Federer ain’t done yet

[TheFifthSet]

Well, okay, he might be, but his current run of form is no indicator lol, even with age taken into consideration.

Fed hasn’t had this long of a tennis hiatus ever, there’s no way of telling what his level will be when he settles in and regains timing/match fitness.

Djokovic went 3-6 over a 9 match span barely over three years ago, he was counted out and fed to the buzzards. Sure, he was younger, but the point remains: until we get a larger data set, there’s very little we can derive from these 3-4 tournaments.

I say he’s got more deep runs in him and the sun has not yet set.

TL;DR: If Federer is done, we have no way of knowing, and all of our hand-wringing won’t change a thing.

 

[GabeT]

He could come back but hard to see it now. I think his slam winning days are over.

 

[NonP]

 

[Thriller]

He could come back .....

So could Jesus ... I agree, winning a slam would require a miracle.

 

[Deleted member 748597]

#21 is still possible for Fred.

 

[TheFifthSet]

I appreciate these more lowbrow references from you for a change

 

[TennisManiac]

It all depends on whether or not he believes in himself. He still has the weapons. And he could probably get into better match shape. But self belief is the major factor in whether or not he continues. I'd love to see him win the U S. Open and then retire like Sampras did when everyone said he was finished.

 

[Krish0608]

I really feel Fed is just getting started for one last run. These matches will help him get in shape. Probably by the indoor season, Federer will be playing much better tennis and beating the likes of Hurkacz at least. His first and probably last real slam chance might be at the Australian open next year.

 

[ibbi]

The question is whether he can regain what he needs to regain without hurting himself again.

 

[Krish0608]

The question is whether he can regain what he needs to regain without hurting himself again.

Good signs on that front so far. Was able to take sure, but positive steps without any injury so far.

 

[tennis_pro]

Federer was playing great in 2019 at 38. I'm not counting on another Slam, but I still think if all things allign there's a chance. Even this Wimbledon with crap form he reached the QF and even at his B level he could've easily reached the final here. The only question mark is the amount of damage that his last injury did, because it's too early to say at this point.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

I really feel Fed is just getting started for one last run. These matches will help him get in shape. Probably by the indoor season, Federer will be playing much better tennis and beating the likes of Hurkacz at least. His first and probably last real slam chance might be at the Australian open next year.

I think the game is too physical for him now personally. He can make a run but in the 2nd week of majors he doesn’t have the stamina anymore or mental strength on the big points either.

 

[Deleted member 762343]

- Title : "Fed is not done"
- First sentence in the OP : "okay he might be but…"

Well done, sir, you mastered the art of clickbait.

 

[Krish0608]

I think the game is too physical for him now personally. He can make a run but in the 2nd week of majors he doesn’t have the stamina anymore or mental strength on the big points either.

I don’t disagree. But still too early to call I think. The American HC will be crucial. If there’s no significant improvement there, then I guess that’s that.

 

[TheFifthSet]

- Title : "Fed is not done"
- First sentence in the OP : "okay he might be but…"

Well done, sir, you mastered the art of clickbait.

Hehe, was gonna add that but figured it’s so self-evident.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

I don’t disagree. But still too early to call I think. The American HC will be crucial. If there’s no significant improvement there, then I guess that’s that.

Yeah true we will see how he fares in this American HC swing and then Australia next year. I feel he will give it another year to see if he can still do it. If he can he might continue if not he’ll probably retire.

 

[ibbi]

I think the game is too physical for him now personally. He can make a run but in the 2nd week of majors he doesn’t have the stamina anymore or mental strength on the big points either.

He just made it to the 4r of Roland Garros and QF of Wimbledon with hardly any match time under his belt. Granted he was pretty lucky not to get knocked out of Wimby in the first round , but... The game is too physical for him now? Has it changed significantly in the last 2 years? Semis in Austraia before he stopped, broke world number 1's serve a couple of times, destroyed him in London just a couple of months before that, and hung with him for 6 sets of tennis at Wimbledon. I mean I know that was 2 years ago now, but what have we seen from him to make such sweeping statements about what his potential is?

