Roger Federer v Stan Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic v Marin Cilic; US Open Semifinal Picks and Pans

I think, if Roger wins, it will be in three or four. And I also don’t think he can win in three. What I am sure is that Stan is the favorite if they play a long, grueling, five-set match, just like Djokovic would be the favorite against Roger in that kind of match.

(Of course, this is all totally backwards; it would be Djokovic and Stan who, by making Roger play a long, grueling match, beat him, rather than benefiting from a mysterious, decided-elsewhere kind of match imposed on the players. But I digress.)

I just really don’t know how to call it. I’d love to see Federer finally make another USO final, but I’m not willing to let myself expect it yet, so we’ll leave this as a tossup in my view…

By contrast, I fully expect Novak to dismantle Cilic. It’s not like Cilic has been playing great tennis either, aside from his serve. He barely beat Chardy. I didn’t see the Tsonga match, but it was obviously very close. And it’s too bad (from my anti-Djokovic perspective…) that it went the distance; Cilic has played a lot of tennis in the last few days now. I just don’t see him beating Djokovic. It probably won’t even be that close; maybe two competitive sets out of three or four.

I also can’t see Djokovic losing to underdogs in the semis at the USO two years in a row. Can you?

September 10th, 2015 at 6:52 pm

Ashe is not particularly fast especially as compared to Armstrong. Evening/night conditions with humid/heavy weather should make it even slower as compared to conditions prevailing under a hot sun. The absence of wind, due to the new structure, is a huge blessing for players who struggle in windy conditions. That structure also limits the direct sunlight to only a few hours on Ashe. It seemed so unfair to players struggling on the other courts last week while Ashe was relatively cooler and less windy. Cilic has been at the receiving end of the worst scheduling among the four remaining players. He must be running on fumes given the draining conditions he has played in. He didn’t seem 100% for the Tsonga match and his ankle injury must have worsened after such a long encounter. I hope the extra day of rest for the top half helps him recover. Otherwise, Djoko should win easily. Not that Djoko is at any risk if he brings his A game – which he normally does at this stage of a major – against even a fit Cilic who has himself barely shown any glimpse of the incredible level he reached last year. Under the circumstances, he must hope for a seriously bad day at the office for Djoko.

The second semi has the potential to be a real classic if both players rise to the occasion. Wawa has almost always played well at majors of late and, even in defeat, doesn’t go down without a valiant effort. Fed, who used to be the gold standard in this regard at the majors, seems to have lost that ability to fight when things are not going his way in a best of five match. I think this match is just too close to call based on current form. I hope they don’t end up hobbling each other in the process. I don’t want to see a one-sided final.

It’d probably be a Djoko-Wawa final but stranger things have happened.

September 10th, 2015 at 7:37 pm

Nole in 4.

Fed over Stan losing a dozen or less games.

You gotta believe baby.

September 10th, 2015 at 7:43 pm

Hi, TL. Nice to read you. Good insights about the courts, although Novak has mentioned that they seemed faster this year. Not that I remember where he played his last match, just to make that clear too.

September 10th, 2015 at 7:44 pm

Federer is going to crush Wawrinka.

His level is much higher than Stan’s right now.

September 10th, 2015 at 7:53 pm

Fed will beat Wawa in straights. I won’t be surprised if Cilic wins. He has an amazing serve and Djoker is not really playing that well.

September 10th, 2015 at 8:28 pm

Most interesting scenario would be Djokovic winning his semi then playing Federer, who has looked better than Nole this USO. Obviously the most interesting – this, not Wimbledon, may be Federer’s last best chance to win another Major event, and for Nole, a chance to reverse 4 years of underperforming in the N American hardcourt swing.
Then Stan vs. Nole. He’s lost badly to Nole in the last 3 years, but he has also given the #1 fits. Can Stan beat Nole? Like, duhhhh, not even a question if the Stanimal shows up and the Serbinator is not summoned by Djoker.

September 10th, 2015 at 8:37 pm

cilic has played 2 matches off ashe, but he has had all day matches, so in that regard his scheduling has not been kind. however, at least they’ve kept him on semi-shaded ashe for more of his matches.

in terms of his form?
– he’s hit 111 aces. *no one has hit more.*
– he’s won 82% of 1st serves – *the same as fed.*
– he’s won 97 points 1st serve receiving *2nd behind fed*
– he’s the TOP rank for 2nd serve receiving points (above novak, fed, everyone)

this doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll translate these stats to the next round, but so far his form has been VERY strong in these categories, which encompass elements of both serving and returning.

by comparison
– stan’s hit 61 aces (50 less than cilic)
– he’s won 79% of first serves
– he’s won 92 1st serve receiving pts (ranks 6th)
– he’s the 11th rank for 2nd serve receiving

stan isn’t even in the top 20 on second serve points won.

of the remaining players novak is highest with 62%, fed with 61%, and cilic with 58%.

all these are from the event statistics at the us open’s site.

September 10th, 2015 at 8:48 pm

Hey mat4 – Djoko has played all his matches at Ashe. In fact, I thought that the courts were just a touch quicker last year although I could be wrong. Other things being equal, the surface here tends to play a bit quicker as the tourney goes into the final rounds. Ashe and Armostrong are very similar to PC and SL at RG in terms of court size and surface speed respectively. I don’t like such differences between two courts at the same major. I am sure court sizes can be roughly similar. Of course, stadiums can’t be identical.

I am also not a big fan of roofs. When the roof does come up next year, it would be a huge advantage for players playing there if and when they close it. As it is, I think the lack of wind makes a big difference already. It is meant to be an outdoor event with the heat and the wind being part of the challenge. In fact, the super Saturday posed a unique challenge to the men’s finalists especially when the second sf used to be played after the ladies final. Admittedly, a bit stupid but all of this was unique to the uso. I don’t like so many night matches either but I guess commercial considerations are bound to influence such matters. It just seems so unfair to other players who toil under the sun. Sure, night matches can have an electric atmosphere but I sometimes get the feeling that scheduling becomes a bigger factor than it should. This is particularly obvious at the AO where the heat can sometimes become the biggest factor. A very hot and dry results in quicker conditions too as compared to evening conditions. I often wonder how things would be if they went back to playing the later rounds in the day. AO has effectively become an evening/night tourney in the second week with two qf, both sf and final matches taking place in the evening/night.

September 10th, 2015 at 8:58 pm

“the problem is that in recent years almost all the finals at the us open have been delayed until monday prime time due to weather issues – usually rain. and with climate change, it’s possible that these sorts of issues are only going to get more intense.

wimbledon recorded its hottest temps ever this year.

without the roof in australia, people were even passing out due to extreme heat.

at the us open this year, many people retired due to humidity/cramps etc. the most ever on the men’s side, in fact.

hopefully, any roof will continue to be used for exceptional circumstances only in the future.

i prefer the open air competition, too, especially, for example, at wimbledon, where, when the roof is on, it gives an advantage to big servers, has a kind of hollow echoing sound, and almost seems to be a “claustrophobic” atmosphere. i find the roof less imposing in australia for some reason (maybe because it’s not grass?)

but the option of not having a roof means matches being delayed, schedules getting backed up, and players having no breaks between matches.

that’s not ideal either.

September 10th, 2015 at 9:15 pm

Agree with the Novak cilic analysis, cilic needs to bring his best tennis and Novak to be off his A game for him to have a realistic chance, expected result is Novak in 4.

Fed has been the most inform player this tournament, but this seems to be deja vu. One long match will take him out of title contention. If he goes 5 sets with Stan I think Stan will actually win. He either beats Stan quickly in 3 or 4 otherwise his title hopes is gone. Given, if they play like the ATP semi last year, Stan looks like the player to outlast him.

Also, the weather is cooler these few days, sitting around 25 degrees, a massive 10 degrees cooler than last years semifinals. Huge advantage to grinders and defenders with the slower balls. Also humidity is high giving heavier conditions making it even tougher to hit with pace.

September 10th, 2015 at 9:35 pm

FINAL Federer vs Cilic.Good chances for Roger Federer as per his recent form.

September 10th, 2015 at 9:43 pm

Flavia Pennetta is 3-1 against Halep (2-1 on hard court). If it goes 3, Flavia can win it as Halep suffers a lot physically. Without the rain interruption, Azarenka would have won. Azarenka was the only player who could have stopped Serena.

September 10th, 2015 at 9:48 pm

^ yeah i agree about vika, gregoire. i think she was the only one with a legit shot at the title (besides serena of course, who seems a shoo-in now)

September 10th, 2015 at 10:11 pm

Jane, your stats make a powerful argument for Cilic, but one stat, 13-0, dustifies them all.
Yes, I made up that word.

September 10th, 2015 at 10:34 pm

And the crap that it might be feds last chance to win a major has started

September 10th, 2015 at 10:45 pm

^ you’d think TV, and maybe it’ll “dustify” them tomorrow (love a good neologism) – i freaking hope so!

but how many wins did he have over fed before the semis last year? zero maybe? how many did seppi have over fed before AO this year? 12-0?

i believe you are the man who used that phrase, “the natives are restless,” on these boards, to describe the rise of stan and maybe even marin’s win last year. i thought it was an apt choice of words and it still applies methinks.

obviously, if novak plays well he can win this for sure: he has the confidence, the strategies and the tennis – huzzah!

but goran has been great for marin’s focus and tennis too.

one other thing – that ankle. if it is bad, and i hear it might be, then that’s an added bonus for novak as he can move marin around when he gets in rallies.

111 aces though. eek.

September 10th, 2015 at 10:51 pm

hey mat5, a song for you. i find it exuberant…a nice one to listen to, smooth but poppy. good to start your day with, or to get ready to go out listening to. it reminds me of jacques tati’s film “traffic” or something….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM4m9YXdH-Y

September 10th, 2015 at 11:01 pm

Stan needs to serve a high 1st serve % to win. 65+

Feddy needs to get to net a lot and win 70% of points at net.

