Federer Back with Doozy of a Draw on Grass at Stuttgart; ATP Previews

by Staff | June 11th, 2017, 6:42 pm
  • 65 Comments

Roger Federer is back after skipping the claycourt season, joined during the first week of the grasscourt season by fellow Top 10ers Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev.
ADHEREL
Who will be Federer’s first match back? How about former world No. 2 Tommy Haas, who has beaten the Swiss in a grasscourt final?

Here’s a look at this week’s two ATP grasscourt events:

MERCEDES CUP
STUTTGART, Germany; surface: grass


Seeds: Roger Federer, Grigor Dimitrov, Tomas Berdych, Lucas Pouille, Steve Johnson, Misha Zverev, Gilles Simon, Viktor Troicki

Floaters: (WC) Tommy Haas, Bernard Tomic, Feliciano Lopez

Notes: (1) Roger Federer could start against (WC) Haas? What is it with these two and grass each year?…Other tough starts for the struggling (3) Berdych vs. the grass-raised Tomic, and (7) Simon vs. the aggressive F-Lo…Wildcards went to Haas, Pouille and German Max Marterer…The Bryan brothers are the top seeds in doubles and start against Tomic/M.Zverev…Dominic Thiem beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in last year’s final…Jeremy Chardy (2009) is the lone former champ in the field of the tournament in its third year on grass.

RICOH OPEN
‘s-HERTOGENBOSCH, The Netherlands; surface: grass

Seeds: Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev, Ivo Karlovic, Gilles Muller, Steve Darcis, Robin Haase, Nicolas Mahut, Aljaz Bedene

Floaters: Alexandr Dolgopolov, Dustin Brown

Notes: Two Top 10ers in Cilic and Zverev…Not a lot of floating talent but potential tough starts for (5) Darcis vs. The Dog, and (3) Dr. Ivo vs. Brown (why is the German Brown playing in The Netherlands rather than Stuttgart?)…Wildcards were awarded to Zverev, American Stefan Kozlov and Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor…Mahut is the two-time defending champion, last year beating Muller in the final…The three-time champ Mahut (2016-15,’13) is the lone former trophy-raiser in the field. A win this year by Mahut would match Patrick Rafter (1998-00) as three-time consecutive winners at the grasscourt event.

 


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65 Comments for Federer Back with Doozy of a Draw on Grass at Stuttgart; ATP Previews

skeezer Says:

Very tough draw for Fed. It’s all good, iron sharpens iron and good matchup practice for Wimby. Just glad to see the GOAT back in action, and on a surface that promotes action Tennis.


Daniel Says:

Fed has to win as much as possible in Stuttgart and Halle, at least one of these titles and he can get the #4 seed for Wimbledon. That would be great to avoid another Big 4 before semis.

We can have all Big 4 with top 4 seeds for Wimbledon.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Well, now for some fun tennis!

Great line-up at Stuttgart for a 250!

I prefer Fed to stay out of top 4 for Wimby- just makes it more fun to have this BOMB that can land in someones quarter.

No Del Potro this week?


J-Kath Says:

Stuttgart: Don’t see much competition for the Fed. No brainer that he will win.

Netherlands: Cilic or Zverev will win.


Wog Boy Says:

If it wasn’t for Russian hackers last year, Roger would’ve never realized that he can come back with such stamina, speed and precision, that he didn’t have even in his prime. (Conditions applies)

Thank you Russian hackers, on behalf of Fed fanatics, endangered species.


skeezer Says:

Hatred and jealousy is alive and well in Bosinian/Serb/AU culture against the GOAT. No surprise there.
As an xample; if Novak had this draw, complaints would be filed for ” no fair, pepe does not approve of such unrealistic achievements.” But if he wins, hail to the Almighty.


Wog Boy Says:

“Bosinian/Serb/AU culture ..”

Did you invented that yourself or someone helped you with…or maybe you google it😂


Wog Boy Says:

I wasn’t talking about draw😂, you…whatever..pick the word yourself..

You are really endangered species, don’t worry, we’ll send you at appropriate place to preserve you species for future generations.


skeezer Says:

“You are really endangered species,..”
You mean yourself no? 😂


Wog Boy Says:

To late, failed🖕,
BTW, did you google two dollars shop in your area to by a mirror, you don’t need big one, since you are fkn miserable small person, inside out.


Wog Boy Says:

^^
“Too late..”


Willow Says:

Sounds like a certain person is permanently having their man period ….


gonzalowski Says:

skeezer, IMO grass promotes action, but prevents re-action, so it could be a less interesting surface.
Like this year’s mega-fast AO hard surface… advantage to Federer this year against Nadal.
Anyway well deserved and GREAT victory.


shamboozie Says:

Something tells me this Wog Boy fella is none other than Pepe.


madmax Says:

skeezer Says:
Very tough draw for Fed. It’s all good, iron sharpens iron and good matchup practice for Wimby. Just glad to see the GOAT back in action, and on a surface that promotes action Tennis.

