Federer Has One Chance To Get His Mojo Back

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This entry was posted on 7/24/2008 7:33 AM and is filed under Pros - Federer.

I'm going to make this short and sweet.  And I'd love to hear your opinion.

I watched Federer on the Tennis Channel go down yesterday at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

I can only imagine how emotionally down Fed must still be after his loss to Rafa at Wimbledon.

But yesterday's performance was pathetic, especially at the end of the 3rd set.

I believe Roger has only one chance to get back on track and win another Slam or two.

It's time for PS...

Fed needs a specific style of coach, someone who understands exactly what the tools are the Roger has that no one out there on the tour has right now.

Pete Sampras...

How ironic would that be?  Fed is chasing Pete's record, and I believe the only guy who can help him get there is Pete himself.

Pete understood the value of court position pressure.  Don't give me this crap that because the rackets and string technology is so wildly different today that Pete and his style of play couldn't have dominated in today's game.

No one out there on the tour right now is doing what Pete did.  Serve and volley, chip and charge behind 2nd serve returns, and always looking for a short ball in a rally to approach on.

And one of the main reasons that no one is doing that now is because they're not taught as kids and coached to do so anymore.

Very few of the guys on the tour can hit a decent volley.  And it's less about the quality of the stroke itself and much more about the quantity of how often does a player put themselves in a court position that says to their opponent, "go ahead and try to pass me again".

Roger knows how to do what Pete did.  He used to be an extremely gifted serve and volley player.

He's just got himself away from it for such a long time that his confidence to get passed a few times and to have to scrape his knuckles now and then and basically get into the guy's face is in need of a strong dose of Pete's help.

My vote is for Fed to contact Pete and beg the guy to help him.   Fed would have to suck up his pride and lose a few matches as he regained that mojo as a big time serve and volley, chip and charge guy.

Do you see how every approach shot Fed hits these days is topped and sits up all pretty like on a platter for the boys to just tee off on?

If you just happen to know Fed or Pete, please, let 'em both know that Fed is in dire need of Pete's help.

Guess the next question would be if Pete really wants someone to break his Slam record.

Oh well, I think Fed is done unless he gets some serious help from someone like Pete.

Your thoughts...?

Brent

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    • 7/24/2008 8:19 AM Robert wrote:
      It's clear that he has no passion for the game any more. As you said, he used to volley, and, from time to time, still does. But if he gets passed once, he drops back and stays there.

      He's better than that. Do you think Sampras could light a fire under his a**?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:11 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        My suggestion for Pete as a coach is sort of tongue in cheek in that I don't think Pete would realistically be available for a full time travelling coaching gig.

        But, I do think that if Fed went to LA and spent a month with Pete (or any other big time serve and volley champ) and took time to change Fed's mindset, I think Roger would benefit greatly.

        Roger needs to show the world what an incredibly gifted tennis player he is.

        He's got more grips, more available strokes, the entire package much more so than anyone else.

        I think we're seeing about 50% of what this guy can could do...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 8:23 AM Michael wrote:
      Hi Brent,

      I have read severall of you postings about Roger Federer. And weeks ago when i see him loose on clay against Stapanek, i see the same pattern over and over. He is playing to the strength of the opponents, who have improved there performance level.
      No proper slice use. He only uses the slices as a defensive time gain shot to fix his recovery position. Everything else is sitting up. No pressure on the guys to come up with passing shots and better placed serves. If you look at Rafa's serve chart against Federer, which means where all the balls are in the serve court.It is not that impressie a placement, that is because he has no counter attack to fear. I also dont see him vary his serve position to change the angle of the ball projectory for the returner, either moving to more a doubles projectory serve or mixing up to stand real close to the center. Great serve but over and over the same projectories. He has great stamina, at least that is what i thought tillnow. He is not a heavy sweater at all and appears to be not out of breath after intense rallies. But serve and volley will demand total fitness. So i wonder, whether in reality has not trained for stamina properly? He knows no serve and volley game will work properly if he is not 100% fit and is basically hiding the fact, by sticking to the base line???
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:14 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        From what I've heard, Fed trains a ton...

        But, it's got be focused on how he's going to take out Rafa, especially on grass or a hardcourt.

        That's a totally different fitness regimine and mindset.

        Baseline strategy and related fitness training ain't gonna get him there anymore.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 8:26 AM john wrote:
      Dead right as always Brett.

      I cannot believe that The Fed has lost the ability to serve and volley and chip and charge.