If fed serves 70% 1st serves and gets to net 40+ times and plays aggresive on break points, his match in straights.

Fed needs to not try and battle from baseline, that would be a huge mistake. A lil SABR will help too

September 10th, 2015 at 11:17 pm

jane re; 8:48
Respect your stats, but those are against who? Novak? Nope.
Cilic’s has had amazing serving stats, no doubt. But he is confronting the best returner in the mens game. Stats can tell a story, but can also just make an argument, not the truth and the end prediction of an outcome. The human element in all things is the great equalizer. Anyone, anytime, can beat the stats. That is the beauty of sport.

September 10th, 2015 at 11:35 pm

definitely skeezer and as noted i am not sure stats will translate to the next round; always the opponent has something to say about it.

it’s similar with h2hs. just because a player has beaten another most of the time doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be all the time. although specific match-ups do come into play.

—

t-dawg, in the french open final stan raised his first serve percentage ten percent higher than it’d been the rest of the event. sheesh!

September 10th, 2015 at 11:43 pm

Let’s just say its very likely that nole will win, but its not impossible for cilic to get through.

History says Nole will win, although cilic might have better stats this tournament so far. 111 aces is a lot, but that is also out of a lot more games played, and against Tsonga, chardy, etc players who are not best known for their returns. His ace count will be the least facing players like Andy, Novak.

And Nole is not really on a decline like fed, who has dominated players in the past but is starting to lose to players he has never lost to. It might seem surprising fed has lost matches to these players recently based on the h2h, but in fact it is not.

September 10th, 2015 at 11:48 pm

all valid points peter.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:14 am

I have to go with Sean’s picks and the only area I disagree is with respect to Roger who I feel will have somewhat an easy time with Stan than is being forecasted – four sets probably and it might not go the distance. I feel that Roger is playing some breathtaking Tennis after quite a while and in Cincinnati he did beat both Andy and Novak quite convincingly and so it is not that his form is being exaggerated out of context and can be connoted only to a favourable draw !!

September 11th, 2015 at 12:40 am

most of you are underestimating Roger.
More likely he will steamroll wawrinka with 1 breaker so maybe 4.

all those precasting have been undergrading fed all week. Isner would go tot 5/ gasquet to 4/ even kohlsvhreiber was predicted 4 set. Where novak was predicted easy 3 set wins.

September 11th, 2015 at 1:31 am

Who’s playing the best? Eye test says Federer by a mile. But did anyone really think Roger would have any trouble with Gasquet, John Isner or Phil Kohlschreiber? No.

Sean, Each of the above players, Gasquet, Isner and Kohlschreiber are not only excellent players but also dangerous.

Did you watch the Isner match? John certainly gave Fed a run for his money. Was a very tight match and to even go to a tie breaker shows the player with the stronger nerve (thankfully fed), would win the breaker.

These are not players to be underestimated, at any time – so you intimate that they could not have caused Fed a problem – I disagree agree.

Isner most definitely caused Roger a problem!

As for today, Roger should win against Stan, but we all know that Stan is under the auspice of Magnus Norman, who has already proved (though on clay, who cares?), Stan has the game to trouble Roger.

September 11th, 2015 at 1:51 am

I disagree agree.

Oops!

I Disagree!

September 11th, 2015 at 1:52 am

I think Nole will be in the final. The other one? If “Stan the Destroyer” turns up, Fed will have some problems no doubt and, if it goes to 5, I think Stan will win.
But…Fed’s played better so far, so giving him the edge. But not putting my house on it.

September 11th, 2015 at 1:55 am

stats can never be used to predict outcome.

let say Federer would have won his previous rounds in 5 sets . He would have upped his win% in 5th set but no body would have given him better chances to beat wawrinka in 5th set.

Still that is exactly what most of you so called wisdom tellers claim.

September 11th, 2015 at 2:04 am

I think Cilic wins a set, but falls in a close four to Nole. Fed and Stan is a toss up…Stan comes out to battle in the slams and Fed hasn’t won a major in a very very long time. Don’t discount that as adding a little more pressure on Fed…I think he wants another major so bad that the pressure gets to him in the later stages of these majors. I’m calling Stanimal 7-5 in the fifth.

September 11th, 2015 at 3:25 am

heat, a,b,c – game, ankle injury , Courts faster or slower, 5 setter, Age, humidity , slower balls, no wind ….ad infinitum!!!!!

so many excuse variables People bringing up. mier-coles!!!!
i do not give a sh+t if it is luck, top form, voodoo or the opponents hair head Distorsion that brings my man into the finals!!!

September 11th, 2015 at 3:42 am

All the remarks/comments are excellent (and thoughtful).

I believe Nole will be in the final – not only because Cilic has had to expend more energy due to longer matches but because Nole is overall a better player.

As for Fed and Stan – if it goes to 5 Stan will win….otherwise Fed.

No matter who goes to the final, Nole will win.

September 11th, 2015 at 3:47 am

elina Says:
Nole in 4.

Fed over Stan losing a dozen or less games.

You gotta believe baby.

September 10th, 2015 at 7:43 pm

Elina!

Federer in 3. Got to think that Fdederer has definitely been the better player, and with Jane’s stats earlier, he has made his case.

It is just we have been here so many times before; another semi final and the pressure is very different.

Federer in 3.

Hell! Federer in 2! :)

September 11th, 2015 at 4:01 am

Nole is a very difficult player to beat. You need something extra to beat him.I agree Cilic has a monstrous serve but will that be enough, I doubt??

September 11th, 2015 at 4:07 am

Hopefully,we’ll see some high quality, competitive matches. It’s too bad that Fed and Stan have to face each other at the SF stage. I’d have preferred for them to be on opposite sides, and get to the finals, perhaps an all Swiss final. Fed has worked very hard to put himself in a winning position, and I don’t want to see it end at the SFs. Same goes for Stan. You can bet that Stan will come out guns blazing.

@skeezer, 11:35pm,”Stats can tell a story, but can also just make an argument, not the truth and the end prediction of an outcome. The human element in all things is the great equalizer.”

I so agree. It’s all in the interpretation and circumstances that affected the matches at the time they were played. Cilic has had a rough path to the SFs. He’ll be playing with an injured ankle which is definitely going to provide a huge bonus for Djok, as someone mentioned above. For me,watching a match where the opponent has such a great advantage over the other injured one, takes away from the enjoyment.

September 11th, 2015 at 4:09 am

Novak is the most improved player of this decade. He has improved his fitness, counter punching ability, his serve & now mentality. That’s why Cilic sorry mate he is in another league.

September 11th, 2015 at 4:10 am

But, Jane, of course Cilic has hit a lot more aces than Djokovic. In the last three rounds, Cilic has played about a third more tennis than Djokovic, and he’s certainly had his back against the wall–the situation where you go for aces–more. I added it all up, and Cilic has played 430 service points in the last three rounds, to 331 for Djokovic. It’s around 69 to 53 service games. So if you “correct” Djokovic’s service rate (up to the mid-80s, if he had played as much tennis as has Cilic), of course he’s still behind Marin but it’s not as bad.

In the Chardy match, Cilic was lucky that he got the third set and then Chardy seemed to give up. That was a really close match.

September 11th, 2015 at 4:37 am

But hey, it is true that Cilic is the defending champion. I guess I shouldn’t write him off. And I haven’t seen any of Novak’s matches, so I am not sure if he’s actually in bad form or if (as seems more likely, a priori) he’s in “Djokovic bad” form where he is actually still playing fine but grouses about it in his post-match interviews.

September 11th, 2015 at 4:44 am

for cilic to beat Djokovic another level must be found.
His 2014 level was enough.When he brings that he will set Djokovic aside with relative ease.
But Cilic did not play that level yet.

Now in order to beat Federer he probably will have to up his game even further.
That shows Rogers level is just above Cilic level 2014. It was expected because Roger knew he had to perform that level. He has always upped his level after being dethroned.

He will take this slam to set new benchmark for level required.

September 11th, 2015 at 4:57 am

nits,

Certainly Novak is the player to beat; whenever you think he can’t pull it off, he can. He has the inner belief, especially when he is losing, you see him pull it all together and some how, some way, he comes through.

I do think Novak will reach the final.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:08 am

so Us open thinks top match is Federer Wawrinka.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:29 am

by the way- what is mirka planning to do tonight ? …

September 11th, 2015 at 6:32 am

@Jane:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M5TAJFHVWs

An adaptation of an old folk song.

Let’s hope we will rediscover Nole the fighter tonight. He’s not the best ever in deciding sets for nothing.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:14 am

Most of the posts here today are very similar to those at this same stage last year.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:18 am

If there’s ever a match where you throw the lopsided h2h out the window, it’s Wawrinka vs Federer. In the last 2 years they have had very close matches and Stan has 2 slams.

That said, I don’t see why you guys think Federer can’t win in 5. He hasn’t played a single extended match since Wimbledon. The issue is how he recovers for the final. Playing a long 4 or 5 setter would hurt him afterwards. But he won’t be outlasted today given how fresh he is.

I think if Federer can maintain his edge he’ll win. We know Wawrinka will be aggressive so the only way to beat him is to stay in top of his aggression. The way Federer had been playing he can certainly do it. But this is a close match to call and I think it’ll be played just as close.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:55 am

I feel that the edge Roger got over Wawarinka is that he has never lost to him on hard courts or Grass. It is only on Clay where Wawarinka has got the better of him recently !!

Moreover, the playing style of Wawarinka with flashy back hand suits Roger better than any other player. I think Roger will employ a better strategy to unsettle him by making frequent forays into the net and indulge in drop volleys upsetting Wawarinka’s rhythm in shot making. We all know how Roger destroyed Gasquet and the later has a pretty similar game like Wawarinka.

