Roger Federer: 'I self destructed'

Roger Federer said that he 'self-destructed’ during an error-prone 6-7(3), 3-6, 4-6 straight-sets defeat to 19th seed Spaniard Tommy Robredo at the US Open on Monday night. The loss means that the 17-time Grand Slam champion will finish a season without reaching a major final for the first time since 2002.

Federer made 43 unforced errors to Robredo's 26, including a litany of uncharacteristic errors from advantageous positions on his forehand wing.

“I kind of feel like I beat myself, without taking any credit away from Tommy,” Federer said. “Clearly he was making sure he was making many balls. It was up to me to make the difference and I couldn't. I kind of self destructed, which is very disappointing, especially on a quicker court. Your serve helps you out. You're going to make the difference somewhere. I just couldn't do it.  It was a frustrating performance today.”

The shock defeat, his first in 11 career meetings against Robredo, ended fan hopes for a quarter-final showdown with World No. 2 Rafael Nadal. “It’s not that much of a disappointment at the end of the day,” Federer said. “If I'm playing like this, I'm not going to beat Rafa, or Kohlschreiber, for that matter… I was fighting with other things in my match today. Not thinking too far ahead of myself, especially the level I was playing at."

Had Federer won tonight he would have reached his 41st Grand Slam quarter-final, a record held by Jimmy Connors.

From the first of his five consecutive title runs in 2004 through to his runner-up finish to Juan Martin del Potro in 2009, Federer amassed a 40-match winning streak at Flushing Meadows. But he has not returned to the final in his past four outings and his fourth round exit to Robredo is his earliest US Open exit since 2003.

Federer, 32, who converted just two of 16 break point chances against Robredo, said that he would not dwell on the defeat. “I've definitely got to go back to work and come back stronger, get rid of this loss now as quick as I can, forget about it, because that's not how I want to play from here on. I want to play better.  I know I can. I showed it the last few weeks, that there is that level. So today was pretty frustrating.

“When I lose, people are shellshocked to see me play this way… But there's no doubt about it, I'm trying hard out there trying to make it work. Sometimes it just doesn't happen.”

"Nothing goes past the hard work," he said.

"I'll make sure I put the work in. I'll believe in it and go after it. In some ways, as a player, you're always excited about that prospect because there's always something to look forward to, even in a big disappointment like the match today."

Federer has work to do to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals, the season-ending tournament that he has won a record six times. He is not scheduled to play again until the Shanghai Rolex Masters, which begins October 6. He is then slated to play the Swiss indoors Basel and the BNP Paribas Masters in the final two weeks of the season.

“I don't think I'll change my schedule,” Federer said. “I believe if I do play well, I'll make good results.”

Date: 3rd September 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer downs Mannarino to reach fourth round

Five-time US Open champion Roger Federer has cruised into the fourth round, crushing Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 on Saturday night.

The left-handed World No. 63 saved three match points, including one courtesy of a double fault from Federer, but was unable to hold off the 17-time major winner.

The Swiss seventh seed needed just one hour and 21 minutes to post the victory, during which he saved the only break point he faced.

"There's always a lot of pressure coming out here on this court to perform, because you never know if you're going to play well," Federer said immediately after the match, to the crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium. "Tonight was one of those nights."

"I think I was able to really use my serve well. Because it was breezy tonight again, I used the wind a bit better and I had more variation than him, which gave me more margin in my game," said the right-hander, who lifted his win-loss record in Arthur Ashe night matches to 22-1. "I won the first set and I was able to play with the lead...that makes things easier."

The former World No. 1 acknowledged that he imposed his game and power against his younger opponent. "He plays quite unusual...he's got a very short take-back and he hits extremely flat, as flat as anybody out there, especially on the backhand side," observed Federer.

The father-of-two said his back is no longer troubling him.  "I'm not scared of getting injured anymore," Federer told Jim Courier in a post-match television interview. "I'm happy to take full flight and chase every ball, which is key if you want to win this tournament."

It sets up a round of 16 clash against 19th seed Tommy Robredo, who ended the run of Great Britain's Daniel Evans, 7-6(6), 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.

"I think he's a very good player, mentally and physically really tough. I think he showed that in Paris this year, I think he won three five‑setters in a row," said Federer, referring to Robredo's consecutive victories over Igor Sijsling, Gael Monfils and Nicolas Almagro. "He's also a player I've known since a long time, he came through the juniors with me...I know his game well, he knows mine really well."

