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November/December 2004 Issue
Lessons from Roger Federer
By Patrick McEnroe, TENNIS Magazine
1. Kick it Old School I like to say
that Roger Federer has brought the old-school game of tennis to the
modern world. He plays with tremendous variety of shot and strategy,
and it was all on display in his 6-0, 7-6 (3), 6-0 rout of Lleyton
Hewitt, a player whose tenacity usually gives his opponents fits. What
Federer shows is that there is no substitute for being a well-rounded
player and having options when you step on the court. 2. Be Patient Because Hewitt plays a
conservative, defensive style, it was up to Federer to decide when to
go on the offensive. Hewitt couldn't hurt him from the baseline, so
Federer waited for a ball that would allow him to take control of the
point. When you face a determined counter-puncher, try not to get
overeager. The surest way to defeat such an opponent is to be patient
and work each point until you have a clear opening. 3. Hang Tough Even though Hewitt lost
the first eight games, he still fought hard. If he had gotten a few
lucky breaks he would have been back in the match. When you're
playing an opponent who is on fire, keep making him hit shots. If he
continues to hit winners, then he's too good that day. But many times
you'll weather the storm. Federer cooled off considerably in the
second set, and Hewitt kept plugging away and nearly stole it. 4. Play Big in the Breaker Federer
realized the importance of the second-set tiebreaker. Winning it would
give him a two-set lead and destroy the momentum Hewitt had gained by
clawing his way back into the match. Federer elevated his game and
reeled off the first four points of the breaker. Instead of trying to
take the initiative, Hewitt played the points hoping Federer would make
errors. You have to put a premium on every point in a tiebreaker. Play
each one as if it's a break point. 5. Take The Ball Early Federer's
ability to move from well behind the baseline to the middle of the
court, from defense to offense, is unbelievable. Once he recognizes
that a ball is going to be short, he moves up to take it early.
That's how he hit most of his winners against Hewitt. If you take the
ball even a half-second earlier, that's better than adding 10 m.p.h.
to your shot because you're being aggressive while still playing
within your comfort zone.
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