What's wrong with Roger Federer? This is the question bouncing around the tennis world these days with just as many theories being put forward to answer that $64,000 question.I think everyone would agree that Federer's confidence is shot. But, how exactly does that effect his play?
I had the opportunity to watch Federer on the practice courts the day after his loss last week to Gilles Simon in the Rogers Cup in Toronto. He was hitting with a hitting partner who was just there to keep the ball in play.
What struck me was how erratic Federer was, especially off the forehand.
It made me think about the construction of Federer's tactical game.
Roger has never been a player who is content to hit 15-20 balls every point and outwork his opponent. At his essence, he's a shotmaker, unlike his main adversary Rafael Nadal, who is essentially a defensive player content to outwork his opponents and tire them physically.
And, when your confidence goes it is hard to attack well.
So Federer really has 2 choices as far as I can see. He can reaffirm that he's an attack player and improve his approach shots and his volleys. Or, he can say that he needs more tactical margin and gets into the mindset of grinding out some points at certain important times in matches.
Personally, I think Federer is better off attacking because there are too many young, quick guys with 2 handed backhands who can rally and run all day long.
Plus, Federer is not getting any younger and the grinding style is very hard on the body.
So, I say let Fed attack and let the chips fall where they may.
Until next time,
Glenn Sheiner M.D. - author of Insider Tennis Strategies Top Tennis Tactics AND Coaching Lessons guaranteed to make you a smarter tennis player and take your tennis to the next level. Also, check out the world's top tennis humor screensaver
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