Fed-Axed - My 2 Cents on his Loss

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Truth be told, I was never a Roger Federer fan.

His calm demeanor and inability to show any anger, frustration, happiness or any feeling whatsoever on court, just wasn't my cup of tea. It's funny because my all time idol was (and still is), Pete Sampras, who had the same temperament as Federer.

I have to admit though that watching Federer play is pure genius and magic.

His ability to take balls on the rise, smooth service action, powerful forehand and great net play, has given me the incentive to improve my own game; both in terms of play and on-court temperament.

Which is why, when Federer was speechless and even started to cry on that podium in Melbourne last Sunday night, I too felt sad for him.

Will he show he's the best player of all time by beating Sampras's 14 Slams? Will he win the career Slam (all 4 Slams on all surfaces)? This was the frustration and anguish demonstrated by Federer, as the tears rolled down his eyes.

Personally, I feel Federer's slow demise is down to a few factors which, if Federer addresses, can help him to solve his problems:


1) No Full-Time Coach:

Correct me if I'm wrong but Federer still doesn't employ a full-time coach. I do think in this modern age, everyone at the top needs some form of guidance - Beckham has one, Bryant has one, Tiger has one; even Barack Obama has a few!

I think it's a little naive, bordering on plain arrogance, to think that because you're the best in your field, you don't need help from anyone else.

Coaches can provide the following:

• Identify Your Strengths & Weaknesses - Work with you to improve your overall game and introduce new strategies & tactics.
  
  Federer didn't realise it but his slice-backhand, as well as his great serve & volley game, was getting to Nadal. Alas, he didn't have a coach to help his identify this.



• Identify Opponent's Strengths & Weaknesses - Help you review videos or obtaining inside information on your opponent's well-being, tactics, etc.
  
  Federer doesn't have the tactical know-how on how to beat Nadal or Murray.

2) Slightly Slower on Court:

At 27 years of age, I feel that Federer is no longer as quick around the court as his younger opponents like Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, etc.

This, coupled with the fact that balls are being hit even harder these days spells the beginning of the end for the "beautiful player."

Perhaps Federer needs to find ways to end points more quickly by using more of his sound net play. Or perhaps use more "junk shots" like moon balls, drop-shots, etc to stay in the game or to mix things up.

Again, a coach would help him realise this.


3) Lack of Long, 5-Set Match-Play:

Unfortunately, due to the fact that many players have already lost to Federer mentally, even before going on court means that Federer is never stretched and rarely goes to 3 or 5 sets. At most, he's only stretched to 4 sets in Slams.

Thus, I suspect although he is physically fit, Federer lacks the mental toughness to play a grinding 5-setter like the one with a Nadal, Murray or Verdasco.


Through these few steps above, I do feel that Roger Federer has what it takes to overtake the great Pistol Pete and cement his place in tennis nirvana.

Otherwise he'd better run and hide because the Spanish Armada is coming...


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