2014 US Open

[gzhpcu]

http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11227023/tennis-going-forward-roger-federer-looking-back"]http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id...r-looking-back[/URL]

Nice article on "tennis going forward, Federer going back...".

In his first six matches at Wimbledon, Federer was winning 72 percent of net points and even won 66 percent against Novak Djokovic, who is among the best, if not the best on tour at countering an incoming opponent.

Two factors are driving Federer's forward shift. One is Stefan Edberg, whom Federer has brought on as coach this season. The Swede is widely seen as one of the greatest net players of all time, and brings a lot of old-fashioned volleying know-how to Federer's team as well as psychological encouragement.

Federer agrees that Edberg has influenced how much he serves and volleys or comes in. "Or maybe just reinforce the concept that it is possible, that I can actually do it," said Federer.

The second adjustment is his serving. "I think also the racket is helping me to serve overall more powerful, higher percentage," said Federer.

Although Edberg does not see serving-and-volleying as a singular way of winning a match these days, he has said he would like Federer to increase the variety in his game.

As for Federer, he describes it as "that little extra piece," which could help him as he looks to stay competitive at the top of the game.

Hope he does this also at the US Open...

[lobndropshot]

Who wants to get a bracket challenge group going for this year's US Open?

http://bracketchallenge.usopen.org/#/

[stroke]

Are you referring to the ATP type 3 slice forehand?

[10splayer]

If this is your way of starting some thread about how a prime McEnroe would do in in 2014 US Open, I am just telling you right now, I am not interested.

And slice all his forehands.

[stroke]

But only if he plays with a wood racquet.

If this is your way of starting some thread about how a prime McEnroe would do in in 2014 US Open, I am just telling you right now, I am not interested.

[10splayer]

But only if he plays with a wood racquet.

[10splayer]

I'm taking the great john McEnroe

[stroke]

My pick is Federer again. I picked him to win Wimbledon, but he really looks good for this one. My sleeper pick, way dark horse, Jack Sock.

[gzhpcu]

Okay, it's more fun to go for outside bets (that's anyone outside the fab four). You go with Berdych and I'll go with Dimitrov. Let's see who gets the furthest.

Anyone else want to chip in an outsider?

I'll go for Tsonga...

[klacr]

Okay, it's more fun to go for outside bets (that's anyone outside the fab four). You go with Berdych and I'll go with Dimitrov. Let's see who gets the furthest.

Anyone else want to chip in an outsider?

Dimitrov not a bad choice. But I'll go with the man who is just one of 23 male players ever to reach semis of all 4 grand slams. The man who has beaten Federer and Djokovic in Grand Slams before. I'll stick with Berdych. perhaps I'm the band leader on the Titanic as I go down with the ship, but I'll continue playing.

Dimitrov is the future. Dimitrov will have his moment, his time to shine, his glory. But not before Federer captures at least one more major and Djokovic has past his prime. Dimitrov will make you proud as well as the rest of us that cheer for him. He just won't do it this year.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[stotty]

Someone new coming through this year? Someone to come out of the wins? Perhaps, a first time grand slam champion. Dare I say...Tomas...Berdych?

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

Okay, it's more fun to go for outside bets (that's anyone outside the fab four). You go with Berdych and I'll go with Dimitrov. Let's see who gets the furthest.

Anyone else want to chip in an outsider?

[klacr]

It's hard to believe Djokovic won't pull it together for the US Open. I'm not so sure about Federer doing seven rounds on hard courts. A couple of tough matches will diminish his chances from a stamina standpoint...well he is 33.

Maybe we will get someone new coming through this year. With Nadal absent and Murray playing like a dummy, there has never been a better chance for someone to come out of the wings.

Someone new coming through this year? Someone to come out of the wins? Perhaps, a first time grand slam champion. Dare I say...Tomas...Berdych?

Hasn't had the best summer swing. But that means he's had more time to get the balance right and get primed for the Open. Before you laugh, roll your eyes and get dismissive of my hopes, ask yourself this: How many of you picked Stan Wawrinka to win the Australian Open this year? Wawrinka had to get through a very tough Berdych in a couple tie-breaks to even make the finals. Let's not overlook my Czech. Laugh if you want, but he's a former semifinalist at this event and has beaten Federer on the hard courts at Flushing Meadows.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QYaP15hNkQ

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[gzhpcu]

Don't forget that Roger has introduced the net attacks to shorten the points. He ran about 30% less than Ferrer in the final, I believe... This should help him from a stamina point of view.

[stotty]

Nadal is out of the US Open. He withdrew this morning. The defending champ not able to compete. Nadal has never successfully defended a title on a surface other than clay. In all fairness, same can be said for Roger Federer on clay.

The top 8 seeds of the US Open are

1. Djokovic
2. Federer
3. Wawrinka
4. Ferrer
5. Raonic
6. Berdych
7. Dimitrov
8. Murray

Federer has to be feeling like the favorite.

Will be a great tournament. Going to NYC later this week to catch some practices and staying for the first few days. Maybe could help out Berdych. I'd be a great asset to his team.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

It's hard to believe Djokovic won't pull it together for the US Open. I'm not so sure about Federer doing seven rounds on hard courts. A couple of tough matches will diminish his chances from a stamina standpoint...well he is 33.

Maybe we will get someone new coming through this year. With Nadal absent and Murray playing like a dummy, there has never been a better chance for someone to come out of the wings.

[klacr]

Nadal is out of the US Open. He withdrew this morning. The defending champ not able to compete. Nadal has never successfully defended a title on a surface other than clay. In all fairness, same can be said for Roger Federer on clay.

The top 8 seeds of the US Open are

1. Djokovic
2. Federer
3. Wawrinka
4. Ferrer
5. Raonic
6. Berdych
7. Dimitrov
8. Murray

Federer has to be feeling like the favorite.

Will be a great tournament. Going to NYC later this week to catch some practices and staying for the first few days. Maybe could help out Berdych. I'd be a great asset to his team.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton