Brisbane 2014 - ATP 250

[GameSetAndMath]

If you want to know, how terrible the 1st set was look at the following stat from 1st set.

Total Service Points Won by Roger 15/35 (43%)
Total Return Points Won by Roger 1/13 (8%)
Total Points Won by Roger 16/48 (33%)

Roger played 4 service games and got broken in 3 of them. Hewitt played 3 service
games and held all three.

The stat at the atp site does not show UFE, winners etc. But, Fed had close to
24 UFE (which is worth about 6 raw games).

 

[Goldenboy]

Roger looked really unconvincing once the rally got started today. I think the slower surface at the AO will help him a little as he will have more time to set up. Both Chardy and Hewitt hurried him at times, especially on the forehand side.

I'm not convinced about Roger's new racquet. He doesn't look comfortable with it at all in the critical moments.

At least with the old stick he knew he had won 17 slams with it.

I never understood why he changed. He doesn't need the power (when he pulls the trigger, his weight of shot is still as good as anybody's) and its not really helping his backhand or the general number of shanks.

I guess he can't change before the AO, but I would like to see him switch back starting from Dubai and then stick to the old.

 

[Noelann]

If you want to know, how terrible the 1st set was look at the following stat from 1st set.

Total Service Points Won by Roger 15/35 (43%)
Total Return Points Won by Roger 1/13 (8%)
Total Points Won by Roger 16/48 (33%)

Roger played 4 service games and got broken in 3 of them. Hewitt played 3 service
games and held all three.

The stat at the atp site does not show UFE, winners etc. But, Fed had close to
24 UFE (which is worth about 6 raw games).

What a teribble 1 set by Roger 3W/22UE, the worst that I've see him play in a long time.
Lleyton should've won this in 2sts. Anyway great win for him:clap

 

[tented]

If you want to know, how terrible the 1st set was look at the following stat from 1st set.

Total Service Points Won by Roger 15/35 (43%)
Total Return Points Won by Roger 1/13 (8%)
Total Points Won by Roger 16/48 (33%)

Roger played 4 service games and got broken in 3 of them. Hewitt played 3 service
games and held all three.

The stat at the atp site does not show UFE, winners etc. But, Fed had close to
24 UFE (which is worth about 6 raw games).

I only saw the first few games of the first set, and the last few games of the third set, so these numbers don't surprise me based on the score and the little bit I did see. When he whiffed on a return early on, you could see where things were going.

He's still adjusting to his new racquet, so there's that, but more than anything I'm still sensing an edginess to him when he's on court. The USO match against Robredo was the prime example, but he was nervous today, too, especially since he finally made it to another final. Some matches he used to win with one hand tied behind his back are now causing him distress, and he looks like he can't get out of his own way.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Several observations at night 3.49 a.m.

1. Roger had about 6 or 7 break points in the first game of third set and then another
3 or 4 in second service game of Hewitt in the third set. He let them all evaporate.
This is the same statistical problem he used to have against Nadal. Poor conversion
ratio.

2. On a different angle, many of the shanks are miles away indicating that he is
still not used to the new stick.

3. I think no one (other than Rafa) plays each point as if your life depended on it
like Hewitt. He does not give anything easy.

4. The first set is definitely the worst in his career, both score wise, UFE wise
and pure ugliness wise.

5. See my OP. As I mentioned, nothing short of winning a title can be considered
a good result for Fed in view of the fact that this is a top 15 free field.

6. Fed said he wants to win 5 titles this year. How is he going to do that if
he cannot grab the title in a top 15 free field. In Dubai, Novak will be there.
In Basel and Halle, Rafa will be there. In all other tournaments everybody will
be there.

7. Serve and Volley works; not as a strategy for Fed, but as a strategy
against Fed. Lleyton proved that today by executing it even on break points.

8. This year will just be a dead cat bounce. Nothing major (pun intended)
will be achieved.

off to bed.

Regarding point 2, that might be the case, but Roger has been shanking UE miles out for a while now. It probably has more to do with Roger still not playing well rather than just a matter of the racket.

I agree about point 7 as a surprise tactic but the top guys don't even need that against him. The main problem for Federer at this point is that once he's in the rally, you're just waiting for him to miss. You know he's going to be the one who blinks first, and that's a problem. That's why I think if he is ever to win a slam again, it's Wimbledon.

