Does anyone else believe Federer is now better on clay than grass?

[Tammo]

After the clay and grass court season. I've realised how much better Fed did on the clay than on grass. He made a semi in Madrid and lost to Nadal in 3. At the FO he made the finals, lost to Nadal in a tough 4-setter, and broke Djokovic's streak.

At Wimbledon he lost to Tsonga after leading 2 sets, and the previous year he lost to Berdych. Both of those he lost in the quarters. In Halle 2010 he lost to Hewitt for the first time in 15 matches.

Is the mighty Fed starting to decline on his best surface, or is it just the draw.

 

[FedExpress 333]

i think it is him declining on grass.

Oddly, grass is now his 2nd worst surface.

 

[DeShaun]

I do believe he values more than ever the extra time that clay gives him to gain positions on court.

 

[Fate Archer]

Is the mighty Fed starting to decline on his best surface, or is it just the draw.

Nah, he's just saving it for the legendary duo Wimbledon 2012 - 2012 Olympics next year.

 

[Tammo]

Maybe it's that Berdych and Tsonga have hugh FH and serves.

 

[Hood_Man]

Perhaps. The faster balls at the French Open are great for his aggressive game, but the slower surface also gives him that precious second longer for him to get into position in time.

I genuinely think his best chance of winning #17 will come at Roland Garros. I think his stamina for long matches is as good as ever, it's the raw speed which will disappear over time.

Clay in general though, I don't know. I think this years Monte Carlo was his first QF loss since last year's Wimbledon, and Rome saw him lose before a quarter final for the first time since last years Rome tournament.

If it had been one of those I would have waved it off, but both of those runs came to an end on clay.

 

[jackson vile]

How is that possible, I thought they were the same thing now LOL

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

How is that possible, I thought they were the same thing now LOL

True dat, it does explain how Nadal was able to win at Wimby, LOL.

 

[jackson vile]

True dat, it does explain how Nadal was able to win at Wimby, LOL.

But we can't figure out Federer's problem then???? Strange that!

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

But we can't figure out Federer's problem then???? Strange that!

Strange indeed, but at least we know how Nadal won, LOL.

 

[jackson vile]

Strange indeed, but at least we know how Nadal won, LOL.

Strange that, the courts were slower after 2000-2001. Roger did not have a problem winning until Nadal came along. So we can see Roger never won Wim. when it was fast and slick.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

Strange that, the courts were slower after 2000-2001. Roger did not have a problem winning until Nadal came along. So we can see Roger never won Wim. when it was fast and slick.

I wonder why Nadal took so long to come along. Shouldn't he have the same number of Wimby titles by now? Strange indeed.

 

[jackson vile]

I wonder why Nadal took so long to come along. Shouldn't he have the same number of Wimby titles by now? Strange indeed.

You tell me since "Wim." is green grass. Something does not add up one way or another and neither is in your favor.

 

[DjokovicForTheWin]

You tell me since "Wim." is green grass. Something does not add up one way or another and neither is in your favor.

I agree, Nadal only ending with 2 Wimby titles, just doesn't add up to a *********. I can see why.

 

[West Coast Ace]

Has anyone said "no" yet?

Tsonga gets hot and wins the last 3 sets. A year after Berdych gets hot and plays the match of his life. More than likely, Fed will still be no worse than 3rd favorite in late June next year unless he's injured.

 

[Bobby Jr]

I do believe he values more than ever the extra time that clay gives him to gain positions on court.

This ^

Especially is they retain these new Babolat balls at the FO or add them to other tournaments... I have my doubt though, they made the FO so good this year I am sure some muppet in charge will think the opposite and order them changed to be slower or some such nonsense.

 

[Tony48]

I would say yes. I would say that that Fed-Hewitt match last year would be the greatest indicator.