Roger's way back to King's Landing...

moonballs said:

Only an idiot will believe the 2012 Fed was better than the 2006 Fed, regardless what or whom you heard. Saying anything more is a waste of everyone's time.

Click to expand...

"...I am a more complete player, a better player...” to me interprets his versatility (and maybe mental maturity as well) now reaches a higher level, by which his natural physicality degradation as a result of aging is compensated... "The free open mind" he talked about later is another way of saying the same thing in my ears.

Does Roger need to improve anything skill wise? I don't think so. What does Edberg actually do? I don't think there is much. The lighter weapon does do something - requires less effort for the same quality shots (reduces the load on the back, for example), allows more error tolerance (in case timing is a bit off, especially when returning the high RPM shots), you name it, all of which are to deal with the aging effect...

"Today, for some particular reason, I decided to go for a little run to the court for a few swings..."

- Forrest Gump/dpli2010 (For Roger's arrival at 2014 IW Final...)

What to do to get people out of his way on this journey?

Nothing particular with the re-established free mind and further improved versatility, simply use consistent shots to keep the opponents’ pressure at a consistently high level, leaving their only chance to outplay by returning better higher risky shots without making many errors...

Rafa still is the major hurdle and he played extremely well in the 14 AO semi; On the other hand, their meeting chance seems to be getting slimer for a concern of Rafa's slimer possibility of going deep enough in events, except for maybe in RG?

Saw the "grit and wanting-to-win-badly feeling" in the young guy is good, seeing the "grit and wanting-to-win-badly feeling" in the old guy is great, seeing the old guy with the "grit and wanting-to-win-badly feeling" mind competing with a young guy with a pair of fresh legs is the greatest (and fun)...

(For Roger's half-step away from the title and for Nole's first champion of 2014)

Combing http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=481378 in terms of Roger being a history writer -
.
.
.
Chapter 302-xx ... ...

Chapter 302-xx-01 2014 AO, Semi; (see the OP); 1300 points up to Stan and 1300 points away from Gasquet;

Chapter 302-xx-02 2014 Dubai, Champion; Beat Novak (semi) and Berdy (final) in a row both of case 1st set down; Reappearance of that "I-can-always-win" attitude and that "climb-over-the-hurdle-and-then-harvest-the-victory" winning format; 1000 points to top 3 and 1700 points ahead of the one behind (03/03/2014); Regaining "free open mind" ("I can just play tennis..." "When you can play that way, you’re more free, you have an open mind. That’s when you are more successful...");

Chapter 302-xx-03; 2014 Indian Wells; Runner-up; timing is great (and watching the final felt like the two were "playing Ping Pong"; "...literally 15 mins before the match began, he was with the twins doing daughter and daddy stuff and then he's giving you this [the 1st set quick win]"); Reappearance of that "down moments are when you see him play the best" experience; #5 in ATP ranking and 600 pts to top 3 (03/17/2014);

(To be cont'd)

Guys, any of your input is welcomed and appreciated...

Roger's edge...

a.k.a. always being able to make right choice on the way of play and shot placement under different situations, especially at the two extremes - leading with a margin or down by a break. This has helped him dominate for long and then started being compromised largely by the grinders Novak and Rafa, particularly the latter, which got him a bit confused and clueless for short. But now this edge is coming back...

Roger's lighter racket might be the key to current and future success...

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2014/03/12/Miami-Sunday-Federer-reaction.aspx

Combing http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=481378 in terms of Roger being a history writer -
.
.
.
Chapter 302-xx ... ...

Chapter 302-xx-01 2014 AO, Semi; (see the OP); 1300 points up to Stan and 1300 points away from Gasquet;

Chapter 302-xx-02 2014 Dubai, Champion; Beat Novak (semi) and Berdy (final) in a row both of case 1st set down; Reappearance of that "I-can-always-win" attitude and that "climb-over-the-hurdle-and-then-harvest-the-victory" winning format; 1000 points to top 3 and 1700 points ahead of the one behind (03/03/2014); Regaining "free open mind" ("I can just play tennis..." "When you can play that way, you’re more free, you have an open mind. That’s when you are more successful...");

Chapter 302-xx-03; 2014 Indian Wells; Runner-up; timing is great (and watching the final felt like the two were "playing Ping Pong"; "...literally 15 mins before the match began, he was with the twins doing daughter and daddy stuff and then he's giving you this [the 1st set quick win]"); Reappearance of that "down moments are when you see him play the best" experience; #5 in ATP ranking and 600 pts to top 3 (03/17/2014);

Chapter 302-xx-04; 2014 Miami; QF; Battle of the Blackwater - came out so strong yet failed to break into the city (a bit too careless/casual and then couldn't make up the consequences); still a great finish of the HC season and a great start forthe dirt; expect to land at #4 in ATP ranking and be 500 pts away from Stan;

(To be cont'd)

A bit overoptimistic, but odds are there, and Roger is a guy who seldom let chances slip away...

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/5507...rer-rafael-nadal-tennis-news.htm#.U2QXUSgUO68

dpli2010 said:

A bit overoptimistic, but odds are there, and Roger is a guy who seldom let chances slip away...

http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/5507...rer-rafael-nadal-tennis-news.htm#.U2QXUSgUO68

Click to expand...