 

[DarthFed]

So much for any positive takeaway for Roger. Still waiting for him to show any signs of life. To lose to Hewitt yet again is just ridiculous. Lleyton is making some noise but that still won't see him in the top 30. Pathetic loss. Roger will likely be fish food by the 4th round as soon as he plays anyone half decent.

 

[19USC66]

So much for any positive takeaway for Roger. Still waiting for him to show any signs of life. To lose to Hewitt yet again is just ridiculous. Lleyton is making some noise but that still won't see him in the top 30. Pathetic loss. Roger will likely be fish food by the 4th round as soon as he plays anyone half decent.

He stunk. Nothing has changed. There comes a time when a player must look in the mirror and say I'm done. Nothing is motivating Fed these days except 1 million dollar appearance fees. Changing his stick is nothing more than an older player trying to compensate for his delusional mental state. At this time in his career Hewitt should not be beating Roger Federer. Fed should try something new for a change. Show up for matches in a mental state prepared for winning. Not a photo op. Roger Federer is about to have a very long 2014 and it won't be positive. Fed needs to stay home be a dad and find something else he is interested in.

 

[Fiero425]

So much for any positive takeaway for Roger. Still waiting for him to show any signs of life. To lose to Hewitt yet again is just ridiculous. Lleyton is making some noise but that still won't see him in the top 30. Pathetic loss. Roger will likely be fish food by the 4th round as soon as he plays anyone half decent.

He stunk. Nothing has changed. There comes a time when a player must look in the mirror and say I'm done. Nothing is motivating Fed these days except 1 million dollar appearance fees. Changing his stick is nothing more than an older player trying to compensate for his delusional mental state. At this time in his career Hewitt should not be beating Roger Federer. Fed should try something new for a change. Show up for matches in a mental state prepared for winning. Not a photo op. Roger Federer is about to have a very long 2014 and it won't be positive. Fed needs to stay home be a dad and find something else he is interested in.

Interesting! I've been thinking more on these lines, but you have some Fed devotees that aren't ready to let him go! My own mother is disappointed, but she doesn't see it as a problem with him, his age, and lack of passion for the game! I've been saying for years that Roger's been stubborn, thinking he can play the same as he did back when he was in his prime, but hiring Annacone, I was sure he'd be more aggressive and cut points off! It hasn't gone that way; Annacone gone, Fed is still trolling the baseline, and is getting over-powered by players we've never heard of! His best chance of taking a major is at Wimbledon, but he'll have to get on his horse and charge, not wait for his opponents to "blink!" :angel:

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Sounds like I should be glad I did not watch the match. I will skip the highlights too and just hope AO is better.

 

[Front242]

Don't forget this same guy people want to retire was the only guy to really push an in form Djokovic to 3 sets only recently in 2 consecutive matches. You're writing him off way too easily. Yeah 2014 will be a long year. A long year to get better. Yes, he was pathetic out there today but wait and see how rusty the rest them are in Melbourne. Maybe they should all retire too. I still think he'll get much better as the year moves on.

 

[DarthFed]

Winning a set off Djokovic in indoors match isn't exactly some overwhelming achievement. His results indoors last year were just poor as opposed to the really awful results the 4 months before it. It is easy to get carried away by his play indoors last year when in actuality it was the worst we've ever seen him look indoors as well.

 

[DarthFed]

So much for any positive takeaway for Roger. Still waiting for him to show any signs of life. To lose to Hewitt yet again is just ridiculous. Lleyton is making some noise but that still won't see him in the top 30. Pathetic loss. Roger will likely be fish food by the 4th round as soon as he plays anyone half decent.

He stunk. Nothing has changed. There comes a time when a player must look in the mirror and say I'm done. Nothing is motivating Fed these days except 1 million dollar appearance fees. Changing his stick is nothing more than an older player trying to compensate for his delusional mental state. At this time in his career Hewitt should not be beating Roger Federer. Fed should try something new for a change. Show up for matches in a mental state prepared for winning. Not a photo op. Roger Federer is about to have a very long 2014 and it won't be positive. Fed needs to stay home be a dad and find something else he is interested in.

I say give it this year and see if anything changes. If 2014 looks like 2013 or even worse than I will be hoping he calls it a day. I rather not see him turn into the other superstar athletes that stick around 3-4 years too long and then are nobodies by the end. And you said it in regards to the mental attitude. Roger is way past his prime but if he gets his head straight there is no reason he shouldn't be top 3-4.

 

[Front242]

Winning a set off Djokovic in indoors match isn't exactly some overwhelming achievement. His results indoors last year were just poor as opposed to the really awful results the 4 months before it. It is easy to get carried away by his play indoors last year when in actuality it was the worst we've ever seen him look indoors as well.

