Federer prefers slow courts, not fast courts!

[Backspin1183]

“Obviously the margins are smaller on a quicker court,” Federer said on Friday. “Because let’s say the first game I do get broken because he hits a few good shots and maybe I serve one, maybe two maximum serves not perfect, you’re right away in trouble, which on a slower court is
not going to happen that quickly. So I feel probably a bit more confident on a slower court against a normal player. Against top guys, they can also play very well on the faster courts as well.”

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2014-01-04/14452.php

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

today yes for sure

on fast court u gotta move faster, and fed move slower now than 5 years ago

also noticed Brisbane courts are fast, and he didn't win

 

[Backspin1183]

today yes for sure

on fast court u gotta move faster, and fed move slower now than 5 years ago

also noticed Brisbane courts are fast, and he didn't win

It's funny how all his fans want fast courts but their idol prefers the slower courts. :roll:

 

[NatF]

It's funny how all his fans want fast courts but their idol prefers the slower courts. :roll:

Did it occur to you that we fans of Federer would prefer faster courts so other players could develop a similar game?

Besides that he's talking about now, he's 32 years old and he's slower than he used to be, something he has admitted. He also only specifically said he prefers slow courts against the lower ranked guys. Probably because it means they can do more damage if they get hot or if he's slow to start...

 

[Laurie]

Did it occur to you that we fans of Federer would prefer faster courts so other players could develop a similar game?

Besides that he's talking about now, he's 32 years old and he's slower than he used to be, something he has admitted. He also only specifically said he prefers slow courts against the lower ranked guys. Probably because it means they can do more damage if they get hot or if he's slow to start...

If that 's the case, then as has been mentioned so often over the last few years, that reduces the possibilities of upsets, which of course the authorities are happy about (ATP and Tournament Directors).

 

[NatF]

If that 's the case, then as has been mentioned so often over the last few years, that reduces the possibilities of upsets, which of course the authorities are happy about (ATP and Tournament Directors).

This is true, although I will add that the courts were still pretty quick when Federer first started to dominate...It would be odd for Federer to advocate courts that were quicker than what he experienced.

 

[Laurie]

This is true, although I will add that the courts were still pretty quick when Federer first started to dominate...It would be odd for Federer to advocate courts that were quicker than what he experienced.

That is true they were faster no doubt, there was still indoor carpet at that stage and the US Open was faster than it is now.

The real problem here is whatever Federer says is slightly taken out of context and blown out of proportion. So he has made a variety of different statements about court speeds in the last few years, which I assume are in context to the questions he's been asked at the time. But those answers are used in isolation on forums for the purposes of using thoese words as gospel to I assume pin Federer into a corner.

Putting aside the ageing process, I would think that on the whole, Federer would prefer quicker surfaces but likes slower courts too under certain circumstances. Like many players, the balls also play a part lets not forget that factor too. I can't think of any player who likes lightning quick surfaces, despite what many people would imagine.

 

[Deleted member 3771]

He would have preferred slower courts versus Hewitt.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Playing against a player who hit with normal topspin he would prefer to play most players on quicker than average courts. This doesn't mean he prefers quicker courts per se, just that the way he plays would gain in some key areas relative to most opponents.

Hewitt however hits way flatter than most which makes for an odd combo. The final in Brisbane showed exactly why Hewitt caused so much trouble for Sampras too.

 

[chjtennis]

“Obviously the margins are smaller on a quicker court,” Federer said on Friday. “Because let’s say the first game I do get broken because he hits a few good shots and maybe I serve one, maybe two maximum serves not perfect, you’re right away in trouble, which on a slower court is
not going to happen that quickly. So I feel probably a bit more confident on a slower court against a normal player. Against top guys, they can also play very well on the faster courts as well.”

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2014-01-04/14452.php

Maybe that's because of his age, because I remember him saying in the past "the faster the better".

 

[chjtennis]

Did it occur to you that we fans of Federer would prefer faster courts so other players could develop a similar game?

Besides that he's talking about now, he's 32 years old and he's slower than he used to be, something he has admitted. He also only specifically said he prefers slow courts against the lower ranked guys. Probably because it means they can do more damage if they get hot or if he's slow to start...

You are right. On the fast courts, if a lower ranked player finds good rhythm and goes for every shots and get most of them in, even top players can't do much about that. I guess that's why the domination of big 4 has been even more accentuated in the past 5 years. If Melbourne courts are fast, we may get to see this version of Federer taken out in the 1st round by a big hitting unknown player. Or, other top seeds like Nadal or Djokovic may even be the victim of monumental upset in rounds 2 or 3.

