Federer Continues to Struggle
It seems that the shock of losing at Wimbledon is still hindering the performance of world #1 Roger Federer, as he barely squeaked out a three set battle against Robbie Ginepri in the second round of Cincy's Masters Series. Not to look past the Olympics, but it will be very interesting to see how Federer does at the US Open, an early round exit would put a serious question mark around Roger's chances to break Pete Sampras' Grand Slam record of 14 titles:
[1] R Federer (SUI) d R Ginepri (USA) 67(2) 76(5) 60
R Soderling (SWE) d [12] T Robredo (ESP) 76(6) 64
[16] I Karlovic (CRO) d J Acasuso (ARG) 63 76(3)
P Kohlschreiber (GER) d [LL] W-S Jun (KOR) 62 62
[10] F Verdasco (ESP) d [Q] V Estrella (DOM) 63 75
[11] R Gasquet (FRA) d M Llodra (FRA) 36 61 10 Ret (left arm)
I Andreev (RUS) d [15] R Stepanek (CZE) 76(4) 67(4) 76(3)
C Moya (ESP) d J Tipsarevic (SRB) 76(5) 75
[WC] J Isner (USA) d [Q] A Stoppini (ITA) 76(2) 63
G Simon (FRA) d [LL] R Ram (USA) 76(5) 64
[LL] A Clement (FRA) d T Johansson (SWE) 76(4) 67(5) 63
S Bolelli (ITA) d [Q] K Anderson (RSA) 63 76(1)
N Lapentti (ECU) d M Cilic (CRO) 76(5) 62
[Q] C Guccione (AUS) d [WC] J Levine (USA) 63 64
F Serra (FRA) d [Q] B Becker (GER) 46 76(6) 64 - Saved 1 M.P.
S Aspelin (SWE) / J Murray (GBR) d [7] M Damm (CZE) / P Vizner (CZE) 63 76(5)
(alt.) T Widom (USA) / M Yani (USA) d J Blake (USA) / S Querrey (USA) 76(2) 36 10-7
P Hanley (AUS) / J Kerr (AUS) d T Robredo (ESP) / A Sa (BRA) 61 75
[WC] M Fish (USA) / J Isner (USA) d (alt.) T Chen (TPE) / P King (USA) 64 76(2)
I Karlovic (CRO) / R Wassen (NED) d F Gonzalez (CHI) / J Tipsarevic (SRB) walkover (Tipsarevic - right ankle)
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Harry Cicma tackles the hot topics in tennis, sharing his insight on the favorites, tournament news and players to watch. Harry was ranked for three years on the ATP Tour doubles circuit and played four years of NCAA Division-I tennis at Rutgers University. He now covers all sports as a TV producer/anchor on NBC in Southern New England.
More than anything, I am shocked at the year that Roger is having. Being a Federer fan, it is also sad. If this year were a fish, I am certain that Roger would throw it back. Nevertheless, he is human and this (a slump) has happened to every great champion of the past. The really sad part is to watch and listen to commentators (most of which had mediocre careers in tennis) do the bandwagon thing and write Roger off at the tender age of 26/27. His career is far from over. The only good thing about this year is that next year he will have very little to defend and will hopefully get back on top of his game. Moreover, Roger has reached the semis of Australia, the finals of the French and Wimbledon. Most players would be ecstatic with these type of results at the slams. But of course for Roger, this is a sub par showing. I am confident that Roger will bounce back. Currently, he is not using his entire game. Trying to stay at the baseline and defeat Nadal is an effort in futility. Currently, Nadal is the best at the baseline. Federer has an all court game and needs to bring every aspect to the court against Nadal and the rest of the tour. In a nutshell, Roger hasn't played tactically smart this year not to mention that he had that bout with mononucleosis. Best of luck Roger.
More than anything, I am shocked at the year that Roger is having. Being a Federer fan, it is also sad. If this year were a fish, I am certain that Roger would throw it back. Nevertheless, he is human and this (a slump) has happened to every great champion of the past. The really sad part is to watch and listen to commentators (most of which had mediocre careers in tennis) do the bandwagon thing and write Roger off at the tender age of 26/27. His career is far from over. The only good thing about this year is that next year he will have very little to defend and will hopefully get back on top of his game. Moreover, Roger has reached the semis of Australia, the finals of the French and Wimbledon. Most players would be ecstatic with these type of results at the slams. But of course for Roger, this is a sub par showing. I am confident that Roger will bounce back. Currently, he is not using his entire game. Trying to stay at the baseline and defeat Nadal is an effort in futility. Currently, Nadal is the best at the baseline. Federer has an all court game and needs to bring every aspect to the court against Nadal and the rest of the tour. In a nutshell, Roger hasn't played tactically smart this year not to mention that he had that bout with mononucleosis. Best of luck Roger.