Federer: "my talent"

F

Federer_pilon

Professional
http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/3/en/assets/pdfs/interviews/federer033109.pdf

I am no Federer hater but I was reading this interview and I didn't like how he was referring to "his talent". We all know that he's one of the greatest. He obviously is very talented but I don't think he has to point it out like that....

Q. When you've had so much success against one player like Andy Roddick, does it give you the confidence that when you're in a tight game that you have what it takes to beat that player? You have a mental edge?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, it helps having a great record. Then again, you saw last year. Doesn't really help you that much sometimes. I think on the big occasions I just have that extra gear that not many players have.
So I feel like that's an advantage, because of my talent, because of my experience....
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B

bladepdb

Professional
Yeah I think Federer has really lost major points in my book because I always considered him a great sport and an ambassador to the game. But lately, he's been a little arrogant of himself ever since he became #2. It's great to have the drive to be #1 again but there' a fine line one crosses between having a "drive"/"motivation" and arrogance. That and the fact taht he has downplayed some of his opponents achievements lately...*cough*Nadal@AOpost-matchinterview
 
F

Federer_pilon

Professional
I guess he is really bitter that he's #2 now, so he feels the need to remind people how good he is. We can see how good you are...you don't need to tell us that -.-
 
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veroniquem

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
We all know Federer has a high opinion of himself. What's funny is that he attracts same minded fans. "Quiet, genius at work" is the most pretentious sign I've ever seen in the stands. Same as "you are the real # 1" or "you are the #1 forever". Federer and his fans go well together, humility is not their strong point :)
 
norbac

norbac

Legend
It's true though, other than the Masters and smaller tournaments, Nadal and Federer are the only ones who can really step it up at the Slams no matter of the other results. They have that extra gear.
 
Vin2

Vin2

Rookie
it's all mind games... he wants to get the mental edge that he used to have over other players... it's just nadal & murray are not buying it.
 
T1000

T1000

Legend
its easy to be nice when you win all the time. roger starts losing and bam he thinks hes the best and everyone should bow down to him
 
F

Federer_pilon

Professional
norbac said:
It's true though, other than the Masters and smaller tournaments, Nadal and Federer are the only ones who can really step it up at the Slams no matter of the other results. They have that extra gear.
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Yeah but he can be humble about it. He doesn't have to go and tell everyone how good he is.
 
Serve_Ace

Serve_Ace

Professional
I think he's just being frank and honest I really admire that, not all the players can be that honest.
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
veroniquem said:
We all know Federer has a high opinion of himself. What's funny is that he attracts same minded fans. "Quiet, genius at work" is the most pretentious sign I've ever seen in the stands. Same as "you are the real # 1" or "you are the #1 forever". Federer and his fans go well together, humility is not their strong point :)
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Okay, one thing to think fed has no humility, but to judge all his fans is ridiculous imo.
 
aimr75

aimr75

Hall of Fame
icedevil0289 said:
Okay, one thing to think fed has no humility, but to judge all his fans is ridiculous imo.
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yes, there are always a couple in the crowd that makes all federer fans look bad.. most can just appreciate the tennis without the stupid signs
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
veroniquem said:
The fans that made those signs anyway...
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Still you don't know them to say they lack humility. I can understand how you could say that about fed, but because someone holds up sign saying "Quiet Genius at work" really is not a reflection of character. As far as the no.1 forever goes, you could say some fans lack a sense of reality.
 
Serve_Ace

Serve_Ace

Professional
What about that rowdy Madrid crowd that Berdych had to shush? They were Nadal fans, they must have been pretty rude for Berdych to have to shush them
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
T1000 said:
Fed fans > Nadal fans
They arent obsessed and they are openminded
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Lol, I wouldn't exactly say that. I mean some fed fans can be obnoxious, but its annoying to group all of them together. Anyways, I know I'm going to get kicked for this, but I don't see anything wrong with this statement. It is true. His talent and experience do help him in slams. He and nadal have that extra gear. I mean I know Fed has said quite a few arrogant things in the past, things I disagreed with, but I don't see what he said that was so wrong. Sometimes I think people hold fed to a different and higher standard.
 