In this form, I would be surprised if Roger lost. For that to happen, Roger must play woefully bad. The best of Wawarinka cannot just match the best of Roger who is a class by itself !!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:06 am

The other match between Novak Vs Cilic will although be tricky for the former, yet he is most likely to sail quite comfortably and finish the task in just four sets. I do not think Cilic can stop the march of Novak towards another final unless he produces a miracle similar to the forum he showed in last year’s US Open which is tough to replicate !!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:08 am

@Markus:

It’s always the same, Markus.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:16 am

Markus, in case you haven’t noticed, all of tennis-x is an infinite loop of repeating GOAT arguments, predictions of ROger and Rafa’s demise, and of new challengers dethroning the big four, and Brando and CalmDownPlease calling people names and LOL-ing their own jokes. Year in, year out.
Amen.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:01 am

Comon fed. Rooting for you so hard. The way you are playing is breathtaking.
I asked Cortana “Who will win the US open” some days ago and she said “Novak djokovic has the best chance to win the US open 2015”. I asked her again after fed performance vs gasquet and she said Roger federer has the biggest chance :)
Hope she is right. Gonna wake up all night to see these awesome matches. Novak vs cilic must be cracker as well.

The tropy is our’s Rog.. Go for the 18th…

September 11th, 2015 at 9:03 am

If Djokovic beats Cilic he’ll have beaten all of the defending champs at each slam this year.

I wouldn’t say Gasquet plays similar to Wawrinka. Wawrinka is much more aggressive, stands closer to the baseline, and is all around better in every department. If you look at their Wimbledon encounter, the only thing you can really take away is that Gasquet naturally moves better on grass and Wawrinka missed some shots he normally doesn’t. But Wawrinka has the better forehand, serve, and usually backhand. He’s also more willing to move forward.

Michael, I agree with the strategy. Not so much that Federer has to net rush often, but just that he needs to keep points short and force Wawrinka into uncomfortable positions. While Wawrinka is more than capable of making crazy backhands from outrageous positions, it’s never going to be a high percentage play. Unsettle him and don’t let him find any kind of rhythm. That’s why I think the surface will help Federer. Points on clay are longer and Wawrinka has more time to setup his shots. If Federer can force Wawrinka into going for too much too often, he’ll win.

What’s also important is that Federer is returning well. Wawrinka’s serve is heavy, even when he’s not landing a lot of first serves in. If Federer continues serving at a high level and returns well, he’ll win. But as always, it’ll come down to form on the day.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:06 am

`and Brando and CalmDownPlease calling people names and LOL-ing their own jokes. Year in, year out..`

Stop saying I’ve been here for years d**khead
I barely been here for a year!!
And I don’t DO jokes
:)

September 11th, 2015 at 9:28 am

Here in India matches will start @ around 9 30 pm first the women’s semifinal. It’s going to be a long night & loads of coffe I guess may the best man win today Ahem!!!

September 11th, 2015 at 9:31 am

Last time Roger won a five-setter was in 2013. FO R16 vs. Gilles Simon.

I’m thinking if Federer doesn’t win this USO after another flawless performance up until now, even he will start to question whether it is possible for him to win another slam, provided all the other top players don’t retire early or something.

If Wawrinka beats Federer, and if Novak beats Čilić, I’m thinking Wawrinka would be tough for Novak to overcome when he’s in the zone, like at the FO. Yeah it’s a different surface, but I don’t know, Wawrinka beat Novak so thoroughly in that FO final, I have to give him the edge in that matchup.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:36 am

Kriket – I’m thinking Nole would have the edge for the very reason that he won’t want Stan to triumph over him again – he’ll be at his determined best.

PS: If anyone interested in GB v Australia Davis Cup the participants are: Edmund, Inglot and the 2 Murrays versus Tomic, Groth, Kokkinakis, Hewitt.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:02 am

nits
Agree… Gonna be a long night :)

September 11th, 2015 at 10:16 am

This is one of the best semifinal line-ups we’ve seen in a slam in, I would say, a really long time. It’s very possible that any of the 4 players will actually win the title. Usually you have at least 1 player who most probably won’t win (Gasquet, Tsonga, Berdych, etc). Even last year, no one thought Cilic or Nishikori would even win their semis. Here, we know all 4 players are capable on playing incredible tennis and taking home the trophy. I almost wish I didn’t have a favorite here because from a neutral fan’s perspective, this is simply mouth watering stuff.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:18 am

Goodness Kath, they’ve dropped Wardy! Saw him at Queens and he was useless mind :( And Kyle is either in top 100 or getting there.
The times they are a-changing.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:21 am

Kriket – Didn’t Fed beat Monfils in five in last year’s US Open? I think it was after that match that he came out flat against Cilic in the semi’s.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:21 am

Kath, just read eleswhere that Wardy IS in the team.
5 players can be nominated I think, or is one a reserve?

September 11th, 2015 at 10:32 am

Wardy has to be in it!
He punches well above his weight (sometimes) for DC..
Furthermore, Andy will NOT have to play doubles
As (in take of breath) we have two great doubles players who are in F-O-R-M
If Wardy can pull an upset then we are basically through anyway
Unless..
Not I’m not even going to go there, Andy is actually very dependable at DC.
And he will want something big for this year.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:55 am

“If Djokovic beats Cilic he’ll have beaten all of the defending champs at each slam this year.”

he didn’t beat himself at wimbledon ha. ;) but yeah; interesting point ben.

—-

one thing people haven’t really noted is that stan’s second serve hasn’t been so good here. fed can/will take advantage of that.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:25 am

I want very good and exciting semifinal matches tonight. One where Federer wins.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:42 am

Wawa would be pissed off if he loses to Fed (yet again), now that he believes this year he’s in top form. He hates being compared to Federer and always playing the Swiss second fiddle :)

I’m thinking that will be a huge incentive for him, besides reaching the finals in itself.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:49 am

If I’m Stan, I’ll go out there all in. Stan has an AO, FO, and now a US Open is within grasp – maybe the only chance he’ll ever get. That’s huge. Roger has 5 of these titles – ridiculous number of GS’s. Every reason for Stan to come out and put friendship and history aside. Federer will do the same: do all he can to get to the final and a chance for 18. Should be a good match.

Simona losing the first set. Also love Flavia – just happy they both made it this far.

May the best man win.

At least I can watch a little of the Cilic v Novak match, if the weather holds. Federer and Wawrinka will have to record and watch it later, if it’s worth it ;) Will be checking scores from work when possible and reading tennis-x.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:54 am

^you seemed worried about Grandpa. :)

September 11th, 2015 at 11:55 am

^that was for kriket….dang jalep you post too fast.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:55 am

Cilic does stand a better chance than most think. He really has nothing to lose with that 0-13 record of his, so as per Ivanisevic’s requirements he will have to play BIG on every single point, serve, return and everything in between.
Expect Cilic to go for broke from the beginning, which means that luck will be a greater factor. I expect 5 sets. That is the way he actually won a set 6-1 if I am not wrong against Djokovic, other than that he has no chance at all.
As for the other one, I would really like Stan to win, would enjoy watching what he does in the final. I would think Federer would lose in straight sets against Djokovic.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:58 am

kriket stan did have this to say: “I think now we both nervous when we enter the court. Before it was only me.”

i thought that was kind of cute. :)

September 11th, 2015 at 11:58 am

The key to beat Stan is to disrupt his rhythm. That’s what Fed and Novak have managed to do on fast surface for years, but lately Stan is better here than he was. He has shown a lot of easy power in this tournament, but the truth is that he wasn’t much tested.

The RG scenery fitted Stan like a glove, but on a faster surface, where Federer will play short points, change the pace, slice often, in my opinion we will have a remake of Rome, an easy three sets in favour of the older player.

An argument against this is that Federer, in my opinion, doesn’t play that well, and like Stan, he had a very easy draw and remains untested. Gasquet played a horrible match, and when Fed noticed that Richard had no depth on his FH, he used it effectively. Another thing I noticed is that Fed level tends to drop in the second set onward. If Wawa can serve well, and make of this match a contest, a fight with longer rallies, the result could be uncertain.

As a Novak fan, I root of course for Federer, who has not chance against a top Novak in the final. But will a good Novak show up? Novak was inconsistent from the second round, and looked very nervous. If he continues to play like this, a place in the final is in question.

Not that Cilic is a danger when Novak is at his best, but he is a great danger if Djokovic can’t outlast him in the rallies. Especially since Novak doesn’t return so well against him.

In the final, I see Federer as a favourite against Cilic, Wawrinka against Djokovic, Djokovic against Federer, while Cilic vs Wawrinka — I don’t know.

So, in my opinion, they all have to play their best tennis, and the one who finds his range first could be the last man standing.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:59 am

Margot – The site I was on was a DC site – but they only named 4 each side – but of course yes, there are usually 5 there – Gasquet was the 5th with the French and I think Kyle was the 5th on the GB side v French. So yes, they’d likely go for Ward – wonder who the 5th is for Aussies…

It did not say who was doing what to whom but guessing Inglot and Jamie will do the doubles, hopefully.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:00 pm

krikrty fed 2013 is not compairable with fed 2015. keep thinking that because has closed the gap between himself and Djoker on fast HC. even turned it around in his favor.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:06 pm

@jalep:

You forget one thing: Wawa now knows that he is a legitimate contender in slams. When you have nothing to lose it’s much easier to play. Just see the case of Anderson, who played exceptionally well against Murray, and then melted against a guy he beat 4 times in a row.

Wawrinka, despite their H2H should be the legitimate favourite: he has won 2 slams in the last two years, Fed none. He has won 2 of the last 5 matches, and he likes the USO where he traditionally plays well. Of the three matches he lost, one was on grass and Mirka disturbed him in the other ;-) OK, I exaggerate, but Stan has to feel that he has a good chance. In his case, it often translates to an abysmal performance.

