Yet another example of Federer folding under some pressure. There's no chance in hell Nadal would've lost that match. Simon was playing well but if Federer had any mental strength he would've edged out a victory. After Simon broke back to get back on serve late the guy was literally crying and his body language said he wanted out. Federer gave away a handful of points late because he couldn't deal with his frustration.
Champion in the true sense of the word, I think not.
Champion in the true sense of the word, I think not.
You constantly bash Federer for his attitude and lack of composure under pressure, and probably rightfully so. But I wonder if you gave him any props for his performance when his back was against the wall in the Wimbledon final? He could've folded like a tent down 2-0, but really showed the heart of a champion then, didn't he?
Yeah he did surprise me at Wimbledon, really hung on tough. However it was a court where he hadn't lost in 6 years and the crowd actually got behind him. Even though he went down two sets he probably still felt relatively comfortable he could win the match. But still I'll give him credit there.
Its just I've had a problem with everyone calling this guy a true champ and sucking up to him so hard over the years. He's ultra talented but he still hasn't proven, to me anyways, he's got the "heart of a champion". Yesterday's collapse against Simon was ridiculous. Why is he basically giving up late when things aren't going his way? If he had stay composed, as a true champion would have, he still had a big edge in talent over Simon. Instead he was sulking and bickering with the chair ump, blasting forehands all over the place in frustration etc.
And when was the last time a clear #1 was pummeled against his arch rival in a final like what happened at Roland Garros this year? Could even go back a couple years at Roland Garros when he folded again in the last couple sets.
Just blows my mind when people talk about Federer as being the best player ever.
