Roger will fight for #14.

saram · Jul 9, 2007

Just my opinion, and maybe the future will prove me highly wrong (as it does on continual occasion), but I think Roger will win the US and Aussie Opens coming up. I think though, that Rafa will get him at the French in 08. There are so many rising stars though (Gasquet, Brdych, Murray, Djokovic, Rafa, Mahut, Baghdatis, and many spoilers) that come Wimbledon 08, Roger is going to have to fight tooth and nail. I have a suspicion that his supremecy of the sport will come to an end at the AO in 08.

The surface of Wimbledon will be slower than this year. The sun will be out and continual play in the last week will not allow for tired players to enter the quarters and semis.

As well, Rafa stunned the tennis world Sunday. He did not beat Roger--but he stunned him. He gave him a couple punches that put Roger in a spot he has not been in during a final in almost half a decade. By doing so, he showed the other young guns that the master is not invincible. Roger is not without flaw and weaknesses. He is finally human--although still a champion.

I have to say, 12 and 13 will come so soon to Roger and with relative ease compared to Wimbledon this year. But come the French in 08, his domination of the tennis world will be not only challenged by Rafa--but others as well.

Your thoughts????

ACE of Hearts · Jul 9, 2007

I think the U.S Open will be tough.Alot of young guys out there that are hungry.Fed needs to keep his mental strenght tough when it comes to these young guys.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

Berdych is not a rising star. He is overhyped clown who will never win a slam title. Baghdatis also is no real rising star. Scratch those 2 of the list. They will never win a slam title, and they will definitely never beat Federer in a slam event. Mahut? What the hell......

You are right on Djokovic, Gasquet, and Murray, but they still have a bit more to prove in the meantime.

No he will definitely win atleast 15 slams since he and Nadal are the only players who will win slams maybe until 2009 even. Even then they will still win their share.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

ACE of Hearts said:
I think the U.S Open will be tough.Alot of young guys out there that are hungry.Fed needs to keep his mental strenght tough when it comes to these young guys.

Young guys like who? Djokovic yes, but he still needs to prove he can come even close to beating Federer or Nadal in a big event. Murray has been injured alot in the middle of the year, so I doubt this would be his year at the U.S Open. Gasquet yes, but beating Roddick barely is his big breakthrough to this point, getting to beating Federer or Nadal is another huge leap from the barrier he just broke. Berdych or Baghdatis? Like I said dont make me laugh by even mentioning those two.

Heavy Metal Tennis Star · Jul 9, 2007

if roger wins his 14th at the FO, it will be sweet. haha sampras will cry.

quest01 · Jul 9, 2007

Roger will win number 14 with ease because the only player that gets in his way is Nadal. Possibly Djokovic or Murray could give him problems in the future but for now only Nadal really pushes Federer to the limit. Just like Pete Sampras said Federer will win 18 majors the same amount as Jack Nicklaus.

saram · Jul 9, 2007

anointedone said:
Young guys like who? Djokovic yes, but he still needs to prove he can come even close to beating Federer or Nadal in a big event. Murray has been injured alot in the middle of the year, so I doubt this would be his year at the U.S Open. Gasquet yes, but beating Roddick barely is his big breakthrough to this point, getting to beating Federer or Nadal is another huge leap from the barrier he just broke. Berdych or Baghdatis? Like I said dont make me laugh by even mentioning those two.

Berdych--beat Roger at the Olympics.
Bags--took a set twice when no one else could and was strong at the AO
Murray--beat Roger
Gasquet--did not beat Andy 'barely'....he hit 93 winners....

saram · Jul 9, 2007

quest01 said:
Roger will win number 14 with ease because the only player that gets in his way is Nadal. Possibly Djokovic or Murray could give him problems in the future but for now only Nadal really pushes Federer to the limit. Just like Pete Sampras said Federer will win 18 majors the same amount as Jack Nicklaus.

i have not doubt he will win 18. but they will start to get harder and harder come 2008....that is my prediction...no more walk in the park as in the past...that is my point.

saram · Jul 9, 2007

Heavy Metal Tennis Star said:
if roger wins his 14th at the FO, it will be sweet. haha sampras will cry.

you're not kidding. he'll either shoot himself or play more WTT in preparation for Wimbledon...and cut and manicure the grass himself....

raiden031 · Jul 9, 2007

Your assumption is that Federer is not one of the greats of history, but rather the top player of just the current era, where pretty soon the players will be caught up to his level. You write as if he has one year left in his career. Lets not forget he's only 25 and has a minimum of 5 years left before he will physically go down hill. I can certainly see him having some slump times and losing early in a few grand slams, but unless he gets really unlucky with a career-ending injury, I see him winning at least 5 more GSs in the next 5 years.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

saram said:
Berdych--beat Roger at the Olympics.
Bags--took a set twice when no one else could and was strong at the AO
Murray--beat Roger
Gasquet--did not beat Andy 'barely'....he hit 93 winners....

