Pat Cash: Roger Federer will be the man to beat in 2018

[MatsPhilander]

Roger Federer will be the man to beat in 2018 provided he can stay fit, according to former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash. Rafael Nadal, 31, extended his lead at the top of the rankings with his US Open victory over Kevin Anderson. Federer, 36, was beaten in the quarter-finals, but Cash believes the Swiss can dominate the major titles if fully fit.

"Take away the French Open and Federer is the best all-round player in the world," Cash told BBC Radio 5 live. "There's no doubts about that. He's my favourite for everything apart from the French."As long as he's fit, he's favourite for the Australian, Wimbledon and the US Open."

 

[tusharlovesrafa]

 

[Bukmeikara]

Imagine being in 2004 and someone telling you this headline for 2018

 

[reaper]

Seems a bit early to be doing the form for next year's US Open...

 

[jussumman]

Coco will not be the woman to beat.

 

[Gemini]

Pat Cash needs to have a seat...

 

[fedfan39]

I think Federer will remain a favorite at the AO and W next year if he's healthy.

At AO, he will be very fresh as it's the beginning of the year. I believe he has enough confidence to take down his arch nemesis Djokovic at the AO now.

W --> self explanatory. With a full field, it could be difficult, but he Fed skips the clay court season again, he will remain a solid favorite.

I think he should just skip the USO next year. He's showed me enough that his body simply cannot hold up anymore on outdoor hard courts over the entire year. Just play Cincy for old times sake.

Fed should focus on the indoor season post USO because there are a ton of points to be had. If he does very well at AO and W and cleans up the indoor season, he can still remain in top 2 and possibly even be number 1 despite skipping a significant chunk of the season.

 

[True Fanerer]

Federer is the favorite for Wimbledon.That's as far as sane person should be willing to bet on a 37 year old guy next year. I hope he does well at the other slams don't get me wrong

 

[GabeT]

Fed's level already markedly declining from earlier in the year. Nadal playing better and just won a HC slam. And is 5 years younger. And Nole (and Murray? And Wawa?) should be back next year.

 

[augustobt]

Fed's level already markedly declining from earlier in the year. Nadal playing better and just won a HC slam. And is 5 years younger. And Nole (and Murray? And Wawa?) should be back next year.

Won without facing no real tests. No top 25 is something you would expect from a 250 level event.

 

[roysid]

Look I'm happy that Fed has won 2 slams. All those misses from 2012 USO- 2016 had led me to doubt he will win another slam. Now that he's won 2 more, I'm super happy.

Of course Nadal winning 2 slams too is a tough thing. But then this shows how much stomach this new generation has for big tournaments.

 

[metsman]

Pat Cash comes from the Meles school of jinxing.

 

[GabeT]

Won without facing no real tests. No top 25 is something you would expect from a 250 level event.

I love the increasingly convoluted rationales that pop up in this place. Does anyone doubt that Nadal would have destroyed Fed if they had met in the USO?

 

[VolleyHelena]

Well let's hope Pat Cash's prophecy holds true

 

[Rago]

The positive for Fed is he can always servebot his way through a draw especially at Wimbledon.

 

[sureshs]

Next year will be the Year of the Nadal. In September, he will have 20 Slams.

 

[augustobt]

I love the increasingly convoluted rationales that pop up in this place. Does anyone doubt that Nadal would have destroyed Fed if they had met in the USO?

Nadal had troubles with TARO DANIEL and you think he would've destroyed Fed? Alright then.

 

[BeatlesFan]

"As long as he's fit, he's favourite for the Australian, Wimbledon and the US Open."

Cash must still think it's 2004-2009.

No 36/37 year old tennis player is the favorite for any of these events. It's possible that by the time nearly 37-year-old Federer plays Wimbledon next year, Zverev, Nick or even Shapo will be the front runners. This year shows how tennis can change with the snap of a finger. And what about Djokovic's return?

 

[Rago]

Next year will be the Year of the Nadal. In September, he will have 20 Slams.

Jinx much?

 

[Ralph]

x1000!?!?!

 

[BeatlesFan]

Fed's level already markedly declining from earlier in the year.

He has a back injury (duh). And he won Wimbledon in the second half of the year just 2 months ago. His form was not in decline prior to the back problem.

 

[GabeT]

Nadal had troubles with TARO DANIEL and you think he would've destroyed Fed? Alright then.

Fed couldn't beat Delpo, who was destroyed by Nadal two days later, and you think Fed had a chance against Nadal? Alright then

 

[octogon]

Cash is dumb. Nadal made the 2 hardcourt slam finals, and only lost the Australian Open to Federer because the organisers did everything in their power to rig the competition for Fed. Made the surface faster, gave him more rest days etc. And even then, Nadal nearly still won it, despite being tired and on his last legs.

I don't see lightining striking twice for Fed in Australia (though the organisers may try again). I actually would have him 3rd favorite behind Nadal and Djokovic.

At his age Fed is favorite for Wimbledon only, and that's only on the basis that Djokovic and Murray do not come back into form by then, which is unlikely.

 

[tusharlovesrafa]

Next year will be the Year of the Nadal. In September, he will have 20 Slams.

Rafa is love.Rafa is life!

 

[GabeT]

He has a back injury (duh). And he won Wimbledon in the second half of the year just 2 months ago. His form was not in decline prior to the back problem.

Do you need EVERYTHING explained to you? Yes, since Wimbledon Fed's level has dropped markedly. No, it's not only due to the back injury. Yes, the back injury makes it worse.

 

[augustobt]

Cash is dumb. Nadal made the 2 hardcourt slam finals, and only lost the Australian Open to Federer because the organisers did everything in their power to rig the competition for Fed. Made the surface faster, gave him more rest days etc. And even then, Nadal nearly still won it, despite being tired and on his last legs.

So it's safe to say that Nadal only made the US Open because the organizer did everything in their power to rig the competition for Nadal. Made the surface slower, gave him a challenger-like draw and etc?

 

[Rago]

So it's safe to say

ROFL, can't believe you are taking the time to engage that butthurt troll.

 

[Tiki-Taka]

Cash is dumb. Nadal made the 2 hardcourt slam finals, and only lost the Australian Open to Federer because the organisers did everything in their power to rig the competition for Fed. Made the surface faster, gave him more rest days etc. And even then, Nadal nearly still won it, despite being tired and on his last legs.

I don't see lightining striking twice for Fed in Australia (though the organisers may try again). I actually would have him 3rd favorite behind Nadal and Djokovic.

At his age Fed is favorite for Wimbledon only, and that's only on the basis that Djokovic and Murray do not come back into form by then, which is unlikely.

1. Federer's AO competition was like 10 times stronger than Nadal's was at this US Open.
2. There is always one day between the two Australian Open semifinals.

Please stop making excuses for what was one of the most amazing Slam winning runs of the Open Era.

 

[Charlie]

1. Federer's AO competition was like 10 times stronger than Nadal's was at this US Open.
2. There is always one day between the two Australian Open semifinals.

Please stop making excuses for what was one of the most amazing Slam winning runs of the Open Era.

Everything is 10 times stronger than Nadal's competition at this US Open.

 

[octogon]

So it's safe to say that Nadal only made the US Open because the organizer did everything in their power to rig the competition for Nadal. Made the surface slower, gave him a challenger-like draw and etc?

Everyone had the same draw. It was a depleted field. Fed faced no top 25 players up till the quarters, and literally would have had the same draw if Nadal lost before the semis.

US Open is rarely a super-fast court. Which is why Nadal had won it twice before this year already.

Nothing was rigged for Nadal. Circumstances worked in his favor. Namely the delpeted field. But Fed had the exact same advantadge. He just couldn't capitalise.

 

[tennisaddict]

Do you need EVERYTHING explained to you? Yes, since Wimbledon Fed's level has dropped markedly. No, it's not only due to the back injury. Yes, the back injury makes it worse.