 

[syc23]

Federer clowning at his very best. I'm betting he is having a heated discussion with Craig Tiley (AO tournament director) right now in a last ditch attempt to slow the courts down.

If he meets Berdych or Tsonga, he is toast. Never mind Djokovic, Nadal or Murray.

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

Federer clowning at his very best. I'm betting he is having a heated discussion with Craig Tiley (AO tournament director) right now in a last ditch attempt to slow the courts down.

If he meets Berdych or Tsonga, he is toast. Never mind Djokovic, Nadal or Murray.

Berdych would be a nightmare draw for him.

 

[Omega_7000]

OP is a renowned Federer hater and his sole purpose on this forum is to spew hate...He just does it in a more subtle way and is not as direct as some of the others...He's taking it out of context...Federer was talking about one particular scenario in terms of strategy and NOT advocating slower courts...

The OP knows that he just needs to give a finger to his fellow haters and they will grab his hand.

This is also what Federer said ---------------------------------

Federer delighted by Open's quick courts

"If that's what people want to see, just rallies, rallies, rallies all the time, then it's good to have a slow court. If you want a bit more even ground for everybody, even the lower-ranked guys and more danger for the top guys, you go with a faster court," Federer said in Brisbane, where he lost the final to Lleyton Hewitt and reached the semi-finals in doubles.

"Maybe we'll get more serve and volley back into the game or more of the unknown, which I think is nice. I think it's quite incredible how things have slowed down over the years."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...ns-quick-courts/story-fnbe6xeb-1226795395217#

 

[Omega_7000]

It's funny how all his fans want fast courts but their idol prefers the slower courts. :roll:

Federer is not a self-serving selfish player like your idol...:roll:........The courts are too fast no? We need to have less hard court tournaments no? Why is the WTF always played indoors no? Why don't we get more time between points no? Why don't we have a two year ranking system no? Why don't we have only first serve so the big servers have absolutely zero chance against me no?

 

[sureshs]

If Fed starts his season losing to a senior citizen like Hewitt, I see no chance of him winning anything this year.

Nadal OTOH starts his season with the Doha title, which is a harbinger for the Calendar Slam to follow.

 

[SQA333]

Berdych would be a nightmare draw for him.

Federer is seeded 6th, Berdych 7th. They won't meet until at least the semi-finals.

If Federer gets that far, that is.

 

[Omega_7000]

Roger Federer wants faster courts

"It's an easy fix. Just make quicker courts, then it's hard to defend," Federer said. "Attacking style is more important. It's only on this type of slow courts that you can defend the way we are all doing right now."

"What you don't want is that you hit 15 great shots and at the end, it ends up in an error," he said. "So I think sometimes quicker courts do help the cause. I think it would help from time to time to move to something a bit faster. That would help to learn, as well, for many different players, different playing styles, to realize that coming to the net is a good thing, it's not a bad thing."

"I think some variety would be nice, some really slow stuff and then some really fast stuff, instead of trying to make everything sort of the same," he said. "You sort of protect the top guys really by doing that because you have the best possible chance to have them in the semis at this point, I think. But should that be the goal? I'm not sure."

http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/8625576/roger-federer-wants-faster-courts-encourage-attack

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

Roger Federer wants faster courts

"It's an easy fix. Just make quicker courts, then it's hard to defend," Federer said. "Attacking style is more important. It's only on this type of slow courts that you can defend the way we are all doing right now."

"What you don't want is that you hit 15 great shots and at the end, it ends up in an error," he said. "So I think sometimes quicker courts do help the cause. I think it would help from time to time to move to something a bit faster. That would help to learn, as well, for many different players, different playing styles, to realize that coming to the net is a good thing, it's not a bad thing."

"I think some variety would be nice, some really slow stuff and then some really fast stuff, instead of trying to make everything sort of the same," he said. "You sort of protect the top guys really by doing that because you have the best possible chance to have them in the semis at this point, I think. But should that be the goal? I'm not sure."

http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/8625576/roger-federer-wants-faster-courts-encourage-attack

November 2012....

in 2013 his worst result in grand slam was on the fastest surface
he reached SF in Melbourne, QF at the FO

Now it's 2014, curious to see how well he'll do in Wimbledon but i'm not sure, since he's moving slower than before

 

[tennis_hack]

Federer is not a self-serving selfish player like your idol...:roll:........The courts are too fast no? We need to have less hard court tournaments no? Why is the WTF always played indoors no? Why don't we get more time between points no? Why don't we have a two year ranking system no? Why don't we have only first serve so the big servers have absolutely zero chance against me no?

Are all the above suggestions that Nadal has made?

Wow - he really does want the tennis world catering specifically to his game if that's the case.

 

[tennis_hack]

November 2012....

in 2013 his worst result in grand slam was on the fastest surface
he reached SF in Melbourne, QF at the FO

Now it's 2014, curious to see how well he'll do in Wimbledon but i'm not sure, since he's moving slower than before

Again, this is proving my theory that the 1hbh does better on slow and high bouncing surfaces rather than lightning fast and low bouncing surfaces.

Although having said that, Federer's own backhand is weak on high bounce (other 1hbh's are not), so he is pretty much screwed either way.

 

[Nostradamus]

All OLD guys prefer slow courts. reaction time is much slower when you get old

 

[Omega_7000]

November 2012....

in 2013 his worst result in grand slam was on the fastest surface
he reached SF in Melbourne, QF at the FO

Now it's 2014, curious to see how well he'll do in Wimbledon but i'm not sure, since he's moving slower than before

This interview is from January 2014. He said this in 2012 when he was #1, he said this in 2014 when he is in the worst form of his career. What more proof do you want that he wants the surfaces to be faster even though you think it does not help his cause? He is not a selfish player...He's thinking about what's good for the game.

Federer delighted by Open's quick courts

"If that's what people want to see, just rallies, rallies, rallies all the time, then it's good to have a slow court. If you want a bit more even ground for everybody, even the lower-ranked guys and more danger for the top guys, you go with a faster court," Federer said in Brisbane, where he lost the final to Lleyton Hewitt and reached the semi-finals in doubles.

"Maybe we'll get more serve and volley back into the game or more of the unknown, which I think is nice. I think it's quite incredible how things have slowed down over the years."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...ns-quick-courts/story-fnbe6xeb-1226795395217#

You know exactly what the OP is doing yet you refuse to see it...Too biased you are.

 

[tennis_pro]

It's funny how all his fans want fast courts but their idol prefers the slower courts. :roll:

He would be more prone for upsets in the earlier rounds but his chances against Nadal and Djokovic would be way better. On a slow court against these guys it's a death sentence at his current age.

 

[Omega_7000]

He would be more prone for upsets in the earlier rounds but his chances against Nadal and Djokovic would be way better. On a slow court against these guys it's a death sentence at his current age.

Either way he isn't thinking about his own good...He's trying to advocate court speeds that would be good for the game.

 

[Backspin1183]

He would be more prone for upsets in the earlier rounds but his chances against Nadal and Djokovic would be way better. On a slow court against these guys it's a death sentence at his current age.

I agree for once with you there. His chances against lesser ranked players is perhaps better on slower courts but against the likes of Nadal, Djokovic and Murray, he'd do better on fast courts.

Maybe he's ****ed that some unknown player took him out early on a fast court at Wimbledon. Maybe he thinks Stakhovsky would have had no chance on a slower court.

 

[Backspin1183]

Federer is not a self-serving selfish player like your idol...:roll:........The courts are too fast no? We need to have less hard court tournaments no? Why is the WTF always played indoors no? Why don't we get more time between points no? Why don't we have a two year ranking system no? Why don't we have only first serve so the big servers have absolutely zero chance against me no?

Federer is my idol.

 

[mattennis]

This is why I love Federer. He is honest. He is saying just what I've been saying (and many other posters here too) many times in the last few years: faster courts and balls would mean many more casualties (top players losing early).

One player gets red hot, is lucky, and he defeats a top player in an early round. This was just so common in past decades when conditions were much more varied and there were totally different competitive playing styles.

He is brutally honest, because he is saying that top players from this era (including himself) would not have done so consistently well (reaching SF, Finals) Slam after Slam had conditions been different (as they were in previous decades). They would have won less and he thinks it would have been better for the sport (tennis), obviously the powers that be think the other way around because they only care about money.

That is why you have to respect Federer.

I have never heard Nadal saying something like that. I just can't imagine Nadal saying he (and Federer and Djokovic) would have won much less (and been much less consistent in reaching SF/F) had conditions been as they were in previous decades.

I respect Nadal as a great player he is, but he only thinks in himself and what would make him win more easily.

I truly believe Federer honestly thinks about the sport, what would be better for tennis (not just for himself), even if those changes (he thinks about) would have made him (and other top players) win less GS titles and win less overall.


