Why Tennis Players FEARED Playing Roger Federer!

[@lachd2261]

The 2006 model Federer was the greatest player to walk the earth. I remember watching matches from Wimbledon at that time and thinking how effortless it all was - perfect shot selection, nearly every first serve going in, nearly every winner hitting the line, perfect movement, perfect decision making about when to come to the net, perfect volley execution, almost error free tennis... it was utterly extraordinary. If you saw it, you know.

[@neme6ben]

Completely agree, specially late 06 and early 07, it was a ridiculous level, something i havent seen being topped yet,not even nole. I still remember the blake match at the final in the masterw cup.. his backhand was on a freakish level in that match, blake was laughing at how ridiculous it was

[@hangarby10]

Agreed! I think his shot selection during the mid 2000s was unsurpassed and was his greatest strength (among many). He just kept his opponents way off balance. Mac'1984 would be a close 2nd.

[@phil1727]

Just simply put the goat hes the class act of all class acts His backend was the best single backend ever his drop shots amazing and winning and losing with the same class as what makes Roger Federer the legend of all legends

[@RaviG-bv4yd]

Federer is the hardest to match in the beauty and grace of top tennis players among all the greatest players including Laver, Nadal and Djokovich. Federer was simple a joy to watch.

[@concepcionur2291]

Admirable!! Jamás he visto tanta perfección y creo que tampoco la volveré a ver

[@Terminatortx33]

Federer made it look effortless. He walked with a swagger that no other player has.

[@Clavers1369]

Ohhh come on. Marat Safin would swagger while sitting on the can, let alone walking up to serve.

[@Terminatortx33]

@@Clavers1369 Fabio had great swagger too - classy player. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJW5fGhplJath5o

[@stevenponte6655]

@@Clavers1369 Nothing compares to Safin's swagger at the nightclub after the match!! ;)

[@SMNtheNight]

Tennis was always exciting when Federer was on the court, that's a big thing for me. Even when he completely dominated a lesser opponent, it was still a treat watching him glide around and bring so much variety to the match. The mastery he had over the game in every aspect was simply sublime, like some kind of tennis ASMR.

[@Astadium]

I was a witness of Roger federer's prime, My rememberence is vivid because that's my youth too, he's simply perfection.

[@scotter7663]

One thing that I never hear anyone talk about when comparing the big-3 is that Federer is 5-6 years older than both Nadal and Djokovic. In a time when court surfaces were slowed down, and tennis became more physically demanding than it's ever been in the past, this is a huge disadvantage. It was an advantage for Federer early in his career, I'd say, for the first 5 years that Nadal and Djokovic were competitively playing on the tour Federer had the experience and maturity that they hadn't yet developed. So between 2005-2010/2011 this worked in Fed's favor, but for the following 10 years+ this was a huge disadvantage. As Djokovic reached his prime in 2011, the 6 years of youth was a big advantage for him over Federer and during the last 5 years of Fed's career it was a huge advantage for both Nadal and Djok and yet Federer still found ways to win against both players. Obviously Djokovic is the greatest with his slam and title record, but I wonder what the GS counts and head-to-head records would look like if Federer was the same age as they were, or at least from the same class. I have to think it would have improved Federer's career to not be playing at a physical disadvantage for the majority of his career

[@eriknovak496]

Hard to say, in all honesty. Federer won 16 of his GS titles before 2011, and only 4 after that. A similar analysis probably holds for masters titles, etc (albeit with more dominance later in his career). Basically, the 6 top years he had before 2011 allowed him to rack up so many titles it might offset whatever results he could've achieved in the 15 years after that. I think a similar scenario is playing out for Djokovic, albeit with him being old. His 2023 season was great, but arguably was also the result of a not fully mature playing field yet. Perhaps a similar argument holds for 2021, and he likely would've had a similarly dominant 2022 if he had gotten the vaccine, and 2020 if covid hadn't happened. So, Djokovic for a few years has been reaping the rewards of a weaker field, similarly to Federer's early years.

[@gmoraesalvarez]

​@@eriknovak496the weak era is because of Federer, not the other way around. Nalbandian, Roddick, Safin, etc, were on the level of Murray, del potro, wawrinka, Guga, even perhaps Agassi level. They would in any other era be multiple GS champions. Federer brought about the next step of tennis. It is no coincidence that the three goat are him and his two main rivals from the next generation. They made each other stronger. If only Sampras had such a foil, he perhaps would have been around longer and evolved too. But none came soon enough.

[@finmekkul]

@@gmoraesalvarez Nope, there is something for you -> www.youtube.com/@goatkovic Related to strong field theory -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/poHCi3aPgpp_qMU And, related to weak era -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJXUo4Knq7CJnrs Honestly, I can't wait for these stats to be eventually updated with Alcaras's and Sinner's numbers.

[@grimson]

I’m 25 years older than you. I watched this all live. He just was MUCH better than anyone else playing 2004-07. I think this HURT him later in terms of learning how to consistently win pressure points, because he barely faced any! Rafa developing a hardcourt game and then Djokovic learning how to serve in 2011 exposed his mental game a little. He was not more mentally tough than either of them imo. More talented, better touch, more attacking? Yes. But also more likely to frame a forehand at 5-5, deuce, against either of those two guys. This doesn’t take away his greatness at all; I just think it hurt him that he had so many years without a true rival.

