chjtennis
G.O.A.T.
Compare these two videos from AO 2016 and 2017.
In 2016, Federer swung slightly bigger and the swing was more forceful. He took the ball early back then as well, but it looks like the centre of his body weight was slightly behind compared to 2017, for both FH and BH.
In 2017, it seems Federer shortened his back swing even more(by so slightly since his back swing wasn't that big anyway - he has always been prepared well early for his shots), put his body weight ever so slightly more to the forward and hence made the contact with the ball just that little bit earlier and point of contact so slightly further front. He also relies more on timing the ball. These subtle changes actually increased the pace of his shots and also took more time away from his opponents for preparation. As long as he stays healthy and maintains this form reasonably well, I think he will be near unbeatable on fast surfaces this year.
In 2016, Federer swung slightly bigger and the swing was more forceful. He took the ball early back then as well, but it looks like the centre of his body weight was slightly behind compared to 2017, for both FH and BH.
In 2017, it seems Federer shortened his back swing even more(by so slightly since his back swing wasn't that big anyway - he has always been prepared well early for his shots), put his body weight ever so slightly more to the forward and hence made the contact with the ball just that little bit earlier and point of contact so slightly further front. He also relies more on timing the ball. These subtle changes actually increased the pace of his shots and also took more time away from his opponents for preparation. As long as he stays healthy and maintains this form reasonably well, I think he will be near unbeatable on fast surfaces this year.