Yes, I know some would say that it is NOW that Federer is asking for changing conditions, making some courts faster so that top-players losing early is more common, just to protect his GS titles record from Nadal (and future top players).

It could be, but I think Federer truly thinks about tennis and how it was and how it is now, and he truly thinks it was better when top players had it way more difficult than now, and there was much more variation in winners, conditions and playing styles.

 

[KillerServe]

I respect Nadal as a great player he is, but he only thinks in himself and what would make him win more easily.

I truly believe Federer honestly thinks about the sport, what would be better for tennis (not just for himself), even if those changes (he thinks about) would have made him (and other top players) win less GS titles and win less overall.

Quoted for truth. It's really sad that a top player like Nadal sets such a bad example.

 

[Nathaniel_Near]

“Obviously the margins are smaller on a quicker court,” Federer said on Friday. “Because let’s say the first game I do get broken because he hits a few good shots and maybe I serve one, maybe two maximum serves not perfect, you’re right away in trouble, which on a slower court is
not going to happen that quickly. So I feel probably a bit more confident on a slower court against a normal player. Against top guys, they can also play very well on the faster courts as well.”

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2014-01-04/14452.php

You highlighted the wrong segment. The segment that you should have highlighted to ensure that you actually understood his point was, 'normal player'.

 

[marc45]

same court in Melbourne says director...


Anyone expecting lightning-fast Australian Open courts will be disappointed, according to tournament director Craig Tiley, who has denied that a quicker version of Plexicushion has been ordered - or delivered - for next week's grand slam.

Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt and Marin Cilic, as well as Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter, are among the players at this week's Brisbane International to testify that the speed of the Queensland Tennis Centre courts has risen significantly this year. Cilic, indeed, said they were the slickest he had experienced anywhere in more than 12 months.

But, if so, that is Brisbane, said Tiley, who insisted nothing has altered at Melbourne Park. A modified Wilson ball was introduced last year with a tighter weave to improve longevity, but any major change in court speed is, apparently, unlikely.

''We've repeated what we did in 2013,'' said Tiley, pointing to the heatwave conditions and covered court in Brisbane, as well as the extended time given to the courts to ''plateau'' after their annual resurface, as contributing factors there. ''We didn't get that feedback at Hopman Cup, which is also the exact same surface.''

Advertisement
Defending champion Novak Djokovic on Saturday became the first player to hit this season on Rod Laver Arena.

Tiley said the world No.2 had not commented on the speed of the court, pace has been a recurring discussion point elsewhere in the past week.



Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/tennis/...craig-tiley-20140105-30c1e.html#ixzz2pY3YsAqK

 

[The-Champ]

Maybe that's because of his age, because I remember him saying in the past "the faster the better".

I don't recall Roger ever saying this. I do remember he said around 2007 that some of the courts in the 90s were unplayable and thus not as good as the current ones.

 

[Omega_7000]

I don't recall Roger ever saying this. I do remember he said around 2007 that some of the courts in the 90s were unplayable and thus not as good as the current ones.

Federer is the biggest proponent for advocating faster courts...He said the courts should be faster in 2012 when he was #1 and he said the same thing now in the worst form of his career even though he might be prone to earlier exits on faster surfaces............He's thinking about the game and not his personal interests.

 

[Backspin1183]

Federer is the biggest proponent for advocating faster courts...He said the courts should be faster in 2012 when he was #1 and he said the same thing now in the worst form of his career even though he might be prone to earlier exits on faster surfaces............He's thinking about the game and not his personal interests.

I like Fed but he's a corporate controlled robot. He says whatever his sponsors tell him.

 

[Omega_7000]

I like Fed but he's a corporate controlled robot. He says whatever his sponsors tell him.

WTH are you talking about? How would the sponsors benefit from him wanting the courts to be faster?? :-?

If anyone is a corporate controlled robot, it's Ralph with his fake rehearsed sugar coated responses in press conferences...

 

[Deleted member 3771]

This interview is from January 2014. He said this in 2012 when he was #1, he said this in 2014 when he is in the worst form of his career. What more proof do you want that he wants the surfaces to be faster even though you think it does not help his cause? He is not a selfish player...He's thinking about what's good for the game.

Federer delighted by Open's quick courts

"If that's what people want to see, just rallies, rallies, rallies all the time, then it's good to have a slow court. If you want a bit more even ground for everybody, even the lower-ranked guys and more danger for the top guys, you go with a faster court," Federer said in Brisbane, where he lost the final to Lleyton Hewitt and reached the semi-finals in doubles.

