OK, Fedophiles, what's the excuse this time?

[calitennis127]

Federer doesn't play with the same level of aggressive/assertive attitude that he once did, and his backhand frankly just sucks a lot of the time, especially off the return.

Wawrinka is a bona fide shotmaker and he is more fit and more consistent than before.

Blaming this particular loss on Federer's age is retarded, especially considering that he just had two wins the prior two rounds that were stereotypically "young player" wins: come-from-behind stamina win against Tsonga, and then a win over an injured player. In the stultifying cliche world of some people, it is only the "old player" who loses because of injury. Well, 26-year-old Djokovic was the one off his game because of injury, not 32-year-old Federer.

 

[Front242]

The 26 year old seemed fine in set 1. I don't think Fed fans are blaming age today. I'm sure as hell not. Simply poor play from 5-5 set 2 to the end.

 

[Moxie]

The 26 year old seemed fine in set 1. I don't think Fed fans are blaming age today. I'm sure as hell not. Simply poor play from 5-5 set 2 to the end.

In the Fed-Djoker, I think Roger was extremely fine, and I wouldn't put a much of a caveat to Novak's injury. It was a hard-fought first set, and after losing the first, after being so close, Djokovic caved mentally. Maybe he knew the wrist wouldn't go another 3-setter, but he also had a big sink in motivation.

As to today, Roger never found his A-game, and Stan did. Hunger Games?

 

[Front242]

The 26 year old seemed fine in set 1. I don't think Fed fans are blaming age today. I'm sure as hell not. Simply poor play from 5-5 set 2 to the end.

In the Fed-Djoker, I think Roger was extremely fine, and I wouldn't put a much of a caveat to Novak's injury. It was a hard-fought first set, and after losing the first, after being so close, Djokovic caved mentally. Maybe he knew the wrist wouldn't go another 3-setter, but he also had a big sink in motivation.

As to today, Roger never found his A-game, and Stan did. Hunger Games?

That's exactly how I saw yesterday too. Had Roger played like his often sloppy self Novak could've still won but it was a rare slop free performance from Roger. Would go so far as to say set 2 was pretty much a tank by Novak as he knew it'd take a lot to win 2 sets the way Roger was playing and it wasn't worth the potential damage to his wrist. Didn't really look like he tried too hard in set 2 at all. Wise not to. He's already seemingly regretting playing as much as he did. Imagine another 2 sets and a final. He'd probably miss RG.

 

[TsarMatt]

I've been impressed with Federer this year. When he began the year with that uncharacteristic loss to Hewitt at Brisbane, I was sure 2014 would mark further decline. After all, 2013 was a pretty standard season for the man. But he's stepped it up and played some really great tennis, inconsistencies and all aside.

He did really well at Monte Carlo but was simply outplayed when it mattered. If he maintains this form throughout the clay-court season into Wimbledon, then look out, I say.


I heard he might not play Roland Garros, though, if his wife ends up giving birth around that time.

 

[britbox]

No excuses made then.

 

[calitennis127]

The 26 year old seemed fine in set 1. I don't think Fed fans are blaming age today. I'm sure as hell not. Simply poor play from 5-5 set 2 to the end.

Well that is good to hear. It would be quite silly to blame Federer's loss in the final on age considering what had transpired throughout the week.

 

[Front242]

^ Happens all the time. Players play better in the match before the most important one. He played a much better semi against Djokovic than he did in the final.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

^ Happens all the time. Players play better in the match before the most important one. He played a much better semi against Djokovic than he did in the final.

One of the generally accepted things about aging is that the primary effect is
needing longer recovery time; it does not affect so much the quality of the play
as it affects the recovery time.

In ATP 1000's players player everyday for 5 days typically. That is bound to
cause recovery issues for older players.

In the GSs, since they generally play on alternate days and hence older
players have better chance despite it being 5 set matches. Also, the 5 set
matches gives you some more room to deal with temporary brain farts
(aka mental lapses).

This is just one more reason why Fed will win FO this year (assuming Stan takes
out Dirt Devil).

 

[isabelle]

^ Happens all the time. Players play better in the match before the most important one. He played a much better semi against Djokovic than he did in the final.

Nole coudn't defend his chances correctly, Stan was not injured that's the only difference IMO
Youngderer looked tired in 3rd set vs Stan

 

[brokenshoelace]

^ Happens all the time. Players play better in the match before the most important one. He played a much better semi against Djokovic than he did in the final.

One of the generally accepted things about aging is that the primary effect is
needing longer recovery time; it does not affect so much the quality of the play
as it affects the recovery time.

It affects both. Tennis is a game of inches. If you're a split second late getting to a ball, suddenly, your once irresistible forehand has a little less pop to it, or even flies into the stands. You can't defend and turn rallies around as well as you used to (this is obvious in Federer's case), you can't play with the same consistent aggression, and you start missing more (again due to footwork and movement issues).

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Yes, it does affect both and that was implicit in my post.

However, the degree to which it affects recovery time is greater than the degree to
which it affects the quality of play, especially in the early stages of the aging process,
IMO.

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

yes, its obvious that at 32 it is going to be harder to bounce back and play at a high level consistently day after day, even if Federer looks fresh and 'on it'

accumulated tiredness is part of an athletes decline, Federer will have more sudden drop offs of performances like in the tb and 3rd set that he would have done 10yrs ago..the body slowly degrades, no-one can stop it.

he can help avoid the decline by shortening points and all that stuff. rod laver said the main thing is adjusting your game as you get into your 30s and having drop offs of play is part of the deal.

 

[fedfan]

This is a different Stan than year's past. You could see his confidence growing last year in some of his close calls to Nole. He obviously got over the hump in a big way in Melbourne and is indeed a top 5 type player at this stage IMO. His belief in winning these type matches is evident unlike year's past.

That said I had Fed winning in straights going in, but apparently Stan "owns" him at this event and clearly outplayed Roger from middle of the second set on.

 

[shawnbm]

All things considered, I should think Roger Federer is feeling pretty good about things heading into Madrid--both personally and professionally. He will be ready to pounce if opportunity presents itself.

 

[Ricardo]

All things considered, I should think Roger Federer is feeling pretty good about things heading into Madrid--both personally and professionally. He will be ready to pounce if opportunity presents itself.

not sure that would be a good thing, as normally it distracts prospective parent about how much he has to cut back on the training, how much time he can see his new babies and how he schedules himself to do the commercials and other commitments.... i think it's hard, just thinking about it.

as to excuses, none required as at this stage we should expect more losses from him even bad losses. Even two weeks ago he got his second ever warning (since his rise to the top) when he smacked a ball outside the stadium in frustration.