Most pressure is on Novak. The only final — if he makes it — where I feel he will always play well is against Fed. The key, for him, will be his serve, since he hasn’t served well lately.

But I believe that after a good rest — a day more could be the key, here — he will play like he did in the first two rounds.

Anyway, nothing is given, and like Ben wrote, the semi are open, with a slight advantage for the usual favourites.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:12 pm

Serena winning the title was inevitable… but a compelling final would have been nice. This is just… I almost hope she doesn’t even drop a game.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:18 pm

@mat4: I like that favorite vs who. I concur.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:19 pm

By the way, my favorite to win over anybody still in the field is Federer. I use favorite here to mean “like to win” with no other qualification.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:22 pm

How you have it sized up sounds good to me, mat4. No doubt Stan consider’s himself every bit the legitimate contender. What he said that jane posted shows it: Stan knows he’s not the only one nervous out there anymore when Fed’a on the other side of the net. Not sure what will happen. Could be an abysmal performance from both that goes 5 sets – if both are too nervous.

Brava Flavia! Her 1st GS final at age 33.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:23 pm

Serena will win the calendar slam in grand style. Like Graf, she will also give an opponent a double bagel (Graf vs Zvereva at the French). But look at who Steffi beat on the way to her Golden Slam: Evert (AO), Navratilova (Wimbledon), Sabatini (USO). Sabatini was the player outside Seles who gave Graf the most trouble. Serena would have won hers with a bunch of B or C players. But that’s not Serena’s fault. She is still very deserving.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:28 pm

who graf beat for the gold medal markus?

mat4, good analyses of the men’s semis; agree with your assessments.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:30 pm

I think it was Sabatini again, jane.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:33 pm

Wawrinka is precisely the type of opponent that can give Federer headaches. He can grind his opponents down or blow them away with power. Federer will get into trouble with Wawrinka if he allows the match to become physical test (long rallies, 5 sets etc.). By the same token, Wawrinka hits a bigger ball than Federer so he can go on the offence too.

This is a match that will really test Roger’s ability to attack intelligently. He will need to find the fine line between keeping the points short without rushing to end them. Quite frankly, at this point in their respective careers, I see that Stan has a lot more ways to win this match than Federer does.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:34 pm

While Wawrinka is a physical player, he doesn’t look to grind players down. He doesn’t play extended points and his defense is generally serviceable. But it’ll really be tested against Federer.

I don’t think either guy has many ways of winning this match. Wawrinka either overpowers Federer or he doesn’t. If he’s unable to, Federer will rush him and there won’t be any physical grinding. For Federer, he’ll have to mix it up to keep Stan off rhythm. If he gives Stan too much time, he’ll get overpowered. It’s pretty much one or the other.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:40 pm

SG1:

Stan has to be on the ball to hit well. Fed for years managed to surprise him by changing the physiognomy of rallies from point to point. What’s good for Wawa is that the rebound is high enough, but if he has to run from left to right, to face a changing spin at changing depths, I don’t know how he will play. Just look at Rome this year.

I didn’t mention the serve thingy here because it’s a well know factor.

Fed’s problem is that he starts to lose strength from the third set in slams. His serve is less precise, and he makes a bit more UE. If Stan can put enough pressure on Roger in the first two sets, you never know. But still, I have Federer as my slight fav here.

September 11th, 2015 at 12:42 pm

I don’t think you can beat Djokovic, Murray and Nadal the way Stan has without being able to physically deal with the challenges they pose. While I agree that Stan uses his shot making skills to win matches, this is a baseline era. As good as most of these guys are, there is a physical nature to most matches.

A prime Federer is a clear favorite here. Let’s not forget that on several occasions in the recent past, Federer has looked really good reaching the semis or finals of majors and has simply not been able to deliver the goods at the end of the tournament. I don’t think his form in previous matches is a good barometer here. Tennis is about match ups. At this point in time, Wawa looks like a bad match up for Federer…at least to me.

September 11th, 2015 at 1:00 pm

But, but, but I thought women’s tennis was amazeballs!!!??

Yeah, right!

Back to reality with that one.
Hope Panetta wins but it would be weird if it was even close.
Expect the expected this time my sweets…

September 11th, 2015 at 1:08 pm

Sorry smarty pants, wrong thread!

September 11th, 2015 at 1:15 pm

I never comment on women’s tennis, but I have to say I hate Serena’s cakewalk Grand Slam. It’s way too easy for her, no real contest there.

September 11th, 2015 at 1:22 pm

kriket
She is 2 games away from going out of this tourney. Vinci breaks.
4-3
Can she fight back ?
Loving the atmosphere and the game

September 11th, 2015 at 2:41 pm

Yo have you checked the score lately

September 11th, 2015 at 2:56 pm

Vinki wins …
Wow… Just loved the way she played. Those wicked slices.
This is the End of Serena williams incredible run.
The biggest upset of the tournament

September 11th, 2015 at 2:58 pm

What if men’s semis follow the same route as women’s ? May be its cilic vs wawrinka in the finals

September 11th, 2015 at 3:46 pm

Anybody this side of the Pond (UK) staying up for the men’s semis??????

Would like to but getting weak already….

September 11th, 2015 at 4:15 pm

Good start from Novak. Interesting comments on Eurosport.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:31 pm

early goings, but nole off to a flyer at 4-0.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:36 pm

All hail soon to be 2015 US Open champion, 10-time slam winner, Nole!!

September 11th, 2015 at 5:36 pm

cilic with 25% firsts in, 0 winners, and 6 errors. not a start he’d want.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:38 pm

Novak has made just one UE so far. It’s a good sign, especially since he has been aggressive enough. Although he doesn’t seem to serve especially well, Cilic is always late for the return.

Let’s hope Novak will continue playing in such a way until the end of the match.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:40 pm

Like what kind of interesting, mat4? wish I had eurosport for tennis.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:40 pm

Djoko with best possible beginning. 5-0

September 11th, 2015 at 5:41 pm

15-30, 2 points away from bagel. His return are great today and Cilic serve is not helping much

September 11th, 2015 at 5:42 pm

Brave Cilic, drop shot set point down, but it was perfect so he won the point.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:44 pm

novak started super well vs fl-o too, so am waiting to see if he maintains and/or if cilic lifts.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:45 pm

Cilic what a crappy effort. Either he is out of gas or injured, can’t run, but his effort for a semi is poor so far.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:46 pm

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Look what happens when you’re gluten free
All opponents become undone
when they face the world number one
They are left in a state of trance
knowing on the court they have no chance
Maybe all should take up poker
’cause in tennis, no one beats the Djoker!

September 11th, 2015 at 5:46 pm

mat4 do you know the names of Eurosport British commentators?
There’s a woman amongst them, I wonder if that was Annabel Croft but it didn’t sound like her voice (she’s not on at the moment).

September 11th, 2015 at 5:47 pm

Jane – Understand your caution – but gee whiz!

Look forward to your comments in “my tomorrow”

Gooooooooooooooooooooo Nole!

September 11th, 2015 at 5:48 pm

@jalep:

Novak said that he had a plan, and if he managed to stick to it, he would win.

Then, Mercer commented that it’s not good to bagel a good player, except when it is in the last set.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:48 pm

Wow, great point by Djoko to win the set. DTL sliced FH DTL combo.

Djoko showing his supremacy of fellow top 10. His returns work better better on fast surface, Wimbledon and here. RG for example his return weren’t bothering Wawa. But on fast court he has this super edge against everybody else.

That’s why I think even if Fed dismantle Wawa today, finals will be a whole different game because when Djoko’s return are on he will break. If he is serving good also,as today, virtually unplayable.

September 11th, 2015 at 5:48 pm

what’s “my tomorrow” jock-h?

nice to see novak’s dtl backhand!

lol, bob lewis, very cute. :)

September 11th, 2015 at 5:54 pm

Bob Lewis-you are my favorite poet!

September 11th, 2015 at 5:54 pm

Hope so, mat4 = has a plan and can stick to it, mat4. Thanks.

Did you just make that up @ Bob Lewis?

September 11th, 2015 at 5:54 pm

Also good for Djoko that this match is going fast.
Cilic isn’t able to even make 30-30 on any Djoko’s serve let alone get to deuce, While Djoko had chances in all 4 Cilic’s serve.

He better start holding with easy and putting more pressure otherwise he will be broken soon and Djoko will close second set.

This match up only shot was Cilic to be A+++ and Djoko below A level, anything different is a straight set win.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:01 pm

Novak is peaking at the right time. Playing very very nice

September 11th, 2015 at 6:04 pm

@Kriket:

Yes, I know who they are. David Mercer, Chris Bradnam most of the time, this time too. In the lady’s case, I don’t know. I tried also to find out.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:06 pm

Another break. Well, as soon as Djoko close second set I will go for a quick workout and return in time for Fed x Wawa.

This will be a deluxe practice session for Djoko.
Djoko’s crosscourt FH is killing Cilic today, he can’t win any exchange there.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:07 pm

Oh, at least we got some Grand Slam this year, Martina Hingis won all 4 in mixed doubles;-)

September 11th, 2015 at 6:09 pm

5-1

September 11th, 2015 at 6:13 pm

Everyhting is working for Djoko, puff return on line and Cilic missing a sitter FH, another BP and double fault.

