Roger Federer took the easy way. Stan Wawrinka chose the scenic route.
Whatever the case, the two Swiss veterans will be facing each other for the 26th time in their careers when they renew their friendly–and lopsided–rivalry in the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday. Federer is completely dominating the head-to-head series 22-3, a record that includes a current six-match winning streak and a 20-2 mark in their last 22. Perhaps the only good news for Wawrinka is that one of his victories has come at Roland Garros, where he prevailed 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(4) in the quarterfinals on his way to the title. All three of them have come on clay.
Of course, Federer can also harp on his two French Open defeats of his countryman, both in straight sets (in 2009 and 2011). They most recently collided earlier this season in Indian Wells, where the 37-year-old cruised 6-3, 6-4.
Federer is a considerable favorite once again, and not just because he registers 25 spots ahead of Wawrinka at No. 3 in the rankings. Moreover, the underdog is coming off a five-hour and eight-minute battle with Stefanos Tsitsipas on Sunday afternoon, taking it 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6.
“To play Roger in [the quarterfinals], it’s something amazing for me,” Wawrinka assured. “I’m really happy…. He’s still playing so well. He’s the best player to ever play this sport. So it’s going to be a big challenge. I [haven’t beaten] him many times in all my career, but I did once here so I still do remember that time and was a special day for me.
“It’s gonna be a big challenge; will need to recover from today’s match. It was still a long match. I’m getting old, and older and older, so it is not going to be help to be ready for Tuesday. But again, I love that kind of challenge and I’m going to try to do my best to play my best tennis.”
When it was pointed out to him that Federer is even older, Wawrinka quipped, “But he’s quite better than me, also.”
Federer has certainly been more efficient this fortnight. While Wawrinka has spent 12 hours and 27 minutes on court (also a four-setter with Jozef Kovalik and three consecutive tiebreakers against Grigor Dimitrov), the 20-time major champion required only seven hours and 10 minutes through four rounds. He did so by erasing Lorenzo Sonego, Oscar Otte, Casper Ruud, and Leonardo Mayer.
That does not mean Federer will be taking anything for granted in this one.
“On clay, this is when it’s been most tough for me against him,” the third seed said of Wawrinka. “If I think back at [the 2014 Monte-Carlo final], French Open here in ’15, and then also he beat me in [Monte-Carlo in 2009]. So on clay it’s been definitely more dangerous than on any other surface for me against him.
“Look, it always starts by saying I’m just happy for the guy that he’s back after his knee problems. They were severe, and that’s why I think he’s really happy he got sort of a second life on tour, because I think for a while there he wasn’t sure if he was ever going to come back again. It’s nice to see him pain-free and playing well. I hope he’s not at the level of ’15…. Because then he was crushing the ball. It was unbelievable.”
Wawrinka, of course, is not all the way back to his level that carried him to three Grand Slam triumphs. And even if he was, Federer’s current form combined with the five-set marathon against Tsitsipas would make this a brutally tough task.
Pick: Federer in 4
[polldaddy poll=10333920]
WWW?
I agree that Fed in 4 makes most sense, but I think there is a decent chance that this will be more lopsided in Fed’s favor because Stan will be out of gas, and a small chance that Stan will come out in world-beating form and overwhelm Roger like he did in 2015.
I think it’s worth noting that each time Wawrinka raised his game to break or win a set, he relaxed and let his opponent back into the match. He can ill afford to do that against Federer that has a stronger service game than Tsitsipas and much more experience.
When Wawrinka won the title, sure his performance escalated to lights-out tennis but it all started by playing consistently within himself. He needs to find that steadiness if he is to have any chance at winning this match.
Federer hasn’t dropped a set so far and has only been broken twice in 4 matches so the chances of Wawrinka winning in 3 or 4 are slim and if it goes to 5 he will need nothing short of a miracle due to the physicality of his previous match.
Federer in 4
Agree w/Jim above…but could even be 3 sets for GOAT!
Wawa in 3 sets
Plus Fed has bene breaking early in each set in all his matches. Wawrinka will most likely be playing catchup. Odds of Fed winning the first set are like 90%.
Jim Courier, Federer has played nobodies so far you can’t compare that to Stan having to get past Dimitrov and Tsitsipas.
I’m going Stan in 4 or 5. His physical stamina and fitness has always been extremely underrated. Since he became Stan, as we know him, he has been just a bad matchup for Fed on clay. I just can’t get the straight-set complete demolition of Fed in the 2015 QF out of my head. Stan will never be fully back to the player he was at that time, but he’s pretty darn close right now.
Of course there’s a possibility that Stan really just can’t recover enough from the Tsitsipas match, as he is older, himself. And Fed could definitely win this match. But I personally think he will be fine, and will be dying to avenge that 5-set SF loss to Fed at 2017 AO.
So, yeah, I’ll go Stan in 4, or 5 if Fed really plays well. (Personally, I don’t think it matters who wins this match because whoever wins is just going to be obliterated by Rafa in the SF. 🤷♂️)
Let me put this to you. Can Stan withstand another battle like he just had with Tsitsipas? If not, he wont win because Fed will give him a similar kind of test and will be less forgiving when Stan takes his foot off the peddle like he has been doing.
You’re right, Jim. It could be difficult for Stan to grind for another long match, given what he went through in the last match. I guess I just believe that Stan will have recovered just fine. There is no question that Fed will have to come flying out of the gates like he has been if he wants to have the best chance of beating Stan. I really think that Fed has to win the first set, especially, if he will realistically win the match. Stan just overpowers Fed so much on clay.
Even though I’m picking Stan right now, the truth is that I really don’t feel totally comfortable picking either of them until I see the first set, and see how Stan looks physically. If Stan is totally fine physically, then I’m giving him the edge. But I’m also not too naive to think that Fed doesn’t have a chance to win the match- of course he does. And a good chance at that. I just can’t get it out of my head how helpless Fed was against Stan the last time they played at RG… Stan KILLED Fed. It was like he just completely took the racquet out of Fed’s hands. And I haven’t yet seen enough evidence to think that Stan won’t do that again. Only at RG! After the first set, we will know.
Have you been watching Fed’s matches, Kevin? He’s hitting the ball extremely hard, harder than I’ve seen him do for awhile. He will be able to almost match Stan from the ground in terms of power, but will have more variety. He is definitely the favorite in this match.
True, if Stan plays like he did in 2015, he will probably win, since Fed played very good in that QF. But that Stan has never returned, and if he does, I have no doubt he will beat Nadal and (probably) Novak to win the title.
Seriously!! Always the digs at Rafa. Why would 2015 Stan definitely beat Rafa and maybe, note the maybe, Nole. Stan is more of a problem for Nole than he is for Rafa so that makes zero sense. But don’t let logic stand in the way of your desire to get your verbal boot into Rafa.
The ‘probably’ was only to signal that I’m not sure Novak will make the final (whereas I’m very confident Nadal will make the SF). I don’t see how I’m putting the boot into Rafa especially: I’m saying the 2015 version of Stan would beat all of the big three at this tournament -none of whom, I should add, has been at his all-time best.
Now, if the 2015 Stan had shown up in the 2017 final, that would have been a match. I’m not sure anyone could have beaten that version of Nadal, but 2015 Stan would have had a chance. It would have been very close.
He he Amy, its the same old same old from Joe!
Stan has never been a problem for Rafa on clay, don’t even need to talk about the FO.
His SHBH, no matter how great that is/was, its not enough to trouble Rafa’s topspin FH all along. Rafa had already proven that time and again, against Stan at the FO.
This year, Rafa’s topspin FH isn’t having the same lethal effect it used to have all these years, but he’s still beating his opponents, including Djoko, quite comfortably at Rome and at Paris.
Rafa has more weapons now then when he was 10 years younger, so that may make up for the loss of power or speed due to age.
Stan was winning more of the shorter points vs Tsitsipas, against Fed, I feel most of the points would be short, so I doubt Stan would feel the physical strain that much.
It won’t be easy for Fed or Stan beating each other, Stan has the power to hit through Fed, unlike most of Fed’s other opponents. They’re familiar foes, so Stan knows what to expect out of Fed, again unlike most of Fed’s other opponents.
2015 Stan would overpower current Nadal just like he did to Novak in 2015. Only reason 2017 Nadal would beat 2015 Stan is because in 2017 Nadal was aggressive and accurate, especially with the FH.
This year Rafa has tried to be aggressive, but not with nearly as much success, which is why he often reverts to being more of a counter-puncher/ retriever. Same with his serve: he’s trying to hit it harder, but he can’t do so consistently enough so he goes back to the old serve.
To be clear, I don’t think 2015 Stan is going to return, and if Stan meets Nadal in the SF in a couple days, I’ll pick Nadal to win.
I heard a former top player today say the same thing , no-one would have beaten Stan in 2015.And plenty of other people, he was just amazing, it happens.
Like Murray at Wimby 2013,or Djoko at the AO this year.And of course,Rafa at rg 2008.
Why did Amy say Joe was putting the boot in? She was, imo.
amy,
Thanks for picking up on that. Bias is a terrible thing. It happens all the time and by the same person.
Same old, same old. There is a reason. why Rafa has only lost twice in his entire career at RG. Enough said!
How on earth did this match get scheduled on lenglen..strange decision
I reckon they are on first while Rafa and Kei are on second on Chatrier is to give Fed the advantage. Otherwise with the rain the second match may not get on court. Which would be great for Stan! Also Rafa may have to play on Wednesday. So even better!😬
No Amy..fed Stan at 2 pm first match on lenglen .Rafa is second match on chartier around 330 pm..