Federer holds a 10-0 Head ot Head lead over the 31-year-old Spaniard, though the pair haven't met since the 2011 Australian Open.

"Usually when you play against one of the best players ever, it's normal that your head-to-head is down," said Robredo. "It's a good opportunity to try to change it. I will try everything, I will try to recover as well as possible to see if I can have a great battle against him."

Should Federer maintain his undefeated record against Robredo, he could meet World No. 2 Rafael Nadal in a highly anticipated quarter-final.

''I don't look ahead, even though I understand the urge of the press to try to go there already, which is entirely normal. I have gone through that my entire career, people talking about our matches even before the tournament started,'' Federer said. ''We're used to it. We know how to handle it. Clearly I think we both hope it's going to happen this time, for the first time in New York.''

Federer was asked whether he was disappointed at all that Saturday's match was so short, depriving him of a chance to enjoy the electric atmosphere that often accompanies night sessions in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

''I like it like this, you know,'' Federer said with a smile. ''I like three hours, five hours, too - as long as I end up winning them.''

Date: 1st September 2013, Source: ATP and AP

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Roger Federer eases to victory at US Open

Five-time US Open Champion Roger Federer breezed into the US Open third round on Thursday at Flushing Meadows.

Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion Federer, who swept the New York hardcourt crowns from 2004-2008, dispatched Argentina's 48th-ranked Carlos Berlocq 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in 95 minutes, firing six aces, 37 winners and converted seven of his 13 break points opportunitie.

"I feel at home here, after everything that has happened," said Federer, in an on-court interview. "I am happy with my performance today. I am results-orientated now. I don’t mind how I play, as long as I win."

"It's one of those matches I expect myself to win if possible in straight sets, and gain confidence in the process," said Federer. "All those things happened, so I'm pleased about it."

Federer is in the same quarter as Rafael Nadal, and was asked about a potential match-up against the in-form Spaniard.

"I am well aware of the draw. But, at the moment, I am clearly focusing on round by round and it would be a big mistake if I was thinking too much about Rafa," Federer said.

"I would love a match with Rafa but, for that to happen, I have to keep playing well and keep winning."

Federer will next play either 26th-seeded American Sam Querrey or Adrian Mannarino of France.

Date: 29th August 2013, Source: ESPN

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Roger Federer's love shines bright

Federer attested following his first round win at the US Open that his passion for the game is as strong as ever, made even more evident by the challenges he’s encountered on court in recent months.

“Clearly when you win everything, it's fun,” he said. “That doesn't necessarily mean you love the game more. You just like winning, being on the front page, lifting trophies, doing comfortable press conferences. It's nice.

“But that doesn't mean you really actually love it, love it. That maybe shines through maybe more in times when you don't play that well. For me, I knew it, winning or losing, practice court or match court, that I love it.”

Federer briefly questioned that passion four years ago with the birth of his twin daughters, but shared that his doubts were unfounded.

“Clearly when I had my two girls, I also wasn't sure right off the bat how it was going to be after that,” he said. “Was I going to be able to play the same schedule? Was my love for the game as big? Were we going to be able to cope with the whole thing, having twins or not?

“I managed it totally fine. They were at the court today. I'm so happy to see them before and after the match. I'm in a good spot right now. I want to enjoy it as long as it lasts.”

Federer elaborated on the life experiences and lessons Charlene Riva and Myla Rose have gained through travelling with him on the ATP World Tour.

“I think they're learning as we go along automatically, just getting to meet so many different people, cities and countries and languages, places and travels. I think just by travelling by itself, it's unbelievable how much you learn. Being more independent. I'm still learning still today, I feel, even though I know my way pretty much around, what works, what doesn't work.”

Date: 28th August 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer notches commanding first-round win at US Open

Roger Federer opened his bid for a sixth US Open crown with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Grega Zemlja in New York. It was his 65th win at Flushing Meadows.

"I felt great. It's great to be back in New York, there's no doubt about it. Day session or night session it doesn't really matter when you play on Arthur Ashe Court," Federer said in a courtside interview.

Federer had 12 aces, 35 winners, won 20 of 21 points at the net and committed just 16 unforced errors.

"I decided also to play aggressive. By doing that, didn't have many rallies," said Federer. "It was more of a serving contest, so there wasn't much rhythm out there, but I was happy the way I played overall. It's a first round after all. There was a bit of a breeze. Should have played at night. Played during the day. Overall I'm pleased to be in the next round."

