A Master in Transition

Once a Lion: Roger roars on his way to a devastating loss in New York.

Roger Federer had Novak Djokovic on the ropes in the 5^th set of their epic US Open semifinal match as the ticker flashed on the television screen.

5-3. 40-15. Match point.

Federer sliced a serve out to Djokovic’s forehand on the deuce court, only to watch the Serb fire a cross-court forehand that landed plum on the line. Lucky.

Match point # 2.

The Swiss guided a serve down the middle that handcuffed Djokovic and floated back, begging to be smacked for a winner. Federer uncoiled into an inside-out forehand, a shot that had worked magnificently that afternoon, and hit the top of the net instead of finding the open court. Unlucky.

Fifteen minutes later though, it was all over. The winner basked in his glory and the loser walked off the court as quickly as he could. The great Roger Federer had blown a two-sets-to-love lead for only the second time in his illustrious grand slam career. Hardly a serious offence! However, the fact that he let the same thing occur at Wimbledon is worrisome to say the least.

The Swiss star is one of the most attacking players the game has ever seen. A gunslinger that has always played tennis at high speeds and barely clipping the lines, even his detractors have their hearts in their mouths when he conducts his orchestra.

Federer’s name is not synonymous with the word ‘meltdown’. It is a name that evokes the highest of praise and draws numerous comparisons to titans in every field. But for a while now, he has been involved in strange grand slam matches, many of which have ended in five set battles where his play has fluctuated from the sublime to the ridiculous.

A man of the world, he is probably the only sportsman today that can hold conversations on the most diverse of topics and come up trumps. The problem is that now on the tennis stage, he is no longer able to sustain his trademark brilliance. At times it almost seems as if Federer has lost his will to win and is simply bored of winning so much. He looks careless or lackadaisical and frankly has too many things going on in his head, from ‘what his daughters are feeling’ to ‘what’s cooking for dinner!’ This chemical change mostly takes place at a subconscious level and requires long periods of self-analysis to comprehend.

It is very easy to criticise Federer, and so many theories seem to be floating in the air presently. Everyone has an opinion on what he should do in which situation even if they have no clue about what it’s like to play sport at the highest level. One has come to expect nothing but perfection from the Swiss star and when he fails to deliver one feels betrayed by the gods. How can the sport’s most artistic practitioner end up on the losing side? How is that fair?

Rewind. US Open 2010 semifinal. Federer vs. Djokovic. 5^th set. Djokovic serving at 4-5. 15-40. Match point. Two blinding points and fifteen minutes later the result was that of a dejected Federer and a jubilant Djokovic. What are the odds…

A whole year later, one can’t help but draw comparisons to that match. Lightning never strikes twice? Apparently, it does! And both times it struck at the heart of Roger Federer.

The Drunken Master

Normal Service: Roger about to let one fly at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia tournament in Rome.

 The second grand slam event of the year will commence in just under a week’s time in the fashion-conscious city of Paris. Roland Garros 2011 will mark the culmination of the clay court swing for the current year as the top players battle it out for the biggest clay crown of them all. As of now, the year has belonged to Novak Djokovic who has played tennis of the highest quality in winning the Australian Open as well as four Masters 1000 titles (he is yet to lose a match!) and is the best player in the world even though he is listed at No. 2 in the rankings. Rafael Nadal is always considered a favourite at any major event because of his mental fortitude and even Andy Murray has started showing signs of improvement since his tepid show in the Australian Open final four months ago...

All eyes, however, will be set on a certain Swiss who attempts to recover his lost mojo and silence his numerous critics for a billionth time. Roger Federer is no longer the force he once was. His uninspired play in crunch situations over the last five months is proof that the single-minded focus that became synonymous with his name has now gone on indefinite vacation. Watching him play is like going for a Shakespearean tragedy – his leonine character and fluid strokes make him loved by all and sundry, but his tragic flaw is his lack of interest which results in matches that are lost inexplicably.

There is a host of advice being thrown at Roger from all corners ranging from making changes in racquet specifications to changing his on-court demeanour. What must Paul Annacone be thinking? He had before him a very tough task and has done admirably well by making the Swiss hit aggressive returns and attack the net more amidst other tactical adjustments. Roger’s results were very good towards the end of 2010, but now that game plan of all-out attack is not bringing in positive results. There may be many theories for his consistent fragility in the face of danger, so here are three of them that hold water.

 

·         Roger is 29 years old while most of his competitors are much younger and hungrier than the 16-time grand slam champion: After having achieved so much in his already unbelievable career, the drive to win week in week out has certainly dimmed if not altogether disappeared. This problem coupled with the raging aspirations of Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and the rest have made it difficult for him to mount a challenge when necessary. Where there is no will, there most certainly is no way.