330 pm still gives window of 5 hrs to play .I think match will be played..
However Stan is more aware of lenglen..he played his fourth round on lenglen..fed played his third n complained about the court ..hence I’m surprised they scheduled this match here as both are Swiss .both speak French n on paper it’s a better match than Rafa Nishi.
So bcos Fed complained so he should be given the court of his liking? Since when does he get to decide?! He plays on the court that they schedule!!! And Y should he get to play on Chatrier, he’s not #1 and neither is he the defending champ!! Susan Lenglen it is!!!
I’m not complaining .I’m happy as Rafa loves chartier..I just said I am surprised that better match on paper got lenglen..we all know all tourneys allegedly favour fed regarding courts n schedule..
I hope it does not sound like im shouting at you either Sanju! I guess im just tired of Fed and his sense of entitlement which is very much pandered to!!! Sigh!
Monalisa, Sanju just said that Fed complained about Lenglen. How would putting him on a court he apparently doesn’t like me pandering to him? If they pandered to him, he and Stan would be on Chatrier, especially since that match has great potential while Rafa-Nishikori is guaranteed to be a quick, one-sided drubbing. They are clearly giving preference to the 11-time champion, as they should. So what’s your beef here?
*BE pandering to him
Maybe not this time around but Fed is very much pandered to?!! He always seems to get the best scheduling! And Im not the only who thinks so, and it’s quite obvious actually!!
If its true and he complained about a court, how dare he?!!! Fed is not mad to think that he will get any preference after having not played at RG in the last 100 years!! Really, who does he think he is?!!! Choops!!!
Susan Lenglen it is!!!! Or perhaps Court 1!!!
Careful with the logic, Kevin. It’s a powerful weapon, to be used sparingly in select contexts!
Sanju,
Rafa is the defending champion
Rafa is the 11 times RG champion
Rafa is higher ranked than Federer
Three good reasons why Rafa should be on PC above Federer.
No Good decision, bcos i get to watch Fed play! Stop being a wet blanket Sanju, lol!!
Roger gets what Roger wants. That’s just the way it is. Except at Wimbly last year Rafa/Delpo got center court and Fed/Kando got relegated to the second court.
If Roger always gets what he wants, then why is he on Lenglen when he apparently complained about it?
Exactly, there’s no bias here, he’s not getting the court he would actually want (PC).
And by the way, this is easily a more interesting match-up for audiences than Nishikori/Nadal anyway, which is quite likely to be one-sided.
Kevin .fed will come out fast from the gates n will win in max 4
That could definitely happen, Sanju. But Stan has the ability to not let him come out fast like that. Of course it can happen, but I’m not sure why people are so certain that it WILL happen.
And I’m not so certain why, for a supposed Fed fan, you’re always so quick with a lengthy analysis of why he’s sure to lose these days. I sense a bit of ageism, Kevin!
Kevin is a Fedal fan, but a Fed fan first, also a tennis fan first. He likes to see good matches. He didn’t say Fed was sure to lose, just put forth a possibility for a good match. I’m hoping for a good match too, but I think Stan may be a little fried. If we can’t have a good match I hope Fed gets it over with quickly so I can see Rafa play for once.
I think Kevin is a Nadal fan first. Either that, or he tries to overcompensate for this being a heavily Nadal-friendly site by giving insincerely rosy predictions for Rafa and the opposite for Fed.
He thinks that Whoever wins between Fed and Stan will be “obliterated” by Nadal in the SF? (The same Nadal who has lost on clay this year to Fognini, Thiem, and Tsitsipas, and lost a set here to Goffin?)
That’s not objective tennis analysis; that’s just crazy talk, imo either fan-obsessed or insincere.
They could schedule Federer/Wawa on PC after Rafa/Kei because the ladies’ match might only last an hour.
Fed in four, energy advantage
Roger has always had Wawrinka’s number and Stan will not be as fresh as Rogere in the QF. Advantage Roger … http://www.138mph.com/wawrinka-will-play-federer-after-5-hours-against-tsitsipas-2019-roland-garros-quaterfinal/
Fed will play like Tsitsi but do a much more efficient job and win in four.
It would be interesting to know if Fed has ever lost to someone coming off a 5-setter let alone a lengthy 5-setter.
I’m pretty sure Fed would be a master at exploiting this type of advantage.
Yes he has..delpo in USO 17 qf
5 sets at the US open is nothing caompared to RG though. Half the match is serving aces or unreturnables.
And AO2009 final.
Wawrinka at 32 isnt Rafa in his prime. Rafa played Verdasco from memory and that match was 90% flat out winners. Hardly comparable to a 5 hour marathon at RG against a highly tenacious opponent in a last man standing wins battle.
