Federer Vs Nadal preview
July 5th 2008 01:29
sprinting to the finish line - Federer's sixth Wimbledon crown is in sight
The Lowdown
Its the final everyone wanted and its the match-up a Grand Slam like Wimbledon deserves. Both Nadal and Federer dominated all who stood on their path to an inevitable final confrontation between two of the most prosperous players on tour. This should be something special.
For the record
Both Nadal and Federer have squared off 17 times with the Spaniard holding a key 11-6 advantage. Most of Nadal's victories (nine in fact) came on clay. On grass, Federer holds a 2-0 advantage with one of those wins coming in last years Wimbledon final.
If Nadal is the king of clay, then Federer is the god of Wimbledon. The Swiss maestro has won five straight Wimbledon titles dating back to 2003. If he beats Nadal, Federer will leap past Swedish great Björn Borg's record of five consecutive Wimbledon triumphs. The world record of seven Wimbledon titles is held by American Pete Sampras.
Nadal will be confident heading into the final against Federer. Even though he lost last year's final, the Spaniard pushed the world No.1 all the way eventually losing in a five set thriller.
Form Guide
Both Federer and Nadal are yet to drop a set at WImbledon. Their games have become almost too difficult for opponents to match. When blood has been split, Federer and Nadal pounce with no mercy.
Roger Federer's serve is one of the most under-rated yet most effective on the men's tour. He is second overall in Wimbledon for most aces served with 84. Only Spaniard Feliciano Lopez ranks higher with an impressive 104 aces in five matches. Nadal ranks 18th with only 40 aces.
Both Federer and Nadal boost impressive first serves but their second serves also gives them insurance. Both are in the top five for most points won on second serve with Federer winning 61% (second overall) and Nadal winning 57% (fifth overall).
Key for Federer
Federer has the most complete game on the men's tour. On grass, the Swiss maestro has proven to be unstoppable in recent times. His forehand is unmatched while his back hand is strong and true. His serve is one of the most solid on tour and his approach play when coming to the net is consistent to say the least. One of his finest aspects however comes in his movement on court. Federer is very agile and ,although not physically overwhelming, the Swiss maestro has every move in the book to make opponents pay. Nadal will really have to be on his best form to cause an upset here.
Key for Nadal
While Federer's presence on grass is godly to say the least, Nadal will offer a stiff challenge. The spaniard took the world No.1 all the way in last years Wimbledon final and nearly caused the upset. One thing on Nadal's side is his form. The world No.2 has had the better year in terms of success and will be eager to end Federer's reign in the all England court. It is safe to assume that Nadal is playing better tennis now compared to last year's run to the Wimbledon final. If there was ever time to beat the world No.1 on grass, it is now.
Where it will be won
Both players are supreme all round the court. Whether it be from the baseline or up close, Federer and Nadal have no rivals in terms of the shots they produce and the winners they come with up. Although Federer has looked the more impressive, Nadal can match it with the world No.1. In the end, the difference could come down to the serve. Federer has the more penetrative serve compared to Nadal and will look to dominate early to ensure stability in the opening three sets.
Nadal' movement around the court is almost on par with Federer. If the spaniard can stick in the key rallies, it will go along way to denting Federer's confidence om his pursuit for a sixth Wimbledon crown. The longer the final lasts, the more optimistic Nadal will feel about his chances.
Prediction
It should be an enthralling contest between two of the best players in recent memory. Both have shown a willingness to put opponents to sleep early on but this encounter looks likely to roll well past three hours. In saying that, Federer looks the more likely to win this in three sets than Nadal. One feels that if Federer's aura is to be lost, the spaniard will have to dig deep to ensure his maiden Wilmbledon title. Federer is yet to win a Grand Slam this year and will be hellbent on maintaining his dominant streak on the courts of Wimbledon. Based on that fact alone, Federer will be my pick in four sets.
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