Federer attitude has changed...

[wangs78]

Anyone notice that Federer seems to have a different attitude / perspective on his game now that he is on his way to fatherhood. I was pretty shocked in the post-match interview after the loss against Murray when he said point blank that "I am old. He is young" and throughout the tournament he seemed to be pretty critical about his own game whereas in the past even when we thought his game was not where it needed to be he usually was pretty positive about it in interviews. Not sure if he's just gotten very frustrated with the losses, the press' incessant questioning, etc. It's very possible that the baby situation has made him rethink how long he wants to keep playing tennis and based on his recent comments I would not be surprised if he retired at the end of the '10 season (god forbid!).

Still, can't say that he's had a terrible season right? AO finals and losing to Murray in a semi isn't shabby at all, but in a way those two losses can actually be more crushing to his confidence than losing to Canas or somebody like that in the early rounds.

Thoughts.

 

[mandy01]

that 'I'm old' comment was a joke..a bit of sarcasm..he wasnt serious at all.

 

[jelle v]

I thought exactly the same.. :shock: It made me wonder if he still intends to play on till Olympics 2012 and if his expectations still were that he could win at that point.

 

[downthewall]

its just a facade to make people think he doesnt care as much. but in reality he wants it oh oh so so bad!@

 

[klementine]

Murray is still a kid, compared to Federer. I know there is only 6years that seperates them, but from my own experience.. Anytime I step onto the court with someone that is 6years younger than I'am--it's always an uphill climb.

 

[federerdomination]

Murray is still a kid, compared to Federer. I know there is only 6years that seperates them, but from my own experience.. Anytime I step onto the court with someone that is 6years younger than I'am--it's always an uphill climb.

lol what about when someone is 10 and plays someone who is 4?

 

[GameSampras]

he seems alot more passive at times these days then during his years of dominance. Nadal has prolly humbeled him to the point of being this way.

He certainly isnt responding very well and answering the challenge like a true champ would. You would figure Fed would want to humble Nadal badly and take back that number 1 ranking and dominance and be on a tear. Much like Pete in 99 when Agassi took over the #1 ranking for a bit. Pete came back from injury and destroy Andre at the YEC

 

[pound cat]

he seems alot more passive at times these days then during his years of dominance. Nadal has prolly humbeled him to the point of being this way.

He certainly isnt responding very well and answering the challenge like a true champ would. You would figure Fed would want to humble Nadal badly and take back that number 1 ranking and dominance and be on a tear. Much like Pete in 99 when Agassi took over the #1 ranking for a bit. Pete came back from injury and destroy Andre at the YEC

You've found the right word...passive

 

[wangs78]

he seems alot more passive at times these days then during his years of dominance. Nadal has prolly humbeled him to the point of being this way.

He certainly isnt responding very well and answering the challenge like a true champ would. You would figure Fed would want to humble Nadal badly and take back that number 1 ranking and dominance and be on a tear. Much like Pete in 99 when Agassi took over the #1 ranking for a bit. Pete came back from injury and destroy Andre at the YEC

It was a different dynamic between Andre and Pete. Pete lost the ranking simply because he wasn't winning as much, but never because he was getting owned by Andre. For most of their careers, it was really the other way around (Pete dominated Andre). Esp. in GS tournaments.

 

[RalphNYC]

He's very very aware of every aspect of his game, his footwork especially, he's one of the most precise appraisers of his game. He's very "Swiss" in his approach. He knows exactly what is happening. But he feels that his talent should compensate for his age and keep him a contender in the "twilight" of his career. And this is very true. He may no longer crush guys like flies, but he keeps getting into semis and finals and probably will continue to do so for a while. And maybe he'll pick up another slam, or two. I am starting to see him age gracefully - to have a sense of humor and lightness about it. I think the more humor he shows, the more he jokes about his age, the easier it will be on him. But a loss in a 5th set at a Wimb or another slam will hurt bad, and more so with every passing year.

 

[theagassiman]

He's very very aware of every aspect of his game, his footwork especially, he's one of the most precise appraisers of his game. He's very "Swiss" in his approach. He knows exactly what is happening. But he feels that his talent should compensate for his age and keep him a contender in the "twilight" of his career. And this is very true. He may no longer crush guys like flies, but he keeps getting into semis and finals and probably will continue to do so for a while. And maybe he'll pick up another slam, or two. I am starting to see him age gracefully - to have a sense of humor and lightness about it. I think the more humor he shows, the more he jokes about his age, the easier it will be on him. But a loss in a 5th set at a Wimb or another slam will hurt bad, and more so with every passing year.

Excellent post, couldn't have summed it up better myself.

 

[fastdunn]

Anyone notice that Federer seems to have a different attitude / perspective on his game now that he is on his way to fatherhood. I was pretty shocked in the post-match interview after the loss against Murray when he said point blank that "I am old. He is young" .

I interpreted that "I am old. He is young" comment a bit differently. IMHO, it was more of a sarcastic humor against those who conistently bring up the age factor. He said "No" right after making it clear that it was a joke. And he clearly said no to reporter's re-questioning about whether he feels his age in his game.