During his match vs Robredo, Federer said "I can't move" to Paul Annacone (Camp)

[JRAJ1988]

And this is not a hater thread, more of a pseudo intellectual armchair fan thread, thought I'd do one as many have.

I was watching Eurosport and they picked up he said that to his camp in the 3rd set but I don't understand why.

Last night physically we've heard his back was giving him no issues, though the humidity was horrendous and he was sweating buckets...he showed glimpses of why he's was 10-0 vs Tommy but after converting 2/16 break points I think he hit the self destruct button. Oh yeah and the constant play to Federer's backhand which is sound strategy yet really annoying to watch when most are scared to go to his forehand.

Plain to see Federer still has the weapons to dismantle the best.

Personally I think most of Roger's issues recently more so are in his mind than his body, confidence, the appetite to win after so many titles, he has to cope with legions of fans berating him as soon as he loses to a inspired player as that's how high that standard he's set over the years, though there's been more "inspired" players recently.

You're ranked 100 you play Federer, you're playing him, the legend and his reputation but now people are sensing vulnerability and this will happen to all the top players who get to the twilight...I remember Agassi in 2004 French Open losing to some unknown and people where on Agassi's back when he was 34!

Federer showed in Cinci he has the game to beat many and I still see him either making a slam final or reaching semis at at least 2 slams next year, a master title or numerous masters titles and ATP tour titles, ie Halle and Basel.

 

[NatF]

He said he wasn't happy with his movement in his presser. So maybe it's a strength/conditioning thing rather than an injury seeing as he ruled that out.

 

[MarcusInKensington]

The fact that he has only beaten one top 10 player (Tsonga in the Australian Open) and only holds one title (Halle) indicates that he no longer has the weapons to beat the best. Sure he can still play some great points against the best, but he can't sustain it for long enough to actually win.

He may look good in early rounds against no hopers, but as soon as he comes up against someone with a bit of class and/or power, who can dictate he is found wanting.

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

Congrats to Robredo. Period.

 

[Federer20042006]

Maybe he had an epiphany that he can't move anymore. A lot of us noticed this years ago.

 

[kalyan4fedever]

That much is apparent, his movement was worst and all the shanks argh!!!! This match he was mentally so vulnerable. I am still in disappointment over his pathetic result of this match, it will take atleast 2 days for me to get over his waste match

 

[rossi46]

That much is apparent, his movement was worst and all the shanks argh!!!! This match he was mentally so vulnerable. I am still in disappointment over his pathetic result of this match, it will take atleast 2 days for me to get over his waste match

Easy mate, Federer isn't concerned about you so why should you be disappointed for a million sportsman.

 

[Russeljones]

Maybe the humidity got to him. Not sure. I don't think he's ever been very forthcoming with his health issues.

 

[Bjorn99]

Fed's lost a step, maybe a step and a half. He is still quick, but he cannot run around the backhand as well. He would do well to change tactics somewhat. He could have beat Robredo, but kudos to Robredo, that was the best I have seen him play in a long, long time.

 

[rh310]

I'm sure Tommy was playing with a little extra fire in this match. When they played 4 yrs ago at the USO, Tommy took umbrage to Federer laughing with joy at how well he was playing. (I was at that match, and Fed was in full G*d mode in the 2nd and 3rd sets.)

 

[ctoth666]

Fed's lost a step, maybe a step and a half. He is still quick, but he cannot run around the backhand as well. He would do well to change tactics somewhat. He could have beat Robredo, but kudos to Robredo, that was the best I have seen him play in a long, long time.

You know what's going on here, don't you? All of a sudden, everyone who beats Federer is playing the best tennis they've ever played. It's the Andy Roddick syndrome. Federer just allows his opponents to play matches on their terms now.

 

[jackson vile]

I don't know what it was. A lot of people have said that it is mental, and that very well may be the case.

At any rate, Federer could have fought back and taken that match in 5, but he did not seem interested.

 

[Totai]

And this is not a hater thread, more of a pseudo intellectual armchair fan thread, thought I'd do one as many have.

