Federer aura gone
August 1st 2008 00:00
Federer's game is not what it used to be
Roger Federer leaves the Cincinnati Masters early after losing to Ivo Karlovic 7-6, 6-4,7-6. Rafael Nadal has everything in his hands to clinch the world no.1 ranking.
After losing in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters, Federer's will to win an amazing 14 Grand Slam titles deserts him. For Nadal, this is a chance fours year’s in the making.
If the Spaniard emerges as champion in this week's Masters Tournament, the tennis world will see a new ruler after fours years.
Federer though, is not the same now.
Everyone looks forward to playing against him. All feel animated with their chances of disposing the 12 time Grand Slam champion. In the end, men's Tennis finally feels on par with the Swiss maestro.
Croatian Ivo Karlovic felt confident. Despite never beating Federer in six outings, he too felt this was his chance to dethrone the great man.
And so he did. Karlovic was pure potency as he disposed the current world no.1 in three tough sets.
The Croatian had no fear. Karlovic played with an impeccable form that proved too hot to match from Federer's part.
As he dented Federer's aura with 22 aces, Karlovic gained control of a man who, himself, has ruled over men’s tennis for over four years.
When the match got tough, Karlovic's serve assisted him greatly. With one match point under his belt, the Croatian took it with both hands and aced his way to glory.
While Karlovic celebrates his first victory over the great Federer, the man himself will ponder the future.
Federer has yet to win any Grand Slam in 2008 when many predicted the Swiss would emerge with all four with ease.
Now, everything is in Nadal's corner.
The Mallorcan has the chance to dethrone Federer, after 235 weeks on top. If Nadal wins the Cincinnati Masters, the Spaniard, after casting shade for three years, will be the new world no.1.
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