Roger's Quest for #1 (and Rafa's QF exit implications)

[Ricardo]

Lol! You see this is the problem. Your guy has such a lopsided slam portfolio it's difficult to come up with any other comparison. Or any other slam where he's shown dominance (none). Roger won the USO 5 times in a row, and has subsequently not won another. If you think Fed fans are happy about that, then you're the one who's delusional. Stop trying to make this into a thing. Apply some common sense please

Federberg asking Moxie to have common sense? Bhahahahaha, did a mouse just laugh at a rabbit for not being able to fly? Bhahahaha

 

[Federberg]

Federberg asking Moxie to have common sense? Bhahahahaha, did a mouse just laugh at a rabbit for not being able to fly? Bhahahaha

yes mate, you're well known for your common sense :scratch:

 

[Ricardo]

yes mate, you're well known for your common sense :scratch:

Sure and I don’t source facts from vanity fairs

 

[Horsa]

yes mate, you're well known for your common sense :scratch:

The fact no one seems to be considering is that common sense isn't really that common. What's common sense for some people isn't exactly common sense to other people & I prefer to use the term common knowledge but that's just me. Some of the things I think are common sense, other people actually find quite hard. I guess it depends on your own ability & confidence & we tend to judge other people by our standards.

 

[britbox]

Roger had a good start. And usually Nadal is his competitor in the no. 1 race. And Roger, has made a much better start. So, he has a start. He could finally become no. 1 anytime, even in the second half of the year. It's still hard court season that's coming up. And there will be favourable surfaces again starting July. So, he will have ample opportunities to achieve more silverware.

Roger should make sure he does well or at least better in the USO swing this time.

#1 is gravy... I think Roger keeps an eye on the possibilty... that would explain his trip to Canada last year... but slams are obviously the focus. If he wants #1 it's an easy get... he just plays clay court tennis... no points from last year.... everything is a points pile-up.

 

[shawnbm]

The day you see Roger play the French Open again--if and only if he skips it again this year--will, to my mind, be an indication it is to be the last time at Roland Garros for him.

 

[Shivashish Sarkar]

#1 is gravy... I think Roger keeps an eye on the possibilty... that would explain his trip to Canada last year... but slams are obviously the focus. If he wants #1 it's an easy get... he just plays clay court tennis... no points from last year.... everything is a points pile-up.

Yeah, but that could also screw up his game right now. Playing clay court tennis, being beatable, it would ruin his momentum. Not necessarily. But, it will spoil the bliss.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

The day you see Roger play the French Open again--if and only if he skips it again this year--will, to my mind, be an indication it is to be the last time at Roland Garros for him.

Last year the situation was dicey coming after a long break, he did not want to risk it by playing on clay.

This year if he chooses to play on clay, that would probably mean he is more confident of his knees and body and it would also mean he does not plan to retire any time soon.

 

[Federberg]

Last year the situation was dicey coming after a long break, he did not want to risk it by playing on clay.

This year if he chooses to play on clay, that would probably mean he is more confident of his knees and body and it would also mean he does not plan to retire any time soon.

Last year went so well though mate. Why fix something that ain't broke. The only possible reason he would do it, without retirement plans, is surely if he's going for ranking points. My sense is that once he won RG once, anymore would just be gravy. I wager Wimbledon and the USO will always be far more important to him

 

[Horsa]

Last year went so well though mate. Why fix something that ain't broke. The only possible reason he would do it, without retirement plans, is surely if he's going for ranking points. My sense is that once he won RG once, anymore would just be gravy. I wager Wimbledon and the USO will always be far more important to him

I thought that if you play, you play to win all the time & you try your utmost best. If you've tried your best & still haven't won, you acknowledge the other player was the best player & you try again next time practising in your spare time to improve on things that you could have done better.

 

[Federberg]

I thought that if you play, you play to win all the time & you try your utmost best. If you've tried your best & still haven't won, you acknowledge the other player was the best player & you try again next time practising in your spare time to improve on things that you could have done better.

He’s paid his dues. If he wants to continue playing I don’t see why he would go on the dirt. Wimbledon is more important

 

[Horsa]

He’s paid his dues. If he wants to continue playing I don’t see why he would go on the dirt. Wimbledon is more important

He definitely has. Ha! You're saying that sometimes he has to prioritise things like we all do.

 

[mrzz]

Incredibly enough, I think you're underestimating Federer's abilities on clay. Even there he used to spend not too much time on the court (when he was playing well), so now that his level has come up again that could well be the case. Also, he has traded speed for placement in his serve, which is something always good on clay, and also has stepped up the aggression on the ROS (for better or worst, this will shorten points). Off course clay matches will on average last longer than the HC ones, but it is not like every match will be a long three hour grind...

*(just edited as last night I fell asleep while typing, and somehow managed to hit the post button with an incomplete message, just don't ask me how...)

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Last year went so well though mate. Why fix something that ain't broke. The only possible reason he would do it, without retirement plans, is surely if he's going for ranking points. My sense is that once he won RG once, anymore would just be gravy. I wager Wimbledon and the USO will always be far more important to him

It may not be fixing a broke building. It could be like constructing another storey on top of existing structure.

Further, I think even for Roger YE #1 would be impossible without some clay points. He does not have to actually win RG or Rome. But, need to register his fair share of points from some clay events in order to have a shot.

 

[Andy22]

Yea plus Nadal has little points to def at the us series Montreal and CM also India wells. Just need to def he's clay season which he always does

 

[Horsa]

Incredibly enough, I think you're underestimating Federer's abilities on clay. Even there he used to spend not too much time on the court (when he was playing well), so now that his level has come up again that could well be the case. Also, he has traded speed for placement in his serve, which is something always good on clay, and also has stepped up the aggression on the ROS (for better or worst, this will shorten points). Off course clay matches will on average last longer than the HC ones, but it is not like every match will be a long three hour grind...

*(just edited as last night I fell asleep while typing, and somehow managed to hit the post button with an incomplete message, just don't ask me how...)

You're only human like the rest of us. Sometimes I've typed while tired or my eyes have started getting itchy, stinging & sore even with my specs on & I haven't been able to read properly & I've wondered how I managed & had to edit later, explain or apologise & admit where I've been wrong. I guess it happens to all of us.

 

[Tennis Miller]

I think Cilic could be year-end #1

 

[El Dude]

I think Cilic could be year-end #1

That's an interesting thought, and I give you credit for being bold - you're probably going to get flack, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.

In fact, there's a scenario in which Cilic is #1 and doesn't win a Slam. I mean, chances are he'll need at least one Slam, but imagine this: Roger tapers off, doesn't play clay, is upset at Wimbledon, etc. Rafa is strong in clay, but gets injured and/or sucks in the second half. Novak and Andy never get going. Who is left? Even if Roger has AO, Rafa takes the FO...let's say Kyrgios wins Wimbledon and Zverev the USO. But meanwhile, Cilic is going deep in every Slam, wins two or three Masters, and tops it off with the World Tour Finals...voila, YE1.

Anyhow, I don't think it will happen - or rather, if Cilic is YE1 then it probably means he won at least either Wimbledon or the USO. But an interesting idea to ponder.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

I think Cilic could be year-end #1

In fact, Cilic has openly declared that he is going after #1 after the AO in an interview. Considering he was a finalist in two of the last three slams and considering many are injured, that is definitely within the realm of possibilities.

 

[shawnbm]

I like the fire and determination by the big Croat. I hope he keeps on plugging along.