Fed has been having this back injury for ages and it shows up occasionally. He knows well to manage that. Fed has played 9 tournaments this year and won 5.

The last two tournaments he made finals and QF. There is no panic button to push. Once back is normal, he is going to go batshit crazy for the indoor season and sweep the tour.

Only a peak Djok could stop him between 2014-16 and that guy has a career threatening tennis elbow.

If you have to pick anyone player to win 2 majors in 2018, it is Fed for me. not Nadal

 

[mike danny]

Cash is dumb. Nadal made the 2 hardcourt slam finals, and only lost the Australian Open to Federer because the organisers did everything in their power to rig the competition for Fed. Made the surface faster, gave him more rest days etc. And even then, Nadal nearly still won it, despite being tired and on his last legs.

I don't see lightining striking twice for Fed in Australia (though the organisers may try again). I actually would have him 3rd favorite behind Nadal and Djokovic.

At his age Fed is favorite for Wimbledon only, and that's only on the basis that Djokovic and Murray do not come back into form by then, which is unlikely.

And you call us Fed fans butthurt

 

[mike danny]

I love the increasingly convoluted rationales that pop up in this place. Does anyone doubt that Nadal would have destroyed Fed if they had met in the USO?

Nadal would have probably still won, but he wouldn't have destroyed Federer. Fed wouldchave certainly done better than Delpo, who got bageled.

 

[mike danny]

Everyone had the same draw. It was a depleted field. Fed faced no top 25 players up till the quarters, and literally would have had the same draw if Nadal lost before the semis.

US Open is rarely a super-fast court. Which is why Nadal had won it twice before this year already.

Nothing was rigged for Nadal. Circumstances worked in his favor. Namely the delpeted field. But Fed had the exact same advantadge. He just couldn't capitalise.

Nadal had an easier draw than Fed in Australia and couldn't capitalize.

 

[augustobt]

Everyone had the same draw. It was a depleted field. Fed faced no top 25 players up till the quarters, and literally would have had the same draw if Nadal lost before the semis.

US Open is rarely a super-fast court. Which is why Nadal had won it twice before this year already.

Nothing was rigged for Nadal. Circumstances worked in his favor. Namely the delpeted field. But Fed had the exact same advantadge. He just couldn't capitalise.

US Open used to be THE super-fast major court before it was slowed down. And Australian Open used to be played on grass, or heck, even Rebound Ace that was faster than Plexi before this year's tournament.

"would have had the same draw if Nadal lost before the semis"

IF. But it didn't happened. In the end, what happened was: Nadal won his first hard court title in 3 and a half years playing atp250 field on a slow-court that suited his game.

 

[ForumMember]

All 4 would be won either by Federer or his back.

 

[mike danny]

If the AO will be as fast as this year and Fed will be fully healthy, he's the favorite for the title IMO.

And there's always Wimb for Roger if his health permits.

 

[octogon]

I'm not blaming Fed for the Australian organisers wanting him to have every advantadge possible. That's not his fault. Fed's good for business in Australia. He still had to go out there, play great and win it. But at his age, he needs those advantages. If Fed gets to the end of a hardcourt slam a little bit tired, and has to face a Djokovic or a Nadal, he's probably going to lose. That's all I'm saying

 

[Spencer Gore]

If he wins anything next year he'll deserve the title of greatest of his generation. The guy is 36. We're entering territory uncharted by anyone but Rosewall.

 

[mike danny]

I'm not blaming Fed for the Australian organisers wanting him to have every advantadge possible. That's not his fault. Fed's good for business in Australia. He still had to go out there, play great and win it. But at his age, he needs those advantages. If Fed gets to the end of a hardcourt slam a little bit tired, and has to face a Djokovic or a Nadal, he's probably going to lose. That's all I'm saying

Nadal should have done better in taking advantage of his weaker AO draw.

