So many critics are quick to just write Fed off. Whats happening with the so called changing of the guard is understandably unavoidable. You can't be on top forever. I have followed Federer very closely for at least 5 years. What he's done has no question been remarkable. While other question that he may be the greatest of all time. However, I'm really disappointed at how when a player ages or start to fall off their prime, everyone jumps on that same ole bandwagon of the "he's washed up mode".
I think Fed has done his job and whatever good comes next for him is a bonus. I never would have imagined with the advancement of tennis and technology of gear, rackets, techniques etc. that anyone would be able to dominate like he has done for 5 consecutive years in the open era. Federer was/is a magician, he walked on court and intimidated his opponent so bad that he would look at them and take a set, then the opponent woulod allow one great shot that leads to another. Then they become in awe of his shot making and become fans and basically give in to his metal magic.
Nadal was one of the few that saw Feds weaknesses, which was the backhand under pressure. In men's tennis today you cannot win without a STRONG backhand. The backhand is what makes players like Davydenko, Nadal, Djockovic successful against the other couple hundred players ranked below them.. That's the problem with very talanted players like Feliciano Lopez and Roddick after the serve whats next?.. (They Need A Backhand)...
Now, everyone and their mama is attacking Fed's backhand, the word is out and all the hungry players that sat back and didn't believe before now have a chance... Fed will adjust and focus on the getting a few more slams.
Sound, succinct analysis of the Fed's problem: the backhand. I think the days of the one-handed backhand are over. For better or worse, you have to have a two-hander to dominate at the very top levels of the men's game today, particularly on clay and grass, where the bounces are less predictable. Clearly, the difference at W between Fed and Nadal was Nadal's much-improved backhand vs. Fed's. Anyway, why is Fed still trying to hit through so many backhands against Rafa. I think he needs to use the slice more. I think someone told him (maybe himself) that if you use the slice against Rafa, you're going to get killed. Maybe so, but what he's been doing lately has not been working out so well.