Boom, the US Open is underway and Roger got off to a pretty good start against American Donald Young beating him 6-3 6-2, 6-4 in the night match on Arthur Ashe.
I managed to watch all the match thanks to a strategic nap beforehand and woke up at bang on 2am so I had 30 minutes preparation time (watching Clijsters, I nearly fell back asleep ;)) before the match started at 2.30am.
In terms of the match there’s not actually a whole lot to talk about as it was really just a routine match. Roger didn’t have to play that well to cross the finish line and it was more a case of serving well and taking his chances when they presented themselves.
I don’t think the conditions lent themselves to top class tennis either which probably didn’t help either player as it was both windy yet very very humid. I mean Fed was sweating buckets after the first set which he never normally does so you know for certain it was hot out there.
I figured beforehand that one set might be quite close until Fed figured out Young’s game but that didn’t really happen. It was quite close early on as both men held serve until 3-3 but Roger then went and won 10 straight points to take the first 6-3. It was a total blink and you’ll miss it type moment, to be honest it had been pretty dull up until 3-3 and then within what felt like 30 seconds both players were sat down toweling off ready to start the second set.
The second set was again pretty similar, Fed broke to lead 2-0 before Young managed to break back, much to the delight of the crowd, to level at 2-2. It was short-lived however as Roger broke immediately and then took the set 6-2.
By this point the third set was a formality and if I’m honest I was hoping Fed would serve up Donald a bakery product so I could go to bed!
I thought it was good, considering I played a very talented player who I didn’t know much, I haven’t played against him,” said the Swiss. “First round at the US Open can always bring a lot of pressure with it. It was very windy out there and extremely humid, so I’m just happy I was able to weather the conditions and a dangerous opponent.
Thoughts on the match
Not a lot really other than I was pretty disappointed with Donald Young, he’s always described as a “rising star” or a “talent” but I wasn’t that impressed. Maybe after losing 17 straight matches he’s had his confidence zapped but from my angle he didn’t play that smart. Prime example was on a break point on his second serve where Roger moved into the tramlines on the ad court to basically say “I’m moving round this and slapping back a forehand” and Young just served straight into the hitting zone to drop serve.
He showed glimpses of his shot making capability in parts and he can move quite well but I don’t think he will ever be more than a top 20 player and he can tell his Grandkids he beat Andy Murray at Indian Wells, although not that you’d want to as it’s hardly a unique club 😉
As for Roger I was suitably impressed, he played well enough and he was dominant on serve, winning 83% of points behind his first serve. Solid stats. I imagine once he knew Young wasn’t capable of causing too much damage he just slipped into a comfortable gear and cruised through.
Federer Press Conference
Predictions vs. Phau
This one should be a routine match for Roger but I expect it to be quite exciting to watch. These two have history and usually when they meet they both play well. Phau has a consistent serve and hits well off the ground off both wings so he can definitely test Roger and I think he will have to up his level just a little from the Young match, which is a good thing.
Phau won their first meeting easily 6-2, 6-3 way back in 1999 in Washington. Safe to say I didn’t watch that match but I did watch their second meeting at the 1st round of the 2007 Australian Open. For some reason I remember that match quite well and Phau blew a first set 5-3 lead. Both players were constantly exchanging breaks before Roger pulled away to take it 7-5, 6-0, 6-4. The two met again in Estoril in 2010 and Roger took that one in straight sets, I don’t remember that match as well but I know Federer was stinking up the joint in Estoril that year (losing to Montanes WTF?) so by this point Phau was clearly over the best of his career.
Phau also tested Nadal in the first round of the US Open back in 2008 and it took Nadal two tie breaks before he saw him off. I guess we can say Phau ups his level against the better players so like I said it might be a good match.
Still, Fed has been playing too well to drop a set I think he will take it 6-4 6-2 6-2. I’m hoping it’s a day match so I can a.) watch at a sensible time and b.) the courts might be pretty fast.
Oh and I just heard stat that Roger is 22-0 in night matches at the US Open. Pretty cool stat!
He should have no trouble with Phau and the conditions should be better, hopefully.
Young has talent but no brains. Considering this, I thought he did well to get 9 games off Fed.
I think Phau will put up a fight. He raises his game against the big players. 1 set will be close, maybe a breaker.
So far, so good.. 6 to go! Interesting fact about night matches (I loved how they played “Darth Federer” theme!) I predict 6-3 7-5 6-1 for tomorrow.
