Tuesday 23 July 2013

Is This Beginning Of End Of Federer?

Roger Federer lost to another player ranked outside top 100.  Recently he lost to Delbonis( Atp 114) and he also lost to Stakhvosky at Wimbledon 2nd round.  Is this beginning of  end of Federer? Or it is only loss of concentration from Federer?  The question is still unanswered.  Now I will try to get the answer with my experience and historical background.

Federer Reacting After Wimbledon Loss

Historical Truth:
This is undeniably fact that every thing which is at one time at its peak, will be at a decline at the other time.  Everyone who flourishes at one time will decline one day sooner or later.  Pete Sampras is greatest example, because he was most dominant player of his time especially on grass.  But once the age caught him, and he lost to a player outside top 100 at Wimbledon 2012, the tournament where he won 7 titles.  This was probably beginning of end of Sampras.  He dropped out of top ten and his dominance remains no more in tennis as it was in 90s.  But he was a true champion, he proved this by winning US open at age of 33, when he was seeded outside top 20.  That field in which Sampras won his 14th grand slam was not so competitive as it is this time.  So Sampras protected his legacy even before his retirement.  But his decline was surely due to age.  Once a tennis player is caught by age, it is very difficult for him to play at the same level at which one he was playing.

Current Fact:
The loss of Federer to players outside top 100 is surely shocking for tennis world.  But it is not only Federer who lost to a player ranked outside top 100.  Rafeal Nadal is biggest example in this regard.  He lost to Lukas Rosol at age of 25 at last year's Wimbledon 2nd round, and now he lost recently to Steve Darcis in 1st round of Wimbledon 2013.  Both of these guys were ranked out of top 100.  Now if we analyze the fact of Nadal, who is not so much aged as Federer, we can surely say the loss of concentration is biggest factor of their losses.

Federer's Losses:

Federer Shanking Hands With Delbonis After Loss

Now if we analyze the losses of Federer in Hamburg and Wimbledon 2nd round, we can see that Federer did not play bad.  He played well but not so well as he played before.  He lose both of these matches due to losses in tie breaks.  Tie break is deciding factory of a set or even a match.  Tie break contains most crucial points of the match.  There is no chance to lose concentration in Tie break.  But Federe lost two tie breaks at Wimbledon and two at Hamburg.  This indicates that Federer losses were due to lack of concentration, at which he should pay attention the most.

Future Expectations:
Now Federer after having a worst season of his career since 2003.  Despite so much disappointments, Federer is still hopeful that he will get his way back.  He is playing at Gstaad this week in front of home crowd.  He is playing this tournament since winning this in 2004.  He made his tour debut at this tournament in 1998.  So he has a lot of memories regarding this tournament.  He must win this tournament to get himself in the game before going to North America.  He has to defend almost 1500 points heading towards US open therefore winning at Gstaad can give him extra confidence and points, which he needs the most.  He will try to at least maintain his rankings.  His big racket will do the damage if he wins at least one bigger tournament before entering into US open.  He has to show himself strong at Gstaad as well as at Rogers Cup, where has nothing to lose.  This will give him an extra push up before defending title at Cincinnati.  And after all at 2013 last grand slam.


Future Doubts:
There are doubts around, that if Federer continue to lose against low ranked players as he did in his last two tournaments.  Then he will soon be out of top ten, which will be surely the beginning of end.  But Federer knows how to handle such a tough time.  If will come back strong at Gstaad and then in North America.  If he wins at US open, which I don't expect from him this time.  Then it will have much sweeter flavour as compared to 2012 Wimbledon.  But an early exit will prove this fact that he has done now.

