I agree with this. Honestly, I thought Federer didn’t have a prayer before the final, but the way he played in the first set surprised me, even though he lost it. The problem with Federer is that he has put himself in a position to fight for title so many times and has lost a tonne of finals. That taints his legacy somehow, but at the same reaching those finals and going toe to toe with much younger players is a sign of mental strength, which is in addition to his flair.
It is clear, however, that sometimes he gets nervous when the win is within touching distance. He almost blew it at at the AO last year against Cilic. If I am not mistaken, he did admit that he was already thinking about number 20 as he got closer to the title, but the match was still not yet over. This is happening more as gets older. I think he has to learn to compartmentalize. He has to learn to focus on the task at a particular moment, instead of thinking about the trophy presentation when the match is still being played.
You thought Federer didn't have a prayer in finals after how he played against a red-hot Rafa? knowing his game is suited for grass and seeing how Djoker sort of didn't look that impressive vs Agut? My gosh, you federer fans are so harsh on Roger, cut him some slack.
He almost blew it vs Cilic, but he didn't did he? What about when he pulled through vs Roddick in 09 Wimbledon, against Rafa in 07 Wimbledon and more recently when he toppled Nadal in finals of AO a few years ago, i believe nadal was up a break early in 5th set. So much for Roger blowing it then..
I think you guys are too harsh on Roger, to me, there is a simpler explanation here. Roger's game is based on higher risk than Novak and Nadal. When calm, confident, he can produce more winners than UFEs but in pressure situations, he has less margin than Nadal or Novak. It is understandable that Nadal and Djoker's games will be more steady under pressure, most of the time. This is even more of a problem for Roger in his older age as in the past, he relied on defense A LOT more. Back during 04-07, Federer oftentimes relied on defense to make opponents miss in pressure situations, he also played offense, but he used defense more. In his older age, he has adopted a more risky, offensive approach and so he is more susceptible to making errors when nerves are at play. It's tough for him when he faces Novak or Nadal, two all time greats, who have more steady games. The fact that Djokovic made 0 UFE! 0 UFE! in 3 tiebreakers is CRAZY, OUTRAGEOUS. He forced Federer to play risk tennis and Federer couldn't execute. Not that easy to do...