[@ileanasantamaria2364]

Excellent take. I'm 44 and watched much of it at the time, and where Fed always seemed at a disadvantage was in the mental toughness department. It stands to reason that his superiority over most of the field would have kept him from having to develop the kind of mental fortitude that his major challengers aiming to dethrone him brought to the table.

[@annewalden3795]

The answer is simple. Roger is the most naturally talented player who has ever played tennis .

[@yupadej4361]

Nah he just played more risky shots. When the gap is slim in terms of talent the guy who plays percentage tennis wins. He was always great mentally, just faced superior players

[@neophytosdm]

I disagree. He only lost to Nadal 1 time since 2015 and that was on clay, on Roland Garros, on a semifinal. Mentally, he had no problem whatsoever against Nadal since 2015, on the contrary, he showed again that he could and did overcome this challenge, which was one of the two biggest challenges of his career and that is only one of many examples of how mentally strong he was. Don't forget he was losing against Hewitt and Nalbandian and had to find a way around those two. He also saved multiple match points in critical matches, such as against Agassi in ATP Finals and against Nadal in Wimbledon 2008, among many others. He only struggled mentally against Djokovic - who is probably the strongest tennis player mentally, of his era at least.

[@neophytosdm]

@@yupadej4361He was indeed great mentally but he faced superior players in what? The only player that troubled him consistently after 2010 was Djokovic and on most occasions was because Djokovic kept his high level on critical points while Federer dropped his. That is all mental. A few examples, he shanked an inside out forehand in 2011 us open semis, he tried an inside out forehand when he was clearly out of position in Wimbledon 2019 semis and right after that he made a bad approach shot resulting in Djokovic having a lot of time to pass. Even though he indeed plays risky shots, he was also renowned for his tennis iq/shot selection and low unforced errors when compared to other players who tend to play risky. The chances of making those wrong choices I mentioned above - in a non-critical situation, would be pretty lower. On the other hand, Djokovic manages to play every critical point while being relaxed - like it wasn't a critical point. A few examples of that are, in 2010 us open semi, which out of the blue he went all out on his forehand playing riskier shots and saved 2 match points and in 2011 us open semis, he went all out on the risky return winner - it wasn't the high percentage tennis that saved him the match points, at least in those two occasions. As far as pure tennis skills and level of quality goes, it is clear that both can match or outplay each other on any given day - and they have.

[@Nill757]

It is true. Those Fed years the highest tennis level the game has ever seen. Five straight W. Five straight USO. Those streaks in grass hard only possible with an elegant, graceful game from great athleticism which enables repeats. Nobody else going to do that.

[@10oneluv10]

Such a graceful playing style. I really enjoyed watching him play.

[@WayneRicker]

I had the pleasure of seeing the 2006 US Open vs. home-town favorite James Blake. The crowd was deafening while Blake made a run for a set, in 3 strokes from Fed it was over and completely quiet. Fed was as usual graceful in the on-court post interview. So much I could talk about from that match, glorious!! Thank you Roger!!

[@Gr33nsurfer]

No matter the number of titles there has never been a player making it look so smooth and easy like federer did and for that and his emotions he will always be remembered.

[@BabyFed]

I DO NOT CARE if Djokovic or Nadal have more slam titles to their name! Being the greatest of all time in your sport is not simply about raw statistical achievement. 2004-2007 Federer is highest level of consistent play reached by any tennis player ever and anyone who has watched his highlights from that time period should agree.

[@tristan7844]

Thats true being the greatest means being great in winning and defeat..being unselfish and act like a champion..Federer was a sore loser and was full of himself

[@ZATennisFan]

At his peak there was a sublime, magnificent and poetic brutality to his game.

[@RogerFleischer-p3f]

An excellent, in-depth overview of Roger Federer's astonishingly athletic and entertaining-to-watch all-court game and career--and during the era of high-def recording so that his games can be viewed over an over. What a gift.

[@donaldallen1771]

I am 81 years old and started playing tennis when I was a kid and got good instruction in summer camp starting at 10. I'm still playing (I played today), though my knees get very unhappy when I do. I mention this because I've seen the changes in the game over all the years I've played; racquet size and material, stringing, rules changes (the foot-fault rule used to much more strict) and surface changes. The result is that the game played today is significantly different than the game played 50 or 60 years ago and there is no way to decide whether Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic was better or worse than Rod Laver. They are not comparable because while they all played something called tennis, the 1960s game was very different from the 2020s game and the two are not comparable. Having said that, I preferred watching Federer and Nadal and admire them both more than Djokovic. I do not deny that Djokovic is a great player, certainly one of the greatest of the present era. But I find it hard to admire him as a person, given some of his on-court and off-court behavior. He simply does not stack up against two of the great sportsmen I've seen in my life, Nadal.and Federer. As for watching them play, Federer was simply astonishing, making the near-impossible look easy. Anyone who has ever played the game seriously understands that time was measured differently by him. Taking a 95 mph forehand from someone like Fernando Gonzalez on the rise, essentially a half-volley, and not only being ready to make the shot and then to make solid contact and then to do something wonderful with it? Insane. Ordinary humans can't even begin to relate. He was the Ted Williams of this tennis era. Nadal? Incredible will combined with a great, great athlete. Throw in the fact that he is a gentleman and you have something pretty special. Nadal is someone I would want my grandchildren to emulate, as is Federer. Going back, Laver was a marvel in his time. I still remember the first time I saw him uncork that great running cross-court topspin backhand (against Butch Buchholz at Forest Hills 64 years ago). He could serve-volley at Wimbledon when Wimbledon was a real grass-court tournament, not the groundstroking contest we have today on green clay. But he could win on the clay in Paris. An extraordinary talent who won the Grand Slam TWICE. I am absolutely convinced that if Laver was 60 years younger, he'd be at least top 10 today, but he wouldn't be able to play the same one-grip game he played in his time. The same is true for Johnny Mac, another of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. Mac also played/plays one-grip tennis, like Laver, his idol. Wouldn't work today, but Mac the eyesight, talent, coordination and reflexes (much like Federer) to compete in today's game. Even Pete Sampras's powerful game would need some tweaking to work now. Borg, Agassi and Connors all deserve mention here, as do Jack Kramer, Pancho Gonzalez, Lew Hoad and Don Budge. And others, e.g., Vic Seixas, who is still alive at 100. Borg's achievement of winning 6 French titles and 5 Wimbledon titles when the two surfaces were so different is one of the great achievements in the history of the game. And Borg won those French titles at the same rate Nadal did at comparable ages. Borg would have won a lot more had he not retired very prematurely.

