Fed Back On Clay?

[marc45]

• 
  Peter Bodo
• 
  
• ESPN

CHICAGO -- Roger Federer is contemplating a significant change to his 2019 schedule.

Federer, who credited much of his resurgence since the start of 2017 in which he won three majors to a decision to avoid the entire European clay-court segment (including the French Open), might return to the red-dirt grind next season.

"The clay-court season is under review," Federer told ESPN.com at the Laver Cup, which begins Friday. "It's not off the table. I will know by the end of the year."

Avoiding the clay enabled Federer, 37, to save energy, train and adequately prepare his game for the grass-court season. Grass is the surface on which Federer's game is most effective, and Wimbledon begins less than a month after the end of the French Open.

Federer did not say how many clay events he might play, but he has three ATP Masters 1000 events to choose from, as well as a host of lesser events before the French Open begins.

"I would like to make up my mind ahead of time so I can plan my buildup, my fitness schedule, even the way I would approach my December practice sessions," Federer said. "It could benefit the clay-court season."

The No. 2-ranked Federer knows what he is up against. "This is something that is obviously a big deal. If you play the clay, it changes everything."

Federer played in five French Open finals, winning one in 2009, when he completed his career Grand Slam. All four of his finals losses were to Rafael Nadal, who is the defending champion at Roland Garros and still ranked No. 1 in the world.

Federer's ranking could be impacted by this decision. A good result would earn him clay points for the first time in two years. But should Federer struggle on the clay or find himself low on energy later in the year because he played on the clay, it could have a negative effect. So why would he return to clay?

"Just because I want to do it," Federer said. "It's a full-on passion thing."

 

[tennisaddict]

The year he is retiring he can play . Not until then . Almost everyone in top 20 would like their chances given Fed’s age

 

[Djokodalerer31]

Nothing good will come out of it...if he couldn't win anything sufficient back in 2015 i can't see him doing it now out of the blue at the age of 37 (will be close to 38 by the time!...) He will likely just blow both surfaces...

 

[Milehigh5280]

He might be thinking about, but I don't think he'll end up playing clay next year unless he somehow believes it can help him win Wimbledon

 

[marc45]

I like how he says it's 'under review'...he's the CEO of a corporation, FedFan Tennis Inc.

 

[Sport]

He might be thinking about, but I don't think he'll end up playing clay next year unless he somehow believes it can help him win Wimbledon

Did skipping clay help him to win Wimbledon last year? Why should he skip a Grand Slam? Federer could have played only Roland Garros this year and then skip both Stuttgart and Halle. Warmup tournaments are overrated. Djokovic won Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015 with no warmup grass tournaments, and Nadal was close to winning Wimbledon 2018 with no previous grass tournament.

I think some Fed fans would like Federer to not skip Grand Slam tournaments while he is a professional player. If he wants to protect his body, he can skip Masters 500 or ATP 250 rather than Grand Slams.

Who knows? Maybe one year Nadal gets injured at RG, Djokovic loses against another Cecchinatos alike player, and Thiem loses earlier. That is, Federer could have an easy draw at RG by mere luck some year. Nadal and Djokovic will never skip a Grand Slam as long as they are healthy and professional tennis players, that's for sure.

 

[KINGROGER]

Best chance was 2017. He made Rome final in 2015 with a weak baseline game. His improved 2017 FH/BH could’ve done some damage and Rafa went out early that year.

 

[papertank]

This year it was clear that taking those long breaks did not help him much. Maybe what he needs is more tournaments overall but less tournaments right next to each other. Him going all the way in Stuttgart and Halle back to back after taking months off may have been what led to his Wimbledon downfall.

Maybe he could do something like this:

AO -> Dubai -> IW -> Madrid -> RG -> Halle -> Wimb -> Canada -> Cincinatti (skip if he goes far in Can) -> US

 

[Fiero425]

Getting hurt or tired may end up costing him at Wimbledon! I don't think it's a good idea unless he wants to say farewell!

 

[Subway Tennis]

• 
  Peter Bodo
• 
  
• ESPN

CHICAGO -- Roger Federer is contemplating a significant change to his 2019 schedule.

Federer, who credited much of his resurgence since the start of 2017 in which he won three majors to a decision to avoid the entire European clay-court segment (including the French Open), might return to the red-dirt grind next season.

"The clay-court season is under review," Federer told ESPN.com at the Laver Cup, which begins Friday. "It's not off the table. I will know by the end of the year."

Avoiding the clay enabled Federer, 37, to save energy, train and adequately prepare his game for the grass-court season. Grass is the surface on which Federer's game is most effective, and Wimbledon begins less than a month after the end of the French Open.

Federer did not say how many clay events he might play, but he has three ATP Masters 1000 events to choose from, as well as a host of lesser events before the French Open begins.

"I would like to make up my mind ahead of time so I can plan my buildup, my fitness schedule, even the way I would approach my December practice sessions," Federer said. "It could benefit the clay-court season."

The No. 2-ranked Federer knows what he is up against. "This is something that is obviously a big deal. If you play the clay, it changes everything."

Federer played in five French Open finals, winning one in 2009, when he completed his career Grand Slam. All four of his finals losses were to Rafael Nadal, who is the defending champion at Roland Garros and still ranked No. 1 in the world.

Federer's ranking could be impacted by this decision. A good result would earn him clay points for the first time in two years. But should Federer struggle on the clay or find himself low on energy later in the year because he played on the clay, it could have a negative effect. So why would he return to clay?

"Just because I want to do it," Federer said. "It's a full-on passion thing."

For the past few years, he has never ruled out playing clay when he talks publicly about his scheduling unless there is an injury preventing him from playing completely.

It's not a great look to cop a plea and admit you will be absent for the heart of the coming season. It's part of Federer's diplomacy to never rule out playing the surface regardless of what his actual intentions are.

The prevailing opinion seems to be that Federer will play one more clay season and it will most likely be in his final year on the tour.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

• 
  Peter Bodo
• 
  
• ESPN

CHICAGO -- Roger Federer is contemplating a significant change to his 2019 schedule.

Federer, who credited much of his resurgence since the start of 2017 in which he won three majors to a decision to avoid the entire European clay-court segment (including the French Open), might return to the red-dirt grind next season.

"The clay-court season is under review," Federer told ESPN.com at the Laver Cup, which begins Friday. "It's not off the table. I will know by the end of the year."

Avoiding the clay enabled Federer, 37, to save energy, train and adequately prepare his game for the grass-court season. Grass is the surface on which Federer's game is most effective, and Wimbledon begins less than a month after the end of the French Open.

Federer did not say how many clay events he might play, but he has three ATP Masters 1000 events to choose from, as well as a host of lesser events before the French Open begins.

"I would like to make up my mind ahead of time so I can plan my buildup, my fitness schedule, even the way I would approach my December practice sessions," Federer said. "It could benefit the clay-court season."

The No. 2-ranked Federer knows what he is up against. "This is something that is obviously a big deal. If you play the clay, it changes everything."

Federer played in five French Open finals, winning one in 2009, when he completed his career Grand Slam. All four of his finals losses were to Rafael Nadal, who is the defending champion at Roland Garros and still ranked No. 1 in the world.

Federer's ranking could be impacted by this decision. A good result would earn him clay points for the first time in two years. But should Federer struggle on the clay or find himself low on energy later in the year because he played on the clay, it could have a negative effect. So why would he return to clay?

"Just because I want to do it," Federer said. "It's a full-on passion thing."

Oh yes.

Yes, yes and yes.

Best chance was 2017. He made Rome final in 2015 with a weak baseline game. His improved 2017 FH/BH could’ve done some damage and Rafa went out early that year.

2017 I could understand the reasoning. He was coming off surgery. It seemed a choice between prioritizing clay or Wimbledon. I think the right choice was made.

2018 however I didn’t at all agree with. He was healthy, the knee was not in question.

I think and personally believe by just not stepping onto clay when healthy it left a kind of lasting imprint onto his psyche, if not the spacing of the tournaments he did decide to play.

This year it was clear that taking those long breaks did not help him much. Maybe what he needs is more tournaments overall but less tournaments right next to each other. Him going all the way in Stuttgart and Halle back to back after taking months off may have been what led to his Wimbledon downfall.