Saturday 20 July 2013

Djokovic And Murray Are Building Historic Rivalry


The current world no 1 Serbian star Novak Djokovic and world no 2 Andy Murray of Great Britain are building a rivalry which will make history very soon.  Although this rivalry is not as much prominent as Federer-Nadal or Aggasi-Sampras rivalry, but if both stars continue their peak performance they will surely catch or even surpass these historic rivalries.  Both of these guys have met in 3 of last 4 grand slam finals.  Both men are without any doubt are elite players and at pinnacle of their careers.  In this article we will look back a complete detailed history of all meeting between both of these guys.  Lets enjoy:

Overall Statistics
Both of these men met each other 19 times in their careers with Djokovic leads by 11-8.  In these 19 meeting 9 were in the finals in which Murray leads by 5-4.  They met each other 5 times in grand slam tournament with Djokovic leads by 3-2. In grand slam finals they met 4 times with 2-2 apiece.  


Statistics By Courts Type:

1)      Grass Courts
 They met on grass twice in their career, with Murray winning both of these matches and continue his grass dominance on his fierce rival.

2)      Hard Courts
      They met 14 times on hard courts with Djokovic leading by 8:6 head to head.  These meeting include all master 1000, Atp 500 events as well as grand slams.  These stats show that Djokovic is dominant tennis world on hard courts and even Murray.

3)      Clay Courts
      Overall they met 4 times on clay with no meeting at French Open.  Here again Djokovic lead by 3:1.  Dirt is Murray’s worst surface and his stats against Djokovic are showing that fact.

Statistics At Grand Slams:
They met all three grand slams except French Open in their career.  The detailed history of their meetings in grand slams is shown below,

1)      Wimbledon
      They met only once at wimbledon final and this is their very recent meeting at 2013 in which Murray won in straight sets by 6-4 7-5 6-4.  After winning this match Murray became the only British man in 72 years to win at All England Club.

2)      Australian Open
      They met at Australian Open three times with Djokovic continue his dominance at Melbourne by winning all   three meetings. In 2011 Djokovic beat him in final of Australian open in straight sets by 6-4 6-2 6-3.  In 2012 Djokovic again beat Murray in semi finals in 5 hours thriller by 6-3 3-6 7-6 6-1 7-5. that was a historic semi final in grand slam history.  In 2013 for third consecutive year this time again in final Djokvic beat him in four sets by 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-2 and continue his dominance in Australia.


3)      US Open
      They met only once at US Open final in 2012, where Andy Murray won first grand slam of his career by beating Djokovic in five sets by 7-6 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 .  This victory of Murray was first one after losing four grand slam finals i-e 3 to Federer and 1 to Djokovic.  So that was a huge boos up for Murray in his career under coaching of Ivan Lendl.


Statistics By Masters 1000 Events:
The detailed analyses of their meetings in Masters 1000 events is given below

1)      Indian Wells Masters
      They met only once at Indian Wells only once in 2008 semis, where Djokovic won easily in straight sets by 6-2 6-3.


2)      Miami Masters
      They met at Miami three times in his career with Djokovic leading by 2:1.  First they meet in 2007 semi finals, where Djokovic crashed Murray by 6-1 6-0.  Secondly they meet in 2009 final, where Murray dominated in straight sets by 6-2 7-5.  They met here in 2012 final for the third time where Djokovic beat Murray by 6-1 7-6. 


3)      Madrid Masters
They met only once at this tournament in 2006 3rd round, where Djokovic got victory by 1-6 7-5 6-3 in three tight sets.

4)      Monte Carlo Masters
      They met at this tournament one time at 2008 3rd round where Djokovic dismantle Murray by 6-0 6-4.


5)      Rome Masters
 Both men meet at Rome in 2011 semi finals where tennis world saw a great clay court fight between these players.  Although Djokovic won by 6-1 3-6 7-6 but Murray proved himself a great fighter.

6)      Rogers Cup Masters
      They met at Rogers Cup only one time in 2008 quarterfinals where Murray won in straight sets by 6-3 7-6.

7)      Cincinnati Masters
      Both guys met at this tournament twice with Murray winning both of these meeting.  First in 2008 final Murray beat him by 7-6 7-6.  Secondly in 2011 final Murray beat Djokovic by 6-4 3-0 (Retired).  Djokovic was forced to retire due to shoulder injury.  This was first defeat of Djokovic at Masters 1000 event in 2011.


