Players goals for the year

This article is inspired by HBs comment on another thread.

As a Murray fan, here are the goals I would like him to have this year

1, Win another GS tournament (obviously). He is due to play a final in 14 hours so this could be achieved quickly but, if not, he has two more realistic opportunities.

2. Improve that second serve. The rest of his game is coming along nicely but that is still a weakness.

3. Reach a clay final. He has a lot of the attributes required for a great clay courter but he has always underperformed on this surface. He will need to improve this area if he is to ever reach #1.

4. Maintain his newly discovered confidence and mental focus!

What goals would you give to the top players?

Djokovic just needs to win a slam, Rafa needs to get his fitness back and try and come out on top at least in the clay season, and Federer needs to win a match against one of the other big 4 in a slam.

5. Work on that overhead!! Murray has the worst overhead I've ever seen in my life. Even Marc Lopez can smash better than Murray. I agree with everything else carrie because if you stand still, you get left behind.

Really Juan? I always thought Murray's overhead was quite secure but it could be that I haven't paid much attention to it.

Djokovic on the other hand - now that's a real disaster, WTA stuff.

Definitely. He does that weird thing of jumping up to the ball a lot and the one in the (first?) tiebreaker against Federer made me laugh. Even Jamie says he has the worst smash in the top 100!!

8th Wimbledon. It would be the cherry on the icing.

Henman Bill wrote:Djokovic just needs to win a slam, Rafa needs to get his fitness back and try and come out on top at least in the clay season, and Federer needs to win a match against one of the other big 4 in a slam.

You are saying that Federer should be happy in reaching one slam final this year?? Why should this be such an important achievement is beyond me......

Agree with you about the Murray smash Juan. Easily the worst in the top ten. He is such a complete all round player, but I don't know how he's got away without such a poor smash being highlighted by tennis pros, fans and pundits.

It really is his worst shot by a mile.

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:

Henman Bill wrote:Djokovic just needs to win a slam, Rafa needs to get his fitness back and try and come out on top at least in the clay season, and Federer needs to win a match against one of the other big 4 in a slam.

You are saying that Federer should be happy in reaching one slam final this year?? Why should this be such an important achievement is beyond me......

No, I did not say that. That is a huge leap from what I actually said. I actually think he just needs a win against one of his major rivals more than yet more records at the moment, in my opinion.

Murray to re-establish his backhand, Murray to improve his clay record, to win another slam and like carrieg says to continue in the same vain with this new confidence and mental focus. Also to make moves up the rankings.

Promotion to Div 4. Unlikely, but you've got to aim high

Completely disagree Bill. In the great sweep of his career a win against Andy Murray et al is neither here nor there. Exactly why would such a trivial event matter to him?

I nominated an 8th Wimbledon because it would see him stand alone as the greatest champion of the greatest tennis tournament of all time. That sounds worthy of making 2013 valuable to him.

In the short term, he needs a victory against Djokovic because Djokovic beat him at the world tour finals, on his favourite surface and a tournament he owned in recent years. Djokovic is now threatening to dominate him on all surfaces.

As for Murray, Murray beat Federer in their last 2 major meeting (if we count the Olympics as a big match but not the world tour finals) and is starting to look in danger of dominating him as well.

When Federer loses once or twice in a row to a player, it's important for him to do something about that. If he starts being completely dominated by a player that is going to be terrible for him. He will hate that and probably start not enjoying his play and maybe even wondering about retirement. When he loses to a player he tends to think about the return meeting.

He has never yet been completed dominated by anyone. [Maybe after the Nadal defeat in Australia 2009 you got the feeling that Nadal was now dominating him on all surfaces, and he looked crushed by it, although he responded well (since then he trails 4-5, leading 3-2 off clay, despite being much further from his peak age than Rafa).]

Where we differ here BB, at least in part, is that I was thinking of what his short term target might be; I wasn't thinking about legacy. For sure a win against Murray or Djokovic at a slam won't matter a huge amount for his legacy. Maybe against Rafa...

Anyway it was just a quick comment and I thought I would try and think about something for Federer. Admittedly he doesn't have a lot to prove.

Also, I did say slam and his next slam meeting against the big 4 could well be in a final due to him getting Ferrer in the semi, or a surprise result befalling one of the others.

Yours is a fine suggestion as well. I won't try and argue mine is better than yours, I think they are both fine suggestions.

Personally I think a second french open could be worth as much or more as yet another Wimbledon, but I know we disagree on that, and of course it's a less realistic goal as well.

Sorry but what at first sight looked like a stupid statement, after full explanation looks definitely more like a delirium tremens ......

For Federer developing losing streaks and records against these guys is unavoidable; his career is in its latter stages and he's past his best. Therefore I don't see this as important, it is meaningless in retrospect, as much as Pete getting losses to Hewitt matters now he's gone to the Hall of Fame.