Do they always play the Darth Vader theme before his night matches? 🙂 I don’t usually watch the warm ups etc.
Yeah Darth Fed was a win, white socks was a no. His next match will be on Thursday I think. I reckon Phau will put up a fight but we shall see. At least 1 set will be close I’m sure.
Probably will play his 3R on Saturday, 4R on Monday, QF on Wednesday/Thursday, the semi on Saturday, and then the final on Sunday/Monday.
Who the heck chose white socks?? Love the outfit itself, but those socks almost grab more attention than the polo…
Not sure! I’m sure he will wear navy tonight. He has to!
If the Duck had played more and quacked less, he might have turned in a better performance. All I can say is, “Hey Donald, you got Trumped!”
Haha. Oh dear!
Wow…22/0….in night matches…
But that 2009 final against del po????
It was day session. Think the final started 4pm.
Yup, finals start in day time…
Young: I’ll tell you a tale kids, I once beat Andy Murray.
Grandkids: Erm… who?
Young: Y’know. Andy Murray. Tennis great. Won a gold medal in the Olympics?
Grandkids: They have tennis in the Olympics?
Young: Yeah.
Grandkids: Never heard of him.
Young: *Hangs head*
Phau can play attractive tennis. I look forward to the match.
Haha classic.
Me too, hopefully more entertaining than the Young match but as long as he gets the job done.
Nice try of Roger to put the pressure on Novak saying he is a top player to win the title. He has always been soooo smart! 😀
Um…nice try…why? He has already lost two semi finals to him and Djoker is the current champion. So, who is the favorite then? On a side note: Are you the Djoker’s coach? 😉
I don’t think so. In both semis again Djokovic, it could easily go the other way around, just Roger’s bad luck and bad mental I think. I frankly don’t know what Roger’s purpose by saying that (and nobody know but him, I think), but after beating Djoker in Cinci, I put money on Roger should they meet in the US Open final. He has better mental, better confidence, and some new weapons (the drop shot maybe?). Anyway, c’mon guys, how the heck he should answer the press question, “You should know that I am a better player than Djokovic in hard court now. You all see me bagel him in Cinci. So, I should the favourite, and Djokovic could have take the 2nd favourite….”
Roger is the most honest. Against Murray, in AO2010, he clearly said he had the edge because he “has been there”. Cincy was an anomaly. Djoker was tired. Remember he played and won Canada too? And, after Cincy The Djoker said “Conditions in NY suit me more”. Do you even follow these things? Next, the final will be played the day after the semis, giving the younger and fitter Djokovic a huge edge (thanks to the “egg” in nearby New Jersey). Roger is right; The Djoker is the clear favorite.
Good points. But I don’t think Cinci is an anomaly. Roger win it 5th times, while Djokovic lose in finals 4 times (twice from Roger, and you surely know about the bagel). Djoko win in Canada in last two years, reach finals in Cinci also in last two years, and always tired (or retired) in the final? C’mon Man. Do you even follow these things.
If you think Roger is most honest, than what he said early in the US Open would also be truly honest, no?
“I felt good last year, but probably felt that maybe at times the matches were not always in my racquet, whereas maybe this time around I feel like if I’m playing well I can dictate who’s going to win or lose. It’s going to take something special from my opponent to win. That’s kind of how it feels right now.”
And he also refer the line to Djokovic…
Cincy and USO are different tournaments. Djokovic is the champion, and has beaten Roger twice in the last two years. Got it? I’m seriously getting appalled by your lack of tennis knowledge; sorry I had to say that. And you call yourself a tennis lover?
Why are we even wasting our time arguing who the favorite is? The great man said he isn’t the favorite. Are you calling him a liar? 🙂
And on a side note: Are you Roger’s coach?
Nopes, I’m not Roger’s coach, I’m Roger’s clone. Up for a match? You’ll find out yourself 🙂
Djokovic is the favourite. He has won the last three hardcourt majors and has been in the finals of the last four. He has had a strong HC season with titles at the AO, Miami, and Toronto. Fed isn’t deflecting pressure to Novak – Roger himself is right beneath the Serb as far as being the favourite.
Yeah Djoker has dominated hard courts for over a year, has to be the favourite. Especially with Stupid Saturday as he recovers fast like he did at the Aus Open.
Yup, all he has to do is drive to nearby New Jersey for his “egg”-cellent recovery routine. What a shame such things are allowed.
Djoker is favourite though really, not like he’s saying it for the sake of it.
@ Sid TheCookieThief.
