Federer appears to be doing his part to dispel fears of an early stumble. For three straight matches now, he has been successful in stifling the inconsistency ghost to ensure the train stays on track for the rough weather awaiting ahead.
Some seasoned players – comparatively – have been excused in the early rounds (Tipsy, Lopez, Gulbis and Monfils) to allow Federer the use of tomato cans as practice to bring himself upto speed for the later rounds. His first test – against Wawrinka – should provide ample evidence if the easier path has worked for or against him. Even though Wawrinaka is not really shock treatment it may not be too far from it to post a reliable gauge for where Federer’s game is versus the big dogs.
Both Federer and Wawrinka would prefer to avoid meeting each other at ANY tournament for obvious reasons. There are various other undercurrents for both players to overcome to detract from what’s on hand at least for the first few games before tennis takes over. Federer’s current streak of losses this season makes it all the more uncomfortable for Wawrinka apart from momentary visions of what could have happened if Mirka hadn’t trapped Federer.
Unless Cilic assumes the ‘spoiler’ gown, Soderling appears Federer’s next opponent after Wawrinka. Soderling just dispatched Montanes who not only just defeated Federer at Estoril he also won that title laying his claim to be a legit clay courter. That shouldn’t hurt Soderling’s conviction of moving past Federer erasing momentarily the straight set loss in the finals here last year.
Looking past Soderling, home boy Tsonga should get the nod but Murray may be in contention too. For the semifinal to be a thriller, Tsonga may be a better option. Then there’s that outside shot of Berdych coming through too. He defeated Federer at Miami in three close sets (two tie breaks). Federer would prefer Murray to add to the baggage he has already heaped on Murray at the AO final this year to make the clayless road later a lot less bumpy.
Nadal on the other hand is dealing with Ben Gay and Bingo enthusiasts in Hewitt and Ljubicic for the next two rounds before possibly crushing Verdasco - again. Verdasco was annihilated at Monte Carlo final with 6-0, 6-1 bashing – this year. Waiting for Nadal at the semis will be Djokovic unless Roddick refuses to drop the use of performance enhancing drugs. Djokovic has already dropped a set and was extended in his last match to maybe offer Ferrer the pleasure of getting hammered by Nadal.
All in all, so far there seems very little resistance to not start dreaming of the dream final.