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

Federer was playing great in 2019 at 38. I'm not counting on another Slam, but I still think if all things allign there's a chance. Even this Wimbledon with crap form he reached the QF and even at his B level he could've easily reached the final here. The only question mark is the amount of damage that his last injury did, because it's too early to say at this point.

I think Wimbledon 2019 was his last chance. He was 2 years younger then, with no knee surgeries and was fully fit and playing great at the time. Now he’s coming to 40, has the knee concerns, his back issues also flare up more now too. Other players improving too and believe they can beat him now especially on hard courts and clay. That after this loss to Hurkacz will probably start to happen on grass more too.

I think he’s done being a factor in slams but he can potentially add to his title count winning maybe another masters or the smaller events. I feel he will go another year to see if he can still do something and if not probably retire.

 

[daphne]

Fedr may come back to say goodbye to all. But that's about it.

 

[Djokovic_is_the_best#1]

He just made it to the 4r of Roland Garros and QF of Wimbledon with hardly any match time under his belt. Granted he was pretty lucky not to get knocked out of Wimby in the first round , but... The game is too physical for him now? Has it changed significantly in the last 2 years? Semis in Austraia before he stopped, broke world number 1's serve a couple of times, destroyed him in London just a couple of months before that, and hung with him for 6 sets of tennis at Wimbledon. I mean I know that was 2 years ago now, but what have we seen from him to make such sweeping statements about what his potential is?

A lot has changed in 2 years yes. Novak can still for now hang with the younger players consistently due to his flexibility and his body is in great shape. He is very elastic and so far his stamina is still in good place for now.

Fed now has way more doubts in his shots, movement and ability to last the distance. It gets more difficult especially after long lay offs, double knee surgery and 40 soon.

He did great to get as far as he did but it was still a struggle and he’s fortunate he played mugs who couldn’t capitalise on his vulnerabilities.

Like I said at best he can get to 2nd week maybe still of slams. Until he faces a very good opponent who can play decent on a surface and doesn’t choke bad then he’s in big trouble.

Djokovic and Nadal will hit this point eventually but for now I feel they got time left. Nadal is probably gonna start to struggle more now but due to clay he will always have his chances to still add more yet and maybe can sneak another open.

Djoko had the best body and in best shape physically, mentally and game wise to compete with the younger players on all surfaces for 2-3 more years at the very least.

 

[weakera]

It didn't feel to me like his last ever match at Wimbledon. I think he will milk this into next season and give himself a farewell tour.

 

[NonP]

I appreciate these more lowbrow references from you for a change

I consume my share of junk media, LOL. Just don't write about it often.

On topic, said this to @zagor in a PM last nite:

As for Fed I'm guessing you've seen the post-match presser where he said his body actually feels fine. That's encouraging... which is why he should heed my words of wisdom and sign up for Tokyo!

P.S. It just so happens that TMF played one of his most entertaining Bo3 matches in Tokyo proper:

Fred should take a cue from his old undersize foe and S&V his way to a singles gold!

 

[ACE of Hearts]

I feel like he put a lot into this wimbledon and the way he went down was very bad and sad at the same time. Maybe i expected more fight.

 

[MurraysMetalHip]

He’s done. Anyone who thinks otherwise is simply in denial.

 

[Nole_King]

Federer will get injured at US Open again and retire. Remember how his last 2 HC Slams went? He is like 10 matches from retirement.

Welcome back. Just the fact that you went into a hiding after Rafa's French Open loss and it took a Federer loss at Wimbledon for you to come out of your hole speaks volume about your posting abilities on tennis matters. We are so glad to have you back

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

I really feel Fed is just getting started for one last run. These matches will help him get in shape. Probably by the indoor season, Federer will be playing much better tennis and beating the likes of Hurkacz at least. His first and probably last real slam chance might be at the Australian open next year.

If the courts are as slick fast and low bouncing as they were this year, be prepared for a fed storm (given he's attained full match toughness by then)

 

[Red Rick]

If the courts are as slick fast and low bouncing as they were this year, be prepared for a fed storm (given he's attained full match toughness by then)

For all the talk about Fed excelling on fast courts he was way worse on fast grass than even basically clay this year.

