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And one other thing don_budge, can you name me a classical match (one I could find on youtube), where in your opinion, every tool in the trade was used in a proper manner? I'd like to chess map out that match, make some cards and use it as a proper teaching tool to better understand where exactly you are coming from with all of this please?
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Federer had moments of what I call "God Mode". Those moments were much more frequent in 2004-2007. Roger was able to hit his backhand with more confidence and aggression than I can ever remember. He made Dolgopolov look amateur. Djokovic struggled today. Had two chances to serve it out for the match against Isner and could not close it out. Federer has not lost a set all week. Djokovic needs to find his form fast or this could be Federer's title...again.Originally posted by don_budge View PostRoger in the finals with a victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov...from Ukraine...6-4, 6-1. Very impressive run up to the finals. He's back. Kicking butt and taking names.
What a difference 10 square inches can make.
Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton
P.S. Please excuse any typos. Trying out one of these new machines called an iPad. Don't laugh, just not a tech guy.Comment
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I agree. Fed had those moments. When he is on like that, he is going to win unless he is playing Nadal. I like his chances tomorrrow. And I like his chances at Wimbledon this year for another major.Originally posted by klacr View PostComment
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You might want to try a program called Digital Dragon Naturally Speaking. Just talk, and it'll type everything you say.Originally posted by klacr View PostComment
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God Mode...the Roger Federer definition
Originally posted by klacr View Post
Right you are...klacr! Federer's definition of "God mode" (mine too) as he was quoted as saying...
"It was one of my best serving days ever," Federer told reporters. "When you are serving like that, everything seems easier. I was just going for it out there."
I remember having days when I served out of my mind. Of course that was a long time ago...with a Jack Kramer Pro Staff wooden racquet. It made the rest of the game so much easier.
When serving well every aspect of your game seems to follow. The confidence factor in holding serve is huge...particularly in the latter stages of a tournament. When faced with someone serving so aggressively as Federer was...Dolgopolov found himself to be quickly overwhelmed with the sensation of not knowing what had hit him.
This is vintage Federer all of a sudden. It is amazing what the 10 square inches has achieved in such a short span of time. Or is it 8 square inches. Doesn't matter? Ask Hawkeye. Size does matter.
If he continues to serve like this against Novak Djokovic he will be very tough to beat. If an opponent is routinely holding serve like Federer has been lately it puts additional pressure on the opponent to come up with the same goods.
If the motion is not perfect that extra amount of pressure sometimes has implications on the motion and once the motion becomes the least bit shaky...it opens up opportunities. Opportunities to a player serving with such confidence look to be the size of beach balls and can quickly be gobbled up. Djokovic has not been so invincible lately. He hired Becker to help him with the intangibles of staying at the top of the game but is that enough? Tonight we shall see what we shall see.
Confidence is such a huge factor in big matches. Federer's confidence seems to be waxing while Djokovic's seems to be waning...if ever so slightly. He will make a good front of it if his is. He's a tremendous competitor. Slippery when wet and tough to knock out. But Federer got the drop on him recently...it only serves to boost his confidence. His chances at Wimbledon go up with every victory over top players now. The serving factor is huge. Especially when you factor in the confidence that goes along with it.
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Originally posted by hockeyscout View Post
You did say classical match. Here is an all-time favorite and classic. Any good tennis student should watch this one from beginning to end. Every tool in the trade by two geniuses from polar opposite sides of the same coin.
The American Volcano vs. The Swedish Ice Bear. John McEnroe vs. Björn Borg. All wooden racquet final at Wimbledon. We will never see the likes of this kind of tennis again. I think that it is a shame...and I am not being nostalgic in the slightest.
Borg's "Western" forehand and one and a half hand backhand vs. the McEnroe all Continental game. What a classic matchup. This is where I am coming from...exactly here. Soon after this...the tennis world and I parted ways.
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15-30
At 1-6 down and against the run of play Borg somehow hangs on to go 6-5 up in the second...at 15-30 on Mac's serve, Borg rifles a backhand return down the line...a beauty...Mac then is 15-40 down and loses the set two points later.Originally posted by don_budge View Post
For me, that 15-30 point was the turning point. I will remember it all my life more than any other point. What a match. It's still my favourite to this day.StottyComment
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Classic Culmination Point...
My friend and I...Major Tom of the Swedish Army, professor of War Studies, were discussing the culmination point as it pertains to war and tennis matches on the train to Stockholm last week. The point where the aggressors resources begin to wane to the level of the defenders and the tide of the battle is reversed.Originally posted by licensedcoach View Post
Classic culmination point...Stotty!
Last edited by don_budge; 03-16-2014, 10:14 AM.Comment
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Well, "culmination point" is a nice way of describing it. I am very familiar with what you mean. The culmination point for me is often just over a set and half...coming up to closing time. It's very difficult to finish players like Borg and Gonzales off. Opponents had to play very well and keep it up. I think this is where the five setter comes in to play magnificently and separates the best from the rest.Originally posted by don_budge View PostMy friend and I...Major Tom of the Swedish Army, professor of War Studies, were discussing the culmination point as it pertains to war and tennis matches. The point where the aggressors resources begin to wane to the level of the defenders and the tide of the battle is reversed.
Classic culmination point...Stotty!
I just felt McEnroe indulged in that second set with a few extravagant shots here and there. They turned out to be costly. Two sets to love would have been handy. I think McEnroe learnt a lot from that one match...made mental notes.
What worries me about Jerzy is he doesn't learn. I suspect he is no where near as intelligent as McEnroe. I am not optimistic for his future if he is going to remain immature or a slow learner...or worse, both.
Boxing has the same type of culmination point when two contrasting boxers fight. Ali versus Frazier being the classic example.Last edited by stotty; 03-16-2014, 10:26 AM.StottyComment
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Culmination Point...Roger Federer vs. Novak Djokovic
Speaking of culmination point....these two are getting to that point career wise. I don't think they are overly fond of each other at this point in their careers either. Federer beat Djokovic on February 28 at Dubai and that should provide some fuel for the fire as well. This could very well be a good match. I hope so. The game certainly could use an exciting final at this point.
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Well, the culmination point has been and gone...classic. Will Federer collapse or has he anything left to offer...let's see.StottyComment
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Charge...!!!
Good call on a new term...Stotty. Now we shall see if Federer can mount some kind of charge. He's in it and he hasn't given much away...it's just that Djokovic has found the range.Originally posted by licensedcoach View Post
I only just realized that I am watching this and there are no announcers. Pretty cool.
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5-4. I don't trust Djokovic's nerve of late...let's see.StottyComment
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2-0 tiebreak. Djokovic is going to batten down the hatches. It will take brilliance from FedererStottyComment
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