Nobody cares about the Olympics. The Olympics is a clown event. Federer was too tired from overplaying that summer and basically tanked the match. Berdych has taken only 1 set since, and then lost the last set 6-0 in that same match. He is an overrated clown, not some special up and comer he is made out to be. Berdych is no threat to ever win a slam or beat Federer in a slam event. You really are grasping the bottom of the barrel using Berdych, and using the Olympic win as your best reference.

Baghdatis took a set off Roger in one best-of-5 match, that is a long way from beating him. Haas came closer to beating Roger in that same event, Kiefer lost a similar kind of 4 setter, are they the same kind of major threats, LOL! He has a ton to prove still, and is a long way from beating Federer or Nadal in any slam event.

Murray beat Federer when he was so worn out he could barely play, but I agree he is a future threat, much more then no hopers like Berdych and Baghdatis, but he still has a ways to go.

Gasquet did barely beat Roddick. It doesnt matter how many winners he hit. It was overtime in the final set, that is barely beating someone.

randomname · Jul 9, 2007

anointedone said:
Gasquet yes, but beating Roddick barely is his big breakthrough to this point, getting to beating Federer or Nadal is another huge leap from the barrier he just broke.

umm, he already has beaten federer, and came damn close to doing it a second time

Swissv2 · Jul 9, 2007

Roger will definately have a tougher time now getting his #14th GS and there are several factors to consider:

His errors committed in the games: Statistically, he seems to be making more errors going for the lower percentage shots.
His serve: Though very strong on his serve, it is difficult to maintain high accuracy. In RG, he had a tough time keeping serve, and has to dig into his reserves to come up with the big easy points.
Movement: He is now pretty much at his peak of his physical abilities, though he still have a few years left in him.
Stroke: I think this is probably one thing that can ensure his longevity. His strokes are fluid and powerful, as well as his technique very solid, albeit his backhand. So long as he can keep this, I think he still has a fighting chance.

Nadal is still quite young and improving every year. If he can keep up his level of play, then he has a good chance. The rest of the field? We have to wait and see...because not many pose a threat to Federer right now.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

randomname said:
umm, he already has beaten federer, and came damn close to doing it a second time

I mean doing it in an important event of course. Gasquet had never beaten any top player in an event that mattered until Wimbledon. His win over Roddick was a huge breakthrough for him. A win over Nadal or Federer is another huge leap up from even that, which was already a huge monumental win for him as it was. I am not saying it wont happen in the future, but it is probably a bit away.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

These are the players who present the biggest obstacle to Federer on his way to matching and surpassing #14, which he will do anyway mind you:

1. Nadal
2. Nadal
3. Did I mention Nadal
4. Just to give an accurate measure, I will add one more Nadal.
5. Djokovic-arguably the most promising of all the up and comers
6. Gasquet-the main reason I only put "arguably" after Djokovic
7. Murray-a 3rd potential future slam winner of the kiddie corps
8. Davydenko-dont discount this guy winning a slam. He may be a middle aged late bloomer, but he can beat anyone in the game today on clay or hard courts on his day. Including Fed or Nadal, if he keeps his head at key moments, which he hasnt done yet but could in the future.
9. Youzhny-I know people will laugh at this, but he played Federer tougher then he ever had before at the French, on his worst surface, and looked like he was on his way to crusing past Nadal at Wimbledon before combination of injury and Nadal's toughness came through.

That is about it. Yes I do believe Davydenko and Youzhny have a better shot to win a slam title in the future then Berdych, Baghdatis, or even Roddick at this point.

FarFed · Jul 9, 2007

Point being: it has to be quick. I have no doubt that he will definitely be aiming to clinch #12 and #13 quickly.

Alafter · Jul 9, 2007

My observation on Roger:

-His chance at winning any title is mostly dependant on kryptonites in his draws. I think there are 2: Nadal and Canas. Nadal more than anything else. Otherwise, his chances or beating any other players FAR surpass the probability that they will beat him, even on bad days.

-His inconsistencies may grow, but he comes through mostly, whether gracefully or not. I think that's pretty much a proven.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

Canas wont beat Federer in the future. His 2 wins were flukes, and Federer was disjointed during that time. Maybe on clay he has a bit of a shot, although still not much. On any surface no chance for a future win. Could you imagine if Federer played Canas at Wimbledon. Canas would have been lucky to get 5 games the whole 3 sets.

ferocious4hand · Jul 9, 2007

saram said:
Gasquet--did not beat Andy 'barely'....he hit 93 winners....

and has beaten Federer

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

ferocious4hand said:
and has beaten Federer

In a best 2-of-3 set match, on clay, not in a grand slam, in France, after saving a match point, and now over 3 years ago and counting. Now with 0 wins to show for in 5 matches since, and a straight set beatdown in their only ever slam meeting at Wimbledon. Like I said I see a future slam winner with him, and beating Roddick in a grand slam was a major breakthrough for him, but to beat Federer or Nadal in a grand slam event he still has a LONG way to go.

tennis_hand · Jul 9, 2007

ferocious4hand said:
and has beaten Federer

i saw your avatar on Yahoo, and I thought this photo is very funny of these 2 men. LOL...

BTW, Fed is turning 26 on 8.8, when Montreal starts.

He will still win a bunch of slams before he turns 30. His skills are way above most of the crops here including Nadal who is the only one who has the weapon to break Fed on some surfaces. All the rest still need to mature and get better their skills to beat Fed. Fed will choose tournament more intelligently in order to avoid fatigue, so he makes sure he wins those he enters and don't mind the rest. And he definitely prepares more for GS.

Among these upcomings, Djokovic Murray, Berdych and Gasquet are very likely. Mahut will be forgotten soon after his Queen show.

anointedone · Jul 9, 2007

I am sick of reading about Berdych as a likely future slam winner. He is not in the same league of potential as any of Djokovic, Gasquet, or Murray. In fact he is an overrated clown. I will be shocked if he ever wins a slam, or ever beats a player like Federer or Nadal in a grand slam. There was all this hype around him here at Wimbledon, and Nadal made him look like an old granny. Just get it, Berdych is not a future slam winner, he is not a top 5 player in the future. He is what he is, a decent 8-15 player at best without slam winning potential now or ever.

robin7 · Jul 10, 2007

Fed has 11 GS titles so far. Assuming, he's taking part in each GS & retiring by end of 2011 (he'll be 30 by then). Meaning he still has the chance of winning 17 GS titles more.

If he wins *1 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 15 GS titles. [likely]
If he wins *2 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 19 GS titles. [Very likely]
If he wins *3 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 23 GS titles. [Unlikely]
If he wins *4 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 27 GS titles. [Very unlikely]

*=average

16 - 20 GS titles is possible.

saram · Jul 10, 2007

robin7 said:
Fed has 11 GS titles so far. Assuming, he's taking part in each GS & retiring by end of 2011 (he'll be 30 by then). Meaning he still has the chance of winning 17 GS titles more.

If he wins *1 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 15 GS titles. [likely]
If he wins *2 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 19 GS titles. [Very likely]
If he wins *3 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 23 GS titles. [Unlikely]
If he wins *4 GS each year from 2008 to 2011, then he'll have 27 GS titles. [Very unlikely]

*=average

16 - 20 GS titles is possible.

a very good (and smart) way of looking at it.

Ljubicic for number1 · Jul 10, 2007

Think he will struggle to get to 14 now, the pack is coming. I would have written him off for 14 if Rafa finished the job the other day, but as it stands he might get there but its not going to be easy from here on.

clymb420 · Jul 10, 2007

Eventually, he'll get himself a coach who will tell him to what's up and quell some of his stubbornness...maybe Johnny Mac? Wouldn't that be funny and interesting.

If he had a second opinion, and set of eyes, that he both trusted and was good for him...then he'll be on top for a long while.

Rybo · Jul 10, 2007

clymb420 said:
Eventually, he'll get himself a coach

I kinda forgot about this. It's pretty amazing how he can toss his coach(more of a consultant) aside and still win majors. Has anyone won more majors than Roger without a coach?

