If anything the 2011 RG Fed is the most overrated Roger ever. He did great to wind back the clock that day in the SF against Djokovic, but I've never understood when it's said that's the best he's ever played on clay. Outside of 09 it was easily his "greatest" win but that doesn't mean it was actually his best quality of play. I don't see anything that 11 Fed did better than 05-07 Fed. If he was really playing better then he would have actually beaten Nadal in the final, who was decidedly worse that year than his 05-08 wins.
Put 2011 Novak into say 2006 and that Fed beats him just the same as 2011 did.
I think you have it exactly backwards. I’ve never seen anyone praise Fed’s level at 09 and many people talk about the 2011 semi like it was the best match Fed has ever played
I’m not saying 09 is better than 11. I don’t think that at all. With the exception of possibly 08, 09 was Fed's worst run to the FO final. I’m just saying I don’t think people overrate 09 or underrate 11. If anything, 11 has been mythologized beyond its due.Not only the semi, his overall level was higher at RG in 2011 than in 2009.
He was very fortunate not to lose against Acasuso in that edition, he could have quietly gone home early.
I think you have it exactly backwards. I’ve never seen anyone praise Fed’s level at 09 and many people talk about the 2011 semi like it was the best match Fed has ever played
Best ever level at RG IMO was 2011. He just didn't have the same physical stamina of previous years.
It is often said that RG 2011 semi level performance is only surpassed by Rome 2006 final, nothing at RG has come close to being better than that 2011 performance.
Not sure Fed was that close to losing to Del Potro? I thought Delpo played really well. I'd say the 2011 SF was better than the 2009 SF, but I think the 2009 F was one of his very best clay matches - so on aggregate I think 2009 might be a bit higher. Even accounting for the fact that Nadal was a lot tougher than the Soderling that turned up to the final.
If we are not strictly talking about Roland Garros performances, I think 2007 Hamburg Masters was the best Federer on clay. He just kept beating those Spainiard clay masters. Ferrero, Ferrer, Moya and Nadal. Sure he lost one set each against other than Ferrero. The hype around Federer ending Nadal's 81 match winning streak on clay with a bagel was just outstanding.
Yeah, if anything his 2009 FO SF/F matches against Delpo and Soderling are very underrated, Fed was near flawless in the final and had to dig really deep against a zoning Delpo who was taking the ball early and hitting huge off both wings (back when Delpo had a BH),
20082019
Don't think any of the 3 opponents were anywhere near as good 2011 Djokovic was on that day so I wouldn't any of rate them outright higher.by those who didn't pay enough attention IMO.
RG 2009 final vs Sod
Hamburg 2002 final vs Safin
Hamburg 2004 semi vs Hewitt
all better than RG 11 semi
Don't think any of the 3 opponents were anywhere near as good 2011 Djokovic was on that day so I wouldn't any of rate them outright higher.
I think Djokovic would probably be expected lower the level down and the dip came 2 sets to love up but fair enough I guess.already taken into consideration with 2 TBs vs Djoko, one arguably below par or meh set in RG 11 semi as opposed to being near flawless in those 3 matches& being physically better.
I think Djokovic would probably be expected lower the level down and the dip came 2 sets to love up but fair enough I guess.
Best ever level at RG IMO was 2011. He just didn't have the same physical stamina of previous years.
It is often said that RG 2011 semi level performance is only surpassed by Rome 2006 final, nothing at RG has come close to being better than that 2011 performance.
Does anyone think Federer would have won any of the French Open matches against Nadal if Nadal was not left-handed?
The opinion that Fed got old in 2008 is also a marginal one. Many still say that Fed was still in his overall prime in 2008-2009 (though not at his absolute best) and some even extend this to 2012. The fact is, using 2004-2007 as the bar for Fed’s prime is pretty strict. If we applied the same criteria to Nadal, he would technically only have two prime seasons (2010 and 2013). There needs to be some wiggle room.
Besides, competition had already begun to improve by 2007 with Nadal becoming more dominant at RG and making strides on grass, and Djokovic establishing himself as a top player. It didn’t magically occur from the transition of one year to the next. And it needs to be said that Fed did indeed drop off a bit from 2007-2008 in addition to the better competition. The difference was most notable below the Slams where he was losing to all sorts of random players; even guys like Roddick whom he used to dominate. He was definitely much better at the Slams that year, I’ll give you that.
Had he didn't choked on those set points that could have been atleast a 5 setter. May be Federer with the win.I thought 2006 would be the obvious choice but Fed played smarter in 2011. He really should have won first set against Nadal (had set point and missed dropshot by inches).
fed played excellent in the QF vs Monfils in the 2009 QF as well.
Its really only the 2 matches where he was shaky - Acusaso in 2R and Haas in 4R.
Didn't he play Monfils in 2011 QF as well? That one I remember actually, thought Fed played great and was quite aggressive. Their 2009 QF just doesn't register, I can't remember the match.
Agree with your posts in this thread regarding 2009 FO final, quite an underrated performance. That 2nd set was one of the best tiebreaks I've ever seen Fed play (maybe even the best, considering what was on the line).
On the whole 2009 was the last year I felt Fed was a beast from the baseline. Later he morphed into this first strike player who's very dependent on his serve which is how many erroneously remember him now.
I will take your word for ityeah, but he had to save 2 SPs in set1 vs djoko and was down a MB in the TB. He was clutch to get that set, but a little too close for comfort.
Contrast to the TB vs Sod for example. 4 aces, 2 winners and an error forced. that's literally unplayable.
I will take your word for it
What do you think was the best final Federer played vs Rafa in RG?