Maybe he could do something like this:

AO -> Dubai -> IW -> Madrid -> RG -> Halle -> Wimb -> Canada -> Cincinatti (skip if he goes far in Can) -> US

Whatever tournaments he does or doesn’t play, he mustn’t forget that as a tennis player when he steps onto the court he is there to compete.

I can’t know for sure what’s going through his mind but too many times this year it seemed he didn’t even want to be on court.

Don’t be skipping slams Federer.

That’s the takeaway for me on his 2018 scheduling.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

I like how he says it's 'under review'...he's the CEO of a corporation, FedFan Tennis Inc.

LOL. True.

 

[donquijote]

When he becomes No3 which is inevitable, he will have to beat both Nadal and Djokovic to win AO. That will be quite difficult unless one of them is out of form or injured. He knows he will drop quite a bit in the rankings after AO. He could be hoping to collect points before entering Wimbledon to be as higher seeded as possible.

 

[KINGROGER]

Oh yes.

Yes, yes and yes.



2017 I could understand the reasoning. He was coming off surgery. It seemed a choice between prioritizing clay or Wimbledon. I think the right choice was made.

2018 however I didn’t at all agree with. He was healthy, the knee was not in question.

I think and personally believe by just not stepping onto clay when healthy it left a kind of lasting imprint onto his psyche, if not the spacing of the tournaments he did decide to play.



Whatever tournaments he does or doesn’t play, he mustn’t forget that as a tennis player when he steps onto the court he is there to compete.

I can’t know for sure what’s going through his mind but too many times this year it seemed he didn’t even want to be on court.

Don’t be skipping slams Federer.

That’s the takeaway for me on his 2018 scheduling.

Yeah I agree just meant that his 2017 level would’ve been interesting on clay. Didn’t pay off this year with the Anderson choke.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Yeah I agree just meant that his 2017 level would’ve been interesting on clay. Didn’t pay off this year with the Anderson choke.

Totally agree. It was the year, form wise, and in hindsight even mentally, for him to dare to do as much as possible.

 

[Milehigh5280]

Did skipping clay help him to win Wimbledon last year? Why should he skip a Grand Slam? Federer could have played only Roland Garros this year and then skip both Stuttgart and Halle. Warmup tournaments are overrated. Djokovic won Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015 with no warmup grass tournaments, and Nadal was close to winning Wimbledon 2018 with no previous grass tournament.

I think some Fed fans would like Federer to not skip Grand Slam tournaments while he is a professional player. If he wants to protect his body, he can skip Masters 500 or ATP 250 rather than Grand Slams.

Who knows? Maybe one year Nadal gets injured at RG, Djokovic loses against another Cecchinatos alike player, and Thiem loses earlier. That is, Federer could have an easy draw at RG by mere luck some year. Nadal and Djokovic will never skip a Grand Slam as long as they are healthy and professional tennis players, that's for sure.

He's not going to skip Halle if he's healthy. I would love to see him play RG, but I can't seeing him making the 2nd week there. I really don't think it would make much of a difference of his chances on grass if he plays a clay tournament or two.

 

[MasturB]

The thing is if he doesnt defend AO his ranking is going to drop. He's already defending 1500 points from Shanghai and Basel. Then more from London. He can gain points in London since he lost in semis but I don't see him defending Shanghai win.

He doesnt have Wimby Win points. Doesnt have as much Miami and Indian Wells points to fall back on. If he plays clay it's to get enough points to stay in top 8 possibly top 4 for Wimbledon 2019.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

There are all sorts of reasons to say or do this:

Say it:

1) because he never ever has ruled out playing the whole clay season that much in advance, so, that is not anything new

2) because he can still do promotional work

Do it:

1) he will play clay at least in his final season, so if he plays that might be it or tapering his schedule into it with 2020 playing only the GS, small prep tournaments and the Olympics and Basel as a final tournament

2) Uniqlo

3) He experiments a lot with his schedule, so if he sees some benefits in playing clay as a preparation for other parts of the season, he might try it. I don't see it, but I also don't know all the details about his situation

I think that it is not a smart decision, as I don't see any benefits for his game, so the only reasonable explanation to me would be contractual obligations with his main sponsor/s.

 

[justasport]

2019 is Roger Federer's final year on tour. I believe he is going to win 2 of the 4 slams next year and possibly even return to the #1 position at 38 years old. I have always believed he will go out in a legendary way and I still feel that way. In fact I would not be surprised one bit if he won a 2nd French Open title next year! Let's all enjoy this fall and all of next year for the great man!!

