Opinion – James Spencer (Twitter – @jspencer28)
In my previous piece, I set out the first two points of how Swiss legend Roger Federer can attempt his comeback.
Let’s explore the others in detail.
3. Finishing off match points
I think one of the reasons that Roger’s confidence has been so shot of late is because of what happened in the 2019 Wimbledon final.
I was there at the venue, watching on at Henman Hill.
He played, possibly one of his greatest ever matches against a Novak Djokovic, at the peak of his powers.
Yet a 37-year-old Federer was able to play some simply stunning grass-court tennis, take two sets off the world number one, and had two CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS in the palm of his hands.
Winning in five sets against the man that had beaten him in two previous finals there, and at his age, and to win a 21st Grand Slam final would have been a remarkable achievement.
Yes, the nerves probably got to him but he needed to finish off those points, even just one of them.
Whether that was a body serve, out wide, or an ace down the tee, then tactically know where to force the error on Novak’s side.
It could have and should have been possible.
Now he probably has replayed those points in his mind for a long time, over the past two and half years.
But the fact of the matter is, it’s gone now. There’s nothing more he can do about it.
It is however, a learning experience. As there is a common trend here, that Federer has bottled it from winning positions before.
Against Dominic Thiem, twice in 2019, he had match points. In the final of Indian Wells and also at the Madrid Masters, quarter-final stages.
It’s also happened in other big matches as well, and converting them and coming up with a strategy to see the game out, is something he will be keen to correct in the final stage of his career.
4. New stars to contend with
In his absence new stars have been born. In particular, young Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz looks to be the most impressive of them all.
He has lit up the ATP Tour this season, with a thrilling run to the semi-finals of Indian Wells, before just coming up short against his idol Rafa Nadal.
Even this week, in Miami, the 18-year-old is in the quarter-finals and very well placed to reach the last four again, and possibly go on even further.
Federer is yet to face this hot new star. And will probably be blown off the court by him, but Alcaraz has done that to a lot of players, including Stefanos Tsitsipas. So, that’s no surprise.
But there are others, such as Sebastian Korda, which means the Swiss will need to be wary of them.
However, you would certainly expect the eight-time Wimbledon champion to be fired up for any possible encounters against the new younger generation, he is expected to one day hand over too.
5. New goals
It is probably unrealistic to expect Federer to win a 21st Grand Slam title now at 40.
Although, it is not impossible, and the Swiss maestro has often spoken of believing in miracles.
In 2017, he did so to win an 18th Major title at the Australian Open against long-time rival and friend, Rafa Nadal.
So, anything is possible.
But it would be better to try to participate in ATP 250 or 500 events and try to chase down Jimmy Connors’ record of 109 ATP titles.
With 103 right now, he is only six away.
This would certainly be a tangible and realistic target for the Swiss.
He is also gunning to enjoy the Laver Cup in September.
All in all, there is plenty for him to look forward to and face the future with optimism.
