FEDERER STILL LOOKING FOR HIS GROOVE, 8 LOSSES SINCE THE AUSTRALIAN, UNUSUAL FOR HIM
Maybe.
But one thing is clear. Roger Federer, the man who owned the green room – Centre Court at Wimbledon – will not be the centerpiece Sunday. After seven straight years of believing that this tennis court belonged to him, he was rudely evicted by a guy born in the Czech Republic village of Vallasske Mezerici and lives in Prostejov. Anybody who can spell or pronounce them should get a prize. (Like many other athletes, Tomas Berdych visits his money in Monte Carlo.)
There was no prize, however, for seemingly perpetual champ Federer – at least the one he lusted for: a seventh title. As his walls came tumbling down the Lord of the Swings had to settle for a quarter-final finish, as he did at the French Open. Good enough for most, but not the dispossessed Roger, the rajah of every land where tennis is played.
Was this really happening? Has the downer begun? This is his slowest start, after winning the Australian, his only title this year, he has lost eight singles matches.
Roger kept waiting for the Czech to choke.
But he might as well have waited for a bus to Scollay Square.
The Czech, ranked No. 13, had any number of chances to gargle, and was 2-8 in his previous dealings with Federer. I saw him shiver and quiver to defeat with a 2-set and service break lead over Federer at the Australian Open two years ago.
Different Tomas Berdych Wednesday in his 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, triumph lamented by almost everybody in the full-house gathering of 14,971. It wasn’t exactly hostile territory for 24-year-old Tomas, only once as successful as a quarter-finalist in six previous visits. But Federer had presented such a regal air over the seven years that the clientele thought his empire would continue as long as he wished.
However, on view also was a different Federer, a frustrated guy with countenance often as cloudy as the sky. Of course the brilliance of his shotmaking was on view – but not enough – and he missed too many shots.
“When I had chances I played poorly,” Federer said. “It was brutal for me. Every time he had a chance he took it. He played great on the break points. I was uncomfortable. When you can’t play freely that’s the kind of performance you get.”
And you cash only one of eight break points, while Berdyich collects on four of six.
Ah, break points, those game-changers. In Berdych’s case, he stayed alive by squashing them at critical moments. A big guy (6-5) with a big flat forehand he frequently got the better of Federer in crosscourt duels. A winning forehand on the run gave Tomas the vital break to 4-3 in the fourth set.
What an adventure that last set was as Federer kept knocking at the door but couldn’t get in. Tomas held to 2-2 despite four deuces. His escape to 3-3 was memorable though ragged. He seemed to be surrendering to the pressure, double faulting twice, getting buried at 0-40, nevertheless dodging four break points, two deuces – and pierced Federer in the next game of four deuces.
Disappointing was Federer’s copping a bit of a plea, saying his back and right leg bothered him. It didn’t show. Berdych said losing players are always making excuses, but wasn’t concerned by Roger’s remarks, unseemly for a great champion..
His all-time greatness assured, Roger isn’t going to roll over and play dead, or take up bingo. He’s aiming for the 2012 Olympics – to be played at Wimbledon.
It was a wonderful win for the kid out of Valasske Mezirici, but he must contend with Novak Djokovic in tomorrow’s semi. Rafa Nadal, the 2008 champion goes against the great bright hope of Britain, Andy Murray.
Federer’s seven year final round reign is history. It started in 2003, a first title over Mark Philippoussis, then two over Andy Roddick, followed by two over Nadal, and Roddick again. He lost the 2008 final to Nadal topping by one year Bjorn Borg, 1976 – 81, and an ancient, Willie Renshaw, 1881 – 85.
Eviction isn’t pleasant, but as Bogie said to Ingrid, he’ll always have Wimbledon.
Tags: Roger Federer, Tomas Berdych
June 30 2010 04:32 pm | Wimbledon
Jane on 30 Jun 2010 at 7:24 pm #
Now that Federer is gone I’m sad Roddick is too.
john on 30 Jun 2010 at 10:37 pm #
Federer needs to get stronger physically….I watched some of his matches and he seemed like he was hitting a lot of short returns…I was really surprised to see this, especially on grass.
Craig on 30 Jun 2010 at 11:03 pm #
Looked like Federer’s return of serves were too much just floaters back that Tomas took mighty swings at which Roger could not return. Tomas also threw in a few drop shots and a drop half volley.
How about the first Asian to reach the Quarter-Finals of a major in 15 years – Yen-Hsun Lu ? That’s something of note.
bk on 01 Jul 2010 at 4:01 am #
Ah Roger.
I just feel as though roger can’t seem to dig deep like some of the other all-time greats and I don’t believe he handles adversity well. On my list, I believe he is the greatest, but he will never have the crown by consensus until he shows us that he can gut it out against a formidable, determined opponent on the big stage.
Mark on 02 Jul 2010 at 5:57 am #
Federer has in fact handled adversity well in big matches. He was outplayed for much of his first and last Wimbledon finals against Roddick but won. He was pushed hard by Agassi in a US final but won. He almost lost his second Wimbledon final to Nadal, and was very close to coming back against RN in the epic of 08. I think any other player but Nadal would have lost the three Wimby finals mentioned above. It’s just that Federer doesn’t show it in the way that we want him to, and rarely shows it against Nadal. It’s not his style to appear to be a fighter, but he is.
Further, what is perceived as a lack of guts may just be a tactical/power problem. The most important thing to remember about him is that he is, as Peter Bodo said, a middleweight. He’s McEnroe. He faces the same issue that Mac did in 85 and onwards. How can you get to the net or take the initiative against bigger, stronger players? It requires you to hit dazzling shots all the time, while the others can just belt their forehands. If he changes to a bigger racket and different strings, he may be able to attack more and go to the net more. He has become too defensive in the last three years and doesn’t attack service returns, and relies on the short slice far too much. If he attacks on his return games, he will be about 30% more effective. He won’t change this year, but he might if he keeps losing. Champions are slow to make adjustments, more often than not…