Federer vs. Soderling could end up being anything from a blowout in either direction to a tight match as far as I see it. My guess would be Federer in 4 sets.
Soderling in 5. All the pressure in the world is on Federer. I'm not saying he can't handle it, but I think he will feel it in ways he never has. He's staring his best opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam, and to tie Pete Sampras for the most Slams ever. I expect an amazing match.
I want Soderling to win but if I had to guess, I think Federer will seize the moment one way or the other. At the same time, Soderling has been a force this week. If he can prevent Federer from dictating play, he has a chance. In other words, his power and accuracy will have to work against Federer the way it's worked for him so far. That is no small task. I'm not sure Federer will allow him to gain control of points the way other opponents, including Nadal, have allowed him to do. Federer is just too good of a shot maker and strategist. He'll find a way to push Soderling off the court and keep him off balance with a variety of shots. If Federer's serve is working for him, it will be even tougher for Soderling. Federer may have struggled against Nadal in GS finals but Soderling has never even been to one while Federer has never lost one to anyone other than Nadal.
Federer's playstyle is difficult for someone like Soderling to handle. Soderling relies heavily on heavy topsin shots to take hit back flat, but Federer, unlike Nadal, and to a lesser extent, Gonzalez, slices too many shots off his backhand for Soderling to flatten out. Fed in 4. 6-3, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6. At least I hope so. *prays*
For any Nadal fans, this may be comforting news: http://www.cbssports.com/tennis/story/11824484 Apparently, he was playing through knee problems and is pulling out of Queen's Club. For anybody that watched the early rounds, it was obvious that Nadal wasn't himself. This is the same guy that destroyed the competition last year and won Australian for the first time just a couple of months ago. He also beat Soderling 6-1, 6-0 on clay just a few weeks before the French. Nadal clearly wasn't healthy which may be the only reason Federer or Soderling walk away with the title on Sunday. It may also explain Federer's win in Madrid, a place where Nadal would have given anything to win given his roots.
if soderling wins itll be a bigger deal than if nadal beat him. either way it goes, itll be a great watch.
Tennis media have been talking about Nadal's gimpy knees for a few years now (e.g. recurring tendinitis in 2007 here), casting doubt on his long term ability to reign supreme, to maintain Sampras or Federer-level longevity. I'm surprised it's taken this long for him to miss possibly significant time in season, during his French / Wimbledon defenses.
I'm happy, Federer finally gets his Roland Garros. One of the amazing thing about Federer is that he made 20 straight semi-finals in grand slams. That amazing, playing that well on every surface and staying healthy while doing it.
I'm so proud of Roger Federer! A career grand slam. He finally won the French Open and so convincingly too. It was only appropriate that he won it against Nadal's conqueror.I thought he would succumb to the enormous pressure that was on his shoulders. I loved Pete Sampras,but I feel Roger deserves to be called the greatest even if he never wins another Grand Slam again. This win should boost his chances for the 15th Grand Slam at Wimbledon,that would be icing on the cake.
As a Greek-American I have always been a huge fan of Sampras but I love watching Roger and I'll be pulling for him in London
where on earth did all the federer haters go? there were so many of them! federer is such a douchebag for being so humble. i cant believe he feels good about winning so much. he thinks hes better at tennis than 7 billion other people.