[@ilovecookietreats]

I can only hope that others took the time to read your insightful analysis. Many thanks for your perspective!

[@bapyongukgukguk2352]

Nadal biggest enemy is his body : way too prone to injuries

[@bombdiggaty8795]

​@@bapyongukgukguk2352yeah I think his game is so much about his athletic ability that now that he is getting older his body simply can't take his style of play

[@terrenceolivido741]

Dude, I am 70 and i agree on everything you say. I actually saw Gonzalez play live and i rallied with Arthur Ashe and taught tennis one season. when i became aware of Federer i said " he is doing everything that my old tennis coaches taught . " he brought a tear to their eyes ! I will say one difference was the open-stance on the forehand. I admit, i honestly would like tennis better if the racket was required to be all wood . honestly ....

[@mosty85]

Thank you!! I have been making this argument for literally years! Yes, some players are more successful than Federer. Success is determined by a combination of your own talent and circumstances, ie. the latter of those two, who is around at the time to stop you from winning. Federer during his peak faced one of the other 2 greatest players of all time IN HIS PRIME. The records show how many times Nadal stopped Federer going on to win slams in the finals, 6 times. By contrast, Djokovic has had his prime period against Federer and Nadal outside of their prime, and other players that are nowhere near as good. Just look back at the finalists he played against for half his slams. I'm not having a go at Djokovic, his record is unmatched and the length of time he has maintained his peak is astounding, but he hasn't had to face a rivalry against a player as good as Nadal or Federer in their primes. I am of the same opinion as your video put across so well. The level of play reached by Federer in those prime years is unmatched, he was able to be so aggressive and attacking with his play, without sacrificing any consistency. I've never seen another player combine that play style with so few errors. It's the highest the game has ever seen.

[@azorbarros3308]

One of the GOATs… and hands down the most beautiful Tennis ever played… he was a dancer in the court… Fred Astaire playing tennis with children

[@pavelsolaris1901]

I reallyh love the way you present your videos, staying objective and backed up by the data. Really awesome. Good job!

[@ramiqaryouti9730]

Federer has made significant contributions to the sport of tennis, elevating it beyond its traditional boundaries. While other notable players have also enriched the game, Fderer's impact is unparalleled. It is an indisputable fact that Federer's contributions have transformed tennis, and those who deny this are displaying a lack of appreciation for his achievements. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the sport.😮

[@aliallahditta]

It really irks me when people say that he wasn't mentally tough. he guy won 20 GS and won after being match points down himself and you are saying that he doesn't have mental toughness. His game was always high risk high reward. He came from the age of serve and volleys (which were dying when he arrived) but he won his first Wimbledon mostly doing that. He transformed himself into a baseline player but never compromised on the attacking style.

[@DiabloTommaso]

No one will be like him. The goat. Number can change but the fact he changed alongside the game makes him a step better than everyone. He chaged his game again in his later carrer.

[@Zach78z]

What many people don't realize is that it wasn't until Federer was 34 years old that Djokovic finally broke the into the lead vs Federer Head to Head. Djokovic was 28 at this moment. The average age of the top 100 tennis players in the world is 27 so Djokovic was at the prime age on tour when this happened. Djokovic basically had to wait until Federer was old until he finally had a winning record against him. What people don't realize is that Djokovic's extreme flexibility allowed him to play at his high level into his older years which is the only reason why he has the most grand slams. When you can still play at a high level, it gives you more opportunities. The best player of all time in my opinion is who played at the "highest level" for a few years, not the person who played at a high level for more years. Federer by his 31st birthday: 17 Grand Slam titles, 75 tour singles titles Nadal by his 31st birthday: 14 Grand Slam titles, 72 tour singles titles Djokovic by his 31st birthday: 12 Grand Slam titles, 68 tour singles titles

[@ilovecookietreats]

This is an excellent argument you've made!

[@yubs4892]

Didn't know the GOAT argument was based around age 31. Dumbest thing I've ever seen, especially when everyone peaks at a different time. Novak peaked later, had more longevity, and holds more records. Sorry brother.

[@Zach78z]

@@yubs4892I'll edit this, I felt bad because my first comment was too mean to you. Try re-reading, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Others seem to agree with me so i guess they are all just dumb too? LOL!!!