      He won all his Wimbledon titles by showing us what a great volley he had.

      But since his defeat a year ago in the French Open he has seemingly been honing his baseline game and forgetting just what got him to the No 1 spot.

      He now seems a puzzled guy on the court, not really sure of how he wants to play.

      Until he "gets back" his serve and volley game I cannot see him winning anything this year.

      Keep up the good work

      Regards from Spain

      John Debnam
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:20 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Hi John and great comments.

        When Fed "lost it" was when he told a reporter after winning Wimbledon in '04 that he didn't really need to serve and volley to win the tournament.

        Nice slap in the face to the boys on the tour...

        You're right, when he beat Pete in the round of 16 in 2001, he was a net rushing monster who put the fear into Pete that he had to return serve really, really well, or else.

        When Fed plays baseline stuff for what is now years, it's really hard to jst go back to those serve and volley days.  The mindset is so different.

        You cannot play the first 6 rounds of Wimbledon as a baseliner and then decide that now in the finals against Rafa that you're going to s/v.

        Fed needs Pete (or some s/v guru) to help him rekindle that nastiness that you have to bring with s/v and c/c...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 8:28 AM Jakester wrote:
      I feel the same way and find myself screaming at RF while watching a match..."get to net!". Roger used to keep opponents off balance because they never knew what was coming back over the net. I feel he's more predictable these days. Better to get passed at net than lose a baseline rally with Rafa.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:21 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        I do the same thing to the TV!

        "Get in, come on, now, go....!"

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 8:28 AM Dave wrote:
      Hi Brent,
      I agree with the 'concept', but I don't know that he needs Pete 'specifically'.... First off, I DEFINITELY agree with :
      '...Do you see how every approach shot Fed hits these days is topped and sits up all pretty like on a platter for the boys to just tee off on?...'\
      I've watched that for QUITE a while; I think he wants to challenge THEM, and he's finally losing the MAJORITY of those challenges !! I think the court surface/his amount of HUSTLE+SHORT ANGLE positioning in point DEVELOPMENT AND multi-shot 'combos' ARE his 'formula' for showing that he IS still 'Roger Federer' ...He also needs to MAKE A POINT OF STARTING BIG....period !! That is just so important, on so MANY levels !! Even during 5.0 doubles; I tell my partner 'if we're up in a set -- make a STATEMENT on the first point of EVERY receiving game'. And no, I do NOT care if we lose the point....period !!! I mean; try a serve return up the alley for a winner....or 'kill the net guy' ....ANYthing that will show the other team that we are coming AFTER them...right now !! If we win the point...it adds to EVERYthing (score/confidence/opponent's LACK of confidence and hesitation...etc...). If we lose that FIRST POINT...so what ?! We're ahead in the set and we still have plenty of chances in that particular game!! I've found that that simple concept aLONE is worth a TON !!!!
      I believe that Roger has to make some of the same kind of 'statements' ....he HAS to get away from the 'let's rally and see what develops...' idea, esPECIALLY as the hardcourt season is running full-bore !! He ALSO needs to start watching MORE TAPE ! I don't care what he or anybody else says....he needs to look at the 'environment' of where Nadal and some others feel 'less comfortable' and/or make more errors or hit more defensive/floater-type balls. I do NOT simply mean something like: '....he has trouble finding his recovery/ready position after 3 consecutive angle-out shots to his forehand...' (even though that IS a consideration as well!!). I mean ANALYZE the contextual environment of where un-sure/struggle type shots and reactions occur. Obviously even those situations can change from week-to-week (even day-to-day!)B U T it will give hima MUCH BROADER PERSPECTIVE for things to try...and for things to LOOK for !!
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:25 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        The "topped" approach for Fed is from a few years now of bad habits.

        He never topped an approach against Pete in 2001 at Wimbledon.

        He's lost respect for what his opponets can do if he doesn't slice and slide that approach down low...

        If we could find a way to measure it, I'm willing to bet that his shot making is using 50% less of the court than he did prior to '02.

