Federer recent loss to Nadal in Australian open semis 2012 was not that bad as score line suggested. Roger was on target in first set, playing aggressive, taking ball on the rise, targeting Nadal’s backhand, in a nutshell there were some missed opportunities by Federer, specially some missed forehands and some lucky and timely forehand passing shot by Nadal made the difference.
Roger was guarding baseline in the first set and refused to fall backwards on the court but second set onwards after the interruption in the game due to fireworks, Nadal dialed in, hit some really mesmerizing passing shot rattled Federer. Suddenly Federer forgot the gameplan, was approaching net on Nadal’s forehand, shanked balls and missed forehand again and again.
But to me this game was a step forward for Federer although he lost. Going forward I think Federer needs to make some changes when facing Nadal, Nadal being lefty makes it complicated for Federer , Naturally Federer approaches the net after hitting cross court forehand, which usually goes to backhand side for all other players but for Nadal it is forehand , where he is capable of putting it on a dime even when he is hitting a running forehand. So I think approaching on a backhand side will make a difference.
Roger was missing forehands because he hits it flatter than Nadal and he was trying to finish the points quickly. Against Nadal you always get ready to hit a second shot,
Even though you think you hit a winner already. So really Federer needs to hit high percentage forhands with little bit a margin on the height and width.
Hitting ball on the rise with Nadal’s heavy topspin was also problem for Federer, resulted many shanks during the game; needs to practice this more often on practice court. This shot is very effective against Novak as he hit flatter than Nadal.
Other reason for shanks may be smaller racquet's head, so may be a little bit bigger racquet's head will make a difference.
Attacking second serve, really crucial for Federer specially on ad court, Federer usually chip it or goes inside out forehand resulting in opening his own court. Needs some tinkering there. please hit the practice court.
Some of the misses by Roger was good, as when he approched net and fell down on half volley, but then he was reluctant to come in, he was aggressive on backhand slice, even though he missed a few.Those misses were not so bad but timing of those misses were crucial, so taking a calculated risk during
the entire match certainly will pay off.
Some of the misses by Roger was good, as when he approched net and fell down on half volley, but then he was reluctant to come in, he was aggressive on backhand slice, even though he missed a few.Those misses were not so bad but timing of those misses were crucial, so taking a calculated risk during
the entire match certainly will pay off.
In a nutshell Roger did pretty good in this match, making some adjustments will make result more favorable for him. Sticking to his own gameplan also crucial for Federer against Nadal.
This is only start of the season Federer might rewrite history again this year. All the very best Fed.
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