preparing for when he cant slice. But if this is the case, it is still not a good sign.
 

oldmanfan

Legend
Maybe he is simply preparing for when he cant slice. But if this is the case, it is still not a good sign.

I'm not understanding you. I think he can still slice his BH returns in his sleep. And I think that will hold true until he retires bc his hand/eye/reflex is so ridic. He just chose not to, imo. I just think he's actively making an effort to come over it more as he ages in order to give him the advantage right away from the first shot. Whether he makes it or not, he conserves energy (If he makes it, he's more likely to win the point bc of the positive position, and it'll result in less energy in rallies. Ditto if he misses.).

As I said in my last post, slice-BH-returns by default makes him work harder to 'try' to win the points bc he's almost never in control of it from the beginning (hence why Nadl eats it for breakfast) and would have to rely on his opponents ceding ground in order to gain adv and win return-pts. Sure, that would give him more opportunities statistically bc he's at least in the point. But he's much older now, so in regards to winning titles, it might not be worth-it/doable as he goes deeper in tourneys to expend so much energy trying to win every point like he did/could when he was pre-30yo.

Maybe you guys see him as much worst in 2019 than between 2017-2018, but I'm content with his game overall, both serve and return, since his return at AO17 (except for his game that's affected by the hand issue in the 2nd half of 2018). I'm a bit more optimistic, I guess, bc there's not yet a Nextgen ATG chasing him. Medv could prove to be it, but I feel he'll cause more problems for Djokodal's game than Fedr's.
 
I didn't see the full match, but based on the 12min highlights, it seemed Fedr almost didn't use his slice return, no? It almost felt like he returned ARV's serves the way he plays Nadl recently. If he did use BH slice returns more, his returns-in % would be higher I'd imagine bc he can make them in his sleep (not necessarily more return pts % won). But he's olderrer now, and slice returning requires more effort in rallies as he's in neutral at best to start the point vs. in-the-plus via topspin returns. Of course, the downside of BH topspin returns for Fedr is that it's not his most-comfortable return on the BH side, thus he misses more.

Ideally, if he can get his returns to his peak-level, it would be great to go along with his still-great service games. But at his current age, as long as his service games are dominant, he's in a good position to win most of his matches. I think he's returning well enough to sneak a break or two, and he is favored to win TBs with his normally comfortable serves.
Got to agree...the best example or in this case the worst example is Federer's match vs Djokovic in Cincy...He just refused to slice despite the topspin BH return going long by several feet....Don't understand that mindset considering the slice has been his bread and butter return for all his career....
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
I'm not understanding you. I think he can still slice his BH returns in his sleep. And I think that will hold true until he retires bc his hand/eye/reflex is so ridic. He just chose not to, imo. I just think he's actively making an effort to come over it more as he ages in order to give him the advantage right away from the first shot. Whether he makes it or not, he conserves energy (If he makes it, he's more likely to win the point bc of the positive position, and it'll result in less energy in rallies. Ditto if he misses.).

As I said in my last post, slice-BH-returns by default makes him work harder to 'try' to win the points bc he's almost never in control of it from the beginning (hence why Nadl eats it for breakfast) and would have to rely on his opponents ceding ground in order to gain adv and win return-pts. Sure, that would give him more opportunities statistically bc he's at least in the point. But he's much older now, so in regards to winning titles, it might not be worth-it/doable as he goes deeper in tourneys to expend so much energy trying to win every point like he did/could when he was pre-30yo.

Maybe you guys see him as much worst in 2019 than between 2017-2018, but I'm content with his game overall, both serve and return, since his return at AO17 (except for his game that's affected by the hand issue in the 2nd half of 2018). I'm a bit more optimistic, I guess, bc there's not yet a Nextgen ATG chasing him. Medv could prove to be it, but I feel he'll cause more problems for Djokodal's game than Fedr's.
When he plays a top player such as a Djoker, Rafa, Med, or anyone that can move Fed around and be offensive with those slice returns he will have trouble.

So maybe he is trying it out now knowing he can't get hurt (or not as bad), so that he is in the groove when he gets to later rounds. Essentially he is practicing coming over the ball in matches now as he will have to later.
 

oldmanfan

Legend
When he plays a top player such as a Djoker, Rafa, Med, or anyone that can move Fed around and be offensive with those slice returns he will have trouble.

So maybe he is trying it out now knowing he can't get hurt (or not as bad), so that he is in the groove when he gets to later rounds. Essentially he is practicing coming over the ball in matches now as he will have to later.

I understand now. Thanks!

And yes, going ham now on the BH returns would definitely be safer on lower ranked players to prepare for later rounds. Plus, his BH was 2017-esque today. If the price is to miss some returns for a rock-solid topspin BH, both in returns and rallies, I think it's worth it. Nadl won't agree though... ;)
 

oldmanfan

Legend
Got to agree...the best example or in this case the worst example is Federer's match vs Djokovic in Cincy...He just refused to slice despite the topspin BH return going long by several feet....Don't understand that mindset considering the slice has been his bread and butter return for all his career....

True. But it's hard to say if it's right or wrong. What I'd like to think is that it's right for 'right now' as he's closer to 50 yrs old than 25. From a selfish-fan POV, I want to see him play as long as he can/want, so if that means giving up some opportunities afforded by slice-BH-returns so that he can extend his career then... ;):

giphy.gif
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
I understand now. Thanks!

