I’m back guys. I missed a post this week when Roger played against De Bakker so I owe you one. But since I have some time and the subject of this post is an important one, I probably would have made this post regardless. Roger’s back. That’s right. Roger’s back is something that has bothered him for a long time now. In fact it may have always bothered him. I read somewhere that it has been a problem for him since he was a kid. That makes sense because it definitely is not an injury. It’s not an injury that he picked up somewhere that can be treated and healed. It is similar to Nadal’s knee issue. It’s a chronic problem. I used to have lower back problems when I was playing tennis too. It wasn’t something that I could ever get rid of. It was just something I had to live with and manage as well as I could.

I think this is the case for Roger too. I am not speaking from an expert point of view and I don’t have all the facts about Roger’s back, just for the record. But this is what seems to be the case judging from what I have seen from Roger over the years and from my own experience with back problems too. I don’t think this is something he will ever get rid of completely. He will just have to manage it as well as he can. Give it adequate rest and treatment and try to make the muscles stronger where there is a weakness. The back muscles is very important for a tennis player. There is a lot of twisting and turning and stretching going on. It is also important on the serve where Roger’s problem seems to be. This goes back to my last post where I just could not explain Roger’s performance against Benneteau until one of my readers left a comment.

The comment said that Annacone mentioned Roger had been struggling with his back throughout the week in Rotterdam. Also I read somewhere that Roger had not practiced for Rotterdam until last Sunday. On top of that he was playing with two shirts in Melbourne in his last two matches as far as I can remember. So I think it’s pretty safe to say he was having problems with his back against Benneteau. So yes my post was off base to a certain extent. But if you have been following my blog for a long time you will know that I am similar to Roger in many ways. First of all I am very honest, and like Roger I don’t ever look for excuses. Roger never mentioned anything about his back in his presser. I have a lot of respect for that. He was rather looking at where he went wrong and crediting his opponent, rather than blaming his back. This is the attitude of a true champion.

But there is no doubt in my mind now that his injury caused him to lose. When you are injured you can’t give 100%, and that would perfectly explain why Roger looked like he was lacking his usual passion. That injury is always in the back of your mind because you don’t want to make it worse. That would also explain Roger’s body language. He looked kind of nonchalant, like he was almost in exho mode. Come to think of it, my last post wasn’t really of base. Like Roger, my approach has always been to criticize myself first and then look for excuses. It may seem like I am being too harsh on myself or on Roger, but that is just the way I do things. Now that I know about the back problem it is obvious to me the fault is not with Roger, I am going to say it. I have total faith in Roger 3.0 and I know he is not going to put in a performance like this if there wasn’t a serious problem.

Roger with some fans in Rotterdam. Funny look on his face.

http://www.rogerfederer.com/en/fanzone/forum/topicview.cfm?uNC=36334092&uPage=107&uTopicID=30251

Above is a link to two articles which I will post below. The article about Roger’s visit to Ethiopia does not have a link with it, and the link to the article where he says he should be ready for Indian Wells does not work. It’s at the RF.com so if you are not a member I will spare you the trouble of creating an account. Thanks to lovely and mustaq for posting this:

Roger Federer: “I just enjoy doing what I can to help.”

By Daniel Huber, Credit Suisse eMagazine

The Roger Federer Foundation has been supporting school projects in Africa since 2003. In mid-February, Federer personally visited one of these schools in Ethiopia. In this interview, he explains why even as a 22-year-old he always wanted to set up his own foundation. He also tells us what affected him the most on this visit to one of the world’s poorest countries.

I’ve already done Roger’s 5 best matches of 2009, but now it’s time to look back at the whole decade as the end of it is fast approaching. Starting with that breakthrough win against Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001, which has since been called ‘The Changing of the Guard’, Roger has played some awe inspiring matches throughout this decade. There are so many matches to choose from that this is not an easy list to compile. I have to take many things into account, including the significance of the match in terms of Roger’s career, how well he played on the day, and the heart he showed in a match. I have compiled a list of ten matches, in no particular order, and in the end I will let you vote on it.

