Contrary to Popular Belief, Federer is Able to Manage Harder Hit Balls on Volleys

[FedererUberAlles]

In this match (Federer vs. Nadal French Open), there is a specific point in which Federer hits several volleys off of sundry very HEAVY, HARD hit balls from Nadal. Earlier this month, some people were saying Federer was having trouble hitting volleys off of shots that were harder hit. The position of the point on the clip is about two minutes into it. Maybe the point was a special circumstance, but I think the point shows Federer's net competence. There were some very poorly played points in this match, as well.

 

[joesixtoe]

that was awsome,, thanks

 

[monologuist]

I don't know who said that Fed can't handle hard passing shots...he has some of the best reflexes and hands around. I have noticed that he is not particularly good at handling heavily-dipping balls to his feet either on the half-volley or full-volley when he is coming to net, but who really is these days?

I haven't seen footage of that match since it was played....it's crazy how Nadal is just bullying Fed's ass all over the court despite playing defensively...a perfect example of how his supposed defensive game is really offensive. Fed just looks shellshocked in that footage. The match seemed closer when I was watching it, but that was probably due to the fact that I was viewing Nadal as an underdog, whereas from now on, I'd consider Fed to be the clear underdog on clay against him.

 

[FedererUberAlles]

Yes, but in one set I heard Federer dominated Nadal. Is this correct? I thought it was a good tactic by Federer to go to the net and try to end points quickly. He did best in trying to wrong foot Nadal. I think Federer might be trying to go for the put-away on the first volley when he should really be trying to put Nadal at bad angles, and then use his great mind to anticipate the passing shot and angle it so Nadal is unable to get the second volley (or third/fourth/etc) back.