ACE of Hearts · Jul 10, 2007

I think with the slowing down of the surfaces he needs to start coming to the net more.I dont know why he is so afraid, he seem so hesitant when he comes to the net.I wished he signed Pete's old coach thats with Henman now.

MoFed · Jul 10, 2007

saram said:
Berdych--beat Roger at the Olympics.
Bags--took a set twice when no one else could and was strong at the AO
Murray--beat Roger
Gasquet--did not beat Andy 'barely'....he hit 93 winners....

The Olympics were 4 years ago, before Roger's reign started.
Bags hasn't done anything really since that AO.
Murray beat a tired Roger after a tournament full of three setters.

All-in-all these loses to these players mean very little. Roger has been the most dominant person in the tournaments he enters during the summer hardcourt season. His only loss last summer came at the hands of Murray after a long battle in Montreal. I expect he come back from vacation well rested and ready to defend his summer titles.

Eviscerator · Jul 10, 2007

saram said:
The sun will be out and continual play in the last week will not allow for tired players to enter the quarters and semis.

Your thoughts????

Well aside from any of the other things you brought up, do you mind explaining how you can predict the weather one year in advance

I mean they cannot even get weather predictions right 3 days in advance.
So unless you have some special ability not known to the meteorological community I want to hear your secret. Let TTW be the first to know of your gift.

clymb420 · Jul 10, 2007

I learned from a previous encounter that saram is a genious...is like the 3rd smartest person in the universe or something, and his dad is really smart, too. So he might be right.

TennezSport · Jul 10, 2007

Hold on there

ACE of Hearts said:
I think with the slowing down of the surfaces he needs to start coming to the net more.I dont know why he is so afraid, he seem so hesitant when he comes to the net.I wished he signed Pete's old coach thats with Henman now.

Coming in on a slow surface gives your opponent more time to pass, making very diffucult to S&V. Look at what Gasquet did to Raddick once he found his range.

However, the slowing of the surfaces has been stopped and reversed in some cases.
*Wimbly is working on consistent surface bounce by harding the soil, but also using a crab grass that retains more moisture (notice how green it stayed this year, and the rain helped). This will mean a surface that has less bad bounces, will be fast and low. Yes. there were a few high bounces but on average the bounces were still low (look how many times Rafa was on his ass or knees to hit a shot).
*USO has settled on the suface they used last year with a little sand removed from the top coat with a fast true bounce.
*AO is changing to an acrylic surface that will have a little more sand and be a little slower than the USO, but will still have a true bounce and not be so hot and sticky.
*FO = FO

These surfaces(not FO) will be great for players like Youzsny, Berdych, Djokovic, Gonzalez, Baghdatis, Roddick and Fed, making it a little difficult for the clay counters and Rafa (who has proved he is more than a CC now).

This also concerns me about Rafa, as his game is based on consistency and hard work, which will be very tough on his body if he does not pace himself better. If he twisted his knee (AGAIN) on the softest surface there is, what will happen in a long campaign on HCs???

TennezSport

robin7 · Jul 10, 2007

saram said:
a very good (and smart) way of looking at it.

So, 14 is not a problem & 15 or 16 GS titles is possible.

tennis_hand · Jul 10, 2007

Roger is spending this month time looking for a coach, I think.
He said he would do it after Wimbledon. Probably Boris Becker who was at the Wimbledon final?
Bjorn Borg and McEnroe are very unlikely. I don't think Fed can stand McEnroe's temper. Sampras is not someone who is good at coaching, a good player, not a good coach.

saram · Jul 10, 2007

Eviscerator said:
Well aside from any of the other things you brought up, do you mind explaining how you can predict the weather one year in advance

I mean they cannot even get weather predictions right 3 days in advance.
So unless you have some special ability not known to the meteorological community I want to hear your secret. Let TTW be the first to know of your gift.

because it could not get any worse...lol.

saram · Jul 10, 2007

clymb420 said:
I learned from a previous encounter that saram is a genious...is like the 3rd smartest person in the universe or something, and his dad is really smart, too. So he might be right.

4th smartest in the galaxy, you knucklehead....get your facts straight...

