US Open: Federer-Out: Surprise yes, sensation no

The end of New York – it came unexpectedly, but not quite unexpectedly. Federer’s long time-outs in particular pose a risk. A comment by Jörg Allmeroth.

Roger Federer had not got tired in the last weeks to act as a warning on his own behalf. He had said before the US Open that it was simply crazy to think of him as a high tournament favourite at the age of 37, so to speak in an automatism. And before that, the maestro had once again discreetly pointed out that there can’t always be these fairytale scenarios at the Grand Slam tournaments, such as his comeback in the 2017 season with victories in Melbourne and Wimbledon and then again at the Australian Open 2018.

With this sober world view of the sporting situation, however, Federer was often alone; he could hardly defend himself against the high and highest expectations of his tournament guest performances. Federer’s defeat against the Australian Millman is still a surprise and a result beyond normality, but not a mega sensation – especially when one considers the challenging conditions in these New York tennis days, the oppressive, rather crushing heat, the high humidity. Even someone like Federer can no longer conceal age. And not the many dog years his body had to endure in the travelling circus either.

Because Federer now has to dose his bets a lot in order to remain competitive in touring, there is always a high risk involved. After long breaks the old champion always has to struggle to find his way around the circuit, he then needs match hardness and playing practice again. Before Wimbledon, he did better overall with his victory in Stuttgart and his entry into the final in Halle. Before the US Open, however, doubts remained, not least with Federer himself, who expressed a certain dissatisfaction, despite playing in the final in Cincinnati. In New York there were also the circumstances against him: slow places, the unbearable weather.

There’s no need to get alarmed about Federer. But it’s also time for a healthy realism: the best player of all time can’t conjure up these miracle coups on the Centre Courts forever. It’s not uncommon for him to become more vulnerable in sports.