What if Roger Federer summoned his inner beast... The Rogimal?

[scoop]

We all know Roger Federer plays tennis like a gentleman wearing a top hat and tuxedo. Heck, maybe someday Nike will design such an outfit for the King.

Federer plays with grace, elegance, perfection. He is a work of art, or as Greg Norman told me, he is “like watching live art.”

But what if Roger Federer found another level? What if Roger Federer round his sixth gear turbo power?

You know, that extra intensity level of emotional adrenaline that Rafa Nadal, Lleyton Hewitt and Serena Williams summoned from deep within.

We rarely ever saw Federer utilize his “beast mode” of physical and emotional fury, vicious grunting and wild-eyed, crazed, obsessed, ferocity.

Federer always plays tennis as if he’s Baryshnikov or Oksana Baiul. Aesthetic beauty.

What if Federer got down and dirty, and found a new level, with the eye of the tiger and pit bull snarl? And used it on those rare occasion when he needed a boost?

Shoot, Fed might have won 30 majors by now.

If Federer added a Jimmy Connors, Hewitt, Serena, Rafa, McEnroe edge to his arsenal he might never lose a match.

No one could beat The Rogimal.

(Federer art by Karl Rosenstock)

 

[mrzz]

Good idea, except for the nickname (Rogimal). But I admit it is hard to come up with something good in this regard (Roaring Federer?).

 

[El Dude]

Federminator? Federbeast?

Anyhow, a worthy thought but I don't think it holds water. It isn't that different than asking, what if Rafa had played less ferociously to save his body so he wasn't injured so much? Well, he'd likely have far fewer Slams, even if healthier, because a lot of his greatness comes from the ferocity of his play.

Or what if Johnny Mac hadn't thrown tantrums? Yet weren't those tantrums the other side of the tempestuous nature that saw him storm the tour and supplant Borg as king?

So too with Roger: his greatness may be directly linked to his calm demeanor, his gentleman-like approach on the court.

Every great player has a unique nature that befits their style of play. To ask them to be something else, or to speculate how great they would have been if they were a bit different, misses this, in my opinion. We must all be what we are, no?

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

Yeah I disagree with the premise. I think its his cool, calm demeanor that is his biggest edge. Look at the Kygrios match this year, Rog stayed cool and survived and it has strengthened him. Kyrgios was an inferno of emotion and hasn't been the same since. It is this cool demeanor that allowed Rog to skip RG even though it costs him a better shot at the No. 1 ranking. Rog has plenty of fire; it's just that he doesn't want us to see it. His demeanor is also why he is guaranteed a pro-RF crowd at every match he plays - another big edge that he would concede by acting out. We have seen his opponents thrown off by the crowd rooting against them time and time again - and I guarantee Rog is 100 percent OK with that.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Yeah he wears a tuxedo while decimating the hopes of younger generation alongside peer rivals haha. I watched a few interviews with the Roger Federer on the Wimbledon/you tube site and it's confirmed, Federer said he and the other big five members have locked out younger generations from the winners circle. He didn't seem to gloat about it, he was talking about reality. He said well they are going for us, and we are keeping them at bay, and despite a few single slam wins (Del Potro, Cilic) he said only Wawrinka has broken through to shake things up.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Federer can do no wrong in his fans eyes. They are in love with him. To me, the guy is great. I don't think he wins by intimidation anymore, which may be why like Scoop has said he's playing as well as ever if not better. To me he plays more strategically these days and stays focused down the stretch with a lead. That's impressive.

 

[Front242]

How about Roid Ragerer? That'd be pretty hilarious to see. Running around wearing a wife beater muscle top. Massive back, shoulders and biceps juiced to the gills on Mr. Olympia grade HGH and Sustanon 250 on a day-lee, baby please Fans of Lui Marco will get that last part.

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

Fed does not have to be a brat about it, just good clean fire. Like Anginimal which suddenly came out in her last match down a set and 3-4 30-all to Rogers. Now Angie Kerber is a beast and she just won first set vs Muguruza who she had lost four matches in a row to. Kerber is now at a new level since she became Anginimal. She is not a brat about it just super intense. Fed could be more super intense and I believe it would take him to a new level. He has a calm and cool exterior but deep down Federer is crazy. Michael Llodra told me this for Facing Federer. He told me five times in a row “Federer is crazy, I know him since junior, he is crazy. But he has you all fooled.” If Federer taps into his crazy Rogimal (for lack of a better nickname) he would go to a new level. Kerber is proving it right now.

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

Front; How about Roidger Ragerer?

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

Duk; Borg's cool was legendary but eventually it failed him and quickly Borg exited stage left and retired at 26. If Borg became Bjornimal he would have possibly lasted another decade on the ATP Tour. If Todd Martin can summon his inner beast so too could Fed and Borg could have too It comes down to do they really REALLY want it?

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

Scoop the question is why would Fed want it? He is 31-2 heading into today this year. Why change? Also at this age, he is riding it out on his own terms. He will do it the way he wants to. I say llodra is full of it. Meanwhile horrible 4th-set TB loss for Querrey who had several match points, with one n his serve.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

Great job by Querrey to close this out. I give him a chance to knock out the defending champ.

 

[scoop]

Scoop Malinowski writes:

Duke; For Fed to win this title he may need a lil extra juice. He's looking superb so far but a long way to go and a lot of warriors to slay. Q Ball is a different guy now. New girlfriend giving nice sincere animated support, helps a lot and can be difference maker. USA chants were also great.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Chazz writes:

Scoop, did you catch QBall's emphatic "COME ON!!!" after winning match point? Thought you'd like that one. Man I want him to take out Murray. Don't know if he can do it though, especially after two 5 setters in a row.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

Don't think Fed needs much juice the way he is rolling through poor Grigor.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

I like what I see from Berdych. Is this finally his time to get a major? I can easily see him beating Novak and losing to Fed, though.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Wow, women's event has become exciting. Coco to the QF, Rybarikova (?), Muguruza, Venus, Ostapenko???

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

If Berdych gets through Thiem, Novak, Fed and then Andy or Rafa, it will rank as possibly the greatest run ever.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Duke Carnoustie writes:

Grigor going down easily. Not much of a fight. This lends evidence to Tomic's frustration. These guys are Slam contenders and Fed - who apparently doesn't even have any juice - is just brushing these guys aside like the flying ants.

 

[TFBlogGuest]

Andrew Miller writes:

Nadal and Muller in fifth set huh.