After a disastrous 2013 with hardly any major win other than Halle Masters 2013, Roger Federer’s future looked gloomy. The fading rhythm, the lack of persistence, low mobility, and above all the mounting age, were factors that prompted the experts and fans to start questioning Roger’s ability to be able to defend the top rank which he held for more than a decade. In his illustrious career, it was a year that even took him by surprise. He started playing selectively and lesser tournaments, avoided exhibition matches, and outwardly it seemed as if ultimate tentativeness had started to trickle in. Things, however, changed dramatically after US Open 2013.
Stefan Edberg, former Grand-Slam champion, and an exceedingly renowned name in Tennis, took charge as Federer’s coach. With so many similarities in style and shot making, Federer found little trouble getting adjusted to Edberg’s ways of training and drills. Straight away results started to yield. Federer started playing with rejuvenated spirit; his game got composed, serve and volleying came back indicating confidence, and overall looked in better shape. It wasn’t far when the media and people, noticing the success level, started calling the formidable combination as “Fedberg”. Indeed they had a very good reason for it.
Apart from coach, other major factor that helped Roger to regain command over his game, was his new racquet. With the increasing age, and limiting mobility and strength, Roger had difficulty managing his game with the 90 sq.inch head racket. An era filled with modern top-spin players e.g. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and the likes, things weren’t totally favoring the old-school style play that 90 sq.inch racket had to offer. For change, Roger altered the racquet and the transition paid off. Now the shots had more punch with less use of effort, training wasn’t as vigorous as it had to be with previous racquet version, and overall Federer felt happy about it. In an interview he states.
“It is good to change racket. The 90 had served me well throughout my career, but it was getting way tough for me to train with it especially now that I’m 32. I need something modern”.
Federer is having a wonderful 2014, reaching multiple finals of various Masters 1000. He also reached Semi Final stage and Australian Open 2014, and just recently he made it to Wimbledon 2014 final where after a tough battle, lost to Djokovic in a thrilling 5 set match. Things seem to be moving in the right direction for Federer as he aims to win yet another U.S. Open, taking place this August.
