The Sneak Attack by Roger Federer: The Story Behind the Iconic Move

TLDRRoger Federer introduced the 'sneak attack,' a move where he rushed the net to return his opponent's service, to his game in 2015. Despite initial controversy, the move proved effective and became a signature tactic in Federer's arsenal. By taking the return early and going on the offensive, Federer was able to disrupt his opponents' game plan and win crucial points. The saber, as it was called, showcased Federer's ability to continuously evolve and adapt his game even in the later stages of his career.

Key insights

🎾The 'sneak attack' or saber is a move where Roger Federer rushes the net to return his opponent's service.

🏆Federer introduced the saber in 2015 as a way to disrupt his opponents' game plan and win crucial points.

🔄The move was initially met with controversy and criticism but proved to be a successful tactic for Federer.

By taking the return early and going on the offensive, Federer showcased his ability to continuously evolve and adapt his game.

🌟The saber became synonymous with Federer's style of play and contributed to his success in the later stages of his career.

Q&A

What is the 'sneak attack' or saber?

The 'sneak attack' or saber is a move where Roger Federer rushes the net to return his opponent's service, putting them on the defensive right from the start.

Was the saber a successful tactic for Federer?

Yes, the saber proved to be a successful tactic for Federer, allowing him to disrupt his opponents' game plan and win crucial points.

How did the tennis world react to the saber?

The saber initially faced controversy and criticism, but as Federer showcased its effectiveness in winning matches, it gained recognition and respect.

Did Federer invent the saber?

While Federer popularized the saber in professional tennis, it is unclear if he was the first to use the move. Nick Kyrgios claims to have used it first in a practice session with Federer in 2014.

Did the saber contribute to Federer's success?

Yes, the saber became synonymous with Federer's style of play and contributed to his success, particularly in the later stages of his career.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Reveals the story behind Roger Federer's iconic 'sneak attack' move.

04:36Describes how Federer introduced the saber in 2015 to disrupt his opponents' game plan.

07:40Details the controversy surrounding the saber and its effectiveness in winning matches.

09:32Discusses the claim that Federer might not have been the first to use the saber.

10:51Highlights the impact of the saber on Federer's success in the later stages of his career.