The Swiss dominated proceedings, suffering just one mishap when he dropped serve in the eighth game of the third set. He quickly regrouped and broke Zemlja again in the 11th game before serving out victory. Federer is looking to reclaim the US Open title he won five consecutive times between 2004-08. It would be his 18th Grand Slam championship victory.

"You're going to have sonme hiccups like I had today. It was a minor one," Federer said. "I might have had more confidence if I had closed it out without that. This way I had to fight a bit more. Who knows? Maybe that gives me confidence too."

Federer wrapped up the first set in little over 25 minutes on Arthur Ashe, but was tested by the Slovenian Zemlja in the opening exchanges.

In fact it was not until the eighth game of that Federer found the all-important breakthrough; after saving his own serve with a stinging forehand winner, the Swiss capitalised on the momentum and forced Zemlja into a mistake.

After sealing the break of serve with a powerful forehand, Federer whistled through his game with ease to take the opening set.

The early pressure told, as Federer looked just as comfortable in the second. Impressive footwork saw the world No. 7 sail into a two-nil lead, completing the early break of serve with ease.

Zemlja had no reply as Federer completed the double-break before moving into a two set lead with another routine service game.

The pressure of playing the five-time Flushing Meadows champion looked to have taken its toll after two sets, but to his credit Zemlja did not completely crumble.

There were signs of a reaction; but two errors cost Zemlja a chance of a break when Federer looked beaten on his own serve midway through the final set.

Another error this time proved more costly; Zemlja sent a backhand volley into the net, gifting Federer the break for 4-3. However, concentration from the 17-time grand slam champion began to wane and he immediately let his opponent back in to level the scores.

Federer suddenly kicked back into gear, forcing his tenth break point as Zemlja hit long with his forehand. A sublime forehand of his own sealed the break for Federer, who wasted no time in serving out for the match.
Federer goes on to face Argentine Carlos Berlocq, who battled past Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 3-6, 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-2. Federer won their one previous meeting, last year on clay in Rome. He said he knew Berlocq's game well, having trained with him in Rome and Madrid. "He's got good intensity, forehand and backhand," he said. "Can play on the baseline. He's actually really improved a lot on the slower hard courts. This is maybe a tiny bit faster. If we play at night, I think it might suit him a little better."

Date: 27th August 2013, Source: ATP and ESPN

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Roger Federer 'is vulnerable' at U.S. Open, says Nick Bollettieri

Roger Federer is the greatest player in the modern tennis era, perhaps even of all time, but is Roger Federer's stellar career fading to twilight?

The 17-time grand slam champion is "in a very vulnerable state" ahead of his opening match at the U.S. Open, according to top coach Nick Bollettieri.

Federer regained the world No. 1 ranking with last year's record-equaling seventh Wimbledon title, but this season he has struggled with both his game and his fitness, and is seeded seventh for the season's closing grand slam in New York.

"Roger Federer is great for the game. He's fantastic on court and fantastic off court. He's well respected, and he respects all the opponents that he plays," Bollettieri told CNN.

"Roger is in a very vulnerable state. He's in a vulnerable position because he's moved down to No. 7 now. Remember Pete Sampras went through a tough period. Fortunately for Pete he won a big one before he left the tour.

"My Andre Agassi went from No. 1 to No. 142 in the world, and he left on a pretty good note. What we don't want to remember is Roger Federer leaving on a low note.

"He's been fantastic, he moves beautifully, he does everything with ease. This is a big tournament for Roger Federer."

"However, I believe that the U.S. Open and the Australian Open (in January) is going to tell the story."

Federer is coached by Paul Annacone, a former student of Bollettieri who also worked with Sampras for several years.

"I believe right now Roger cannot win just standing on the baseline. I believe he has to come in," Bollettieri said.

Bollettieri is concerned that an underwhelming end to his career could undo the Federer legacy.

"It would be a shame if people forgot who he was," he said. "Look at what he brought to the game. He brought class. He lived a beautiful private life.

"He's quiet. He's always respectful of the sport. He's respectful of his opponents. You don't find too many people who represent life, whether it be business or sports, like this guy.

"Roger has been an ambassador on the court, and an ambassador off the court. How can you be much better than Roger Federer? He's just a credit to the tour. He's a credit to his foundation. So it'll be awful tough to replace Roger Federer."

