posted May 10, 2007

its not rocket science to work out federer is yesterdays man . im no einstein but i have a very high tennis iq, my advice to fed is bite the bullet and retire.and make it graceful by doing so today.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 10, 2007

Oh here we go again with Jim and his wise cracks. I hope you eat those words very shortly. Don't write him off just yet. We all know from previous forums how much you dislike Federer. All players seem to hit a bad patch, look at Nadal after RG last year, he went for ten months before he won a tournament again. Federer fans ignore this man he doesn't know what he is talking about.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 10, 2007

Yesterday's news? And how do you justify that? Less than 6 months ago he was playing as if he were (arguably) the greatest player of all time. It's not like these opponents are "out-playing" him. These last few losses are a result of his own mistakes. Anyone can see that. He's obviously not in the same mental state as he used to be.

The article sums his dilemma up nicely.. he shouldn't try to fix what ain't broken.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

A long long time ago on the old high tech Beeb message board I wrote several long articles about how the game of tennis has changed due to ball and surface changes. I also wrote an article about Federer’s dominance and about longevity in particular. The strong debate that has always been was about Fed vs Sampras and I had mentioned that one of the reasons Sampras achieved the records he did were due top the longevity his game gave his career. The 1-2 punch gave his body little wear and his serve was effortless in the same way many of Federers shots are today. Sampras won many points cheaply during his time and Federers game style which I believe has been lead by ball and surface changes may not allow him such a long career as he uses more energy. Federer does remind me of Borg who was sublime but tailed of rapidly when his reliable brilliance no longer served him consistently. I agree Federer simply is trying too hard at the minute, but as he ages his form will become more patchy. I think he will beat Sampras records, but not my the margin some people think he is on course to do. He may retire before then though as his expectations of himself are so high.

I think Fed could show brilliance late into his career and retiring early like Borg did may be a mistake – Agassi won last in his career, but his career was volatile, so expectations on himself must have been lower generally meaning he could have more fun on court. Once Fed falls from the top he may find other things to pursue.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

was meant to say Agassi won late

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

I am eager to see when and how Federer will bounce back to winning ways. Wish he can do it at Roland Garros. He is so talented that it should only be a matter of some time before he finds his rhythm.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

I doubt Federer is lacking preparation, but I've thought for a while his light tournament schedule has been a risk. His game relies so much on sublime timing and surely with the best will in the world, it's hard to recreate in training the sort of power and intensity you will face in a match?

Of course, while he was reaching the final of every tournament, match sharpness was not an issue and he could afford to play very few events. But all it takes is a few early losses and suddenly that light schedule is more of a concern. What do you think?

On top of this, isn't his number 1 ranking going to be under serious threat if he continues to play so few tournaments *and* suffer early round exits?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

I agree Jonhan.Fed just needs to relax and play as he is used to.He doesn't seem to be as keen as he was to win, but let us give the guy a chance and see how he reacts to his defeat.
I am still convinced he's more likely to win the French Open than Sampras was in his time.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

what fed needs now is a few more 1st round defeats, all that showboating, fancy pants, tennis lets put the swiss muppet to the sword.i feel xmas has come early for all real tennis fans.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 11, 2007

Hi,folks!
Really,i think there's ssomething wrong going with federer's mind that explained his last defeat.
One day before,his performance was solid and outstanding against almagro,a good clay-courter player.
I think fed should understand that he doesnt have to be obceded to win nadal on clay or RG.
He just needs to be patient.
He should remember Agassi finally won RG in 1999,8 years after his previous unsuccessful finals.
Also,on the other hand,he needs to get back in form quickly.
For someone who has been used to win almost all the time,such a losing track can create doubt and it might be difficult to recover if it takes time.
Federer must accept that defeat is part of the game,the greatest of all times Sampras was losing against agassi,becker,chang,courier,edberg,...
Why does he repeatedly says it's better to lose against the same guy than different players.
Maybe that's why he's losing confidence in his game now.
That's so bad for such a great champion who wants to be always winning.

add comment | complain about this comment