Well when you see how dominant Djokovic was compared to the rest of the top players in indoor season, the same aging Fed who played awful today was the only one to challenge him. Not talking about the WTF as he wasn't great there but prior to that in Paris he played pretty well compared to the rest of his horrendous year and again, no one else took a set off Novak indoors. Roger did it twice in two weeks, which still gives some hope he'll improve everywhere else is all I'm saying. No shame losing to Djokovic indoors anyway imo. He's become a total beast indoors and is 6 years younger. It's to be expected really at this stage.

 

[19USC66]

So much for any positive takeaway for Roger. Still waiting for him to show any signs of life. To lose to Hewitt yet again is just ridiculous. Lleyton is making some noise but that still won't see him in the top 30. Pathetic loss. Roger will likely be fish food by the 4th round as soon as he plays anyone half decent.

He stunk. Nothing has changed. There comes a time when a player must look in the mirror and say I'm done. Nothing is motivating Fed these days except 1 million dollar appearance fees. Changing his stick is nothing more than an older player trying to compensate for his delusional mental state. At this time in his career Hewitt should not be beating Roger Federer. Fed should try something new for a change. Show up for matches in a mental state prepared for winning. Not a photo op. Roger Federer is about to have a very long 2014 and it won't be positive. Fed needs to stay home be a dad and find something else he is interested in.

I say give it this year and see if anything changes. If 2014 looks like 2013 or even worse than I will be hoping he calls it a day. I rather not see him turn into the other superstar athletes that stick around 3-4 years too long and then are nobodies by the end. And you said it in regards to the mental attitude. Roger is way past his prime but if he gets his head straight there is no reason he shouldn't be top 3-4.

You are absolutely correct. He must get his head straight. He is sleep walking through these matches.

 

[DarthFed]

Winning a set off Djokovic in indoors match isn't exactly some overwhelming achievement. His results indoors last year were just poor as opposed to the really awful results the 4 months before it. It is easy to get carried away by his play indoors last year when in actuality it was the worst we've ever seen him look indoors as well.

Well when you see how dominant Djokovic was compared to the rest of the top players in indoor season, the same aging Fed who played awful today was the only one to challenge him. Not talking about the WTF as he wasn't great there but prior to that in Paris he played pretty well compared to the rest of his horrendous year and again, no one else took a set off Novak indoors. Roger did it twice in two weeks, which still gives some hope he'll improve everywhere else is all I'm saying. No shame losing to Djokovic indoors anyway imo. He's become a total beast indoors and is 6 years younger. It's to be expected really at this stage.

Pretty sure Delpo took a set as well and even Ferrer pushed Novak in Paris. Both Paris and YEC were loose 3 setters too with Nole winning the 3rd set easily in both. I think we might be searching too hard here for something positive...And look at Roger's other results, losing to DP in Basel and getting blown out by Nadal indoors.

 

[Front242]

Winning a set off Djokovic in indoors match isn't exactly some overwhelming achievement. His results indoors last year were just poor as opposed to the really awful results the 4 months before it. It is easy to get carried away by his play indoors last year when in actuality it was the worst we've ever seen him look indoors as well.

Well when you see how dominant Djokovic was compared to the rest of the top players in indoor season, the same aging Fed who played awful today was the only one to challenge him. Not talking about the WTF as he wasn't great there but prior to that in Paris he played pretty well compared to the rest of his horrendous year and again, no one else took a set off Novak indoors. Roger did it twice in two weeks, which still gives some hope he'll improve everywhere else is all I'm saying. No shame losing to Djokovic indoors anyway imo. He's become a total beast indoors and is 6 years younger. It's to be expected really at this stage.

Pretty sure Delpo took a set as well and even Ferrer pushed Novak in Paris. Both Paris and YEC were loose 3 setters too with Nole winning the 3rd set easily in both. I think we might be searching too hard here for something positive...And look at Roger's other results, losing to DP in Basel and getting blown out by Nadal indoors.

Nadal and Del Potro got blown off the court by Djokovic too indoors though which is why I maintain there's no shame losing to Novak indoors now as he's clearly the best player on that surface at this stage of Fed's career.

 

[El Dude]

Holy Hyperbole, Batman!

Aren't Brisbane and Doha--as well as Chennai and Sydney--traditionally used by top players as warm-ups for the Australian Open? Isn't Roger's main goal right now getting ready for the AO?