"The sport is very lucky to have had a Roger Federer."

Date: 27th August 2013, Source: CNN

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Rejuvenated Federer eager for US Open test

A five-time champion at the US Open, Roger Federer is anticipating a resurgent performance at the year’s final major. Coming off a strong summer hard court debut in Cincinnati, which saw him push rival Rafael Nadal to the brink in the quarter-finals, Federer is eager to re-energise his season.

“Clearly when I come here I don't just look at trying to make quarters,” Federer said. “I'm here trying to win the tournament, but it starts at the very beginning and that is Monday I'm playing, I heard, so that's really where the focus is right now.”

The 17-time Grand Slam champion will be seeking just his second tour-level title of the year, having won in Halle, and first on hard courts since claiming his fifth Cincinnati title exactly a year ago. Federer holds the most hard court titles in the Open Era, having amassed 52 in his career.

The Swiss, who will tie Wayne Ferreira for the most consecutive Grand Slams played (56), is not fazed by his recent struggles. “It's important that I concentrate on my game and that the passion is there, that I work the right way, that I'm prepared, and then that I feel like I can win a tournament,” Federer said. “I clearly want to move up from here. I only have the quarters to defend, so I hope I can add some points to the rankings.”

Federer is also just one match win at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from tying John McEnroe for eighth place on the all-time list. He added that he actually feels better now, physically, than he did earlier in his career, despite his recent back ailment. “When I was younger I had incredible muscle pain, like I could hardly get out of bed or all of a sudden the back was really bothering me for a day or two. Then all of a sudden it disappeared the way it came, just really quick…I think it's actually more comfortable today with the body than it has been in the past, to be honest.”

Federer will open his US Open campaign against Slovenian World No. 61 Grega Zemlja on Monday, under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium. He is 2-0 against Zemlja, including a 6-3, 6-1 victory in Rotterdam earlier this year. Federer could potentially face 11th seed Kei Nishikori in the Round of 16 and is on a collision course for a rematch with Nadal in the quarter-finals.

Date: 25th August 2013, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer on the cusp of more tennis history at 2013 US Open with longevity streak

Roger Federer may head into the US Open with his lowest ranking since 2002 at No. 7, but the 17-time major singles champion is once again on the cusp of making more tennis history.

Just by stepping onto the court for his first-round match against Grega Zemlja of Slovenia at the 2013 US Open, the 32-year-old Federer will add another record to his incredible tennis resume. The 2013 US Open will mark Federer’s 56th consecutive appearance in a major tournament, equaling the record men’s mark set by Wayne Ferreira, who played 56 major titles from the 1991 Australian Open to 2004 US Open.

“Still here,” is what Federer said to reporters earlier this year in Australia when asked to discuss approaching Ferreira’s record, bringing up that he had actually ball-boyed for Ferreira, played doubles with him, but neglecting to bring up that he lost to the South Africa two of the three times they played on the ATP Tour.

“Longevity has always been something that’s been important to me,” said Federer in January. “I’ve planned the season accordingly this year again, that I will not miss the majors because of injury. But then again sometimes you get hit with an unlucky injury just shortly before a Slam. There’s obviously nothing you can do about it. The best‑of‑five, the rule in tennis, it takes to get deep in a tournament, there’s no easy ways. I’m excited that I’ve played so many in a row and I hope I can keep the streak alive and see where it stops. We’ll see how it goes.”

Reporters informed Federer that Ferreira was surprised that his record was so soon to be broken and asked Federer for his reaction.

“Yeah, I am, too,” he said. “It’s not something you really plan. You play when you’re ready. If you’re not, you’re not. When I was coming along, guys would not go to Australia. Like Carlos Moya wouldn’t play Wimbledon because he just thought, I’d rather take that time to get off and get ready for some more clay after Wimbledon. It was normal. I came through that period of times a well. But I felt my game suited all the service surfaces, so I thought, Might as well go to all the different tournaments. Next thing you know, we’re here talking about it.  It wasn’t something that was planned in any way.”

Ferreira retired shortly after playing his 56^th straight major at the 2004 US Open, just days before his 33^rd birthday.

