New racquet saga continues for Federer

[Hs0022]

Don't want to jinx Fed but I am looking forward to the match against Tsonga. That should really prove the mettle of the new frame.

Backhand return winner from Fed against Kavcic to make it 5-1 in set two. Haven't seen Fed hit that one in a while.

 

[cezero]

fed's hitting his backhand harder now, which imo is a great thing. he's not going to contend for a major again by slicing or just trying to roll it back in play off the backhand side. it worked for him for a long time, but most of the top 30 have caught up to that kind of play, and can deal with it easily. most of the time, if he gets a decent ball to hit off the backhand, he needs to rip it. better than using up all of the energy it takes for him to try to get a rally back to netural.

i've only seen tsonga play once this tournament, but he looked really good. i'm betting this will be tough for roger, and i give a slight edge to jowilly

 

[Hs0022]

I had a feeling that Fed would win this one. His back is good enough to beat Tsonga again, and trouble the top three. Beating all of them is a tall order though and I don't think he can do that just yet with the new racquet.

 

[cezero]

wow

racquet and improved back make for a mini-renaissance for fed

 

[bksballer89]

I told you guys I expected him to make a deep run at this tourney

 

[Hs0022]

I would like to know what tension Fed is using in his frame. Says that he is using 16 lb more tension due to the larger headsize. He himself stated "a few kilos". I suspect that the frame is similar in structural composition to a 100 percent graphite or 80-20 (Pro Staff). I think the frame is as stiff as the ones he played with before. Still headlight so he can maneuver at the net the volley directions.

 

[Hs0022]

One other thing I am picking up about Fed's game is that he is overpowering the opponent (not in every rally but often enough to make a difference). For me overpowering is when you hit hard enough (pretty much straight at) to opponent and have him produce an error. This Federer needs especially when he is trying to close out sets after getting in the driver seat.

 

[Hs0022]

What I am liking (As I watch Fed vs Tsonga) is that Fed's down the line backhands are not only working great but he is able to hit on the run and scramble type of flick winners down the line to pass Tsonga at the net. And his power can be attributed to the larger headsize and the open string pattern (16 X 19) in his new frame. He needs this because he is one scrawny dude. When he played with his 90 sq in he was ALWAYS at a disadvantage from every angle against every opponent and this was very apparent especially against Nadal.

 

[Hs0022]

God, would I love to get my hands on what Fed is playing with. The beam looks thin enough to go as an older ProStaff model, the feel from that frame is unbelievable if you have ever hit with it. They don't make it in 98 sqin, never did but they might just have custom made/ designed it for Fed. It used to come in the 85 ( which Pete played with ) and the 95 sqin.

I just can't get a clear picture of the head on Fed's new racquet, I have paused million times in his matches, still trying to figure out if it has a PWS. That would give us some clues whether it's a brand new frame or something old that Wilson has tweaked.

 

[RoboticDreams]

The change in racquets has worked so far. Go Fed.

 

[Hs0022]

I know he lost his match against Nadal, but its not the racquet to be blamed. Whenever he plays Nadal there is always some extra pressure that makes Federer try desperate things and often he makes poor choices, like when to come to the net, its the Nadal FH to Fed BH effect. He was also unable to capitalize on the Nadal second serve (should have attacked it more running around the BH). Also too many unforced errors. The racquet blending (with his game) is coming along just fine.

 

[nuraman00]

I know he lost his match against Nadal, but its not the racquet to be blamed. Whenever he plays Nadal there is always some extra pressure that makes Federer try desperate things and often he makes poor choices, like when to come to the net, its the Nadal FH to Fed BH effect. He was also unable to capitalize on the Nadal second serve (should have attacked it more running around the BH). Also too many unforced errors. The racquet blending (with his game) is coming along just fine.

I agree the racquet wasn't the problem.

He just can't put Nadal away on longer rallies, and he can't get into Nadal's service games that easily.

 

[JuiceTheGator]

Hmm...maybe they have weights hidden in there or sumpin'.

I've been using the Wilson nCode nPro for years. They had one for a flatter grip and the one for the extreme western grip I use. It has been great - super control and spin exaggeration. Love it.

The new racquet most like it is the Wilson "Juice." I gotta say I strongly approve of the name.

Finally got to hit with a pro with my new Juice. What a difference! I'm using "rough gut" strung at 58#. Holy shit folks - my strokes are devastating with this thing. I don't know what else to say...never felt anything like it.

 

[Hs0022]

Fed is finally at home with his new frame. Today's match provided the proof. Great win over Djoko. Lets go for the title match.

 

[Hs0022]

Backhand is rock solid. And not only that converting a breakpoint with the down the line bh shot? That's just awesome! Djoko had no answers. Love this new racquet. Hope they stick with it and market it soon. Now is the time. Will sell like hot cake with Fed winning matches like this.

 

[cezero]

nice for fed, but 3 of 5 is a different animal...especially at his age

and he still has the nadal problem. that topspin will always break his backhand down. i guess he can just hope that somebody takes him out early.

 

[Smart]

Berdych takes the first 6-3. Fed is actually returning really well. In five Berdych service games, Fed has gotten to 30 four times and had a break. He just couldn't serve to save his life, and repeatedly lost his 2nd serve points.

 

[Smart]

Fed comes back from a break down to take the second 6-4. Berdych looks tired, which is understandable for a guy who has won nine matches the last two weeks. He'll have to serve well if he wants to win.

 

[Hs0022]

The new racquet is helping Fed's
1) return of serve ( by getting to more balls with more sq in)
2) power on the ground strokes, he is not getting overpowered any more and can force errors off the opponent with harder hit shots
3) one handed backhand, again getting a wider stringbed allows more margin for error on this precious shot that requires more elements to be right, I also suspect that the racquet might be lighter or have more maneuverability so he can gain on the time needed to set up the shot.

 

[Hs0022]

They have removed fed's name from the Wilson lineup of pro players using Wilson racquets in the tennis warehouse page. The pro staff or BLX 90 is no longer endorsed by Federer's name I think. May be a transition phase for Wilson to get The Federer brand on the new line of frames that should be coming out soon I think ( the one they will claim Fed is using now). First they need to give it a paint job though, theDarth Vader look is not gonna go well with the tennis playing crowd I bet.