"Maybe we'll get more serve and volley back into the game or more of the unknown, which I think is nice. I think it's quite incredible how things have slowed down over the years."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...ns-quick-courts/story-fnbe6xeb-1226795395217#

You know exactly what the OP is doing yet you refuse to see it...Too biased you are.

Fed is happy for conditions to speed up now that he has already benefited the most and accumulated all of his big titles under the same generally slower conditions.

Now at his age he would probably benefit the most from faster courts relative to the other top guys.

That said, spot on.

 

[TennisandMusic]

OP is a renowned Federer hater and his sole purpose on this forum is to spew hate...He just does it in a more subtle way and is not as direct as some of the others...He's taking it out of context...Federer was talking about one particular scenario in terms of strategy and NOT advocating slower courts...

The OP knows that he just needs to give a finger to his fellow haters and they will grab his hand.

This is also what Federer said ---------------------------------

Federer delighted by Open's quick courts

"If that's what people want to see, just rallies, rallies, rallies all the time, then it's good to have a slow court. If you want a bit more even ground for everybody, even the lower-ranked guys and more danger for the top guys, you go with a faster court," Federer said in Brisbane, where he lost the final to Lleyton Hewitt and reached the semi-finals in doubles.

"Maybe we'll get more serve and volley back into the game or more of the unknown, which I think is nice. I think it's quite incredible how things have slowed down over the years."

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...ns-quick-courts/story-fnbe6xeb-1226795395217#

Federer says what I've been telling this board for years. Faster courts are better for worse players, because more average shots become put aways, and it's easier to hit aces.

"Slower" courts require greater angles, greater consistency, and greater athleticism to win. As the Bryan brothers said recently, a caveman can win Wimbledon.

 

[West Coast Ace]

Anyone expecting lightning-fast Australian Open courts will be disappointed, according to tournament director Craig Tiley, who has denied that a quicker version of Plexicushion has been ordered - or delivered - for next week's grand slam...But, if so, that is Brisbane, said Tiley, who insisted nothing has altered at Melbourne Park. A modified Wilson ball was introduced last year with a tighter weave to improve longevity, but any major change in court speed is, apparently, unlikely.

He can say that until he's blue in the face. But the players who are already in Melbourne have said they're faster. Laying a court is not an exact science - could have happened by accident if he is telling the truth. But Tiley, given his handling of Tennis Australia and some of the dodgy practice with their junior programs, doesn't have much credibility.

What's he going to say next, Tennis Australia doesn't cave in to Channel 7 to show the matches they want in prime time? LOL!

 

[Omega_7000]

Federer clowning at his very best. I'm betting he is having a heated discussion with Craig Tiley (AO tournament director) right now in a last ditch attempt to slow the courts down.

Fed is happy for conditions to speed up now that he has already benefited the most and accumulated all of his big titles under the same generally slower conditions.

Now at his age he would probably benefit the most from faster courts relative to the other top guys.

Make up your mind you haters... :roll:

 

[Omega_7000]

Federer says what I've been telling this board for years. Faster courts are better for worse players, because more average shots become put aways, and it's easier to hit aces.

"Slower" courts require greater angles, greater consistency, and greater athleticism to win. As the Bryan brothers said recently, a caveman can win Wimbledon.

Sampras never won anything significant on slow clay courts.......Does that make him a caveman?

 

[90's Clay]

ROFLMAO.

the only big title Federer has managed in the last few years was Wimbledon (with the roof closed) which sped up the conditions and allowed him to hit more aces and winners from the baseline with his FH.

Hell had they not put the roof on Wimbledon, he would have never won his 7th wimbledon title.

Don't believe this liar when he said he prefers slow courts. Slow conditions DECREASES the chance of Fed winning anything because guys can keep those serves (and would be FH winners) in play

 

[marc45]

He can say that until he's blue in the face. But the players who are already in Melbourne have said they're faster. Laying a court is not an exact science - could have happened by accident if he is telling the truth. But Tiley, given his handling of Tennis Australia and some of the dodgy practice with their junior programs, doesn't have much credibility.

What's he going to say next, Tennis Australia doesn't cave in to Channel 7 to show the matches they want in prime time? LOL!

we shall see...not an aussie so don't know a lot about the internal politics down there

 

[Laurie]

Sampras never won anything significant on slow clay courts.......Does that make him a caveman?

I take it you don't consider the Italian Open and Davis cup significant?

