Day 7 - Match of the day: Roger Federer – Mario Ancic
May 31st 2008 00:36
Roger Federer is desperate to get his hands on the French Open trophy
BACKGROUND
This is the only Grand Slam that Federer has yet to win. It has, of course, been the fault of Rafael Nadal that the Coupe des Mousquetaires has not yet found its place on the Swiss master’s trophy shelf. Even if he does not admit it, Federer has made Roland Garros his priority this season. To this end, he has enlisted the help of José Higueras, the former coach of Chang and Courier, to help him reach his goal.
A bout of glandular fever saw Ancic sidelined from the tour for six months in 2007 but he has already made his way back into the Top 50 (he is currently No46). As a wild card in Marseille in February, he made it all the way to the final where he was beaten by Murray. His performances since then have confirmed Ancic’s return to form. A quarter-finalist here in 2006, the former world No7 (in 2006) has already shown that his attacking game can be effective on clay.
CURRENT FORM
The Swiss has been hot and cold since the start of the 2008 clay court season. He started well with a solid victory in Estoril but followed up with a surprise loss to Stepanek in Rome. He went on to lose two finals – in Monte Carlo and Hamburg – to Nadal. At Roland Garros, he made light work of Sam Querrey in the first round before dropping a set to Albert Montanes in the second. “I was delighted with my performance after the first set,” he explained after his win over the Spaniard. It does indeed appear as if the Swiss player is getting stronger.
Ancic’s results have been more than encouraging in his first year back – 18 wins and only 8 defeats. However, his attacking game is not at its most effective on clay. His best result has been a third round appearance at Rome where he was beaten by Nicolas Almagro. He easily overcame the tough Italian Andreas Seppi in the first round here before beating the Spanish qualifier David Marrero in four sets.
STRENGTH
It is almost pointless to make a list of the hugely talented Swiss player’s countless strengths. His only known weakness to date is the complexity he seems to have when he faces the invincible Nadal on clay. Apart from that, he is not afraid of anyone even if, like everyone, he can have an off day.
“Super Mario” wins matches with his big serve. His also uses his forehand to build his attack. He is very comfortable at the net and moves quickly despite his size (1.95m). His high-risk game means that he can pull off an upset even if can sometimes run out of steam.
TACTICS
If he plays like he did in the last three sets against Montanes, Federer should have no problems. However, if it rains and the conditions are as heavy as they were in the first set of the match against the Spaniard, it will be more complicated for him. “He’s a tough opponent. He has a really nice game,” he says about Ancic. Federer will not take anything for granted.
Ancic has already beaten some good clay court players. However, it will be a different story to beat Federer over the best of five sets, especially as the Croat may not yet be back to his best. However, if his serve is working, “Super Mario” can cause the Swiss problems. If he manages to get a high percentage of first serves in, he has a chance.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Ancic shocked Federer in their first match in the first round at Wimbledon in 2002. Since then, whatever the surface – hard courts, clay or grass – the Swiss master has won – four times in row. In 2006 at Roland Garros, the world No1 won 6-3 6-4 6-3. “I think he was a bit tired. He’d had a tough match against Robredo beforehand and he hadn’t been able to recover,” recalls Federer.
PREDICTION
Another Federer victory looks inevitable to say the least. Ancic will not die wondering however and he will be keen to assess his current game against the world No.1. Expect a tight first set but Federer should prove to have too much firepower in the end in this contest.
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