Federer 2014 v Federer 2017

For those who are still around.....I was flicking through clips on Youtube when I fell onto this one. Quite telling really. In 2017 Federer was really tired and his form fluctuated quite a lot in the final. We can see Federer is fresher and lighter on his legs in 2014....Yet, the extra power on every shot is obvious in 2017. Easy power that is. Federer may have adopted ihe bigger frame in 2014 but I am not sure he had it in that AO and if he did he certainly did not get used to it.

It is so clear watching this clip that nadal would have never won a match v Federer had the latter learnt tp play on slower surfaces with bigger frames. It's a totally different class. Nadal made the most of Federer's stubbornness of keeping his 90inch racket. Playing Nadal on clay with a 90inch racquet is ridiculous. And the fact Federer beat nadal a few times with this small frame and got quite close in a few more matches says it all.

There is only one GOAT. and it's Federer of course.  

Federer's BH in early 2017 was insane, no doubt about it. 

But before we jump to conclusions based on certain matches, I'd note that I think Nadal's movement was much worse in his 30s compared to his 20s. 

In 2017 vs Nadal, Federer would have to hit 3 huge shots in a row to win the point... BUT he would have to hit 6 huge shots in a row to win vs Nadal in 2007. That's a very unique challenge, so hard to extrapolate from 2017 to 2007. 

Also- many Federer fans on forums think that his forehand was better with his old racket, but his backhand was better with his new racket. The consensus amongst Federer fans is still that 2003-2007 Roger was peak.

HIS20RY wrote:...
But before we jump to conclusions based on certain matches, I'd note that I think Nadal's movement was much worse in his 30s compared to his 20s. 

I knew you would hold on to that. But in AO 2017 Nadal was 30. This is frankly as good as it gets for an athlete. The main thing is Fed's pace. Even when Nadal is close to the ball it's too fast. It was much easier for Nadal when the ball came back as a soft BH slice (prior to racquet change).
And it's not only the BH but the FH and serve of Federer were simply pacier.
And that is what make you feel Nadal was slower.

In 2017 vs Nadal, Federer would have to hit 3 huge shots in a row to win the point... BUT he would have to hit 6 huge shots in a row to win vs Nadal in 2007. That's a very unique challenge, so hard to extrapolate from 2017 to 2007. 

That's the thing. Fed's shot were not huge in 2007....v Nadal. They could be great against players of the time, but having a 90inch racquet versus a guy who moonballs it's a different story. This is why Federer struggled v Nadal and not against anybody else. . It's impossible to inject pace with a 90inch racquet on a slow court when the ball bounces like crazy. Versus blake on a fast court, no problem. Those were the conds Fed grew up with.

Also- many Federer fans on forums think that his forehand was better with his old racket, but his backhand was better with his new racket. The consensus amongst Federer fans is still that 2003-2007 Roger was peak.

Same story....depends who against. Not v Nadal. In fact in 2007 Fed's FH changed to a more spiny one to cut on the UEs that Nadal forced onto him.  And as you know  Fans can't accept their idol loses fair and square. Only because he declines, doesn't move as well and so on.....The truth is Federer was beaten by a new generation who had new weapons who were not available when Fed started the game, plus change of conditions.

Does this 'easy power' hasn't got anything to do with court speed? In 2017 it was known to be playing much faster.

It could be as always a combination of factors rather than just 1 factor.

As you know Federer won all his matches v Nadal since he adopted that new larger frame, regardless the surface. That in itself is in complete contrast to the matches they played before the racquet switch. His only loss came at the FO 18 simply because it was storm conditions out there and Fed's fine game could not quite express itself under such conds..

Tenez wrote:His only loss came at the FO 18 simply because it was storm conditions out there and Fed's fine game could not quite express itself under such conds..

In my opinion you are a little bit delusional.

Well you know too well that Federer's game is based on timing and precision and that it is almost impossible for him to play his tennis under such conds. Anyway. how do you explain 7/1 in their last 8 matches and 23/9 for Nadal in their 32 previous matches? Nadal suddenly declined when Federer changed his raquet size?

You sound more delusional than me to be honest!

Tenez wrote:Well you know too well that Federer's game is based on timing and precision and that it is almost impossible for him to play his tennis under such conds. Anyway. how do you explain 7/1 in their last 8 matches and 23/9 for Nadal in their 32 previous matches? Nadal suddenly declined when Federer changed his raquet size?

You sound more delusional than me to be honest!

The last 8 matches don't align with his racket change. 

I think Rafa was much easier to beat in his 30s as he lost a lot of pace. One of Nadal's big flaws is a poor serve- which means getting worse at rallies due to poor foot speed has a huge impact on his level. 

Federer also declined with age, but at a much slower rate than Nadal due to his superior serve and volleys. The consensus amongst Federer fans is that his peak was between 23-27, and his racket change helped his backhand but reduced potency of forehand.

This short clip sbows why he is the greatest... Maybe zome good news for 2022.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Mdrj3ei99EY

Unfortunately a few comments say this is 2 years old.

Sadly I think we’ve seen the last of him, except maybe a farewell at Wimbledon or Basel. Tennis seems so rubbish without him, I don’t watch anymore because the play is useless.
Looks like he & Nadal might even chuck it in together. Almost symbolic, that.

Happy New Year btw....to the few....

bogbrush wrote:Unfortunately a few comments say this is 2 years old.

Sadly I think we’ve seen the last of him, except maybe a farewell at Wimbledon or Basel. Tennis seems so rubbish without him, I don’t watch anymore because the play is useless.
Looks like he & Nadal might even chuck it in together. Almost symbolic, that.

Would be great if his knee surgery was successful and he had one last hurrah.

Tenez wrote:Happy New Year btw....to the few....

Happy new year to everyone!

And to the guy who cancelled Novaks Visa, three cheers 

Well I would have preferred a fair run to the title. I don't like politics mixing with tennis. It is unfair somewhat.