The SABR, standing for “Sneaky Attack by Roger” has been the shot Roger Federer has introduced in his repertoire in 2015. Moving forward towards the service box, Federer manages to hit the return as soon as the ball bounces, to then take on the net and force the server into defensive mode right away.
Some examples? Have a look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmwo1Q-gvhI
Getting ready for the 2016 season, the 17-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear that despite few controversies he is still planning to use and even implement his shot in 2016.
“I want to keep on trying to use it. Now I have time to practice it, so I will dedicate some time to it even to understand whether it will be useful or not for me” said the Swiss, who is currently training for the upcoming season in Dubai.
Among the controversies that sparked since Roger started using the new shot, there have been rumours of players judging the SABR as disrespectful. Boris Becker and Novak Djokovic weren’t huge fans since it first appeared on court, with the German even saying he would have aimed at hitting at Federer’s body if he were to do that against him. Djokovic in Paris refused to answer further questions regarding the SABR, making it clear he wasn’t enjoying facing such shot against the Swiss.
Federer talked about the players’ reactions as well.
“I haven’t heard other players’ opinions to be honest. I think it was more interesting for the press. I have heard, read, something regarding that. But if I think it can be useful in a match, whether it is a Slam final or an exhibition match, then I use it. I have used the SABR against Djokovic in some tough moments in Cincinnati in the final and it worked. Sometimes it didn’t work that well, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t use it anymore” revealed Roger.
