Masur: Federer playing backhand on own terms

Roger Federer’s recent commitment to being more aggressive and forceful with his backhand is a sign of his championship qualities.

That’s according to Wally Masur, who has watched with interest as Federer has found another gear in his already-exceptional game to become the form player of 2017.

> EXPERT: Backhand breakdown – one hand or two?

Federer’s improved backhand has been credited as a major factor in his resurgence this season and in particular his greater success against career-long nemesis Rafael Nadal.

After trailing the head-to-head 11-23 at the start of this year, Federer has won the pair’s last three meetings.

“The thing about Roger is that he’s just one of those interesting champions – great champions don’t die wondering,” said Masur, who captained Australia’s Davis Cup team before moving into his current roll as Tennis Australia’s performance director.

“They roll the dice. They play big. They hit their way out of trouble. And that is how he’s responded to injury, late in his career. He’s constantly evolving and it’s a credit to him – it’s amazing what he did at the Australian Open.”

Federer stormed to his 18th major title at Melbourne Park in January after spending the second half of 2016 sidelined with injury.

He beat four top-10 players en route to the title, including a five-set final victory over Nadal.

“You remember when he was always getting rolled by Rafa at the French? As good as his backhand is he was kind of passive and he wasn’t going to win that match-up,” Masur said.

“He had done it on hard court but not on clay, but it’s almost like he’s just kind of rolled the dice. It’s such a classically well-produced great shot, and he’s like you know what? I’m gonna step in, I’ve got a great eye, I’ll take it on the rise, and I’ll take it on on my terms.

“If you’re as good as Roger and you practice something enough, you’re gonna do it pretty well. And what do you know? He’s executing pretty well.”