Roger Federer: back in the game?

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MCTA Managing Director and tennishead coaching expert Dave Sammel comes to the rescue yet again and gives us his expert view on the latest episode of the Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal rivalry.

TH: Has Roger Federer finally beating Rafael Nadal last week in Madrid (first win on clay since Hamburg 97, first win in five meetings), changed the dynamics of their rivalry?

Dave Sammel: The match in Madrid is more significant for Roger than Rafa. Roger is working again. He has gotten back to trying to improve and that match gives him belief that he is going in the right direction. Roger’s change in attitude is more significant and the result strengthens resolve. It will make no difference to Rafa on clay but might give Roger an edge back at Wimbledon. It will only be significant if Roger beats Rafa again in Paris or Wimbledon.

TH: Did Federer do anything tactically different/anything particularly well or was Nadal just knackered? Did the higher altitude/faster court of Madrid make a difference?

DS: Roger started the match in the locker room. He took his time and made Rafa serve first. He changed the rhythm and dynamics from the start. Important details like that in a small way will have affected Rafa’s preparation. Roger kept the spin on his forehand more consistently, he served and volleyed some and was smarter on choice of shot when coming to the net.

The dropshot was also used well to keep Rafa off balance. However Rafa was tired and the court helped Roger’s serve and Rafa struggled to get rhythm all week. Rafa did not move as well as he normally does so the combination of his fatigue and Roger’s good play meant a good result for Roger.

TH: Does this change Nadal’s prospects going into the French Open, or is it just a blip?

DS: Rafa is overwhelming favourite for Paris and Madrid does nothing to affect this unless Roger can get close and not crack. If Roger is close and keeps his discipline on his forehand then both will remember Madrid, as both will know that Roger can finish the job again, which was becoming a serious doubt. However staying close over 5 sets in Paris is a big ask that I’m not convinced anyone can do, and if so Novak Djokovic is the most likely candidate, but now Roger can also challenge and without Madrid would have been mentally a lot further away.