Roger Federer is one of the great shotmakers of our era. He has the ability to craft points and hit shots that make the terms “jaw-dropping” and “eye-slackening” seem without meaning. Trying to confine the greatest shots of Roger Federer’s career is like trying to empty the Hoover Dam with a thimble. There’s probably enough out there to make a top 100, but these are the shots that have made the short list. The following have primarily been selected for their uniqueness — the “I’ve never seen that before, and I may never see it again” factor. Many players on the tour can hit the tweeners, the blazing forehand winners, and the angled passing shots…but these are, I believe, quintessential Federer shots.
I’m leaving out such crazy shots as, among others, the 2005 French Open semi against Rafael Nadal, the incredible short-angled play against David Ferrer in the 2007 Shanghai Masters, the no-look flick pass against Alejandro Falla at Wimbledon 2004, the incredible around-the-post backhand against Guga Kuerten in 2002 (and the one against Ascione in 2007), practically any shot he hit against Andy Roddick at the 2007 Australian, and many others. Let me know if I’m missing any special shots…I will post them!
So without further ado…Roger Federer’s top 5 greatest shots.
5. 2008 US Open — Retreating, Leaping, Overhead…Lob? Passing Shot
You could watch a million other players get in this situation a million times and they would still never think, let alone try, to hit a slicing overhead LOB off an overhead while fading away from the baseline. An overhead smash off an overhead would likely be equally inconceivable…or is it?
4. 2005 Australian Open — Full-stretch “Around-the-Post” Forehand
Many of you will undoubtedly say that an around-the-post shot can be played by other players. But for me, it’s not that it was played in the first place…it was HOW it was played. This wasn’t a shovel shot, where TMF could just bunt the ball around the post like most players do when they get this shot. TMF had to stretch full-on just to reach the ball…this shot was at full-stretch, and ALL wrist. Note the face of the racquet head at 0:26…closed the entire time. How could the ball even hit the strings??? That to me is crazy.
3. 2004 Pacific Life Open — “The Greatest Shot I’ve Ever Seen Hit”
The commentator says that this might be the greatest shot he’s ever seen hit…but when the player is Roger Federer, these shots come up on an unnervingly frequent basis.
(The ballkid must have been trained quite well…she barely even flinched!)
2. 2004 Dubai Open — “Impossible” no-look backhand flick lob
“That ball…was BEHIND him. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.” – Andre Agassi’s confidence
1. 2002 Basel Open — “Immortal” Flying Over-the-Shoulder No-Look Overhead
This particular shot needs no introduction. I can only imagine if Patrick McEnroe and Cliff Drysdale were commentating this shot…they would have to hire some professional cleaners to wipe the mess in the press box after their heads explode.
So there you have it…five shots of such stunning skill, creativity, and ORIGINALITY…that they can only be part of the Federer experience.
Are these the greatest shots of Roger Federer’s career? What are some of your favorites? Let us know what you think!