[@dj7oya]

I love his plasticity and the way he performed all the different strokes superbly, along with his smooth footwork. He would hit it from the baseline, he was amazing at the net, he could change the pace with his slice... it was like Ronaldinho playing football.

[@nathanielswan909]

You did this so well.....Now you need to get a spot on one of the tennis channels...great job

[@tei-mensahodoi8134]

Roger Federer,a Tennis Legend,the best and greatest of all .Even if he has less Grand Slams than others,he beat and taught em all abt his meastry.The best that's ever been.GOAT.

[@MilosavSpasojevic]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXSbqZSVeq9qic0

[@Idiots221]

Idiot fed fan

[@Khattab9O]

@@Idiots221It seems that he read your nickname and preferred not to respond and waste time

[@Nill757]

Throughout this video on Feds dominant years 2004-2007, every closeup video is from Fed … post 2010, most of them post 2015. Even showing Fed A0 2018. Same wit Fed audio. Cmon. These are two different players.

[@niktarasyuk8514]

Graceful and beautiful game of Federer, he made the tennis court his dance floor, aided by natural beauty of one handed backhand and the ballet dancer like movement.

[@aisthpaoitht]

Great video! My only critique is that Federer wasn't ultra aggressive in his prime. He was happy to get into rallies and be patient. This is what cost him against Nadal. He got ultra aggressive starting in 2015 and peaked his aggression in 2017.

[@oot007]

Not true. Fed had tons of power with his forehand and backhand during is prime between 2004 and 07. What cost him against Nadal was the clay surface and the outdated 1980's Wilson racquet that he persisted with until 2016.

[@aisthpaoitht]

@@oot007 yes he had tons of power. But he didn't always use it. He was pretty content to rally.

[@Buddy_-ub1mf]

6:41 it's scary how big of a resemblance this 2009 wimbledon championship point is to the championship point of 10 years later. (Wimby 2019) Not just that, but Fed beat Andy all 3 times they faced in a Wimby final, where Novak beat Fed all 3 times they faced in a Wimby final, what Roger did to Andy, Novak did to Roger. Crazy how much similarities there are here

[@drejtoman2974]

Good points. Fed is mentally weakest and also worst coached goat . Still my favourite. Most talented and beautiful. Everyone can have favourite goat 🐐 😂❤

[@mrgrimm53]

@@drejtoman2974 By far the most talented and gifted player of the 3. But indeed , he doesn't have the 'killer instinct' like Nadal or Djokovic. He never really had that. He always needed more points to win matches than the other 2. Just imagine Federer with a top mentality... 😅

[@ilovecookietreats]

All phenomenal points!

[@h-dawg1876]

One word for Federer, king. Probably the greatest for sure. Nadal and Federer has always been a hard say of who dominated their rivalry. Federer leads 3-1 on grass and on hard 11-9 against Nadal. But what made Federer scary is that nobody could touch him when he was on. 2017 Dubai he destroy Novak and beat Nadal in every meet. Win 2 GS, 12 titles ending the season with 54-5 in 2017. His best is 92-5 in 06. Most dominant player sense Sampras prime. It’s hard to say because Sampras and Federer probably the best ever to play the sport.

[@GORANSTANKOVIC-u4t]

They are both apprentices for the GAOAT.

[@sawgames8623]

Best ever is Djokovic, objectively speaking

[@ilovecookietreats]

all excellent points!

[@dwipaal-farisi4107]

Ur storytelling is def one the top buddy. I could disagree with some of the things here but the flow of the video is just great

[@nihilus1626]

Federer the era he came up in and surprisingly held his own in an era dominated by nadal and djokovic. Courts slowed down and playing styles changed but Federer adapted and still was able to have very few dips in his career. Nadal and Djokovic never changed their strategies or playstyles, they stayed with their grindy baseliner playstyles. Meanwhile Federer had to adapt to their games but was older and had much more at stake in his matches. The goat debate is dumb because we'll never see each of the big three at their primes play each other.

[@shubhodipchakraborty9414]

Second you. Additionally, no one says this being a weak era-it is always a complain towards Fed :)

[@nekotamo4670]

Novak not changing his game throughout his career? First, his style changed after 2009. Until that year he smashed the ball as strong as he could, the same as Zverev, with literally no game plan. After 2014 he started improving his first and second serve, and as he got older, especially in 2020/2021, he started approaching the net much more, becoming one of the best net players today. Also in late 2022, after USO specifically he started hitting forehand much harder. Also changed his diet, implemented so many new strategies, and became mental giant, while constantly having plans A, B, C and D

[@scotter7663]

I think most casual or newer tennis fans think that Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are all around the same age. They don't realize that Federer is from a completely different class than they are and most players from Federer's class had retired while he was in the middle of the big-3 rivalry. Even if the first few years of his career were relatively "weak era", he spent the next 15 years in the strongest era in the history of tennis, while playing with a 5-6 year age disadvantage!

[@scotter7663]

@@nekotamo4670 Novak was known for having poor fitness prior to 2009 so that's the big change he made that was a turning point in his career. That's probably when he started taking PEDs and while I'm sure he put in lots of work, that was the main thing that allowed him to grind out 5 setters with Nadal. I know he says it's his diet and going gluten free is what made the difference but come on. You don't go from retiring in long matches to grinding 5 hours with Nadal by cutting out bread. Like bro, for real

[@oot007]

Plus Fed won his first 17 majors with an outdated Wilson racquet from the 1980's.