June 11th, 2017 at 10:32 pm

Rightly so Skeezer, we have no control over draws – we are just happy that our man is back playing and let’s hope for this success and further success beyond.

Wog boy, I feel it is a shame that you continue to spill your bile on this site. At one time you were a staunch Novak fan. What happened to you? Oh yes, you deserted him when he lost. I remember now.

Time to grow some Wog boy.


madmax Says:

The grass season is upon us soon.

Cannot wait. Cannot wait to see Federer play again. What a year it has been already.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Fed: “I’m sure a lot of guys are going to start playing their best in the second half of the season, like Murray, Djokovic, Nishikori, Raonic, Zverev, Kyrgios, Stan. We’ll all be playing our best tennis. It’s going to be an epic finish to the end of the season. Quite exciting actually for the ATP Tour.”


squirrel Says:

Omg, Wogboy is such a despicable human being. That’s all i’m saying on the matter (been trying not to say something like that on him/her since a long time..)


Truth Says:

Yes. Such filthy Fed haters.

Tough draws included Hewitt and Roddick in Fed’s semis and finals.
Oh wait. Those previous “tough” opponents choked and bid farewell in 2009.

Why would they’ve wasted time fighting harder & embarrassing “weak era” players of 2009-2016 with their impressive TENNIS, when Fed DOMINATED everyone for 20 years?
If Fed was old, then the “new, inferior” guys must be 60 years old.


lylenubbins Says:

I had forgotten that Thiem won a grass title last year. It will be interesting to see what he does this grass court season


Tennis Vagabond Says:

lylenubbins, he beat Fed on the way.

Hard to see how his style lately of playing so far from the baseline will work out on grass, but he showed he can do it last year.


Wog Boy Says:

“At one time you were a staunch Novak fan. What happened to you? ”

Nothing happened to me madmax, Pepe happened to Nole, not my cup of tea. About growing some, I do have pair of decent size…do you want to check up?

squirrel,
Thanks for compliment, back to you.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Haas/Fed tomorrow!


skeezer Says:

blame someone other than Novak, yep, the true fan.

Fed on grass tomorrow! Life is good🎾


skeezer Says:

Fed takes the first 6-2, looking good.


Van orten Says:

Fed looking good


Okiegal Says:

There’s nothing tough about Fed’s draw……he will breeze through Stuttgart……..alasl, lifting another trophy!


skeezer Says:

Fed loses the 2nd, looking bad.


Van orten Says:

Against his good buddy haas . He said it ‘d be difficult to focus .


the_mind_reels Says:

20 aces for Fed through just over 2 sets. Quite a serving display by both guys!


Daniel Says:

Checking scores he started strong, opena a 2-1 break leand in seocnd bus was broken right after.

Did he had MP in second set? see that Haas won it 10-8.

He is serving first third set, hope he manages to break, BP at this point 2-1 for him Haas serving.


Van orten Says:

Let him win this . We all know who will have a shot winning wimby . It will not be haas


Van orten Says:

The old fed Problem That will never change . Missing chances only to get broken next game …


Van orten Says:

How many breakchances vs old haas . It’s ridiculous but ok his buddy will retire soon


RZ Says:

Haas could win this. Good for him – after his career, he deserves a few highlights in last few months as a pro.

Reminds me of Fed’s last match against Roddick. Despite the dominant H-2-H, Fed lost the last time they played a pro match.


FedExpress Says:

Federers choking on another level. 2nd loss and another one where he had MP.


Van orten Says:

That’s the diff between him and the other top players above all nadal. Nadal would never lose a match like this never ever


Pamela Says:

So happy to hear Roger’s in Stuggart. I actually stopped it from recording monday and yesterday as I didn’t know. Found out quite by mistake after reading Rafa is first to qualify for London. Can anyone tell me if Roger has played yet? Or is today is first day? @ Willow – ha ha!!!


Anto Says:

@Pamela he just completed his match against Haas and he lost it. :-P


skeezer Says:

Fed is out. Congrats to Haas.


RZ Says:

Yay Tommy Haas!
Amit was correct – Fed should not have cut his hair! :-)


Van orten Says:

He couldn’t care less believe me guys . He played the same shit as in Dubai


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Wow, congrats to Haas! Every year he pulls out a surprising grass court win. Glad Fed served well, at least.
Well, just a few days till Queens/ Halle. Lots of great grass action next week- some of it televised.


Van orten Says:

Next round he’ll lose for sure though old haas


Daniel Says:

I think now with this loss he can be sseeded 2 for Wimbledon but still able for a top 4 seed. Ig Nadal is #2 (depednong on of Djoko plays Queens or not) They could meet in semis.


FedExpress Says:

Some disgusting choking from federer.

Set and break up. Billions of BPs. Even had MP.

he cant decide to be clutch or to be a choker this season.


