'We might see something different from Roger Federer', says top analyst

When we talk about the Big Three and their records we understand that almost every number we can ever imagine has been matched or surpassed by these three tennis legends who are Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Although these are now in the final stages of their career, they continue to achieve great records and their regularity despite the passing years is almost unbelievable. We all know of their eternal challenge when it comes to the number of Grand Slam tournaments they have won: Right now Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal reign supreme with 20 wins while world number one Novak Djokovic chases 17 titles. Behind their numbers is the abyss. In recent weeks the Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal has achieved a sensational record reaching 800 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 of the men's circuit. An incredible record that becomes a great challenge if we only look at the absolute numbers. In a recent interview, top analyst Annabel Croft suggested that Federer will try something different when he returns from his long rehab from surgery.

Croft on Roger Federer's future

“Returning after surgery and after such a long break will be a huge challenge, which makes me wonder whether we might see something different from him.” Annabel Croft analyzed and expects Roger Federer to make smart decisions. She said that the Swiss Master will be more attacking and look for shorter points. Federer’s strategy will determine whether he can challenge for the important titles. “He has had time to consider his strategy for 2021 and has always been very smart with his training and scheduling, so it would not surprise me if he has been focusing his practice on playing really short, sharp, attacking points. “If he is to challenge for the biggest prizes, he surely needs to avoid being drawn into lengthy wars of attrition. By nature Federer is an aggressive player who looks to win matches quickly, but he might have decided that at this stage of his career it is time to shorten points even more by attacking at every conceivable opportunity, playing chip-and-charge on his returns and getting into the net whenever he can.” Federer’s 2017 return included three Grand Slam titles of the five Grand Slam events, but expecting the same this time around will be unrealistic. It is widely expected that Federer will be a force mostly on the grass-court, but he might have done some thinking by now and formed a plan for his 2021 return.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3otqU2v