“I feel good in the fact that I’ve been healthy through all of them,” said Ferreira in 2004 to reporters of his 56 straight majors. “I’ve had some good runs at it.  My career has been long. I think maybe I would have changed it up a bit and played a little bit less and been more ready for the Grand Slams. I did come in here for a few of them tired and not prepared well enough for them. But, you know, I’ve competed well. I’ve always been in good shape and given my best here. I think, you know, I’ve had some really good chances to win the whole thing, and it hasn’t worked out. But I came in here thinking - every time I came in here thinking I could win the tournament.”

Date: 23rd August 2013, Source: World Tennis Magazine

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Federer and Nadal set for blockbuster US Open quarter-final clash

Roger Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam winner who is a winner of five consecutive US Open titles (2004 - 08) and a finalist in 2009, was drawn into the same quarter as second seed Nadal, a 12-time major winner who completed a career Slam with his 2010 US Open title.

Federer and Nadal would meet for the 32nd time and it would be their earliest ever meeting at a Grand Slam championship.

The top-ranked potential semi-final rivals for either Swiss star Federer or Spaniard Nadal would be Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer or French eighth seed Richard Gasquet.

Federer would have some work in the early rounds as well.

The Basel native begins his campaign against Grega Zemlja. Santiago Giraldo or Argentina's Carlos Berlocq, awaiting in round two. The first seed he could meet would be No. 26 Sam Querrey in the third round. In the fourth round he would likely face 11th seeded Kei Nishikori, Bernard Tomic or Tommy Robredo.

Main draw play begins on Monday, 26 August in New York.

Date: 22nd August 2013

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Balancing family with tennis makes Federer shine

Since Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka, had their twin daughters four years ago, the girls have become fixtures on the tennis circuit, traveling with Federer from tournament to tournament.

But their immersion in the tennis world hasn't made Myla Rose and Charlene Riva eager to pick up tennis rackets. Federer says they haven't shown any interest in following in the footsteps of their famous dad (or mom, who was also a professional tennis player).

''They're not crazy about it. Either you like doing that or you don't. And they're in that part which they don't,'' Federer said in a recent interview. ''They'd rather draw, listen to music, and dance, swim and do those kinds of things, which I'm really quite happy about. As long as they're active and they do sports, which I think is good for them, then I'm all for it. I'm not pushing them in any way. But if they do it, I'm happy to help them out.''

Federer would be the ideal helper if that happens. He is the all-time Grand Slam champion with 17 titles under his belt.

Still, he hasn't won a major title since Wimbledon in 2012, and at the U.S. Open, scheduled to start in the New York borough of Queens on Monday, he's seeded seventh - the first time he's been outside the top three at a Grand Slam tournament since 2003.

His goal, though, hasn't changed: ''Win the U.S. Open.''

''It's fun chasing something you want to win again like I did in 2008,'' Federer said.

"My wife has been incredibly supportive throughout and she’s always the backbone. It’s been great with her, and the family is here too. We’re all very happy to be back in New York and enjoying our time, not just on the court, but clearly also away from it. But I am very focused on making sure I do well on the tennis court first. I’ve had enough vacation this year, I need to make sure I practise and get back to the old form again."

With his girls with him, though, he's not as singularly focused as he used to be.

''Tennis still remains a big priority in my life, like it used to, it's just that I've adjusted to a new situation,'' he said.

Federer's face shows the contentment of family life - just the mention of his wife and children and his face beams with joy. "I didn't have kids to have a reality check. I had kids because I love my wife and we wanted to start a family,'' Federer said. ''It's been challenging, but you learn more about yourself.''

Federer says that throughout his career, he has always tried to balance his time with ''things other than tennis.'' But instead of an active nightlife, the activities have gotten more family oriented.

''Before having the girls, I used to be more flexible. ... I could come and go. All I needed was my wallet and off I went. Bars, clubs, restaurants,'' he said. ''Now we're visiting the cities from a different angle. Instead of going to bars and clubs, we go more to the park or the zoo and other attractions.''

He grinned while talking about a recent outing with the girls in New York City.

''I went to the Guggenheim museum with the kids. 'Let's go to the Guggenheim. Let's go walk around and see some pictures and see what they say.' We had a good time,'' he said smiling.

''They're great travelers and we have a great time. I guess looking back, these will be the years that I remember the most.''

Date: 22nd August 2013, Source: AP

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Roger Federer's US Open 2013 Outfit

Roger Federer's US Open 2013 Nike Outfit.

