Roger Federer has done what nobody else could have done, i.e., defeat Novak Djokovic in 2011. Novak Djokovic was unbeaten in 41 outings having captured all the ATP Masters 1000 events of 2011 which were mandatory. Roger Federer had suffered three straight defeats and Rafael Nadal had suffered four straight defeats, including two on clay, at the hands of Djokovic. It was being considered certain that Djokovic would lift his first Roland Garros title on Sunday. Instead, the finals would be fought between the two candidates for Greatest of All Times.
Rafael Nadal was given a gift by Federer when he defeated Djokovic. Nadal has not been looking capable of beating Djokovic in 2011. Djokovic plays the Nadal brand of game in a better way. He wins the baseline rallies hitting equally hard on both flanks. He has more powerful serve. He creates more acute angles. His balls mostly fall deep in the corners. Federer could not have defeated Djokovic by playing below par. He played like the young Federer mustering up all the positives of his game.
Federer’s win over Djokovic is nothing less than Mohammed Ali prevailing over Joe Frazier, but Ali-Foreman is not likely to be staged in the new avatar of Federer-Nadal. Djokovic fans might call it a Federer-Nadal conspiracy since Nadal might not have come in the way of Djokovic’s first Roland Garros title. It was the old wine that has always tasted better when Federer brought back his all court game and all court athleticism against Djokovic. He ran much more than Djokovic to hand him a defeat which was totally unexpected. Was it the last hurrah for Federer or can he repeat it against Nadal. Well, lightening does not strike twice. If both were to play at their best, Nadal will come out the definite winner. Federer’s best game is not new to Nadal. He has defeated the prime Federer on clay again and again.
Nadal's forehand top spin does not hurt double handed backhand but bruises single fisted backhand of Federer. Even if one were to say that in the semi-final, Federer’s backhand more than held up against Djokovic, the real test would be against Nadal’s excessive top spin. If he repeats what failed him against Delpo in 2010 U.S.Open, i.e., trying to meet fire with fire, he will be hitting his head against wall. Instead he should vary the pace and slice as he did against Djokovic. More than anything, it is the serve that is going to hold the key. Nadal is not as good a returner as Djokovic and Murray. His failings against John Isner in the first round could partly be attributed to that. One ace per game and first serve above 65% will pose real threat to Nadal. Federer plays best when ahead. First set win will be a bonanza for him. But then Nadal plays each point as a match point. It is going to be a long and weary day for Roger Federer. It is difficult to see the match going even to five sets unless Nadal plays below par. It is expected to be the sixth title for Nadal at Roland Garros. But miracles are not ruled out.
No comments:
Post a Comment