The Federer Effect VII

Written by: Jason Whittington on 28th November 2011

The Federer Effect VII

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts after winning the ATP World Tour tennis singles final match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in London, Britain, 27 November 2011. Federer won the 100th final in his career. EPA/KERIM OKTEN |

After a long uncomfortable turkey fueled drive home, the only thing that would spell relief was my DVR and the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Imagine my shock when I unlocked the front door to find my TV on and every article of RF clothing I own passed out as though they’d been partying like it was 1999. Trophy jackets unzipped, sprawled out and passed out on the couch, RF polo shirts in every color, some inside out covering lamp shades, stereo equipment and plants. RF hats still circling on the overhead fan, bottles of Tide and Spray n Wash, spilled out on the coffee table, I even saw a plastic bag from the local dry cleaners…who knows what hell that was all about. My collection has gone MAD…but after catching up on all the matches I quickly forgave the coveted collection and gave them back their hangers.

Absorbing the last three tournaments has been inspiring, Basel: Federer completely dismantles Roddick and shows Nishikori what it’s like to play tennis in 3 dimensional video game style with the big boys. BNP Paribas Masters 1000: This is the tournament Federer reminded everyone why he’s considered the greatest to ever play the game, included the announcers. Federer’s play against Berdych was jaw dropping and he followed it up by putting on a clinic against Tsonga to win the title. It’s also at this tournament that Tsonga tells the crowd “It’s no secret that Federer is the greatest to play the game”. Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the best of the best, my favorite tournament of the year, and never forget this is always about me. The highlight was watching Federer so deep in the zone against Nadal (6,3 – 6,0) it was difficult to comprehend. Everything working brilliantly at it’s highest level, serve, forehand, disguised drop shots, baseline hugging with impeccable movement…but what really blew my mind midway through the second set was how early Federer was taking the ball the backhand side and not just putting it in play, but aggressively placing with heat from side to side…that was next level execution even for Federer. Federer wins the tournament and sets another record.

It makes for a fascinating 2012, Federer playing as well as he ever has…at least right now. Djokovic, coming off an insane run but stumbling heavy at the finish line. The once beastly unbeatable tenacity of Nadal now shattered with confidence issues and questionable weapons outside of clay. Murray constantly looking like he’s injured whether he is or not. The top spot in the men’s game is up for grabs and that makes for great tennis moving forward into the new year…so sit back relax and enjoy the holidays, it’s going to get intense.

Topics: Atp, Roger Federer