So it’s finally here, the draw for the 2013 Australian Open and to be honest there are no surprises as Federer and Murray landed in the same half of the draw.
I guess the prospect of a Djokovic vs. Murray final was too much for Tennis Australia to pass up seen as though it’s the supposedly the hottest rivalry in the game right now.
That makes it tough for Roger should he make it as it likely means he’d have to beat Murray and Djokovic back to back to win the title.
The saving grace is that Juan Martin Del Potro landed in Murray’s quarter and on paper that’s the most exciting quarter final match up.
Of course both guys have to make it that far for it to happen and Del Potro can be pretty unpredictable (as can Murray too) so that’s not a cert.
Federer vs. Benoite Paire in Round 1
In round 1 Roger faces young Frenchman Benoit Paire. That should be a routine victory considering Roger dispatched him comfortably in Basel last year 6-2 6-2 depsite not playing anywhere near his best.
I imagine Roger will be rusty having not played a competitive match since his World Tour Finals loss to Djokovic but I don’t think Paire will cause him many problems. I expect straight sets and nothing less.
Roger’s Projected Route to the Final – Pretty Tough
Paire > Davydenko > Tomic > Raonic > Tsonga > Murray > Djokovic
If Roger beats Paire which he should then it’s likely he’ll face Davydenko who has to get by a qualifier in his first round match. Davydenko is an enigma these days so he could quite easily lose or go five sets knowing the way he plays.
In a repeat of his 4th round tie last year the Roger’s 3rd match could be against Bernard Tomic who’s started the season off well in the Hopman Cup and by making the final in Sydney earlier today.
Raonic is the projected opponent in the 4th round although he’s had a poor start to the year so he’s not certain to make it. Philipp Kohlschreiber is also in the mix as a potential fourth round opponent, a guy I tipped to have a good tournament and he made the final in New Zealand today so he’s finding form when it matters.
The quarter finals is where it potentially gets tough with Roger likely to meet Tsonga, Murray and then Djokovic to win the title. I’m not worried about Tsonga as he’s carrying an injury and I feel like Roger still has a slight edge over Murray. The toughest thing about the draw is beating those guys back to back before a final with Djokovic (who has a very easy draw).
One thing to remember though is draws never go according exactly to seedings so we’re bound to see different matches to the ones projected above. The main thing we needed to know was that Roger is in the same half as Murray. Yes that makes it tough but it’s still only a matchup on paper and tough draws aren’t always a bad thing.
Other Notable First Round Matchups
We don’t know who’s qualified just yet but there’s some pretty interesting first round match ups already in place with Hewitt vs. Tipsarevic a tasty one for the home fans. Hewitt could actually win that which in terms of seeding would be a huge upset.
Young Belgian David Goffin will play Fernando Verdasco which could be an entertaining encounter. I thought Verdasco might perform well this year at the Australian Open but Goffin is definitely no push over making the 4th round at last years French Open. If Verdasco makes his usual high unforced error count he could well lose; which would be a huge scalp for the young Belgian.
Then we have Monfils vs. Dolgopolov, Monfils is on his way back from injury so I’m sure will be eager to prove a point. Dolgo is unpredictable but I’m sure he won a few fans in Australia last year when he played that 5 setter with Tomic and this is another type of match that could well go the distance.
Murray vs. Haase could be interesting too if Haase goes for the gung ho approach he took at the US Open against Murray a couple of years back when he won the first 2 sets before crumbling mentally. He’s not playing well though so he will have to up his game to even trouble last years US Open champ.
