Federer drops a set but still wins. Thank God.
Posted by tennisplanet on May 18, 2007
Federer was a little merciful to his fans today. He defeated David Ferrer 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the semifinals at Hamburg.
Although, he did let the fans know you are not totally off the hook, by dropping a set to Ferrer – first time he has done that in the seven encounters he has had with Ferrer.
Still, Federer fans would be happy to see him through specially against a good clay court player, who is playing well this year. I think, Paul, is right about Federer’s first serve percentage. It is becoming a factor more and more as Federer struggles to find top form in the rest of his game.
Federer served well in the first and third sets and was below par in the second – the one he lost.
Maybe, these are the type of ‘come from behind’ matches, Federer needs to build his confidence. “I still have it” is the feeling you get when you are in the situation, Federer is in, after winning these matches.
It strengthens the belief that you can dig yourself out of a hole despite the events of the past few weeks. He has had very few such matches in his career. It is may be just what the doctor ordered.
Reward for winning this match, for Federer, is that he now will be facing ‘an over the hill’, 30-year old Carlos Moya instead of a hot 19-year old Djokovic. Moya beat Djokovic 7-6(4), 4-6, 7-5 to set up a semifinal clash with Federer.
But it is no walk in the park.
Moya is in his backyard, is former World’s No. 1 player (1999), winner of Roland Garros and must be feeling good after dispatching one of the hottest players on the tour this year. He has the experience to handle these big moments and will look to capitalize on wobbling Federer’s vulnerability.
Federer can take comfort in that Moya has never beaten him. Federer leads H2H 6-0, including twice on clay in straight sets – one of them right here in Hamburg in 2004 quarterfinal.
But can you bet on anything these days? Is another Nadal-Federer clash coming up? We are drooling and salivating. Stop ringing the bell, please.
Fiona said
I only managed to watch the second set but things were looking very worrying to me. Flashes of brilliance from Federer, yes, but he was missing forehands on the run he used to easily make before. The reason looked to be speed and fitness. When Ferrer hit the corners Federer looked decidedly slow in response. He is still not in peak physical condition and this problem will not be solved in time for the French Open. I have always felt his fitness was ‘off’ recently so I’m afraid as predicted (and assuming Fed makes the finals in Hamburg) he will be well and truly hammered by Nadal – again. Nadal is just too fast around the court and easily makes those shots ‘on the run’ that Federer cannot these days. At the top of mens tennis nobody can afford to let their fitness slip a notch – especially before the brutal clay season – and Federer will once again pay the price, his brilliance alone will not get him through as it may have done in the past.
Jenny said
Although the win against Juan Carlos was easier, I think this victory was sweeter, because David challenged him and he had to fight back and that was good.
Jackie Chan said
Correction on your question: Can we bet on anything these days?
Ofcourse we can: Nadal makes the final (and saying he will win isn’t a shock either).
But Roger Federer still is the greatest sportsman I have ever seen.