Embarrassing for a defending champion. Makes one wonder what would happen last year even with Cilic amazing run if Djoko won versus Kei.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:13 pm

Its God mode Novak right now… So much depth in his shots

September 11th, 2015 at 6:14 pm

Two solid sets by Novak.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:15 pm

No1e up 2-0 and it’s turning into a practice session. Get ready for the Dkojer-haters to claim conspiracy (Cilic is his buddy) or whine about it not being fair that he’ll stroll into the Final. Here’s hoping for a 5 setter between Roger and Stan ;-)

September 11th, 2015 at 6:18 pm

Iam afraid cilic gonna cry. Show some mercy novak :-)

September 11th, 2015 at 6:20 pm

Cilicis forcing too much his serve, knowing quality of Djoko’s return.

Another break to start third set.

Will Cilic even make a game this set?!

September 11th, 2015 at 6:20 pm

7 UE so far from Novak. It’s getting worrying.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:21 pm

Cilic should come to the net now. This is happening way too fast.
Novak with a braek
1-0

September 11th, 2015 at 6:21 pm

Poor Cilic, this is humiliating. But Novak’s looking scarily good right now

September 11th, 2015 at 6:21 pm

Novak, Novak… how could he miss that FH?

September 11th, 2015 at 6:24 pm

Hmm, this might be too easy. Similar to the Federer-Murray semi in London. Final will definitely be rough and tough.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:24 pm

Loved when Djoko missed a BH DTL long and he got pissed of himself. He wants a testimony win and show the other two who they will face in finals and in which form, regardless of Cilic’s bad play. Djoko is not missing, returning almost all Cilic’s first serves in with interest and finishing the point whenever he can with precise shots. Peaking just when it matters most, ala Fed in the old days.

Djoko soon to be in his 18th Slam final, tying Sampras, 1 shy from Lendl and 2 for Nadal.Plus first year with all 4 Slams finals in his career, something last done by Fed in 2009. Unbelievable run of 11 finals since Doha loss.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:25 pm

Finally first easy hold by Cilic. At least he can make 3 or 4 games to save a bit of his dignity.

Only major drop in focus by Nole makes this set in and I don’t see it happen by his determination and composure. He is totally at ease this match.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:26 pm

Djoko complicating himself. 40-15, return winner by Cilic, DF and FH miss. First BP by Cilic and he break with me nice play and a drop volley. So unnecessary Djoko!!

September 11th, 2015 at 6:32 pm

cilic just got a break in the third set. 2 all.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:32 pm

Cilic breaks
2-2

September 11th, 2015 at 6:32 pm

What did you say, Daniel? We started enjoying ourselves too much, it seems.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:32 pm

Poor Cilic. Gets a break and loses it right back. Getting manhandled…

September 11th, 2015 at 6:36 pm

Novak still in control.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:36 pm

This is one aspect I don’t like about Djoko sometimes. This is a match he shouldn’t even have his serve threatened, because if Cilic playing crap and having a beatwon is able to break him, Fed or Wawa sure will.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:36 pm

4-2 Novak
Just 2 games more for novak to reach the finals

September 11th, 2015 at 6:41 pm

6-0, 6-1, 6-2. One could say Čilić was improving in each set :()

September 11th, 2015 at 6:44 pm

0, 1 and 2. Maybe if they play 4 more sets, they can play a tiebreak;-)

September 11th, 2015 at 6:44 pm

Hey Dan, maybe No1e got bored since he is destroying him. No use to find a negative. He’s going to win the USO.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:44 pm

Wow, hardest shot in tennis, triple MP.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:46 pm

this was a spanking.

Congrats Djoko!! 6 th USO final, tying Fed.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:49 pm

A match like I like it.

September 11th, 2015 at 6:49 pm

marin was clearly hampered.
but novak was clearly dialled in today.
easy win.
hardly any energy spent.
that’s a good thing pre-final.

so he’s now reached 11 finals straight.
i believe that surpassed 10 straight for fed in 2006 but i am not 100% sure of that.

pretty awesome season, come what may.
ajde novak.

get better cilic.

goran was prescient. he said “Djokovic is like a shark.When he smells blood, it’s over. He eats you.”

September 11th, 2015 at 6:50 pm

If he keeps returning this way Fed or Wawa will need to serve above 75%

September 11th, 2015 at 6:55 pm

How can Djokovic have reached 11 straight finals when he didn’t make the US Open finals last year?

September 11th, 2015 at 6:58 pm

Novak must be super confident for the finals now.
Hope we will be a fed vs novak finals. Lets see how it goes

September 11th, 2015 at 7:01 pm

^^see

September 11th, 2015 at 7:02 pm

Djoker Tweet pic on his pre-match prep, posted this afternoon:

https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/642387982352171008/photo/1

September 11th, 2015 at 7:02 pm

6 USO, 5 AO, 4 Wimby and 3 RG finals. Nice stats for Djoko. Soon to be second on finals achieve. He needs to be winning all he plays from now on to increase his majors and all time great status. His record in USO and RG that hampers his legacy, so far 1 win out of 8 finals.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:04 pm

Too bad Marin was hampered. It was a poor match entertainment wise. Meh. But that is tennis. Congrats to Nole, another final!

September 11th, 2015 at 7:05 pm

A poster on the upcoming Rafa-Nole exhibition in Thailand:

http://novakdjokovic.com/en/fan-pit/fan-pit-post-by-biljana-simic-244/

September 11th, 2015 at 7:09 pm

So stan is the first to serve first.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:23 pm

Just woke up for Federer – Wawrinka match

Meh Djokovic routines Cilic

6-0,6-1,6-2

And i calculated that getting up 2hrs from scheduled time of Djokovic-Cilic,I could catch the end of match!!!

Glad I slep through that one…

September 11th, 2015 at 7:23 pm

Well that’s even worse than i expected.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:23 pm

Stan already spanikng

September 11th, 2015 at 7:29 pm

Already STAN PULVERIZING ground strokes !!!

Federer too much S & V

DEUCE

Adv Wawrinka !!

September 11th, 2015 at 7:29 pm

Fed already facing and saving BP. 1-1

September 11th, 2015 at 7:31 pm

2 DEUCES!!

Game

1-1

September 11th, 2015 at 7:31 pm

Stan is on fire already
1-1

September 11th, 2015 at 7:31 pm

That 2nd game made me sweat.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:32 pm

1-1 on SABR;-)

September 11th, 2015 at 7:32 pm

Now BP for Fed. Wawa too many misses long

September 11th, 2015 at 7:33 pm

1/2 on SABER !!

BP for Federer

September 11th, 2015 at 7:34 pm

SABRRRRRRR
fed breaks
2-1

September 11th, 2015 at 7:34 pm

Only 3 games and already better than the other semifinal match.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:35 pm

And Fed breaks after another BH long. Fed’s shot doesn’t allow time for Wawa and he is not set in position to hit his strokes. Noticed that Fed is hitting more deep middle court than trying to give Wawa angles, because that is when he is most dangerous with BH

September 11th, 2015 at 7:35 pm

Please consolidate the break Rog!

September 11th, 2015 at 7:35 pm

as noted, stan’s 2nd serve has been a liability. he’s at 27% firsts.
won’t cut it vs. fed and new aggressive returns.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:36 pm

BROKEN

Well he better consolidate first before you get your hopes high (Wimbledon final) !!!

September 11th, 2015 at 7:36 pm

Perfect hold after break, 3-1

September 11th, 2015 at 7:37 pm

Although Stan held his serve easily,Federer is rushing him making play to Fed pace !!!

3-2

September 11th, 2015 at 7:40 pm

Damm, 0-40. Fed needs to serve big now

September 11th, 2015 at 7:42 pm

Come on Stanimal!!

September 11th, 2015 at 7:42 pm

Serve and volley after second serve with a lot of spin on serve. And wrong foot volley, all saved.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:44 pm

Ace to hold. 3 times Fed served and Stan had BP in 2. Fed better clean his service games next telcos this set.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:44 pm

Huge hold by fed with some beautiful play

September 11th, 2015 at 7:45 pm

Novak like return FH winner;-)

September 11th, 2015 at 7:45 pm

That was some shot making.. Wow

September 11th, 2015 at 7:47 pm

Stan is looking dangerous. 1st service is must for roger to get through this set

September 11th, 2015 at 7:48 pm

15-30, another tense serve by Fed.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:50 pm

pofff.. Hold man hold..
5-3

September 11th, 2015 at 7:52 pm

Fed is solid. The points Wawa is winning is because he implying great. Fed is not giving easy misses or bad errors.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:52 pm

5-3 Federer

Would he able to break Stan for the SET 6-3 !!????

September 11th, 2015 at 7:52 pm

15-30, Fed 2 points away from first set. Wawa first serve still below 40%

September 11th, 2015 at 7:54 pm

The second set will be crucial, if Fed manages (probable) to win the first. Wawrinka plays well, and was overall the more dangerous player so far, although he was broken. If he win the second set, I’m certain that it will be a huge advantage for him.

But then, he hasn’t won the second set, nor lost the first yet.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:54 pm

Hope fed can serve out the set.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:55 pm

Stan hold and send pressure back to Fed who will serve for the set at 5-4

September 11th, 2015 at 7:56 pm

Agree mat4. If Stan diminishes his errors he can pose more danger. Will see how Fed serve the set and second go.But this match looks like could go the distance, a lot of close games by both.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:57 pm

40-15, think he wraps first now.

September 11th, 2015 at 7:58 pm

DF just because I said so;-)

September 11th, 2015 at 7:59 pm

WINNING TACTICS !!!

For Federer

1.Serve

2.Volley

3.SABER(discreetly)

4.??

6-4 Federer !!!

September 11th, 2015 at 7:59 pm

First set in the bag

September 11th, 2015 at 8:01 pm

if stan were getting in more first serves this could be considerably more dangerous for fed. he was 39% for that set. but he hit a few more winners than roger.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:01 pm

Yeah, first set Fed. Pretty fast set for 10 games, 36 minutes.

Even if this goes to five it will be under 3 hours, because both don’t want to stay exchanging more than 10 shots per point.

