Roger Federer, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has recently shared his thoughts on the current state of modern tennis. Federer, known for his elegance and variety on the court, believes tennis has become more one-dimensional, with a majority of players opting for similar shots and strategies.
Lack of Variety in Modern Tennis
According to Federer, the essence of the game remains the same, with players continuing to push the boundaries.
Roger said, “I think the game is at the same level as before, maybe even a notch higher. Maybe there is a lack of variation, but it's because they are all two-handed; they don't use the slice as much these days. Naturally, we do not see so many cushions.”
Federer feels today’s players are undeniably stronger and fitter than ever before. The baseline rallies are fierce, with players hitting the ball flatter and harder. The 20-time Grand Slam champion feels that players need a broader skillset like dropshots, slices, and volleys, which can create surprise and disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
Federer's point about making tennis more exciting kind of holds true. A wider range of shots could create more exciting rallies, captivating a bigger audience. We all remember Federer’s iconic shots like the Tweener he hit against Djokovic at the 2009 US Open or the beautiful one-handed backhand against Nadal. Moments like this make people jump out of their seats, and isn’t that what sports is all about?
Praise for Alcaraz's Uniqueness
Federer praised Carlos Alcaraz for being an exception, though. Unlike many others on the tour right now, Alcaraz’s game shows a mix of different styles, hitting powerful baseline shots and topping it up with finesse and creativity. This was clearly evident from Alcaraz’s game when he went on to win this year's French Open and Wimbledon.
He added, “We don’t see as many drop shots; obviously, Alcaraz does it a bit differently.”
Federer believes that players like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner represent the future of tennis, providing hope for a more diverse and exciting era. Alcaraz, in particular, stands out due to his ability to adapt, something Federer hopes to see more of in the coming years.
What do you make of Roger Federer’s Take on the Modern Tennis? Is he right? Comment and let us know.
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