Roger Federer keen on practising more of his ‘chip-and-charge' return shot, the SABR
17-time Grand Slam champion and current world number 3 Roger Federer has promised that he would practise more of his strange shot- dubbed the SABR or ‘Sneak Attack by Roger’ during his off season training.
"I would love to keep trying it, now I have time to practice, so I am sure I will spend some time on that as well and see if it’s something I should keep up,” he said, reported Tennis.com.
The Swiss legend’s move involves advancing right up to the service line on an opponent’s second serve in an attempt to return the ball on the half-volley. The aim is to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm and either force them into a mistake by hitting the ball deep into the court with a lack of pace, or finish the point off quickly at the net.
Federer had managed to successfully implement this particular tactic with great effect throughout the US Open and Cincinnati Masters, and has bamboozled his opponents. Tennis legend Boris Becker, who now coaches World No. 1 had earlier criticised Federer, saying that his new move was ‘almost disrespectful’ to his opponents.
The Swiss ace seemed pleased that his new shot worked well in the previous season, and said that it was exciting for him to execute the shot. “I’m happy that it kind of worked, it was fun and it was all over the news, I thought it was quite exciting for me personally," he said.
The 34-year old has had to endure yet another difficult season, without winning a single Grand Slam. However, he had a couple of successful ATP tours, winning in Brisbane, Dubai, Istanbul, Halle, Cincinnati and Basel, in addition to his record eighth victory in the Gerry Weber Open. Federer also became only the third man in the Open era to achieve 1000 or more wins, in the beginning of the season.
Here's a video of that chip and charge tactic from Federer: