Shubert’s Blog – Federer and the Golden Career?

Written by: Staff on 3rd August 2012

Shubert's Blog - Federer and the Golden Career? |

Roger Federer is one match away from securing the most dominant tennis career ever. He’s won everything under the sun but the Olympic singles title. The only man standing in his way in the final is the British #1 Andy Murray – Who happens to be playing in front of his home fans at the All England Club… It will also be a chance for him to seek redemption after his Wimbledon finals loss to Federer a few weeks ago. Sounds like a fairy tale doesn’t it? First let’s see how each man made it to the final match.

Murray is playing some of the best tennis of his life. What has been the difference? For the first time, Murray looked faster than Novak Djokovic today and he wasn’t afraid to hit through his shots regardless of the score. It was a nervous affair, Murray’s post-match emotional release proves that, but it’s surprising to see Murray putting all of the pieces together lately. He’s locked in physically, emotionally, and mentally – allowing him to stay resilient during moments of the match when his previous self would freeze up and return to push and retrieve mode. He beat Djokovic 7-5 7-5, coming up with clutch tennis at 6-5 in both sets, leaving Djokovic staring skywards for answers. When’s the last time we’ve seen Djokovic lose in straight sets these days?

Murray may have become the man of the hour after beating Djokovic, but the man of the century is waiting for him in the finals. We can’t speak enough good about Federer’s game and he showed today (once again) why tennis players everywhere respect and acknowledge his brilliance. Juan Martin del Potro was Federer’s opponent in the semifinals and like any South American, he’s deeply connected to his nation and knows of his responsibility to uphold his nation’s pride and honor. Del Potro came at Federer like a man possessed, smashing through the Swiss 6-3 in the first. Like many of Federer’s close matches, it came down to holding serve during crucial moments as Federer was able to squeeze by Del Potro in a close second set tiebreak. With the match level and both players playing sound tennis, we observed another long third set at the Olympics. This time, Federer gritted his teeth and fought off Del Potro’s ballistic groundstrokes with all of his might, until finally breaking serve and closing out the match 19-17. Another historic win for Federer and this one quite special considering the circumstances and what was at stake. Everyone’s heart goes out to Del Potro as we’ve never seen him show his emotions as he did after hugging Federer instead of a handshake.

The Olympic format helps Murray. He was close that day a few weeks ago during the Wimbledon Championships final until the roof was closed. What will his fate be on Sunday? Does Federer have one last match in him to capture absolute tennis glory?