[@loganjimenez7531]

People who say he feared nadal in his prime are wrong. You can argue he feared him on clay but on other surfaces roger won their head to head. Thing is they only played 5x on grass and many more on clay which makes nadal look better in the h2h. Hard was fairly even

[@hander205]

I think his prime was 2004 to 2007. 2017 was mix with luck that one of his main rival Novak out with elbow injury. When Novak fully fitted at Wim 2018, we know what happened. But he surely is the most talented player who inspired many people to play tennis.

[@chrisf9156]

You say this as if he blew Federer out of the water in 2018 lol. It was literally one of the closest matches of all time, with Federer being older than Novak is even now during it.

[@guruk]

Yes roger was lucky in 17 18 when coincidentally novak, murray, delpo and wawrinka were all injured and put 🙆‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@kweizi5712]

Give him some credit in 2017. He overcame his biggest nemesis in Nadal. If he had lost AO that year, he would not have got to 20 GS. To his credit, he fought against his mental demons.

[@andreaho]

Recall the Wim 2019 which is always the proud winning story of Djokovic's fanboys. In that match, the aging and out-of-gas Federer still went toe-to-toe with the peak-level Djokovic. Do you think any recent top players like Alcaraz, Sinner, or Medvedev will be able to beat that-year monster aging Federer? Djokovic is absolute the one who holds the most records, but Federer is the one who produced the highest level ever.

[@kweizi5712]

@@andreaho The stats would have look so different had Federer won those super close matches which he held match points. I think Djokovic has had the benefit of his starting his career a little later than Federer but also having been free of serious injury these past few years has help him immensely.

[@xx4rch4xx]

As a non tennis watcher, Roger doesn’t grunt so he’s the best player just for that reason alone.

[@terrenceolivido741]

so many replies with so many " intelligent " people ! i despise the formulaity that tennis entered with the young robot players. one thing i had not heard mentioned was the pitiful aping of the " grunt . " you can hear these morons grunting well AFTER they have hit the ball. but, that is life, it is very hard to be truly original in the moment. most people are very very much operating as kind of robot clones. the truth ! even the hackneyed flat hand - as if apologizing for their shot to hit the net and fall over the other side. do you really need to apologize for that ? the bounces go both ways for sake ...

[@iamdalibor]

Not Murray. Murray had a winning head to head against prime Fed Then when Fed got older is when he was able to beat Murray and have a positive H2H against Murray Murray had an advantage 8-6 overall from 2005-2010 and having beaten Fed 4 times in a row from 2008-2009. Then after 2010 until 2015 the H2H ended at 14-11 overall with Fed having won more.... while Fed was getting older Fed feared Murray out of everyone I'd say since Nadal was mainly dominant on clay which he beat Fed on easily but Murray was more dangerous on the other surfaces more so then Nadal

[@DeanGwin]

That is a fantastic point of view and insight! In fact, two players, Murray and nalbandian stemmed to have fed figured out during his prime. Not nadal!

[@andreaho]

@@DeanGwin Murray played so boring that Federer fell asleep playing against the Scottish. Nalbandian was never afraid of Federer because they used to play each other in junior leagues. However, they were never close to Federer's peak level.

[@gustavopaniza9964]

This comment right here. People will never recognize how good was Andy Murray. Numbers don't do justice despite having achievements that equals former established tennis legends.

[@leroydavis236]

He wasn't included as part of the big 4 for nothing

[@TheO416]

5:40. how am i happy, i always call it the fire and ice situation. you know the fire and wanting to win being excited ( off to a good point ), the ice coolness of accepting losses ( of crowds ) but enduring the fans/people and finding the right balance. is a quote that goes far beyond tennis but is the best view on life. the man is just a virtuoso in life, that it shows up in the sport he loves to play is just natural, with a mindset like this you achieve great things

[@neme6ben]

You were spot on with your first sentence, prime fed was a freak of a tennis player, nole is a freak of am athlete, 2 very different things

[@123dilara1]

I remember being 9 or 10 and seeing Federer effortlessly slay the clay court of Roland Garros on tv... My life was never the same

[@timlamiam]

Lleyton was good enough to take advantage of Roger's hyper aggressive style in the early days with his tenacity but Roger took his game to another level and became untouchable after about 2006.

[@Nill757]

The switch w Leyton came from Fed big step up in leg strength. After that, 2004, Fed could run w Hewitt and it’s over.

[@scottwarren4998]

wasn't 2006 federer's best year? he even got matchpoints vs nadal on clay, best of 3 sets.

[@Nill757]

@@scottwarren4998 2006 Fed had 12 titles. Never been matched.

[@michaelbraithwaite5875]

When you look at Sampras or Federer playing at their peak, their play is much better (especially as regards creative shot making) than Djokovic's when he's at his peak. It's silly basing your judgement of greatness purely on number of Grand Slams won - which depends on lots of other factors (mental strength, will power, staying healthy for a long time, who you're competing against, etc.) apart from natural talent.

[@msaw504]

The courts have slowed down to make baseline play more optimal that's where Nadal and Djokovic shine.

[@Ultimate.Tennis]

As a Djokovic fan, I can say without a shred of a doubt that federer feared nadal. Nadal has never trailed federer in their head to head and actually had a dominant record against federer during federer's prime. Fed did turn the rivalry around post 2016, but he couldn't beat teenage nadal during his prime in his mid -20s.

