By Ricky Dimon
Roger Federer and the one player who has most modeled his strokes after those of Federer (Grigor Dimitrov), are in fine form heading into the upcoming installment of the Wimbledon Championships, which begin next week at the All-England Club.
Federer triumphed at the Gerry Weber Open for the seventh time in his career by holding off Alejandro Falla 7-6(2), 7-6(3) in last weekend’s final. The Swiss is 46-5 lifetime in Halle, which has served him well as his annual Wimbledon warmup event.
“In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon,” Federer noted. “They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn’t work out (he lost to Sergiy Stakhovsky in the Wimbledon second round), but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days.”
Dimitrov, once christened as “Baby Fed” for both his talent and his remarkably similar form to that of the 17-time Grand Slam champion, followed suit by triumphing at the Aegon Championships held at Queen’s Club. The Bulgarian saved a match point before outlasting Lopez 6-7(8), 7-6(1), 7-6(6).
“I’m really happy with the win,” said Dimitrov. “Obviously I knew what I had to do today out on the court, and (Lopez) is one of those competitors that when it comes to fast surfaces, he’s always very tricky to play. I just fought hard and left everything out on the court; that was my main goal. I achieved what I was looking for.”
Dimitrov is seeded 11th for Wimbledon. Federer, ranked No. 4, held his ground to be seeded fourth–crucial in that he cannot play either Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Andy Murray until the quarterfinals. Murray and Stan Wawrinka traded spots, with the fifth-ranked Murray seeded third and the third-ranked Wawrinka seeded fifth. The Scot, of course, is the defending champion.
Wimbledon’s draw ceremony will take place on Friday at noon local time.
Topics: Alejandro Falla, Andy Murray, Federer, Gerry Weber Open, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Novak, Rafa, Ricky Dimon, Stanislas Wawrinka, Tennis, Tennis News, Wimbledon
ROGER FEDERER, BABY FEDERER LOOKING GOOD HEADING INTO @Wimbledon – http://t.co/RdBxDtkJIq @rogerfederer @GrigorDimitrov #tennis #sports