Video: Ricochet Roger’s Rapid Fire Volley vs. Monfils

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Video: Ricochet Roger’s Rapid Fire Volley vs. Monfils

It’s no secret that under the tutelage of Stefan Edberg, Roger Federer has been doing some of his finest work at the net. The Swiss maestro has been moving forward early and often ever since grass court season started in June (actually all season, but more so on the faster surfaces), and he’s having quite a bit of success doing it. Whether it’s serving and volleying on second serve, approaching behind backhand slice, a forehand drive or a chip of a first serve, watching Federer augment his already regal game with a more daring, improvisational brand of net play has been entertaining and inspiring.

Cincy: Federer Sets up Murray Clash

Federer won 26 points at the net tonight vs. Gael Monfils during his 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory, but none was more important than this rapid fire exchange that went in favor of Federer and gave the 33-year-old two break points for a chance to serve for the match (see video above).

Federer didn’t hit the best volley on his first attempt, but he sensed that Monfils was out of position so he kept moving in and somehow he found a way to hit the high angled volley from the back of his ear to win the point. It was an exercise in reactivity and agility—the domain of the very best net players—and Federer passed with flying colors on this point.

Federer would convert the break two points later, and in his final service game he would remain a fixture at the net, serving and volleying on four of six points, and coming in behind a backhand at 30-all to make a put-away volley to give him match point.

Of all the points that Federer won at the net, the forehand snap volley that Federer hit at 15-all (sorry, no video) while serving for the match might have been the best. Hugging the net, Federer had little time to react to Monfils’ passing attempt, but somehow he found a way to get his racquet in the perfect spot with a quick whip of the wrist to put the ball away with ease. It was part volley, part smash, executed in tight quarters, where the danger of snapping the net with the racquet was real, and it was executed perfectly.

Watching Federer strengthen his already solid net game has been a really fun experience in 2014 for so many fans. Net play always leads to improvisation and lends an element of surprise to points, and with Federer doing the net charging, the tennis has been sublime at times, wild at others—but never boring.

It will be interesting to see what tactics Federer employs against Andy Murray on Friday when the two meet in the quarterfinals. He’ll likely be far more careful against one of the greatest passing shot artists in the game today, but if he can pick his spots and come in when he’s taken control of points, he ought to have success as well.

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