Roger Federer vs Lleyton Hewitt 2004 US Open Final Highlights

[@soheiladam7510]

The movement of Federer when he strikes the forehand while going forward is so special and so beautiful.

[@kchuk1965]

MUFC thank god I’ll be dead by then

[@mukundphanasalkar3887]

Of course! His game is Poetry In Motion! I remember McEnroe saying during commentary on a Federer match : " just watch Federer. Don't look anywhere else, just watch Federer. It's very beautiful experience."

[@jgunner94]

I think his backhand cross court coming forward is even better, when he charges it up and then unleashes it across. Also the inside forehand, those are some of my favourites.

[@stevencoardvenice]

Graf moves like that too

[@YJ-br7ug]

@@stevencoardvenice Graf and Federer are two of the most graceful tennis players ever

[@speakingtruths4215]

Lleyton Hewitt had a small window in between Pete’s closing out of his career, and Federer/Nadal/Joker dynasty. This match is a clear indication of that window promptly being shut.

[@jlrob85]

100%. He had his moment and was a big game player that was all heart.

[@jgunner94]

@@jlrob85 He was a classy loser at the end here too.

[@SurvTrance]

You forgot to mention that during that time Kuerten had suffering a lot with injuries. But both Kuerten/Hewitt/Roddick they enjoyed well this suppose window :)

[@TheRanger866]

But let`s be honest - Lleyton was the best player in the short era "Between Sampras and Big3". Lleyton.

[@eddielong8663]

As an Australian, I sadly have to agree. The early 00s was not a strong era at all. Even a prime Andy Murray from 8-12 years later, would've held a clear edge over the likes of a prime Roddick, Hewitt, or Saffin.

[@abhayangs2305]

The forehand in his prime was something else

[@s.l5787]

I think partly because courts and the balls have changed so the balls bounce much higher than Federer's ideal contact point. There's also the fact that Federer ever since he damaged his back does not really lean much into his shots.

[@jwu7688]

@@s.l5787 The effectiveness of Federer's forehand decreased entirely because he made significant adjustments to his form beginning in early 2007. Compare his swing over time since 2007 to his swing in 2006 and earlier. It looks like an entirely different forehand and did not change for the better.

[@s.l5787]

@@jwu7688 I can't really tell the difference. Is it thst different from this streamable.com/tfbkz which is 2007 forehand examples against Gonzalez?

[@jwu7688]

@@s.l5787 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3rUlWWJl7pkhac You can see how his forehand changes from 2002 to 2008 here. The length of the swing is noticeably shortened, becomes less fluid, and relies more on timing. The result is a reduction in margin for error and power. The change continues from 2008 on. His forehand was significantly more reliable and formidable before 2007.

[@ertugrulkorpinar51]

jwu7688 The most obvious outcome is that Federer’s backswing has become shorter over time. Federer’s hand drops into a lower position earlier, and he keeps the racquet head closer to his body. This means as he continues back behind the body the backswing reduces in size. Larger backswings for example The longer the racquet is accelerating, the faster it is going when it reaches contact. Acceleration while changing direction happens on a curve. Longer backswings allow a smoother stroke path, which means more reliable timing and better biomechanics.

[@felixwatkins958]

This match demonstrates the beauty and power of Federer’s game.

[@scyqi1048]

This beauty and power demonstrates Federer's match of the game.

[@scyqi1048]

Also, this Federer demonstrates the beauty and power of the match's game.

[@Silk1970]

To put this match into the context at the time, Lleyton Hewitt had beaten Roger in Davis Cup in Melbourne at the end of 2003 in an epic 5 setter and he had his chances when losing to Roger in the 2004 Australian Open. He got a set off Roger at Winbledon too and had played well in the US hardcourt swing leading up to the US Open, as well as not dropping a set en route to the final. So I had talked myself into thinking that he might be able to challenge Roger as the US Open was on the best surface for Lleyton. Then Roger hit that cracking forehand winner off a standard Lleyton rally ball to start the match and I went to myself "Who are you fuc**** kidding?! He's got no chance!"

[@innosanto]

Lleyton even after injury was hard to beat for Nadal.in Rolland Garros.

[@fundzreal7680]

@@innosanto what has that got to do with anything? Lol

[@jonbonesmahomes7472]

Hewitt no power..easy for Fed..

[@nihalbhat9872]

You overrate Lleyton. He was a weapon less pusher for the vast majority of his career. Wimbledon was luck he has a lacklustre and sick nalbandian for a final opponent. Us open he had a way past his prime Pete.