Don't get me wrong: I have no delusions of grandeur for Roger. I think he has a slight bounce-back this year, but remains a second tier player. I just don't think the sky is falling after losing to Lleyton Hewitt - who probably REALLY wanted to win - on January 5. There's a lot of season left.

Now if Roger goes out in the 3R or 4R at the AO, we can call in Chicken Little. But this is Brisbane, folks.

 

[Front242]

Holy Hyperbole, Batman!

Aren't Brisbane and Doha--as well as Chennai and Sydney--traditionally used by top players as warm-ups for the Australian Open? Isn't Roger's main goal right now getting ready for the AO?

Don't get me wrong: I have no delusions of grandeur for Roger. I think he has a slight bounce-back this year, but remains a second tier player. I just don't think the sky is falling after losing to Lleyton Hewitt - who probably REALLY wanted to win - on January 5. There's a lot of season left.

Now if Roger goes out in the 3R or 4R at the AO, we can call in Chicken Little. But this is Brisbane, folks.

Yeah, I mean sure he was utter crap today but it's still a final he made. Imagine if he lost his first match at Brisbane.

 

[brokenshoelace]

Don't forget this same guy people want to retire was the only guy to really push an in form Djokovic to 3 sets only recently in 2 consecutive matches. You're writing him off way too easily. Yeah 2014 will be a long year. A long year to get better. Yes, he was pathetic out there today but wait and see how rusty the rest them are in Melbourne. Maybe they should all retire too. I still think he'll get much better as the year moves on.

I agree on some points, but disagree with one:

- Yes, talks/implications of retirement are tired and boring.
- It is WAY too early to spell doom and gloom on Roger's year. It literally started 5 days ago.
- PATIENCE! I'm of the belief that he won't do too well in Melbourne (ie he's never going to look like he has a serious chance of winning it. Though I sincerely hope I'm wrong). HOWEVER, the season is long, and this is a completely new phase in Fed's career. Last year, he was coming off a great year. This is literally his first year where he's coming off an atrocious one (by his standards). Give him time, and let's see the tweaks he makes to his game as the season progresses. People are too optimistic if they expect big changes as early as Australia. I dare say we have to wait till Wimbledon/North American summer before writing him off.

What I disagree with is the point regarding taking Djokovic to 3 sets, and it's a mistake people often make IMO. That was one match. The same way the Cinci match against Nadal was one match. Yes, in both those matches, he didn't play like someone who's completely past it. In fact, he was quite sharp against Nadal for the most part. But think about the big picture: We're talking about two sets (the ones he won in each match) IN A WHOLE YEAR. That's literally 2 sets out of two hundred or something.

 

[Front242]

Don't forget this same guy people want to retire was the only guy to really push an in form Djokovic to 3 sets only recently in 2 consecutive matches. You're writing him off way too easily. Yeah 2014 will be a long year. A long year to get better. Yes, he was pathetic out there today but wait and see how rusty the rest them are in Melbourne. Maybe they should all retire too. I still think he'll get much better as the year moves on.

I agree on some points, but disagree with one:

- Yes, talks/implications of retirement are tired and boring.
- It is WAY too early to spell doom and gloom on Roger's year. It literally started 5 days ago.
- PATIENCE! I'm of the belief that he won't do too well in Melbourne (ie he's never going to look like he has a serious chance of winning it. Though I sincerely hope I'm wrong). HOWEVER, the season is long, and this is a completely new phase in Fed's career. Last year, he was coming off a great year. This is literally his first year where he's coming off an atrocious one (by his standards). Give him time, and let's see the tweaks he makes to his game as the season progresses. People are too optimistic if they expect big changes as early as Australia. I dare say we have to wait till Wimbledon/North American summer before writing him off.

What I disagree with is the point regarding taking Djokovic to 3 sets, and it's a mistake people often make IMO. That was one match. The same way the Cinci match against Nadal was one match. Yes, in both those matches, he didn't play like someone who's completely past it. In fact, he was quite sharp against Nadal for the most part. But think about the big picture: We're talking about two sets (the ones he won in each match) IN A WHOLE YEAR. That's literally 2 sets out of two hundred or something.

I went to bed at 3:30am. Was still awake at 4:30 and got up again for Federer v Hewitt an hour later. So glad I got up for that travesty! Stayed up till 9:30 ranting in disgust and got up again 4 hours later in need of cheering up. 2 sets off Novak will go some way towards cheering me up at least D