Date: 14th August 2013

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Sampras on Federer’s racquet switch: Worth a try, but beware

Pete Sampras, who played with a Wilson Pro Staff racquet with a small head for his entire career, discusses Roger Federer’s switch to a Wilson racquet with a 98-square-inch head size. Federer, who also played much of his career with a Wilson Pro Staff (90-square-inch head), has been playing with a blacked-out prototype. He is scheduled to return in Cincinnati next week and is it is unclear whether he will stick with the prototype.

“Roger can play with a broomstick. He’s that good,” Sampras told reporters at the Rogers Cup in Toronto, where he played an exhibition against James Blake.

“I think a bigger racquet can help in certain areas, maybe on the high backhand. That’s the shot I feel like it’s helped me (Sampras is now playing with a larger head size). Maybe a little bit more pop on the serve. But it’s more racquet, it’s more power.

“Roger’s forehand is such his bread and butter and if he’s thinking twice about it, that’s not a good thing. I think it’s worth trying. He needs to win some tough matches. I don’t think he needs to panic and feel like he needs to change everything. He’s still a great player and always will be. Just to try something a few weeks here would be fine.”

Sampras added that he is curious to see how Federer will perform at the U.S. Open if he plays with the new racquet.

“It’s just mental, gets in your head. Look at [golfer Rory] McIlroy and his clubs. It takes one slight little thing to get you off kilter, and I just hope Roger just, if he sticks with this racquet, can win some tough matches. Once he does that, he will be fine.”

Date: 10th August 2013, Source: Tennis.com

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Steve Flink: Federer looks for ways to climb back up the mountain

The man heralded in many quarters as the greatest player ever to pick up a tennis racket has fallen upon some hard times recently. Roger Federer suffered an astonishing second round loss at Wimbledon against Sergiy Stakhovsky, who was ranked No. 116 in the world at the time. He then switched from his trusted 90 square inch Wilson frame to a 98 square inch racket made by the same company, venturing out onto the clay of Hamburg and Gstaad in hopes of rebuilding his confidence, getting some much-needed match play, and adjusting to his new equipment. But adding those tournaments to his schedule yielded little that was positive for the Swiss Maestro. He bowed out in the semifinals at Germany after collecting three unconvincing victories, losing to the gifted yet inexperienced left-hander Federico Delbonis of Argentina in a pair of tie-breaks. On went Federer to the clay in his home country, but he was soundly beaten (6-4, 6-3) in his opening round contest by Daniel Brands, whom he had beaten the previous week.

Compounding Federer’s growing list of issues has been an ailing back, a problem that has become increasingly burdensome for the Swiss over the last five years—but never more so than these past couple of seasons. As he approaches his 32nd birthday on tomorrow, Federer finds himself ranked No. 5 in the world, striving to reclaim an eminence he once took for granted, searching for ways to climb back near the top of the mountain in a sport where he once was unassailable. Not since he headed into Wimbledon in 2003 and subsequently claimed his first major there had Federer been ranked lower than No. 4. He is scheduled to play the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 hard court events in Montreal (withdrawn due to back injury) and Cincinnati next month, and he is the defending champion in the latter. Holding on that title and then faring well at the U.S. Open will be awfully difficult given his current state of mind, his racket experimentation, and the fragility of his back.

I spoke with Mary Carillo last weekend. Carillo has followed Federer’s career closely ever since he turned professional way back in 1998, and has called an extraordinary number of his big contests during her celebrated broadcasting career. She says, “I think Roger’s back has been bothering him for a while, even though he has always kept it obtuse about his injures. This is the only serious ailment he has ever really had to suffer through. It is affecting his movement and is certainly affecting his serve. Maybe he was looking for some power through technology anyway [with the racket change] but if his back was feeling better he would be moving a lot better, serving better, and would just be more confident, especially at the majors where he has to go three out of five.”

Looking at the reasons why Federer elected to try out the new racket this summer, Carillo said, “Most of the time when a superstar changes their equipment, it is because someone is throwing millions of dollars at them. Obviously, Roger Federer is not one of those players. Clearly, he is looking for some kind of technological advantage that he feels needs to be gained at this stage of his career. That is a silent statement, isn’t it? That’s how I see it. Especially if you have lost a step on the courts, if you are straining to get to the ball and perhaps not hitting as cleanly and you are not behind every shot the way you normally are, you are going to need a little bit of help.”