Nice find though.
Jim, you forget Fed wasn’t 37 in 2009 either but 27! Not forgetting, Fed back then had an extra day rest before the final! The AO2009 SF between Rafa and Verdasco was equally if not more physical than the Stan/Tsitsipas match; that match was played with many long points on slow HCs, the Tsitispas match if I’m not wrong, there were more 5 shots and below points (which Stan won most of them) than longer rallies where Tsitsipas won most.
Stan at 34 is as fit as ever, if not he couldn’t outlast a 20 yo Tsitispas! I don’t think Stan’s fitness will be an issue as the QF will probably be played with many short points too so it’s not physically as strenuous.
Flat out winners? Well those winners were after some incredible long rally exchanges? You talked as if they’re from some big booming serves! Lol!
Wimby 2008 in a lengthy five-setter
That was in the actual match (the final) that was a 5-setter, not the match before. An all-time classic though.
My conclusion from all of this; all things considered, Federer has never lost to someone coming off a match as physical as the one Wawrinka has just played.
Federer wins in 4 or possibly in 3.
Yes he did, don’t deny that! AO2009 final was a typical example, when Fed even had an extra day rest!
And Fed finished off his SF opponent, Roddick, back then in straight sets, to add salt to the wound.
I’d agree with this.
It was a pretty physical match b/w Nadal & Verdasco, I remember watching the whole thing at the time.
The ‘big four’ + Stan have overcome tough 5 set matches & then won the next match multiple times, particularly prime Djokovic and Nadal.
People often say ‘oh well player x has just had a tough five setter, they probably won’t have enough in the tank for the next match’. And sometimes fatigue does turn out to be a factor. But other times it just doesn’t, especially for the best of the men’s tour. You have to look at the match itself and see if there are signs of physical fatigue, rather than just diagnose it because a tough match came before, for example.
That being said, I won’t be surprised if Stan’s five setter has some impact on him given: (1) His age, (2) he may not be at peak physical fitness due to the injury comeback; (3) There were a lot of long rallies/tough games against Tsitsipas and it was a grueling five setter (rather than a 3hr match with 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 scoreline, for example).
Even then, it may only come into play once a few sets have gone by, and by that point Fed himself might even be a bit worn down, so it all depends. I definitely give Stan a fair chance of winning this, on clay he is a noticeably more difficult opponent for Fed.
“Prime Nadal” had one hell of a time recovering from that 2009 AO semi v Verdasco. It was one of the most brutal matches ever played due to high heat/humidity – even though it was at night they were using the ice towels. It’s well detailed in Nadal’s book. At the time it was the longest match ever played at the AO (Nadal/Djokovic final in 2012 is now the longest). It’s still spoken of with awe by the commies that were there. Right up to match time Nadal believed there was no way he could put on a competitive match v Roger. When he tried to train for the final he had to give up – he simply could not move. But Toni fired him up with a pre-match speech on what people can do when they need to – and the endorphins kicked in – and his trainer gave him some advice on playing efficiently. And in the end, well, according to Navratilova ir was “Roger lost his legs.” early in the 5th set. At that point Rafa was 22 and Roger was 27 – getting older everyone said, no longer in his prime! 11 years ago!
Stan and Roger are both much older now but they’re also both much smarter. Roger’s learned to play very efficiently. Stan, too, in a way. He was going for winners v Tsitsipas.
Two years ago in his AO semi Stan won a long 5 setter v Murray. He lost the final rather easily to Rafa but he never claimed, nor did it appear, that fatigue was a factor.
All that said, I think it’s Fed in 3 or 4 today. Fed isn’t Tsitsi, he won’t be intimidated by the occasion.
We’ll see.
Federer into Nadal 3-zip. I’ll take the free 2s on offer thank you very much.,
Fed’s a bit tentative so far. He wouldve broken by now
How does Stan look? Does he seem fatigued?
Fed’s had about 4 break point opportunities already and just hasnt been ruthless enough. They are still playing like best of mates.
I think Stan is showing subtle signs but nothing obvious yet
So many missed opportunities which is very uncanny for Fed.
Fed was up 4:3 in the TB and let him back into b playing social tennis. C’mon Fed, finish this.
‘4:2’
Fed fortunate to take that first set after missing so many break opportunities. He was the better player. However, I think Stan is hurt and a retirement may be on the cards.
I think Fed needs to be broken at least once before he starts competiting genuinely. Its obvious he doesnt want to come across as overly competitive because of Stan’s physical issues.
Wawrinka just broke, reckon thats a blessing in disguise.
Its farely gusty out there also so not the easiest conditions to play in.
Just started watching! Stan doesn’t look injured!
Not at all, he’s looking in top shape. maybe in the 4th we will see some fatigue but Fed needs to make him work. the drop shot has been successful so far.
