20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer played it too safe during his match against Novak Djokovic in the final of the Wimbledon Championships, according to Mats Wilander.
Federer had two match points to claim his ninth title at the All England Club on Sunday, but failed to convert both of those opportunities. Making it the 22nd time he has lost after having a match point. On the first Djokovic hit a deep return to forced the Swiss player to make an unforced error. Then on the second, an approach to the net from Federer paved way for his opponent to hit a passing shot. The World No.1 eventually prevailed in the decisive tiebreaker after almost five hours of play on Center Court.
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Wilander has questioned Federer’s tactics used in the final during an interview with French sports newspaper L’Equipe. Saying his decision to play it safe and serve down the line was questionable.
“Djokovic would never have gone for it [the safe serve],” he told L’Equipe.
“It is basic, serve at the weak point of your opponent.”
Trying to pinpoint why that shot was chosen, Wilander said the world No.3 wasn’t tested enough earlier in his career. Preventing him from being able to improve from a tactical perspective. Federer has won 102 ATP titles so far in his career, including a record 20 at grand slam level. He has also won a total of 352 grand slam matches. The highest achieved by a male tennis player in the Open Era.
“In those vital moments, Federer was paying for the years between 2004 and 2007 where he dominated his rivals so much that he never had to play an important game.” Wilander explained.
“He was not tested enough then, it was too easy for him, so he did not improve tactically.
“Nowadays, however, he’s faced with guys like Rafa Nadal and Djokovic, who are the masters in these tactical matters, and he does not play the important points correctly.”
Shortly after his loss, Federer stated that he was pleased with his performance. Although he admitted that it was ‘tough’ for him to lose those chances. In the match against Djokovic, he won 14 more points. However, it was on the clutch points where he buckled.
“I know what I did well, how close I was. I think I can be happy with my performance.” Federer commented during his press conference on Sunday.
“If I could have picked it before the match to be at 9-all in the fifth, that wouldn’t be a terrible thing. You just always try to push yourself to see things on the better side.” He added.
“It was definitely tough to have those chances.”
Federer is set to return to action at the Cincinnati Open in August. He will miss the upcoming Rogers Cup in order to expand his rest period after playing on the clay.