[@andrewma3491]

LMFAO!!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Fed is the player everyone wishes to be be. All court, great service, and shot maker extraordinare

[@johanrijhkelaar3627]

I’m a huge Fed fan and have followed his career since he won Wimbledon 2003, still can’t believe some people say he played his best tennis after his 30’s. The peak of his powers was at around 2004 to mid 2009 not a coincidence why he won multiple Slams consecutively , his forehand was vicious an absolute hammer of pace,power and precision, the best shot I’ve seen in all my years of following Tennis

[@Staunomat]

His forehand wasn't the same after his mononucleosis bout. He started to incorporate more topspin and never had that "instant death from aynwhere" shot again.

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@Staunomat because the courts are slowed, those shots would not be winners anymore

[@Mzee1084]

Federer's level from 2004 to 2007 or so was some of the highest level the sport has seen. His forehand was arguably the best shot in tennis in those years. His forehand from about 2008 or so was less explosive. I remember really feeling this way watching the Wimbledon final between him and Nadal in 2008 compared to the 2007 final.

[@Grivian]

Federer was definitely not in his peak in this match. Possibly peak hunger. Hewitt was playing short, he was playing slow and he was playin to the middle. Those times in this match when he hit a long ball with a higher pace or close to the lines Federer's attacking play could not be implemented. Peak performance is not just about forehand velocity

[@SHVideografie]

​@@GrivianThis was peak Federer mate. It's not just about the fh. His movement, the clutch serving etc were all on song. He was devastating here and forced a lot of shortballs from Hewitt.

[@mukundphanasalkar3887]

Hewt was a typical Australian. Fiercely competitive during a match, but equally generous with praise for the opponent immediately after it. A great sportsman.

[@myerklamb8529]

WHAT? Hewitt was a hothead racist whose best years were behind him by age 25. It was great seeing Fed demolish him here

[@hardsam68]

Not really and I’m Australian

[@petershearman5098]

Hewitt was a wanker

[@Leon71414]

Probably the most annoying tennis player ever

[@Mzee1084]

Hewitt had a lot of issues early in his career even with getting fined for ducking press conferences. He also had a few matches where he got into it with opponents or expressed poor sportsmanship such as when he made a racially charged comment at a lines person against James Blake at the USOpen, and the Davis Cup Match against Guillermo Coria, which had a lot of antics. He did get a lot better though as he got older. I always felt that Rafter was the classier of the 2. Then Australia got stuck with Tomic, and Kyrigos who were just new levels of low...

[@beaconoftruth1990]

I said it before, and I'll say it again. Prime Fed was the greatest tennis player that ever lived. That first set was an absolute masterclass.

[@fraerot]

Nope he just sweapt the competition ...Hewitt, Phillipousses, Baghdatis.... Once Nadal and Novak have grown up it was over for Roger. His prime was cut by those two guys and that is a fact

[@SHVideografie]

​​@@fraerotNot entirely true. Federer was still able to beat prime Novak frequently even being out of his prime himself. Nadal had a bigger grip on Roger due to his playingstyle, but wasn't as consistent against the rest of the field.

[@davearonheim1582]

Wrong. In order for this to be true we'd have to say Fed was already over the hill by 27 or 28 years old.... I'm not buying that. He still won majors even in his 30's. Nadal just had Fed's number. And even though Fed was maybe more talented than a young Djokovic, he had a habit of playing too conservative in the big points and tiebreaks against Novak, which is why Novak eventually eclipsed him.

[@SHVideografie]

​@@davearonheim1582Nobody said Fed was over the hill at 28. But is clear to see that in his early 30s he didn't have this explosiveness and footspeed anymore.

[@davearonheim1582]

​@@SHVideografieyes that's likely true. And if so, that doesn't speak well of today's young players, since Djokovic keeps largely winning against much younger guys despite being 36 years of age.

[@saidmiranda1989]

One of the greatest performances by Roger. If not THE PERFORMANCE. I don't see how anyone could beat him while playing like this. The quality and variaty of the shotmaking produced was just overwhelming. Hewitt was playing like Hewitt. Very consistent, quick player, solid, with great criteria and fantastic sense of the court. He entered the final without having lost a set. And then he got erased, reduced to a mere spectator. Against Rafa or Novak, the score would have been more even. Simply because Roger was looking for the killing winner practically in every shot, something that Rafa and Novak usually don't do. And he wouldn't miss that night. The match went quickly. The match was embarrasing for Lleyton. Probably the highest level of tennis from a player the world has ever witnessed (there are many other contenders, obviously), that september 12th 2004.

[@Logan00710]

like a fan your comment is invalid. Hewitt was not a strong opponent for roger, like roddick,gonzalez, phillipousis and baghdatis. all weak players in those matches

[@mublikbublik7911]

@@Logan00710 blablabla

[@thebigmonstaandy6644]

Hewit played barely deeping that service line.

[@flanderstruck3751]

Nope. Nadals performance against Roger in RG 2008's final. That's the best performance in the history of tennis. Coming from a Fed fan

[@flanderstruck3751]

I'd also add Wawrinka's performance against Djokovic on their RG final. That was the best display of domination and badassery I've seen since the 2008 final.