Stats pretty even, the difference is Stan’s 39% first serves in. He is even winning a lot of second serves points, Fed oddly missed a bunch of easy second serves returns.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:01 pm

Don’t think I can relax until Fed wins a second set! Fingers crossed. Allez Roger!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:03 pm

It was only the first set. Wawa lost the first set in Paris too. Fed is not playing so well, but Wawa is at 0 of 4 BP and 39% first serve. It all can change fast.

I’d like Fed to win, for many reasons, but it will be a difficult task.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:03 pm

Nice FH DTL and now BP for Fed

September 11th, 2015 at 8:04 pm

BP for Fed!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:04 pm

I’m holding my breath until Federer wins two more sets.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:06 pm

HATRICK OF ACES !!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:08 pm

38 seconds service game for roger. 3 ACES

September 11th, 2015 at 8:08 pm

Wow, this FH winner was from 1 meter behind baseline. 0-30

September 11th, 2015 at 8:15 pm

FH WINNER

0-30 on STAN’s serve!!

Error

0-40

3 BP

September 11th, 2015 at 8:15 pm

0-40. Time to break Fed!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:15 pm

Challenge Fed, it looked out to me.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:16 pm

Im a bit torn apart about this match. On one hand I like Wawrinka, kinda root for him, but on the other hand I think Fed would be an easier opponent for Novak. So I don’t know, I guess I’d like Fed to win as well :)

September 11th, 2015 at 8:16 pm

Damm, 3 BP’s gone.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:16 pm

All saved

DEUCE !!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:16 pm

1 more after Wawa missed the volley.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:17 pm

4th

Goes BEGGING!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:17 pm

5th BP!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:18 pm

SAVED yet again !!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:19 pm

9 straight first serves from wawa to save 5 BREAK points.. wow

September 11th, 2015 at 8:19 pm

This is the kind of game that gives moral to Wawa and makes him win second set. Goon and hold your own and create more chances later.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:20 pm

Could that HOLD be the turning point of SET 2??

Wait & See…

September 11th, 2015 at 8:20 pm

A quick hold

NO PROBLEMO !!!

3-3

September 11th, 2015 at 8:23 pm

another 0-40. Tis is it Fed, takes this and hold for 5-3.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:24 pm

COMONNNNNN fed
Breaks finally

September 11th, 2015 at 8:25 pm

3 more BP

Can Federer break now

YES HE CAN!!!!

4-3

September 11th, 2015 at 8:25 pm

Yes!!!! C’mon Fed now consolidate!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:26 pm

And he breaks to love. Everytime Fed hits a deep ball close to the baseline center court Wawa misses. He can’t keep the pace close to him and overhit a lot.

If Fed hold next serve for 5-3nthan this match is 60% won for him.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:26 pm

This seems over.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:26 pm

fed with less than half the errors of stan. playing very clean tennis.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:27 pm

slam dunk

September 11th, 2015 at 8:28 pm

yeah, 40-0. Fed ruff less at the net, 15 out of 20.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:28 pm

Another quick hold

5-3 Federer

September 11th, 2015 at 8:28 pm

This is what i call, vintage fed
5-3

September 11th, 2015 at 8:29 pm

Third game Wawa starts with 0-15

September 11th, 2015 at 8:29 pm

DTL FH on the run for 0-30, 2 points for second set and start serving third.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:29 pm

6-3,6-3

FEDERER

September 11th, 2015 at 8:30 pm

Yeah. Match pretty much over I think.

Stan is not consistent enough to upset him. After first set Fed cleaned his service games and was pressuring Wawa in almost all. 2 consecutive break to love.

Wow, can Fed reach USO final at 34 without dropping a set?!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:31 pm

stan winning 38% second serves, but getting in 55% firsts, which is more than set 1 but not enough to make a difference.

i told my friend this would be straights for fed. methinks i’ll get this call right.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:32 pm

I know that nobody won USO without losing a set in forever. And dal reached finals in 2013 without dropping set I think.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Ok

Make that

6-4,6-3

September 11th, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Amazing level of play by fed

September 11th, 2015 at 8:32 pm

Yeah Federer really turning it on 12 straight points to take 2nd.

to good.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:33 pm

While Fed won the first set, Wawa lost the second. Fed played a clever brand of tennis, taking time away from Stan, mixing his ways, returning well. But Stan was subpar, especially on the return.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:34 pm

CLAYRINKA retuning serve 3-4 meters from the

baseline!!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:40 pm

Roger is serving so well right

September 11th, 2015 at 8:40 pm

fed’s serve seems almost untouchable. stan wins just 25% of receiving points.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:40 pm

This is going fast. Fed is playing on his terms. Seems the roof was a huge advantage for him.

And now I am with FedExpress, even if Fed loses the final, so long for the “this is Fed’s last chance to win a Slam”. If he is making 2 finals in a year, back to back he will always have a chance.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:42 pm

If Federer finishes off Wawrinka and beats Djokovic in the final , I can see him winning 22 slams.

He’s playing better right now than at any point his career. Downright awesome.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:43 pm

Amazing defense by Fed and Wawa missing short ball, BP. This the kill point.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:43 pm

Roger breaks

September 11th, 2015 at 8:44 pm

The only thing that exasperates me in this match are the British commentators.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:44 pm

Long BASELINE POINT won by Fed

BP

&

He breaks!!!!

3-1

September 11th, 2015 at 8:44 pm

It’s going to be over any minute now

September 11th, 2015 at 8:45 pm

This is the way Fed needs to play in the final against Nole. Don’t change a thing.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:46 pm

Skeerzer
Absolutely right . He is playing HYPER aggressive SABR tennis right now.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:47 pm

6-4,6-3,4-1

I can get back to bed for LOST SLEEP

Thank you Federer !!!

:-)

September 11th, 2015 at 8:47 pm

Smooch for the hype of today’s matches. Hope Fed and Djoko play another fifth set at USO, and this time Fed get one revenge;-)

But i will be hip either way. This could be a turning point for both. f Fed wins 18th, who knows what more he can do.

And Djoko, finally getting away from the 50% major finals rate going for 10-8, with another year with 3 Slams, something only Fed was able to do more than one occasion (and Laver), back in transition era.

The most important fact is that fed is playing fast and volleying way more than even Wimbledon. There is only a few couple who can actually win Wimbledon (Djoko, Fed and Murray), Nadal is long gone of contention. Think the trend will continues a few years more,

And now we’ll get the final we should have last year, both Djoko and Fed are saying: not again!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:48 pm

SABER !!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:49 pm

Amazing to see he revamp his game at 34 like this, pure GOAThood.

Another BP, virtually MP.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:50 pm

Don’t get this whole “roof” thingy. So roofs then magically help Fed play better than anyone else? I remember when Rafa lost to Fed @IW and blamed the conditions, more notably “the wind”.
It does help ALL players with a better chance to hit the ball cleaner.
Meanwhile, defense to offense Fed!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:51 pm

WOW !!!

Springing that STAN groundies back…

September 11th, 2015 at 8:51 pm

Wow, wow, wow, He is not missing the court and suddenly with one FH he changed everything.

Serving for the match at 5-1.

If Djoko had a statement win, Fed went right back and said, me too.

The final should be a cracker because both are playing great. World #1 and 2 battling it out again, one more could we ask?

September 11th, 2015 at 8:52 pm

5-1 !!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:52 pm

elina might be right – fed with #18 playing his best ever tennis? it’s possible she’s “shamed” the fed fans with her belief.. ;)

September 11th, 2015 at 8:53 pm

Skeeze, but Fed plays his best tennis one “outside” conditions don’t bother. The courts are playing faster and none plays better fast tennis than him.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:53 pm

2 more!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:53 pm

MP, so glad to see Roger back in USO final since 2009.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:54 pm

MATCH POINT

September 11th, 2015 at 8:54 pm

SCORCHING BH WINNER

deuce

September 11th, 2015 at 8:55 pm

2nd

September 11th, 2015 at 8:55 pm

Super happy this did not go 4 or 5 tough sets. Now the matchup is equal with Nole.
Wait… Nole is playing a Grandpa….advantage Nole, clearly his age is in his prime years.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:57 pm

So happy! Congrats to Roger and also Novak!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:57 pm

SCINTILLATING DISPLAY

Good aggressive real hard court tennis!!!

6-4,6-3,6-1!!!!

September 11th, 2015 at 8:57 pm

Federer will beat Djokovic comfortably, and as recently as before the Roland Garros final, I was saying Djokovic was the best player of a ll time.

The Djoker in the top five for sure. but now that Federer has totally adjusted to his larger head size, he’s proving once again he is the GOAT.

It’s amazing to watch.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:58 pm

Roger at his very best. Haven’t lost a set so far. So cool, so ruthless, so aggressive.

This is SABR roger. Completely different from the last year. He has won 28 sets in a row.
Hope he can deliver the same vs Novak

September 11th, 2015 at 8:59 pm

27 Slam Finals, unbelievable. 7th USO final, one behind Pete and Lendl.

28 straight sets since Cincy after turning 34.This seems like a cinderella story, but we know who is on the other side of the net, and Djoko must have something to say as well.

Returns by both will be the more important stat, more sou than serve I think.

September 11th, 2015 at 8:59 pm

You gotta be outta your mind to pick Federer to win in 5 sets. Told you again and again. For his age, he could not handle 5 matches. His record in 5 sets are not that good, when he was young. And it would be more difficult when he gets old. Please think before you talk.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:01 pm

Any shot than he knows is gonna came back floating and he is in the net already to volley. He is making opponents be second guessing all the time.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:03 pm

Sean Connery in the stands applauding Fed, one Bond to another. Priceless.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:03 pm

Rick,
Thank you for your postive insight. Even though Fed is in a GS final @34, its important to know by you that somehow he can’t win a 5 set match. And now… Back to the Fed show.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:06 pm

Rick, it was an irony post, some people don’t get subtle at all, LOL

September 11th, 2015 at 9:06 pm

I was right in the posts I wrote above: easy three setter for Roger — Stan’s performance was abysmal — and an even easier victory of Novak against Marin — Novak made the semi and the tension to do well against dangerous outsiders disappeared.

