It will be an all-Swiss final on Sunday in Monte-Carlo, with Stanislas Wawrinka going up against Roger Federer. Both men are looking for their first title at the event.
Stanislas Wawrinka and Roger Federer will be squaring off for the 15th time in their careers when they battle for the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters title on Sunday afternoon.
Federer is dominating the head-to-head series 13-1, with a 3-1 mark on clay. Interestingly, however, Wawrinka’s lone victory over his fellow Swiss came at this same Monte-Carlo event (via a 6-4, 7-5 decision in the 2009 third round). They have faced each other only once since 2012 and on no occasions since last year’s Indian Wells Masters, where Federer prevailed in three sets.
The 2014 campaign has been kind to both men, with Wawrinka posting the most impressive results of his career and Federer enjoying a resurgence following a disappointing 2012. Wawrinka is 19-3 for the season with his first Grand Slam triumph at the Australian Open in addition to a winner’s trophy in Chennai. Federer’s 28-4 mark includes a title in Dubai and a runner-up showing in Indian Wells.
Wawrinka did not drop a set en route to the Monte-Carlo final, taking out Marin Cilic, Milos Raonic, and David Ferrer–who had upset Rafael Nadal in Friday’s quarterfinals. The world No. 3 also got a walkover past Nicolas Almagro in the third round. Federer survived one stumbling block against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, whom the No. 4 seed defeated 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-1 after being two points from defeat in the second set. That came in between straight-set scalps of Radek Stepanek, Lukas Rosol, and defending champion Novak Djokovic–who was struggling with a wrist injury.
This may not be a rout because Wawrinka is in great form, is well-rested, and clay gives him his best chance against Federer. Given his past futility, however, Wawrinka has to have a mental block against his favored countryman and that should help Federer regain the status of being Switzerland’s No. 1 player. That, too, is on the line in this one.
Pick: Federer in 3
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What a crap match. It’s like watching the Williams sisters play each other.
#Listless
#Preordained
I’ve heard it all. Mark Petchey has just said that Stan is better on clay than Roger. Roger’s brought Sir Shankalot with him, sadly.
I personally guarantee Stan will not consolidate the break.
…with ritbs iPad.
^^My IPad is safe…….
#NID
Stan swore in French and got a warning.
RT @NeilHarmanTimes : “First fist pump from Stan. He does it very reluctantly against Roger. It works though. A 2-0 lead in second set.”
See, everybody knows Stan defers to Fed on court…………
#Poodle
stan must be burning inside to somehow beat federer and get in the limelight…this is what I believe..
Well, he needs to start by showing some passion out there, like he did against Ferru….
One bad break deserves another, hey Stanford.
Back to Swiss No. 2 where you belong.
#15Minutes
The fat lady is not even in the building yet.
Fedberg hasn’t really improved, he’s the same old Fed.
same old as in? same as the 2013 Fed?
What a no quality final.
Martina Hingis could beat Stan if she wore a Roger mask.
Martina Hingis could beat Roger if she wore a Rafa mask.
Both are pants, except for a couple of brilliant shots from Roger.
What happened to the 2 handed b/h Roger was working on recently?
No need for it until Rafa finds his mojo.
^^Or gets out of the asylum……
#Ask@deucy
Fed will be No. 1 in the Race to London in about 15 minutes from now.
God was so bored he made it rain.
I guess he’s figured the only way to make this final exciting is to turn the court into a swamp.
#DjokoJukeBoxRequest
Fed is the same player he always was. Remember he won Wimby less than two years ago.
Difference this year is his back is better and the Top 3 are all in a relative state of funk which has for now recreated a weak state.
Roger must be feeling quite at home.
If Rafa doesn’t find his good feelings, Roger for his second career slam.
Heavier conditions might favor stan….
…nothing favours Stan against Fed.
#BetweenTheEars
Y.A.W.N.
#DampSquib
Taking a nap now. Wake me when it’s over after the sappy speeches are done.
I’m not so sure Roger’s got this match on his racquet.
Nadline, Lucy has a football she’d like you to kick.
#NorthAmericanReference
#NID
^^shows the quality of the match. Roger’s not looking invincible and yet he is winning comfortably………I think we will have a TB in the 2nd.
I’ll cleared all engagements for today thinking I’d be watching the King of Clay, now I’m left with a yawn of a match. Serves me right.
What has the bigger racquet done for Fedberg.
Combined with other some other improvements ,he is close to becoming no.3 and no.1 in the race (assuming he wins this)
#hopeThisHelps
#Rickystyle
I have a feeling Stan will win. The same old post TMF Fed is in the building.
Nadline I’ll wager ritb’s iPad as well as my own roger will win the tiebreak.
^^I thought you were taking a nap……..
#Hello@Scoretracker
I’m waiting for the ipads.