 

[aman92]

I don't think he'll be a contender outside of Wimbledon but fair fecks to the old man if he can manage. Dunno what Cash is smoking here though

 

[mike danny]

I don't think he'll be a contender outside of Wimbledon but fair fecks to the old man if he can manage. Dunno what Cash is smoking here though

If the AO is still as fast next year as it was this year, he's certainly a contender there, if not the favorite.

 

[NothingButNet]

Roger Federer will be the man to beat in 2018 provided he can stay fit, according to former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

Suspicion alert

File this under: "Unlikely things to hear Pat Cash say on the radio"

 

[octogon]

Nadal should have done better in taking advantage of his weaker AO draw.

Nadal was not expected to make the AO final. People pegged Dmitrov or Raonic to take him out. Even Alex Zverev was seen as someone who could take out Rafa

He made the final, was a break up in the 5th set and nearly won the whole thing. Despite having an epic 5 set semi-final against Dmitrov that had to leave him exhausted. Fed had a 5 setter semi as well, but more rest and it clearly made the difference. Fed barely beat Nadal in the final. Had Nadal been a little bit fresher, he might not have let the 5th set go.

I just don't think you can automatically make Fed the favorite as the Australian Open over Nadal based on how things played out this year. It was too close, and probably came down to Fed having fresher legs on the day, despite a court advantadge.

 

[TMF]

Cash is dumb. Nadal made the 2 hardcourt slam finals, and only lost the Australian Open to Federer because the organisers did everything in their power to rig the competition for Fed. Made the surface faster, gave him more rest days etc. And even then, Nadal nearly still won it, despite being tired and on his last legs.

I don't see lightining striking twice for Fed in Australia (though the organisers may try again). I actually would have him 3rd favorite behind Nadal and Djokovic.

At his age Fed is favorite for Wimbledon only, and that's only on the basis that Djokovic and Murray do not come back into form by then, which is unlikely.

Underrate Federer at your own peril.

 

[ScentOfDefeat]

If he wins anything next year he'll deserve the title of greatest of his generation. The guy is 36. We're entering territory uncharted by anyone but Rosewall.

Laver's Grand Slam is the real uncharted territory for these players who can accumulate Slams until they're 40, but can never accomplish the magic 4 in one season.

 

[VolleyHelena]

Laver's Grand Slam is the real uncharted territory for these players who can accumulate Slams until they're 40, but can never accomplish the magic 4 in one season.

But Laver won 3/4 on grass and 1/4 on Clay
Novaks NCYGS is much more impressive in that regard

 

[deacsyoga]

If the AO will be as fast as this year and Fed will be fully healthy, he's the favorite for the title IMO.

And there's always Wimb for Roger if his health permits.

I dont really agree on Roger being the favorite for the Australian Open. Even less if the Australian Open GOAT Djokovic comes back strongly. It was a great win for him this year but he still nearly lost in atleast 3 different matches. And it is still his only non Wimbledon in the last 7 years. Not enough to give him the favorite tag.

Wimbledon maybe, but he will be 37, and we also have to see how Djokovic and Murray are both playing at that point next year, and if any of the grass capable up and comers have made strides.

 

[mike danny]

Nadal was not expected to make the AO final. People pegged Dmitrov or Raonic to take him out. Even Alex Zverev was seen as someone who could take out Rafa

He made the final, was a break up in the 5th set and nearly won the whole thing. Despite having an epic 5 set semi-final against Dmitrov that had to leave him exhausted. Fed had a 5 setter semi as well, but more rest and it clearly made the difference. Fed barely beat Nadal in the final. Had Nadal been a little bit fresher, he might not have let the 5th set go.

I just don't think you can automatically make Fed the favorite as the Australian Open over Nadal based on how things played out this year. It was too close, and probably came down to Fed having fresher legs on the day, despite a court advantadge.

Nadal mainly pushed it to 5 because Fed made too many errors.

 

[GabeT]

Won without facing no real tests. No top 25 is something you would expect from a 250 level event.

Same as Fed