 

[MeatTornado]

"It's not off the table. I will know by the end of the year."

Yet for the last 2 years, he's acted like it's a decision he didn't make until Miami.

And btw, anyone who thinks this is a good idea, obviously hasn't watched him at all this year. He can barely hit through the slow IW/Miami/USO conditions anymore. And you want him sliding around and trying to rally on clay? No thank you.

 

[justasport]

I get a kick out of everyone saying Federer might play clay so it can help him win Wimbledon. If he plays clay it's to win the French Open!!!

 

[CYGS]

Let him play.

 

[Krish0608]

He will probably play Madrid/Rome and then RG. Considering that nobody expects him to do anything on this surface he might do surprisingly well.

 

[titoelcolombiano]

2019:
Fed: AO, Dubai, IW, Miami, Halle, Wimby, Cincy, USO, Shanghai, Basel, WTF
Rafa: AO, IW, Miami, Barca, Madrid, Rome, RG, Wimby, Canada, USO, Beijing, Shanghai, WTF

 

[Tennis_Hands]

2019 is Roger Federer's final year on tour. I believe he is going to win 2 of the 4 slams next year and possibly even return to the #1 position at 38 years old. I have always believed he will go out in a legendary way and I still feel that way. In fact I would not be surprised one bit if he won a 2nd French Open title next year! Let's all enjoy this fall and all of next year for the great man!!

Almost nothing of this seems reasonably possible.

Amazing.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

If it is going to be his final year on tour, he will play clay IMO. I also expect a first week loss at RG, should he play...he will be two months shy of his 38th birthday...

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Wants to retire with a CYGS

 

[weakera]

I don't see any benefit to Roger of playing clay. He'd get embarrassed and hurt his aura.

 

[NatF]

If he has early exits in the early HC season I could see some benefits to playing a couple of clay events to buff up his points and keep the match sharpness but he definitely needs to be careful about over playing.

 

[Xavier G]

Seeing the way 2018 has gone, I think Roger might play a limited clay season again. What's he really got to lose?
His curtailed scheduling in '18 wasn't as successful as in 2017, but you know what, he added 3 Slams to his resume 2017-Jan.2018 so the "experiment"/lighter scheduling was a success.

His time in the sport is running out and he'll want to play Roland Garros at least one more time. I'd play Monte Carlo and the French if I was Roger and drop Stuttgart just before Wimby if that's an allowable option.

 

[Standaa]

Lots of people forget that his 2018 was more succesful than his 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. So stop acting like 2019 will be his last year on tour.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Yeesh.

We’re starting 2019 Fed clay too early. I’m not sure I’m ready for this guys. I want to enjoy my Christmas.

My Wish List for 2019

All four slams + Dubai, IW, Madrid, Halle, Cincy, Shanghai + Basel + WTF.

Brisbane I am not sure about, it seems to have helped the last couple of years. How about we have a light discussion on this before the heavy one on RG?

My personal view is 2019 Fed is still good enough to make deep runs at any tournaments he enters. An opening here and there, he has title opportunities.

@StANDAA just said something quite similar right above.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Lots of people forget that his 2018 was more succesful than his 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. So stop acting like 2019 will be his last year on tour.

You think his 2018 is more succesful than his 2010 season?

 

[Plamen1234]

Lots of people forget that his 2018 was more succesful than his 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. So stop acting like 2019 will be his last year on tour.

Federer 2010 season is better than 2018 until now.In 2010 he won AO,Cincy and WTF plus his results at the other GS tourneys were slightly better than this year.And he made 4 Masters 1000 finals in that year compared to 2 in 2018.

 

[Zardoz7/12]

The issue with Federer's more part time schedule is that he has to win or get to the latter stages of the events he players in order to maintain his lofty ranking, he's not vulturing a myriad of 250s in order to pump up his ranking, it's there due to his results in the slams and in the masters.

 

[Standaa]

You think his 2018 is more succesful than his 2010 season?

Federer 2010 season is better than 2018 until now.In 2010 he won AO,Cincy and WTF plus his results at the other GS tourneys were slightly better than this year.And he made 4 Masters 1000 finals in that year compared to 2 in 2018.