I was watching Eurosport and they picked up he said that to his camp in the 3rd set but I don't understand why.

Last night physically we've heard his back was giving him no issues, though the humidity was horrendous and he was sweating buckets...he showed glimpses of why he's was 10-0 vs Tommy but after converting 2/16 break points I think he hit the self destruct button. Oh yeah and the constant play to Federer's backhand which is sound strategy yet really annoying to watch when most are scared to go to his forehand.

Plain to see Federer still has the weapons to dismantle the best.

Personally I think most of Roger's issues recently more so are in his mind than his body, confidence, the appetite to win after so many titles, he has to cope with legions of fans berating him as soon as he loses to a inspired player as that's how high that standard he's set over the years, though there's been more "inspired" players recently.

You're ranked 100 you play Federer, you're playing him, the legend and his reputation but now people are sensing vulnerability and this will happen to all the top players who get to the twilight...I remember Agassi in 2004 French Open losing to some unknown and people where on Agassi's back when he was 34!

Federer showed in Cinci he has the game to beat many and I still see him either making a slam final or reaching semis at at least 2 slams next year, a master title or numerous masters titles and ATP tour titles, ie Halle and Basel.

I don't think most are "scared" to go to his forehand. It would be stupid to go to his forehand, when his BH is so easily exploited

 

[sureshs]

He may look good in early rounds against no hopers, but as soon as he comes up against someone with a bit of class and/or power, who can dictate he is found wanting.

That has always been his problem - mental strength against opponents who are not in awe of him. There are just more of them these days.

 

[Goosehead]

maybe he didn't finish the sentence off...

"I cant move...like I used to do when I was 24".

or

"I cant move...do you think I might be just past my prime ?"

 

[sbengte]

That has always been his problem - mental strength against opponents who are not in awe of him. There are just more of them these days.

Yeah, like the new young upstart of the strong era, Tommy Robredo, who has been steadily climbing the rankings....and entering his prime..

 

[BrooklynNY]

I don't know about you guys, but Fed's forehand isn't the weapon it was/you guys talk it out to be.

Fed does virtually nothing better than the top 15 guys nowadays besides play classic tennis strategy.

Fed's forehand doesn't look capable of ending points anymore

 

[fps]

He's 32, and he's played more matches than anyone by miles, of course he can't move like he used to, it was noticeable 5 years ago.

 

[Finesse4sum]

He's 32, and he's played more matches than anyone by miles, of course he can't move like he used to, it was noticeable 5 years ago.

This really says it all.

 

[anubis]

I don't know about you guys, but Fed's forehand isn't the weapon it was/you guys talk it out to be.

Fed does virtually nothing better than the top 15 guys nowadays besides play classic tennis strategy.

Fed's forehand doesn't look capable of ending points anymore

Whenever I complain about my forehand not being a weapon for my own little pipsqueak-amateur-hour-tennis-tea-parties, my coach says it has everything to do with my footwork -- and nothing to do with my equipment, my strokes, or how I'm holding the racquet.

If what the above posters say is true -- and Fed's footwork has really hit rock bottom -- then it's only natural that his forehand would suffer by leaps and bounds. Even if nothing else has changed about his game.

 

[sureshs]

I don't know about you guys, but Fed's forehand isn't the weapon it was/you guys talk it out to be.

Fed does virtually nothing better than the top 15 guys nowadays besides play classic tennis strategy.

Fed's forehand doesn't look capable of ending points anymore

His problem is that he takes too many of them like half volleys by standing close to the baseline, which people think is great because it comes back quick. But someone like Nadal will not do that. He will wait for it and get into position, and then hit a winner or a forcing shot. I think hitting baseline shots like half volleys is a lazy strategy and it is surprising how long Fed has got away with it.

 

[Amelie Mauresmo]

I think people were making a big deal about Roger beating the scrubs in the first three rounds. HOWEVER, once Roger met someone who is of a higher class and ability he capitulated. Tommy Robredo is NO SCRUB, he's a former top ten player, he also had a serious injury a year ago requiring surgery. Tommy wasn't even ranked in the top 100 at the beginning of the year his RISE up the rankings is incredible and he WILL be in the top 20 next week for sure. This is the FIRST TIME Tommy has reached the quarterfinals of the US OPEN after losing in the fourth round I think seven times previously.