RZ Says:

Stealing this from Twitter: Indian Wells Tournament Director defeats Indian Wells Champion


Van orten Says:

I prefer him losing 250 atp va his old buddy haas . It is annoying but feels exactly the same as Dubai . Watch the match point it feels he wanted to put that ball as far out as possible


Navdeep Says:

Hàas defeated Roger in Halle in 2012 then Roger went on to win the Wimbledon. History may repeat itself again!


monterey Says:

Does anybody else get the feeling that (how to put it nicely?) Fed wasn’t terribly motivated to beat his old pal in his last year playing in Germany and in front of his little daughter?

You know, a little unconscious gift giving……..


Van orten Says:

Just watch the interview from Monday. I knew after him losing the second set it was over and fed was almost happy about it


RZ Says:

On another note, Rafa has withdrawn from Queens.


Daniel Says:

Current Wimbledon seedings for Nadla, Djoko and Fed

– Nadal has 7285 pts (doesn´t have a grass court in last 12 motnhs to add), won´t play Queens this year so his olny next added grass points will be 75% of his Wimby 2015 second round: 0,75 x 45 = 33,75

Total seeding points: 7285 + 33,75 = 7318,75

– Djokovic has 5805 + 90 pts Wimbledon 2016 + (0 grass court thsi year) + 0,75 x 2000 (Wimby title 2015) = 7395 pts.

Djoko will be ahead of Nadal in Wimbledon seeding regardless if he plays a lead up or not.

– Federer: 4775 + 10 stutgart + 720 Wimby 2016 + 0,75 x 1200 (Wimby 2015) = 6405 pts. If he wins halle he gets 500 more + 500 last year results so he can reach 7.405 pts, whcih will place him ahead of Nadal and Djoko (assumign Djoko doesn´t play any grass lead up this year).

Murray #1, Fed #2, Djoko #3 and Nadal #4. Fedal could meet only in semis or in final if Nadal placed in Murray side.

if Federer doesn´t win Halle, he will be seeded #4 and Nadal #3 so they can only meet in finals.


RZ Says:

Thanks again Daniel!


Daniel Says:

What about Djoko, did he announce anyhting yet or he will skpi queens/Halle again? I think so, last 2 years he didn´t ploay if I am not mistaken.


RZ Says:

Haven’t heard anything yet about Djokovic. He usually plays an exhibition.


Giles Says:

Joker likes to play Poodles!


Willow Says:

Boodles ….


Amit Says:

I am telling you as its my gut feeling that Federer will fail in Wimbledon… And the reason for it is his haircut. #GutFeeling 😭😭😭


Kimberly Says:

Funny Nadal and Federer very different.

Nadal approaches the clay season determined to play and win everything. Although many do question his efforts in Rome. But he decimates the season to rack up a ton of points and gain confidence. Also he wins 3 tournaments and all of a sudden the lip snarl is in full effect and all the other players are flat out terrified of him.

Maybe if there was more events on grass, like a masters, Federer would be more motivated to try and gather points. And he doesn’t seem to require winning tournmanets to gather the same aura of confidence and invincibility that Nadal does. But sorry, this is a poor effort to begin a grass court campaign in my opinion. Lets see what next week brings.


monterey Says:

Remember that Roddick also beat Fed in their last ever pro match. Fed is a kind-hearted and generous man, giving his long-dominated opponents a going away gift.)))

Wasn’t that a cute and heart-warming shot of Haas’ little daughter yelling “Papa” after the match?


Truth Says:

Roddick was a lucky clown, so he felt guilty and bowed down at his idol Fed.
Fed just felt sorry for the creep because he was a sycophant too.
Enough of the disgraceful Roddick comparison to Haas! Haas is a man, not a freak.
Fedal floons always flatter themselves. Embarrassing.
I don’t know why Roddick’s salary was more important than the ATP punishing the him by banning him from tennis.
It’s not like he cured cancer with his abusive behavior.

Haas can play at any age and on any part of the court. Roddick just abused the umpire at the net.

Who cares that Djoker’s on tour?? , He certainly doesn’t…
He’ll quit tennis within 2 years when he loses all that he worked hard for (good reputation, self-respect).


Daniel Says:

Think the same Kimberly,

Regardless if this is Haass, he should have won his first match back after 2 and half months, specially after winning firts set 6-2 and going up 2-1 in second set. And this is grass.

Now he can´t afford an upset in R1 or R2 in Halle otherwise he would 2-3 matches on grass entering Wimnbledon.

He lost 1 match out of 22 first 3 motnhs and now on his preferably surface, after rest he loses his first. Any way we spin it it´s a bad loss.


Kimberly Says:

Makes you wonder, if someone is on fire like Federer clearly was in Miami and Indian Wells, should you just keep playing? @ and a half months is a lot of time for the fire to cool. But maybe this was a silly wobble and we will see the same Federer with an effortless serve and flawless timing next week

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