·         He is a married man with twin daughters to take care of and has other interests: His marriage and the subsequent birth of his little ones is also another factor as it has changed his life completely. They are also his priority which means that his focus is now divided and that usually spells trouble for anyone in top-flight sport. Unwavering concentration is the key to success, but by his own admission, Roger thinks about lunch, dinner, kids and movies while on court in the middle of a match!

   

·         His movement is a full step slower than his peers: For someone who was always set and balanced in his heyday, Roger’s magic feet are now a liability in his attempt to achieve even more greatness. Is it because of his age or just because his body is no longer willing to obey his mind? Movement is the foundation on which the game of tennis is built. Hitting serves, forehands, backhands and volleys is only made possible through the proper use of one’s feet.

Of course Roger’s current predicament can be resolved. He will have to if he wants to win more grand slams and regain the No. 1 ranking. It will take a lot of effort though as he needs to reinvent himself once again along with the help of his coach and team. No matter what Roger says, one thing is clear that he really has to change something in his game and that which has to be changed is known to the great man alone. He is like a man who has been drinking too much and can’t recall who he actually is. It’s time for this drunken master to sober up and prove to the world once again why he is the greatest player of all time.

Roger's Roster: Australian Open (Jan. 17-30)

Whoa: Roger makes an acrobatic volley during the 'Rally for Relief' on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

Another year brings another tilt at a possible Grand Slam crown. Roger starts his quest for the 17th GS title of his career on Monday the 17th of January. He will open against Lucas Lacko of Slovakia and seems quite confident (as usual) about his chances.

Friendly Rivals: Roger and Rafa celebrate winning a point during the 'Rally for Relief' on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

 The form that Roger has displayed from October last year has been devastating to say the least. The serve is smooth and accurate. The forehand is as sharp as a rapier. The backhand is a weapon once again with its quick flat,  heavy topspin and deceptive slice options. The volleys are crisp and executed beautifully (the man's skills are just out of this world). But, more importantly the foundation of his ethereal game, his nimble feet, seem to be enjoying themselves thoroughly as they dance all over the court leaving everyone spellbound. 

Bear Hug: The two buddies bond over a well played point during the 'Rally for Relief' on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

 The whole world will be watching to see if King Roger can defend his crown... Of course he will! Let the games begin... 

A Smooth Week

Success: Roger with the trophy after a very good week in Doha.

 

Roger won his 67th career title by beating Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4 at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in stylish fashion. He didn't drop a set all week and his play improved with every match. Roger felt that the new year had started quite brightly indeed: "There is a pleasure coming to this part of the world where I actually do spend quite a bit of time, and I've always had good friends here in Qatar. I love playing here, been successful here in the past. I thought the level of play was extremely high. I was very happy, from my side, I was almost flawless, and I was able to play offensive when I needed to, and when I wanted to it all worked out. So I'm really pleased with such a great final."

When asked about the upcoming Australian Open, Roger smiled, "I am not ready now. I will be when I get there. But obviously, the wins here will help me build my rhythm [in Australia]." 

Nikolay felt the Swiss was unplayable on Saturday, "He played very well. I have played him so many times and I know he was fast today. He gave me no chance. If I tried to play from the baseline, he was too fast. When he hit his backhand, then he was too good. I think if he can hold his form like this, he can be No. 1 again." 

(P.S. - The Maestro also presented a new-look tweener for everyone to behold in his first official match of the year against Thomas Schoorel!)

Roger's Roster: Qatar ExxonMobil Open (Jan. 3-8)

 Staying Afloat: Roger and Rafa kicked off the 2011 season by hitting balls on a court laid in Doha Bay.

Roger will officially begin his 2011 season in Doha at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. This tournament will be his only real 'match practice' before the start of the Australian Open. As he ended 2010 with such flourish, all eyes will be on him to see if he can keep up that scintillating form. Roger himself is expecting fireworks in the coming weeks: “It’s a special Australian Open coming up. Me being the defending champion, Rafa going for his fourth so obviously the focus is going to be on the two of us. Tennis is really going to be exciting down in Australia. But there can be someone else coming and breaking through, like [Andy] Murray, [Novak] Djokovic and I'm sure they will give everyone a run for their money. You never know you could have a new Grand Slam champion. That’s what is good and tough about tennis in such tournaments where you have just a knockout system. I have to start Doha from scratch. Rafa is there again so it’s not going to be easy to win that one. We will see how it goes in Doha and then we have enough time to rest and get ready for the Australian Open. I hope I get some wins in Doha to boost my confidence.”

Light-footed: Roger during the recently concluded Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on his association with Paul Annacone, Roger remarked, “He is a great guy. We share a good work relationship. Obviously the key for me is spending a lot of time with him and travelling the world I need to get along well with my team and coach. That’s the case I have great harmony in my team. He has brought a few things to my game and I’m very happy about it.”

Let's hope that Roger plays well in Doha and is well prepared to defend his title in Melbourne! Cheers!