Wimbledon 2009 Final vs Roddick 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14 (The Fairytale)

I have already written about this match in my top 5 matches of 2009. Roger was not at his best during this match, but the way he hung in there and came up with the goods when it mattered most was extraordinary. He made great escapes in both the second and fifth set, and in the process fulfilled his destiny by winning the most grand slam titles in history. Together with the 2008 Wimbledon final, this was one for the ages. Just a titanic struggle with a fairytale ending. Roger’s serve was what kept him in this match while the rest of his game was sub par. He ended with a peRFect 50 aces, out acing maybe the biggest server in tennis by 23 aces.

Wimbledon 2008 Final vs Nadal 4-6, 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(8), 7-9 (The GOAT Match)

I’m gonna try to make this brief as I want to go catch some of the Nadal/Kyrgios match, even though I’m convinced Nadal will win in straight sets. This match captured my imagination a bit more than the Giraldo match as Roger had some unfinished business with Robredo from the US Open last year. That was maybe his worst result from last year and was a turning point as well. Roger has come a long way since that match and today he routined Robredo 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, reversing that US Open result in the process and getting his revenge. I predicted Roger would destroy Robredo if he played anywhere near his best, and he did play near his best. It was not absolute vintage Roger but still more than good enough to take care of Robredo. Roger cruised through the first set and delivered the bread stick.

That said he was poor on break point conversion from the start, ending the first set with 2/6 break points converted. In the second set Roger should have broken again at 3-1 but missed an easy lob long with Robredo right on top of the net. But Roger held on to his one break to win the second set. In the third set Robredo was looking more threatening and Roger was missing some forehands. Robredo was getting closer to Roger as the match progressed but Roger made up for his missed break in the second set by breaking Robredo at 3-3. At 5-4 Roger struggled to serve out the match as Robredo actually had a break point and threatened to be the first player to break Roger’s serve in the tournament, but fortunately Roger held on and avoided any more drama. And avoiding drama is exactly what Roger has been able to do this year compared to last year.

The winner to unforced error ratio has been exceptional at Wimbledon

I was somewhat disappointed that Roger did not break in the second set when he should have, and that his break point conversion ratio was poor. But like I said he made up for it when he broke Robredo again in the third set when Robredo was starting to look much more threatening. So in the end I would say it was a very satisfactory performance after what happened last year at the US Open. I knew Roger should straight set Robredo if he played like he did throughout this tournament, but you never know when a slump could occur, and it still had to be done. I don’t think Roger will slump during this Wimbledon. I don’t want to jinx him or anything but he has looked very solid and at home at Wimbledon this year, which is why I said in my last post that he is turning back the clock.

It is looking like the old days where Roger dominated at Wimbledon and it’s a great sight to behold. Even with Roger at age 32 we Fedfans are getting treated royally. What a privilege it is to be a Fedfan! The match stats for Roger was not as good as in his last two matches but still very respectable. The break point conversion rate was the only thing that was poor, but the thing that I was most happy about in this match was Roger’s intent to approach the net again. I had some strong words to say about it in my last post and it feels like Roger listened. I felt it was crucial that he controlled the net against Robredo at least and he did just that. 41 net approaches is a lot over three sets on this grass, and Roger had a good success rate too. I didn’t feel like Roger was necessarily at his best, but I was delighted to see that he showed real urgency to approach the net.

I said I wouldn’t make another post about this Wimbledon because of their biased scheduling but you know me, I can’t stay angry for long. Congrats to Federer for finally breaking the record for the most Wimbledon title as he surpasses the record he held with Sampras.

Today he defeated Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to achieve this incredible record. Unfortunately, the final was even more one-sided than I predicted. After Djokovic lost I said Federer would win the title without dropping a set but I expected a better fight from Cilic in the final.

The key moment came very early in the match. Cilic started very well after a shaky opening service game and had a break point on Federer’s serve at 2-2 and 40-30 but missed a return off a second serve from Federer right into the net. Absolutely unforgivable.

I was waiting for Cilic to choke from the beginning because he was always a bit of a choker to me and it happened in no time. When you get a second serve on break point you at the absolute least make the other guy play. But by making an unforced error on that return he showed Federer weakness right away and from there on it was one-way traffic.

I felt it was the boring no-contest final Wimbledon deserved after their biased scheduling. It was a bit of a disaster to be honest because Cilic even started crying at one point. Can you imagine? What a tragic way for Federer to achieve such an incredible milestone.