[@rafayetrahmanratul1059]

Man! That court was really fast. Put that pace back in the court.

[@springfield03sniper]

Rafayet Rahman Ratul I think people forget how quick Hewitt was in his prime,...these courts were very quick, and he got a lot of balls back in play from the defense.

[@innosanto]

And was already slower than nineties.

[@boriskostic6964]

You can't see that on Tv

[@martinbarbeaux9287]

It's not the court, it's Rodger's shots

[@Mzee1084]

@@martinbarbeaux9287 The USOpen has slowed down a lot over the years.

[@vandanarao6353]

The sad part is hewitt was not playing badly

[@ybbetter5559]

Vandana Rao and still lost 6-0 twice😂poor hewitt

[@anandparmeswaran6681]

@Anthony Hewitt had a 6-0 lead to Roger early in his career😎. Show respect to your opponent Roger did that that's why he could win 20 Grand Slams.

[@sharibhai]

agreed

[@sirjain4408]

@@ybbetter5559 moment of silence

[@precessionoftheequinoxes3224]

The runners up cheque would of lessened the pain.

[@RealisticAndTrue]

This is the tennis beyond meassure, i watched that live, everything he has durning those 5 years was insane... the footwork, forehand, backhand, dropshot, slice, impossible shots, insane angles, polishing lines... unplayable, there was nothing you could do, everyone was saying back then he had aura of invincibility about him.... simply The Greatest of All Time

[@nihalbhat9872]

Federer was at his absolute peak then. Only 23 years old. Huge graceful serving also.

[@Grivian]

He was not. He was far from his peak here

[@kikaa1884]

Roger Federer peak is 2006 actually which was better than 2004 actually.

[@SHVideografie]

​@@GrivianHe was undefeated against top 10 players in 2004, won 3 slams and the WTF. His bh was perhaps not at his best but when it comes to the rest of his game he wws definitely entering prime mode like Nole did in 2011.

[@Grivian]

@@SHVideografie He started a period of domination. That's a difference between that and peak performance. Also his ELO was way higher in later years and he lost in 3rd round french open

[@1q2w3e4r5t6zism]

Federer is simply the most technically perfect player of all. He can do everything perfectly. I don't see any weaknesses. For me, the best tennis player ever.

[@ammonquitalig9077]

Im a fed fan...but hus backhand became a weakness against nadal

[@springfield03sniper]

Honestly, I am a Fed fan, but if you want to model technique, I would model my student after Murray or Djoker. Djoker is very technically sound, except his volleys....same for Murray, except his second serve is weaker.

[@ammonquitalig9077]

@@springfield03sniper for this modern game...

[@danmeadowsmusic]

@@springfield03sniper Murray could've saved his body a lot of agony if he had a stronger forehand. He could not open up and strike the winners the Big 3 could or even Wawrinka. His complete reliance on chasing everything down and breaking his body likely didn't allow him to extend his career into his 30s like the other 3 did. His is forehand isn't really anything to write home about either. Incredible neutralizer and scrambler though

[@FExpiate]

@@springfield03sniper just you saying that is enough for you to never be able to teach a student. No ones technique is as good as roger's.

[@Nirky]

And this is Federer a little bit before his dominant 2005 / 2006 period. He was so good even in 2004...a far cry from his game today in 2020, which isn't bad, but nowhere near this.

[@zizou357]

He turns 39 this year bro... Might be why.

[@wilf18]

Even though he had great success in 2006, he was a more confident more free player in 2004-5. Nadal ruined his confidence and mental toughness. I’ve always believed Nadal dismantled federer. He got in Federer’s head. You gotta remember Hewitt was 7-2 up h2h against Federer in the first 9 matches they played (99-03). This is not that Hewitt!!

[@stevec8555]

The fact that he’s still playing in 2020 is phenomenal!

[@sharibhai]

u got to admit court surfaces suited his style nowadays its mainly for defensive baseliners

[@alexmeechan15]

Yeah might be the fact that he’s nearly 40...

[@kiklocus4660]

Wow. How fast moved. Back in the days. Monster timing of the forehand.

[@SDSFG45]

Roger's greatness, much like Borgs and Mac's...starts with his feet. Ive actually watched a bunch of his matches, where Im just focused on his footwork. Its not easy...and I had to train my eyes to not be distracted. But its possible. Watch how his feet, gets him set up to strike the ball as early as he does....its incrediible.

[@emmyelijah7395]

Yes, 100% agree. Although I think the footwork he had in his prime was really at another level. He probably, naturally, just slowed down once he was approaching his 30s.

[@thirpalshk]

Hewitt was US Open champ 2001 and wimbledon champ and world no 1 in 2002... Here getting thrashed.