        And that 50% includes making his opponents deal with shots below their natural strike zone.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 8:47 AM Marc wrote:
      I agree that maybe its time Fed gets a coach. But what will the coach do to really turn things around for Fed. Fed doesn't need to work on his shots (technical aspect) he needs to work maybe on his mental game. The affects of Wimbledon is definitely a probability why he lost at toronto. Look at this Interesting comparison if you will- the comparison between Borg and Fed- Borg won 11 Grand slam titles and retired at age 26. Fed has 12 Grand Slam titles and is age 26. Another interesting comparison.
      Borg won wimbledon 5 times and then lost to McEnroe. Same scenario with Fed. Fed going for his 6th wimbledon. Like Borg but lost to Nadal. Fed might be tired at this point and needs a break. sometimes you body may say you're not tired but it really is. As far as a coach, because he does not have one at this point ,a coach can't hurt.I don't know if Sampras is the answer. But if FED is looking for a coach.The reason he will be looking is to definitely have a coach that can scout players, and have a coach that can help FEd implement match strategies against that particular opponent on game day.
      KILLER CAHILL is a coach I would be thinking of. Anyway Brent just a few thoughts.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:31 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        I agree that Roger needs zero help with the mechanics of his strokes.  That's never been in question...

        I think he needs help from someone who will convince him that he's not using everything that he's got.

        And come on, this guy has more tools available to him than maybe anyone ever before.

        I'm just saying that I'd love to see him bring the kitchen sink and stick his nose up at net 90% of the time.

        Pete, Boris, Rod, etc. would have done that accepting the reality that you're simply not going to outdo Rafa from the baseline.

        I mean, come on, just look at Nadal's body.  Is that guy set up to be a supple lean and mean serve and volley guy?

        Of course not.

        He's been trained to outdo everyone from the frickin baseline, and frankly, why not?  There's no one out there putting any pressure on him with pure serve and volley stuff.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 8:58 AM stan wrote:
      Yes, Federer didn't serve and volley for several years because he needn't that to win. A year ago Nadal and Djokovic caught up with him. W'07 final was no different from W'08 but taught him nothing. He barely slipped past Djokovic in USO'07. He was "done" already a year ago.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:32 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        And there you have it folks.

        Fed stood up and said that he didn't have to s/v to win.

        If he doesn't make some dramatic changes, and real soon, it's over...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 9:02 AM Greg wrote:
      Good call there, Brent!! Fed getting Pete to be his coach, I love that idea!! It was sad watching Roger last night!! He should have dusted Simon 6-2, 6-3 and been off the court in 90 minutes! He is clearly mentally off right now and that is affecting his entire game! His once supreme forehand seems to sit up in the middle of the court and his BH is also a fluffy shot that sits up in mid-court. Most disturbing, as you point out, is his lack of attacking and coming to the net to take over the point as he has been doing so well for years!! He seems content to sit back and try to out rally guys when he never used to do that!! His current coach, Higueres, seems to be doing a poor job IMHO!! Pete Sampras would be the perfect coach for him in many ways!! Great call there, Brent! Did Nadal rip his heart out at Wimbledon?? I hope not!! Sometimes we forget that Roger is going to be 27 in August which is getting up there for a top ranked single player. Losing even a small step at that level can make a huge difference. Perhaps that is the reason for all these problems that Fed is having.... Perhaps losing a small step changes everything for Roger. Whatever, he has thrilled me for years and he still has my vote as the greatest player ever!! Nadal's current playing may be the equal of Fed at his best though... Not as pretty to watch but how do you beat Nadal at his best???? I have no answers there!! Chip and charge against that guy, YIKES!!!!
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:37 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Well said...

        The entire serve and volley and chip and charge thing is about quantity.

        Look, you're going to get passed.

        Alot, just not now and then, but alot.

        And you're going to get passed off of pure lucky "shank you very much" shots.

        You've got to be able to take it and not worry how you looked on that last point.

        But the mindset is such that eventually you break down your opponent in so many ways.

        I love Fed, but does he have the guts to get dirty and bloodied as he comes in and puts this unrelenting nasty pressure on his opponets?

        I think it's his only chnace at this point in his career.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm


        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 9:10 AM Carlos wrote:
      Hi Brent,
      I liked very much yr comments on Rogers Cup and Wimbledon Fed's games. I think he lost confidence in himself and for me this is the only reason for explaining the kind of unforced erros he is making all the time. May be yr suggestion for him getting in touch with Pete would be a very good idea but for me, a psychologist would be a better option, don't you think?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:40 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Pete, a shrink, it doesn't matter...

        Fed needs to sit down with someone like Pete for about a month and get his tennis mindset re-organized.

        This baseline stuff he's doing now is such an equalizer for all of his opponents, no matter how good or bad they are.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 9:32 AM K wrote:
      Do you see how every approach shot Fed hits these days is topped and sits up all pretty like on a platter for the boys to just tee off on?


