Wimbledon 2009. Men’s Final Preview
July 3, 2009 · Print This Article
Finals Preview:
Andy Roddick said it best today, during a “tweet” he shared with his fans after reaching the finals of the Wimbledon Championships for the third time in his career: “126 home… 2 left.”
The swashbuckling American can truly be proud of his recent elevated form. Once torn and raged, Roddick’s career appeared to be going South bound just a little over a year ago; a second round exit at Wimbledon was not welcomed.
How times have changed.
A rededicated Yank, full of much more tennis to give, was prepared to pounce on the 2009 season with the same excitement of a college graduate ready to take on the world. Nothing could stand in his way. Certainly, nothing has stood in his way during the past to weeks at Wimbledon, thus far.
Thus far, will be the key phrase going forward for Roddick, with the eminent danger of Roger Federer looming. Roddick’s game has been top notch during the fortnight, but so too has Federer’s. And we all know how the pair matches up. Advantage Mr. Swiss.
With that in mind, let’s take a peek into what lies ahead for these two tennis giants come the second and most important Sunday of the calender season. With no Queen in the house, courtesy of Roddick, one wonders if Pete Sampras will make a rare appearance, while Federer attempts to make history.
Roger Federer vs. Andy RoddickâWimbledon Final 2009
Head-to-head record: (Sorry in advance to all the Roddick fan’s out there, it must be stated) Federer leads 18-2, with a 3-0 mark at Wimbledon.
If there ever was a more perfect candidate for Roger Federer to pick out of a hat when attempting to break the tie he shares with Pete Sampras for 14-grand slam titles, Roddick would be that guy.
Federer has owned Andy like no other player during his career. Much like Rafael Nadal is a poor match-up for Federer, so to is the Federer match-up for Roddick. There have been many a time, when Roddick appeared more inclined to throw his racket at Federer, then to hit an ace past him.
Will the result change come Sunday afternoon, will Roddick somehow, someway be able to summon a new game plan ala the 2004 Wimbledon final, and throw Fed a curve ball. It is unlikely.
In all honesty, Roddick will be under the gun from the onset of the match. One of the greatest assists which make Federer a nightmare to play, is incomparable way in which he takes players out of their element. Against Haas in the semifinals, Federer made the German come into the net on many occasions which he was not comfortable. Although Tommy was adamant on approaching the net as part of his initial game plan, Federer made sure that when it became close, Haas would be compromised for position.
In essence, what Federer can do like no other is make his opponent’s feel secure during the early stages with their games plans. And although Roger undoubtedly picks up his level when required, he often times allows his opponents to self-destruct when it gets close. It happened to Haas in the semifinals, and could very well happen to Roddick on Sunday.
Other pressing concerns for the American come Sunday, will be his inability to battle Federer off of the ground. For every inch Roddick makes Federer move; Roger tugs and pulls Andy around the court at least a foot in comparison. A foot here and a foot there can certainly add up when a point develops.
As a result, Roddick feels an instinctual urge to approach the net at any cost, in order to be efficient. Unfortunately, what Roddick fails to recognize is that he is playing right into the hands of Federer’s passing shots, which are some of the best in the business.
Andy will without question, have to rely on his serve prowess to produce most of his opportunities. He must come flying out of the gates, and if he is smart, he will compromise serve speed for spin and placement.
Federer was able to handle Karlovic’s serve with ease, and Andy should learn from that. The benefit which Roddick has over a player like Karlovic, is the versatility which his serve possesses. Roddick has a great kick-serve, and a great can-opener on the deuce side. Using a more spin oriented serve blue print will force Federer to create his own power, never a bad thing. If anything, the Swiss prefers to be attacked with speed and not spin.
Unfortunately, straying away from his cannon delivery will be tough for Andy. It’s kind of like, the go with what you know philosophy. In crucial and subtle moments such being in a Wimbledon final, one can only imagine trying to mix it up, as an option.
Therefore, unless Roddick is hot and can stay hot, it will be a routine affair for Federer.
One thing is for certain come Sunday. Roddick knows what opportunity is before him. This might very well be his final chance at grand slam glory. All the stops will be brought forth. This is the Wimbledon final, if a player can’t bring the goods, and leave it all on the court, what the heck is he good for?
That, will not be a problem for Andy.
Bottom line, if Federer stays at the same form he has brought forth throughout the fortnight (there is a good chance here people that he may even play better), then Roddick has a slim chance.
If for some reason, and it could very well happen, Federer feels the moment, and what is at stake, then Roddick will have to pounce, and pounce quickly.
All in all, both players want this title in a bad way and for many different reasons. But going with history, the match-up does mean something, and it just does not favor the American.
To conclude, during the 2004 on-court interview, after Roddick lost to Federer, the American made a hard noised, well received comment after his efforts that day.
“I threw the kitchen sink at him, and he when and got his tub.” Well Andy, you are correct, but if you thought the tub was bad, try fighting off history, while chasing down an endless array of down-the-line-forehands.
Pick: Federer in 4-sets
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