By being wawrinka’s best mate for a set and a bit he let Wawrinka into it. Wawrinka was the one that took advantage of the situation.
amy,
It’s just a Fed fan hoping Stan is injured. Kevin is one of the nicest posters in this site, yet he incurred the wrath of said Fed fan for daring to think that Stan could win this match. For that bit of sacrilege he was called out for being a Rafa fan and not a Fed fan.
Well it looks like Stan has made a match out of it. I thought Fed would win this in 3 or maybe 4 sets. But Stan has done well to even it up. I don’t know if fatigue might become an issue as the match goes on.
Hi nny!! ☺
Yes I noticed the string of digs at Kevin! iE Not really a fedfan, ageist!!, sucking up to rafa fans, and so on. Was thinking of saying something!
Hope Stan can make a match of this! ☺
The ageism thing was a joke.
Why is Stan returning so far back??! Bizarre!
I’m feeling pretty good at the moment about my prediction of Stan in 4 or 5. Fed did well to get that first set despite failing to convert break points. But Fed’s ability to win this match depends at least partly on Stan’s tiredness from the previous match, and as of now I don’t see Stan effected enough from the previous match to make a big difference. Fed can obviously win this, but I’m feeling good about my prediction at this moment.
Careful Kevin, you’re showing your ageism again!☺
No hard feelings, Kevin. You know I’m just giving you a hard time, I hope. Of course Stan could have won that match. But Fed is not getting obliterated by Rafa in the SF. I have a feeling he’s going to win.
Fed’s attitude from the outset wasnt what it needed to be. he needed to compete heaviliy from the beginning and take Wawrink’as legs away from him. Instead he chose to be his best caring mate.
Wawrinka won the pre-match pychological battle thats for sure.
Jim Stan saved around 20 break points against Tsitsi!
He must be playing clutch!
Fed in trouble now!
Stan upped his level again!
Apparently they were on Lenglen when Stan beat Fed in 2015!
Fed coms out and plays completely different to the way he’s been playing because his good mate that just played a tough 5-setter is at the other end of the court. what an idiot.
even at 37 Fed is still learning BIG lessions about professional tennis.
Kevin,
You hold your head up high! You gave your opinion and reasons why. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You have been so fair to both Rafa and Fed. I appreciate it.
I went with the majority in thinking that Fed would get the win. I was not sure how Stan would be after that tough five setter with Tsitsipas. He looked like his old self in that match. But I though Fed was looking very good coming into this match.
I respect your opinion because you back it up with good analysis and reasonable arguments. You weren’t off base because Stab has made a match of it. He may not win but has still acquitted himself well. It’s nice to see him playing well again after all this time.
NNY, you respected his opinion because he said
(Personally, I don’t think it matters who wins this match because whoever wins is just going to be obliterated by Rafa in the SF. )
Every other part of his post might have been balanced, but that’s what you wanted to hear.
Anyway, Im done with this type of nonsense .
Not such a balanced comment, is it?
What a hold by Stan!!☺☺
does Stan want it more?
Not judging by that tiebreak!!
I wonder if Fed is going to be Wawrinka’s best mate for the next set or 2. Lol
Dont you hate it when players come out and play different and make other people’s predictions/analysis look correct? I hate that.
Stan seemed to be the better player in the third set. As against Tsitsi he is a mixture of fantastic shots and sloppy ones.
Will someone give Stan a good push with a cattle prod to make him move forward on return?!
I’m feeling some Fed-Roland Garros deja vu… The story of this match could end up being Fed failing to convert like a thousand break points.
Fed is 1 from 16 break points. That’s insane.
Play suspended! That will let Stan have a snooze!
Stan in 5
Bookies think hes a strong chance. Theyre not allowing a cash out option which usually means they think you will lose your bet.
If the fourth set goes to a TB, then Fed will win the match in four sets. If Stan breaks serve and wins the fourth, the fifth set is very much a toss up.
Stan has himself to blame, for losing the third set when he’s a break up, played a sloppy service game to lose serve and then when the set went to a TB, I knew it would be Fed who ended up winning the set. Fed rarely let up in a TB, not even against his great rivals Rafa and Djoko.
Stan has to play very well to break serve and win the fourth set, so that he will avoid playing a TB; there’s no TB in the fifth set.
I’m at the match and it is some great shotmaking!!
Yeah but u can well imagine how tired Stan is!
I mean Roger just keep his cool and paced himself
His match with Rafa will be a barn burner!!!
Since when Rogers gets nervous serving for a match?