I'm not saying he wouldn't rate it but you were talking about aims for the year and I'm sure he sets his sights higher. In fact, if that was all he was looking to I think he'd jack it in. Now #8; that could get him a statue at SW18.

bogbrush wrote:For Federer developing losing streaks and records against these guys is unavoidable; his career is in its latter stages and he's past his best. Therefore I don't see this as important, it is meaningless in retrospect, as much as Pete getting losses to Hewitt matters now he's gone to the Hall of Fame.

I'm not saying he wouldn't rate it but you were talking about aims for the year and I'm sure he sets his sights higher. In fact, if that was all he was looking to I think he'd jack it in. Now #8; that could get him a statue at SW18.

This.

Although a second French would be pretty good too (except that's more of a pipe dream.

emancipator wrote:Really Juan? I always thought Murray's overhead was quite secure but it could be that I haven't paid much attention to it.

Djokovic on the other hand - now that's a real disaster, WTA stuff.

I agree, he gets tight on that shot and blows it often when under pressure. It is a mental thing for sure. Novak's weakest shot is his overhead. For some reason he has overhead yips. On big points his opponents should go hacker on him and throw up gigantic lobs.

Is Novak's smash crap too then? Can't say I've ever noticed to be honest. So both Murray's and Novak's worst shot is the smash... They're more aligned than I thought.

I'd be surprised if Novak's was worse than Andy's though... Andy's is truly awful.

Shall we have an argument about it? Be unprecedented on here to have a "my player is worse!" debate.

For me Novak needs the french, but any slam will do and another year end #1. Preferrably I would like to Novak win more than one slam this year, I think he can win 2 or 3 if he holds serve at the AO final with Murray and takes the crown. If he does, then he can really look for a strong multi slam season.

Anyone going to speak for Nadal? Lydia's online I see.

I guessing top priority is the French?

They're all fantastic players, so they should all have lofty goals. Here goes!

Novak: Two slams, and make a real drive at the French. This may be his greatest chance to do the latter, and another Wimbledon certainly wouldn't go amiss either. He can reliably expect to do well at the other two slams for years to come, so I think picking up either the French or Wimbledon should be a priority, particularly if he loses to Murray tomorrow. Year end #1, too. Basically, sustain his fantastic level of play and try to force himself into the pack of greats sitting on 7 slams.

Roger: Hang onto #2 if possible, and perform well during the clay season. Look for one slam win this year - Wimbledon would be an excellent one to snatch - and at least two masters titles. Continue to be extremely competitive over Bo3 and make everyone remember that he is still a supremely dangerous opponent even at this stage. Keep the motivation going, and continue going for records that are within his grasp.

Andy: Try and surpass Fed as #2 and stay there for the entire season, though if he wins the Australian Open I think that #1 should be in his mind. Try and win two slams this year. Improve on clay as others have said, and take at least one title on the surface. Forget trying to win RG (he has virtually no chance) and instead focus on an extremely realistic first Wimbledon title.

Rafa: Above all, come back healthy and stay that way! Definitely look for the 8th RG and maximising points during the clay swing, make a competitive run at Wimbledon and then be extremely careful about his scheduling afterwards. I also think that he should sort out his service action now that he has the opportunity - if he's serious about prolonging his longevity on the circuit, then that's the first port of call. At least two masters titles, and one off clay would be a huge bonus. Get back into the top 4.

Great post silver, I think all those goals are realistic if you are one of those 4 great players. I think Roger does care about staying at #2 because it gives him the most favorable slam draw possible. So that #2 ranking a can't be discounted. The #2 ranking serves Federer and Murray's ultimate goal of maximizing their slam chances. For the purposes of winning a slam the number 1 ranking of course is more prestigious, but for draw purposes you want a top two seeding.

socal1976 wrote: I think Roger does care about staying at #2 because it gives him the most favorable slam draw possible. So that #2 ranking a can't be discounted. The #2 ranking serves Federer and Murray's ultimate goal of maximizing their slam chances. For the purposes of winning a slam the number 1 ranking of course is more prestigious, but for draw purposes you want a top two seeding.

Not sure how it helps unless Nadal fails to come back and you have a 50% chance of the draw Djokovic has had at the AO.

bogbrush wrote:

socal1976 wrote: I think Roger does care about staying at #2 because it gives him the most favorable slam draw possible. So that #2 ranking a can't be discounted. The #2 ranking serves Federer and Murray's ultimate goal of maximizing their slam chances. For the purposes of winning a slam the number 1 ranking of course is more prestigious, but for draw purposes you want a top two seeding.

Not sure how it helps unless Nadal fails to come back and you have a 50% chance of the draw Djokovic has had at the AO.

That is what I am assuming that Nadal will be back once the clay court season starts and will get back to #4 pretty quickly, maybe should have clarified that by the second half of the year. Right now it isn't that big of an advantage. Assuming a viable nadal for the second half of the year. Plus I think RG is going to seed him #4 at least as long as he comes back and plays relatively well in the run up. So as early as the next slam the pecking order should be back to a more natural state.