 

[bnjkn]

I think he needs more stamina, speed and power on the serve. If these things are at all possible to achieve, I think one more Wimbledon is possible. The other slams I think he's done.

 

[wangs78]

Well, okay, he might be, but his current run of form is no indicator lol, even with age taken into consideration.

Fed hasn’t had this long of a tennis hiatus ever, there’s no way of telling what his level will be when he settles in and regains timing/match fitness.

Djokovic went 3-6 over a 9 match span barely over three years ago, he was counted out and fed to the buzzards. Sure, he was younger, but the point remains: until we get a larger data set, there’s very little we can derive from these 3-4 tournaments.

I say he’s got more deep runs in him and the sun has not yet set.

TL;DR: If Federer is done, we have no way of knowing, and all of our hand-wringing won’t change a thing.

Fed is never going to get back the level of footspeed and agility that he had before his most recent surgeries. Even his level before the latest surgeries was already 10-15% less than during his prime years. And with tennis at the highest level being so dependent on speed and agility, I just don’t see a return to form happening. We saw in the last few weeks how his forehand would malfunction — part of that was rust and lack of confidence but another part is he is not getting to the ball with enough time to hit the shot he wants. Fed said himself in his post-match interview, that shots that used to be routine for him are now quite difficult to execute. That statement sums it up in a nutshell.

 

[bnjkn]

Fed is never going to get back the level of footspeed and agility that he had before his most recent surgeries. Even his level before the latest surgeries was already 10-15% less than during his prime years. And with tennis at the highest level being so dependent on speed and agility, I just don’t see a return to form happening. We saw in the last few weeks how his forehand would malfunction — part of that was rust and lack of confidence but another part is he is not getting to the ball with enough time to hit the shot he wants. Fed said himself in his post-match interview, that shots that used to be routine for him are now quite difficult to execute. That statement sums it up in a nutshell.

That is true. If he doesn't gain any more speed, he is definitely done.

 

[Rafa4LifeEver]

For all the talk about Fed excelling on fast courts he was way worse on fast grass than even basically clay this year.

Tbf he looked better at RG than at Wimbledon too.

 

[xFedal]

I really feel Fed is just getting started for one last run. These matches will help him get in shape. Probably by the indoor season, Federer will be playing much better tennis and beating the likes of Hurkacz at least. His first and probably last real slam chance might be at the Australian open next year.

Ur right about AO22 being his last chance as AO plays fast these days, one can servebot out of trouble .

 

[Daniel Andrade]

I consume my share of junk media, LOL. Just don't write about it often.

On topic, said this to @zagor in a PM last nite:



P.S. It just so happens that TMF played one of his most entertaining Bo3 matches in Tokyo proper:

Fred should take a cue from his old undersize foe and S&V his way to a singles gold!

that type of game would crush in wimbledon! I hope Fed plays like that next year, most players probably havent played against an opponent like that and would probably succumb!

 

[terribleIVAN]

Not only is he finished in slams, he's not going to win either any smaller tournaments.

He probably damaged his knee further this fortnight.

 

[big ted]

he did get to the qtrs of W with only a handful of matches over the last 2 years,
thats pretty impressive esp for a 39 year old.. i think his results can only get better over
the next 6-8 months barring no injuries and he plays regularly

 

[vex]

Well, okay, he might be, but his current run of form is no indicator lol, even with age taken into consideration.

Fed hasn’t had this long of a tennis hiatus ever, there’s no way of telling what his level will be when he settles in and regains timing/match fitness.

Djokovic went 3-6 over a 9 match span barely over three years ago, he was counted out and fed to the buzzards. Sure, he was younger, but the point remains: until we get a larger data set, there’s very little we can derive from these 3-4 tournaments.

I say he’s got more deep runs in him and the sun has not yet set.

TL;DR: If Federer is done, we have no way of knowing, and all of our hand-wringing won’t change a thing.

