Re-Visiting Roger Federer’s Invincible Shanghai Master Run In 2017 – Is It His Best Level Ever on a Hard-Court?

When people talk about Roger Federer, it is the grass courts that people usually associate him with. Throughout his career as a professional tennis player, the Swiss international showed his magic on the grass courts and bagged 8 Wimbledon titles to his name. But how has the 20-time grand slam winner performed on the hard courts? Well, when it comes to hard courts, Roger Federer has had a fair amount of success. But, out of all the tournaments that he has played on those courts, one stands at the top, the Shanghai Rolex Masters that he played in 2017.

That being said, there’s still one question that causes many to wonder, has Roger Federer’s performance at the Shanghai Masters been his best ever on hard courts? Let’s look at some of the stats that answer this question.

How did Roger Federer perform at the Shanghai Rolex Masters in 2017?

At the Shanghai Masters back in 2017, Federer was on a mission. His game was on full display, and it was a pure joy to watch. As he handled his opponents one after another, the tennis world held its breath. The 36-year-old Federer defied the limitations of age and the physical demands of hard-court tennis. His movement was poetry in motion, his backhand a lethal weapon, and his forehand pure destruction.

While many would say that grass is something that he is most comfortable playing in, his display at the Shanghai Masters was just another world-class display. Despite facing some of the best names in tennis at the time like Richard Gasquet, Juan Martin Del Potro, and Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer managed to win his matches and swiftly lay his hands on the title.

The dominance displayed at the 2017 Shanghai Rolex Masters was not just about winning titles but about the sheer quality of tennis that Federer produced. He wasn’t merely defeating his rivals, he was outclassing them. What made his victory at the Shanghai Masters back in 2017 was that he lost just one set en route to a title triumph.

Roger Federer played on hard courts just like he played on grass courts. It was only Juan Martin del Potro who was able to take a set away from him. However, it still wasn’t enough for him to win the match.

Despite hard courts being his weakest point, he faced Nadal in the final and did not allow him a chance to stand in front of him. Roger defeated him comfortably 6-4, 6-3 to win the titles. The match also holds one more significance, it was also the last ever final played between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Despite the two facing each other again multiple times, they could not get a chance to repeat a classic ‘Fedal’ final just like they did back in China in 2017.

The 2017 Shanghai Rolex Masters final against Nadal was a defining moment. Federer’s aggressive style, backed by remarkable court coverage and a serve that seemed impossible to deal with, left Nadal stunned. In a straight-sets victory, Federer laid down the gauntlet for all those who doubted his ability to win against the very best on hard courts.

The argument for this being Federer’s best performance on hard courts gains further credibility when we consider the quality of his opposition. The tournament featured a formidable field, including the likes of Nadal, Juan Martin del Potro, and Marin Cilic, all known for their strengths on the hard courts. Yet, Federer dispatched them and left everyone stunned.

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Was Federer’s performance at Shanghai his best-ever display on hard courts?

Many will argue that Federer’s Australian Open triumphs in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, and 2018 were examples of his hard-court achievements. While those victories were undoubtedly significant, they were scattered over a span of 14 years. The Shanghai Rolex Masters run in 2017, however, was a result of his brilliance over a very short period.

While there have been many hard-court performances like his US Open triumphs earlier in his career, the victory at Shanghai was a very special one for yet another reason. His US Open triumph and Australian Open triumphs came in when he was in his prime and in his twenties. However, coming to Shanghai as a 36-year-old and dismantling everyone while losing just one set throughout the tournament takes some guts.

As we revisit Federer’s invincible Shanghai Master run in 2017, the question remains: Was this his best-ever performance on a hard court? While opinions may vary, one thing is undeniable – Federer’s performance in Shanghai was proof that age is just a number for the Swiss great. Despite being 36 at that time, he played like a young tennis pro who was ready to make an impact on the courts. Whether it was his best or not, it was undoubtedly a masterclass in tennis that will be etched in the annals of the sport’s history forever.

Thus, Roger Federer’s 2017 Shanghai Rolex Masters victory stands as the pinnacle of his career on hard courts, showcasing his unparalleled skill, adaptability, and sheer determination. This performance, marked by a dazzling display of shot-making and a dominant victory over his arch-rival Rafael Nadal, cements Federer’s legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the history of tennis.

Whether it is his best level ever on a hard court is a subject of debate, but what is undeniable is that Federer’s brilliance in Shanghai will forever be etched in the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide as a shining example of sporting excellence.

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