Roger Federer won his last major in January 2010 in Melbourne at the Australian Open. The six majors that followed were divided among two bionic contestants, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard claimed four, the Serb two. Has the Swiss truly fallen by the wayside?
Federer’s results since, include a final at the 2011 French Open, three quarter-finals and two semi-finals.
The maestro has won at lease one Slam every single year since 2003.
This year’s US Open is his only chance at maintaining that record. It is a possibility that seems entirely unlikely.
Andy Murray has shown signs of breaking into the elite group of men to have claimed a major. But he is not there yet.
The signs are encouraging but execution at crucial moments has come a cropper.
How has the Scot fared in comparison to his tormentor?
Murray made the finals at the Australian Open this year, his third appearance in a major final only to lose the plot against his ‘junior’ rival, Novak Djokovic.
This was his second successive final appearance at Melbourne. He had succumbed in 2010 to Federer.
His other 2010 major appearances were fourth and third round exits at Roland Garros and New York respectively. Wimbledon 2010 showcased his talents ’till the semi-final.
Despite minor hiccups following his Melbourne final loss, Murray has justified his number four ranking this year, making the semi-finals at the French Open and the Wimbledon Championship.
Roger Federer is apparently a rung above the Scot – in the rankings and in match-play over the past six Slams.
That equation changes somewhat when you scan this year’s major results. Murray put on a better show but just.
Two semi-finals and a final. On the other hand, Federer has a semi-final, a final and a quarter-final to his name.
Is there a chance that the Swiss will soon find himself sliding further down the ATP rankings?
The hard-court season – more specifically, the US Open – holds the key.
What do you think is more likely? Federer losing his number three ranking or Murray securing his first ever major?
The second, probably, ensures the first. My money is on the Swiss hanging on to his number three status.
Your thoughts?
marees
Guest
Murray is still not strong enough to challenge fed in grand slams. Nadal is traditionally weak in us open due to weak second serve. It has to be between joker and fedex then for this us open
Rory
Guest
Would be nice, consolation is he has the doubles already, but a Davis Cup would rate higher. How intriguing to see him play Nadal or Djokovic in a singles rubber as opposed to a GS. I don't think any of them have matched up in Davis Cup and it would be a throwback to the days when the worlds best competed in this forum. A different kind of pressure, different kind of kudos, but an intense satisfaction to the winner along with some very serious bragging rights.
Linus
Guest
You forget a singles Olympics gold. Or did you?
Rory
Guest
I think he has always concentrated on the slams. He might have enough gas in the tank to take another one but it would have to be soon, say next 12 or so months, and as said he might need a break to get there. Now he should focus on winning a Davis Cup. It would complete his career and with Stan W. by his side they would have a real chance. It would also be a boost for the Davis Cup at a time when its prestige is waning in the eyes of some. Imagine Federer and Wawrinka up against Serbia - Djokovoc/Troiki, or Spain - Nadal/Ferrer, in the final. That would be a genuine event.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
It's not an either/or. If he wins another slam, it would go a long way to earning enough points to get back the number 1 ranking.
Linus
Guest
It was stunning and disheartening for Federer fans to see their hero surrender a two sets lead. It has never happened before. Can it make Federer stronger? We would have heard less of this or thought less of it, had Tsonga gone on to win the tournament. But he didn't , so yes, it's time to question if Federer can win another major.
Linus
Guest
Are you implying that Federer should forget about becoming No.1 again and focus on winning the Slams? That's an interesting thought. Is it possible that Federer can pull out an Ivanisevic?
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Federer is still playing at a high level compared to most former No.1s who went into decline. I'm not sure he can win another Grand Slam without catching a break, but he's not out of contention just yet. The trouble is that he doesn't have the game to match Nadal or Djokovic on a consistent basis nor any of the lower ranked guys when their forehands are booming. There was literally nothing he could do in those final three sets against Tsonga at Wimbledon. With Tsonga's first serve percentage, he couldn't get a look in, and Tsonga was returning everything. I'd say next season is his last chance at winning another major, but it could also be the year he slides down the rankings.
Subrasub
Roar Guru
yeah i have to agree on the fact that the article is a bit confusing as to what it is trying to say but the bottom line is that the fed express is 30 and he will no longer maintain that tag if the last 2 years are anything to go by hence yes he is on the decline. I think for a legend like federer its no longer a matter of what stage did he get to at wimbledon or whether his made a quarter final and a semi and a final in his last 3 slams. He is the only man who can comfortably say ive been there and done it all and so for him he is gonna feel that either he wins a slam to feel like he is getting the job done or not winning any and feeling he needs to do more work. Its a tricky situation at 30 and approaching 31 you cant expect him to fend of 24-25 yr old counterparts who are more athletic and playing with more hunger. I guess like he said winning 20 slams is the goal now anything in between is just a blur and rankings and titles and prize money is not whats important. Lets judge him on whether his winning slams or not, not how close or far he is in comparison to his nearest ranking rival. Lets face it the last time fed lost 2sets to love up was to hewitt in 03 and it is an uncharacteristic performance. The cracks are starting to appear
Linus
Guest
Agreed. But for once, this year at Wimbledon, I was not disappointed that Federer lost. Tsonga played the kind of game that Annacone has advised the Swiss to play but the maestro lapses back into his old style of play when the going gets tough. Advise is easier given than taken or implemented. Change may be constant but who said it was fast?
Linus
Guest
Dear Joe: Thank you for taking the time to comment on my article. I'm a huge Federer fan and watching him play is a pleasure. However, it is also true that the Swiss is a decline and I just sought to point out that Andy Murray does not deserve all the criticism that has come his way.Especially since his results are just a shade better than Federer's at the majors this year.
Malibu77
Guest
Federer has lost his aura of invincibility. For years he had to only turn up to win (exception was Paris where Rafa had his measure). Now the top men think they can beat him, and they have. He is certainly a class act but no longer a certainty to win. Its like Tiger Woods. Throughout most of the last decade he has so far in front of the field, it was a joke. He just had to turn up and he'd win. He had the field beaten before the first shot. But since his "issues" the rest of the players now know he is beatable. And he's finding the going tougher than before.
Bill
Guest
I disagree with you Joe, I think he is just trying to get peoples opinions on either players games, and futures, and maybe worded it slightly wrong. I am sure he isn't jealous of one of the most successful tennis players of all time. He is stating the obvious Federer hasnt been claiming as many titles as he was once doing, but I think this year shows there are still no weaknesses in his game and he has a very strong chance of claiming the US open title. Personally I think the top 4 are all playing a class above the rest at the moment, Novak is really standing out. But as results show Federer is still up there, being the only player to beat Novak all year. I think it is to hard to say what will happen first, Murray claiming a major or Federer dropping down the rankings as they are simply all playing superb tennis. Thanks
Joe
Guest
How can you give someone the option of choosing between Federer falling lower than No.3 or Murray winning his first grand slam? They are unrelated. How about you write an article focusing on positive things instead of how probable you think it is that Federer will get a lower ranking?