I watched again some of the Monfils and Thiem matches. What’s truly amazing is that Federer’s movement, already lessened by age and wear and tear, was even poorer after the long layoff on clay. He was reaching for so many balls that it was hard to see a times.
But here’s what amazing: He ameliorated for that deficiency with some world class, all time ball striking at times, great serve, and powerful, no-chip stuff, returns. He smothered Monfils and Thiem in both the first sets even though Thiem served and hit wonderfully in that first set.
Both Monfils and Thiem adjusted and Federer lost steam in both matches as his opponents dug in and defended better and forced him to stretch out to FHs.
At nearly 38.
He’s just a once in a lifetime, incomparable talent.