[@saidmiranda1989]

Also, he reached the USO final without losing a set.

[@Aghoradipathi]

Starting of the WEAK ERA

[@ivantriebriemen0]

​@@Aghoradipathi Really ? So tell me, where's the weakness of this era ?

[@Aghoradipathi]

@@ivantriebriemen0 where??? Excuse me?? Can you see Hewitt in the thumbnail? He is the guy who war at the epitome of weak era...

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@ivantriebriemen0 Hewitt lost in the first round in Wimbledon the very next year after he won it, the only one that' done it, making him the weakest title defender in the history.

[@markwoodward9636]

Unplayable when he's in beast mode

[@sharibhai]

agreed

[@fredettaboutit]

Ya and the Nadal fans and Djocovic fans say the same thing on their vids...

[@markwoodward9636]

@Qincent Rusca prime federer would beat novak 9 times out of ten on hard and grass. But Nadal is clay King.

[@thesoulexpressshow1370]

@@markwoodward9636 butthurt 😂😂 fedtard

[@eyeofhorus1301]

@@thesoulexpressshow1370 I'm sorry but Djokovic will never be this majestic. He has a simpler easier to execute grinding style that's really effective and hard to beat but not nearly as amazing

[@badabing8884]

I remember watching this when it was played and clapping every single winner from Fed that day. It was a joy to behold and poor Lleyton got absolutely pummeled that day in the most one sided men’s USO final in living memory.

[@Romans8-9]

He played a tactically terrible match tho constantly hitting to Fed's forehand. There is a reason Nadal always hits to Fed's bh.

[@GeorgeT370]

INCREDIBLY strong from Fed...and Kudos to Lleyton...such a great sportman...

[@KH-sn2sj]

Excellent quality from the picture to Roger's playing. Always a joy seeing Hewitt getting smacked around.

[@sirjain4408]

lol agreed

[@mostert1986]

Man the US Open court was way faster back then... when it was still all green. The movement of this prime Fed in '04 is way different to what it is now. Although that's understandable at almost 39...

[@unowen7591]

1:54 points like these are what keeps Federer a league ahead everyone else, even after retirement. Not matter the records, even someone as great as Djokovic would not be able to hit a rally like that so beautifully.

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

Between 2004-2007 on fast courts, a tactic that didn't work against Fed was to hit anything to his forehand.

[@Romans8-9]

i literally posted the same thing. Terri ble tactics from Hewitt hence getting double bagelled.

[@thebatman7192]

6-0, 7-6 (7-3), 6-0. What A Performance! 🔥 Roger Federer 💪 👑

[@bukhtiarshah9843]

Sir Roger federer golden legend in universal love you so much miss you so much teniss history best player ❤❤❤

[@ex_interp]

Amazing video quality and selection of points. Thank you for uploading.

[@nonpartisanrealist7075]

In the whole history of tennis i doubt there is gonna be another player who wields a tennis racquet like Roger Federer.. his game is a poetry in motion

[@wolfgangrolock]

Federer after the sad defeat in Davis Cup 2003 whashed the affront with a beautiful way

[@RossBayCult]

Hewitt didn’t play bad, but he simply doesn’t have the power from the baseline to rush or get Federer out of his comfort zone like Nadal and Djokovic do.

[@soheiladam7510]

Put Nadal and Djoker against this Federer on this court and no one will be able to stop him.

[@camaleonsacor1618]

@@soheiladam7510 hahaha agree. he can eat anyone for a breakfast. I just can not belive what he pulled off there. That is ridiculous. It is out of this world diference. Nothing you would do he will not have an answer (and an amazing one).

[@gamelover8968]

@@soheiladam7510 USO 2010 Nadal would routine this Federer

[@harshavardhan7237]

When courts are this fast and fed playing like this , no one can do anything even Novak and Rafa get routined by fed on fast courts

[@theDrzhivargo]

part of the reason is because federer can hit better angles because his reach is longer, he can reach for more balls when hes on the defensive...also hes able to hit more winners off his forehand because he hits flatter....

[@bbbazzinga]

Beautiful performance. Hewiitt was no joke back then but got destroyed by prime Roger. Matches like this were why he was considered the GOAT long before he achieved all the numbers and statistics that back up his GOATness.

[@bbbazzinga]

@v R Statements like the one you just said proves that people like you can't sustain a civil conversation and deserve no attention.

[@ab-ql9wr]

Not to take anything away from Fed but Hewitt was giving Fed too many short balls and rarely attacking. That's one of the reasons why Fed looked so invincible when they met after 2004. So, if we, for instance, take Djokovic as an example, not only did the guy rarely give any short balls but he also managed to attack/counter attack. Nole would not allow Roger to get away with the second set like he did here against Lleyton.

