Federer artistry on show
September 14th 2009 10:28
ROGER Federer had already played a brilliant match, but the Swiss superstar is rarely satisfied with being only brilliant.
Federer, two points from advancing to his sixth straight US Open decider, chased down a Novak Djokovic drop shot, only to be forced back to the backline after the Serbian cheekily popped the ball over his head.
Most players would have tried – and most likely failed – to even return the ball back into the court.
But Federer not only returned the ball; he belted a cross-court winner between his legs past an awe-struck Djokovic at the net to set up triple match point.
See the vision here.
A return winner on the next point completed Federer’s 7-6 (3) 7-5 7-5 success over fourth-seeded Djokovic.
Federer had just emphatically answered the challenge of Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who earlier completed a three-set disposal of Spanish world No.3 Rafael Nadal.
Again, the 28-year-old refused to relinquish the spotlight despite del Potro’s awesome display in the first semi-final.
But it will take more than fluky trick shots to quell world No.6 del Potro.
Both competitors have lost only once on American hardcourts this campaign.
Federer has won all six of their meetings to date, including three this year, but del Potro is closing in.
Their first clash this year was in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where the 15-time grand slam champion embarrassed del Potro in straight sets.
Del Potro failed to win a game in the final two sets.
Fast forward to their most recent encounter in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
Del Potro led two sets to one before Federer’s renowned fighting spirit saw him emerge victorious in five sets en route to his first French Open title.
The 20-year-old is an even more formidable force on American hardcourts and performed the role of bully against Nadal.
Del Potro also has the extremely valuable knack of remaining composed in big situations and that should serve him well in his maiden grand slam final.
His forehand was his major weapon in his semi-final triumph, but his backhand is also more than capable.
Federer will attempt to move the 1.98m Argentinean around the court as much as possible because while del Potro is agile for his size he is still nowhere near as nimble as the Swiss.
He has confronted many powerful players in his time and will not drop shots short like Nadal did.
Del Potro certainly has a grand slam in him, but Federer appears to be at the top of his game – a scary thought for the rest of the tour.
I can’t envision a straight-sets demolition because del Potro is simply playing too well.
Expect a four or a five-set Federer victory that would see him equal great American Bill Tilden's six consecutive US Open crowns.
Federer, two points from advancing to his sixth straight US Open decider, chased down a Novak Djokovic drop shot, only to be forced back to the backline after the Serbian cheekily popped the ball over his head.
Most players would have tried – and most likely failed – to even return the ball back into the court.
But Federer not only returned the ball; he belted a cross-court winner between his legs past an awe-struck Djokovic at the net to set up triple match point.
See the vision here.
A return winner on the next point completed Federer’s 7-6 (3) 7-5 7-5 success over fourth-seeded Djokovic.
Swiss champion Roger Federer will face stiff competition against Argentine Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open men's decider.
Federer had just emphatically answered the challenge of Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, who earlier completed a three-set disposal of Spanish world No.3 Rafael Nadal.
Again, the 28-year-old refused to relinquish the spotlight despite del Potro’s awesome display in the first semi-final.
But it will take more than fluky trick shots to quell world No.6 del Potro.
Both competitors have lost only once on American hardcourts this campaign.
Federer has won all six of their meetings to date, including three this year, but del Potro is closing in.
Their first clash this year was in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, where the 15-time grand slam champion embarrassed del Potro in straight sets.
Del Potro failed to win a game in the final two sets.
Fast forward to their most recent encounter in the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
Del Potro led two sets to one before Federer’s renowned fighting spirit saw him emerge victorious in five sets en route to his first French Open title.
Argentine Juan Martin del Potro is chasing a debut grand slam title in New York.
The 20-year-old is an even more formidable force on American hardcourts and performed the role of bully against Nadal.
Del Potro also has the extremely valuable knack of remaining composed in big situations and that should serve him well in his maiden grand slam final.
His forehand was his major weapon in his semi-final triumph, but his backhand is also more than capable.
Federer will attempt to move the 1.98m Argentinean around the court as much as possible because while del Potro is agile for his size he is still nowhere near as nimble as the Swiss.
He has confronted many powerful players in his time and will not drop shots short like Nadal did.
Del Potro certainly has a grand slam in him, but Federer appears to be at the top of his game – a scary thought for the rest of the tour.
I can’t envision a straight-sets demolition because del Potro is simply playing too well.
Expect a four or a five-set Federer victory that would see him equal great American Bill Tilden's six consecutive US Open crowns.
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