Yeah I’m an idiot. I only meant to write the slamless seasons. 2010 somehow slipped through.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

You think his 2018 is more succesful than his 2010 season?

It is not (yet), but, IMO, it will be, if he wins another M1000.

 

[ak24alive]

Fed should give it a try.
I would like to see him play:
AO + Rott/Dubai + IW + MC + Rome + RG + Halle + Wimby + Cincy + USO + Shanghai + Basel + WTF.

 

[Ann]

Getting hurt or tired may end up costing him at Wimbledon! I don't think it's a good idea unless he wants to say farewell!

Not playing and being rusty this year probably cost him Wimbledon.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Not playing and being rusty this year probably cost him Wimbledon.

You are late to the party.

This theory has been tested and declared idiotic.

 

[Dolgopolov85]

If he really does play clay next year, I'd bet it's a retirement year.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

It is not (yet), but, IMO, it will be, if he wins another M1000.

I value a YEC more than two masters even if the ranking points it isn't.

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Fed should give it a try.
I would like to see him play:
AO + Rott/Dubai + IW + MC + Rome + RG + Halle + Wimby + Cincy + USO + Shanghai + Basel + WTF.

LOL

We’re pretty much on the same page. You’ve got MC + Rome, I’ve got just Madrid.

Are you trying to kill the old man ?????

What about Hopman Cup? You think it’s done him well for AO or been a waste of time?

No points for it if I recall correctly.

 

[Tennis_Hands]

I value a YEC more than two masters even if the ranking points it isn't.

Yes, but I value two M1000 and reaching #1 at an extremely advanced age for a tennis player more than an YEC.

Actually, considering the achievement, I would even now reluctantly put 2018 over 2010, but I understand why the other opinion is also valid.

 

[ak24alive]

LOL

We’re pretty much on the same page. You’ve got MC + Rome, I’ve got just Madrid.

Are you trying to kill the old man ?????

What about Hopman Cup? You think it’s done him well for AO or been a waste of time?

No points for it if I recall correctly.

Lol I got MC and Rome coz he haven't won them and they are 3 weeks apart. He can get a good preparation at MC and he can go for the kill in Rome. Another week of rest and practice and he will be match ready for RG.
I know it's highly unlikely that he wins RG but if you are playing it then why not go for the trophy.
Hopman Cup is already on his schedule so I didn't include it.

 

[KINGROGER]

I don't see any benefit to Roger of playing clay. He'd get embarrassed and hurt his aura.

And losses to Anderson and Millman don’t do that already?

His aura is already gone... he’s 11 years from his peak.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Yes, but I value two M1000 and reaching #1 at an extremely advanced age for a tennis player more than an YEC.

Actually, considering the achievement, I would even now reluctantly put 2018 over 2010, but I understand why the other opinion is also valid.

Well yes every title at his old age is more impressive than at younger age but I was talking about all things being "neutral".

 

[Deleted member 742196]

Lol I got MC and Rome coz he haven't won them and they are 3 weeks apart. He can get a good preparation at MC and he can go for the kill in Rome. Another week of rest and practice and he will be match ready for RG.
I know it's highly unlikely that he wins RG but if you are playing it then why not go for the trophy.
Hopman Cup is already on his schedule so I didn't include it.

Is Hopman Cup one of those things he signed on for a committed amount of years? Do you know till when?

Totally agree. It’s what @justasport said above, if he enters tournaments it’s to win. Doesn’t matter if he does, matters he plays.

Okay, let’s go with yours: Rome and MC. Skip Madrid.

Let’s make him run in 2019. Lazy sod was vacationing most of 2018, he needs to pay a price for that.

 

[weakera]

And losses to Anderson and Millman don’t do that already?

His aura is already gone... he’s 11 years from his peak.

I'm talking 1st-3rd round exits against Verdasco types.

 

[UnforcedTerror]

If it is going to be his final year on tour, he will play clay IMO. I also expect a first week loss at RG, should he play...he will be two months shy of his 38th birthday...

Federer does not think like that. We can see him play clay next season without it being his retirement year.

I think Djoker's Golden Masters may encourage Rog to give Monte Carlo and Rome another try.