Federer and coach Annacone split up.

[Murat Baslamisli]

^ Federer might be the best as far as instinctive play is concerned, but to say he has no strategy or does not study the game is just absurd. Have you ever seen him play big servers like Milos, for example? How the balls get shorter and lower to get him come forward, and then go for the pass? Have you seen him play Nole, where the backhand slice becomes the main shot for him ?
The problem is , tactics are a two-way street. They don't always work because there is another guy on the other side of the net, whose tactic might be more easier to execute. That's exactly what happens when Roger plays Nadal. Nadal has the easier job. As he has said in a million occasions and in his book, his one tactic is pound Roger's backhand with high top spin forehands. He succeeds almost everytime , because for Rafa to do that is easier than for Roger to AVOID that. Simple.

That does not mean Roger plays the game without thinking. I have seen him change tactics in the middle of a game many times when his initial plan was not working and turn a match around. He is one of the smartest players out there.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Well, the best test of how smart a player is, is when they are past their physical prime. Federer can prove how smart he is in 2014, now that he has no coach to blame.

 

[isabelle]

Can't you come up with something better than Olderer? That's the worst bad nickname I've ever seen. It's embarrassing really.

Sorry I didn't "create" it, just saw it on mtf. No lack of respect with it, a lot of people call Baghdatis Bagman, Ferrer is Ferru, Nalbandian is Nalby, Moya is Charlie or Lord Carlos, Tsonga is Kinder Bueno, Monfils is La Monf...when you're famous, you can't stop people from giving you a nickname, just a proof that you're popular, nothing more
But if you prefer Mr Vavrinec to name Federer, please let me know. the worst bad nickname I read about Federer is Declinerer, it's unfair, I don't like it at all.

No..if you respected Federer you wouldn't call him olderer..you'd call him the fedster or fed or roger or woger..

to go along with your non believable theme you'd also be ok calling nalbandian 'fat dave' or nadal 'the dirtball junkie' or 'the topspin monkey'. and claim that no lack of respect was in evidence.

You make the right distinction between nick-names and disparaging names.

@isabelle: I'm sure your English is good enough to know the difference. There is no need for you to insult Federer fans by calling him "Olderer" or "Declinerer," etc. It doesn't matter that you've read it on other sites. You have used it to the point of boredom. It's not clever, and it's insulting to Federer's fans. Unless you come up with something unique and original, I'd suggest you go back to the traditional appellations.

You know what ? Federer's fans are just too sensitive, each time a non insulting nickname appears they provoke an uproar.
Nadal and Noles's fans are quiter even if Nadal's already got some very injurious nicknames (concerning doping for ex). I respect Youngderer as much as anyone else, his fans are probably disappointed by his average results this season and jumped on me to claim their frustration. Various nicknames given to a player have no influence on his performances. But from know, I'll cal him Youngderer and don't tell me it's a lack of respect !!! Maybe he'll have better results with my very nice nickname ??? Who knows ?
Even me already called my beloved Nalby "fatdave" as his double partner in Bercy did it once, don't remember with who Nalby teamed but his partner called him "fat" "fat" do this watch that...don't tell me he didn't respect Nalby !!
I never used Declinerer as I told you I don't like this nickname (from mtf forum)
Love from your French contrarian (hey hey..)

 

[Moxie]

NYTimes's Christopher Cleary talks to Annacone and analyzes Roger's next steps, "Ex-Coach Says Greatness Remains Within Federer’s Reach":

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/sports/tennis/paul-annacone-ex-coach-says-greatness-remains-within-roger-federers-reach.html?ref=sports&_r=1&

 

[Kieran]

Well, they're all saying the right things, aren't they? Which is proper and admirable. One thing I'm glad to read is that Roger has turned down lucrative exos in December so he can concentrate on his training and tournament schedule. I know these exos are hugely lurcrative, but he doesn't need the money, right?

And he's already done enough selling of the sport. Best not to let these things get in the way of his true business...

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Good idea of Federer to focus on the AO. Djokovic defending a truckload, Murray defending a final and not yet healthy. Federer defending a SF and now a potential week one casualty. Nadal with no points to defend. Very big implications for the big 4.