[@milanjelovac9593]

And I think that Federer also had fear of Djokovic : )

[@jus_danny]

You are just either trying to get likes or please Federer fans there is no ways a player has peaked higher than Djokovic

[@DVDKC]

In fact, Federer was better in the middle of 2010s, but the level was way to high. He still deserves a lot to stay top 3 in the era, when you had prime Djoko, Nadal, Murray or Wawrinka... But honestly, Federer wasn't better in mid 2000's, this era was too weak, even an unexperienced Nadal could destroy the veteran.

[@scottstorchfan]

“Feared” y’all nerds talking like it’s a Star Wars movie.

[@sh0001]

Everyone feared to face Rafa on clay, everyone. Rafa didn’t have a winning record against Roger on other surfaces, it kept undulating.

[@lteng5941]

Elegant. And thanks for this video on RF, awesome!

[@finnbergmann6250]

elegant! the first word that came to my mind

[@Varchesis]

You have the most insightful and well researched tennis info. God I wish someone would hire you to take it to another level and help make tennis bigger for more fans around the world. Thanks for all you do to make the channel a great resource. Bravo!

[@qman2261]

Federer's renaissance was also linked to switching to a different racket during his recuperation from injury. He hadn't wanted to switch to one of the more powerful modern rackets while he was still playing week in week out, but the break enabled him to level the playing field on the equipment front.

[@yongli4304]

Talking about being the GOAT, Roger's impact on the next generation tennis players, including his beautiful and effortless forehand, accurate and disguised serve, his footwork on court, a balanced all court game, is unsurpassed by either Nadal or Joke. Even his relatively weaker one handed backhand is still among the best, and it becomes lethal when he mixes it with slice.

[@BoyanDobrev]

Truly loved and enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@sarge5720]

Federer has the super weapon no player can handle it. His serve. It's insanely devastating

[@evolver5379]

16:35 talent and hardworking❤

[@ahmedashraf1485]

2017 version was the absolute prime

[@sk00411]

Second poont of his physical conditioning is so true...even after longest of rallies even against likes of Nadal and Djkovic ...I very rarely heard him grunting....

[@oceanclau]

Federer, in one word...sublime!

[@ErTejinder]

I watch tennis only because of him I believe there must be millions like me. Tennis will always be greatful to him

[@rickbruner]

In 1974, Jimmy Connors went 93-4 and won all three Grand Slams he played in (he was banned from playing the French because he'd competed in World Team Tennis). I'd say this ranks right up there with Mac's 1984.

[@tasospontian7319]

There will NEVER be another Federer, the way he played. I can count another 100 people that play with Djokovic lol. Federer is the goat for me simply due to the way he played

[@RealisticAndTrue]

Nice video, someone actually did some checking, i would dissagree on 2009 being Federer prime ... i watched most of matches at the time ( by most i mean like 98% )... he's edge lost sharpness, got little slower in his step, forehand and backhand lost "impossible" effect, all in all he become human enough so he could get challanged.... everything else seems on point. What he did between 2004-2008 remains to this day Mt.Olympus of tennis level of play, skill, dominance and overall greatest tennis ever seen.... which is why he is The G.O.A.T.

[@Nill757]

Agree, back injury changed that explosive leg power that had Fed leaping across the court 2004-2006.

[@RealisticAndTrue]

@@Nill757 it almost cost him wimbledon in 2003.

[@Nill757]

@@RealisticAndTrue Never heard he had any back issues that early.

[@markaven5249]

It was so fun to be part of this era of tennis, and it would be nothing without the Nadal rivalry.

[@YS-xs9zq]

What a great video! And love the shoutouts to Chang and Lendl, two of the forgotten all-time greats, along with the insightful assessments of many other top players..

[@Courtside_Tennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nill757]

Btw Fed Nadal match up on grass hard 1st 16 matches was 8-8. Fed weakness was high topspin to his backhand. Late career, last time Fed lost to Nadal hard grass was 2014. After that, as Fed 7-0. One loss on clay in that hurricane.

[@tobiasgoldman]

Really good video man! Interesting and novel interpretations.

[@shane5723]

1. N. Djokovic 2. R. Federer 3. R. Nadal 4. R. Laver 5. P. Sampras P.s, Those are your five greatest male players of all time in order.

[@marvinkingz]

If it was just about records, human would be no better than robot. so we love Roger Federer !

[@federicotown8052]

Well done ! Keep it up !

[@VladK181]

To your question with highest peak exists simple and measurable answer: ELO rating. And the output that Djokovic many seasons is far ahead. But yeah, easier to create long video with your own feelings, perfection and other stuff...

[@RealisticAndTrue]

ELO chess system.... right 😂

[@giannisksanthopoulos4300]

Jordan is NBA Federer is Tennis Thats how i see it. Yes i know Djokovic have more titles and blah blah blah. But Djokovic doesnt make me watch tennis like Federer did...

[@brunofernandez2906]

The one that gives you joy while watching is your favourite.But one who accomplished the most is the greatest which Federer isn't.Otherwise even Kyrgios can be Tennis since he makes many people watch him.

[@ruththomson4601]

Will always admire respect and love Roger Federer: unique athlete. Fine character.

[@vrushalidhongade5725]

I'll die on the hill that is Roger. No one can beat him. The greatest ever!!

[@johntellmewhy]

Absolutely excellent video about Roger!

[@pirates6308]

No matter nole and rafa win more Grand Slam than Roger, for me he will always be the G.O.A.T

[@JackBurton3963]

Because Federer took the ball early and was so aggressive off both wings. He disguises his shots well, sometimes it’s difficult to read the direction of the ball he hits, and this applies to his serve as well.

