Most terrible movement I've ever seen from an ATP pro. He just never wanted to run. I am sure he was capable. Actually surprised he didn't get code violations for lack of best efforts.
It's amazing how Roger won so much in 2012 and became world no1 despite still playing with the old racket, being 30-31 years old and facing prime nadal/djokovic/Murray! Given the circumstances, it's probably in the top 5 of his best seasons, maybe even top 3.
you know why right? The racquet change, he had a 90 sq inch racquet, smaller sweet spot, greater control, but it required him to have perfect set up for the backhand, and people were just abusing his backhand way too much, so he got the bigger racquet, 97 sq inch, to get more power off the backhand, but it came at a cost of not as an amazing forehand
I think although Federer's best moment is from 2004 to 2007. I also think that his game has never looked as elegant as in 2011-2012, especially in this last year. Federer makes up for the loss of explosiveness, speed and power through genius and creativity (increased use of drop shots and cool resources). Despite everything, he still has a devastating forehand and a beautiful backhand (although more irregular than in recent years). The fact that I had to deal with those years with the best Djokovic and a Nadal at a very high level for me still adds aesthetic value to this stage. It is like seeing that old lion, still majestic and imposing, give up his throne to the new aspirants, not without making it clear who the king is.
It's kind of a fairytale with Federer. He's the good knight who fights the "evil" and it's a Happy End if he wins. I think this counts in always wen he survives a tough match. It's the advantage every opponent has to fight in addition when he plays Federer.
I actually think Tomic showed some real promise here back in 2012. Its sad to see he didnt build on the level he showed as a youngster... I know he cops a lot on social media and said a few silly things publicly, but he did have a lot of talent.. Just a pity he didnt seem to fully apply himself to his tennis...
His dad was a complete lunatic for one, it's hard to succeed when you have someone like that to come home to. I'm not excusing Bernard's behavior at all but a lot of people don't realize how messed up his childhood would have been.
Tomic was good....he had just beaten Marty Fish at DElray Beach when Fish got to the top ten.....that' just show how Fed /and the other three/ was way ahead of the field
Federer the tactician. Masterclass in tactics. You can tell he is just way higher tennis iq than tomic. Clean ground strokes can only get you so far and Tomic learned that the hard way during this match.