Djokovic struggling? His wrist made him struggle a bit but otherwise, Novak has been sharp.

I like reading fiction but that article was a bit too much. I think there's a bit too much wishing. The writer points to Novak's fatherhood as one of the fact which supports his argument, but it looks like he believes that fatherhood only bothers Novak but not Roger.

Also, few points to defend for Roger, true, but it's getting harder and harder for him to win points against these two who are still in or close to their prime(compared to Federer, anyway). I wouldn't talk about this possibility until Federer actually wins a few big tournaments.

chjtennis said:

Djokovic struggling? His wrist made him struggle a bit but otherwise, Novak has been sharp.

I like reading fiction but that article was a bit too much. I think there's a bit too much wishing. The writer points to Novak's fatherhood as one of the fact which supports his argument, but it looks like he believes that fatherhood only bothers Novak but not Roger.

Also, few points to defend for Roger, true, but it's getting harder and harder for him to win points against these two who are still in or close to their prime(compared to Federer, anyway). I wouldn't talk about this possibility until Federer actually wins a few big tournaments.

Click to expand...

Fatherhood is a plus for Roger and remains unknown for Novak at this point...

Federer is losing to lesser players more often today. How on earth is his game better? He lost to Robredo and in 2nd round at W.

Why is he losing more to lesser players if his game is better?

Use some common sense people. Do you really believe Robredo and Stakhovsky improved so much, that now even better version of 2006 Fed still can't beat them?

This makes zero sense.

.
.
.
Chapter 302-xx ... ...

Chapter 302-xx-01 2014 AO, Semi; (see the OP); 1300 points up to Stan and 1300 points away from Gasquet;

Chapter 302-xx-02 2014 Dubai, Champion; Beat Novak (semi) and Berdy (final) in a row both of case 1st set down; Reappearance of that "I-can-always-win" attitude and that "climb-over-the-hurdle-and-then-harvest-the-victory" winning format; 1000 points to top 3 and 1700 points ahead of the one behind (03/03/2014); Regaining "free open mind" ("I can just play tennis..." "When you can play that way, you’re more free, you have an open mind. That’s when you are more successful...");

Chapter 302-xx-03; 2014 Indian Wells; Runner-up; timing is great (and watching the final felt like the two were "playing Ping Pong"; "...literally 15 mins before the match began, he was with the twins doing daughter and daddy stuff and then he's giving you this [the 1st set quick win]"); Reappearance of that "down moments are when you see him play the best" experience; #5 in ATP ranking and 600 pts to top 3 (03/17/2014);

Chapter 302-xx-04; 2014 Miami; QF; Battle of the Blackwater - came out so strong yet failed to break into the city (a bit too careless/casual and then couldn't make up the consequences); still a great finish of the HC season and a great start for the dirt; expect to land at #4 in ATP ranking and be 500 pts away from Stan;

Chapter 302-xx-05; 2014 Wimbledon; Runner-up; came back at 2:5 the 4th set to push to a 5-setter; couldn't capture the moments at the 5th and 7th game of the 5th set; lost this opportunity of upgrading to 18, yet still is an accomplishment at ~33 and a demonstration of his vitality in tennis; ATP #3 with 6100 pts (7/7/2014)...

(to be cont'd)

.
.
.
Chapter 302-xx ... ...

Chapter 302-xx-01 2014 AO, Semi; (see the OP); 1300 points up to Stan and 1300 points away from Gasquet;

Chapter 302-xx-02 2014 Dubai, Champion; Beat Novak (semi) and Berdy (final) in a row both of case 1st set down; Reappearance of that "I-can-always-win" attitude and that "climb-over-the-hurdle-and-then-harvest-the-victory" winning format; 1000 points to top 3 and 1700 points ahead of the one behind (03/03/2014); Regaining "free open mind" ("I can just play tennis..." "When you can play that way, you’re more free, you have an open mind. That’s when you are more successful...");

Chapter 302-xx-03; 2014 Indian Wells; Runner-up; timing is great (and watching the final felt like the two were "playing Ping Pong"; "...literally 15 mins before the match began, he was with the twins doing daughter and daddy stuff and then he's giving you this [the 1st set quick win]"); Reappearance of that "down moments are when you see him play the best" experience; #5 in ATP ranking and 600 pts to top 3 (03/17/2014);

Chapter 302-xx-04; 2014 Miami; QF; Battle of the Blackwater - came out so strong yet failed to break into the city (a bit too careless/casual and then couldn't make up the consequences); still a great finish of the HC season and a great start for the dirt; expect to land at #4 in ATP ranking and be 500 pts away from Stan;

Chapter 302-xx-05; 2014 Wimbledon; Runner-up; came back at 2:5 the 4th set to push to a 5-setter; couldn't capture the moments at the 5th and 7th game of the 5th set; lost this opportunity of upgrading to 18, yet still is an accomplishment at ~33 and a demonstration of his vitality in tennis; ATP #3 with 6100 pts (7/7/2014)...

Chapter 302-xx-06; 2014 Toronto; Runner-up; a bit lucky getting there with that FH and serve, really need to get the new racket suited for the Open; 6700 ATP pts (8/11/2014), precisely 5000 away from the #2...

(to be cont'd)

.
.
.
Chapter 302-xx ... ...

Chapter 302-xx-01 2014 AO, Semi; (see the OP); 1300 points up to Stan and 1300 points away from Gasquet;

Chapter 302-xx-02 2014 Dubai, Champion; Beat Novak (semi) and Berdy (final) in a row both of case 1st set down; Reappearance of that "I-can-always-win" attitude and that "climb-over-the-hurdle-and-then-harvest-the-victory" winning format; 1000 points to top 3 and 1700 points ahead of the one behind (03/03/2014); Regaining "free open mind" ("I can just play tennis..." "When you can play that way, you’re more free, you have an open mind. That’s when you are more successful...");

Chapter 302-xx-03; 2014 Indian Wells; Runner-up; timing is great (and watching the final felt like the two were "playing Ping Pong"; "...literally 15 mins before the match began, he was with the twins doing daughter and daddy stuff and then he's giving you this [the 1st set quick win]"); Reappearance of that "down moments are when you see him play the best" experience; #5 in ATP ranking and 600 pts to top 3 (03/17/2014);

Chapter 302-xx-04; 2014 Miami; QF; Battle of the Blackwater - came out so strong yet failed to break into the city (a bit too careless/casual and then couldn't make up the consequences); still a great finish of the HC season and a great start for the dirt; expect to land at #4 in ATP ranking and be 500 pts away from Stan;

Chapter 302-xx-05; 2014 Wimbledon; Runner-up; came back at 2:5 the 4th set to push to a 5-setter; couldn't capture the moments at the 5th and 7th game of the 5th set; lost this opportunity of upgrading to 18, yet still is an accomplishment at ~33 and a demonstration of his vitality in tennis; ATP #3 with 6100 pts (7/7/2014)...

Chapter 302-xx-06; 2014 Toronto; Runner-up; a bit lucky getting there with that FH and serve, really need to get the new racket suited for the Open; 6700 ATP pts (8/11/2014), precisely 5000 away from the #2...

Chapter 302-xx-07; 2014 Cincy; Champion! got stunned by David at the second set but came back strong the 3rd and took it with majestic demeanor; 7490 ATP pts (8/18/2014), ~3200 away from the #2...

(to be cont'd)

.
.
.
Chapter 302-xx ... ...

Chapter 302-xx-01 2014 AO, Semi; (see the OP); 1300 points up to Stan and 1300 points away from Gasquet;

Chapter 302-xx-02 2014 Dubai, Champion; Beat Novak (semi) and Berdy (final) in a row both of case 1st set down; Reappearance of that "I-can-always-win" attitude and that "climb-over-the-hurdle-and-then-harvest-the-victory" winning format; 1000 points to top 3 and 1700 points ahead of the one behind (03/03/2014); Regaining "free open mind" ("I can just play tennis..." "When you can play that way, you’re more free, you have an open mind. That’s when you are more successful...");

Chapter 302-xx-03; 2014 Indian Wells; Runner-up; timing is great (and watching the final felt like the two were "playing Ping Pong"; "...literally 15 mins before the match began, he was with the twins doing daughter and daddy stuff and then he's giving you this [the 1st set quick win]"); Reappearance of that "down moments are when you see him play the best" experience; #5 in ATP ranking and 600 pts to top 3 (03/17/2014);

Chapter 302-xx-04; 2014 Miami; QF; Battle of the Blackwater - came out so strong yet failed to break into the city (a bit too careless/casual and then couldn't make up the consequences); still a great finish of the HC season and a great start for the dirt; expect to land at #4 in ATP ranking and be 500 pts away from Stan;

Chapter 302-xx-05; 2014 Wimbledon; Runner-up; came back at 2:5 the 4th set to push to a 5-setter; couldn't capture the moments at the 5th and 7th game of the 5th set; lost this opportunity of upgrading to 18, yet still is an accomplishment at ~33 and a demonstration of his vitality in tennis; ATP #3 with 6100 pts (7/7/2014)...

Chapter 302-xx-06; 2014 Toronto; Runner-up; a bit lucky getting there with that FH and serve, really need to get the new racket suited for the Open; 6700 ATP pts (8/11/2014), precisely 5000 away from the #2...

Chapter 302-xx-07; 2014 Cincy; Champion! got stunned by David at the second set but came back strong the 3rd and took it with majestic demeanor; 7490 ATP pts (8/18/2014), ~3200 away from the #2...

Chapter 302-xx-08; 2014 US Open; Semis, lost to the champion, not bad at all...

Chapter 302-xx-09; 2014 Shanghai Rolex Master's; Champion! Back to #2 with 9080 ATP pts and now the real top dog (again)!

(to be cont'd)

Ramesh848 said:

May be my view is biased, but I seriously believes Roger ending 2014 within Top 2 or 3.

Click to expand...

Good call !

Ok, is there a good reason for this to be bumped up?