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Top hot shots of 2016: #4, Federer's epic volley in Rome

The 35-year-old still has some spring in his step.

ByNiko Vercelletto

Published Dec 28, 2016

As the year comes to a close, it seems fitting to go over the best shots that made everyone watching say, "How did they just do that?" Whether it's a lob, a tweener, a winner, or anything in between, they all share a common title: magic. These are the best hot shots of 2016.

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This year is one that Roger Federer will want to forget.

He lost to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the Australian Open, and skipped almost the entire clay court season—including the French Open for the first time since 1999—due to knee and back problems. He missed Rio, lost a heartbreaking Wimbledon semifinal to Milos Raonic and skipped the rest of the season thanks to the same knee trouble.

However, that doesn't mean some hot shots weren't pulled off in proper Federer fashion. In Rome, Federer was being pushed around by his young opponent Alexander Zverev during their second-round meeting. The 35-year-old held him off and made a volley shot that required all of his flexibility to pull off.

Federer went on to defeat Zverev, 6-3, 7-5.

Miss No. 5? Click here to see the magic.

Check out No. 3.

Follow Niko on Twitter: @nikovercelletto

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