Finally, Wawrinka just wouldnt go away
Fedal it is! Sanju will be consumed with worry for the next few days!☺
Totally Amy…I think I will be OK tomm but Thursday onwards it will be bad…
Fed is rushing to net at every oppty n drop shoting a lot..hope rafa has taken note n will be prepared
It is much more dangerous to keep coming to net and dropshotting against rafa sanju! Rafa will keep passing him! I am feeling nervous because of the weather forecasts..I have read 5 and they all have rain!😢😢
Going to buy some worry beads!☺
Yes the rain is another worry..start stop..no momentum…no sunshine…
Amy..important is weather 2 to 530 pm…what is it..im sure rafa fed will be first
It’s rain but that could change. We need to look tomorrow!
Why worry so much about Fed? If a not so fresh but still playing well Stan could give Fed so much troubles, with the possibility of pushing it to five sets had Stan held his lead in the third set, why would Rafa be any worse off than Stan when he’s fresh and playing well too? Furthermore, Rafa is a better returner of serves than Stan and he’s a lefty, so his serve could be tricky for Fed too.
The weather forecasts for tomorrow are all terrible! Maybe they will have to play on the other qfs on Thursday? It’s possible.
Yes tomm is all very bad..max rain..Thursday is good sun
Well done to the peeps who made the correct prediction! I knew Fed could win, but I just thought Stan had the edge. I’d like to be strictly objective for a moment and just point out that Fed has really surprised me on clay this year. I really didn’t think that his late-career, ultra-aggressive game would translate to clay as well as it has. I just felt like his natural slight decrease of power from the back of the court due to age would just hurt him too much on this surface. Even if he loses in quick straight sets to Rafa, I am still impressed at how he’s able to still consistently go deep in the majority of tournaments he enters. It’s just crazy to think that come Wimbledon, Fed will be on the verge of turning 38 years old, and he will undoubtedly be considered a co-favorite for that title. That’s just crazy.
You would think that I would have learned my lesson to doubt the Big 3 when it comes to anything, any age. These guys just keep proving their perseverance, longevity, and overall greatness. Novak and Rafa are still at the top of the mountain, at 32 and 33, respectively. Fed is almost 38 and is still top-3. These guys are just amazing. There’s really nothing more to say! 🤷♂️
I also want to give Stan props. He’s old like those other guys, and he also had to return from a serious injury/slump. As a guy who wasn’t even at the top of the game until he hit his 30’s, I’m really impressed at his comeback, too. I know that a lot of people on here don’t like him, but when it comes to tennis there’s no doubt that the guy deserves much props.
I respect Stan and what he could do on the tennis court. I feel without the Tsitsipas match, Stan would probably have won this QF match against Fed.
His serve is clutch, his ground strokes solid, and he’s playing shorter point tennis. The fact that he could stay with Fed for four full sets, 3+ hours, playing short point tennis, going toe to toe with Fed, showed that Stan was really very good! He’s not grinding it out with Fed, something he could do better than Fed, but rather played the way Fed played, ie aggressive short point tennis (except that he’s not net rushing, unlike Fed, but was playing aggressive baseline tennis).
Apparently Fed said one of his main reasons for playing RG was to face Rafa!!
He must really really want to beat him here! Sorry sanju I know that isn’t going to cheer you up!
Did he say that…god (:-
Amy/ lucky ..when a tournament starts ..some tourneys..I just get a fearful feeling about a match…I had it in ao 17 n wimby 18 vs fed n Novak for rafa.
.I have a sinking feeling about roger winning on Friday…I hope it’s just my fears or desire to not see rafa getting beaten on Friday that’s overplaying on my mind..n now feds so called statement that he planned rg just to see if he can beat rafa is ominous..
But sometimes you have been wrong sanju! I can remember several times when you thought rafa wasn’t going to win and he did!
I vaguely remember during last year’s RG that you feared Nole would win! So try and remember the times you were wrong! ☺☺
Also sanju the bad weather forecasts for Friday are making you worry. But they may change in the next couple of days!
Yes I was wrong too..last rg I feared if Novak will make a comeback at rg..I rem creating a mess here n then got called out too after Novak lost :-)…i also thought rafa will win this ao n get double career slam ..that too came wrong..I just hope rafa wins on Friday n his eventual clay court prowess prevails..
You are always fearful, maybe you’re born a pessimist, and sometimes logic and reasoning couldn’t get to you.
If Fed is playing really so well, he would’ve finished off Stan in straight sets! Fed was making many errors during the match, it’s not like he’s playing a perfect match.
Fed won’t have the luxury of facing a not so fresh opponent in the SF; I’m sure Rafa will have full concentration during the match and will up his intensity as it’s nearing the business end.
I even think that Stan would be a tougher opponent in the SF than Fed. He would’ve two days rest and I think that should be enough for him (Stan) to recover to a reasonable level for the SF. Stan’s groundstrokes are hard to counter or defend against if it’s at its best; Stan also serves very well (and very clutch too). It’s hard to overpower Stan, so you’ve to beat him by either taking away his time, or by being very aggressive from the get go and never allow him to play his power game (like at FO2017 final).