E

EtePras

Banned
Federer fans are the most delusional of fans, except for maybe Sampras fans. They even make YouTube videos that question the idea of Federer's backhand being a weakness. Also the outlandish statements about Federer having a top 50 serve/backhand?
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
EtePras said:
Federer fans are the most delusional of fans, except for maybe Sampras fans. They even make YouTube videos that question the idea of Federer's backhand being a weakness. Also the outlandish statements about Federer having a top 50 serve/backhand?
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I don't know about his backhand, but I think he's got a pretty good serve. Although lately it has been M.I.A.
 
Serve_Ace

Serve_Ace

Professional
veroniquem said:
Toni wasn't talking about himself. There is a big difference between being honest and bragging.
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Nope Federer isn't bragging, he does have that extra gear, how do you think he won 13 grand slams? It's not like he said that he was the only one with that extra gear, re-read it over and over again. It is true because of his talent he won those 13 slams, so he can't make those impossible shots? He didn't say he had more talent than others. As a teacher, do you teach your students reading comprehension?
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
Serve_Ace said:
Nope Federer isn't bragging, he does have that extra gear, how do you think he won 13 grand slams? It's not like he said that he was the only one with that extra gear, re-read it over and over again. Is it it true? Because of his talent he won those 13 slams, so he can't make those impossible shots? He didn't say he had more talent than others. As a teacher, do you teach your students reading comprehension?
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All his opponents were either tired or choked against him.
 
GameSampras

GameSampras

Banned
Fed's new clothing line, "Arrogance."


Well whatever that "extra gear" is it doesnt work against the best in the game, Nadal.

He should shut up let actions speak louder than his rhetoric. Maybe he wouldnt get hassled so much
 
T1000

T1000

Legend
you cant say someone choked and thats why someone won a grandslam. then every loser choked it away. no more grandslams for everyone. everybody wins
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
GameSampras said:
Fed's new clothing line, "Arrogance."


Well whatever that "extra gear" is it doesnt work against the best in the game, Nadal.

He should shut up let actions speak louder than his rhetoric. Maybe he wouldnt get hassled so much
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Did he say he was the only one who had that extra gear?
 
Serve_Ace

Serve_Ace

Professional
GameSampras said:
Fed's new clothing line, "Arrogance."


Well whatever that "extra gear" is it doesnt work against the best in the game, Nadal.

He should shut up let actions speak louder than his rhetoric. Maybe he wouldnt get hassled so much
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Ever took Physics? For every action there is a reaction, obviously Nadal also has that extra gear to react to Federer triggering his extra gear and it just so happens Nadal's extra gear is better.
 
GameSampras

GameSampras

Banned
T1000 said:
you cant say someone choked and thats why someone won a grandslam. then every loser choked it away. no more grandslams for everyone. everybody wins
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Fed's lost to Nadal too many times in the slams and overrall to make believe its all a "choke."

I think the "mental toughness" issue with Fed is a bit overblown when it comes to Nadal. Its not Nadal's mental toughness... Its his GAME that gives Fed all kinds of problems. Im sure there are some mental aspects to it. But its mostly Nadal being a nightmare matchup for Roger. Always has been. And now that Nadal has hit his "peak-prime." the matchup problem is rearing its head on all surfaces now. Not just clay
 
veroniquem

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
Serve_Ace said:
Nope Federer isn't bragging, he does have that extra gear, how do you think he won 13 grand slams? It's not like he said that he was the only one with that extra gear, re-read it over and over again. It is true because of his talent he won those 13 slams, so he can't make those impossible shots? He didn't say he had more talent than others. As a teacher, do you teach your students reading comprehension?
Click to expand...
To speak of oneself in a self congratulatory way is bragging and Fed doesn't win his matches vs Roddick because of his "exceptional talent" but because Roddick's game plays to Federer's strengths. It's called a good matchup (or a bad one from Roddick's point of view). A lot of people who are very talented tennis players don't go around marveling at how talented they are. That goes for other great personalities, not just tennis players.
 