Wow, wow, wow. I am sorry Sir. So, now we are dealing with Sid TheCookieThief, the tennis expert who never made a wrong prediction and analysis? I’m really sorry for my lack tennis knowledge than. But here’s some points Sir.
FIRST POINT:
The experts said: “The great man said he isn’t the favorite. Are you calling him a liar?
The great man also said, “He’s beaten me the last couple of years as well. Then again, I’ve had a great summer. It’s going to be an interesting US Open. This time around I feel like if I’m playing well I can dictate who’s going to win or lose.” Are you also calling him a liar? Where do you think he got the confidence to say that? Oh, maybe, just maybe, probably his back-to-back win againts Djokovic in their last two meetings, including the bagel in hard court just a couple a week ago? Some prep for world #2 right, being bagel by the #1 in the world before Djoker’s favourite tournament.
OR are you calling Roger no brainer, who always speak the truth, whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God (without any strategic to plays the opponent’s mind, maybe unconsciously?)
OR did you saw any Bible above Roger’s head when he was say that Djokovic is the favourite? Cause I don’t see one.
But the truth is, I just don’t know for sure, since my lack of tennis knowledge, of course you understand Sir.
SECOND POINT:
The expert said: “Cincy was an anomaly. Djoker was tired. Remember he played and won Canada too? And, after Cincy The Djoker said “Conditions in NY suit me more”. Do you even follow these things? Cincy and USO are different tournaments. Djokovic is the champion, and has beaten Roger twice in the last two years. Got it?”
1. Cincy and USO are the same hard court (maybe a little faster than the USO, but still their have similarities). But since you quote, “After Cincy The Djoker said “Conditions in NY suit me more”, and since Djoker and all tennis player are all most honest men, we should believe Djoker 100%, that he doesn’t intend to give Roger a little, maybe, just a little psy war.
2. If Cincy and USO are different tournaments, than the USO 2012 and USO 2011 and US 2010 are also different tournamets.
3. The champion doesn’t always become the favourite. Andy Murray is defending champion in Cincy 2011. He also beat Roger and Djoker in their last meeting in 2012. Should he play in Cinci 2012, than by your expert logic he should be the favourite instead of Roger (the #1 seed) or Djoker (the #2 seed). Move to grandslam now. Samanta Stosur is the USO 2011 champion, so she should be the favourite in USO 2012? Djoker is the Wimbledon 2011 champion, and the defending champion didn’t even get to 2012 final. He was defeated by the king of grass in 4 sets, (yes 4 sets, non even close like Djokorer USO semis 2010 and 2011). The king of grass (called maybe because he hold most titles and best record in Wimbledon, no?) has even worse track in Wimby 2010 and 2011 compare to USO 2010-2011 (where he at least reached both semis). And you know what, maybe we should call Roger the king of US Open, since he is the only winner of most consecutive men’s singles titles and Winner of most Men’s Singles titles (and counting, really GOAT).
4. In both US semis again Djokovic in previous two years, (according to my lack tennis knowledge) it was a very close match, could easily go the other way around. Or do you have different expert opinion, Sir?
5. If you said what happen in Cinci is anomaly, I’m looking forward for your expert opinion: Don’t you think what Djokovic accomplish in 2011 was a much-much greater anomaly?
6. Suppose if after USO 2011, Roger and Djokovic meets 10 times, and Roger beat him all 10 times coming to US Open 2012 with several bagel, is Djokovic still the favourite? Cause the 10 times winning should not change the fact that “Djokovic is the champion, and has beaten Roger twice in the last two years. Got it?”
THIRD POINT:
All the debate starts with statement from Marijan: “Nice try of Roger to put the pressure on Novak saying his a top player to win the title. He has always been soooo smart!
Than the tennis expert said: “Why are we even wasting our time arguing who the favorite is? The greatman said he isn’t the favorite. Are you calling him a liar?”
1. I think you based all your statements from the fact that you think you know for sure, for 100%, no mistake at all, that when Roger said that Djoker is the favourite he speak as the “most honest person”. You closed your mind of the law of man, the law of imperfection, that there are always two (maybe more) possibilities in interpretating someone statements. You also insists with all you evident based tennis, that the correct things is to put Djoker as the favourite. Other than that: BIIIP! Sorry, you lack of tennis knowledge.
2. So the main points of the debate is:
a. Did Roger speak honestly, or could he just play a little mind games on Djoker?
b. Aside from Roger statement, who should be the truly favourite? Should it be Roger or Djokovic?
So the debates stand in a very thin line, means they don’t have big significant differences. Not like the stupid obvious debate, like “Is Olympic greater than Grand Slam?”.
3. You have the right to have your own opinion, that Roger speak honestly, or Djokovic should be the clear favourite of USO 2012. However, other Fed Fans also have their right to speak their mind in this very thin line. But the most important thing is: When you call someone who has different opinion with you “lack of tennis knowledge”, that’s my friend, the truly appaling.
Goran Ivanisevic: I think Murray will win USO 2012.
Sid TheCookieThief: Goran, I’m seriously getting appalled by your lack of tennis knowledge; sorry I had to say that. And you call your self a tennis player? Do you even follow these tennis world things?
Matt Wilander: I think Murray will win USO 2012.
Sid TheCookieThief: Wilander, I’m seriously getting appalled by your lack of tennis knowledge; sorry I had to say that. And you call your self a tennis player? Do you even follow these tennis world things?
I don’t understand why Ivanisevic and Wilander that rubbish things, but I know one thing for sure that they certainly have some tennis knowledge.
4. Question as a Fed Fan to another Fed Fan: Should they both meet in USO final 2012, If Roger can play his 100% A+ game and Djoker can play his 100% A+ game, who do you think would win? Keep your answer for yourself, and the next question is: Who should be the favourite than? Maybe, other Fed Fan who of course also lack of tennis knowledge, thinks that Roger should be the favourite, because we believe in him, that if he can pull his A game, nobody on earth can beat him. And after this amazing summer (like Roger said), he seems to have very high confident, beating Djoker twice in a row with a bonus bagel, winning the 7th Wimbledon, back to where he belong at #1 again and broke Sampras records, saying things like he can control who win or lose, etc. Do you even follow these things, like one of the best statement from Roger’s most secret admirer: “If he is playing very good, I have to play unbelievable. If not, it’s impossible, especially if he’s playing with good confidence. When he’s 100 percent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him. I fight. I fight. I fight. Nothing to say. Just congratulate him.”(Rafael Nadal, after losing to Federer in the Shanghai Masters Cup semifinal, Nov. 17, 2007.
5. This is Jonathan’s Blog, where all blogger are Fed Fan. So, please stop using sarcasm such as “Um…nice try…why? He has already lost two semi finals to him and Djoker is the current champion. So, who is the favorite then? On a side note: Are you the Djoker’s coach? ”, OR “Cincy was an anomaly. Djoker was tired. Remember he played and won Canada too? And, after Cincy The Djoker said “Conditions in NY suit me more”. Do you even follow these things? OR “I’m seriously getting appalled by your lack of tennis knowledge; sorry I had to say that. And you call yourself a tennis lover?”. C’mon Man, we all root for Fed here, use your sarcasm in ATP Website or Tennis Magazine againts Fed Haters.
This is a bonus:
Virtual Conversation between Mirka and Roger after the interview.
Possibilities 1:
Mirka: Honey, why did you said that Djoker is the favourite?
Roger: Honey, as my beloved wife, you should know of all people, I am the most honest. I never lie, never cheated, never talk to Sharapova or Ivanovic. After Jesus and Nelson Mandela, I am the most honest man.
Mirka: But you beat him in last two meetings, and also bagel him in Cincy.
Roger: Cincy was an anomaly. Djoker was tired. Remember he played and won Canada too? And, after Cincy Djoker said “Conditions in NY suit me more”. Mirka, do you even follow these things? Next, the final will be played the day after the semis, giving the younger and fitter Djokovic a huge edge. I am always right, Hon. Djoker is the clear favorite.
Mirka: (Lower her voice: OK, don’t be such a jerk). But Roger, I also thinks that beside you are truly The King of Grass, you also The King of US Open, since you are the winner of most Men’s Singles titles and the only winner of Most Consecutive Men’s Singles titles there. And honey, you also said that “This time around I feel like if I’m playing well I can dictate who’s going to win or lose.” Why honey, why? What happen with the great confidence of yours?
Roger: Um…nice try…Why? I had already lost two semi finals to him and Djoker is the current champion. So, who is the favorite then? On a side note: Are you the Djoker’s coach?. I’m seriously getting appalled by your lack of tennis knowledge; sorry I had to say that. And you call yourself a tennis player Mirka? I am a greatman, and the greatman said I’m not the favorite. Are you calling me a liar?
Mirka: Take in easy Ok. Just trying to make conversation here. Now, move over greatman, you can sleep on the couch for the rest of the night.
