I watched the first set & a half last night…keep in mind that during Fed’s 11 match winning streak over Roddick, he lost only 3 sets out of 31, and won all 6 sets that went to a tiebreak. This is a player who he had dominated in the past.

Fed Issues:
1) Not hitting the ball as well on the run. Justin Gimelstob, the ex ATP pro from UCLA recently turned commentator, noted he didn’t look as quick as usual.
2) Many easy mistakes/unforced errors that you don’t usually see from him.
3) Not winning the big the points like he usually does.

Now for a possible explanation…

Mirka looked awful. I know she’s ‘kinda’ busy managing Fed’s business affairs, schedule, etc…but can’t she get to the gym just a couple times a week? Say ‘no’ to dessert every once in a while? Remember, she used to be an athlete, a fringe WTA pro before she met Roger. Maybe Fed’s wondering how to let her go gently, & it’s a distraction for him when he’s on the court.

Or maybe, as disturbing & surprising as it may be, he’s peaked at the tender age of 26, and we’ve seen the best he has to offer. Remember, Borg retired at 26. In tennis, 26 is the equivalent of 31 or 32 in basketball or football. Yes, you’ve probably got a few more years left, but they’re not likely to be your best years, unless you’re a fitness freak and genetic marvel like Agassi.

If anyone has different theory/explanation, let me know in the comments…