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@ab-ql9wr The era was so weak, somebody had to win. Hewitt lost in the first round of Wimbledon 2003 after winning it last year, making him the weakest title defender of all time.

[@peachman5698]

RF just ripped the ball...clean, powerful driving shots.....Came over BH a lot more back then...in full flight...never has there been a better player of tennis...never

[@BrotherTree1]

Unbelievable brilliance.

[@coolyoutuber6237]

16:16 . Look at Hewitt’s face . He was Federerified.😂

[@felixyatin8086]

Man, prime Fed was untouchable when on fire especially on fast courts.

[@sharibhai]

100% agree

[@ilankonikov7249]

Nadal dosent think like you

[@N.Kishore]

@Angelous Bacon And Nadal has beaten federer 24 times,so learn to respect others,if you think Dustin brown 2-0 record against rafa makes him superior then there are also the ones who had a winning record against fed but disappeared

[@N.Kishore]

@@ilankonikov7249 true,he did beat fed when he was just 17

[@rishbahpandey8697]

@@N.Kishore Nadal also lost to darcis,kyrgios,rosol ,Muller not only with brown .he loses to them in early rounds means he was not at top level.nadal defeated Federer in slams finals means Federer was playing top tennis that's why he get to the finals.even pat rafter is 3-0 vs Federer,theim is 5-2 vs Federer.h2h is imp if players play each other 40 times.nadal is 24-16,it's not 3,4 match h2h it's f*** 40 matches.

[@bradleydavis9502]

No one pushed Federer like Hewitt in his early years. Hewitt doesn’t get enough respect. Absolute monster competition and trust me, Federer knew how amazing Hewitt was heading into this match! Fed played in such a competitive era. Most people would’ve lost to this version of Hewitt!

[@madgavin7568]

Federer even admitted it was Hewitt who forced him to change his style, making him a much better player.

[@Lil7672]

man nadal and djokovic took defensive tennis to a new level, look how roger was just toying with hewitt here

[@anas6695780]

Damn I already miss him 😢

[@JoseAntonio-jc1mv]

Un fenómeno .un dios del tenis.

[@AzorAhai1209]

Such a joy seeing Hewitt being slapped on the face for the third time in the same year in 3 grand slams (Federer in AO, Gaudio in RG, Federer again in USO) 🤗

[@cloudhigh6582]

You say this but Hewitt almost took the second set lol..

[@omar.ovi.m]

Que lastima no se pudo mantener Hewitt, aunque le toco competir contra uno de los mejores de todos los tiempos que fue Federer. El juego de Hewitt, hacia que sea un jugador muy dificil de atacar, y tenia una de las mejores tecnicas de golpe de todo el circuito.

[@alinefx1]

The GOAT - We were lucky to be alive in this time.

[@NorfLondonGardener]

Sounds like Federer is playing with a sledge hammer

[@MrProstaff61]

Thanks for posting this. I don't understand why the USO camera angle is so high! Wimbledon and the Oz Open have a much lower camera view.

[@Calidreth]

Federer could have won this match 6-0 6-2 6-0 if he broke at 4-2 in the 2nd. Would've been the biggest Grand Slam beatdown ever.

[@andrewma3491]

I always remember Lleyton Hewitt as Michael Chang esque. Both guys moved their feet around on the court around running and moving their feet really quickly almost like cartoon characters. LMFAO!!!☺

[@sleong]

This was THE match that started the train of Roger Federer as the greatest of all time. Just look at those shots.

[@jontakaki503]

Hewitt was lucky to win any title. His prime was short lived as he only filled a short gap between the fading of legends such as Pete Sampras and Agassi, and the emergence of the next level goats such as Federer and Nadal.

[@rishbahpandey8697]

Federer is weak era champ

[@gregoryd40]

@@rishbahpandey8697 nope

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@gregoryd40 He is lol, just look at who was in a GS final in 2004. Gaudio and Coria... The fact that these 2 were able to be in the final but not Federer says a lot.

[@cesarpahl4987]

Faster courts which helped his style of play, also completely different backswing from Roger as already mentioned here unfortunately he shortened his swing after the back injury.

[@rishimanda2191]

@Mr Twister Wimbledon was slowed in 2001 first, but it was rainy so didn't make any difference, and Federer beat Sampras there, so he is a very good fast court player. Wimbledon was again slowed around 2008. ESPN even showed a serve of Federer with similar trajectories and same speed in 2003 and 2008 and there was almost 15mph difference, 49 to 64 or 68 I guess.

[@rishbahpandey8697]

@@rishimanda2191 that is fake trajectory,only 1 ball doesn't decide which court is faster of slower .there are different spots on grass which behave differently,grass is not regular surface like hard or clay,Federer is weak era champ

[@kidpagronprimsank05]

@@rishbahpandey8697 clay court is not regular either. Lot of bad bounces, although certainly less than grass. You might be right about grass...if it was before 2001, with the change of grass components grass are more regular

[@guilhermedestefani7575]

how in the world I missed this match ..