I wouldn’t be so optimistic before the final. Fed plays well, but the keys of the match will be Novak’s serve and return. A performance like the one in Wimbledon would guarantee him an easy win.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:06 pm

Fed could wins only if its easy match. Not in five sets with his age. Even if he is lucky to pull through. He will be exhausted in the final.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:07 pm

^ why do you say that? fed got actually stronger as the match progressed!

September 11th, 2015 at 9:13 pm

Very nice match play by Mr. Federer.

Lovely to see.

Djokovic played sharp hard tennis as well.

If both hold form – final will be great match – nerve wracking from the first point to be sure!

September 11th, 2015 at 9:26 pm

SATISTICS

Djokovic winners-uf 16-13;aces -3;DF-1;1st serve 66%

Federer Winners-UF 29-17;aces 10;DF-2;1st serve 65%

NOTE:Djokovic needs lot more Winners than against

Cilic(probably injured) to win the Final

September 11th, 2015 at 9:32 pm

Bradley Cooper is a Fed fan? Awesome.
Time for a brewsky with the Bradley. Celebration time.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:36 pm

@Jeez:

He doesn’t need more winners.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:37 pm

Roger and Novak are both playing very well, Roger probably a bit better. The margin between the two of them as regards their abilities is very narrow. Unlike most of the people Roger has played against, Novak can keep the ball in play for a very long time. This is where age will play an important role and may well be the deciding factor.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:38 pm

And a chat with Lindsay Vonn,
congratulating the GOAT. Superstar.
Hope Fed enjoys the moment. Another record reaching another GS final. Magnificent.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:39 pm

Even though I am more a fan of Roger than Novak, realistically, I don’t think Fed will win tommorow. I’m so happy he made it to 2 GS finals this year though! And grats to Nole for such an incredible year of course.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:40 pm

Whoops, not tommorow, on Sunday**

September 11th, 2015 at 9:41 pm

Crowd cheering the one and only. A historic moment in Tennis. Great interview, hope he stays focused on the task at hand. 34. Grandpa. Over the hill. Past his time. In the 2015 USO final.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:42 pm

@mat4

Or errors from Federer ??

Two DOUBLES spealists with great volleying skills are

in the women’s final for the 1st time since ???

Doesn’t that indicate something about this 2015 US Open!!

STRANGE as it may sound

Federer may have GREATER chance here(in coming yrs)

than @ WIMBLEDON !!!!

September 11th, 2015 at 9:47 pm

The match of Penneta Vs Halep is a WTA version of the kind of match

that’s in store for men’s final in terms of playing STRATEGY goes..

But Djokovic may not be so error prone as Halep !!

We will see how well Federer EXECUTES his strategy ??

which is to repeat what he has done against Wawrinka …

September 11th, 2015 at 9:58 pm

Nole vs. Roger. It doesn’t get better than this. May the best man win. Djoker will be favored and should win. But I have high respect for Feds. Anything can happen.

September 11th, 2015 at 9:59 pm

Djokovic has been playing strong winning tennis all year – his overall form has been great.

It will need a very sharp focused effort all match from Federer for the Swiss to prevail and win the title.

Based on his form so far this summer, Roger has a definite shot at claiming the title, a very tough grueling shot.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:01 pm

@jeez:

Djokovic plays a lot of “almost winners”, “almost aces”. The key for him is to serve well, be aggressive and keep his number of UE low. Fed will win his share of games, but if Novak is able to consistently play deep and fast, he will slowly grind Fed, playing inside himself, the game he likes.

Fed has to play intelligent tennis and serve exceptionally well for three sets.

So, we will see. But Novak has a little edge on the paper.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:05 pm

Yes, of course, Federer has a shot. The surface is fast, but the rebound is a bit higher. I don’t know who it will favour, but, in my mind, we will have a match like the WB final.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:07 pm

Not to over stress my point but look @ Wawrinka’s interview

Q. What made it so difficult for you tonight?
STAN WAWRINKA:Him, the way he’s playing. Condition a little bit different than when I play my match here on Ashe?
It’s a little bit more flying in the night. It’s playing really fast.
Didn’t play my best game. Didn’t serve well and everything. But basically it’s him, the way he’s playing.

Q. You think if Roger plays this aggressive attacking style against Novak that will give him the best chance to win?
STAN WAWRINKA:don’t know. Maybe.

Q. You have known him a long time. Can you just talk about how he’s moving right now.
STAN WAWRINKA:He’s moving really well, for sure. As I said before playing him, I saw him in Cincinnati, I think he’s quite fast on the court. He’s reading well the game, and so he’s trying really to stay on the line, not
to go back. Stay really aggressive.He’s serving really well, also. He’s serving better than I never see him
serve. For me tonight he’s getting more angles. It’s more tough to really serve and to make something from.

Q. Do you think the partial roof and speed of the court are contributing to how he’s playing on that
particular court?

STAN WAWRINKA:I don’t know. Always been quite medium fast here at US Open central court. For sure now there is almost no wind on the court, so it’s quite nice to play. He always played well here, always love to play here, and, yeah, so far he’s been too good.

Q. You had a couple chances in the first set. Do you think if you might have gotten a break then it…

STAN WAWRINKA: Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know. For sure it doesn’t help when you play Roger and he’s trying to play really aggressive, really fast. When he get
the lead, when he get the break, then he’s relaxed. The way he’s playing he’s reading better, moving better, so
everything going faster, that’s for sure. I tried everything with what I had today, for sure. I wasn’t serving well at all. That doesn’t help because I don’t
get free point. I cannot really start the point from the baseline being aggressive. Yeah, was tough. Didn’t get my — I would say my heavy ball from baseline was tough to put some topspin.
Was flying a little bit more than what I expected,but he was simply too good.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:14 pm

novak’s the only dude besides fed and laver to reach all 4 slam finals in a calendar year. love the lovely novak, come what may on sunday. so proud of him. :D

September 11th, 2015 at 10:17 pm

Cheers Fed. I’m extremely bummed I missed all the matches today. I was so excited for them. Thats what happens when you trust a 6 year old with PVR.

What an accomplishment for Fed. Its an amazing story: the mightiest career of all on a downward slope, he decides to play tennis that is fun for him, trying all kinds of new things, and it actually pays off and puts him right back at the top of the sport.

My son is a big Novak fan. He told me the other day, “I don’t just like Novak for his tennis. I like him because he’s a nice guy.” I tried to explain to him the difficulties Novak grew up with. (“They were being bombed. By us, actually”). He is a tremendous example for kids, in coming from difficult circumstances to become #1 in the world, and all the charitable work he has done since.

But I’m still a Fed fan, and we’ll be cheering against each other Sunday.

I thought the net moments today were amazing. The friendships between Novak and Marin, and Stan and Rog were really shown beautifully by their moments together at the net, afterwards. I’m a rugger. We’re sentimental that way.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:25 pm

MORE EXCERPTS
Q. You talked about Roger’s speed. What surprised you most about his game tonight? Did you feel like
he was almost a different player than the Roger you played in the past?
STAN WAWRINKA: Not a different player, but he’s being more aggressive, that’s for sure. As I say, he’s really staying on the line. It’s tough to compare because you need to find also the good match.
You cannot take a match from clay court or grass, for example. For example, London Masters last year
indoor, is quite similar, but he was more playing from the baseline. Today he’s trying to be really, really aggressive, trying to come to the net every time he can and trying to stay
on the line. Even when he’s in defense you can see he’s not going back. He’s staying on the line, trying to make half-
volley passing.

Q. You probably know Roger better than anyone else in the circuit. Do you think this is his best level ever?
STAN WAWRINKA: Ah, it’s tough to say. He’s been winning so many Grand Slams, so many tournaments. We’ll see. For sure it’s close from his best. Also the game now is a different level than few years ago, so everybody is improving from few years ago. But
is the best that I saw him play since few years, that’s for sure.

Q. Do you feel like the sport in general, talking about how to play him this year, do you feel like it’s more of an outdoor court or does it feel more indoor?
STAN WAWRINKA: It’s between, but it’s getting closer for more indoor court, that’s for sure, without wind.Now you cannot even compare the center court with Armstrong, for example. It’s completely two different condition. Armstrong it gets windy, even feels a little bit of wind. Now you have nothing on center court. Yeah, it’s getting faster, but it’s still a good court to play. That’s for sure.

Q. You have said a moment ago that everyone is changing and evolving. Obviously Roger’s made a lot of changes during all his career, but do you feel like he’s accelerated the pace of those changes,training, tactics, all those things in the last year or two that in other periods of his career?
STAN WAWRINKA: I think for sure he’s always trying to improve, trying to change. He change his racquet last year, and it takes time to get used to the racquet and get what you want with the racquet. But if you look at him — I think the second part from the year, after Wimbledon, he is starting already at the
different level. He came back Cincinnati at a completely different level. Here also. If you look at the first part
he was playing good, make final Wimbledon, but the rest was amazing.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:36 pm

SABR (sneak attack by Roger).

The SABR TOOTH TIGER (loose translation).

Mat4, yes, but I think it goes to Emily.She is the one who said, “you gotta believe baby”, so I followed her and thought in my wildest dreams, Fed would do it in three (joking about two), but honestly thought Stan would grab a set. Would not have been surprised either if he had won, after having beaten Novak previously and also Federer, but so happy that Roger showed his teeth in this match!

Great play from the sabr tooth tiger! (my new name for the awesome Fed (TAF).