[@dfloriza]

It's crazy how the story of Federer played out - 2006 was Federer's most dominant year, and he only lost five times the entire season. But who was responsible for 4 of those 5 losses? Rafael Nadal. It was a blossoming rivalry that would elevate both players and deliver some of the best matches ever, including that 2008 Wimbledon final. Yet even with this, Federer over the years learned to adapt and overcome his biggest threats - Hewitt, Roddick, Nadal, Murray, Djokovic - he always found a way to beat them with new strategies that the tennis world had never seen. Mechanically perfect strokes, great mind - he might not have the most slams, but to me, he's the guy I'd want to model a tennis player after.

[@gunasekaraaaa]

Roger in one word could be - Treasure, magic, genius, artist, poet, gentleman. He was all about technique, touch and timing with little power infused. Whenever opponents let federer get in his groove there is simply no competition. He sometimes outplay the opponent but he mostly outsmarts the opponent. In many points, opponent isn't even in same league when Roger is in his groove, this applies even to Nadal. Nadal's aggressive left forehand going against the defensive right backhand of Roger is one main reason why Nadal dominated the rivalry head to head. In 2017 when Roger started to play aggressive backhand shots Nadal's dominance against Roger suddenly crumbled. Any player who beat roger consistently after 2011 or 2012 did so only with their power hitting.

[@panneetantinukul5658]

Roger's tennis and Tennis's Roger. He gives so much and we love him in return. Thank you so much for your beautiful words he deserves it. I miss him so much.❤

[@billdillon3886]

Federer brought to the game a level shot-making virtuosity unseen before or since with the exception of Alcaraz

[@MartinX31]

I dont think there will be another player that has fed's elegance classy swaggful effortless style!

[@keykth4040]

Current Djokovic. He's just unstoppable currently. As a Nadal fan, he really is showing how dominant he is right now. Almost all the tournaments he plays in he wins, and when he loses, they are in the semis or finals.

[@mrgrimm53]

Federer had the same , except against Nadal at clay. The problem with the new players is that they can't perform under pressure, and they are making too many UE's. There's only a few players who can take Djokovic in the longer rallies and really let him work for it. But most of them , make error after error against him. Because they can't play under pressure , and don't have the patience and resolve to win those longer points. Especially in slams the so called next gen is horrible. With a few exceptions of course...

[@samuelyang4513]

@@mrgrimm53sinner and Alcaraz will win 10 grand slams each by 2030

[@ilovecookietreats]

well that didn't age well lol

[@Lorenzo1972.]

2017 Federer was epic. Insane dominance. If only he had switched up his style and changed his racquet earlier - what could have been?

[@vioseven3799]

Miss watching him play tennis. He is the GOAT, no question.

[@malekmoqaddam5806]

Nice video. Federer was super talent

[@Nakakapagpabagabag1]

Roger is goat in my book. he was great on and off the court. people loved him making any tournament his home court. shots look so simple.

[@meedburn]

Fed had back issues in 2013 onwards from time to time. And what about the knee? This didn't appear in 2016. Probably fed was hiding this issue for years

[@Nill757]

Fed had back problem before 2010. Caused his first walk over. It would come and go, as back does.

[@msaw504]

I think he damaged his knee in a jacoozi in 2016

[@meedburn]

@@msaw504 this was his public statement at the time. But I don't believe it's the complete true

[@annewalden3795]

I tend to agree that Roger did have significant back and knee injuries which he dealt with in privacy . The fact remains that no other player has ever played such wonderful tennis over so many years .Roger remains the most entertaining player , a great sportsman and a fan favourite. I am happy to stick by my view that he is the G OAT and we have been priveleged to see him in his pomp.

[@DamaniDanDadar]

For some, tennis is a sport. For Federer and those who watch him play, tennis is an art. Like painting. No sweat, no grunts, no falling over. Just smooth classy strokes of the 'brush' that produce a breathtaking mosaic. Greatness is not only in trophies won. It is also in the beauty and effortlessness of how the trophies were won. Stroke quality-to-effort ratio. For me, Federer is the greatest!! And I'm a Rafa fan.

[@ca0520]

Djokovic prime was 2015/16 season which he accumulated 16500+ ATP points which is the current record and also double in number than the no: 2 player. And also he won 4 slams in a row which is also a record. No one comes close when Novak reaches his prime

[@initialize21]

Forehand: Federer Backhand: Joke Serve: Federer Overhead: Federer x 1000 Slice: Federer Volley: Federer Dropshot: Federer

[@guruk]

@@initialize21 Except slice roger wasnt good at amy other. He was good at choking though. 💁‍♂️ Tats why he lost 26 times from match points up 🤦‍♂️ I am ashamed 2 be once a fan of this guy but realized soon enough that I like players who fight for their worth and are not scared to even try to fight whole heartedly. Roger was good for ballerina though, I give him that 👌

[@M4551kt]

how can 2016 be his best year if Murray finished n1 in the world? Djokovic dominates easily without Roger and Rafa, just like the two dominated when Novak was injured in 2017. If one of them managed to play without the other two, it results in a massacre, just like Novak this year. No one has truly kept pace with the Big 3, not even Murray, Wawrinka or Alcaraz.

[@ca0520]

@@M4551kt Correction: 2015/16 Season

[@trumpameri1638]

​@@M4551ktNOVAK best season 2015 until mid 2016 when he reach 16.950 ATP points .. 6 June 2016

[@rogerarnold7]

Federer was awesome but to say he never feared other players isn't correct. Look at his body language in matches with Nadal in 2008 and 2009. Nadal had him demoralized at the time.

[@studbagl]

2017 Roger Federer is my favorite style ever.

[@The-Dom]

Fed shaped tennis. Fed was the king and all the young lions raised their game watching the master. He was the "miastro" the mozart of tennis. He could play tennis better than anybody else ever.

[@mr.nobody3492]

Federer's prime only existed because he had no rivals, the moment Nadal and Noel came into play, his wins took a massive halt, this is obvious due to the fact that he won 16 GS before 2011, meaning the moment the other 2 became solid players, more importantly Noel, his got out off his "prime" even though he was arguably playing statistically better after his dominant period

[@subramanyamraju9738]

Like sachin made cricket beautiful to watch.. Federer has made tennis watchable..

[@lucasmelee]

he might not have the most titles but the style, the class the way he played are impossible to replicate. He makes Tennis looks easy and effortless. I'm okay if the rest of the planet rates Djocovid or Nadal over him. He's my GOAT

[@TheGarfield1337]

He was so pure and complete. No matter the amount of titles afterall, RF will always be the goat of this sport

[@angelatanurdzic7508]

Thanks for this great video 👍

[@ronalddelrosario7405]

I love and respect all of the Big Three (and nearly all of the greats in tennis, of course). But my favorite is and always will be Roger. His shotmaking ability and graceful and complete all-court game was mesmerizing. And as you said, he set the standard and at least so far everyone else is in his shadow from that standpoint. Novak, stats- and results-wise, is clearly the GOAT. But he can't overshadow Roger's grace and Rafa's grit. But certainly, the Big Three are by far the best ever. Here's hoping Carlitos and Jannik can come close to or even surpass them!

[@Hemskelol]

Federer 100% feared Nadal, especially after he stopped the 6th Wimbledon, Nadal won on pure will that time, and Federer was never the same.

[@b.gutierrez6580]

I'd say that ended in 2017, but one could argue 2015, as Federer won 7 of his last 8 matches vs Nadal, only losing at Roland Garos (of course). Djokovic was Fed's problem in his second "act" after 2016

[@chrismckay8584]

I’m not a tennis fan or watch tennis but when Federer and Nadel played each other I watched.

[@mwest3583]

That Wimbledon final was the best match ever played IMO.

[@chadbased6079]

2006 Federer is the real GOAT

[@shihabrahman3748]

The greatest tennis player of all time!👑🐐

[@trumpameri1638]

Sorry m8 but GOAT and poor mental power do not go together 40-15 cost him to much

[@RealisticAndTrue]

​@@trumpameri1638 Jel ide Cincinnati 2012... prime Doko? 😎

[@trumpameri1638]

@@RealisticAndTrue a gde je federer zapeo pa mu fale 3 ATP 1000 mmm mastersa??? 😂😂 e moj zvonko pa nemoj me vući za jezik federer nije uspeo ni GOLDEN masters da skupi tih 9 ATP masters turnira... sramota velika za 20 sezona da nije osvojio 3 turnira

[@trumpameri1638]

@@RealisticAndTrue zamisli samo najbolji igrac u istoriji a nije osvojio 3 turnira masters 1000 serije 😂😂😂

[@RealisticAndTrue]

@@trumpameri1638 Ti ne kuzis nista... imas video gore koji ti je objasnio ukratko, samo ti i dalje neshvacas da Đoka, da osvoji 100 GS, 1000 mastersa 1000 i sta god hoces i dalje ce biti 3. na list najboljih igraca u povijesti. Uspjeh i biti najbolji u povijesti nema veze jedno s drugim samo ti to ne kapiras 😂... Federer van svoje top forme je zaljepio Đokicu 6:0.... glupo je tipkati, trebalo bi mi 3 dana da ti nacrtam koliko je razlika... nebo i zemlja... pogledaj video ponovo i opameti se, to je samo 1 trecina da je ispricao sve sto ja znam, razbjezali bi se svi 😂

[@claudioaburtocarrasco1275]

Federer was loosing against his first rivals when he was younger ( also they were on their primes ) but after when he was grown and began to enter in his primer he never loose again hahaha I’m a big fan of all those players As well Nalbandian beat the big 3 and became champion Del potro as well Both argentinians

[@liberty5069]

He was the most graceful athlete I've ever seen in tennis.

[@Nill757]

Nice work on this nuanced story, esp given the amount trash talk on the subject.

[@squeedum4893]

Roger is easily my favorite player. But it's very hard to argue his GOATness when Novak is still out there breaking records and doesn't even look like he's slowing down.

[@sportsview247]

only cos noone is intimidating him... Nadal would smash Djoko on clay still....

[@miloraddjurdjic1695]

nadal first need to start playing tennis again then you can say that, also clay is one of 4 surfaces, who cares? let nadal have his clay, what else can he do? @@sportsview247

[@trumpameri1638]

Favorite player YES.. but NOVAK UNDISPUTED GOAT... because numbers don't lie

[@trumpameri1638]

​@@sportsview247NOVAK fans never say that NADAL is not best on clay... of course NADAL is king on clay but NOVAK DJOKOVIC is UNDISPUTED tennis GOAT

[@roger22fed]

​@@sportsview247😂😂