Federer did not seem very comfortable from the backcourt with the new racket in his loss to Delbonis, and was misfiring flagrantly at times off the forehand and miss-hitting an inordinate number of topspin backhands. His slice backhand was biting nice and low, but the rest of his baseline game was untidy and his serve could not bail him out. Furthermore, he did not play the big points with authority, squandering a 4-2 lead in the opening set tie-break and making three consecutive unforced errors—two off the forehand and one off the backhand—from 4-4 in the second set tie-break. Against Brands, he failed to break serve in two sets.

Says Carillo, “Brands is exactly the kind of guy that can take out a Roger Federer or a Rafa Nadal, a one or two shot guy. I am assuming that apart from the ridiculous guarantees that players like Federer and Serena Williams get for playing clay court tournaments after Wimbledon, I am sure Roger was hoping he would get some lesser ranked clay court players as opponents who would allow him to hit a lot of balls and really groove his shots, play longer rallies and feel good about the new equipment. Unfortunately for him, that didn’t happen. It is tough to see him struggle like that. But the good news is that he clearly still thinks he belongs and he is looking for answers, looking for whatever it is that might help him counterbalance what is happening to his body.”

And yet, Carillo believes Federer might go back to his old racket frame in time for the U.S. Open. As she puts it, “I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave it another couple of weeks and then went back to his old racket. He is staying with Wilson, so it is not like Djokovic a while back when he really struggled with his new frame but he had made a commitment to a new racket company so he really had to tough it out. Roger is not in that position and that should help him make a cleaner, more thoughtful decision about this. Honestly, I think if his back gets better in the coming weeks and he can do some nice rehab and really relax, he will get quicker and won’t feel the need for this bigger racket head. It is hard to change from something that has been an extension of your arm pretty much for your whole career.”

Carillo is fundamentally correct about that because Federer’s racket changes across the years have been relatively minor. He said of the new frame in Hamburg, “It’s definitely a different kind of racket. It’s a prototype that Wilson has worked on for many years. I’ve been testing rackets in a way my whole career. I’ve had changes to my old racket in the last sort of ten, eleven years, ever since I changed here actually in 2002 from the 85 to the 90. After I lost at Wimbledon I thought this is a good time to go and test some rackets, to take some time off and add some tournaments and see if there was enough time or not. I’m happy I did the change.”

Elaborating on that point, Federer explained, “I’ve been close on numerous occasions to changing rackets in a bigger way. But then very often time was the issue and maybe just because of the records at the Grand Slams, I was always keeping on playing quarters and semis all the time. So I guess then it was a bit more difficult to change it because of the time. All of a sudden [after Wimbledon] I had the extra ten days or two weeks I was looking for. I really was serious about it. Wilson flew to Switzerland and we went through the whole process and I was happy with how things went.”

After his defeat against Delbonis, Federer said, “I don’t think it had much to do with the racket today. I mean, I’m in the semifinals. I know how I’m feeling. I tried hard. I tried everything I could at this tournament. It’s been a difficult week throughout. But I’m happy I fought through many matches….It’s disappointing but defeats like this happen sometimes.”

Federer had plainly believed his four matches in Hamburg would sharpen him up for a good run in Gstaad but Brands served him off the court. Moreover, his back was apparently a big factor in how he performed. He conceded that he had considered the possibility of defaulting that match. “I decided after today’s warm-up whether I would play or not. I’m happy that was able to play because I’ve had problems for some time now, already in Hamburg. But it didn’t get worse during today’s match. It will be tricky for Montreal.”

After Federer pulled out of Montreal, his hard court preparation reduced solely to his appearance in Cincinnati. That would not auger well for his chances in New York. I believe he needs a strong showing somewhere before he heads back to the Open. Federer captured five titles in a row on the New York hard courts from 2004-2008 but has not secured another championship in Arthur Ashe Stadium ever since. How important is it for the Swiss to turn in a sterling performance in either Canada or Cincinnati as he sets his sights on an 18th Grand Slam championship in September?

In my view, it is crucial. Carillo agrees. “It is important for him. Very important. Apart from everything else, he is surely losing the locker room edge if he keeps taking these hits. People won’t be as intimidated by him and that is never easy when you lose that locker room factor, which he has had for so long now. Back to back hard court events seem like a bit much. I am sure Roger is trying to figure this all out and that he is furiously doing the match, too, in terms of ranking points and where he might get seeded at the Open. Lord knows that he doesn’t want to face one of the big guys in the quarters at the Open.”

