Can the AO be the last Slam for Nadal?

Photos.

Federer reveals nerves and pressure in five set win over Haas.

Whew!!!!

Glad Ferrer and Verdasco were on the other side. While you can appreciate getting tested and acclimatised for the rougher weather ahead and even a come from behind five set win under normal conditions, this win was more about anything but that.

Clearly Federer is feeling the pressure for a 31-year old non-clay clown to extend him to five freaking sets. Given the current conditions, the opponent and who all are coming up ahead, this is not the kind of match that’s going to achieve a lot in the positive department, both from within and from the outside.

Nevertheless, today Federer fans will take it, considering what could have happened to snuff out this golden egg just begging to be laid.

The next guy appears to be a tad younger.

Try 22, with a huge partisan and rowdy crowd behind him, having lost just one set so far, averaging almost three hours less ‘time on court’, with his own ace count that matches Federer’s considering he has not played those many games, with a moronic hair style, ripped and athletic body, eye balls that have surely popped out at least once in his lifetime and an injury for the mental effect.

This is all about Federer now managing the mental demons from here on out – to put it as an understatement. It should and has nothing to do with the physical game, given the clowns now left in the draw.

Of course, Federer would have preferred Roddick in the next round to pull down the mental drag Nadal’s exit has produced.

Although Federer has never lost to Monfils (4-0), but Monfils was able to take a set off for the first time in four encounters at last year’s Roland Garros in the semis.

This match should bring memories of that Agassi match Federer played at the US Open in 2005. The atmosphere and what’s on stake may be even worse.

But this is where legends of the game rise up and crush the challenge to secure their place in the history books. Most of the world has been waiting for this moment for a long long time.

Despite Nadal’s absence there’s enough sugar to go around with No. 14, the GOAT status, the career Slam etc. etc. This is the time for Federer to show the world his ability to rein in all the tangibles and intangibles running wild.

Federer vs Monfils: Stats.

Player	Aces	Ist serve pct.	Sets lost/ Bagels dished	Unforced. Errors - Total	Bk pt conv %	Time on court.	Matches played
Monfils	38	63	1 / 0	79	69	7:22	4
Federer	51	65	4 / 1	134	44	10:01	4

What’s more painful for Federer, if defeat is destined?

Federer interview after losing, OK winning (Geeezzz!!!) over Haas. From Sarah. Thanks.

SARAH

Day 9 – Interview with Roger Federer
Monday, June 1, 2009

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