Aside,

I have never been a fan of Boris. He irritates me no end with his ridiculous comments and none other than these:

German tennis legend Boris Becker has criticised Roger Federer for ‘disrespecting’ opponents with his new ‘sneak-attack’ strategy.

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-us-open-boris-becker-slams-disrespectful-federer-over-sabr-tactic-2124211

and you know why?

Because the great Becker, didn’t think of it!

“However, Becker, who is currently coaching top seed Novak Djokovic, described the move as ‘almost disrespectful’ to opponents and said that the players of his generation would not have accepted it, adding that they would have instead gone straight at Federer, News.com.au reported”.

Oh really Boris? Of course, Boris would have floored everyone in his opinion.

Would “not” have accepted it? By definition, other players are “allowing it” to happen.

Is it illegal to do this? Has Roger been called out on it?

Stan Wawrinka has admitted that he is observing the techniques of top-players including Roger Federer’s latest weapon known as ‘Sneak Attack By Roger (SABR)’, which is the reason for his improvement in the last few years.

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-us-open-fellow-swiss-stan-wawrinka-admits-of-using-federer-s-sabr-weapon-2124281

Boris needs to get off his high horse and stop trying to re-live his youth.

When I hear his over inflated opinion of himself, he just makes me cringe.

Well done to both Roger and Stan for some great shot making tonight.

An enjoyable match.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:45 pm

The SABR IS disrespecting someone’s second serve. Just like Rafa’s hitting to Rog’s backhand disrespects his backhand.
Tennis is not a contest to show respect to each other, is it? I think the point is to win.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:51 pm

Boris is being disrespectful…c’mon n..not Fed. The guy has invented a new shot / strategy that works…..and BB can’t handle it. Stan tried to blast it at Fed when he did it…..and?
imo it was a critical beginning…Stan came out firing and Fed disrupted his rhythm by using this tactic. The match changed rapidly at that point.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:52 pm

When you miss a match like this is when Tennis-X becomes so useful, as you can review comments as they happened.

September 11th, 2015 at 10:53 pm

TV, Skeezer, I know. I am with you there.

I’m sorry but Boris is being a hypocrite in my view.

You win the match any way that you can, and if you break the rules in any way, then you are called out by the umpire.

Genius Roger, particularly as this “shot” was initially, “just for fun”.

jane Says:
novak’s the only dude besides fed and laver to reach all 4 slam finals in a calendar year. love the lovely novak, come what may on sunday. so proud of him. :D
September 11th, 2015 at 10:17 pm

Jane, no doubt about it.

Understand the emotion of feeling proud.

Very proud of Fed too, couldn’t ask for a better final between two of the greats of this sport.

Jeez,

Thanks for the interview excerpts.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:00 pm

@madmax

Federer answers to BB

Q. Going back to the chip and charge question before, there was a line around the press yesterday with Boris Becker saying that it disrespects your opponents. Just wanted to know what you said to that specifically.
ROGER FEDERER:Yeah, no, it’s not disrespectful. Pretty simple.

Q. We are clearly obsessed with SABR. It’s really fun.
ROGER FEDERER: I will do it some more. No problem. (Laughter.)

Q. I think McEnroe said he’d be insulted if it happened to him.
ROGER FEDERER: Really? Okay.

Q. So what I am asking is, early on I remember — if I remember correctly, you didn’t love the dropshot
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, that’s true.

Q. You didn’t like replay because it wasn’t tennis. It wasn’t what your code of what the game was. I’m curious if earlier on if someone had tried it on you would you have liked it, taken umbrage at it, or thought it was cool and a great new tactic?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, guys were almost doing that against me back in the day. I remember Max Mirnyi and Henman, they were standing there like, All right, holding their finger up. I’m coming up. You know I’m coming, so whatever second serve you want, you’ll have to hit it past. I faced those guys, and didn’t matter how you approached it. I remember Spaniards standing outside of the
doubles alley waiting to hit a forehand on clay because my second wasn’t as good yet. So I faced all of that
stuff, as well. So I’m actually standing in position when they are serving, and then only once they toss it, that’s when I run
so they don’t actually really see me, in my opinion. You know, whatever works, you know. As long as it’s in the rules, I think you should be able to use it.

Q. How would you characterize your rivalry with Novak? It’s going to be your 42nd match against each other. How would you describe the rivalry? Do you think he’s made you better? You’ve made him
better? Is there one particular match, good reasons or bad reasons, a loss that sticks out for you from
all of the matches you played?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I see more of a generation of, you know, Hewitt, Nalbandian, Agassi, Henman, guys I had trouble with at the beginning. I felt they made me better a player. Same with my generation coming up, Ferrero, Safin, Roddick, Hewitt. I was trying to hang on with them and
trying to be that next wave of players making it to the top, and everyone made it to world No. 1 before me. I think that was very motivational for me. Made me a better player. I definitely think Rafa had a big effect, as well. Had to adjust and change so many things playing against him, preparing against him, thinking about it
when I was practicing. He’s probably been the guy who challenged me the most with that. Novak it’s been more straightforward,my opinion. That’s what I like about the rivalry. I think we both can — I
don’t know how it is for him, but I feel like he doesn’t need to adjust his game as much, either. I think it’s just a
straight shootout, and I think that’s the cool thing about our rivalry. It’s very athletic. We both can handle each other’s — whatever we present to one another, and I think our matches, it’s very
even. That’s it, I think. I don’t need to add more here.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:06 pm

God that fat headed pig Becker is quite the moron.
Going to the net is disrespectful? Wow, that’s stunningly stupid even by his low standards.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:08 pm

I don’t understand why Novak hired Becker, I don’t think he needs him as Vajda is really good.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:10 pm

I guess BB might ask Djokovic to BODY SHOT @ Federer which

IRONICALLY be hugely disrespectful than what he alleges @ Federer !!!!

So much HATE & HISSY FIT from 47yrs old

former

Lllllll…..LEGEND !!!!

Win or Lose Djokovic doesn’t really need BB service of

BAD PR GUY disguised as coach

:-/

September 11th, 2015 at 11:26 pm

Never was a supporter of Becker – blowhard in his middle age.

September 11th, 2015 at 11:41 pm

Boris becker reminds me of the character

George Washington Duke (Richard Grant)

of ROCKY V -1990

PIGGYBACKING on Djokovic for his

Selfish needs/ego …..

September 11th, 2015 at 11:58 pm

wow. both of those guys playing so well. hoping it’s a good final.

September 12th, 2015 at 12:03 am

Why is it taking over

3hrs

for TX to come with a an updated article after the men’s semifinal !!! ???

September 12th, 2015 at 12:05 am

Well, I guessed it right. I didn’t think Wawarinka would extend Roger in this kind of a form and I was on the dot. Only that, the match even ended more tamely than I anticipated with such a stellar impeccable performance by Roger and his new SABR rattling technique which is the new talk of the Sport. As regards Becker’s views of it being disrespectful to the opponent, well I think he is exaggerating the whole thing. Even on the second serve, the receiver makes lot of daring movements, isn’t that too disrespectful ? Every short you employ on the court is legal until it is within the purview of the rules of the sport and not over ruled by the Umpire. So, Roger is within his rights to try everything innovative as long as he sticks to the rules of the game.

So Roger is in another final and it is surprising that he has managed to reach this stage in the US Open, a favourite venue of his after a gap of six years. But, he lost the 2010 as well as 2011 finals by a whisker being up match points on both the occasions against Novak. Nevertheless, you have to take your hats off and bow in respect, inspire awe and admiration of this millennium player who at an over age of 34 is managing to be so consistent and reaching the US Open finals without losing a set. I think that is ridiculous and has not happened in this sport either in the Amaeteur or Professional era. Rosewall in 1974 did reach the finals of both Wimbledon and US Open but he lost sets in his way and was never as imposing as Roger was !!

September 12th, 2015 at 1:07 am

Now, coming to Novak, he just destroyed Cilic on court and it seems he has peaked at the right time. But as his usual self, he showed such magnanimity, character and graciousness towards his opponent in the after match interview attributing his rout to an ankle injury of the opponent and thereby undermining his own performance. I do not think any body will have such a big heart to condescend their own achievement to protect the dignity of their opponent who was just destructed on court.

September 12th, 2015 at 1:15 am

I will just wait for Sean pick to decide the winner of the Roger Vs Novak match. I want them both to win and may be share the trophy. I will be disappointed if any of them lost the match, frankly speaking. But, there can be only one winner unfortunately in Tennis. So, let me live with reality and make the pick !!

September 12th, 2015 at 1:17 am

Michael, great post’s as usual

September 12th, 2015 at 2:01 am

Thanks Courbon for your encouraging words !! I too love your posts !!

September 12th, 2015 at 2:37 am

so funny all these posters claiming Federer wouldnot win a long grueling match against Wawrinka.

it turned out to be a different taile.
Wawrinka only had a shot early part of match and Roger became stronger and stronger. probably he would have played better in set 4 and 5…..

September 12th, 2015 at 3:24 am

Jeez,

Thanks for interview excerpts from Roger’s interview. Love it when he says about Becker, “yeah, whatever”, which is in essence his reaction to Becker’s throwing his toys out of the pram as he didn’t think of the shot first.

He is the one who loves to be in the limelight now his glory days are gone. He wants to be remembered for asinine comments.

September 12th, 2015 at 5:05 am

hi tennisfan, it’s been well publicized that vajda no longer wanted to travel, and he wanted to work with his daughter (also a tennis player). so novak had no choice but to hire someone new.

for whatever reason, he and vajda came up with the idea of boris and it has worked for them, personally -and i think we could say – by and large – professionally too.

speaking of coaches, ivan lendl said that he *will return* to coaching but just when the timing is right.

September 12th, 2015 at 5:17 am