At 34 years of age Roger Federer is the most innovative player on tour. The Swiss Maestro impressed big time in Cincinnati with his sparkling tennis and his new invention: the half-volley return (SABR!!!???)
How does it work?
The Maestro decides (almost randomly) to attack the 2nd serve of his opponent by running toward it, execute a half volley and get to the net as quick as possible.
Funny enough when Roger does that he looks a bit “mad” as he starts to run from the baseline when his opponent is tossing the ball “without advice”, but funny enough it works.
Federer: it started as a joke …
Roger explained of everything started “I did it in practice more as a joke, and I tried it again and again and again, and it just seems like it’s not that hard for me to do. Plus, you know, it makes you play very committed.”
… and the success rate is more than 50% …
Then the Swiss Legend added
“It can break somebody’s rhythm. Maybe can play with the mind a little bit. Plus, if the success rate all of a sudden is more on the plus 50 percent…you know, why not use that quite often as well.”
… I have to understand when to execute it
Finally he said “I’ve still got to understand when I can do it when I should and shouldn’t do it. But I’m happy that when I’m doing it I’m not looking ridiculous up there. It’s fun for me to do.”
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