Why I love Roger Federer #5 - the single-handed backhand

The single-handed backhand is a thing of beauty.

Firstly for its flexibility.

Secondly for its aesthetics.

credit to http://www.flickr.com/photos/zawtowers/

Thirdly for its rarity.

Roger's is one of the best single-handed backhands there has ever been. And there are only a handful around today, including most notably Richard Gasquet, Nicolas Almagro, Tommy Haas and Feliciano Lopez.

Federer can do so many things with his backhand. Topspin cross-court or down the line, gentle slice, cutting slice, defensive lobs, backhand overhead volley, backhand drop-shot and reach more balls that other guys with a double-handed backhand can't. 

The single-handed backhand of Federer is particularly good at finding impossible cross-court angles by reducing the power, or by using incredible power to blast the ball past his opponents into the open court.

Why I love Roger Federer #4 - The Look

Roger Federer just looks like a legend every time you see him. He has grown into the position with ease.

Love this legendary image of Federer

I love his look when you just know that either he's totally zoomed in and focused on his job, or he's angry and will take it out on the ball . . .

Federer is an image of calm on changeovers

Even in defeat, he still looks every inch a champion

 

Federer looking up to the divine, a piece of which, lives in him

Why I love Roger Federer #3 - The Passion

I love Roger Federer's passion for the game of tennis...

Roger Federer shows his passion after beating Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros in 2011

We usually see Federer keeping cool and calm on court, not giving anything away, keeping his emotions under control.

But it's a special moment when he explodes into life...

Federer celebrates a point at the World Tour Finals in London in 2010

I love the moment Federer shouts "Come on!"

Federer shouts "Come on!" after getting the vital break in the 5th set against Gilles Simon at the Australian Open in  2011

I shout with him on all the big points...

Federer shouts in joy after beating Rafael Nadal at the World Tour Finals in  the championship match in London, 2010

It's the passion, dedication, commitment that show us all just how much Federer cares about winning, and if not winning, then losing after having given everything he's got.

Federer reacts after beating Tomas Berdych in five sets at the Australian Open in 2009

Keep the passion alive Roger!

Why I love Roger Federer #2 - The Federer Forehand

This is a series of why I love Roger Federer, detailing every aspect of his game, on and off court.

Today is the Roger Federer forehand. It is a thing of beauty, unique amongst his peers in execution and beauty. I particularly love the forehand up the line and the inside-out forehand.

Federer gets set for a forehand

Federer prepares to strike a forehand

Federer prepares for the moment of impact on his forehand

Federer skips around the backhand to hit a trademark inside-out forehand

I love this image of Federer's forehand in action

Look at the follow-through on this Federer forehand!

Have a look at Federer's forehand in slow-motion. It's amazing!

Why I love Roger Federer #1 - Footwork

I love Roger Federer's footwork. Who doesn't? He moves around the court like a graceful gazelle. This video is just one of a whole host of examples I could pull up.

Federer finishes runner-up in London

Roger Federer sadly lost the WTF final to Novak Djokovic, 7/6 7/5 at the O2 Arena on Monday night.

Federer was bidding for a third straight WTF title, but just came up short against the Serbian in what was a very close match.

Novak Djokovic kissing the WTF trophy after beating Roger Federer 7/6 7/5 at London's O2 Arena

Fair play and congratulations to Novak Djokovic. It is testament to Federer's longevity that even at 31 years of age and father of two, he is still pushing Djokovic and Murray in the prime of their life all the way.

Federer was up 3-0 in the first set and 2-0 in the second set, only to let Djokovic back in on both occasions.

Roger Federer with the runners-up plate at London's O2 Arena. He lost a close final match against Novak Djokovic, 7/6 7/5 on Monday night

I know this is not the picture we wanted to see, but we congratulate Roger for reaching the final for an amazing 8th time, and salute him for the great year he has had.

Now Roger, get some good rest, and see you in Melbourne in January!

Federer beats Murray; reaches WTF final for 8th time

Roger Federer breezed past Andy Murray in the semi-finals of the World Tour Finals (WTF) in straight sets.

Federer's 7/6 6/2 win saw the Swiss Maestro reach his 8th WTF final, where he will face Novak Djokovic in the defence of his win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga last year.

Federer effortlessly slipped into gear against Murray after misfiring somewhat in his previous two matches against del Potro and Ferrer.

Roger Federer celebrates after beating Andy Murray in the semi-final at the O2 Arena in London

While Murray grunted and foul-mouthed around the court, Federer played tennis in sacred silence. Here are the highlights of the match:

Come on Roger, one more hurdle!!!

Federer falls to del Potro; still in semis

In a strange match, Roger Federer played well for two sets before falling away in the third.

Roger Federer sets up to serve to Juan Martin del Potro at the O2 arena in London

Federer started the match very well, dominating proceedings in the first set before playing a horrible tiebreaker.

Roger Federer hits a forehand winner against Juan Martin del Potro at the WTF in London

Federer broke early in the second set, which then went with serve, Federer taking the set 6/4.

However, del Potro broke early in the decider for a 3-0 lead. Federer couldn't make any inroads on the Argentine's serve, and del Potro gave Roger plenty to think about heading in to the semi-finals tomorrow.

Roger Federer pauses for thought during his defeat to Juan Martin del Potro at the WTF in London

As it stands, del Potro will advance as group winner courtesy of his head-to-head result against Federer, meaning Roger will face Djokovic in the semis.

However, if David Ferrer manages to beat Tipsarevic later, there will be a 3-way tie at the top, and Federer will emerge as the group winner over del Potro, courtesy of sets won/lost difference. If that scenario unfolds, then Roger will face Murray in the semis tomorrow instead.

Who would you prefer Roger to play in the semis?

Federer does enough against Ferrer; reaches semi-finals at WTF

Roger Federer defeated David Ferrer at the WTF yesterday, winning 6/4 7/6(5) in a haphazard display.

As you can see from the stats, Federer didn't serve particularly well and made way too many errors, especially off the backhand side. 

But as usual, even when he didn't play at his best, he did enough to win, and came up with some incredible shots along the way. I loved his flicked backhand winner down the line.

Roger Federer wipes his face during the match with David Ferrer at the World Tour Finals 2012 in London

Roger Federer has now guaranteed qualification for the semi-finals with a 2-0 record, his wins both in straight sets against Janko Tipsarevic and David Ferrer.

Next up is Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Tipsarevic last night to keep his hopes of qualifying alive. Del Potro will most likely have to beat Federer to have any chance of making the semi-finals, so it's all set up for an interesting match!

Federer Off to Winning Start in London

Roger Federer got off to a winning start in his defence of the World Tour Finals (WTF) by beating Janko Tipsarevic 6/3 6/1 in quick time.

Federer hits a volley en route to a 6/3 6/1 win over Janko Tipsarevic in London at the WTF 2012

Federer strolled through the match without any problems, showing the full repertoire of his powers, albeit against a weaker opponent. 

The Swiss will be buoyed by Juan Martin del Potro's loss later in the night to David Ferrer, after losing to the giant Argentine in a close Basel final last month.

Welcome!

Welcome to this blog and hope you enjoy it. I'm constantly updating it so there will be more great stuff shortly!