Federer’s problem is all in his head
It’s time for Mr. Tennis Universe to pay attention to something that has become glaringly obvious over the past 6 months. Roger Federer used to be the best tennis player in the world. He used to be able to draw gasps of shock and delight from a tennis crowd. He used to be able to beat Alejandro Falla easily on grass.
He is now the guy who causes naught but frustration in his own legion of fans. “WHY!??” they ask as they watch Rogi stick to a tactic that is clearly not working. Why doesn’t he try something different? Why won’t he run around his backhand when he plays Nadal?
Time to face up to harsh reality, folks. There was NEVER a game plan. We just didn’t realize it because The Federer’s own game was so much better than everyone else’s, that it seemed he could out-wit anyone on the court. The truth is that he wasn’t out-witting, he was simply out-hitting. And guess what happens when your game isn’t quite as good anymore?
Simple. You almost lose to Alejandro Falla ON GRASS. You lose to Tomas Berdych and Robin Soderling and look completely out-classed in the process. Because as insane as it might seem, there IS no “B” game.
Enter Paul Annacone. I’ve no doubt that Roger is hoping that somehow Paul will help him be…wily. It remains to be seen whether that will actually work, but one thing is for sure — the days of “I just want to play beautiful tennis” are LOOONNNGGGG gone.
Annacone will have his hands full that’s for sure. Federer will turn 29 in a week- he’s no spring chicken anymore. I’d worry less about an alternative game plan and more about the fact that he’ll be completely resistant to change. Like trying to get a guy to ask for directions.
harsh sentiments here. I don’t think it’s quite as bad as all of that, but I do agree with one thing — Annacone is going to HAVE to come up with a plan B. Roger has never really had one, because he didn’t need to. He knew if he played his game, it would usually be enough to win.
And no, Federer probably isn’t the easiest player to coach, either. Lots of problems I can see with this collaboration. We shall see what happens at the Open…..