Possibilities 2:
Mirka: Honey, why are you said to the press that Djoker is the favourite?
Roger: It’s nothing Hon, please don’t worry. I just want to put the pressure on Novak saying his a top player to win the title.
Mirka: Oh, honey. You always been soooo smart!
FOURTH POINT:
The Expert said: “I’m seriously getting appalled by your lack of tennis knowledge; sorry I had to say that. And you call yourself a tennis lover?”
LOVER in Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
1. a person in love
2. affectionate or benevolent friend
3. a person who loves something
I certainly don’t call my self tennisexpert1977 for a reason, don’t you think Sid TheCookieThief?
And last but not least, please, stop stealing cookies Man. What are you, Cookie Monster…?
Holy Mackerel! I read your first line and decided not to read the rest. Whatever it is that you’ve written, please try to understand humor, sarcasm, ok? Peace!
Holy Sid! No usual smile emoticons at the end Sid? Did you really-really not read the rest? Really? (You somehow came out with another brillian lines) What a pity, cause if you, like you admit understand humor and sarcasm, I think you are gonna find some good stuff in the rest of mine.
Anyway, OK. From a Fed Fan to another, let’s make peace, not war. But like The Incredible Hulk said, “Mr. Sid TheCookieThief, don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” Peace, Sid.
And Roger, I know your good, but I don’t know that you’re so GOOATD to make Fish heart problems reappear. Maybe last night he overthinking his last Cincy, and start palpitate, . Man, you are truly GOAT!
Yep, peace amongst Fed fans!
And to all blogger, my last lines about Fish, it’s humour, got it, just kidding? Cause I really like the way he play. But of course, all of you understand. 🙂
Haha. Just kiss and makeup. We gotta focus on Berdych now.
Yeah, some Berd soup would be good about now 🙂 Let’s hope for the best. Roger’s rhythm may have been thrown off thanks to the Fish retirement.
Haha this is a very long comment!
You better buy more database space for you blog 🙂
@TennisLover: No, I seriously did not read it, it was too long man. Did you try reading it yourself? That looks longer than the time Nadal takes between points 🙂
Anyways, we are the biggest Roger fans (none bigger than me!) hence the “great man” and “liar” comments. Also, I made fun of Marijan above because his/her name rhymes with the Djokers coach, Marjan Vadja 🙂
@Jonathan: Kiss and make up? Depends on who tennislover is LOL
Hi Jonathan,
I’m a long time follower and really enjoy your analyses on Roger’s matches and tennis in general but this is the first time I comment. Just to say that I was in estoril back in 2010 and watched Roger play… he really, really sucked back then, which turned out to be quite disapointing to me for it was the only time I got to see him play live…
Anyway those days are definitly gone and I’m sure Roger is in for a treat at the US Open.
Keep up the great blogging. Cheers,
Vasco
Hey Vasco,
Thanks for commenting man.
Ah yeah Estoril was a bad tournament that year for Fed. Guessing you saw him lose to Montanes?
Although, even when he plays terrible he’s still fun to watch I guess so not all was lost. Maybe he will play Estoril again before he retires, you never know.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Well, the match wasn’t close like you thought it might be Jonathan. But Phau made it an entertaining bout.
Yeah I thought Phau sucked. Only thing he managed to do well was track down drop shots. Other than too defensive. Got overpowered.
Federer reached the semi finals of the US Open in 2010 without dropping one set and in 2011 by just dropping one set on route, which is just remarkable:
2010: He beat Dabul -> Beck -> Mathieu -> Melzer -> Soderling en before he lost to Djokovic.
2011: He beat Giraldo -> Sela -> Cilic (one set lost) -> Monaco -> Tsonga before he lost to Djokovic.
My point is that although we can analyse and praise Roger’s form, the two matches that will seemingly matter are the semi final and the final; he hasn’t been able to put away Djokovic on two occassions and lost in 2009 to Del Potro, anyone who watched that match will tell you Federer should have won it, his form at the US Open leading up to the latter parts is exceptional.
Regarding his victories over Young and Phau, you made a good analysis of Young, it is, perhaps, a shame to see Young not doing what he can achieve.
At least he managed to break Federer’s serve.. Not one person did that in his last tournament, Cincinnati!
The good news is that Djokovic and Delpo aren’t in Fed’s half. His only real major threat to the final if is Murray.
Ne pas oublier Berdych et Fish. Mais, Allez Roger! 🙂