I said I wouldn’t make another post about this Wimbledon because of their biased scheduling but you know me, I can’t stay angry for long. Congrats to Federer for finally breaking the record for the most Wimbledon title as he surpasses the record he held with Sampras.

Today he defeated Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to achieve this incredible record. Unfortunately, the final was even more one-sided than I predicted. After Djokovic lost I said Federer would win the title without dropping a set but I expected a better fight from Cilic in the final.

The key moment came very early in the match. Cilic started very well after a shaky opening service game and had a break point on Federer’s serve at 2-2 and 40-30 but missed a return off a second serve from Federer right into the net. Absolutely unforgivable.

I was waiting for Cilic to choke from the beginning because he was always a bit of a choker to me and it happened in no time. When you get a second serve on break point you at the absolute least make the other guy play. But by making an unforced error on that return he showed Federer weakness right away and from there on it was one-way traffic.

I felt it was the boring no-contest final Wimbledon deserved after their biased scheduling. It was a bit of a disaster to be honest because Cilic even started crying at one point. Can you imagine? What a tragic way for Federer to achieve such an incredible milestone.

Congrats to Federer on equalling Djokovic on 5 Indian Wells titles after defeating Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5 in the final yesterday. This was his second big title of the year which is a bit of a scandal for Murray and Djokovic.

Then again, the speeding up of the courts in Melbourne was a huge break for Federer and it didn’t hurt that Kyrgios took out Djokovic in Indian Wells and subsequently withdrew from the tournament.

But one should give credit where it’s due, unlike Fedfans who didn’t want to give credit to Djokovic for defeating Federer time after time from 2014-2016. Even they are now willing to admit that Federer is still playing at a very high level.

Stan Wawrinka cries, jokingly calls Roger Federer an “a—hole” after beating him at Indian Wells pic.twitter.com/1bBgEscDDj

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 20, 2017

and now it’s sure: Roger #Federer WD from #MMOPEN and #IBI17 entry lists

see you in Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/DDthxZqTTm

— Michele Galoppini (@MikGaloppini) April 7, 2017

Apparently, this means Federer is not eligible for a wild card at these events since he withdrew from the entry list. Federer said he probably won’t play any clay events before the French Open and I guess this makes it official.

This is somewhat surprising. I thought Federer might take a wild card at Rome and make a serious run at a second French Open title now that he finally seems to have the better of Nadal while Djokovic has been struggling.

That’s more like it! A strong performance from Fedrinka in the doubles put the Swiss ahead 2-1 in the tie with France going into the final day of the Davis Cup final. The Swiss now only need to win one singles to clinch their first Davis Cup title, after Fedrinka defeated Benneteau and Gasquet 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in an impressive doubles display. Stan was once again on fire and could do no wrong, while Roger also picked up his game. Of course it doesn’t hurt your own confidence when your partner is playing so well. I’m just glad that Roger’s back held up well and that it wasn’t a long drawn out match. For the French Benneteau played well while Gasquet was the weak link. I usually never watch doubles but this was quite entertaining stuff. Well my stream wasn’t exactly stable but there were some good rallies and it all went pretty fast. It was a risky decision to play Fedrinka in the doubles but it paid off very well in the end.

Fedrinka’s record in doubles had actually been quite poor in Davis Cup lately but they bossed it against the French in an almost flawless display. The doubles was always going to be crucial after the singles was split on day one and you gotta like the Swiss’ chances now. They only need to win one singles today which you’d think they will be able to do, especially since it looks like Tsonga won’t be available due to an elbow injury. But the tie is far from over. Tsonga also withdrew from the doubles yesterday due to the same problem. The French will probably play Benneteau in the number one singles then which means he will face Roger. Benneteau looked confident in the doubles and he has been a tricky opponent for Roger in the past. Roger didn’t sound too confident after the doubles when he said he hopes it is Stan’s weekend. That would suggest he is still not feeling very confident himself and that he is counting on Stan to get the job done.

