Boris Becker: Roger Federer SABR attack is disrespectful

Federer’s tactic of advancing towards the net as his rival serves was in evidence on Wednesday night as he dispatched France’s Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 to advance to the last four at Flushing Meadows. The objective of the move is to disrupt opponent’s rhythm and force them into making an error.

Now as Federer prepares to face off against Novak Djokovic in the final of the US Open for a shot at an 18th Grand Slam, the new move has got a name – the SABR, which stands for “Sneak Attack by Roger” and is ruffling quite a few feathers. “It’s within the rules”, Becker told Sky. “In my generation guys would not have accepted as it is now”, Becker was quoted as saying by Skysports on Thursday.

Becker went on to claim that in his day, guys like John McEnroe, Jimmy Collins and Ivan Lendl would have served straight at Federer’s body. Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski too weighed in with his remark on the issue.

An aggressive Federer said he would take plenty of confidence from his win into a meeting with Djokovic, who trails their head-to-head 21-20.

It has been nicknamed “SABR”, which is an acronym for “Sneak Attack By Federer”. “Pretty simple”, Federer said in a post-match press conference.

“We will see if the occasion presents itself”.

That might not be such a great call, for there have been suggestions Djokovic can get rattled when the crowd rallies against him.

In reply, the 17-time Grand Slam had a blunt message for his critics after cruising past compatriot Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to reach his first US Open final since 2009, News.com.au reported.

Wawrinka has begun to use the SABR, as he goes for what would be a third Major inside two years, representing a late career surge that is not a complete surprise to Federer.