Projected Quarter Final Matchups
According to seedings these are the projected Quarter Finals, I’m doubtful all those will come off but here they are anyway:
- Djokovic vs. Berdych
- Ferrer vs. Tipsarevic
- Del Potro vs. Murray
- Tsonga vs. Federer
Full Australian Open Draw (click to open)
Ryan Harrison (USA) v Santiago Giraldo (COL)
Qualifier v Feliciano Lopez (ESP)
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Viktor Troicki (SRB) v 31-Radek Stepanek (CZE)
20-Sam Querrey (USA) v Qualifier
Qualifier v Brian Baker (USA)
Tobias Kamke (GER) v Flavio Cipolla (ITA)
Qualifier v 15-Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI)
11-Juan Monaco (ARG) v Andrey Kuznetsov (RUS)
Kevin Anderson (RSA) v Paolo Lorenzi (ITA)
Xavier Malisse (BEL) v Pablo Andujar (ESP)
David Goffin (BEL) v 22-Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
26-Jurgen Melzer (AUT) v Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ)
Fabio Fognini (ITA) v Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)
Qualifier v Guillaume Rufin (FRA)
Michael Russell (USA) v 5-Tomas Berdych (CZE)
4-David Ferrer (ESP) v Olivier Rochus (BEL)
Ivo Karlovic (CRO) v Qualifier
John Millman (AUS) v Tatsuma Ito (JPN)
Albert Ramos (ESP) v 28-Marcos Baghdatis (CYP)
23-Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) v Matthew Ebden (AUS)
Evgeny Donskoy (RUS) v Adrian Ungur (ROM)
Qualifier v Carlos Berlocq (ARG)
Victor Hanescu (ROM) v 16-Kei Nishikori (JPN)
10-Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v Qualifier
Daniel Gimeno-Traver (ESP) v Lukasz Kubot (POL)
Bjorn Phau (GER) v Somdev Devvarman (IND)
Simone Bolelli (ITA) v 24-Jerzy Janowicz (POL)
32-Julien Benneteau (FRA) v Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)
Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA) v Qualifier
Lukas Lacko (SVK) v Gilles Muller (LUX)
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) v 8-Janko Tipsarevic (SRB)
6-Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) v Qualifier
Aljaz Bedene (SLO) v Benjamin Becker (GER)
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) v Qualifier
Grega Zemlja (SLO) v 30-Marcel Granollers (ESP)
21-Andreas Seppi (ITA) v Horacio Zeballos (ARG)
Igor Sijsling (NED) v Denis Istomin (UZB)
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Qualifier
Marinko Matosevic (AUS) v 12-Marin Cilic (CRO)
14-Gilles Simon (FRA) v Filippo Volandri (ITA)
Tommy Robredo (ESP) v Jesse Levine (CAN)
Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) v Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo (ESP)
Gael Monfils (FRA) v 18-Alexandr Dolgopolov (UKR)
25-Florian Mayer (GER) v Rhyne Williams (USA)
Qualifier v Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR)
Joao Sousa (POR) v John-Patrick Smith (AUS)
Robin Haase (NED) v 3-Andy Murray (GBR)
7-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) v Michael Llodra (FRA)
Go Soeda (JPN) v Luke Saville (AUS)
James Duckworth (AUS) v Benjamin Mitchell (AUS)
Blaz Kavcic (SLO) v 29-Thomaz Bellucci (BRA)
19-Tommy Haas (GER) v Jarkko Nieminen (FIN)
Ivan Dodig (CRO) v Wu Di (CHN)
Josselin Ouanna (FRA) v Alejandro Falla (COL)
Albert Montanes (ESP) v 9-Richard Gasquet (FRA)
13-Milos Raonic (CAN) v Jan Hajek (CZE)
Qualifier v Lukas Rosol (CZE)
Qualifier v Guido Pella (ARG)
Steve Darcis (BEL) v 17-Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER)
27-Martin Klizan (SVK) v Qualifier
Bernard Tomic (AUS) v Leonardo Mayer (ARG)
Qualifier v Nikolay Davydenko (RUS)
Benoit Paire (FRA) v 2-Roger Federer (SUI)
I’m hearing that the weather is extremely warm in Melbourne this year so that could effect some players who aren’t used to the heat. Roger has been training in Dubai so I think he can handle it no problem but I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how some of the younger guys cope should they play in the afternoon heat.
I’m still sticking with my prediction that Djokovic is the favourite for the title, and that’s almost been reinforced now he has a simple route to the final. Mathieu might be able to cause him a few problems in his first match but after that I can see him coasting through the draw.
That’s all there is too it really, we know the first round matches and that’s as far as it goes for now. I’m looking forward to seeing Federer back on court for the first time in what feels like forever and it looks set be a great tournament.
I’m sure there will be some big surprises along the way too and no doubt some nervous moments for Federer fans but if he’s able to play his way into the tournament and then click into gear in the second week then I figure he has a good chance of making the final. What do you guys think?
Tough draw indeed. Del Potro taking out Murray in QF would help massively.
Yeah hopefully Del Potro has got his fitness levels up and wants to put in a good performance!
I think you’re spot on as usual: Djokovic is the clear favorite, and look at that draw he has…. similar to 2012 USO… He’s almost bound to win now… If he meets Ferrer in the semis, I just can’t see it going other than comfortable straights…
And well, Roger’s Roger… You feel like he always has chance anywhere, but it’s gonna be tough…
Cheers Simon, me too, no way Ferrer will beat Djokovic, he will get owned.
Like you say, tricky for Roger but the matches are still on his racket I feel.
Well I’m to going to the Australian Open! Only watching the first few days. I will likely watch Roger’s match with Paire and depending on the schedule I might see his possible match with Davydenko. It should be a good quality match and a good test for Roger.
Cool, you got tickets for Rod Laver? Should be a good one, going to be crazy warm too I hear!
Hi Jonathan!
Definitely I see Djoko as a favorite, but I also see the possibility of an opponent like Berdych to be hard to beat in the quarterfinals, since he has the easier draw of all top 10, until the meeting with Djoko. I’ll be aware of this duel!
Delpo can also beat Murray, this is very possible.
Regarding Federer certainly his draw is tough but my prediction is that he will reaches the final and then anything can happen … Alllezzz Rogi 🙂
Hey!
Berdych is capable I think, but he has been out of form so far this year so I can see him losing early. Although he has made the QF last 2 years running so he can play well there.
I think Del Potro can upset Murray too but he has to make sure he makes the Quarters, he can be a clown sometimes.
Jonathan
Horrible draw…horrible draw for Roger. Billions of blue blistering boiled and barbecued barnacles! Ten thousand thundering typhoons! Crabapples! Goosecaps! Jellyfish! Sea Gherkins! Fourlegged Cyrano!
Who made this draw? Miserable earth worms! Cushion footed quadrupeds! I want names!
Sounding like Ron Burgundy with that rant!
Did you watch it? Pat Cash asked about how they do the draw, the guys response was that of someone who’d been caught red handed! lol.
We could do with a anchor man like Ron Burgundy to do Tennis commentating instead of the same old biased nonsence. I would listen to that anyday of the week. We probably get more of the truth.
That was Captain Haddock from the TinTin comic reason, in case you haven’t guessed it.
I strongly believe draws are fixed. They keep 1 through 4 away, after that it’s all fair game. They lost Nadal. They wanted at least one from the last final to make it to the second Sunday. Wish granted.
They wanted their Australian [talent?] to get a rematch with Federer. Guess what? Round 3! Lucky? My ***!
Raonic and Rosol meet for plenty of fireworks. Coincidence? I don’t think so!
It’s just like a movie. They do what will extract the most moolah out of the audience.
Haha I didn’t figure it out, but now I know full well who you mean. Not watched TinTin in ages and never watched the new movie!
Good point about it being like a movie sometimes, playing to a script you feel.
Very tough draw for Roger, especially given that he’s yet to play a match this season. At the same time, it’s Federer after all so I can see him getting to the quarters at least. It’s from then on where it will be very interesting and when things get increasingly difficult.
I said before that I thought there was a chance of a surprise finalist this year, but after seeing the draw I’m not so sure. If it was to happen I see it as more likely to occur on the side of the draw with Federer and Murray, as I can’t see any other result than Djokovic making the final from his side. I would still love it to happen though, the big 4 have been so consistent for so long that any shake-up would be fascinating.
Djokovic is the clear favourite, but for some reason I just have a feeling that Roger might do it this year. Fingers crossed!! (and fingers crossed that I haven’t jinxed him!!)
Hope you are right man! Allez les suisse!
Pretty tough draw for rog here, i was hopping that he would get ferrer on his side but it wasnt meant to be. Anyway this should be an exiting journey for rog, as he will have some tough oponents allmost for every round and that should be fun to watch. I feel though that rog can make something happen, but i think it will go down to his second week form, if hes feelling good i see him at least making the final. Cant wait to see him its been so long, hope for a good tournament.
Hope so, if he can get through the early round without having to dig deep and then just up his game when it matters it could be a good tournament. Allez!
I’m not sure about Murray making the semis since he can be wonky in the early rounds of draws. Djokovic is the clear favourite now, but Roger doesn’t have as tough a draw as people are making out. If anything, it’s very manageable and he always thrives on tough draws. I find he doesn’t do as well when he’s given “easier” draws.
Hi Kyle… I hope u r right, it could make Federer stronger mentally and give him the momemtum to go all the way.
Ps thanks again for answering my question on my last post.
Yeah, look at Wimbledon last year… Fed had a “impossible” and “horrible” draw and you know what happened. I agree with Jonathan: draws never go as planned!
Murray can be unpredictable but think you gotta expect him to make the latter stages now he’s won a slam. I say he will lose 4th round or make the semis.
Hello Jonathan!
Greetings from Sydney, been a long time follower of the blog and I’m ready to get into all the discussions you guys have. I must say I appreciate your posts as an avid tennis follower and a diehard RF fan. You are pro Federer and yet make great judgements regarding Fed and everything in tennis itself, so good job!
Regarding the draw, firstly I must say as an Australian, The Aussie Open is definitely my favourite slam as it takes over the country for two weeks, and is very iconic of our summer. In saying so, I am disappointed in Tennis Australia because to me, it seems they have (rigged)? put the draw in their favour to get a potential Murray/Novak final as you say as that what it’s all about now apparently. Am I the only one that is sick of long baseline rallies on the slow surface on Melbourne, I do not want another 6 hour final, I miss the aggressive variety tennis style of Fed himself.
I’ve read a few articles, and man Fed fans everywhere are depressed. People are forgetting who Roger Federer is!! The guy is a genius with GOAT scheduling, people need to have more faith that Fed is ready and has rested up. I can say with confidence that Fed is absolutely motivated for the slams this year and he even came earlier to Melbourne to get used to conditions. He has the toughest road ahead but he’s looking at it one match at a time as he should, and tennis is very unpredictable, so the seedings might not even hold up. Davydenko’s fitness is a question mark, Tomic who has been unbeatable this summer is good but not good enough, Raonic has looked scrappy this year already and Tsonga has an early injury so it’s only right to look at the first round and take it from there. If Fed gets through the second week with dominant play, I have no doubt he will take it to Murray and Novak (who is basically a lock for the final…)
Finally, it’s probably notable to say that now that Novak has the “easier” draw, there is EXTRA pressure on him to get this hat trick then there already was and he knows it. Fed meanwhile can relax and that’s when he plays his best. And one more thing, it has been EXTREMELY hot this year in Australia, I live in Sydney and I can confirm that while temperatures have been reaching 37-40 degrees Celsius in Melbourne on random days, their average is about 22-25 on most days so Fed should be right to go with the heat spending time here and Dubai as you mentioned. The young players who come from the European winters should be the ones to worry for.
I’ll be looking forward to your posts over the next few weeks! I honestly believe that Fed who has a mighty task ahead of him is capable as the GOAT to notch another Australian Open under his belt and stop Murray and Novak in the process, and this means with this draw if he wins that there won’t be any silly media saying he got it due to an easy draw or the absence of Rafa. Good luck Fed, we are all supporting you!
Alysha
Btw guys I found what his Aussie Open outfit is gonna look like on him, it looks great! the photos of the outift were misleading because Roger pulls it off. What does everyone else think?
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152378788850332&set=a.10152378787600332.951086.10150107266525332&type=1&theater
I don’t think he is wearing that one now, he chose blue trainers so I guess it will be the blue outfit.
Hey Alysha,
Thanks for commenting! Are you going to be Melbourne to watch live?
I think you’re right, the draw does look a little suspicious but like you said, there is no point getting too downbeat about it. The only thing we know for certain is that he’s playing Paire in the first round, the rest is still unwritten.
Allez Roger!
Jonathan
Thanks for the reply!
And no unfortunately not this year, but I’m planning to in 2014. You’re pretty lucky living in London that there’s a few events including WTF. We only get tennis for a month and that’s it lol.
Yeah I’m sure there’s something going on with the draw. But as you said, they never go as planned. It’s just funny that when Federer was ever 1 or 2 before they never drawed with 3 with him and novak always meeting as did Rafa and Murray in the semis. Can’t wait to see Federer back on court, it’s been too long.
Oh he did choose the blue ones, hmm looks like he did change it unless he has a day and night outfit. However he never does that here only at New York.
Btw do you think you could investigate this whole draw/ schedule thing, I don’t understand how they all of a sudden changed the bottom half of the draw to play after the top one while on the women’s side it’s opposite? Fed has got his work cut out for him!
Hey,
Ah I’d love to go to Aus Open one day. Bit of a trek though. I live quite away from London though (4/5 hour drive) so not on my doorstep but not impossible either 😉
Roger might change his outfit for night matches, he did it in Australia in 2008 where he wore blue during the day and all black at night. Might be similar this year.
I have no idea on the draw switching days, bit weird but just have to deal with it I guess. I will try find some info but not sure where to look!
Jonathan
Like I said in another comment, why don’t they just give Novak a buy up to the final? He has Berdych on his side as a difficult opponent??? Didn’t Berdych win just once and lost all the other matches he played against Novak?
And Novak has Ferrer on his side??? How many times did Novak win those matches?
Seriously, they should just tell Novak to go straight to the final.
As for Roger, Paire will not be a problem (hopefully), Davydenko may be a big problem. But I am more worried about Tomic (who is lately playing incredible) and Raonic. If you look at the Roger/Raonic matches, they were always pretty close. Tsonga always loses to Roger, EXCEPT when he plays Roger at a QF/SF. Then he remembers that he is a great player (something he forgets when he plays Rafa/Novak/Andy).
And then of course there is Andy. You all think Roger can take him, but that was Andy before Olympic Gold/US Open. I know that will be a tough match.
And if he wins from Andy …………………… surprise, then there’s Novak. WELLRESTED Novak. Who had a too easy draw, so he will be wellrested, not tired, fired up and pumped up to win.
Luckily there are three light points:
1) I believe Rosol is on Novak’s side, so lets see and hope.
2) Novak does not do history too wel. Last year, he could have won FO for a Career Slam and he gave it a little bit away. This year he will also play for history (3 AO on a row), so he might crumble under that.
3) Roger lost Wimbledon two years on a row before he won Wimbledon 2012. So maybe this AO he wins again after losing it two years.
As far as Roger is concerned, I also wrote earlier that the tennisgods and ATP/ITP really wants Roger to work hard for his 5th AO and his 18th GS. And he will just do that.
Also Roger does not do and does not want easy. He wants to be challenged, wants the excitement, the fight.
At Wimbledon he had so many back problems, but he stayed and he fought. I think this will happen at the AO too. Not the back problem !!!! but him fighting. It is also now obvious to him that nobody (commentators/critics) thinks he has a chance, let alone win the AO. I think he thrives on situations like that.
“You say its a slamdunck Novak/Andy final? Oh, I’m not even a possibility? You don’t think I will go past the QF or Andy? Well then its time for me to show you your place”. Not that Roger talks like that, but I think he does think like that.
Anyway can’t wait for AO to start. Just because he is underrated, just because they treat him like he has no chance at all, I hope Roger wins AO. Of course, difficult to look past Novak, especially now with the draw, but I am so hoping, wishing and rooting for Roger. He REALLY DESERVES to win.
There is unfortunately a BIG DOWNSIDE if Roger wins AO. He will not get the respect he deserves.
After he wins commentators/critics/other fans will say he won because:
Rafa was not there
Novak had a too easy draw so he could never come in the zone
Novak and Andy were tired because they played some matches while Roger did not
Novak and Andy could not take the heat to well and Roger could because of where he practised
He and he and he were injured
He and he and he were tired
bla bla bla.
They will always find a way to deminish the accomplishment if he wins AO.
But lets just hope he does win AO 2013 and we will worry about the critics when we get that far.
Hoping, wishing and rooting for the Goat. Let them see WHY you are the greatest tennisplayer ever to walked on the tenniscourt. Let them see that when everybody wants you down, you can and will rise.
Let them see what you can still accomplish at age 31 when you work hard, play well and above all love the game and the millions of fans it gave you.
Katyani
Ps: Does anyone else think that Novak is so incredible skinny???? Even more than last year????
Hi Katyani, ha ha, you’re funny! Somehow I feel more positive after reading your comment. Fed will get through this titanic challenge. Djokovic goes too easy peasy with an extra day to rest for the final and looses his rhythm, ha! I’m so looking forward to seeing Fed after the training/practising period and how he would look in the gray/pink outfit!
As for Novak, he’s been always skinny, especially the legs but pure muscle, I guess.
Great comment!
Good point about Djoker playing for history. He didn’t play well in the French Open final so maybe it effects him.
We just have to take it 1 round at a time. Paire first, important he gets rid of his court rust and moves through easily enough to the second round.
Jonathan
Hi Wanda and Jonathan,
Yes I am very passionate about Roger and I think the draw is unfair,
but a) how can you prove it and b) what can you do?
Well just like Roger accept it and play and give it your upperbest.
I think and hope Roger is not seeing the bigger picture (winning 5th AO and 18th GS). I hope he takes it one match at the time, tries to win that and then goes on. After seven matches he will have won AO itself.
One positive thing, I don’t think he minds it, I saw the pictures of the kids day and he and the rest looked happy and relaxed.
By the way, now that I am thinking about it, Paire should not be underestimated.
Didn’t he win a title (Chennai) this year with Wawrinka (doubles)? He can be dangerous for Roger.
Katyani
Hey Katyani,
Yeah we just have to deal with it, as does Roger. He can only control what happens on his side of the net and it’s worked 17 times before so no reason to doubt it now.
Paire is a young talent, but Roger beat 6-2 6-2 in Basel when he was playing poorly so I can’t see him doing any damage. He’s not good enough yet and unproven.
Jonathan
Two time defending champ Nole is for sure the favourite, and it does look a good draw for him, but when has a grand slam ever been won on paper?
I think a lot of people underestimate David Ferrer though… One of my favourite players alongside Fed. Every year he’s been on tour he comes back from the off-season a better player. He, his team and coach Javier Piles are immense and he’s a model pro too, great example for upcoming juniors. Like the GOAT himself, he doesn’t wine and moan when things don’t go his way, he just gets on with the hard grind and gives it everything he’s got. Just look at his results last year, he got 7 titles and won 70 odd matches!
Yes against the top guys he’s not getting results. But he’s getting closer! Improving year on year… and every dog has his day Jonathan 😉 Besides, the pressure is firmly on Nole now, not like in 2011 or even 2012 as he wasn’t expected to repeat his performances from that year like he did. No one’s done three in a row have they?
As for Fed’s chances… Raonic will be dangerous, he plays good ball. If they do meet in the 4th, it’ll remind me somewhat of when he played Sampras in the 4th at Wimbledon in ’01… not that Raonic is THAT good or anything, just that it got me thinking: he’s upcoming like Roger was, and now Roger’s the one in Pete’s shoes, with people asking the question “how many more?”
Just a nostalgic thought, although this time it’ll be the legend coming through like he did back then!
I’m going to be bold and predict a Ferru FedExpress final, with Fed winning the 18th
Great blog by the way
Hey,
Very true! I think the draw will change considerably. Hewitt could easily beat Tipsarevic and then that’s a seed gone already.
Ferrer has a good work ethic but he has no talent, he doesn’t have enough weapons to be able to win a slam though. Definitely a good example of where hard work gets you though. He will probably make the Quarter Final but I can’t see any more than that.
Raonic is a danger with his serve but he’s had a poor start to the year so not sure what to expect of him. Tomic won in Sydney today so he’s going to be full of confidence.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi, I just have to respond to your comment, because I have a similar nightmare, but only to be happening at Wimbledon 2013. This is my nightmare and I am going to write it down six months before:
Samprass won 7 Wimby. In 2001 he had to play Roger in the 4th round. He was 9 years older. Roger had no titles.
Pete was the king and Roger the newby and he was 21 years old I think.
Everybody compared Roger to Pete. What happened? Roger won, Pete lost. The master was beaten by a new student.
Now Roger has 7 Wimby. I think he will have to play Grigor Dimitrov in the 4th round. Roger is 10 years older. Grigor has no titles. Roger is the king and Grigor is the newby and 21 years old.
Everybody compares Grigor to Roger (aka Baby Fed). Roger is the master and Grigor is the student.
What will happen?? I am sorry to say but this sounds almost like history will repeat itself and Roger will lose.
I have a bad feeling about Wimby 2013. Every fiber in my beeing hopes and prays that this will not happen,
but unfortunately I am seeing a lot of similarities !!!
I hope not, but ……… Hopefully someone can ease my mind and tell me that I am deadwrong and overreacting !!!
You wrote the story about Roger/Raonic and AO, but this is what I thought and I did not know whether to tell it or not, but as you can see I have similar thoughts, but about another GS.
So hoping that it will never come true and that Roger will win Wimbledon 2013.
Katyani
Hey Katyani, relax!
The difference between Roger and Samprass is that he is not Samprass. Roger is the one and only. He is breaking most of his records and counting, isn’t he? His game was different from Pete and was better that day. I think Dimitrov has to have his own game and be spectacular to beat Roger, like Tsonga did in 2011 Wimby. One day it, ie; a young guy overcomes Roger on grass, would happen but not just yet. Because Roger will WIN his 8th Wimbledon to past Samprass to be ‘Stands Alone’. So NO worries!
Hi Katyani,
Have you read this article? Good one!
http://espn.go.com/tennis/aus13/story/_/id/8822276/australian-open-perspective-keeps-roger-federer-going
And oops, we both made mistake of the spelling of ‘Sampras’. Sorry.
Hi Wanda, thank you for replying. I really hope and think that I’m wrong. But maybe I should concentrate on the AO now. When it comes to Roger, I’m always nervous. Even when Roger is playing a match he is winning. I am relaxed when he has won.
Yes, you are right about Pete’s name !!
Greetings from Katyani
Federer sure got his work cut out for him! I’m shocked a #2 seed could get such a lousy draw! How is it that Djokovic got Ferrer as #2 but Fed doesn’t… something fishy! I agree with you that draws never go as planned but I’m worried about Raonic… that could go 4 or 5 sets. Tsonga is better than Del Potro or Berdych but Murray is a big ask. Trying to stay hopeful but I’m 99% sure Djokovic has this. The officials should get Djoker a “arrive on final day” free pass! 😛
AND The AO broke a 5+ year tradition…. now DJOKOVIC plays the odd days and gets an extra day rest for the final (used to always be bottom half of draw FYI)…. They’re giving it to him on a platter! But Allez Suisse!!! I believe Roger has something up his sleeve and I never doubt him!
Interesting about the 5 year tradition thing! Are there any articles about that?
No… I shouldn’t of use the word “tradition”. But it had been a usual thing… Like 4 years of US Open Monday finals…
I think tradition is pretty accurate though! It’s like Wimbledon changing it so the defending champion doesn’t play the first match on Center court or something. Weird.
Chris are you kidding me? Not only did they make it easy for Novak to reach the final, but HE gets an extra day off?
Why don’t they just call the whole thing off and tell Novak to be ready on the final day to just receive the trophy (without him having to play or sweat for it) !!!!!!
Now it really begins to sound like a conspiracy. I thought because Roger was in the second draw, he at least would have an extra day of rest if he made it to the final.
Seriously, lets just give Novak the trophy and tell everybody to go home and have a vacation !!!
Katyani
Haha Katyani you make me laugh.
Relax!
It’s a tough draw, yes. But by no means impossible. He says he feels refreshed and he looks it! And sounds very confident and motivated.
1st round Paire – I’m not too concerned about. Might be surprisingly difficult, but he should be able to take it, pref in straights.
2nd round: Davydenko. I believe Jonathan, that it was you who said Davy shouldn’t be too much of a concern cause he never does extremely well at AO. From 2001 on, he only reached 3 QF, 1 4th round and the rest he got out in 1st or 2nd… So I’m inclined to say you are right 😉
3rd round: Tomic… He did well, winning his 1st title, but he is young and maybe not consistent enough yet for 5 setters and the pressure of big tournaments. Advantage is he plays for a home crowd; however, we thought that’d work for Andy when he played Fed and it turned out that that is not always the case…
4rd round: Raonic – I don’t know much about him. So can’t really comment on that. Somehow missed their matches in the past…
Then Tsonga, probably and even though that might be difficult too, there is a good chance that will work out well too. Tsonga was injured before (just like Davy btw!) and I always like to see him play, but mentally he is not the best at Grand Slams I think…
Then expected is Andy in the SF. Their H2H is in Andy’s favor, but Roger beat Andy the last time he played and we all know that Fed was in the zone then (despite him being exhausted and ready for a break) and I’d like that sort of thing can stay with you… So not impossible either… If Delpo were to beat Andy and meet Fed, that might be a bit different… At the press conf yesterday Fed said that some opponents make you play better and some make you play worse… I think that goes for Delpo. He doesn’t bring out the best in Roger (at least, most of the time) But Delpo also isn’t the fittest player around, so that can be an advantage…
And finals, if he were to get there and I like to believe he can ;), not impossible to beat Nole. But Nole’s draw is a joke imo and he will be very fit, which won’t help Roger…
We’ll see… Only time can tell whether faith and/or worries are justified…
Signing off now after this lóng reply… 😉
Hey Natasja,
Yep we just gotta take it round by round. Paire is the first obstacle and Roger’s aim has to be to play well and the draw will take care of itself!
Allez les suisse!
Jonathan
Roger’s draw has a lot bumps and curveballs, doesn’t help that he will be starting first GS ‘cold’. Some tough matches ahead but I think its time for him to play on 2nd Sunday again. I think he can do it – Go Roger!!
Hey Dippy,
From what he said he’s practised hard so hopefully he comes in hitting the ball well. The exhos might have helped too so might not be as much rust as we think. We’ll find about anyway when he plays Paire!
Allez!
It is a bad draw for Fed, but I still think he can make the final as he will have to be in the zone from the word go in this tournament, meaning he should be in peak form when the likes of Murray come across him.
Also, I think I’m right in saying this but I might be wrong as my stream of the draw was shocking, the pots with the various seeds were hidden behind this needless barrier thing so that the people watching the draw couldn’t see the pots. Surely that means the organisers doing the draw could have done anything to the names or put them in any sort of delierate order so that they knew who was who in advance? I agree that they sounded as guilty as anything when Pat Cash grilled them about it!
Hey Oscar,
Hope so man!
Yeah the draw was funny, it’s clearly fixed, they may as well just admit it!
Jonathan
I hate this draw. Roger plays Semis on Thursday. Djoko on Friday. I seriously hoped for a 6h 5 setter between Murray and Djoko like last year. Maybe they can slow these courts down even more, then they might have played 7h. Anyways we will not find out….
Tomic is dangerous. Maybe the hottest player on tour up to now. He tremendously improved his forehand and his footwork. I see a close match with Roger. Anyways he is cocky and that’s not a good idea against Roger (ask Roddick).
Murray is dangerous because of his return and the slow courts but not as dangerous as Djokovic.
Djoko has a walkover to the final. Beryshit has not found any touch this year.
Hey Michael,
Should they both make semi’s I think it’s other way round, Fed on Friday and Djoker on Thursday.
Yeah Tomic is sounding more confident/cocky by the day. Maybe he is going to shock the world but I’m not sure yet.
The courts might play quicker, we’ll see. I’ve spoken to a few guys who watched Qualies and they said it’s flying through pretty quick!
Jonathan
Schedule of play came out and Novak is on today (Monday here in Australia) so yep they definitely switched the draws this year. Kinda sucks for Fed if he’s pushed to the limit by Murray or Delpo on that Friday but maybe it will make him more conscious to keep the points short and conserve his energy for the second week. Also that means Fed will play Thursday, and its scheduled to be 40 in Melbourne, wonder if they will close the roof in according to the extreme heat policy, that will only benefit him even more should he meet Davydenko.
Courts quicker? Sounds good, knowing ITF and Tennis Australia, probably didn’t change much on Rod Laver, but any change in court speed is only a plus.
Hi,
Interesting point about the roof, will have to wait and see I guess.
Djoker cruised today. Hoping Fed can do the same.
Jonathan
When the roof is closed, and they put the air condition on,they have there ambient temperature does that make the tennis balls go faster through the air?
Yeah it makes the conditions play truer – more consistent bounce and a little quicker I think.
Yeah I’m not too sure what circumstances need to be reached to put the roof on, there’s no particular temp but looks like it will happen, unless he is scheduled to a night match?
Btw all of the commentators have been saying the courts ARE much quicker this year, and the ball is much lighter on Rod Laver as the players have been complaining. I guess Fed was right in saying they have been sort of fixing it. This will be interesting to see in the next week or so…
Yeah Novak looked good but Mathieu only got into it into the third set, too little too late. Looking forward to seeing Fed and what form he is in. Also hopping for straight sets.