 

[objectivity]

All OLD guys prefer slow courts. reaction time is much slower when you get old

not true. sampras preferred the court to be faster as he got OLDER. it accentuated his first strike tennis. slow courts highlight the lack of lateral movement.

 

[objectivity]

ROFLMAO.

the only big title Federer has managed in the last few years was Wimbledon (with the roof closed) which sped up the conditions and allowed him to hit more aces and winners from the baseline with his FH.

Hell had they not put the roof on Wimbledon, he would have never won his 7th wimbledon title.

Don't believe this liar when he said he prefers slow courts. Slow conditions DECREASES the chance of Fed winning anything because guys can keep those serves (and would be FH winners) in play

absolutely true.

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

ROFLMAO.

the only big title Federer has managed in the last few years was Wimbledon (with the roof closed) which sped up the conditions and allowed him to hit more aces and winners from the baseline with his FH.

Hell had they not put the roof on Wimbledon, he would have never won his 7th wimbledon title.

Don't believe this liar when he said he prefers slow courts. Slow conditions DECREASES the chance of Fed winning anything because guys can keep those serves (and would be FH winners) in play

well i thought it was obvious Federer prefers fast courts than slow courts.
doesn't even need to tell: 1 french open for 7 wimbledon and 6 (indoors) WTF.

 

[objectivity]

This is why I love Federer. He is honest. He is saying just what I've been saying (and many other posters here too) many times in the last few years: faster courts and balls would mean many more casualties (top players losing early).

One player gets red hot, is lucky, and he defeats a top player in an early round. This was just so common in past decades when conditions were much more varied and there were totally different competitive playing styles.

He is brutally honest, because he is saying that top players from this era (including himself) would not have done so consistently well (reaching SF, Finals) Slam after Slam had conditions been different (as they were in previous decades). They would have won less and he thinks it would have been better for the sport (tennis), obviously the powers that be think the other way around because they only care about money.

That is why you have to respect Federer.

I have never heard Nadal saying something like that. I just can't imagine Nadal saying he (and Federer and Djokovic) would have won much less (and been much less consistent in reaching SF/F) had conditions been as they were in previous decades.

I respect Nadal as a great player he is, but he only thinks in himself and what would make him win more easily.

I truly believe Federer honestly thinks about the sport, what would be better for tennis (not just for himself), even if those changes (he thinks about) would have made him (and other top players) win less GS titles and win less overall.


Yes, I know some would say that it is NOW that Federer is asking for changing conditions, making some courts faster so that top-players losing early is more common, just to protect his GS titles record from Nadal (and future top players).

It could be, but I think Federer truly thinks about tennis and how it was and how it is now, and he truly thinks it was better when top players had it way more difficult than now, and there was much more variation in winners, conditions and playing styles.

most people probably did not catch the intellectual dishonesty you displayed here but let me highlight it. you claimed almost by fiat that somehow having more upsets is "good" for tennis. why is that better? what is your evidence? is welfare really better for all tennis players? do fans really prefer tennis in the 90s (or before)?

 

[90's Clay]

well i thought it was obvious Federer prefers fast courts than slow courts.
doesn't even need to tell: 1 french open for 7 wimbledon and 6 (indoors) WTF.

Agreed. Fed's only chance at another slam is if they speed one of AO, Wimb,USO up.

Whats the last big title Fed has won on a slow surface (beating the top guys in en route)??

How can someone say they prefer surfaces they don't win anything on? Makes no sense to me:shock::shock::shock:

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

Agreed. Fed's only chance at another slam is if they speed one of AO, Wimb,USO up.

Whats the last big title Fed has won on a slow surface (beating the top guys in en route)??

How can someone say they prefer surfaces they don't win anything on? Makes no sense to me:shock::shock::shock:

Fed probably means right now (since 2013) he prefers slower courts, he's aware he won't beat the top 3 guys but at least he should struggle less with lower ranked players.

Remember when he lost to Robredo they moved him on Louis Armstrong court because of the rain, and the court was faster than Arthur Ashe, guess one of the reasons why he lost.. Federer 2013 2014 can't move fast enough on fast surfaces.

But up to year 2012 no reason to think Fed prefered slow courts since he had better results on fast surfaces.

 

[struggle]

What Fed says is not relevant, he's on his way out.

No need to cater to this guy.

Let's just hope he goes as gracefully as possible, even if he decides to stick to his guns for a few more years and most should have no problem with that.

Then he can dominate once again on the PowerShares tour...