      I agree with this statement completely; Fed seems to have gotten almost completely away from slicing the backhand -especially to approach the net . . . and in the match against Simon that definitely gave Simon a much better opportunity to pass Fed.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:43 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        I see Fed approach with these toppy strokes and just shake my head.

        Is it not that obvious that a slice just might work a little better?

        You're telling me that an approach that sits up is better than a slice that stays low?

        I don't know, give me Kramer's heavy forehand sidespin approach any day.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 9:38 AM Eric Becker wrote:
      Hi Brent,

      Im a long time customer of yours and a teaching tennis pro in Atlanta GA. I do agree with your comments. After watching the 2001 wimbledon final with Fed serving and volleying i thought he was going to be the next Pete Sampras. Watching that 01 match just the other day, i couldnt believe how great Fed's volleys were. Up until recently Fed, felt that he didnt have to come in to net. I think the big thing for him is mixing the serve and volley up. The strategy for Fed is once that point starts get in behind his nasty backhand slice. Ive also seen him chip and charge and he is great at it. Im picking Novak to beat him at the US Open because Novak is better from the baseline now than Fed. How tough would Fed be if he had all the players guessing if he was going to come in or not. Just like Pete used to put pressure on his opponents. Roger was losing mentally in his match last night to Simon. Federer even blew up a little bit at the chair umpire which never happens. I loved the era of Pete and Andre so i dont want Roger to break Pete's record, but if i was coaching him you wouldnt even recognize him. He would be a true all court player with chip and charges and serve and volley. Fed should never lose serve, especially on grass.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:45 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        You're right on all of this stuff.

        What, are we the only folks who see Fed wasting his talents on baseline play and topped approach shots?

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 9:50 AM chris wrote:
      comments well taken, Fed has become somewhat predictable, the fear factor is fading and to add insult to injury, the hotel he stays at in Toronto gave the suite named for him, to a famous Bollywood couple! Bad month all round. On topic though, would getting Sampras to coach him be much different than what Tony Roche provided?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:48 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        I think if Pete would spend 30 days with Roger that he could re-kindle Fed's love for s/v.

        I believe Fed has a lot of respect for Pete and would listen to him.

        Tony Roche is one of the all-time classics, but Tony never did what Pete has done, and maybe, just maybe, Fed needs that kind of legend status to listen to.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 10:18 AM Richard Pelletier wrote:
      Brent,

      I think your analysis is very accurate. I also watched that match and was very dismayed by the lack of will from Federer. The commentator on TSN (the equivalent of ESPN in Canada) had some interesting comments on Roger's approach shots. Most of the time he looked very casual when approaching the net and got passed rather easily. His shots had a lot of topspin, which made the ball sit up high right in the strike zone of his opponent. He would have had more success with flatter shots that remain low, making harder for Simon to hit a decent pass. I am no serve and volley player, but I was always taught to hit the approach shot down the line and cover the line and the angle cross court. Well, Roger was hitting most of his shots cross court and leaving the court wide open...

      I think Roger has more than one chance to win more slams, as he still has the same weapons and great technique, but his confidence is diminished after Wimbledon. He does need a good coach, I guess Sampras would fit the bill. How about Paul Anacone, who had such a good influence on Sampras?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:35 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Fed's been topping approach shots to whatever has been the open court.

        Approach shots cannot just be thrown in there.

        They don't have to be perfect, but they should at least force your opponent to have to deal with a low ball that has to be hit up.

        Annacone?  Fine.  I've got no problem with him.  And in fact, that would easily give Fed access to Pete from time to time.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 10:39 AM Juliano Kersting wrote:
      Hi Brent,

      I watched the match and saw how fragile is R.F.'s confidence right now. He need to change for sure.

      He need to stop giving gift volleys and this make those young guys grow up in confidence.

      About asking help for PS I don't think he will but maybe asking for the same couch to get some PS game videos and analyze them.

      Regards,

      JK
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:49 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        You said it right there.

        He needs to change for sure.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 10:54 AM Qiwei wrote:
      Yea I totally agree with you though my volley is no good. After Pete, Tim, now on one on the court is doing Serve and Volley. I've always loved watching tennis in the 80s when most players are playing that kind of style and it's more exciting than today's game. Although Roger having Pete as a coach is kinda out of the question, but it things work out as you said, I really like to see Roger reclaiming his realm again.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:52 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Does anyone honestly think that Fed can reclaim anything with his current baseline play?

