Melbourne, Sept. 12 : Roger Federer has hit back at Boris Becker and other critics, saying that his sneak-attack strategy is not ‘disrespectful’ to other opponents.
The Swiss maestro used the tactic, which involves advancing right up to the service line on an opponent’s serve, to a great effect at the ongoing US Open in a bid to end his three-year Grand Slam drought at Flushing Meadows.
Dubbed as the SABR–Sneak Attack By Roger, the purpose of the move is to disrupt opponent’s rhythm and force them into making an error.
However, Becker, who is currently coaching top seed Novak Djokovic, described the move as ‘almost disrespectful’ to opponents and said that the players of his generation would not have accepted it, adding that they would have instead gone straight at Federer.
In reply, the 17-time Grand Slam had a blunt message for his critics after cruising past compatriot Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to reach his first US Open final since 2009, News.com.au reported.
“Yeah, no. It’s not disrespectful. Pretty simple,” Federer said in a post-match press conference.
Federer will take on Becker’s employer Djokovic in the mouth-watering summit clash on Sunday. (ANI)