He's already won 17 Grand Slam titles, and tennis icon Roger Federer is happy to use his 'sneaky' new tactic in search of an 18th at the US Open in New York City.
The Swiss maestro defeated countryman Stan Wawrinka in straight sets, setting up a mouth-watering clash with world No.1 Novak Djokovic in the final at Flushing Meadows on Monday morning AEST -- Federer's first US Open final since 2009.
The decider will represent another Grand Slam showdown of the first and second seeds as the top-ranked Serbian also won in straight sets against defending US Open champion Marin Cilic, 6-0 6-1 6-2.
But Federer has been accused of being 'sneaky' with his new tactic, which sees him advancing on his opponent’s second serve to hit a half-volley right on the edge of the service box before rushing the net. It has sent social media into meltdown after it was hilariously coined 'SABR' - Sneak Attack By Roger.
The world No.2 said the tactic wasn't 'sneaky' or 'disrespectful' and that he would indeed use it against Djokovic "if it makes sense".
"For me, if it makes sense to use it in the final; I will. I used it to great effect against [Djokovic] in a tough situation, at 4-1 in the tiebreaker in Cincinnati (Masters)," Federer said.
Making the final perhaps more bitter, Djokovic's coach -- tennis great Boris Becker -- said SABR was 'disrespectful'.
'It's almost disrespecting the other guy's serve. Everybody talks about that's his new strategy -- he comes in. It's within the rules,' Becker told Sky.
But the Fed disagrees: "It's not disrespectful; pretty simple."