[@SJ-di5zu]

Man Hewitt just didn’t have the weapons to bother Federer. Once he let him get rhythm it was all over

[@soheiladam7510]

You're underestimating Hewitt too much. It's not about weapons because he certainly have them he was a former number 1 for a reason but Federer's level, the court spead and that Killer forhand. he suffocat you from both wings. he takes your time away.

[@brandonmcalister416]

The way fed rallies gives his opponent less time to recover because of the pace and angles on his shots. Sometimes he steps forward takes it slightly earlier, hits it deep and far out wide in the court by the time his opponent scrambles to return he’s ready to hit a winner

[@Logan00710]

@@soheiladam7510 heiwtt did not any top ten or top 20 to get in final, federer beat 3 tom ten´s. You can see the unbalance of their aproach games, and the diferent timing at all

[@Aghoradipathi]

Hewitt was a joke... Pity he was a former world number 1...

[@Romans8-9]

@@soheiladam7510 No he is right. Hewitt didn´t have any weapons. His best shot was the passing shot but pretty hard to use when Fed is playing from the baseline and Fed´s groundstrokes are so much better than Hewitt´s plus the serve. Hewitt´s success was based on his court movement. He played a bad match tactically too, he should have stopped hitting to Fed´s forehand, Nadal always knew to avoid doing that.

[@theDrzhivargo]

dang federer was hitting so many winners in this match

[@arturbarbosa13]

Federer 2003-2009 is, BY FAR, the best of all time!

[@noledjokovic100]

Againts who? He stop winning when Rafa and Novak grew up

[@AstroSully]

JulianND1 Maybe because Fed was already nearing the end of his prime? Lmao.

[@noledjokovic100]

@@AstroSully "His prime" ended when Nadal and Djokovic grew up. "His prime" was only Rogers prime because he was playing againts Roddick, Nalbandian, Hewitt and Safin

[@syllevineo]

JulianND1 Fed is 6-1 against Nadal since their last 7 meetings 😂 what do you have to say now?

[@mikolol3962]

JulianND1 Funny thing is that Novak is only 1 year younger than Nadal and he couldn’t beat them when they were in their primes. So Novak had waited till Roger turn 30 year old, and then he has started winning cuz he couldn’t beat Roger and Rafa in their primes

[@carlosrecuerdaruiz2948]

SWEET SWING from Roger . . .

[@ramonecricket5183]

Federer's obviously incredible here, but it's a little presumptuous to say he would destroy prime Djokovic and Nadal simply because he destroyed Hewitt. Tennis is all about match-ups, we know, and Hewitt didn't have the ability to take time away from Federer in the way those guys can; just look at how much time Fed has to wind up on the forehand and backhand, because Hewitt's balls not only land just past the service box but have no speed or weight of shot. Having said that, it's fun to watch these kind of beatdowns from time to time, just to remind yourself how much better the Big 3 are than everyone else this century.

[@shreerambhat1442]

Spot on

[@FExpiate]

Plus roger's game isn't as nearly developed as in the latter stages of his career, his arsenal is a lot more limited here. If we were to let's say, combine Federer 2006 with his arsenal from let's say 2017 I think there wouldn't be a player alive to challenge him.. You have to take into the consideration that he was really stubborn and didn't change his frame until 2014 lol he was at a huge disadvantages with the 90sq inch head compared to the 100 his opponent's used. I loved these what ifs and hypothetical situations. :)

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@FExpiateIdk, depends on where they play, nadal 2013 and djokovic 2015 will still beat him imo

[@FExpiate]

@@NamTran-xc2ip His 06 version, definitely not, well except Rafa on clay but that's a whole other story lol

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@FExpiatein 2006 courts? Sure. In 2015 courts? No. Thats just my opinion, we can speculate but we will never know.

[@asdknjakljye]

In his prime, Fed's game was so perfect

[@asdknjakljye]

@v R Who can watch this video of Fed and possibly try to hate on him? Seek help

[@asdknjakljye]

@v R I'm a Djokovic guy, but I think Fed did well against him H2H, and did similarly well vs Rafa - everywhere but Roland Garros.

[@asdknjakljye]

@v R Fed was 16-18 vs Rafa everywhere but Roland Garros. As I said, he did fine H2H vs Rafa. Rafa is the greatest ever at Roland Garros. Probably number 1 on clay overall. On any other surface, Fed is the favorite. Those H2H matches were largely played more in Rafa's prime vs Fed's. Fed is 23-27 all-time vs Djokovic. As I said, I am a Novak fan overall. However prime for prime, most of those matches probably favor Novak in that area. If you choose to respond to me again, talk to me with a little more respect. I don't want to have to bitchslap you through the computer. The facts and numbers are right there in front of you. You can bitch about them all you want but I don't want to hear your whiny weak opinions.

[@asdknjakljye]

@v R Obviously he will do not as well vs the other 2 greatest players ever. I just showed you the numbers for Fed vs those 2 players. Cry about it if you want, idgaf.

[@asdknjakljye]

@v R I already embarrassed you in this thread. Just stop.

[@alexshah7860]

Hewitt doesn't have the same weight of shot and by this match Federer was supremely confident against Hewitt allowing him to play free.

[@StephenWong14]

It's easy to miss the fact that Hewitt is only 6 months older than Federer. At age 22, Hewitt has 2 grand slam titles and Federer has none. The rest is history.

[@wouternieminen844]

This is Federer in God-mode.

[@randomcon123]

I know this is the highlight but feels like I have watched the entire match

[@kiklocus4660]

He was knocking on the door of greatest ever

[@rishbahpandey8697]

Yess weak era chamo

[@kennethlundgren]

arguably greatest performance ever #USOpen #TwentyOhFour #MensFinal

[@e2go]

My God. The fact that Roger is still playing at a level where he made a major semifinal... ON ONE LEG... I repeat... ONE LEG... this year, is in the top ten, can beat anyone on any given day, and is the betting favorite every time out unless he's playing Djokovic (or Nadal but just on clay) is absolute insanity. Laughable that people think he should retire. He's not only still playing at a high level, he's beating the best a lot of the time, including Djokovic at the ATP Finals last year. He makes deep runs and is a threat to win every tournament he enters. Still fights his ass off too when he's down. His comebacks vs. Millman and Sandgren in five-set thrillers this year were absolutely epic. Makes me wonder how many lives he's enhanced, how many people he's entertained, how many human beings he's inspired, over his entire career, across the globe? The number has to be astronomical. Incredible stuff.

[@sicboi]

That first serve of Roger's back in the day was something. Can't believe it got faster.

[@soheiladam7510]

He was playing with smaller raquet it was all about accuracy. he should've switched to a bigger one way earlier. i don't know why he didn't do that, maybe he liked playing with that type of raquet.

[@andrewma3491]

Man federer was a BEAST in his prime!!!

[@phillipbaritone3843]

Classic Swiss maestro in control of every point, moving without the ball, always thinking of the shot ahead, this is why he was untouchable for about 6/7 years. He is the reason Nadal and Djokovic elevated. Anyone who wants to argue he played in a weak league just need to watch matches like these to see how he outclassed great players! Ps. Federer is one of the best front runners ever, once he built a lead he always got a huge head of steam.

[@estoforte388]

The game changes here in historical terms. No longer is having the game of a Hewitt, Roddick, Ferrero enough to win grand slams or be world no.1. The golden age has begun. The bar has been raised considerably to a height few can even compete at. For years to come, Federer will monopolise the slams on grass and hardcourt, and Nadal on clay, taking tennis (and perhaps sport) to a new level. Their rivalry will become one for the ages.

[@donaldclark7699]

Even in his prime, his backhand was not as consistent, aggressive and deep as 2017. It’s amazing to have such an amazing season 13yrs later🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@mivraj7730]

Fed 04 to 07 the greatest forhand in the history of tennis

[@jamesfraser1622]

Hewitt had no strong shots, he had no power to trouble the top guys as he got into 2004 onwards. His speed and chasing down balls got him the wins early in his career. This lack of power caught up with him very quickly.

[@Romans8-9]

I agree but what he lacked in power he made up for in movement. He was still a top player in 05 but injuries killed off his main strength. That said, he indeed lacked the weapons to really trouble Federer even if he had kept his court speed.

[@Jonathan-xt6jw]

Not true. Hewitt's injuries took his quickness away, which for a player his style is a death sentence. Through 2005 he was an elite player.

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@Romans8-9 Courts are slowing down, that's actually a contribution to his injuries, it's inevitable. Even if somehow he magically not injured, his movement is not enough to cover the power needed for modern surfaces.

[@hardsam68]

And just when everyone thought roger would dominate for years along comes this young Spanish guy ......

[@KeithHiew]

Lleyton bloomed a little earlier than Roger, but then Roger REALLY bloomed.

[@owenbeharry8478]

Wow, this video is so clear

[@angerisdiscipline3913]

I don't care what anyone says this particular federer when he was in his prime and having a day like this he doesn't lose to any player not named rafa nadal on clay as simple as that

[@wannabe353]

Hewitt makes me think of the "Come Boys!" 80s song lol! It suits his personality perfectly 🤣

[@c3vzn]

Man it's interesting how early he was being called potentially the greatest ever. By his 4th Slam!

[@chapeltibet4551]

My goodness, Rodger, you just ran right through Lieyton.