And yes, going ham now on the BH returns would definitely be safer on lower ranked players to prepare for later rounds. Plus, his BH was 2017-esque today. If the price is to miss some returns for a rock-solid topspin BH, both in returns and rallies, I think it's worth it. Nadl won't agree though... ;)
I just think we are going to get a more offensive Fed (been wanting it) then in recent past. He is starting to show signs of fatigue at times. So maybe he is going to have a mindset of playing more offensive will get him more big wins, but also come with more losses.

I would not mind a season where he ends up outside the top 5 but wins a slam. Might streamline the Fed we currently know.
 
R

Robert Baratheon

Guest
Actually in the first set I would say his return was quite good and the stats seem to show it (55% points won on first serve returns and 27% on second serve returns). But in the second set his return went missing, especially the infamous second serve return (24% points on first serve returns and only 7%=1 point on second serve returns :oops:).

Overall good showing, first set was impressive, but he needs some work on that return.
Yeah but with him 3 of the 4 big stats are almost never the problem, no?
It is essentially the 2nd serve return which determines how he is going to fare against the real contenders. His career average is 50.something % so I would argue that 24% wasn't okay either.
 

Rogfan

Professional
And I have a bad feeling for tonight’s match against Goffin. Goffin is playing well at the moment and I feel he won’t fold against Fed anymore. Fed looked rather rusty and at times clueless in that second set a couple of days ago. The bh was dumping a lot of balls in the net as well.
 

ForehandRF

Legend
And I have a bad feeling for tonight’s match against Goffin. Goffin is playing well at the moment and I feel he won’t fold against Fed anymore. Fed looked rather rusty and at times clueless in that second set a couple of days ago. The bh was dumping a lot of balls in the net as well.
Fed in recent years looks rusty at the beginning of almost every tournament.Just look at Miami and he still won it.
 

Rogfan

Professional

Unfortunately he’s being outplayed already, in game 3. Struggling to hold and bp to Goffin. Once they get into a rally Fed is almost always in the defence. Phew his serves ended up saving him again, game 3 that is.

I hope I’ll be proven wrong after all and he will win with no drama
 
R

Robert Baratheon

Guest
Hey guys,

How is Roger playing so far ?

Last time I watched him was vs Dimitrov.
Total up and down game. You can't predict when he will hit you off the court and when he will go on self destruct.
I have 0 trust in tiebreakerer these days and his return game is awful so unless the opponent is on self destruct himself then Roger can't break. So overall I would say it's a bad sign.
But because you can't predict how his game will look in the next match I can't say anything for sure.
Good thing is that he was serving big.
Bad thing is that when Goffin was playing like a top player should Roger was totally getting outplayed.
If not for one of the biggest choke jobs ever by Goffin Roger probably would have lost the match.
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
Total up and down game. You can't predict when he will hit you off the court and when he will go on self destruct.
I have 0 trust in tiebreakerer these days and his return game is awful so unless the opponent is on self destruct himself then Roger can't break. So overall I would say it's a bad sign.
But because you can't predict how his game will look in the next match I can't say anything for sure.
Good thing is that he was serving big.
Bad thing is that when Goffin was playing like a top player should Roger was totally getting outplayed.
If not for one of the biggest choke jobs ever by Goffin Roger probably would have lost the match.

That is what age will do to you. He will look terrible somedays and it is about just surviving, and hoping he has his best for the SF and Finals if he gets there. I still think he has that top tier level, just less often.

But he has fiasco server next, so hopefully he serves well and let's fiasco do the rest. If he plays like he did today against Thiem or Djoker, it will end real bad.

His ROS has been declining pretty dramatically recently. But hey, we still have Fed playing at 38. :p
 

Third Serve

Talk Tennis Guru
Fed has Zedzilla next. I doubt his weaker return nowadays will affect this match too much; he isn't exactly facing one of the serving legends. He should try to refrain from getting into long rallies (especially BH-BH rallies; Z's backhand looked impressive vs. Rublev) as Zverev's age advantage may come into play. We'll see how this goes.
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
Fed has Zedzilla next. I doubt his weaker return nowadays will affect this match too much; he isn't exactly facing one of the serving legends. He should try to refrain from getting into long rallies (especially BH-BH rallies; Z's backhand looked impressive vs. Rublev) as Zverev's age advantage may come into play. We'll see how this goes.
Zverev owes Fed one for his "pep" talk at Laver Cup. Do the right thing Zverev...
 
That one was close...But once Federer stole the set, it became pretty predictable...Goffin puts himself in winning position against the big players only to falter at the end....Its become a big trend from him..the only match he proved otherwise was his win over Federer at the WTF two years ago....
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
Ouch. I am not even worried about the ROS (has struggled for a while with this), but his serve? If you are going to get broke 3 times by zverev? You won't win against the big guys.

That is 3 tourneys in a row he has not made the SF's. Can't remember last time that happened? Maybe more recently than I am thinking, but he needs a win at Basel or a strong run at WTF's to start gaining confidence.

His serve concerns me the most going forward. Gets broken quite frequent these days. Let's hope for a fresh charge in 2020, as this type of play ends his career by the Olympics if it keeps trending this way.
 
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