People need to give Tommy credit, he is VERY MENTALLY TOUGH, he plays within himself and he wanted to beat Roger badly and he did! I saw no fear in Tommy only FIRE, the Spaniard deserves people's RESPECT.

Don't blame Tommy for Roger making a million errors! Also, Tommy is in his 30s as well he's 31 people seem to forget that BUT he's still very quick and athletic.

 

[ScottleeSV]

I don't know why people are surprised he looks done at 32.

Hands up anyone who thinks Djokovic, Murray, or Nadal will win a major beyond 30?

 

[big ted]

i looked at the match statistics and it looks like he was even with robredo on everything, he just didnt convert break points and robredo did.

 

[fatichar]

I don't know why people are surprised he looks done at 32.

Hands up anyone who thinks Djokovic, Murray, or Nadal will win a major beyond 30?

Nadal may win FO past 30,especially given his recent adjustments tgat have reduced his dependency on his rabbitism.

 

[Omega_7000]

Did he really say that?

 

[Gonzalito17]

Robredo played a fantastic match. Full credit goes to Robredo for turning the tables. Nobody beats Tommy eleven in a row )

 

[Faster]

I did notice Federer looking at his feet, especially after he had to slide to a ball

 

[cjs]

I think people were making a big deal about Roger beating the scrubs in the first three rounds. HOWEVER, once Roger met someone who is of a higher class and ability he capitulated. Tommy Robredo is NO SCRUB, he's a former top ten player, he also had a serious injury a year ago requiring surgery. Tommy wasn't even ranked in the top 100 at the beginning of the year his RISE up the rankings is incredible and he WILL be in the top 20 next week for sure. This is the FIRST TIME Tommy has reached the quarterfinals of the US OPEN after losing in the fourth round I think seven times previously.

People need to give Tommy credit, he is VERY MENTALLY TOUGH, he plays within himself and he wanted to beat Roger badly and he did! I saw no fear in Tommy only FIRE, the Spaniard deserves people's RESPECT.

Don't blame Tommy for Roger making a million errors! Also, Tommy is in his 30s as well he's 31 people seem to forget that BUT he's still very quick and athletic.

WHAT is with THE CAPS?

 

[BLX_Andy]

That much is apparent, his movement was worst and all the shanks argh!!!! This match he was mentally so vulnerable. I am still in disappointment over his pathetic result of this match, it will take atleast 2 days for me to get over his waste match

Yeah I was pretty down too.

 

[NLBwell]

His problem is that he takes too many of them like half volleys by standing close to the baseline, which people think is great because it comes back quick. But someone like Nadal will not do that. He will wait for it and get into position, and then hit a winner or a forcing shot. I think hitting baseline shots like half volleys is a lazy strategy and it is surprising how long Fed has got away with it.

Fed has succeeded at that because of his talent and precision. However, since he doesn't move quite as well as before, he is off-balance when hitting these and other shots. He can still get there, but his body isn't in perfect position to shoot the ball back precisely where he wants it.
A little bit off balance = more shanks, misses, and balls a little too close to the center of the court which give the other guy a chance to go on offense.
Fed needs to take some time off and just work on getting completely healthy. He'd rather play through it because he doesn't want to drop way down in the rankings, but it looks like he must do that if he wants to compete with the best again.

 

[NLBwell]

i looked at the match statistics and it looks like he was even with robredo on everything, he just didnt convert break points and robredo did.

Roger is not as good a player in the ad court as he is in the deuce court. The patterns and his strenghs/weaknesses work for him in the deuce court and against him in the ad court.
This is very clear when playing Nadal, who is a much better player when serving in the ad court, but it is present at all times.

Therefore, lots of break points, but few conversions.

People talk about the mental side, but it is what physically happens that drives the mental side of the game.

 

[RNadal]

maybe he didn't finish the sentence off...