Pessimist regards to rafa..yes…but in my own life not at all as I control it there..I can’t control what rafa does..hope what you n fedexal says comes true 🙂
If anyone thinks Fed can beat Rafa here he does not understand clay court tennis. Expect Rafa’s grant to be higher and so his focus ! Rafa will be waiting for this clash and its his moment to show everyone as to why he owns PC court.
Having said that, hats off to Fed to reach RG semis at the age of 37 . You can’t control your opponents. His draw turned out to be easy but that’s not his fault. His potential QF with Tsi never materialized.
Well, luckily for you Fedexal, the only people who will be “predicting” Fed to beat Rafa at RG are just ultra-biased Fed fans who are confusing a prediction with a desire. It is a fact that Rafa is favored to win this match. Of course Fed has a chance to win, but I would put those chances at about 10% at best…
I think I understand clay court tennis just fine. I can understand thinking that Nadal is favored, but heavily favored is ridiculous given their recent history and Fed’s current form. It will be close. Nadal is not the same player that he was two years ago, and Fed is playing about as well on clay as I’ve seen him play.
I would agree Fed is playing fairly well on clay at the moment, amazing for his age of course.
But he has definitely played better, have a look at that Semi with Novak in 2011. Novak was on a ridiculous win streak of like 40 matches at that point and playing very well, and Fed just came out crushing winners from the back of the court to beat him in 4. Still couldn’t do enough in the final versus Rafa, although he did better than usual, and created quite a few chances.
In my opinion Rafa was at his worst in FO 2011 of all the RG titles that he has won. His BH was just not great and was often way too short. Came with lot of self doubts after losses against Nole, played a five setter against Isner, was down set points in 2nd round against a noname guy,might have lost to Djoker if had played in the final. But Fed still could not beat him despite having a set point in first set.
I agree, I think there is a reasonable chance Djoker could’ve beaten him in that final, although I would by no means have counted out Rafa.
Fed really had his chances in 2011, but imo the previous beatings had made it very difficult for him mentally. I think mentally there’s not so much of an issue anymore after 2017, but Rafa will still just be too good on clay this time.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens, but I don’t personally have any expectations for Fed, I think he’ll be doing well to get a set. I’m not a gambler myself, but anyone who thinks he is even close to a 50/50 chance should probably put a bet on him, as it’s a two horse race and his odds are like $6!
Some of us already put a (small) bet on him when he was 28-1!
One of the many reasons I expect the same old-same old Fedal RG result is that Fed has not faced a lefty yet this tournament. He also hasn’t faced THAT forehand coming to his backhand on clay in many years. I can see a scenario where early in the first set there are a few points where Rafa just pounds away at Fed’s backhand like the old days, and it just sends reminders of doubt to Fed’s head. I really don’t want to be disrespectful to Fed here- he certainly does have a chance. I just really believe that it’s a very small chance. I would be more shocked than I’ve ever been if Fed somehow managed to beat Rafa at RG after all these years. I honestly can’t even fathom it! I suppose that Fed knowing just as well as us that the cards are heavily stacked against him, it could help him to go for broke like he truly has nothing to lose? But my thing is that I don’t see Fed successfully going for broke for 3 sets against Rafa at RG. This is another one of those “I’ll believe it when I see it”-type scenarios.
Side note- How cool would it be if 2019 was a total throwback, and we get Fedal matchups at RG AND Wimbledon?! And then on top of that, if we finally got a Maiden US Open matchup! That would be amazing…
Djoko will have something to say about that!
I’ve doubts that Rafa could reach the SF at Wimbledon this year, even though secretly I hope and wish he could. He’s not playing better on clay this year than last year; last year he carried that confidence (of winning so much on clay) right into the grass season. He’s also physically fresh last year not playing at IW/Miami.
To go far on grass, Rafa really needs a great serve; if he could play like at the AO, ie serve plus FH short point attacking tennis, then perhaps he may go far on grass.
Kevin, you’re totally forgetting the effect of the new racquet and it’s impact on Fed’s BH. He’s already shown that you can take the BH on the short hop and he’s had a lot of success in directing it DTL. My prediction is that he won’t let Rafa play in his preferred position hugging the lines-persons. He will hit sharply angled shots and drop shots, bringing Rafa forward and possibly tilting the advantage in his favor in the rallies.
Rafa LOVES coming forward for the past three years.
I disagree; sometimes he does, but he often reverts to his old style, particularly when he is playing an aggressive player who is hitting his shots.
Yeah, we’ve often heard that as a reason why he lost. I can see him doing that against Fed if it gets close.
Not out of the question for Fed to beat Rafa playing an attacking game, just like Konta.
