Federer wins his opening match in straight sets. Finally!!!

Federer eliminated Michael Russel of the US in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to move into the second round at Roland Garros.

These are exactly the type of wins he needs, to not only establish himself between his own ears, but also only among the hungry field out there.

In previous years, he has had a very comfortable ride on clay towards the final. This year he is struggling and in most cases, have had to dig himself out of a hole.

In view of above, he has to be careful to take one match at a time and not look too much ahead into the draw.

Straight set victories are crucial to set the tone. They are also required to minimize the time spent on the court. Remember, we are playing five setters here.

Physical conditioning will become an issue for anyone not prepared for the grind on this surface. If you add consecutive five setters to it, leading upto the big match, it only exaggerates the problem.

The open secret for Federer to achieve that, is to have a dominant first serve. It may not be as critical to serve an ace, as it is to induce a weak return, so you can finish the point on the next shot. Taking some pace off and compensating it with better placement would do the trick.

Federer is smart enough to realize, that he was able to dictate the points against Nadal at Hamburg, primarily due to Nadal’s empty tank by time the second set started. To repeat that performance, he needs to keep himself as fresh as possible. His tank, for sure, does not have the same depth as Nadal’s.

Not that he is not trying to close every match as quickly as possible, here and at this point in his career and the consequent place in history at stake, it takes a whole new meaning.

He may have had the luxury in the past, to not try as hard to get the break twice, but it will serve him well, if he works harder to break opponent’s every service game to shorten the stay on the court.

The freaking point is this: aim at 6-1 or 6-2 set wins to come out ahead at the back end. Work harder than usual at opponent’s service games even if it is 40-0.

Both these strategies have to be executed in tandem. We all know a 6-1 set can last longer than a 6-4 set. So a good first serve coupled with shorter rallies will get the desired result, of preserving enough gas in the tank, for the mega match.

The point this year, more than ever, is not just to get to the finals and then try to figure and learn Nadal’s game to finally bring him down. THIS IS IT.

With a favorable draw, coach troubles behind him, Hamburg victory and the consequent momentum, this is the best shot for Federer to claim the GOAT. You cannot freaking mess this up.

Mess up here may prove to be more damaging than what has transpired in years past. Anyone with a brain can see the writing on the wall. There is no question Federer’s game is on the decline for whatever reason(s).

Nothing substantial has happened since the first loss to Canas at Indian Wells, to reverse that thinking. This could prove to be the final nail, if Federer is unable to milk the perfect scenario the tennis Gods have laid out for him.

Will he step up and claim the prize?