        I'll tell you this, if he continues this baseline stuff, I'm going to lose a ton of respect.

        But, if he at least tries to re-tool with s/v, even at his so-called advanced age for tennis, and never wins another major, I'll be totally on his side and forever say that Fed was one of the all-time greats.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 11:15 AM Wally wrote:
      Hey Brent, I had to turn the TV off during Federer's match at the Rogers Cup... I couldn't bear to look at his facial expressions - frustration, disgust, anger, disappointment, or all of the above... Painful to watch... You might be right (as usual) in that he is acting like he is invincible when the track record proves otherwise. Pride and confidence are sometimes interwined too closely for my liking. No matter how many times one wins, you still have to "leave your expectations off the court"! (That's a direct quote from you know where, eh?) At any rate, despite your objections, I thought Federer did indeed try to serve and volley in the Wimbledon final, in an attempt to throw Nadal off - AND it was working...even McEnroe said so! But what a time to make a change...and what a heartfelt blow to lose it after trying to do the right thing (at least partially)! OK BRENT ? Give the man a break!! Because Federer IS HUMAN after all, and I prefer to think that he will take his lumps and return ALL THE WISER! If he doesn't give Pete a call, then maybe you should give Federer a ring, and in your most humblest manner, explain to him how he can win many more Slams. RIGHT??!! And let us not forget that regardless of HOW one wins, it still counts as a win, even if you had to hack and slash your way to the finish line. Who knows? Maybe one day we will see Nadal up there at the net more often! Until then, you've still got us devotees to spread your gospel Brent! Take it easy, Wally.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 4:58 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Wally, my man, how are you up there in the Canadian wilds!

        Always enjoy hearing from you.

        Roger did come into net 75 times when he lost to Rafa at Wimbledon, but he tried less than a dozen times to s/v.

        That's unheard of on a grass court for a so-called champion.

        You play for what, 5 hours, lose 9-7 in the 5th, and only s/v about 12 times?

        That ain't gonna get it done no matter what anyone's perception of Rafa is.

        Everyone points to Borg as baseliner who won Wimbledon.

        But if you go back and watch his matches at Wimbledon, especially in those finals, he s/v a ton.

        It sickens me to watch someone like Fed who has all of these incredible tools in his aresnal.  He's not using but about 10% of what he can do.

        He's right now one incredibly stubbon human...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 11:24 AM MB wrote:
      I liked your analysis, but serve & volley takes a lot of energy. Fed doesn't seem to have it anymore. Its easier for him to sit back and try to hit winners. One thing, I know the person with the best strokes doesn't necessarily win. The mental approach is much more important. He needs to be stronger mentally.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:03 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        You're right.  The person with the best strokes doesn't always win from the baseline.  It's a mental grind back there.

        Fed's determination to play baseline stuff is thankfully a major equalizer for those guys out there who have marginal strokes.

        Gilles Simon?  You're kidding me, right?

        Great.  The guy's #22 in the world right now, but come on, if someone were to ever move forward 90% of the points against this guy and force him to deal with balls below his comfort zone, well, I'll bet a lot on Simon not dealing to well with that kind of attack.

        But when Fed stays back on the baseline, wow, Simon looks and can play like the #1 guy in the world.

        Pathetic...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 11:44 AM Bobbie wrote:
      I so agree. Same for Roddick. He needs a coach. Fed cannot stay back and trade shots with these big top spin players. His backhand is too vulnerable to those high kickers. Same with Roddick. I don't know if he won't change his backhand style, or no coach has the expertise, but until he changes it, he won't win a major.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:10 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Andy Roddick...

        I guess we're seeing that even the biggest serve in the world coupled with baseline garbage won't get it done.

        I just sjake my head when I think that here's a guy with an absolute bazooka for a serve who won't follow it into net.

        The sound his serve makes when he makes contact is different than the other guys.

        It's big and loud.

        And to then retreat to the baseline, get the grip way over to some incredibly limiting western forehand setup, and then try to outdo everybody from back there is just mindless tennis to me.

        Let's see, if I can serve 150, am I going to allow my opponents to float returns back to me?

        No way.

        If Andy wants to win another major, go get someone like Pete, not Jimbo (how ridiculous was that?) to help him kick butt as a big time s/v player.

