Federer Focuses on Back/Leg Injuries After Loss
Roger Federer lost for the second consecutive match and third time in his career to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon today 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. In fact, Berdych, who won her first match against Federer at the Athens Olympics, also had a two sets to love
lead over Federer at the 2009 Australian Open, but Federer came back to win in five sets. Clearly, Berdych has the game to beat Federer.
In interviews after the loss, Federer said he thought Berdych played more consistently from the baseline than in the past. However, Federer also seemed to spend a lot of time talking about how a sore back/leg hadn't allowed him to play (as well) as he would have liked. When Venus Williams was upset in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, she was asked in her post-match press conference if she'd been injured and she replied that she never talks about injuries.
What is the appropriate response for a player to make when he/she is asked after a loss whether an injury had affected his/her play? It's a tough one because if an injury really hampered a player's shots/movement then obviously fans would like to know that. However, it's also important to give proper credit to an opponent who simply plays well/better on the day. The other issue is that most players are fighting niggling injuries these days and there is also a major difference between a serious injury that is obvious and one that has a subtle impact on a player’s condition. Roger Federer may have been sore/stiff, but he was still able to run fast, serve well, etc. Federer lost because Berdych managed to play well and hold his nerve to win while Federer missed some shots in key moments that he has missed when he's lost in the past few years, e.g. forehands flying long. In the end, all credit to Berdych... that's all Federer should have focused on with his post-match comments.
In interviews after the loss, Federer said he thought Berdych played more consistently from the baseline than in the past. However, Federer also seemed to spend a lot of time talking about how a sore back/leg hadn't allowed him to play (as well) as he would have liked. When Venus Williams was upset in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, she was asked in her post-match press conference if she'd been injured and she replied that she never talks about injuries.
What is the appropriate response for a player to make when he/she is asked after a loss whether an injury had affected his/her play? It's a tough one because if an injury really hampered a player's shots/movement then obviously fans would like to know that. However, it's also important to give proper credit to an opponent who simply plays well/better on the day. The other issue is that most players are fighting niggling injuries these days and there is also a major difference between a serious injury that is obvious and one that has a subtle impact on a player’s condition. Roger Federer may have been sore/stiff, but he was still able to run fast, serve well, etc. Federer lost because Berdych managed to play well and hold his nerve to win while Federer missed some shots in key moments that he has missed when he's lost in the past few years, e.g. forehands flying long. In the end, all credit to Berdych... that's all Federer should have focused on with his post-match comments.
|| Comments (1)
Comments
I 100% agree with your comments and conclusion. I watched his semi match but did not hear what Novak said (breathing problem ??). Berdych just outplayed him I recall your comments several years ago about how good Berdych could be. Should be added to your name list?
Posted by: jay | July 2, 2010 03:43 PM