Roger Federer Isn’t Thrilled About Playing A Night Semifinal Then A Day Final
- 27 Comments
Roger Federer is already a little on edge about his scheduling this weekend in Cincinnati. A week ago Federer had to play a 8pm night semifinal against Feliciano Lopez then return the next afternoon to play in the Canadian Open final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at 3pm.
After the loss to Tsonga Federer admitted going from night to day so quickly wasn’t ideal.
“I think it was the overall day conditions that were tough for me,” Federer said last Sunday. “It was faster than in the night, all my previous matches, so I think the turnaround was tough.
“It was just a turnaround from late nights to all of a sudden day. It gave me less time. Just also the way, you know, you feel out there.”
Federer did play all night matches in Canada up until the final against Tsonga. That hasn’t been the case this week in Cincinnati where the 5-time tournament champion has played in the day. But once again he will have to deal with the quick turnaround from a 9pm semifinal tonight to, if he wins, a 4pm day men’s final on Sunday.
According to the ATP, that’s within the tournament’s right since players must be given a minimum of 18 hours between the start of the their semifinal and the start of the final: “When the two (2) semi-final matches are not to be played consecutively, then the scheduled start time of the final shall be no earlier than eighteen (18) hours from the scheduled start time of the second semi-final match.”
Cincinnati provides 19 hours of rest in the case of tonight’s winner.
“It’s not an advantage. Is it a disadvantage? I don’t know,” Federer said of the tight turnaround. “You can’t like finish at midnight and then come back at 2:00 the next day. It’s realistic, but then it’s not fair. Then you have a disadvantage.”
Federer may also have a deal with a marathon 7pm women’s match between Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic before. Or maybe weather.
“Clearly the scary part is in the case of rain. We don’t ever talk about that, but that can have a huge factor on Sunday. And then having it back it up twice. The other guy is easily finished. I hope no rain tomorrow.”
David Ferrer or Julien Benneteau will have 25 hours of time between the start of their 3pm scheduled semi and then the final. But first things first for Roger.
“Look, focus is clear trying to win that semis and not worry about the finals. I know I got my work cut out with Raonic,” he reminded.
Federer has beaten Raonic all five times they have played.
You Might Like:
Roger Federer: Watching Me Play Isn’t A Religous Experience
Novak Djokovic: My Wrist Injury Isn’t That Bad, I Will Play Madrid!
Roger Federer Isn’t Going To Go Crazy Looking At His Australian Open Draw
Roger Federer Isn’t Targeting The Rio Olympics In 2016, At Least Not Yet
Andy Roddick Isn’t Playing Madrid Or Rome Because He’s Busy Shaving Eyebrows? [Video]