I’m telling you, it’s mental.
Roger Federer lost to world number 98 Mardy Fish in the semis at Indian Wells. No offence to Fish, who beat Davydenko and Nalbandian in the same tournament, but this just doesn’t happen. Not even with mononucleosis. Before that The Fed had breezed through his matches. The other semifinal pit Rafael Nadal against eventual winner Novak Djokovic. That’s two guys who make The Fed feel vulnerable. I suspect he did not want to play either of them, so he lost to Fish. I don’t think it’s fear or a lack of nerve. I suspect it’s a form of rebellion. (Or petulance. Basta. Ayoko.) The Fed is the best tennis player in history, but not the greatest competitor. Get a coach, Roger.
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March 24th, 2008 at 19:03
May this message get to him, hire Andre! Or Cahill for that matter, just get a coach. Even Larry Stefanki (sp?) who seem to have a good record with mental cases can be hired. Or Peter Lundgren (sp?) whom he’s worked with before (right?) and has had successes with Marat (right?).
March 25th, 2008 at 01:13
Peter Lundgren was coaching Roger before he became number one. He was Marat’s coach when he won the Australian Open 2005. Last year he was the coach of the British Davis Cup team, but was put on “gardening leave”. Interesting to recall that early in his career Roger was a mental case. He flaked, yelled, threw tantrums. In an interview Roger said he saw the tape of a match against Marat in which they both behaved very badly. He was so ashamed he decided to clean up his act.
March 25th, 2008 at 05:10
How about hiring Pete Sampras part-time (like his last coach)? Interesting, no? Roger will have a very good hitting partner, Pete will add more to his resume – but I’m not sure about helping the guy who’s about to dislodge you from your throne…
March 25th, 2008 at 08:50
Hmmm, conventional wisdom says its one of those slumps that all great champions go through. GOAT or not, he is not an exception to circles of life, otherwise he comes across as inhuman, and therefore not fun at all.
March 25th, 2008 at 08:51
I love Pete Lundgren but I heard he’s got an ‘alcohol’ problem–
I cant stand Rog’s stubbornness and passiveness (at times)
I am frustrated right now but my friend said to give him time till FO, if things doesnt change by then then I guess we need to face the inevitable:(
March 25th, 2008 at 11:25
Lots of other theories and rumors flying around…
– mono relapse — highly probable due to unpredictability of this virus
– Mirka’s rumored pregnancy — not sure what’s the connection to his loss although Mirka wasn’t seen during the semis either
– lack of coaching — but this wasn’t an issue back when Fed was winning on his own
– the Haas walkover — coupled with lack of match play, could be a factor
– Indian Wells – Miami redux — remember Canas last year?
– Fish was simply ‘in the zone’ — while Fed just had a bad day
– None of the above — we’re just over-analyzing current events
March 25th, 2008 at 13:01
Could it be Roger’s pride?
March 25th, 2008 at 17:07
WOW mIRKa PREGGER? I heard about that from a friend :)