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Is this the moment of truth for Federer?
4 Comments · Posted by Scoop Malinowski in Articles
This Wimbledon could be the moment of truth for Federer. Everything is at stake.
He is unsure about his summer schedule because it all rides on his result at AELTC.
“If I play really good or really bad, it will (impact my summer schedule, Toronto, Cincy, US Open, Olympics)…”
Federer then insisted the mental mistakes he made in Halle can’t happen in Wimbledon. “It will not happen here, I’m really pumped up, I’m ready.”
When asked by Associated Press if he originally planned to still be playing at 40, Fed revealed Pistol Pete Sampras asked him ten years ago how much he had left in the tank? Federer said he thought he’d go to about 35. But with the injuries and what happened, this is why he has kept going and persevering. He still loves the sport and competing. He added, “We’ll see if the (great) results come back. Clearly Wimbledon is very important for me right now.”
You get the sense Federer is laying all his chips on the table for this Wimbledon. If he can impact the tournament and score a spectacular result, he will surely keep going. As he should because it will prove he can still threaten to win majors. But if he fails to be a factor and is upset before the second week by a decided underdog or journeyman, there is a chance he calls it quits sooner rather than later.
This could be the moment of truth for Federer’s future. The pressure he is putting on himself is unlike anything he’s ever dealt with before. He wants to keep going but does he still have enough in his magic bag of tricks to keep going? Federer is not here for the farewell tour or pity parties. He is here because he still believes Roger Federer is still Roger Federer. And he wants to keep being Roger Federer.
Final thought: Pete and Andre inspired the next great era led by Hewitt and Federer. Pete and Andre are proud of their own careers and for inspiring Federer to greatness above and beyond what they created. No envy or jealousy by Pete and Andre, they accept it. Federer also then inspired Rafa and Djokovic to take tennis to an even higher level. It does not seem like Federer is proud and comfortable for his role in the evolution of tennis. It seems he is still trying to block Nadal and Djokovic and stunt their superior greatness instead of just letting it happen naturally and accepting the reality the sport has passed him by. It’s Djokovic’s time now. Roger had his time to shine, now it’s Djokovic’s time to shine.
Federer · Roger Federer · Wimbledon
Sam · June 29, 2021 at 4:53 pm
So what was the truth? 🕵🏻♂️ Didn’t see today’s match, but do you think there was anything shady going on, Scoop?
Scoop Malinowski · June 29, 2021 at 5:05 pm
Sam, Mannarino was afraid to beat Federer. He’s a beta player with alpha talent but he never does well against the giants of the sport. He looks uncomfortable on court, like he would prefer to be playing Joao Sousa on court 19 with three people watching. He was outplaying Federer, who is no longer Roger Federer. But when it came time to win, he found a way out. I believe he fell and exaggerated an ache or injury and subconsciously tanked out of the match. He was afraid to win. He knew everybody wants to see Federer win and so he complied. He’s a nice player but he does not have the mentality or the viciousness ruthlessness to slay a dragon of the game. He tanked out. I’m sure he will be in Newport in two weeks.
Sam · June 29, 2021 at 9:41 pm
Thanks for the explanation, Scoop. I think you’re right. And I’m glad that there was likely nothing sinister going on.
Scoop Malinowski · June 29, 2021 at 9:56 pm
Sam I was watching the match and texting another tennis reporter and kept telling him the whole time, Mannarino can win the match because Roger is not Roger anymore but he will find a way to tank it because he’s afraid to win, afraid to disappoint everyone, as everyone wanted Roger. And it happened exactly as I said! Mannarino does not enjoy the big matches vs the big three, he would prefer to play on court ten vs. a no name. Gasquet is the same kind of player, just a little better than Mannarino. No chance Gasquet beats Roger because he will be afraid to do it, but he should beat him right now. Mental is so important in elite pro tennis.