Becker’s frontal attack on Federer’s sneak tactic

New  York, September 11

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German legend Boris Becker has criticised Roger Federer for ‘disrespecting’ opponents with his new  ‘sneak-attack’ strategy. The Swiss maestro used the tactic, which involves advancing right up to the service line on an opponent’s serve, predominantly at the 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 opponents’ 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. “If he would have played a McEnroe, Connors, Lendl or even me, we would have said 'Roger, in all honesty I like you very much but I'll go straight at you',” Becker said. “In my generation guys would not have accepted as it is now. It's almost disrespecting the other guy's serve. Everybody talks about that's his new strategy — he comes in. It's within the rules.” 

Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski added: “I’m kind of shocked. People like him so much which is understandable — he’s a great guy, great ambassador. But you’ve got to say ‘OK, I’m going to stand up to you’ . You'll get booed by the whole crowd, but that's life, you've just got to show that competitiveness.” — Reuters