How much did being ranked #1 and seeded #1 take out of Federer

[McEnroeisanartist]

As we all know, Federer was ranked #1 for a record 237 consecutive weeks. He was also seeded #1 at a record 18 Grand Slams (For perspsective, Nadal's longest was 4)

Do you think it takes more physically and mentally out of a player to be ranked #1 and seeded #1?

Do you think this will contribute to Federer having less longevity than his rival, Nadal?

 

[monfed]

Interesting question. I think he felt severe pressure when Nadal was closing in on him since Wimby 07ish , that may have led to some of his non-clay slam defeats. Recall that Fed was going for 6 in a row at Wimbledon, the streak pressure must've affected him deeply.

I think in Fed's case, it does take out mentally if his ranking is in danger but otherwise he loves it, loves the attention, the adulation and media spotlight.

Yes Fed has a ton of mileage than his 1000+ matches suggest because Fed made deep runs and has all these crazy streaks the entire year so it's only natural for him to burn out faster. Creditably he's lasted this long because I feel he wants to keep the slam record safe and also just loves playing tennis.

 

[zam88]

On one hand I think being the #1 seed generally gives you a very nice draw.

I think in that way it's easier to stay #1 than get to #1.


However, when you are number one as long as Federer was I wonder if you begin to get a sense of complacency... especially after you hit all the major goals that you may have had at the time.. 15 majors, record number of weeks at #1...

Really wonder what the true Federer goals were and how they adjusted with time.

 

[aldeayeah]

Not really, being #1 protected him from meeting the other high seeds until the later stages of tournaments. It really is easier to stay on top. Case in point: Hewitt having to face Federer a bajillion times in a row after losing his ranking with injuries.

 

[JMR]

On one hand I think being the #1 seed generally gives you a very nice draw.

No better than than enjoyed by the No. 2 seed (except that if you are No. 1, you can't play No. 1 in the final).

 

[ultradr]

As we all know, Federer was ranked #1 for a record 237 consecutive weeks. He was also seeded #1 at a record 18 Grand Slams (For perspsective, Nadal's longest was 4)

Do you think it takes more physically and mentally out of a player to be ranked #1 and seeded #1?

Do you think this will contribute to Federer having less longevity than his rival, Nadal?

Being #1 and constantly chased by top 10 player definitely wears you out.
It is very hard to maintain #1 status for long term.

But being seeded #1 is an advantage. Generally being seeded in the top 4
became more advantage since slams started to seed 32 players (since around
2004 or so as I recall), compared to 16 in the past.

Also surface ranking does not vary as much as past and thus top seeds generally
do not have surprises at early rounds.

Top seeds since 2003(Federer,Nadal,Djokvic, Murray) did enjoy this edge
compared to past greats.

That's why we generally do not have as many surprises compared to past
and we have all these ridiculous records like consecutive slam semi-final
apprearances.

 

[Cup8489]

I always got the impression he relished being number 1, being the guy to beat. Perhaps it was his ego, but he never seemed like Nadal, who didn't like the target on his back, but being the hunter instead.

 

[Deleted member 307496]

I think Federer enjoyed being the #1 player. He feels more pressure when he's ranked lower.

 

[NADALRECORD]

I always got the impression he relished being number 1, being the guy to beat. Perhaps it was his ego, but he never seemed like Nadal, who didn't like the target on his back, but being the hunter instead.

Nadal at Roland Garros each year has faced more pressure than any man on the face of the earth, and he was so great at handling it that he hit 22 winners in the 5th set of last year's RG semi after being down a break.