3. Mental Toughness
All great sports people must be mentally tough, as was forecast so clearly in last years London Olympics. It isnt just about having the right attitude and confidence, but also about managing your thoughts effectively. In his youth Roger was loud and emotional on court, a completely different image to the elegant and collected player of the last decade. He learned to control the frustration, upset and anger, channelling the emotion into determination and a steely confidence. This ability to focus and remain calm is unparalleled, few have Rogers knack of saving championship point as if its the first point in a friendly knock about. More recently the pure confidence has slipped, his expression less fixed his resolve less certain. But none can deny that for the most part Federer has been mentally stronger than any of his opponents, and easily matching the raw determination of players such as Lendl for example. Roger Federer has graced the tennis court with a deadly calm, intimidating players with nothing more than a slight nod as he once again out manoeuvres.