Federer Changing Racquets

[klacr]

For those that follow ATP Tour happenings, you may have noticed that after losing 2nd round at Wimbledon this year, Roger Federer entered two tournaments he hasn't played in years. Hamburg and Gstaad. Rumor has it that one reason he's entered these events, besides needing some matches and easy points to gain after slipping to #5 is that he is trying out a new racquet. It is still a Wilson frame, but perhaps the head size is bigger. Maybe 93, 95, 98? I doubt roger would go as big as 98 but certainly a 95 is believable.

Guess we'll find out sooner than later.


Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[sfrazeur]

His camp posted a picture of him with a blacked out racquet on his Facebook account.

[jasonfrausto]

Interesting thread and information! Nice to see Roger isn't opposed to change.

[jryle1]

Saw this yesterday and was a little bit shocked but I hope it's true. He could do with a more forgiving racquet. In fairness he is getting a bit older and his game isn't what it once was, of course it's still incredible. Looking forward to seeing some more news on this. Wouldn't mind if his camp posted the next picture with a nice close-up shot!

[GeoffWilliams]

He needs to go to a 100 sq. in. frame, and string like joker does, 59/61. With the same string they both use: vs/alu. To an 18 x 20. 365g. Neutral balance, silicone in the handle, set up for flat out power with an ra of 65. Hey, fed. Adapt or die out.

[don_budge]

How much has it cost?

He needs to go to a 100 sq. in. frame, and string like joker does, 59/61. With the same string they both use: vs/alu. To an 18 x 20. 365g. Neutral balance, silicone in the handle, set up for flat out power with an ra of 65. Hey, fed. Adapt or die out.

http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/roger-federer-shows-his-age-stubbornness-to-use-modern-racket-in-stunning-loss-at-wimbledon-sergiy-stakhovsky-062613

It's sad. But not entirely his fault. Roger is a bit of a blast from the past. I use him in my coaching tennis model as the connection from tennis to modern tennis.

The book is William Tilden...the model is Richard Gonzales with the J. Donald Budge backhand. The coach is Harry Hopman and Roger Federer is the living proof.

Sadly...Roger's inability to connect the dots has probably cost him in the neighborhood of six or seven more Slams. But I blame that on his coach as well. Paul Annacone should have seen this and he should have done what he had to do to convince Roger what was necessary. All of those mishit forehands. How many of them would have been a clean strike? All of those near winners that were chased down just one more time by Nadal or Djokovic...how many would have been clean winners. Keep in mind the deciding factor in a tennis match is sometimes only one or two key points. But what does it all add up to...the difference between 90 square and 100 square in a tennis match that involves thousands of shots. How was each and every outcome of each shot, point, game, set and match decided? It's a huge question...bigger than all of us put together. Ethics in sports...not in tennis. The subtle hypocrisy.

On the other hand my hat is off to "The King" of modern tennis. He held on to the things that are dear to him...like those great ones before him. He has carried on the tradition and shown great respect for the game in holding out. Perhaps he was standing up to the machine just like Borg, Connors and Sampras did. Holding on to the last vestiges of realism...as we plunge headlong into not only virtual reality...but also virtual morality. Scruples gone viber.

What do Nadal, Djokovic or the rest of the lot give a damn for the past? They are high on their lofty status that the adoring herd of fans give them. Gobs of money.

Virtual morality...my term. I made it up. That is...I had never heard it before. Mark my word...

Federer changing racquets...it's about jolly fucking time. Which means...it's too late. But with a 100 square inches...everything gets 11% better. The slice backhand, the volleys, the serve, the forehand, the drive backhand. The whole ball of wax. Why would you take a knife to a gun fight?

The equipment story of tennis is a dark and murky story. Come on...let's just call a spade a spade. There should be an investigation and then a standardization of the tools. It's curious that Nick "Bowl of Cherries" recommends that Federer switch to a two hand backhand. I truly hope that is not testimony to his tennis acumen...surely he was just kidding?

[klacr]

You must be able to adapt. And It looks like Roger is.


Looks like the string pattern is 16 x 19. Would rule out the Blade 93 unless it’s a customized model. Which it very well could be. Or it could be a Blade 98 but surely that’s too big of a change.
It clearly has a different paint job and perhaps a slightly thicker beam than the Pro Staff Six One 90.

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[GeoffWilliams]

h22.

[klacr]

Well, The speculation can be put to rest.

federer confirms he's hitting with a Wilson racquet that is 98 square inches. Big leap from his 90sq. in. frame.

here's an article with some good quotes from Federer himself about the change.

http://federerfan07.com/2013/07/16/federer-confirms-switch-to-98-inch-racquet/

Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[GeoffWilliams]

The h22 is 98 sq. in. I have two of them. Throat looks the same, longer than a stock kblade and thicker.

[bottle]

Quite a film on its own terms under Kyle's link in # 9 (the second video). Interesting the look into the future and musical backgrounds and Roger's complete relaxation at being interviewed by Ivan Lubijic and Ivan's great manner and manners along with the film's theme of baldies. The baldies: Ivan and Roger's two bodyguards at the end. I almost expected the Jensen twins, Luke and Murphy, to appear.

[klacr]

Quite a film on its own terms under Kyle's link in # 9 (the second video). Interesting the look into the future and musical backgrounds and Roger's complete relaxation at being interviewed by Ivan Lubijic and Ivan's great manner and manners along with the film's theme of baldies. The baldies: Ivan and Roger's two bodyguards at the end. I almost expected the Jensen twins, Luke and Murphy, to appear.

Being a fellow baldie, I got a chuckle out of that as well. Most players put on weight after they retire. Looks like Ljubicic got thinner. Ivan is very well spoken and well mannered. Had the pleasure of interviewing him several years ago in Key Biscayne. He's also fluent in Italian.

Great to see Roger open up about the racquet change. Love his attitude.

For me, best part of the video was when Ljubicic asked Federer what his tactics were against him. Great to see Roger's brain start churning as he explains his thought process.


Kyle LaCroix USPTA
Boca Raton

[dimitrios]

The racket looks and sounds like the (customized no doubt) Blade 98. Was a bit surprised frankly that he opted for this (a great stick in its own right) instead of the ProStaff 95 which is more similar to Fed's previous racket. (Same racket Dimitrov currently uses.)

[bottle]

Re # 12

"Ljubicic"-- right. Spelling does matter if you want the job.

--Baldie Bot

[GeoffWilliams]

Maybe federer read my post: Adapt or die. I rec. a 98 sq. in frame, with the same string, strung at 59/61, a 65 ra, at 365g.