GameSampras

GameSampras

Banned
Serve_Ace said:
Ever took Physics? For every action there is a reaction, obviously Nadal also has that extra gear to react to Federer triggering his extra gear and it just so happens Nadal's extra gear is better.
Click to expand...

Alright.. Well... Its no excuse for Fed not to be working on his game. Especially that BH when it comes to Nadal
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
veroniquem said:
To speak of oneself in a self congratulatory way is bragging and Fed doesn't win his matches vs Roddick because of his "exceptional talent" but because Roddick's game plays to Federer's strengths. It's called a good matchup (or a bad one from Roddick's point of view). A lot of people who are very talented tennis players don't go around marveling at how talented they are. That goes for other great personalities, not just tennis players.
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So in that case nadal doesn't win his matches against fed because of his talent, but because he is a bad match up right?
 
W

wilsondude

Banned
Federer_pilon said:
http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/3/en/assets/pdfs/interviews/federer033109.pdf

I am no Federer hater but I was reading this interview and I didn't like how he was referring to "his talent". We all know that he's one of the greatest. He obviously is very talented but I don't think he has to point it out like that....
Click to expand...

What are you saying? I COMPLETELY disagree with you on this. Federer has every right to talk about his talent because he has the results and ranking to back it up. Obviously he is going to say that he has some tools that many other players don't have, because those many other players havent reached 13 slams like Fed, and haven't been number one for a few years in a row.
 
GameSampras

GameSampras

Banned
wilsondude said:
What are you saying? I COMPLETELY disagree with you on this. Federer has every right to talk about his talent because he has the results and ranking to back it up. Obviously he is going to say that he has some tools that many other players don't have, because those many other players havent reached 13 slams like Fed, and haven't been number one for a few years in a row.
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I dont think Fed should be running his trap AS MUCH as he does until he can overcome the Nadal issue. While he has been one of the most dominant. He hasnt been dominant over his rival.
 
Serve_Ace

Serve_Ace

Professional
veroniquem said:
To speak of oneself in a self congratulatory way is bragging and Fed doesn't win his matches vs Roddick because of his "exceptional talent" but because Roddick's game plays to Federer's strengths. It's called a good matchup (or a bad one from Roddick's point of view). A lot of people who are very talented tennis players don't go around marveling at how talented they are. That goes for other great personalities, not just tennis players.
Click to expand...

98% of the most talented players didn't dominate for 4.5 years. To talk about about oneself in that way is having self confidence not bragging. Bragging would be oh be saying "I'm more talented than everyone else in the game, I have that extra gear to win slams everyone else who hasn't won one sucks." That's bragging. But Federer won his match against Murray in a grand slam, because he had that extra gear to kick in when it matter the most, wonder why he didn't do it in IW? Roger didn't find that there was a need to use that extra gear.
 
Serve_Ace

Serve_Ace

Professional
icedevil0289 said:
Yeah I agree. He should be taking some lessons from wawrinka and gasquet. They don't seem to be as bothered by nadal and his topspin.
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Maybe instinctively Roger just doesn't like to hit those high backhands because it feels unnatural to him? Gasquet and Wawrinka seem to fit a OHBH better.
 
veroniquem

veroniquem

Bionic Poster
icedevil0289 said:
So in that case nadal doesn't win his matches against fed because of his talent, but because he is a bad match up right?
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Nadal wins because of hard work and determination, I'm sure he also has a lot of talent but he doesn't go around drawing people's attention to it. His focus is on constantly improving and it obviously works better than Fed's tactic of complimenting himself while changing nothing to his game when things don't work on the court.
 
icedevil0289

icedevil0289

G.O.A.T.
Serve_Ace said:
Maybe instinctively Roger just doesn't like to hit those high backhands because it feels unnatural to him? Gasquet and Wawrinka seem to fit a OHBH better.
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Someone mentioned earlier that the way fed holds his backhand is technically not the right way. I'm not really sure about this. Btw, I have seen his practice pictures. He does pratice his backhand a lot. I've seen pictures of him with a 2HBH. My goodness does he look akward with it.
 
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