I hate to break it to anyone who doesn’t realize this but Federer has effectively been done since 2010. He won W12 but other than that he only snuck a few more slams in while Djoker was injured. He hasn’t been the best player in the world in over a decade…

 

[NoleIsBoat]

He can still reach a Basel final.

 

[SonnyT]

'19 Wimbedon would've been the peRFect ending, and the greatest Slam win ever, in golf or tennis!

 

[jm1980]

Why would he be done?

They are still going to give him prime time slots in show courts even if he has to walk onto the court with a cane. Might as well enjoy these privileges

 

[GoatOfVirtualSneaker]

is the goal to play and win minor leagues? if it is, I think he can play for a few years, now winning Grand Slams is no longer possible

 

[ichaseballs]

i thought a lot of it was not physical, but mental & game plan...
wish fed played like it was practice, and enjoyed himself during the match.
he played way too textbook, and hubie is one of the worst opponents to do that to. (that guy is a wall)
i feel like he psyched himself out saying he needs to play aggressive & shorter points because he is old now... but he should of went old man crafty game

 

[BayAreaBooster]

Father Time waits for no one. Fed is not the type of guy prepared to lose in the early rounds of a minor tournament. He knows and he wants to be the top draw where ever he goes. He is rational and not afraid to face the truth. He has won 20 GSs and all this gravy anyway.

I am waiting for his retirement announcement. I believe he will fade away quietly much like Pete did after winning the 2002 USO.

 

[Rosstour]

Father Time waits for no one. Fed is not the type of guy prepared to lose in the early rounds of a minor tournament. He knows and he wants to be the top draw where ever he goes. He is rational and not afraid to face the truth. He has won 20 GSs and all this gravy anyway.

I am waiting for his retirement announcement. I believe he will fade away quietly much like Pete did after winning the 2002 USO.

Fed cares about the game, the people around it, and the fans a lot more than Pete did. He will let us know when to say goodbye.

 

[jussumman]

He could come back but hard to see it now. I think his slam winning days are over.

yeah I keep hearing about him not being done, of course, he can compete on the tour, as a #10 player going to QF maybe tops.

 

[BayAreaBooster]

Fed cares about the game, the people around it, and the fans a lot more than Pete did. He will let us know when to say goodbye.

Fed has said repeatedly before he is not interested in playing just to lose in 2nd or 3rd round of some tournament in a 250/500/Masters level. This is the grind he will have to endure if he wants to regain his confidence/match play back. Given how shot his confidence already is, I don't think playing further is rational.

 

[TheFifthSet]

yeah I keep hearing about him not being done, of course, he can compete on the tour, as a #10 player going to QF maybe tops.

I mean, he just made the QF now, after 1.5 years of basically no significant match practice. Only three days ago.

Eventually you guys will be right, but I don’t think it’s now.

 

[terribleIVAN]

I mean, he just made the QF now, after 1.5 years of basically no significant match practice.

And whose fault is that ?

His last surgery was late may 2020, about 14 months ago.

In november 2020 he confirmed his participation to AO 2021.

Now we're less than 7 weeks away from USO 2021 and the guy still talks about being away from the game, after withdrawing from a boatload of tournaments, RG included.

How long is he going to drag more this lack of match practice which is entirely his own doing ?

 

[BauerAlmeida]

He might have a very slim shot at the USO and AO if the stars align. VERY slim, if someone takes out Djokovic and he faces inexperienced players in the latter stages and improves a bit he might pull it off, who knows. But Wimbledon 2022 is too far away and he'll be almost 41.

 

[T007]

For all the talk about Fed excelling on fast courts he was way worse on fast grass than even basically clay this year.

Fast grass are you mad ?? This is the slowest ever grass surface in wimbledon. I think 2019 was better in terms pace.

 

[T007]

And whose fault is that ?

His last surgery was late may 2020, about 14 months ago.

In november 2020 he confirmed his participation to AO 2021.

Now we're less than 7 weeks away from USO 2021 and the guy still talks about being away from the game, after withdrawing from a boatload of tournaments, RG included.

How long is he going to drag more this lack of match practice which is entirely his own doing ?

That is his wish....he will do whatever he wants.....You are not his coach or trainer.