Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Tuesday, January 05, 2016
5 reasons why Roger Federer will win a Grand Slam this year
He's closer than anyone to toppling Novak Djokovic from on top of the rankings. Yet Roger Federer, the widely-acknowledged Greatest Player of All Time, has not won a Grand Slam since 2012. As time slips away, here are 5 reasons why the legendary Swiss will win a major in 2016.
Roger Federer's Grand Slam odds for 2016:
Australian Open - 8/1 bet365
French Open - 25/1 Paddy Power
Wimbledon - 7/1 Ladbrokes
US Open - 8/1 Ladbrokes
He's still hungry
While it may sound extremely simplistic, this is a major component for any kind of success. Talent alone is nothing without desire.
17 Grand Slam titles down the line, and not having won one for three years, many would forgive Roger Federer for calling it a day. Surely it would be so easy, having attained so much - and struggling to re-achieve it - to preserve your status as a full-time legend and close the door.
But Federer isn't like that. Instead, he's using his past accomplishments as fuel for the future. Rather than enjoying the sweet taste of victory and passing on from it, he's remembering the addictive flavour it presented, and wanting more.
After his painful 2014 Wimbledon loss, his words were: “I am still very hungry and motivated, and a match like this is very helpful.” It was a claim he backed up with his stellar run to the US Open final.
Let's be real: You want the kids to see what Daddy did in action, not just hear what Daddy once achieved. For Roger Federer, with two sets of twins, that has to be bonus motivation.
He's adjusting to the competition
If you don't know about SABR (definition: Sneaky Attack By Roger, a near-on half-volley of a service return that throws the opponent right off their rhythm), then you're seriously out of the loo right now. Roger's brand new, super-aggressive tactic has the world going crazy. It's currently the most modern thing in the sport – and proof that the Swiss maestro will do whatever it takes to get those key victories, and add to his trophy cabinet.
It's also fantastically promising for the 34-year-old going forward. After 17 years as a pro, the thought of change can't be inviting. Yet it's one that Federer has embraced. And in the coming months, he'll continue to reap the rewards.
He's getting closer
It simply does not matter that his last Grand Slam triumph was all the way back at Wimbledon 2012. You have to look beyond Roger Federer's titles, to his form
This form now has him taking down an incredible Novak Djokovic regularly, and owning the majority of the rest of the tour. Right now, Roger is vintage – and if he's anything compared to his stellar 2012 self, he's better. The one small difficulty is that his Serbian nemesis is better, too.
Beyond the form, the results have been pretty fantastic, anyway. Today, he and Novak co-dominate the Masters series events. And since that Sunday afternoon when he reduced Andy Murray to tears, Federer has been one win away from a massive accomplishment several times over.
There was the Olympic final just weeks after Wimbledon 2012 – a loss that broke him internally, as he narrowly missed out on the gold medal he has never attained. 2013 was the season in which many ordered him to retire, but since that wobbly form has has never looked back, doing nothing but improving and progressing - whilst reaching three more major finals and many more semi-finals along the way.
He's still progressing – and there's only one major roadblock
As effortless, skilled, talented and precise as ever he was, Roger only has one big concern heading into 2016: How to emerge from a Slam with seven victories once more.
Nothing in his game is stopping him. Away from the big stages, he is consistent, magnificent and pretty much invincible. On the big stages, he has proven that he can still take down opposition in best of five sets – from the lowest-ranked qualifier to the top level competition.
You could say that Novak Djokovic is his one major roadblock. After all, it's the world no. 1 who has brought the Swiss to a halt in his previous three major finals. And yet Roger has taken down the Serb away from those stages, and proven that he has what it takes to beat his long-time foe on them.
Aside from his opponent, two similarities occurred in Federer's two 2015 major final losses. Firstly, rain struck, and tampered with the conditions – presenting the heavy atmosphere in Djokovic's favour.
But there was one similairity occurring over all three Federer versus Djokovic final showdowns: Federer nerves.
At Wimbledon 2013, it was four tight unforced errors in the final game of the fifth set, abruptly finishing a legendary clash. At Wimbledon 2014, the serve that had been utterly flawless in the previous round was struggling to land inside the service box. And in the US Open final, 4 of 23 break point taken tell the story.
As the months speed by, and he still can't take that final step to winning Slam titles, naturally Roger Federer is getting tight and nervous. It has been painfully tangible - right down to the mid-match reactions of his wife, Mirka.
But it's only one problem. With his game still improving, and one sole, big challenge lined up for the 2016 season, his dedication and determination can surely see him across that final line.
In this form, do you honestly see him falling at four different hurdles?
Actually, make that five...
2016 was 'D-Day', and the Olympics are coming
Abundantly able in taking down anybody, Roger Federer has made it clear that he intends to stick around on the ATP for several years to come. It's a reassurance that will delight fans and casual followers alike, for whom tennis without Roger Federer is a prospect akin to Wimbledon without a Centre Court.
However, in the relief, many will forget that a while ago, Roger had an answer for those who continually pestered him about retirement.
He said that he would at least stay until the Rio Olympics in 2016. And what do you know? In less than a year's time, that is what he will be competing for.
It's highly likely that this will be his major goal for the coming season. And for the prior part of the year, he'll be working to get his form on top to achieve that accomplishment. When he did so in 2012, he ended up with a Wimbledon title along the way. Whichever was his highest goal – Wimbledon glory or a gold medal - that triumph surely softened the blow of the Olympic disappointment.
As he aims for Olympic gold, his level should continue to increase. And that time will encompass three of the four majors of the season.
If nothing else, that is a highly promising statistic for the 17-time Grand Slam champion - who has every opportunity to take that tally higher, very soon.
Roger Federer's Grand Slam odds for 2016:
Australian Open - 8/1 bet365
French Open - 25/1 Paddy Power
Wimbledon - 7/1 Ladbrokes
US Open - 8/1 Ladbrokes
He's still hungry
While it may sound extremely simplistic, this is a major component for any kind of success. Talent alone is nothing without desire.
17 Grand Slam titles down the line, and not having won one for three years, many would forgive Roger Federer for calling it a day. Surely it would be so easy, having attained so much - and struggling to re-achieve it - to preserve your status as a full-time legend and close the door.
But Federer isn't like that. Instead, he's using his past accomplishments as fuel for the future. Rather than enjoying the sweet taste of victory and passing on from it, he's remembering the addictive flavour it presented, and wanting more.
After his painful 2014 Wimbledon loss, his words were: “I am still very hungry and motivated, and a match like this is very helpful.” It was a claim he backed up with his stellar run to the US Open final.
Let's be real: You want the kids to see what Daddy did in action, not just hear what Daddy once achieved. For Roger Federer, with two sets of twins, that has to be bonus motivation.
He's adjusting to the competition
If you don't know about SABR (definition: Sneaky Attack By Roger, a near-on half-volley of a service return that throws the opponent right off their rhythm), then you're seriously out of the loo right now. Roger's brand new, super-aggressive tactic has the world going crazy. It's currently the most modern thing in the sport – and proof that the Swiss maestro will do whatever it takes to get those key victories, and add to his trophy cabinet.
It's also fantastically promising for the 34-year-old going forward. After 17 years as a pro, the thought of change can't be inviting. Yet it's one that Federer has embraced. And in the coming months, he'll continue to reap the rewards.
He's getting closer
It simply does not matter that his last Grand Slam triumph was all the way back at Wimbledon 2012. You have to look beyond Roger Federer's titles, to his form
This form now has him taking down an incredible Novak Djokovic regularly, and owning the majority of the rest of the tour. Right now, Roger is vintage – and if he's anything compared to his stellar 2012 self, he's better. The one small difficulty is that his Serbian nemesis is better, too.
Beyond the form, the results have been pretty fantastic, anyway. Today, he and Novak co-dominate the Masters series events. And since that Sunday afternoon when he reduced Andy Murray to tears, Federer has been one win away from a massive accomplishment several times over.
There was the Olympic final just weeks after Wimbledon 2012 – a loss that broke him internally, as he narrowly missed out on the gold medal he has never attained. 2013 was the season in which many ordered him to retire, but since that wobbly form has has never looked back, doing nothing but improving and progressing - whilst reaching three more major finals and many more semi-finals along the way.
He's still progressing – and there's only one major roadblock
As effortless, skilled, talented and precise as ever he was, Roger only has one big concern heading into 2016: How to emerge from a Slam with seven victories once more.
Nothing in his game is stopping him. Away from the big stages, he is consistent, magnificent and pretty much invincible. On the big stages, he has proven that he can still take down opposition in best of five sets – from the lowest-ranked qualifier to the top level competition.
You could say that Novak Djokovic is his one major roadblock. After all, it's the world no. 1 who has brought the Swiss to a halt in his previous three major finals. And yet Roger has taken down the Serb away from those stages, and proven that he has what it takes to beat his long-time foe on them.
Aside from his opponent, two similarities occurred in Federer's two 2015 major final losses. Firstly, rain struck, and tampered with the conditions – presenting the heavy atmosphere in Djokovic's favour.
But there was one similairity occurring over all three Federer versus Djokovic final showdowns: Federer nerves.
At Wimbledon 2013, it was four tight unforced errors in the final game of the fifth set, abruptly finishing a legendary clash. At Wimbledon 2014, the serve that had been utterly flawless in the previous round was struggling to land inside the service box. And in the US Open final, 4 of 23 break point taken tell the story.
As the months speed by, and he still can't take that final step to winning Slam titles, naturally Roger Federer is getting tight and nervous. It has been painfully tangible - right down to the mid-match reactions of his wife, Mirka.
But it's only one problem. With his game still improving, and one sole, big challenge lined up for the 2016 season, his dedication and determination can surely see him across that final line.
In this form, do you honestly see him falling at four different hurdles?
Actually, make that five...
2016 was 'D-Day', and the Olympics are coming
Abundantly able in taking down anybody, Roger Federer has made it clear that he intends to stick around on the ATP for several years to come. It's a reassurance that will delight fans and casual followers alike, for whom tennis without Roger Federer is a prospect akin to Wimbledon without a Centre Court.
However, in the relief, many will forget that a while ago, Roger had an answer for those who continually pestered him about retirement.
He said that he would at least stay until the Rio Olympics in 2016. And what do you know? In less than a year's time, that is what he will be competing for.
It's highly likely that this will be his major goal for the coming season. And for the prior part of the year, he'll be working to get his form on top to achieve that accomplishment. When he did so in 2012, he ended up with a Wimbledon title along the way. Whichever was his highest goal – Wimbledon glory or a gold medal - that triumph surely softened the blow of the Olympic disappointment.
As he aims for Olympic gold, his level should continue to increase. And that time will encompass three of the four majors of the season.
If nothing else, that is a highly promising statistic for the 17-time Grand Slam champion - who has every opportunity to take that tally higher, very soon.
Game-changers: Who's best at the net?
Like gameshow contestants locked in isolation booths, we asked five members of the ausopen.com digital team to tell us which players have the most dominant strokes in the game today. This time it's the art of the volley, a stroke that two champions used on their rise to No.1...
Paul Moore's pick: Roger Federer
Paul Moore's pick: Roger Federer
If you were going to come up with a signature shot, you'd want it to be called something cool, right? Something like… SABR (Sneak Attack by Roger). That's what Federer's sneak attack has been dubbed, and at the tail-end of 2015 it sent the tennis world into a frenzy. But while opinion remains divided over SABR, it's anything but about Federer's awesome abilities at the net. It doesn't matter how or when the Great One makes his way to the net, when he does he's nigh on unbeatable.
Matt Trollope's pick: Martina Hingis
No player possesses better hands at the net, or finer reflexes and anticipation to pick off winners when she's there. Hingis' volleying prowess explains her continued doubles success yet was also a feature of her major-winning singles career.
Michael Beattie's pick: Roger Federer
Volleying was thought to be a dead art when spin-happy baseliners began sweeping all before them, but some players have managed to thrive going forward in the singles game – none more so than Federer, whose SABR return is perhaps the best illustration of his commitment to net gains.
Vivenne Christie's pick: Martina Hingis
Hingis' deft touch at the net made her one of the most watchable women in a Grand Slam-winning singles career and now that she's returned as a doubles specialist, it's equally (if not more) impressive. With an uncanny ability for anticipation, Hingis also boasts perfect technique.
Nick McCarvel's pick: Martina Hingis
A lot of people make a living with their hands: masseurs, stenographers, bakers. But Martina Hingis might be the top of them all, from her debut as a major champion at the Australian Open in 1997 to her second – no, third! – "career" she's carved out on the doubles circuit. It's almost as if she knows a tennis court as well as she knows … the back of her hand.
Matt Trollope's pick: Martina Hingis
No player possesses better hands at the net, or finer reflexes and anticipation to pick off winners when she's there. Hingis' volleying prowess explains her continued doubles success yet was also a feature of her major-winning singles career.
Michael Beattie's pick: Roger Federer
Volleying was thought to be a dead art when spin-happy baseliners began sweeping all before them, but some players have managed to thrive going forward in the singles game – none more so than Federer, whose SABR return is perhaps the best illustration of his commitment to net gains.
Vivenne Christie's pick: Martina Hingis
Hingis' deft touch at the net made her one of the most watchable women in a Grand Slam-winning singles career and now that she's returned as a doubles specialist, it's equally (if not more) impressive. With an uncanny ability for anticipation, Hingis also boasts perfect technique.
Nick McCarvel's pick: Martina Hingis
A lot of people make a living with their hands: masseurs, stenographers, bakers. But Martina Hingis might be the top of them all, from her debut as a major champion at the Australian Open in 1997 to her second – no, third! – "career" she's carved out on the doubles circuit. It's almost as if she knows a tennis court as well as she knows … the back of her hand.
Monday, January 04, 2016
Roger Federer & Maria Sharapova at A Summer Night in Brisbane
BRISBANE, Australia - Two of the biggest names in the history of tennis, Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer, were the guests of honor at A Summer Night, a gala that was held at Brisbane City Hall over the weekend, just ahead of the first Premier-level tournament of the year, the Brisbane International.
Federer was the next to take the microphone and discussed winning, losing, and being 'totally Zen':
And then it was time to talk about Christmas - what time did Sharapova wake up that morning?!
The two were then asked about their origins, with Federer leaving home as a teenager and Sharapova moving from Russia to the United States at age 7. Here's how they think back to their beginnings:
Federer was the next to take the microphone and discussed winning, losing, and being 'totally Zen':
First up, Sharapova talked about returning to Brisbane - she's the defending champion, after all.
And then it was time to talk about Christmas - what time did Sharapova wake up that morning?!
Sunday, January 03, 2016
Saturday, January 02, 2016
Friday, January 01, 2016
Roger Federer shares 2016 outlook before start of Brisbane International
After claiming six ATP World Tour titles and compiling a 63-11 record last year, defending championRoger Federer will start his season in Brisbane for a third consecutive year.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in Brisbane,” Federer said at the launch event for the Citycat Transport system. “I had a wonderful last two years here and was not going to miss it again as long as I am playing tennis. My family really enjoys it here and the people are super friendly. They love their tennis here in Brisbane.”
Federer fell to Lleyton Hewitt in the 2014 finals during his first trip to the Australian city, then captured the title in a milestone match against Milos Raonic in 2015.
“Winning my 1000th match here last year was thrilling,” added Federer, who used the tournament win as the starting blocks of a season which saw him finish No. 3 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. “It was so fitting to do it in the final with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver there.”
“I had a great season last year, playing aggressive tennis,” noted Federer, who turned heads with a new return strategy in 2015, stepping deep into the court to take on his opponents’ serves. “Of course, players adapt so we will see how aggressively I can play this year. I’ve been playing really well for a year and a half now, since I came back from my back injury. That’s been very encouraging. With age and experience, I know where I am and I feel like I’m in a good place. It’ll be an interesting year, with a lot of young guys trying to make a move.”
Beyond on-court results, the Swiss would like to continue to find a happy medium between work and family in 2016.
“For me, it’s more about family when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions,” said Federer, a father of four who frequently travels with his children. “I want to be a good dad, be patient with my kids and enjoy life as long as I can.”
atpworldtour.com
“It’s an absolute pleasure to be back in Brisbane,” Federer said at the launch event for the Citycat Transport system. “I had a wonderful last two years here and was not going to miss it again as long as I am playing tennis. My family really enjoys it here and the people are super friendly. They love their tennis here in Brisbane.”
Federer fell to Lleyton Hewitt in the 2014 finals during his first trip to the Australian city, then captured the title in a milestone match against Milos Raonic in 2015.
“Winning my 1000th match here last year was thrilling,” added Federer, who used the tournament win as the starting blocks of a season which saw him finish No. 3 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. “It was so fitting to do it in the final with Roy Emerson and Rod Laver there.”
“I had a great season last year, playing aggressive tennis,” noted Federer, who turned heads with a new return strategy in 2015, stepping deep into the court to take on his opponents’ serves. “Of course, players adapt so we will see how aggressively I can play this year. I’ve been playing really well for a year and a half now, since I came back from my back injury. That’s been very encouraging. With age and experience, I know where I am and I feel like I’m in a good place. It’ll be an interesting year, with a lot of young guys trying to make a move.”
Beyond on-court results, the Swiss would like to continue to find a happy medium between work and family in 2016.
“For me, it’s more about family when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions,” said Federer, a father of four who frequently travels with his children. “I want to be a good dad, be patient with my kids and enjoy life as long as I can.”
atpworldtour.com
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