Roger’s Revenge: Wimbledon 2007

What can we learn from Roger’s historic Wimbledon win?

Is it too late to learn something from the incredible Wimbledon final of 2007 between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal? I don’t think so.

The lessons we can learn from this historic tactical and emotional battle are timeless and universal across levels. They may be even more applicable at the club level, as we’ll see. But first let’s try to understand the complex factors in this historic match, and what the numbers show.

It would be an understatement to say that I was thrilled for Roger Federer and that this was a sentiment shared by almost everyone I talked to who watched the match.

With Bjorn Borg there in that suit and tie, with Ted and Johnny Mac frequently talking more about the past than what was happening right in front of them, with all the downside that would have come with a loss, Roger Federer found the belief and the courage to take control at critical times.

A lot of people, including myself, have said I lot of things about the way Roger plays his matches against Rafa. He should hit more slice, more volleys, more aggressive returns, etc, etc.