Swiss synchrony

Fortunately Stan has hit form right in the nick of time for the Davis Cup final and is playing like he did when he won the Australian Open. If it comes down to a deciding rubber with Stan playing Monfils it would still be a tense affair however. Monfils was in the zone himself against Roger and with the French crowd behind him things could get difficult for Stan. So ideally Roger can take care of his singles, but after what I saw against Monfils I don’t hold out much hope of that happening myself. He just looked very average against Monfils and I’m not surprised that he is counting on Stan to get the job done. Of course you don’t wana see Roger lose both his singles matches in the Davis Cup final, but at least he helped get the point in the doubles. With his injury woes that may be all we can expect from him.Stan kind of owes the Swiss as it is after that poor display against Kazakhstan so it would be fitting if it’s his weekend.

Well this Davis Cup final has been quite enjoyable and in the end I’m glad Roger played as long as his back holds up. The Davis Cup atmosphere is certainly something unique as well as the team format. It is something different and fresh from the usual tour where it is every man for himself. It’s great to see how Fedrinka compliment each other and that their friendship is going strong through it all. It wasn’t always smooth going but they stuck at it and are now on the brink of a historic moment for Swiss tennis. As far as Roger’s singles career goes the Davis Cup would definitely mean something for it, even though I’m not sure how much. I think this is the right time to win it anyway, after he has achieved just about everything else. It’s like a small hole that was left in his resume which he can now fill. And aside from that it could have a very inspiring effect on him going into 2015.

// Hello, tennis fans. As usual I am back with my customary post grand slam post. There always come out new and interesting things from a slam final and one post is not enough to write about it all. I also like to do a post that kind of sums up the tournament as a whole. And finally, I don’t want it to be over that quickly. The slams are always special and the most exciting thing for tennis fans, when there is the most activity on my blog and there is a kind of lull when it’s over so I’d like to extend it a bit longer with another post(or two).

47 Comments

It’s always impossible to say everything I want to say after a slam final in one post so I am back with my customary final thoughts post. Thank you for the positive feedback on my last post and the good discussion as well.

First of all, let me get back to the match for a second. in the first set with Djokovic leading 5-2 and 40-15 on Stan’s serve, it looked for a while like he was running away with the match. If he takes one of those break points he wins the first set 6-2 and serves first in the second set.

But that’s where Djokovic poor break point conversion rate for the match of 3/17(17.7%) began. That is about the same break point conversion rate Federer had in last year’s final of 4/23(17.4%) although Federer had more chances.

It is very unusual for Djokovic to have that poor a break point conversion rate while it is normal for Federer. That is the first clue that Djokovic may not have been mentally as solid as he usual is. Someone commented that Djokovic lacked the ‘animal instinct’ after my last post and I have to agree with that.

//

But knowing that the Djoker is lurking in the quarters should he come through won’t exactly fill him with confidence I think, making him more prone to an upset. But given current form the Djoker surely has to be the favorite if they meet in the quarters. I don’t think four match wins will be enough to get Nadal back to his old level while the Djoker has been impeccable of late. No doubt all the losses against Nadal at the French as well as the pressure of completing the career slam won’t exactly fill the Djoker with confidence either.

I hope that’s not the stress of marriage causing Murray’s baldness…

Congrats to Stan the man. Hopefully after this result people will finally understand why I keep discouraging all the calendar slam talk, and at least wait until someone has won the first three slams of the year next time, which by the way hasn’t happened since 1969. But I suspect the calendar slam talk, at least on this blog, has a lot more to do with Fedfan bias than rational thinking. To expect that someone is going to win the calendar slam after they won the first two slams of the year is bad enough.

But to talk about it after winning just the first slam of the year is sheer paranoia. Anyway another big congrats to Stanimal for another immense performance today against the Djoker in the final as he won his second slam 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. It’s not the result I preferred but I’m happy for Stan. He totally deserves it with the way he played and he proved everyone wrong who called him a one-slam wonder. He was unplayable throughout the tournament and not even the Djoker could stop him.

I feel like the Djoker deserved the title even more than Stan but you already knew that. He was the one who slayed the beast but in the end he was always up against it with his draw. He threw everything at Stan today but Stan in this mode is unplayable like I said. I thought the Djoker deserved the title also because of how close he has been over the years as opposed to Stan being in his first final here, but life isn’t fair and you don’t always get what you deserve. The main thing is that the Djoker gave it his all so he won’t have regrets.

What a man!