CAMELOT FANTASIES

General, Lady TT, it's simple. The great Swiss Assassin isn't assassinating well enough. 

He's letting too many break points go by, especially against players that aren't close to his level, instead of making the kill.  This gives the other players hope, it makes him have to work harder, and has lead to him getting broken when he fails to break after 4 or 5 chances in a game.  Now some may say this is nothing new, that he's been doing this for years, but earlier this year he seemed to have turned that around.  Now he seems back to his old habits.  It lost him Wimbledon.  He had several chances early in the 5th set against Djokovic, but he wasn't aggressive enough. Too many soft returns that let Djokovic get into the point without pressure.  This is what gave Djokovic his confidence back after he had lost it following the 4th set comeback.  Federer is capable of being more aggressive with the returns, and he has at times, especially against lesser players, but hasn't done it enough in the clutch against the better players.   Heck, I've lately seen him backpedaling about 2 meters behind the baseline here and there instead of taking it on the rise.

But it's not all bad obviously.  He's done several things very well, which has led him to his tour leading 8 finals.  His serve is generally stronger.  His backhand is a real force now as he seems to have new power, especially down the line. But he still doesn't seem to have the killer forehand down pat with the new racquet as it flies on him a lot or he dumps it into the net.  His 3 titles from 8 could be better. 

In the US Open, when he reaches the better players, he has to make better use of the break points he gets.  But if he can't do it against the lesser players, I hold out little hope that he will come through against better.  That's why he has to turn it around as soon as possible and really focus.  If he can get that forehand under control, I think having that, plus a more aggressive return in key situations (second serve break points) can get him to a major title.  Without those things... hmmm, uh-uh.  Granollers up next.  More or less the opposite type of player than the last two volleyers he played.

Respectfully,
masterclass