But, almost inevitably, Federer will confront one of the top four seeds in the quarters because he is just about destined to be the No. 5 seed. His preference, of course, would be to meet David Ferrer (the current world No. 3) in that round; the Spaniard has never toppled the Swiss in 14 career head to head duels. The fact remains that he will need to navigate his way through the increasingly treacherous waters of the early rounds in New York. Federer’s days of automatic journeys to at least the quarterfinals of majors are no longer inevitable. His astounding record of reaching 23 consecutive semifinals at the Grand Slam events lasted from Wimbledon in 2004 all the way to Roland Garros in 2010, when Sweden’s Robin Soderling stopped Federer in the quarterfinals of the French Open.

Another unimaginable streak was snapped when Federer lost to Stakhovsky at Wimbledon in the second round last month; he had advanced to 36 quarterfinals in a row at the majors across a nine year stretch. Refusing to let his guard down for that long took unshakable resolve, the deepest possible level of commitment, immense pride and even a bit of luck here and there. But the string of setbacks Federer has endured lately has humanized him among his peers, made him more vulnerable, and altered the outlooks of many opponents who once walked on court already beaten in the recesses of their minds. Federer is a total professional who does not reveal his innermost emotions, but this fellow is acutely aware of everything about what has happened to him over the years; he can separate fact from fiction.

After winning his 16th major at the 2010 Australian Open—his third triumph in the last four Grand Slam events—he has played 14 “ Big Four” championships, capturing only one of those tournaments. The seminal moment of that span was capturing his seventh Wimbledon singles title in 2012, capping a remarkable resurgence that lifted him back to No. 1 in the world. But in the 13 other majors he has played in these last three-and-a-half years, Federer has made it to only one final. Clearly, he is no longer the player he once was, but he has not by any means given up on himself.

No matter what has transpired, regardless of the considerable bruises to his psyche, come what may, he is still Roger Federer. That is no small thing. The reason that only a fool would rule out another major title run for Federer at some point in the next year is because his quest to succeed at the highest levels of the game is undiminished. He knows full well that many critics are writing him off, and that notion will only make Federer work harder to defeat the skeptics.

In the short term, Federer may be hard pressed to take his game to a place it will need to be. Winning the U.S. Open would be an exceedingly tall order for him. But he could be bolstered by remembering the plight of one of his heroes. Pete Sampras won Wimbledon in 2000 for the seventh time, securing a 13th major title in the process, making him the men’s record holder at the time. He unmistakably lost much of his drive over the next two years. Sampras played 33 more tournaments after that historic Wimbledon of 2000 on his way to the 2002 United States Open, and did not win any of them. He even was ousted by “lucky loser” George Bastl of Switzerland in the second round of Wimbledon earlier in that summer of 2002.

In fact, Sampras lost to Bastl on June 26th, the same day that Federer was beaten by Stakhovsky this year. But the towering American pressed on honorably, took the 2002 U.S. Open in style, and silenced his critics.  Seeded No. 17, he upended No. 6 seed Andre Agassi in the final, and that was the last match he ever played. Sampras was deeply aggrieved that so many people believed he no longer could summon greatness when it was required. Federer could well be driven by similar motives this time around. But, win or lose in New York, Federer will be out there at the majors in 2014, eager to make more history, ready to make amends for his many disappointments in 2013.

This much is nearly certain: to record another triumph at a Grand Slam event, some good fortune must come Federer’s way. To beat Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic back to back---or to defeat Nadal and either Murray or Djokovic—might be beyond Federer’s reach now. At the Open, he could potentially have to topple all three of his chief adversaries to take the title. That would be next to impossible.

Federer might even consider taking some time off during the upcoming autumn to rest his back and recharge his competitive engines. At 32, he will need to pick his spots carefully, make his goals realistic, look to move through windows and doors that are no longer as wide or available as they once were. As Carillo says, “If Roger has a tough summer including at the U.S. Open, it would be in his best interests to get himself [physically] well. He won’t be trying to chase down the No. 1 ranking and he shouldn’t be worrying about his ranking anymore. He says at this point he doesn’t worry about that, and I believe him. Pete Sampras wanted to win one more major at the end of his career and he did it. I hope Roger is thinking that way these days. He doesn’t have too much more to prove in those ways.”

Steve Flink has been reporting on tennis since 1974. He has been a columnist for tennischannel.com since 2007.

Date: 7th August 2013, Source: Tennis Channel

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