No, it's IS an advantage to be #2 UNLESS Nadal is back and the semi will be tough anyway. A potential advantage anyway, it's about who gets the easy Ferrer match.

I realise he's 31 but does anyone else think Federer could strive to be a little fitter?

Obviously not to Djokovic superhuman levels but he's definitely not as lean as he was 3 or 4 years ago.

I read that he weighs in heavier than Murray, who is 2 inches taller and packs much more muscle (unofficial stats, I admit). Something is not right.
I'm unconvinced this is all down to genetics and I guess it really is a test of how motivated Federer still is.

As discussed yesterday I reckon his back issues are stopping him keeping his core as strong as before...causing some issues in a few areas. Realistically he's got to be looking at Wimbledon and USO but if I'm honest I think he's won his last slam and this will be his last full year on tour...

lydian wrote:As discussed yesterday I reckon his back issues are stopping him keeping his core as strong as before...causing some issues in a few areas. Realistically he's got to be looking at Wimbledon and USO but if I'm honest I think he's won his last slam and this will be his last full year on tour...

IMO French is still a possibility especially if Rafa isn't at full speed but to stand a chance he needs to be on Murray's side of the draw, it's difficult to say how far Murray's improvements will transcend onto clay but it could be that Roger would only have to play one match where he isn't a major favourite. But yes, a rain-wrecked Wimbledon remains Fed's best opportunity.

I find there are always a lot of knee-jerk reactions after the AO, every year the AO winner is tipped to complete the calendar slam. I'd like to think there's still time for no.18, people seem to have already written off his WTF performances. He may not have won it but dispatched Murray and obviously the final could have gone either way.

Was are Lukas Rosol's goals for this year?

theslosty wrote:I realise he's 31 but does anyone else think Federer could strive to be a little fitter?

Obviously not to Djokovic superhuman levels but he's definitely not as lean as he was 3 or 4 years ago.

I read that he weighs in heavier than Murray, who is 2 inches taller and packs much more muscle (unofficial stats, I admit). Something is not right.
I'm unconvinced this is all down to genetics and I guess it really is a test of how motivated Federer still is.

Those official stats are in for a beating today. I don't believe the weight numbers they give on most of the women or the height numbers they give on most of the men. I have seen ferrer in person he looks like five seven to me, and some of these women are not 125 pounds either.

Rosol has got a lot of points to defend at Wimbledon! ..Actually, decided to check that, it's only 90 out of 679 total. He got more for winning Bratislava in November!

gboycottnut wrote:Was are Lukas Rosol's goals for this year?

To beat Rafa in a slam.

To beat anyone in a slam.

For Novak, now that he has held serve at the AO, the RG is the next big target to complete the career slam. A win at the FO would most likely make his next big goal of the year end #1 unassailable barring a bad injury.

I would very much like for Murray to consolidate his number 3 ranking and defend the US Open. Wimbledon would be a nice bonus.

Hopefully Golding and Broady to make inroads in the rankings.

Robson and Watson to make the top 20 by the end of the year. Massive task I know.

The rest of the tennis world will take care of it's self.

legendkillarV2 wrote:I would very much like for Murray to consolidate his number 3 ranking and defend the US Open. Wimbledon would be a nice bonus.

Hopefully Golding and Broady to make inroads in the rankings.

Robson and Watson to make the top 20 by the end of the year. Massive task I know.

The rest of the tennis world will take care of it's self.

They sound like good goals to me LK

Well that British tennis has a very good year.

lk the US Open still represents Andy best chance of a second slam title but who knows at Wimbledon?

It's gone very quiet regarding Ollie Golding of late but here's hoping.

Finally I think there's a reasonable chance of one of Watson or Robson threatening the top 20 by the end of the ear with luck.

I am in 2 minds whether Andy can win back to back Slams. Would be amazing if he could Wimbledon. I think however retaining the US Open would give him so much more of a boost to go on and pick up more Slams. Time is on his side and all the time Lendl is too, the future looks good.

I hope the time Golding put in at Miami with Andy starts to show in his results. I hope he can move up and onwards so that he can enter big events on the ATP.

Think Robson is the likely of the 2 to reach the top 20. I am ermmm over Watson. Be fantastic if they both could.

Just looked on ITF website for Golding playing activity in the futures and came across Boggy :shocked:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/jan/28/andy-murray-pace-novak-djokovic

I like what Murray is saying here. Dare we hope for the first year without a spring slump?

legendkillarV2 wrote:Just looked on ITF website for Golding playing activity in the futures and came across Boggy :shocked:

Golding is injured at the moment. Just had an operation. Not sure how long he will be out.

Born Slippy wrote:

legendkillarV2 wrote:Just looked on ITF website for Golding playing activity in the futures and came across Boggy :shocked:

Golding is injured at the moment. Just had an operation. Not sure how long he will be out.

That's not good. Hope he is back to full health soon.

He mentioned a while ago on Twitter that he was on crutches and would be out for a while. I don't know what the story is just now but I hope it's nothing very serious.