Federer Drops it Hot—Nathan’s Notice

Written by: Staff on 12th March 2012

Federer Drops it Hot—Nathan’s Notice |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

It was an effortless win for Roger Federer on Sunday the 11^th of March, at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Federer defeated Denis Kudla, of the USA, 6-4, 6-1 in 57 minutes. The No. 185 player Kudla, battled it out with Tobias Kamke of Germany, in the tournament’s first round taking the win at 2-6, 7-6³, 6-4, before he was granted his shot against Federer. For being a young up-n-comer, Kudla played admirably considering Sunday night’s match was his first ever against current world No.3 Roger Federer.

During the first set Kudla showed promise by taking the first game. However, Federer soon had Kudla figured out quickly bringing the first set to 4-1. By that point, Kudla managed to squeeze in 3 more games, briefly saving himself until Federer crashed down on him, taking the set. By that point Federer was in Kudla’s head, quickly taking the 1^st four games of the second set. Federer hit nearly three back to back aces in the first three games, while Kudla hit ball after ball into the net standing little chance against Federer. Federer hit a total of 8 aces, won 72 percent of his total service points, and averaged 56 percent on his total return points, with only 1 double fault throughout the match.

Federer hit a remarkable drop shot in the second set’s sixth game, remaining totally relaxed as the ball barely made it over the net, leaving Kudla dumfounded at the baseline. When asked about what a great start Federer had on Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open, Federer answered, “Yeah. I mean, look, I’m always relieved and happy when I am able to find my way into a tournament, see some of the matches, and, you know, where you’re at, sort of.” Federer continued, “So it’s a good start for me. I didn’t know Kudla very much, or at all, really, so it was a good win for me. I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

So what’s next for Roger Federer? A match against the Canadian sensation, Milos Raonic, who currently holds the No. 27 ranking. Raonic defeated his Argentine opponent, Carlos Berlocg, on Sunday 6-4, 6-2 hitting a whopping 19 aces, and winning 80 percent of his 1^st serve points. Milos Raonic was asked how he thinks he’ll match up against Federer, replying, “It’s gonna be interesting. I think we’re both going to be trying to do the same thing to each other, which is pretty much dictate. He’s obviously probably the best guy to ever do that.” Raonic added, “It’s going to be a great match for myself and try to make the most of it. I know priority number one is going to be try to take care of my serve and build from there.”

Roger Federer has a 33-8 career record at the BNP Paribas Open, reaching the semifinals in 2008, 2009, and 2011, and is 16-2 so far for 2012. The most Federer has seen of Milos Raonic on court, was on the practice courts at Wimbledon making their upcoming meeting a first. With a heavy hitter like Raonic and a tricky master like Federer, their impending match bodes of excitement, so keep an eye out for more great tennis from the BNP Paribas Open, at Indian Wells.

Topics: BNP Paribas Open, Roger Federer