Can anyone prevent Roger Federer from taking his 6th US Open? He’s just tore up Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the 2009 US Open & is on course for another US Open title. How many total titles is that, I’ve lost count….
And what a way to do it. Watch this shot, between his legs, already been described as the best shot of his career & arguably the most audacious & best in tennis history:
Roger Federer between legs tennis shot - 2009 US Open
On the next-to-last point of the match, Federer hit what he called the best shot of his life. Djokovic was serving and seemingly in control of the point, standing at the net and watching for his just-hit lob to land out of Federer’s reach.
Except Federer materialized at the baseline just when the lob landed. With his back to the net, Federer swung the racket between his legs – and hit a clean winner past Djokovic. The crowd roared, and Federer’s forehand return winner that followed on match point was anticlimactic.
“On those shots, you just say, ‘Well done, too good.’ What can you do?” Djokovic said. While Federer was still on the court, the point was replayed on the scoreboard video screens at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Federer exclaimed, “That’s unbelievable.” After this exciting win he is now facing Juan Martin del Potro in Monday’s final.
It’s this kind of split second, athletic genius & audacity that sets the champions out from the mere greats. Who would dare attempt a crazy shot like this when the entire match has been so close? I am linking over the to the entire youtube clip if you want to see this in action. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVQhIEPbM0g
Many are now arguing this could be the best tennis point in history….I disagree. What do you think was the best tennis point in history?
3 responses so far ↓
robbybarbe // September 14, 2009 at 8:41 pm |
Roger learned this trick 4 years ago, at the same place, during the 2005 edition of the US Open, versus crazy Frenchie Fabrice Santoro :
tennisnoise // September 14, 2009 at 9:10 pm |
Once you have a competitor do this to you, you learn how to do it yourself in case you are ever in the same situation. Federer obviously learned this. Thanks for sharing!!!
Martin // September 15, 2009 at 7:45 pm |
There isn’t a lot that Federer can’t do on a tennis court, but his loss to del Potro at the US Open at least proves he is human after all!