Help
3/23/08 10:05 PM | James Munoz
Federer’s agent was quick to point out that his client had contracted mononucleosis prior to the Australian Open. When asked of this, Roger was dismissive to put it lightly and basically would only answer the question that he has heard of mono. Roger believes he has recovered from this illness and does not blame this for his losses.
Roger Federer has said he has been playing great and his movement is fine in all of his interviews, but something is still missing. Have we simply become too accustomed to his greatness to tolerate losses to the likes of Mardy Fish? Roger picked up 220 points for this event (225 points for making the semifinals minus last years 5 points for the first round loss), but a mere 2-2 record against top 15 players leads to speculation about his level of play.
Roger said the following about Mardy Fish:
“He came out playing very, very well. Yeah, he played great today. I mean, I can only congratulate him. Fantastic”.
While this is certainly high praises from the world’s number one, what this doesn’t explain is how a top ten player, much less the world’s number one would lose a match when his opponent served 34% first serve percentage? Roger seemed very content to slice the second serve returns back and rarely attempted to punish the numerous kick serves Fish sent his way. This does not seem like the Roger that punishes his opponents of years past.
If Fish serves 34% first serve in the final he will be lucky to hold serve against Djokovic. The Australian Open semifinal victory for Djokovic was the first glimpse of Roger looking a step slow and not capitalizing on second serve opportunities. This trend has not subsided and is looking more evident after every loss.
Although Roger had not planned on leaving for Miami so soon, he now has to depart and prepare for the last major hard court event before the clay season begins. In terms of ranking points, Roger only needs to make the 4th round to defend his points from last year. This type of result will not be enough to stop the doubters from questioning his current level of play though. With numerous players hungry to make their mark and witnessing the vulnerability of Roger’s current form, who will be the next player to upset him?
Last year, Roger had arguably his best season on clay having won Hamburg and making the finals of Monte Carlo and the French Open. This year, Roger will be competing in a very weak field in Estoril, before heading into Monte Carlo, Rome, Hamburg and the French Open. Many are under the impression that Roger is so focused on the French this year that his hard court game has suffered. I do not see the correlation and believe if Roger cannot regain the quickness that allowed him to dominate the game. He is likely to lose his number one ranking either before or after the French Open.
Roger said he was happy with his performance at Indian Wells and while stretching his ranking point lead over Nadal was nice for him, his level of play left much to be desired. The tennis season is long and Roger may rebound and dominate once again, but if he does not regain his quickness his reign at number one will surely fall.
Tell a friend »
Did you know that... In Miami 2006, Argentinean Carlos Berlocq first defeated Donald Young 6-0, 6-0 and then lost 6-0, 6-0 to James Blake in the following round.
RafaNadalGirl20, Aug 29, 2008 7:35 PM
RickyDimon, Aug 29, 2008 3:08 PM
agf25agf, Aug 28, 2008 1:21 PM
cherylmurray, Aug 27, 2008 3:10 PM
BernieEliza, Aug 27, 2008 9:19 AM
Allez, Aug 29, 2008 9:07 PM
elle, Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM
elle, Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM
Did you know that... James Blake appeared in People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" issue in 2006.
RafaNadalGirl20, Aug 29, 2008 7:35 PM
RickyDimon, Aug 29, 2008 3:08 PM
agf25agf, Aug 28, 2008 1:21 PM
cherylmurray, Aug 27, 2008 3:10 PM
BernieEliza, Aug 27, 2008 9:19 AM
Allez, Aug 29, 2008 9:07 PM
elle, Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM
elle, Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM
