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September 13, 2004
Federer's "beautiful tennis" sets the standard
By Martyn Herman, Reuters
NEW YORK - U.S. Open champion Roger Federer breezed
into New York's Hard Rock cafe, clutching his latest piece of
silverware.
Maybe the venue was chosen in anticipation of an Andy Roddick
victory, all heavy bass and drums, because the Swiss spends his time
conducting sweet tennis symphonies.
Federer's fourth grand slam title, courtesy of his 6-0 7-6 6-0
destruction of Lleyton Hewitt, was a victory for artistry over brute
strength, for subtle angles and spins over the bludgeoning
groundstrokes that dominate the modern game.
"I don't want to be cocky," Federer said on Monday. "But I do
feel that I play beautiful tennis, when my movement and my technique
come together I feel totally in balance on the court.
"In some ways I feel that I am playing tennis the traditional
way, to be number one in the world with a one-handed backhand is
something special.
"I like the history of the sport, that's why Wimbledon is my
number one priority, with the white clothing and the tradition. It's
what I grew up watching.
"I think my style can inspire a lot of kids. I always thought
tennis should not be about waiting for your opponent to make a
mistake, it should be about attacking and mixing up your game.
"I didn't always have the strength to play that way, but it came
very quickly and when I was about 17 it took off like a rocket."
In little more than a year Federer has taken a vice-like grip of
the men's game. Before his Wimbledon title in 2003 he was regarded as
the most talented player on the circuit, but many questioned his
self-belief.
GRAND SLAM?
After winning three of the four grand slams this year, the first
man to do that since Mats Wilander in 1988, the question now is how
long can he dominate the game.
"I only set short-term goals," said Federer, who said he was
inspired to play tennis by Boris Becker.
"My goals this year were to retain my Wimbledon title, reach
number one in the world and win the Olympics. I got two out of three
but also achieved goals which I had not imagined."
Asked whether he could complete the calendar Grand Slam next
year, Federer said: "I haven't been too far away this year, it's
definitely possible. I guess you would have to ask the other guys if
they think I can do it."
Comparisons with 14-times grand slam champion Pete Sampras are
obvious, though Federer, full of respect for the American, says his
motivation is not to emulate him.
"I'm impressed by him being ranked number one for six years, that
shows how much effort he put into his career, but I guess that's why
he is a little off the scene in tennis, he put everything, his whole
heart into tennis.
"He can now look back and enjoy it and I hope one day I will have
a similar moment but I think I will stay more involved in tennis."
There is little doubt what Federer's rivals think of him. Tim
Henman, who he beat in the semi-final at Flushing Meadows on
Saturday, summed it up.
"When he's playing like this you would need Agassi's returns, my
volley, Hewitt's speed and Roddick's serve, then you might have a
chance," he said.
Hewitt even thinks he can go on to better Sampras's record.
"He's definitely got a chance, the way his style is, he can play
on any surface. He's taken it to a new level."
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