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SHANGHAI.
With three more Grand Slams and another Masters Cup title,
it looks like business as usual for Roer Federer. But
the results mask a watershed in what the Swiss calls a
"breakthrough" year.
Federer, top-ranked for four seasons now, has gone for
a radical new approach, shedding his coach and slimming
down his schedule as he sets his sights on dominating
tennis for the foreseeable future. |
There
have been hiccups, including defeat here to Fernando Gonzalez.
But after breathtaking performances against Andy Roddick,
Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer, Federer's stature is not only
undiminished, it has grown.
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"Roger
is the best in history," said Ferrer, vanquished
6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in Sunday's final.
"He did it all: serve, volley, slice. I was never
comfortable on the court. I don't return badly but when
Federer serves on line, I can't do anything."
No one who watched the impeccable Swiss would disagree.
And the new approach, similar to Tiger Woods adapting
his swing, should now extend the career of tennis's greatest
champion. |
"It's
been in some ways a breakthrough year for me," he said.
"Maybe
I didn't win 10 titles, but it's not necessary to stay number
one in the world all the time. If I keep this level of play
up, I'm in a great position for next year as well."
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