Federer enlists assistance of legendary Edberg!

Roger Federer (L), and Stefan Edberg.

Whether you agree that Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all-time or not (I do), one thing all sports fans can agree upon is that there is not a classier athlete on the face of the planet today.

Having said that…tennis fans everywhere should know that ‘Camp Federer’ just got a tad more sophisticated thanks to the part-time addition of legendary six-time grand slam winner Stefan Edberg, Federer’s acknowledged boyhood idol.

The former Swedish superstar says he was surprised to receive a call from Federer, an even bigger legend in his own right while adding that the all-time slam leader was the only player he make a return to the game for.

"I was very surprised (that Federer asked) because it's so long since I left tennis," he said.

"But I was also very flattered. I've never really thought about coaching and if it had not been Federer doing the asking, honestly, I would not have been interested."

Edberg has already worked with Federer a few days this month at his pseudo-home base in Dubai.

"The idea of the camp was that I would give my views and come up with some feedback. He wants to try some new things," said the serve-and-volley king.

Edberg admitted that he advised Federer to try and end points quicker against the likes of younger superstar baseliners like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic while also adding that he believes Federer can win more majors before he retires.

"Of course I have some comments as to what needs to change and evolve, but it's not the done thing that I sit here and talk about it," he said. "I think he will be coming back. He's a great player and all the pieces are in place, he can definitely win some more grand slam titles."

Personally, I think Federer has made a very intelligent move in seeking some assistance from one of the game’s great serve and volley masters and that any time any athlete is trying new things in order to improve by even the slightest margin – that is most assuredly a good thing!

Novak hires ‘Boom Boom’ Becker…Okay, but why?

It’s nice that ATP World Tour No. 2 Novak Djokovic has hired all-time great Boris Becker to help him get over whatever demons are plaguing him after losing to Rafael Nadal in two of last season’s four majors.

My only question for the clearly gifted and extremely versatile Djokovic is…why?

"He is a true legend, someone who has great tennis knowledge and his experience will help me win new trophies from the Grand Slams and other tournaments," Djokovic said in a statement. "Becker is a great person, too, and I am sure he will fit in our team in the best possible way."

The 46-year-old Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion, will travel with Djokovic and other coaches to tournaments, including next month's Australian Open.

Why hire a guy that has both, never coached the game before, particularly when you’ve already won six grand slam titles?

For his part, Becker says he’s more than ready to take on his latest challenge.

"I will do my best to help him reach his goals, and I am sure we can achieve great things together," said Becker, who became the youngest man to win Wimbledon when he was 17 in 1985.

Don’t get me wrong, I can surmise Djokovic made the hire most likely because he lost a bit of his mojo a year ago, particularly against Nadal, but the fact of the matter is that it wasn’t very long ago that Djoker pretty much owned Rafa – and everyone else – en route to a season for the ages.

Besides, it’s not like 2013 was a total loss. Djokovic won his fourth Australian Open title last year and finished the 2013 season ranked No. 2 behind Nadal. Djokovic also already has an unbelievably gifted staff that includes coach Marian Vajda, Miljan Amanovic and Gebhard Phil-Gritsch. Surprisingly, Vajda, who has been working with Djokovic since 2006, said the Serb needed a new head coach to continue improving.

"Becker's assignment will not affect much my position in the team, since I will do all I can for Novak, just like I did before," Vajda said. "On the other hand, choosing Boris as the head coach is a good solution, I am sure we will get along very well, and that Novak will continue to progress."

Once again Eye on Sports readers, I don’t really get what Becker is supposed to add to Djokovic’s already well-rounded game, but hey, if it helps one of the game’s most personable players win at least one more grand slam than he did in 2013, I guess it was worth adding a little Boom Boom even if it was mostly as a morale boost.

Forget About Fed…At Your Own Peril!

While I am admittedly one of the biggest Roger Federer fans on the face of the planet, in no way, do I let that fact cloud my judgment as a longtime member of the media and fully realize that the days of Fed’s total domination, are now, a thing of the past. With so many younger, bigger, stronger and yes, faster, opponents beginning to make names for themselves, Federer will undeniably have a tougher time in winning a major than at any time in his career.

Having said that…I also genuinely believe that Federer can and ultimately will, add at least one more major title to his already impressive cache whether that title comes in 2014 or beyond. While it is true that Federer now faces more top-notch competition than ever, I think it’s also a fact that, outside of NovakDjokovic, Rafael Nadal and a returning Andy Murray, not many tennis fans in their right minds would pick someone other than Federer to hoist one of next season’s four major titles, so basically, people still expect to see Federer in semifinals of majors and that says something in and of itself.

Are these expectations realistic?

I think they are and I can see him managing to reach at least one grand slam final in 2014, if not two.  If you thought this past season was telling as Federer fell to No. 7 in the world, then think again. The fact of the matter is that 2014 will almost assuredly be a far more telling year for the incomparable Roger Federer, whether good or bad. 

Djoker Delivers Message to Rafa and…You Heard it Here First!