8)      Shanghai Masters
      They met just one time here and it was last year in 2012 final.  This match was dramatic one, with Murray had plenty of match points but Djokovic ended as victorious by 5-7 7-6 6-3.  This match showed again mental toughness of Nole inside the court.


Statistics At ATP 500 Events:
            They met at only one 500 event, and that was Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship 2012, where Murray won in straight sets by 6-2 7-5.


Statistics At World Tour Finals:
            They met at year ending championship only once in 2012 round robin, in which Djokovic came back from a set down to win that match by 4-6 6-3 7-5. 


Statistics At Olympic Games:
            They met at London Olympics in 2012 semi finals, in which Andy Murray dominated by 7-5 7-5.  After getting this victory Murray won gold medal by beating Roger Federer for the first time in a five set match.















Friday 19 July 2013

Federer Advances Into Hamburg Semi Finals Haas Ousted

Top seed Roger Federer had to face a fierce test against home favourite Florian Mayer.  He beat Mayer under just two hours of thrilling tennis by 7-6(4) 3-6 7-5.  Federer never lost a set against Mayer in last four meetings, but this time Mayer was at his best.  He pushed Federer to the limits, because Federer had to use all of his abilities to come through this match.

Federer Is welcomed By Crowd

In the opening set all went on serve, none of the player gave any chance to other to even see some break points.  Only Federer had only one break point opportunity in 6th game, which Mayer saved by huge serve. At last this set had to be decided in the tie-break.  In this tie-break Federer played his best tennis got got this breaker by 7-4 to take one set lead in 48 minutes.  In the second set, Mayer started to take control of the match and thrilled the whole crowd by breaking Federer.  This was the only break which was necessary to level the match by 6-3 in 37 minutes.

Federer Hitting Defensive Backhand
This was the only set that Mayer took from Swiss master in his career.  Now Federer tried his best to break Mayer at any cost.  He broke Mayer in 3rd game, but Mayer immediately got the break back.  This was another thrilling moment for crowd.  Federer continue his try and broke him again in 5th game.  Mayer again broke back by support of home crowd.  If Mayer could not get the breaks back then match would be finished earlier.  But that did not happened.  After that Federer played best games of the match to level at 5-5 and again broke Mayer in the very next game, which proved to be decisive.  And time Federer served the match out by playing beautiful service game to love.


Fognini Against Tommy Haas

In another match Fobio Fognini of Italy beat second seed Tve and won 71% of these points.  He also saved 5 of 6 break points that he faced.  He broke Tommy Haas four times which was prove to be decisive statistics.  Haas could not get advantage of opportunities, which Fognini did.  This cost him lose this match.  He could only win 44% points on his first serve.  So overall Tommy Haas could not convert most important points of the match, and tennis is game of opportunities conversionommy Haas in straight sets by 6-2 6-4 in 1 hour 22 minutes.  Fognini showed great defence on his second ser.  This thing cause him an unexpected defeat.



Thursday 18 July 2013

Federer Cruises Into Hamburg Quarters

Roger Federer create a huge improvement in his performance as compared to the previous match, where he had to come back from a set down against Daniel Brands.  In 3rd round match against Czech J Hajek, he was looking more committed.  He displayed a good performance to reach quarterfinals.   He got the victory by 6-4 6-3.

Federer Is Serving Against Hajek

In the opening set, first few games were very tricky one, because both of guys exchange breaks of serves.  Until the score was 3-3.  Now it was on serve.  Federer was serving to get 4-3 lead, but that was not easy because he was 15-40 down in this game and had to face two break points.  He saved those break points by blasting winner and a huge serve.  That was huge boost up for Federer.  In the very next game, Federer tried to break Hajek and was at 30-40 up.  But Hajek served a good one down the tea which Federer only managed to touch.  He hold that serve to get himself into even terms 4-4.  In the next game Federer hold his serve to 30 and forced Hajek to serve to stay in the set.  Federer considered it a huge opportunity and tried his best to break Hajek and take the set.  He produced and couple of set points on Hajek serve but Hajek saved initially all those set points.  But Federer continued his try and produce another set point, and it was moment when Federer converted the set point to take the set by 6-4 in 39 minutes.

Federer Thanking Crowd After Victory

In the second set, Federer quickly hold serve to love in the opening game of the second set.  Hajek also remained firm on his serve and set goes on serve until 3-2.  Now Hajek was serving to level the set, but Federer did not let him to do that and broke him to 15 to take 4-2 lead.  He confirmed that break by holding the very next game to get 5-2 lead.  Now Hajek was serving to stay in the match.  Federer again tried to seal the match there and produced a couple of match points, but all those match points were saved by Hajek due to his huge serve.  Now Federer had to serve it out, and he did that in style.  He fired a huge ace at match point to get his place in the quarterfinals in 72 minutes.  He will face florian Mayer of Germany in quraterfinals.  Federer is 4-0 head to head against him.


In other matches Tommy Haas beat Carlos Berlocq by 6-2 6-4.  In another match Fernando Verdasco beat no 4 seed Jerzy Janowicz, when he was forced to retire.  

Federer And Tommy Haas Survived At Hamburg Openers

Former world no 1 and currently world no 5 Roger Federer and German hope Tommy Haas survived at Hamburg second rounds.  They moved into third rounds but they had to concede one set each.  Federer beat home favourite and big serving Daniel Brands by 3-6 6-3 and 6-2.  On the other hand Tommy Haas beat Kavcic of Slovakia by 6-1 4-6 and 6-4.  Both of these matches were interesting to watch, because in both of matches there will a lot of twists and turns especially in Haas match.


Roger Federer was playing for the first time after shocking second round exit at Wimbledon.  He needed victory to boost himself up.  But his opponent was none other than Daniel Brands, the man who teased Nadal a lot at French open and took a set against him.  And it was expected that he will give Swiss master the same challenge and he did that.  In the opening set Federer served a good one in first three service games and continued to tease Brands on his serve.  He took a couple of games to deuce on Brands serve but Brands always came back with huge serve.  At 3-3 Federer was 15-40 up on Brands serve but this time Brands again saved these two break points by cross court forehand winner and a huge serve, which Federer only managed to touch.  And he hold that serve also to get 4-3 lead.  In the very next game Federer was looking bit upset due to missing opportunities in last game.  His first serve did not find its mark and soon he was 0-40 down and was broken.  Brands serve for the set in style by firing a couple of aces and sealed the set at 6-3.  This was the time when there was roaring of crowd all around.



Now fans were looking Federer to come back and he did that.  He increased his first serve %age and won all 17 points on his first serve and gave no chance to brands on his serve.  He needed only one break to serve the set to level the match at 6-3.  In the deciding set there was Federer all around.  He broke Brands twice in the deciding set to seal the match at 6-2.  This was much needed victory with his larger frame racket.  In the whole match Federer fired 9 aces and won 83% of points on his first serve.  In the third round he will face J Hajek of Czech Republic.  And this will be their first meeting.



In another match earlier, Tommy Haas beat Kavcic despite a come back form him.  In the opening set Tommy Haas served well and show beautiful return game and took the set quickly by 6-1.  In the second set Kavcic made a come back and hold his serve firmly.  He broke Haas once to take the set 6-4 to level the match.  In the deciding set Haas again got early break to get 4-1 lead.  In the very next game Haas was on the brink of double break, but Kavcic hold his nerves to hold serve to reduce the Haas lead at 4-2.  Surprisingly in the next game Kavcic got the break back and hold his serve to level the set at 4-4.  Under pressure Haas hold his serve to get 5-4 important lead.  Now Kavcic was serving to stay in the match, but this time he could not hold his nerves and he lost his serve and hence the match despite huge come back.

Monday 17 June 2013

Federer And Murray Will Enter Wimbledon On Winning Note

The world no 3 and defending champion at Wimbledon this year Roger Federer will enter Wimbledon 2013 along with Andy Murray who was runner up to Federer at Wimbledon last year on winning note.  Both of these guys won first grass court titles of the season.  Federer won Gerry Weber Open title for 6th time in his career, on the other hand Andy Murray won Aegon Championship for the 3rd time in his career.  This is Federer's 77th tour title and Andy Murray's 26th.  These victories have given both of these guys an encouragement before entering into All England Club.

Murray With Aegon Championship Trophy

Andy Murray beat Marin Cilic in the final after one set to love down by 5-7 7-5 6-3.  It was a very close match, which could go either way after Murray's first set loss.  In the first set Marin Cilic showed great game and continue to hold his serve till the end of the set.  At 5-5 he got up from 15-40 down to hold his serve.  In the very next game Cilic got the break through and broke Brit to serve for the set.  In this way he won first set by 7-5.  In the second set Scot did not lose his focus and hold his serve until scoreboard went to 6-5 with Cilic serving to stay in the set.  Murray jumped upon the opportunity and stolen the second set by breaking Cilic to level the match.  He broke Croatian again in 4th game of the deciding set and that break was enough to close the match out at 6-3 in the decider in 2 and half hours. With this victory Murray becomes 6th man to win three titles at Queen's Club.

Federer With Gerry Weber Open Trophy

Federer's victory at Gerry Weber was also a fight back victory against Mikhail Youzhny.  The detail of this match was written on my previous article.  The good news for Federer fans is that Federer has ended the title drought this year and will play at Wimbledon on a positive note.  And he will again man to beat at All England Club.

Sunday 16 June 2013

Federer Clinched 6th Gerry Weber Open Title

The top seed and world no three Roger Federer won his 6th title of career at Halle.  He beat Russian Mikhail Youzhny of Russia when he was a set down.  He beat Youzhny by 6-7 6-3 6-4.  This is Federer's 77th title tie him with John MaCnroe for third most title after Jimmy Connors and Ivan lendl.  He played this match with a record of white wash against Youzhny.  He was leading 14-0 against him.  Now he is 15-0 against him.

Slice Serve Against Mikhail Youzhny

Youzhny tried his best and gave everything that he had against Swiss maestro but all in vain.  He could not break Swiss star in the whole match.  In the first set Mikhail was more committed than every to down Federer for first time in his career.  He saved multiple break points and countinued to hold his serve again and again.  At last this set went into the tie break and Youzhny made no mistake to get mini break of serve to clinch the tie break by 7-5.  This was only third set that Youzhny took away from Federer in his career.  With winning first set the momentum was clearly in favour of Russian.

Topspin Backhand In the Final

In the second set Federer focused more on his serve and tried to break Russian with more intensity.  He produced 9 break points in the match but could convert only two of them which was the deciding factory.  Now he got much deserved break in the second and served for the set successfully to level the match.  Now Swiss master was more and more focused.  He was holding his serve more comfortably.  He saved all 2 break balls that he faced.  He fired 11 aces and got 66 percent of first serves in and winning 80 percent of those points.  In the deciding set Youzhny again tried his best but not this time.  Federer broke him again to and served out the match in 2 hours and 3 minutes.  This is Federer's first title of the season.

Saturday 15 June 2013

Federer And Murray Will Try To Win Wimbledon Warm Up

The world no 3 and seven times Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and world no 2 home favourite Andy Murray will try to win Wimbledon warm up tournaments.  Roger Federer will play against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia for Gerry Weber Open title for the 6th time in his career.  On the other hand Murray will try to win Aegon championship against Marin Cilic of Croatia.



Roger Federer and Mikhail Yourzhny will have their 16th meeting with Federer won all 15 previous meetings.  Federer's game suits so much against the Russian that Youzhny could only took two sets from Swiss maestro.  They have met at Halle four times previously.  In 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2012 with Federer just losing only one set.  Their last meeting was also on grass last year's Wimbledon with Federer won in straight sets by 6-1 6-2 6-2.  Youzhny reached final after beating no 2 seed Richard Gasquet in straight sets.  Now he will face an ultimate test against the man whome he never beat in his career.  According to Federer's point of view this title is now in Federer's bag.  After winning this title he will tie John MaCnroe for third most titles in tennis history after Ivan Lendl and Jimmy connors.


Andy Murray on the other hand have also an upper hand against Cilc.  Both men met 10 time previously with Murray leads  9-1 head to head.  The only win of Cilci was came on US Open 2009 4th round.  In which Cilic beat Murray by 7-5 6-2 6-2.  Murray can face a fierce test against tall Croatian, because he possesses huge serve and forehand.  Murray reached into the final by beating Jo Wilfried Tsonga when he was a set down.  Their last meeting was at Miami this year won by Murray 6-4 6-3.  So their head to head record shows that Murray will cruise.

  

Federer Is Into Gerry Weber Open Final

Roger Federer the top seed at Gerry Weber Open has qualified for second final of the season.  He beat defending champion and home favourite Tommy Haas in a rematch of last year's final.  Last year Tommy Haas beat Federer in straight sets to take the title.  It was only defeat of Federer at Grass in 2012.  This year Federer handled Haas in best possible manner to qualify for the final.

Roger Federer beat Tommy Haas when he was a set down by 3-6 6-3 6-4.  He was reached into the semis by recording a double bagle against another German Zverev.  So he was so much confident, and it was expected that he will handle Tommy Haas comfortably.  But Tommy proved it wrong and streched Federer to the limits.  Haas served first in the opening set and only one break was enough to clinch the that set by 6-3.  In this set Haas saved three break points to take this set in 40 minutes.

Federer Thanking To German Crowd After Victory

After losing the first set, last year's repetition was expected by tennis fans, but Federer regained his focus and got an early break in second set to get 2-0 lead.  Immediately after he hold his serve to get 3-0 lead and  got strong grip in the second set.  He used net very effectively right from the start of second set, which changed the whole dynamics of the match.  After getting this break Federer continued to hold serve until Haas was serving to stay in the set.  Federer was 40-15 up and had two set points on Haas serve but Haas put two huge first serves in which Federer only managed to touch and hold his serve to force Federer to serve it out and Federer did it to level the match by taking set 6-3.

Heavy Forehand Against Tommy In Semis

In the deciding set the momentum was clearly in the favour of top seed.  He made full use of that momentum and got early break again to get 2-1 and then 3-1 lead.  Tommy tried his best to break Federer serve but Federer's wide serves were untouchable.  Also his frequent use of net had no answer.  So Haas could not do anything axept holding his serve to get scoreboard to 5-4.  At last Federer served out the match and took victory in 1 hour and 38 minutes.  Next he will face Mikhail Youzhny against whome he never lost in his career.

Friday 14 June 2013

Federer Records Double Bagle At Halle

The top seed at Gerry Weber Open showed a clinical performance at Halle in quarterfinal match against home favourite Zverev.  He beat Zverev by flawless 6-0 6-0.  He showed that he has still something left in the tank on grass court.  He took only 40 minutes to get rid of German qualifier.  Federer's serve was blasting one, he fired 4 aces.  He lost just two points on his second serve in the whole match.  He converted 6 out of 10 break points that he produced.  Federer won 54 points in total in the whole match as compared to Zverev only 22.

Federer Returning Zverev Serve In Halle Quarters

Now his next opponent will be another German Tommy Haas in a rematch of last year's final.  Tommy Haas survived the scared of French man when he lost the first set in the tie break.  But he regain his focus in other two sets and get the victory in three sets.  Their last meeting was in last year's Halle final in which he beat Federer in straight to win the title for the German Nation.  But now Federer is more commited than ever, as his performance against Zverev shows.  Federer leads head to head series by 11-3.  So he can handle Haas effectively.

Federer Hitting Forehand Winner Against Zverev

  

How Can Roger Federer Win At Wimbledon 2013


Roger Federer the no 3 seed this year and seven times champion at All England club will try to win his eighth Wimbledon title.  For this he has to face fierce tests in his path.  He is no more the same Federer as he was four or five years ago.  If we see his performance this year in 2013 so far, we come to know that he is not even the same Federer who was in 2012, and who won 7th Wimbledon title.  The 2012 Federer won 6 titles and 2013 Federer has not won a single title so far.  So if we say that Federer will win 8th Wimbledon title than it will be a dead man’s bet. 
Despite his disappointing performance in 2013 so far, he has still potential to win at Wimbledon and on his beloved grass.  He has such tools that if he use them properly then he is man to beat on centre court.  The defending champion here in 2013 can defend his title successfully if he at least do the following things.

1:  Increase His First Serve Percentage


Roger Federer’s serve has been his asset to get all achievements in the tennis.  He is legend due to this tool.  He served only 58% of his first serves in against Tsonga In Frecnh Open quarterfinal, which was major cause of his defeat.  So he has to improve this part of his game.  His serve especially on grass is untouchable when it clicks.  He fired 50 aces against Andy Roddick in 2009 Wimbledon final.  This shows the potential in his serve.  He can use this tool to get success if he land most of his serves in to get cheap points.  He has still ability to serve aces wide as well as down the tee.  For this he has to bring accuracy to his fast and furious first serve.  This will make his opponent impossible to beat him.   

2:  Accurat Second Serve

Federer’s second serve is one of the most accurate and fastest serves in tennis history.  That’s why he has been broken least number of times.  Despite less percentage of first serves and lose return game, he fulfills this deficiency by heavy and precise second serve.  His second serve is such a tool which saved him again and again in the past in tense condition.  But now he can not rely much on second serve.  So he has to win most points on first serves and try to get rid of tense conditions by great second serves also.

3:  Effective Use Of Net


Federer’s game has a lot of variation including his use of net when it matters.  Grass is the surface on which effective use of net is necessary to get a comprehensive victory.  In his final last year against Murray Federer’s net points percentage was heavy one.  After losing his first set and at 6-5 when Murray was serving to stay In the second set.  Federer delivered a fabulous backhand volley at set point, which changed the dynamics of the whole match.  And Federer went on to win that match in four sets.  If Federer wants to have real chance this year he has to make full use of net especially when it matter.  He has to do it to get cheap points and I am sure that Paul Annacone is paying great attention to this part of his game. 

4:  Use Slice Backhand Frequently

Federer’s backhand is considered as his weak wing.  That’s why his rivals Djokovic and Nadal make full use of that deficiency of Federer and attack his backhand again and again to draw errors as much as possible.  On grass the most useful weapon along the backhand side is slice backhand, which Federer knows how to deliver it.  Federer has a tricky and precise slice backhand to deceive his opponent on grass.  He used this weapon again and again to reduce his errors and win big rallies, which matter hugely in this era.  This year fact is the same.  Federer can’t hit winners as much as Nadal and Djokovic do using backhand.  But his running slice backhand is one of the best on the tour.  He has to use this backhand frequently and he has to produce power through this wing when it needed especially in passing shots.

5:  Hit Forehand Winners And Winners

Federers’s 17 grand slam titles are hugely due to Federer’s forehand.  Because his forehand is one of the most lethal and powerful wing in tennis history.  His forehand can change completely who direction of the rally.  He can hit winner from his backhand from each inch of the court.  So he has to make full use of his forehand to hit more and more winners.  Another positive thing about Federer’s forehand is that his forehand has so much power as well as accuracy.  His unforced errors are far less than that of his backhand.  So the frequent use of this wing will make him undefeated.

6. Show Enthusiasm On The Court


Federer is known by his great calmness on the court.  But if we see Djokovic and Nadal they show great roaring on the court.  Federer has to show some enthusiasm on the court to get himself involve in the match when it matters.







Thursday 13 June 2013

Federer Eases Past Stebe To Join Last Eight At Gerry Weber Open


Roger Federer of Switzerland, the top seed at Gerry Weber Open 2013 made short work of his second round opponent and beat him by 6-3 6-3 in 68 minutes.  This is Federer’s 40th win at Halle.  In the whole match Federer was broken only once and he broke Stebe four times.  The key thing for Federer’s victory was the important points of the match which Federer won when it mattered.

Heavy Forehand Against Stebe At Halle
Five times champion at Halle fired 3 aces and made only 58% of his first serves in but he managed to hold his serve again and again.  He won 73% of the points on his first serve.  But he fulfill this deficiency by accurate second serve.  The 2012 runner will next face Jerzy Janowicz of Poland in the quarterfinals. 

In the other matches Monfils beat favourite Raonic in straight sets and Richard Gasquet as well as 2011 champion won their matches.  Federer may have to face defending champion Tommy Haas in the semi finals. 

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Wednesday 12 June 2013

Heavy Favourites At Wimbledon 2013


French Open 2013 is gone and now in history books.  Rafael Nadal again proved himself prince of Roland Garros.  Now tennis fans have divert their attention towards third and most prestigious grand slam of the year Wimbledon at All England Club.  Wimbledon is historical event which is held at last week of june.  This year the favourites are non other than top four players in the world.  Below is the detail why they are favourites.

4: Andy Murray


Andy Murray is British hope again this year to win Wimbledon for their nation.  Scottish veteran is only man of great Britain who qualified for the final of Wimbledon in open era.  Now all British nation is looking towards him.  He was runner up to Federer last year, and he is heavy favourite again with support of huge crowd at centre court.  He is 22-5 so far this with two titles including Miami title.  He has record of 30-7 at Wimbledon.  He is semi finalist here three times in 2009 to 2011.

3: Roger Federer


Roger Federer is one of the greatest grass court players of all times, as I wrote in my previous article.  Roger Federer’s 2013 season is frankly speaking is shame as compared to his previous years.  So this year’s Wimbledon will be his perhaps final test that whether he has finished or not.  Wimbledon is his best chance to win an 18th grand slam title to join Nadal for winning a slam at least eight times.  By winning this year’s Wimbledon he will become the only man who win 8 Wimbledon titles.  This year he is 22-7 with no title.  At Wimbledon he has an impressive record of 66-7, and he suffered just three loses since 2003 when he became Wimbledon champion for the first time.  He is heavy favourite here because his game suits to grass and he is defending champion here.  He will be man to beat.

2: Novak Djokovic


Novak Djokovic is currently no 1 player in the World with one grand slam title this year in his bag.  In 2011 which was one of greatest years, he also won Wimbledon against Rafael Nadal.  Now he is very much annoyed by unfortunate defeat against Rafael Nadal in a very close semi final.  Now he wants to heal at Wimbledon.  He desperately wants this title to regain his momentum.  He is ready to face each and every challenge at this event.  He has a record of 33-5 with 3 titles this year.  He is also two times semi finalist here.  Last year he lost to Federer in four sets. 

1: Rafael Nadal


Rafael Nadal 2013 season is going to be his most successful season of his career.  Because he has an impressive record after his recovery from knee injury.  He is 43-2 with astonishing 7 titles out of which 6 are on clay.  He has huge momentum in his side.  He is considered as most favourite to win at Wimbledon.  He is two times champion here in 2009 and 2010.  In 2009 he produced one of greatest matches in tennis history against Federer and he got victory in five sets and did not allow Federer to win 6th consecutive title.  Grass court has its own dynamics.  Last year Nadal was champion at French Open, but he could not cope with clay to grass transition and suffered a second round loss to unknown Lukas Rosol.  At Wimbledon he has 36-6 record.  Now he is bidding to win his 3rd Wimbledon title. 

Comparison Of Performance At Wimbledon
Year
Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer
Andy Murray
1999
DNP
DNP
1st Rd
DNP
2000
DNP
DNP
1st Rd
DNP
2001
DNP
DNP
QF
DNP
20002
DNP
DNP
1st Rd
DNP
2003
DNP
DNP
Won
DNP
2004
DNP
DNP
Won
DNP
2005
3rd Rd
2nd Rd
Won
3rd Rd
2006
4th Rd
Runner Up
Won
4th Rd
2007
SF
Runner Up
Won
DNP
2008
2nd Rd
Won
Runner Up
QF
2009
QF
DNP
Won
SF
2010
SF
Won
QF
SF
2011
Won
Runner Up
QF
SF
2012
SF
2nd Rd
Won
Runner Up