[QQQQQ-Trek]

Can I start an Andy isn't dead thread?

When he wins the USO, you can

Just a few random thoughts:

First, I don't see how Switzerland can get into the World Group without Federer. As he gets older, it's likely his priorities will shift a bit. Doing more Davis Cup work would make perfect sense.

Second, I have no evidence to back it up except one article that was posted the other day, but I think there's is something medically wrong with Federer. Maybe it's the after-effects of the mono, but I think it's something else... Something that doesn't prevent him from competing, but something that is taking a physical and mental toll on him. Either that, or there are some personal issues going on. But he'll probably not say anything about it, because that's just not his style.

Third, if I'm wrong about #2, then I think he'll rebound eventually. If the U.S. Open doesn't go well for him, then I'd like to see him take the rest of the year off and get whatever issues that are going on sorted out so he can come out like a bandit in 2009.

I think it was Cronin on Fed the other day, whatever... the point made with which I agree is that going away is not going to boost his confidence. Seeing others compete in the finals without him even trying either. He's said that he's missing practice, and an extended vacation will not give him that. Furthermore, if he does rest for the remainder of the year he might have even more trouble next year and less fire in him to fight it out. Next year the situation isn't going to magically change, so he has to find a solution to it ASAP. The more he plays, better the odds that he does just that. Him leaving will just leave him where he is right now, and when eh picks up it'll be January.
IMO, he has to keep on playing if he wants to solve things. Might be messy, but if he returns only next year, I'm quite sure that 4 months of inactivity will be much harder on him and end up in a REAL MESS.

[ArrichMer]

I think it was Cronin on Fed the other day, whatever... the point made with which I agree is that going away is not going to boost his confidence. Seeing others compete in the finals without him even trying either. He's said that he's missing practice, and an extended vacation will not give him that. Furthermore, if he does rest for the remainder of the year he might have even more trouble next year and less fire in him to fight it out. Next year the situation isn't going to magically change, so he has to find a solution to it ASAP. The more he plays, better the odds that he does just that. Him leaving will just leave him where he is right now, and when eh picks up it'll be January.
IMO, he has to keep on playing if he wants to solve things. Might be messy, but if he returns only next year, I'm quite sure that 4 months of inactivity will be much harder on him and end up in a REAL MESS.

I completely agree.

[P1international]

It was to make the surface firmer and longer lasting as a result of the newer shoe techonology that would tear up the courts, not to help out baseline players. RG should not speed up the clay to help attacking players anyway. Roger needs to adapt to the surface and figure out a gameplan and EXECUTE. The surface only plays a part in the matchup, but it all comes down to the players in the end.

Ok, TS, thanks for the explanation as to why Wimby changed the surface. But my point is that RG keeps missing on a lot of great players making the winners' circle there.
You say Roger needs to adapt to the surface. How much more? He has made the finals three years running. Find a gameplan. He has tried several. Execute? Ok, it seems we agree there.
But what about the others? What was Edberg's plan? Becker's? Any plan at RG that involves ATTACK seems to be destined to fail.
Back to the thread: Roger ain't dead. But if he fails to win RG ever, it seems to me the French Open will be missing one more big name on its list of winners. And that list is getting way too long.

[poonnassunlix]

I didn't realize he was sick

Of course he's not dead. When he fails to win back-to-back matches in 11 of 12 consecutive tournaments (like Nieminen, grr...) then come and talk to me. Until that time I refuse to further be a part of this conversation.

Also, nelslus, I think Danielle should be allowed to post in this thread, too

[xresultsearch]

I didn't realize he was sick

Of course he's not dead. When he fails to win back-to-back matches in 11 of 12 consecutive tournaments (like Nieminen, grr...) then come and talk to me. Until that time I refuse to further be a part of this conversation.

Also, nelslus, I think Danielle should be allowed to post in this thread, too

And so I shall...

I actually thought the "Roger is washed up" thread would be resurrected (and if it was, I'm glad I missed it) - I like this one much better. Thanks nelslus!

Probably don't have much to add that hasn't already been said. While I was shocked, mortified, and majorly bummed after yesterday's final and crawled back into bed instead of watching the awards ceremony, I certainly haven't lost the faith. After so many years on a high, it's normal for things to swing the other way (no dumpsterizing! ). But in the grand scheme of things, the last 6 weeks have been a huge improvement on the first three months of the year and really, the first three months weren't all that terrible, especially for a guy recovering from an illness like mono...semis at the AO, semis at Indian Wells, quarters at Miami. And now that we're moving on to Rog's home turf of grass, well....the future's so bright - I gotta wear shades.

[georgshult]

He's not!?

I was pretty sure Nadal killed him.

Just kidding. I don't think RG was that bad of a tournament for him. He ended up with the same result as last year. I'll be worried if he loses badly at Wimbledon. I'll be a bit worried if he loses at all, but if he does it depends on how the match goes down.

Go Roger, go! I was rooting for you as an underdog at RG, but I'll still root for you at Wimbledon even though you're the favorite. Unless Davydenko makes it far enough to play you. If that happens,

[Laqswrnm]

I'm surprised Murray stuck with his return of serve strategy of standing 10 feet beyond the baseline. I don't think that will work for him in the long run. I'll be interested to see how long he sticks with it.

I was also surprised assuming it was a Rafa only strategy.

[Derrida]

Well first of all, WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I'm convinced that the doubles gold he got in Beijing helped him a great deal mentally.

I will say though, except for the Novak match and parts of the final, it does look as if he's half a step behind his usual self. I'd play only the three important tournaments left and then get some well deserved rest for next season.

I'm predicting a 2, maybe 3 year slam for Fed in 2009.