I actually think this is a pretty good chance to beat Rafa on clay…pressures off.
That pressure’s off thing cannot be underestimated. To be honest, I’m not sure I would believe Fed if he said that he’s going into this SF with no pressure. I think he wants to beat Nadal at RG very, very badly. The key will be to play as if he believes that, but not actually having it in his head. Kind of a Zen thing.
The mental side of tennis is huge.
It seems Rafa has not broken Fed in his last 31 service games. That is one heck of a statistic, especially for a returner of the caliber of Rafa :O
Nadal isn’t a good returner. He just breaks a lot because he’s awesome from the baseline.
Rafa IS a good returner but he usually does not go for return winners. His usual objective is to get a forehand and win the rally with that shot. Because, as you say, he’s awesome from the baseline. Or the net. Or pretty much anywhere on the court for that matter.
Rafa usually go for return winners imo, by hitting hard his returns. He rarely block back the returns. Rafa is good at returning big serves hence his good H2H vs big servers – Karlovic, Isner, Raonic for examples.
Rafa doesn’t like playing against big servers though, so people thought he fares badly against them, but truth is, he’s able to break their serves! Fed for example, had to go to TBs with these big servers so often, so Fed basically won because of his own serves (winning TBs), not because he’s returning well.
+1 Nadal stands too far back to be a great returner.
It’s because he stands so far back that’s why he’s returning great, hence he’s a good returner of serves! He’s one of the best if not the best in breaking serves! You don’t need to stand close to the baseline to return serves to be called a good returner of serves!
Look at Andy Murray, he too stand way back when returning serves, but once he read the serve, he would move quickly forward. Murray is one of the best in returning serves!
Wrong. Nadal breaks serve so often because he is great from the baseline, especially on clay. He stands so far back because he cannot do a decent job returning standing closer. Other things equal, it’s better to take the ball earlier. You have a lot more angles and give the serve a lot less time.
Joe, Rafa isn’t bad returning serves on HCs and grass too! Remember USO2017 final? He’s able to handle Anderson’s big serve in the final by standing way back to return serves.
As I said, it doesn’t matter where you stand and what you do, it’s how you win the return points that matter! Nobody says you Must stand close to the baseline to return serves to be called a good returner of serves! It’s how much you win the return points that matters!
Rafa is an unorthodox player, nobody plays or could play like him. Other players trying to copy his way of returning serves by standing way back behind the baseline failed because they’re not as quick as him!
I did not say Nadal is a GREAT returner. I said he’s a GOOD returner. Djokovic is a great returner, maybe Murray too. Federer is not a great returner for that matter – he’s a great SERVER and often underestimated because he’s a spot server, not a power server.
Rafa’s return position works for him because he’s very quick at getting up to the baseline after he hits the return. He is very, very good at breaking serve, always among the tour leaders.
Agree Ramara.
It depends what’s the definition of ‘great’ returner of serves. I mean, if Rafa is able to break serves to be one of the best in winning returning games, that means he’s doing something right! Who cares where he stands to return serves? Djoko, the great returner of serves, he too moves back well behind the baseline sometimes to handle big serves!
Rafa is also not relying on winning TBs to win sets or matches. He’s able to break serves most of the times to win his matches. Rafa is just making full use of his gifted talent, that of acting or reacting fast using his gift of speed to return serves as best as he could. Others, like Djoko, uses his hand/eye coordination to do the job well in returning serves.
Ricky, if Rafa could break a lot, that means he has to be able to return his opponents serves a lot to stay in the point before breaking serves! If not, he will have to go to TBs often.
Rafa is a damn good returner. he has gotten better especially over recent years!!
His BP conversion is a lot better than Fed who is supposed to be a great returner!!!
Like someone said, it’s not where you stand that makes you a great returner, it’s the return points won! Rafa is very high up there in that regard! People for some reason are always looking to poke holes in Rafa’s abilities!! Why? I really can’t understand, when he is one of the most successful players of all time! Remember what Rafa’s H2H was against the whole field?! It was +ve against almost everybody, including Federer and Novak! How was that possible if he is just an ‘ok’ returner, he’s afraid of big servers, blah, blah, blah!!!!
Honestly, sometimes I wonder which Rafa that people are talking about, if it’s the same one I know, sigh!!!
im talking about the singular ROS shot, not if he is good at breaking serve
Well Ricky, even if you’re talking about a single shot, Rafa is also good at that, if not why he doesn’t always need to go to TBs to beat those big servers? Certainly that means he’s able to return their serves to get the point started and then breaks their serves to win the match(es). Unless you’re talking about one shot return winner, but how many players could do that? Not even Djoko could do that regularly.
That’s on the HCs! If Stan could break Fed’s serve on clay, I don’t see why Rafa couldn’t.
Sorry, that’s my response to VMK’s post of 12.19am.