"I cant move...like I used to do when I was 24".

or

"I cant move...do you think I might be just past my prime ?"

I lol'd. Good one, mate.

 

[TennisandMusic]

If Federer was talking to his box during a match I hope he gets called out for "cheating" by the Fed camp.

But aside from that, I think the only thing to say about this is "welcome to your thirties."

 

[jackson vile]

Robredo is 31, he didn't seem to have any problems.

If Federer was talking to his box during a match I hope he gets called out for "cheating" by the Fed camp.

But aside from that, I think the only thing to say about this is "welcome to your thirties."

 

[Nostradamus]

And this is not a hater thread, more of a pseudo intellectual armchair fan thread, thought I'd do one as many have.



Federer showed in Cinci he has the game to beat many and I still see him either making a slam final or reaching semis at at least 2 slams next year, a master title or numerous masters titles and ATP tour titles, ie Halle and Basel.

Roger Federer will star in next commercial of " I have Fallen, and I can't get up"

 

[NLBwell]

Roger Federer will star in next commercial of " I have Fallen, and I can't get up"

Oh, I hope not.

 

[mptennis]

If Federer was talking to his box during a match I hope he gets called out for "cheating" by the Fed camp.

But aside from that, I think the only thing to say about this is "welcome to your thirties."

How is it cheating for a player to talk to his box? Now if the box is talking to the player, yes that could be cheating, but I see no way that a player talking to his box would be cheating.

 

[Messarger]

Is he receiving coaching from the stands? Isn't that one of the seven ATP deadly sins according to some people here?

 

[President]

I've been saying for a while now that if Roger wants to stay competitive in the future, he needs to do some explosive plyometrics and weight training. In your 30's you lose a lot of natural explosiveness due to a drop in testosterone levels (even though your endurance and strength may actually peak), you need to actively try to maintain it through specific exercises. Federer strikes me as a guy that has always preferred to just play tennis as his main form of training and it's been evident in his physique throughout the years compared to the current top players who are all ripped like Nadal and Murray. Roger needs to get with the times, he can't rely solely on his talent anymore now that he is aged.

 

[Omega_7000]

Is he receiving coaching from the stands? Isn't that one of the seven ATP deadly sins according to some people here?

Yes he is coaching his box by telling them that he can't move. :roll:

 

[Omega_7000]

If Federer was talking to his box during a match I hope he gets called out for "cheating" by the Fed camp.

But aside from that, I think the only thing to say about this is "welcome to your thirties."

First it's not even clear he said anything because the OP claims that he read his lips saying something...He could be just talking to himself. and LMAO.....Yeah he's giving illegal coaching to his box :lol: What advantage is he gaining by telling his box that he cannot move?



These are examples of illegal coaching,

"It was in the last game, when I was serving for the match. ... I didn't know where to serve. Down the center, to the middle or to try the classic play of the wide serve and then try to hit the forehand. They told me to serve wide and that's where I served."

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/09/30/its-time-to-stop-rafael-nadals-cheating/

Toni Nadal....

"Hablo con Rafa durante los partidos.Ya sé q no está muy permitido pero considero mi edad,tampoco ***** que esconderme""

=

"I talk to Rafa during matches. I know that its not allowed but I think that at my age I have nothing to hide'

 

[JRAJ1988]

First it's not even clear he said anything because the OP claims that he read his lips saying something...He could be just talking to himself. and LMAO.....Yeah he's giving illegal coaching to his box :lol: What advantage is he gaining by telling his box that he cannot move?



These are examples of illegal coaching,

"It was in the last game, when I was serving for the match. ... I didn't know where to serve. Down the center, to the middle or to try the classic play of the wide serve and then try to hit the forehand. They told me to serve wide and that's where I served."

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/09/30/its-time-to-stop-rafael-nadals-cheating/

Eurosport commentator said Federer looked at his camp and said "I can't move"

 

[dunlop_fort_knox]

things hurt more when you're losing.

 

[Fedinkum]

His feet were too embarrassed to move with those girly vapor 9.