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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

US Open 2012: Federer Versus Berdych - Preview

Roger Federer will face Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, the 5th September. They have met fifteen times with Federer coming out victorious on eleven occasions. Federer is chasing sixth U.S Open title, whereas Berdych is in the quarterfinals for the first time.

Federer has risen to the top position in the last few months, whereas Berdych has maintained his seventh position for almost a year. Berdych has won an ATP 250 tournament in January this year, whereas Federer is fresh from Wimbledon triumph and Olympic silver medal.

High percentage of first serves and less unforced errors will be the key to Berdych’s campaign. He does not play as well on the important points and given Federer’s prowess on serve, it has to be seen whether he is able to prevent the tie breakers. Federer has the capability to save even double or triple match points. In each of the matches played so far, Federer has served above 65% and fired two aces per three service games. Berdych has not served that well, serving only at 55% in two matches and just above 60% in the other two.

Berdych cannot match Federer in defence, but he can do it in offence. His flatter shots land deep but sometimes sail beyond. He has only one method of performing well and that is to hit the shots in with power. Since the rallies will be shorter, he has to aim for 5-6 consecutive ground strokes hit with the usual power. It will be a difficult task since Federer does not hit in the preferred zone of the opponent and does not let anybody get fully behind his shots. Berdych, being a tall person, will find it difficult to get fully behind the balls.  

Federer has the capability of finding a way to win even when the going is tough. In a five set format, he will get plenty of opportunities even if he is being outplayed. His mental strength is legendary which helps him hang in the adversity better than others. Berdych has a tendency to fade away when the finishing line approaches. If he has to win, it should be in four sets at the most. The longer the match goes, the more it grows in Federer’s favour. They have played only one five setter which went Federer’s way at the Australian Open in 2009.   

Berdych has only one winning game but Federer has many. If Berdych plays his best game and Federer plays an average game, Berdych might carve out a win. In all other scenario, Federer will move into the semi-finals.

1 comment:

  1. Fed has a slight edge, but on this surface Berdych certainly has a chance!

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