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

After seeing World No.2 Novak Djokovic dispatch newly minted World No.1 Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 on Monday to win the 2013 ATP World Tour Finals, I’m going on record to say that Nadal – and everyone else – should be prepared to see a hungry Djokovic at his very best as he looks to regain the No. 1 ranking he lost this season – and his recent string of dominant performances – against Nadal in particular. Djokovic went 3-3 against Nadal this season but Rafa still leads the head-to-head series 22-17.

2014 Aussie Open Prediction!

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic delivered a 

strong message in winning the 2013 ATP 

World Tour Finals this month.

Call me crazy, but I’m picking the Djoker to back up the powerful message he sent to Nadal and everyone else in the World Tour Finals by plowing through his half of the field to meet none other than Roger Federer (okay…or someone else) in the Aussie Open finals, which, by the way, he will win on four commanding sets.

“This was the best possible ending” to the ATP season, said Djokovic, who won his seventh title of the year. “I really feel that now [after the fall run] my season was really good. This is definitely a great confidence boost for the start of next season.”

Novak Djokovic DYK Moment!

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic.

Did You Know that Novak Djokovic has won 22 consecutive matches since losing to Rafael Nadal in the 2013 U.S. Open Finals?

Djokovic’s sister or something?

Novak Djokovic's convincing 2011 season 

apparently has some  believe he will never lose - again. 

I have no idea who Joanne Gerstner is, but after reading her thoughts on whether World No. 1 Novak Djokovic would win both, the current Indian Wells – and approaching Miami North American Masters tournaments, Gerstner wrote the following over at ESPN.

“Why not? When Djokovic is dialed in, as he has been for nearly a year now, he has proved to be impossible to beat. Federer, Nadal, Murray and del Potro, along with the rest of the field, have yet to show they can raise their games -- for an entire match -- to surpass Djokovic. Everything they can do, Djokovic can do better on the big stage. It's clear that he's relishing every chance to play at such a high level, showing the emotional flair that fans love.”

Now, don’t get me wrong Eye On Sports tennis enthusiasts, but Gerstner, makes it seem as Djokovic could single-handedly lay a smack down on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, which I assure you, certainly is not the case.

For Gerstner to make it seem like no one on the face of the planet stands a chance against Djokovic is pure foolishness. The fact of the matter is that the Djoker just got his tail handed to him in straight sets by World No. 4 Andy Murray in the semifinals at Dubai and that World No. 3 Roger Federer ended his 43-match winning streak a year ago at the French Open, before failing to close out what should have been another win against Djokovic when he held two match points in their quarterfinal matchup at last year’s U.S. Open.

Hell, even though he’s lost seven straight time to Djokovic, even Rafael Nadal would seem to have a great chance of beating Djokovic after their epic final at this year’s Australian Open.

One thing’s for sure, Novak Djokovic isn’t going to rule the ATP World Tour this season like he did a year ago when he unfurled one of those once-in-a-quarter-century seasons.

While it’s quite possible Djokovic could still manage to win three majors this season (I have him winning two) I think the simple fact that Djokovic will ‘come back to earth’ with a more ‘normal’ season says he certainly won’t be able to duplicate the result he unfurled a year ago.

Not only that, but apparently, someone needs to tell Joanne Gerstner, that God hasn’t made an athlete that can’t be beaten – even the world’s No. 1 tennis player! 

Federer still elite? Ya’ think?

World No. 3 Roger Federer is 39-2 since last year's U.S. Open

 - and still elite !

I’m always amazed at how some so-called ‘tennis experts’ continue to question whether or not World No. 3 Roger Federer still has what it takes to win a grand slam title, mostly because the all-time career grand slam leader hasn’t won one since beating World No. 4 Andy Murray in the 2010 Australian Open final.

Well, I’m here to say what I’ve continued to say over the last two years.

Yes Federer still has what it takes to win grand slam titles – and then some if you ask me.

Now, with the game’s most regal-like player having recorded an insane 39-2 mark since the completion of the 2011 U.S. Open, many of Fed’s same critics are backtracking on their previous claims.

As Federer correctly pointed out, most of his detractors want to point to one thing as a sign of decline – and it’s not his on-court performances either.

"I think it's more the age that people always talk about right now. That's what stands out to me," Federer said following his win over world No. 1o John Isner at Indian Wells. "Some don't understand how you can play tennis at 30, which is shocking to me because normally that's when you're still young enough to play some of your best tennis. I think I'm showing that since I turned 30 in August. That's basically when my run began."

Eye On Sports expects Roger 

Federer to win a grand slam title in 2012.

30-years-old or not, all I see when Federer plays is a guy that still moves around the court like someone half his age – and if you haven’t heard the terminology before – it truly looks like Fereder is ‘floating’ most of the time instead of running (I know, amazing).

What I like most about Federer how much he genuinely loves the game of tennis, which is why I believe he’ll be able to maintain his level of play for at least the next half-decade.

"Sometimes people think so much in the short term," Federer said. "It's a bit unfortunate. But, it's nice that I'm putting together a lot of wins in a row at the moment and just that I have shown also great reaction after the tough loss I had against Djokovic at the U.S. Open, because obviously that hurt."

Now ask yourselves this Eye On Sports tennis fans.

Is there anything you’d put past Roger Federer?

What’s wrong with Rafa?

World No.2 Rafael Nadal looks like a different player
after absorbing a series of beat-downs -
all in finals - from World No.1 Novak Djokovic. 

Maybe it’s me Eye on Sports tennis enthusiasts, but if you ask me, something about Rafael Nadal’s recent play looks just a bit “off” if you know what I mean.

Yeah, he did manage to almost win this year’s Aussie Open, while reaching the semis at Indian Wells, but I just don’t see the same fire and passion from one of the game’s most emotional players. Last but not least, I also don’t see the same fear from Rafa’s opponents that I once routinely saw when the unique southpaw routinely took the court – mostly because everyone’s seen how World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has routinely made minced meat out of Spain’s best player.

"He was better than me, and that's it," a disgruntled Nadal said following his loss to Federer. "I understand what I had to do too late to have more chances to win the match."

Not this year Novak!

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has already suffered two
losses this season and  has 'come back to earth'
after winning three grand slams a year ago.

While I’ve still got mad love for World No. 3 Novak Djokovic and fully believe he will likely win another grand slam tournament this season, I said it at the end of last year and prior to this year’s Australian Open … there was no way possible that the Djoker could continue playing at the insanely high level he played at a year ago.

I said Djokovic was bound to “come back to earth” a bit this year and sure enough, he has – if only a little. Djokovic did manage to win the first grand slam title in Australia this year, but he’s also suffered a pair of recent losses to John Isner and – believe it or not – World No. 4 Andy Murray.

Now, I’m not going to say that Djokovic is going to even lose his No. 1 ranking this season, but he’s clearly going to have a bit tougher time winning titles this season!

Three cheers for John Isner!

New World No. 10 John Isner knocked off
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in their BNP Paribas semifinal matchup at Indian Wells on Saturday.

Who says Americans can’t hang with the ‘big boys’?

New, World No. 10 John Isner pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career on Saturday by beating World No. 1 Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (5) in a thrilling semifinal showdown.

Isner fired a whopping 20 aces against the multi-faceted Djoker and finished the match off with a blistering 135 mile per hour offering.

Isner is the first American player to beat a world No. 1 since respected veteran James Blake defeated Federer in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"It's something that you don't experience every day," Isner said. "I was just trying to take it all in."

Isner connected on a whopping 74 percent of his first serves, but he’ll have to duplicate his Herculian feat in order to top World No. 3 Roger Federer in Sunday’s BNP Paribas final at Indian Wells.

Things Looking Fine Thanks to Ivan!

Ivan Lendl has Andy Murray looking a lot better mentally
 in no time at all!

Things are definitely on the upswing for World No. 4 Andy Murray thanks to the contributions of eight-time grand slam title winner Ivan Lendl. The former superstar agreed to coach Murray early this year and has the formerly fragile Murray like a rock of mental stability in no time at all. Murray refrained from the often childish displays of anger, confusion and frustration that have both, marked and plagued his career.

It’s All About the Matchup!

It’s pretty funny that World No. 1 Novak Djokovic can pretty much steamroll World No. 2 Rafael Nadal and now, probably looks forward to playing fiery Spaniard whenever he can. However, Djokovic really struggles against World No. 3 Roger Federer as their final two meetings of 2011 showed.  While Federer gives the world No. 1 all he can handle and then some, the all-time grand slam leader clearly can’t beat Nadal at all it seems these days. Sometimes, it’s all about matchups people – and this top-notch triumvirate show that to be true. 

Djoker’s No Laughing Matter!

I don’t care whether you’re a hard core Roger Federer fan (like me) or a longtime Rafael Nadal lover (like my son) …. You’ve got to give credit where credit is due – and now – both greats – and every other ATP player – are clearly chasing rock-solid World No. 1. Novak Djokovic.

The ‘Djoker’ played some of the best tennis you’ll ever see in defeating Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 in the final of the Australian Open this past weekend in what turned out to be the longest grand slam final since the Open Era began in 1968.

After beating Rafa in six tournament finals a year ago – including both, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, Djokovic extended his winning ways over the World No. 2 in an epic, five-set match that lasted a mind-numbing five hours and 53 minutes – even if he made did make a little harder on himself by not finishing off his mostly battered opponent in four sets like he should have! Either way, I tip my hat to Djokovic for a job well done – and everyone else should be too!

‘Big Smilin’ No More!

Damn, my boy, Marcos ‘Big Smilin’ Baghdatis wasn’t smiling too much on Wednesday at the Aussie Open – and for good reason as he got his brains beat in by Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1.

Baghdatis went all ‘Mikhail Youzhny’ on Wednesday in smashing four racquets during a changeover, but still, everyone loves the guy with one of the most infectious personalities and biggest smiles in all of professional sports.

Ironically, it was the in third set that Baghdatis won when he smashed his racquets, which makes me think maybe the fiery Cypriot should have had a few more sticks in his bag to break for the ensuing fourth set.