ACE of Hearts · Jul 10, 2007

Get Paul Annaconde.Tim Henman will soon retire.Maybe Paul can finally get Fed to start coming to net more.

tennis_hand · Jul 10, 2007

coming to the net is not the solution, mate.

coming to the net more frequent will only let him lose more. it's not on the same surface any more. his net game is ok right now, only come in after a good approach. even that nadal can easily hit passing shots. He just needs some strategy and confidence to break Nadal on clay, then he's set to become the GOAT. he doesn't have problem with other players on faster courts.

robin7 · Jul 12, 2007

saram said:
I think Roger will win the US and Aussie Opens coming up.

I have a suspicion that his supremecy of the sport will come to an end at the AO in 08.

I have to say, 12 and 13 will come so soon to Roger and with relative ease compared to Wimbledon this year. But come the French in 08, his domination of the tennis world will be not only challenged by Rafa--but others as well.

At first, I thought Fed's 14th GS will come by end of 2008, probably USO08.

I think I have to agree with u:
(1) Fed will have no problems winning USO07 & AO08.
(2) Rafa will defend his FO & claimed his 1st Wimbly next year.
(3) Rafa, Djoko & the rest will stop Fed from going for 5 in a row in USO08.
(4) Fed will end his 2008 by winning only 1 GS. Rafa will take over the #1 spot from Fed at the end of 2008.
(5) Fed will struggle in 2009 in winning a GS.

emcee · Jul 12, 2007

I think Fed will be able to be a top player for a pretty long time, considering he never seems to be injured.

ATPattic · Jul 12, 2007

after a year his dominance will end, but he will win a few slams to get ahead of sampras. My guess is no more than 18.

Punisha · Jul 12, 2007

hire chuck norris as his coach

caulcano · Jul 12, 2007

robin7 said:
At first, I thought Fed's 14th GS will come by end of 2008, probably USO08.

I think I have to agree with u:
(1) Fed will have no problems winning USO07 & AO08.
(2) Rafa will defend his FO & claimed his 1st Wimbly next year.
(3) Rafa, Djoko & the rest will stop Fed from going for 5 in a row in USO08.
(4) Fed will end his 2008 by winning only 1 GS. Rafa will take over the #1 spot from Fed at the end of 2008.
(5) Fed will struggle in 2009 in winning a GS.

(1) Fed will have no problems winning USO07 & AO08. - it's not that clear cut.
(2) Rafa will defend his FO & claimed his 1st Wimbly next year. - FO yes, Wimbledon, I doubt it.
(3) Rafa, Djoko & the rest will stop Fed from going for 5 in a row in USO08. - Djoko & the rest, possibly, Nadal? never.
(4) Fed will end his 2008 by winning only 1 GS. Rafa will take over the #1 spot from Fed at the end of 2008. - By concentrating even more on GS, I reckon mid 2008, but will have 2 GS in 2008.
(5) Fed will struggle in 2009 in winning a GS. - will struggle to win 2 instead.

fastdunn · Jul 12, 2007

Age will become a factor slowly. Federer's soon to be 26.

These youngsters betwen 18-21. They improve daily!
They look like a no matches to top player Federer and Nadal right now.
It could change in a hurry.
They might change the whole outlook within a month !

Marius_Hancu · Jul 12, 2007

We don't know. For the time being, it depends mainly on Fed, his will and preparation. I do NOT think his preparation was at its best this year.

In 2-3 years, if he slows down, it could depend mostly on the others.

NadalForever · Jul 12, 2007

Federer will not win another slam. The young guns will take this aihole into retirement.

veritech · Jul 12, 2007

NadalForever said:
Federer will not win another slam. The young guns will take this aihole into retirement.

would you like to put some money on that? please?

Tanner77 · Jul 12, 2007

Federer will get 12 then screw hisself the rest of his career. i think wimbledon mentally stunned him enough to realize hes gonna have to try harder. hes gonna end up trying to hard and lose. he'll win australian next year and thats it.

kaiotic · Jul 12, 2007

fed will no doubt break 14.. maybe even 17, 18? 20 is not out of the question.. as long as the field maintains weak and one-dimensional as F*ck...

kaiotic · Jul 12, 2007

NadalForever said:
Federer will not win another slam. The young guns will take this aihole into retirement.

wow1
as much as i like nadal- he's more entertaining than fed- fed will go on and win more majors than tiger before this decade ends. Tigerrrrrrr needs to chill in his commercials.

Roger will fight for #14.

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