[@Sean-xs1zp]

The forehand was just unstoppable back then. Don't understand why he changed it. Very surprised nobody has ever brought this up to the legend himself.....

[@ChrisPerkins-i7h]

Age changes thing's

[@doctornov7]

“Federer is swinging like he’s already won.” 0:45 is perhaps the most accurate way of describing his form in those days.

[@SHVideografie]

Federer's change in forehand technique really cost him a couple of slams.

[@pdiseris]

I also can't help but think watching this game, had he opted for a double handed backhand, he wouldn't have had any weaknesses.

[@donaldclark7699]

A double bagel in a GS final on the men’s side is crazy and super rare.🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@innosanto]

Federer forehand was much better than later, but his backhand was better later.

[@andresgarcia6337]

Finally a video of Federer from that era where I can see the ball 😂😂😂

[@luisgutierrez-ze1zi]

Demasiado bueno para hewit..una paliza memorable..

[@Roberto-j5b1b]

Hola Luis! Saludos! Sin dudas! Federer jugo increible ese torneo!! ☺

[@Valkyrutn]

Federer prime + fast courts/balls was OP. They nerfed fast courts just to prevent roger dominance

[@abeguy7981]

Did jojer or Nadal bribe them ?? Why they stopped fed ?? Or maybe fed was stopped by 2 greats

[@KingCast65]

If you were to have watched Lleyton at a tournament you would be like DAMN! Roger: Hold my beer. Lleyton just didn't have enough firepower.

[@simounobrien9096]

Hewittt. One of the most hilarious tennis players of all time

[@Silk1970]

Hmm, 30 titles, including 2 Slams, 2 Masters, 2 ATP finals wins, 2 year end #1 rankings, most wins of any Australian in Davis Cup, including over prime Kuerten, on clay, in Brazil (probably his best performance ever for mine.), 21 million in prize money plus considerably more in endorsements. Yeah, a real joke of a career.

[@supermovietimebros6770]

I love how he falls on the ground after double bagels

[@fraerot]

Roger Federer has won 20 grand slams. - from 2004 till 2010 he has won 16 from his 20 GS. - 2010 Novak and Nadal are not teens anymore and it was Game Over for Roger. He won 4 more from 2010 till 2019 and the rest is history.

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

Novak and Nadal are lucky cuz their prime didn't match Federer.

[@fraerot]

@@NamTran-xc2ip o yes actually they end his prime. Nadal was beating Roger very early and Novak couple of years later. Roger was 26 years old at the time

[@djjr9803]

Federer obviously overpowering Hewitt but you can already see the backhand becoming a liability later in Fed's career when his movement wouldn't allow him anymore to get around the backhand so much. His topspin backhand was too slow and too high and heavy hitters like Nadal and Djokovic took advantage of that.

[@nihalbhat9872]

Agree. Only won 3 slams after he turned 32. And those against a mug like Cilic (2 of them LMAO) and an ageing Rafa on hardcourt. He was thoroughly exposed by Rafa and Djokovic after the age of 29 mostly.

[@tennisslams9363]

@@nihalbhat9872 yes poor old Rafa was 30 years old in 2017 AO, I believe Federer was only 35.

[@cloudhigh6582]

@@tennisslams9363 True credit to Federer but Nadal blew that final set unfortunately.

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@cloudhigh6582he didn’t, Fed played better

[@cloudhigh6582]

@@NamTran-xc2ip Nah Nadal blew it. He was in control of the set and and made silly errors.

[@tenisfin]

Roger lived farther behind the baseline then!

[@hymansahak181]

If they kept courts at this speed between 2010 and 2015, Federer would easily have 3 more Grand Slams under his belt.

[@Vandonwins]

Exactly. They reduced the speed. Playing at speed shows the real greatness

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@Vandonwinssure according to you

[@TheRanger866]

2004 year: Yes, Hewitt could be much tougher opponent for Federer, if player with Hewitt`s serve return, speed and stamina would have better serve, better forehand, better backhand... Is this real? Meanwhile in Belgrade...

[@arunjanardanan5343]

The takeaway from this is that a 23-24 yr old djoker is not beating a 23-24 yr Fed. It's not happenin'.

[@craigallday1236]

Exactly what I’ve been thinking . Peak fed plays the best tennis we’ll possibly ever likely see

[@NamTran-xc2ip]

@@craigallday1236 Peak Fed looks good against Hewitt who lost more to unseeded players than to top 5 in GS.

[@Oheh84]

Prime Federer hands down is the greatest player ever.

[@atharvaj3302]

Hewitt twice bagled in a grand Slam final match...what can be kore worse than this

[@guillezorro]

Jordan Thompson supporting his boy at 9:00

[@dragonsparadise2244]

Is the court fast or the video speeded up