Should Federer play Nadal like Roddick (angled slices and deep blocks)?

Question

serve & volley is not his natural game. In a pressure situation (i.e. grand slam final), playing an unnatural style won't work.

Answer 1

yes but he cant play like that for long

Answer 2

Serve & volley, it's all he needs to do..

Answer 3

I agree but the problem is that Nadal's balls kick up so much from all the topspin that it is too hard to constantly hit an effective slice.

Answer 4

I am sure being the professional he is, Federer will seek ways to top Nadal in their next meeting. However, Nadal continues to grow, on all surfaces, and has made immense improvements towards his game, especially his serve. Hisdefense is what frustrates opponents as well for he can run down most balls others can not.. And not just run them down but hit a winning shot at that position. Yesterdays final showed clearly why these 2 guys are the top 2 players in the world, no doubt. I dont think Federer needs to change much, when playing Rafa, not during the hard court season anyway, but am sure he will be most cautious as to what he needs and will do. Against Roddick, most can succeed, for Andy doesnt have that much of a ground game, especially the backhand. Hes all power, and serve, with not much tangibles. The mens game is much different then a few years ago, and Roddick needs work to be able to compete with these guys.

Answer 5

I agree - I think he's having some trouble figuring out what to do against Nadal.  

The problem with the low angles slices is that Nadal is faster, and incredible, has more spin on his shots than Andy.  That makes that slice wayyy less effective.  The truth is, I'm not sure how Federer is going to get on Nadal's game again - but when he's more aggressive against him, he tends to win a bit more.

Answer 6

I think Fed needs to go back to serving and volleying more, coming to net. He had some great volleys in yesterdays Match. If he would have practiced that more I think it would have really threatened Nadal. However, the new grass at wimbledon is slower so players are forced to play from the baseline, just like clay at the French Open.

Answer 7

Good points. I'm not sure what his strategy is against Nadal. As one poster put.. serve and volley...he has the mental edge, I believe.

I don't know that I would compare Rafa and Roddick. I believe Nadal plays a much better game and can/ or could adjust to the slices and deep blocks.

Federer needs to find his groove; plain and simple. Coming to the net didn't work, but I saw very little adjustment on his part either.

Fed needs to win with his mind. Play his game and get a rhythm.