The Best Is Yet To Come!

I can't quite remember when Federer was officially written off the first time, but it's been at least 5 years since we've been hearing of his ageing, declining, "losing a step", his children needing to go to school...

Yet at 34, he managed  to lose a won match against the fittest player in the history of tennis, 6 years his junior.

Time is a precious commodity in tennis: defender tries to buy it,  to anticipate the oncoming shot, get to the ball and send it back; attacker, like a gambler tries to take time away by applying high risk to his shots.

Over and over.

Djokovic and Federer are both exceptional natural athletes.

For Djokovic fitness is his main strength - it allows him fantastic court coverage, light feet and enduring stamina to play his aggressive counterpunching tennis.

For Federer, it's a base that allows him to play his attacking game - immaculate footwork needed for timing high risk shots.

At the moment, playing conditions are not favouring the gambler. That is why we have so few of them: Dolgopolov, Wawrinka, Rublev, Paire and...Federer!

I admire their heart and talent and above all their choice to play bravely and beautifully. After all, their job is to win. Losing does not pay the bills however exciting it is.

They make the game worth watching.

At the same time, "Time" the weapon with which they take it away from their opponents is not on their side.
Courts are slow, strings are easy, giving the opponents safe extra time to get to the ball...and they are getting stronger and fitter.

Yet, the oldest of them all is not giving up.

Severing Luthi, after last weekend's Switzerland's DC match:

"I saw how motivated he was following the defeat in the final of Wimbledon, and began to train again.

One thing was that conditions changed. It became much cooler and the court played slower than before.
Such backing I've never seen anywhere but Davis Cup. For Djokovic is was definitely hard.

We are on the right way. It's particularly important in what moments you do what...I am confident Roger can get even better at net. We will keep evolving Roger's game."

Go Rog!

I am curious and look forward to seeing the next stage of Fed's "evolution". It's great to see his talent challenged, tested and growing.

How good can he get?

Not much time left, and hopefully the back holds.

noleisthebest wrote:...
Severing Luthi, after last weekend's Switzerland's DC match:

"I saw how motivated he was following the defeat in the final of Wimbledon, and began to train again.

One thing was that conditions changed. It became much cooler and the court played slower than before.
Such backing I've never seen anywhere but Davis Cup. For Djokovic is was definitely hard.

We are on the right way. It's particularly important in what moments you do what...I am confident Roger can get even better at net. We will keep evolving Roger's game."

What court does he refer to there? The DC one or the USO?

USO.

He is talking about the cooling down after that long initial rain delay.

noleisthebest wrote:
Severing Luthi, after last weekend's Switzerland's DC match:

"I saw how motivated he was following the defeat in the final of Wimbledon, and began to train again.

One thing was that conditions changed. It became much cooler and the court played slower than before.
Such backing I've never seen anywhere but Davis Cup. For Djokovic is was definitely hard.

We are on the right way. It's particularly important in what moments you do what...I am confident Roger can get even better at net. We will keep evolving Roger's game."

I believe Luthi is talking about those 23 BPs here.

Like at Wimby this year I guess. Very diff conds v Murray.

But hey Fed has been as horribly unlucky in his whole career as he has been absurdly lucky to be blessed with such talent.

I guess it evens up!

Tenez wrote:Like at Wimby this year I guess. Very diff conds v Murray.

But hey Fed has been as horribly unlucky in his whole career as he has been absurdly lucky to be blessed with such talent.

I guess it evens up!

I wonder how he feels about it!
Wimbledon 14 was bad, he even shed a tear during the ceremony.

Wimbledon 15, he was tired because of the SF so not down in the spirit like '14. USO15 - he looked least upset.

I think so long as he is playing his game and with a chance to win he is alive.

I like the optimism in his camp - feels like spring time - but in reality it's Indian Summer.

He's won one Slam in his 30s... and he isn't getting any younger. I doubt Federer is playing tennis just to be WN2 or 3.