        I know, it'll take a year, maybe more to get organized and confident with it, but it's his only hope at this point.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm


        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 11:56 AM Bill P wrote:
      I think the pressure and effort to stay at #1 has taken it's toll on fed, But I would not say he is done. Several finals this year, didn't drop a set on grass before Wimbledon is not a bad year by most standards. I don't think sampras is the guy. Maybe Paul Annacone could help him out because he has coaching experience. I love Fed's game, but he is perhaps the most stubborn player I have ever watched, and 90% of his issues right now appear to be mental dealing with confidence and maybe 20% physical. He is not moving like he has in the past and he is not hitting through the ball as well as he used to. It seems like as players hit the 26-28 year old mark, they tend to start hitting with more spin and less pace, often playing "safer" tennis, which lends it self to the young guys teeing off on some shots, especially like those 1HBH topspin approach shots that I winced watching over & over again last night. If anything, I would say stay away from sampras, fed's game has dropped a notch ever since those exhibitions.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:25 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Hi Bill.

        You're right about his mental state.

        But I do think that if doesn't make some big time changes to what he does on the court, and most of that will be to get back to what you and I know he can do, move forward into the court and challenge his opponents to pass him one more time, that he's gonna struggle with his current baseline stuff.

        If he keeps up with his topspin approach shots, it's going to be sad to watch him quickly begin to drop in the rankings...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm


        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 1:26 PM Delight wrote:
      Ya know, you have a good case for Fed to get help from Pete. I was always an admirer of Pete Sampras.
      Fed never had to come in and volley so much and still won but he has to do something now. Go ahead and suggest it.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:31 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Give me Pete's phone # and I'll make the call.

        But really, come on, this is up to Fed to get really clear about his place in history.

        If Rafa had never come along, who knows, Roger right now might have 15 Slams and still counting.

        Pete had to deal with Andre. 

        And Pete never ever tried to show Andre and the rerst of the world that he could outdo Andre from the baseline.

        Pete was stubborn in that he kept moving forward and forcing Andre to keep hittin perfect passing shots.  And you know what, Andre did from time to time.

        But you look at their head to head career, and Pete won a majority of their matches, especially the big ones at the Slams.

        Fed can't say that right now with his matches against Rafa.

        Come on Roger, do the right thing, find another way to lose, and guess what, I'm willing to bet that another way will result in victories and more Grand Slam titles.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 3:41 PM Jim Ault wrote:
      Tiger Woods has time on his hands. Talk about overcoming obstacles using your mind, discipline, and focus.

      Fed has plenty of time to make a come-back. This is new territory for him and now his nerves are his major challenge.

      I am new to your site and I like your style, presentation and marketing campaign.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:14 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        Now we're talking.

        Tiger seems to deal with what's real.

        Apparently they're tight buddies.

        Tiger's an in your face take no prisoners competitor who's willing to win without having to always look pretty doing so.

        He'd be a s/v monster if he played tennis.

        And we all know he'd train specifically for that style of play.

        Come on Rog, you've got his cell # on your speed dial, make the call...

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 4:36 PM Carlos wrote:
      I couldn,t agree more with your comments, Brent. We in Spain revere Rafa, and probably rightly so, but not everyone of us will be able to play like him. In fact I beleive that very few can play like he plays. By the way, did you know he is NOT a lefty?
      There is another way, and that is the classical way. You are probably right when you say that only serve and volley in the impeccable way Pete plays, could cope with Rafa,s game. Let,s hope that someone, Federer or somebody else will try that in the future. Maybe not in Roland Garros, but certainly in Wimbledon. I,m sure that Rafa himself would love the challenge.
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:20 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        And knowing the brillance of Rafa, he'd probably accept the challenge by making some changes to his own game to be better able to cope with a s/v player.

        Borg did. 

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this
    • 7/24/2008 4:45 PM Harry wrote:
      I seriously would like to see you, Brent, as his coach. You've got the right mindset to get back some of the nastiness missing from Fed's game. Or, maybe you could at least be my coach! Where can one get a quick lesson with you, other than here?
      Reply to this
      1. 7/24/2008 5:18 PM 1 Brent Abel wrote:
        I think Fed would need and only listen to someone with some legendary status such as Sampras.

        It wouldn't take much.  A month with Pete would probably be enough to convince Fed that he needs to get back to his s/v skills.

        We're not talking that Fed has to learn new stuff here.

        He's already got all of the tools.

        He needs the mindset, the nastiness that goes along with a s/v player.

        I'm available for some on court time if you're willing to travel.

        Moraga, CA.  You've got my email.

        Brent

        www.webtennis.net/Tennis-Lessons.htm
        Reply to this

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