Tennis

FOX Sports Exclusive

Federer-Djokovic semifinal looking very likely

Share This Story

foxsports admin

 
Updated Jun 27, 2009 5:07 PM ET
     
 

WIMBLEDON

If Roger Federer snares his sixth Wimbledon title, he will be more than prepared to wear the emperor's cloak — one adorned with a big No. 15. That figure will signify that he's won more Grand Slam singles titles than anyone else in tennis history. But just like a few weeks ago in Paris, when he had to fight tooth and nail to win his 14th major, the great Swiss is almost sure to struggle on the lawns, even though he's more comfortable on the surface than anyone else. If world No. 4 Novak Djokovic has anything to say about it, Federer won't be waltzing to his sixth title. In his clinical 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 takedown of American Mardy Fish on Friday, the Serbian didn't act like a guy who wanted to replace the pristine lawns with artificial turf. "He's playing real well," Fish said. "He's a tough matchup for an attacking player. He's one of the great defensive players out there. He even slides on the grass, open stance forehands and backhands. He gets a lot of balls back. When the grass is playing slow, he's really tough." Still, the bottom half of the draw is Federer's to control. He's playing inspired, creative tennis and seems extremely comfortable in his pursuit of the record-breaking crown. Most of the pretenders have been dispatched and now it's time for notable protagonists to have at each other. While the first week is all about hopes and dreams for the lesser knowns, the second week is about the notable players producing their highest levels under immense pressure. Federer loves that challenge. "This is where it gets really interesting for me, as a top player," said the five-time champion after he dispatched the quick and talented German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1. Somewhat amazingly, in the fourth round, Federer will have to confront the same man he just punched out for the French Open title three weeks ago — Sweden's Robin Soderling, who bested Nicolas Almagro 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-4. The Swiss is 10-0 against Soderling, but the Swede did not have the letdown that some expected after his maiden voyage to a Slam final and is ripping the ball just as big as he did in taking down No. 1 Rafael Nadal in Paris.
While Federer is also chugging along nicely, serving with precision, reflexing forehand winners and knifing his slice backhand, he's well aware that opponents can get super hot on any given day, especially a man who seems to have found himself and is improving on a weekly basis. "You always figure there's only so many times you beat a player," said Federer. "I try not to underestimate because I respect all the players in a big way. And he's definitely one of those guys you come out and you might play well, but it still isn't enough, He's got a huge game. "Now he's also got the taste of beating the top players. That only makes him more dangerous. But what stands out to me is that I've beat him so many times. That it gives me an incredible amount of confidence, knowing that if I do play my game well, I should be fine." Due to Nadal's injury pullout, Federer's pre-tournament chances of winning his sixth crown increased substantially, but all of Britain is pulling for the home-country boy, No. 3 Andy Murray, to face him in the final. The Scot has taken Federer down on four straight occasions. To much of Britain, talented guys like Djokovic couldn't get knocked out fast enough. "Andy is coming from this country, and obviously a lot of people expect him to do well and to become the first British to win Wimbledon after a long time," Djokovic said. "Then you have Roger, who has equaled the record of Sampras' Grand Slam victories and five Wimbledons under his belt, so he's a very respected player here. It's normal that they are in the spotlight in this moment." If he manages to beat Soderling, Federer might face Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic, who rained 45 aces down on the head of No. 9 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, at one point winning a remarkable 31 straight points on his serve in a tense yet boring 7-6 (5), 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) victory. While 6-foot-10 Karlovic's game is by no means pleasant to watch (the fact that a capable man like Tsonga couldn't even average two balls per point on Karlovic's serve is the very reason why grass should never be sped up again), it's ultra-effective and threatening to one and all. While he will have his hands full against No. 7 seed Fernando Verdasco, Karlovic is incredibly frustrating to face because there are so few rallies against him and its nearly impossible to find a rhythm. "You cannot do (anything)," Tsonga said. Karlovic is not completely a one-shot wonder, as he volleys fairly well and has improved his forehand. But without that cannon shot of a serve, the man who holds the ace record in a single match (55 against Lleyton Hewitt at the French Open), might not even be in the tournament. It's the silver bullet that everyone fears. "If I can win with only one shot, I'm a genius," Karlovic said with a laugh. Federer is one of the few guys who can read Karlovic's serve and has a unique ability to block his bombs back in play. He's 8-1 against him, and won their only match at Wimbledon in 2004, but the two have contested 12 tiebreakers, which means at the very least, should they play, Federer will drop more than a few beads of sweat. Really, though, if they both play to form, the semifinals should face the two highest seeds in the bottom half of the draw, Federer and Djokovic, two intense rivals who aren't overly fond of each other. Federer is 7-4 against him, but Djokovic has won both their matches this year. The Serbian has to leap over little Dudi Sela first and possibly young flame-thrower Marin Cilic or the cagey German veteran Tommy Haas in the quarters. But as Fish said, Djokovic owns one of the game's best returns and as long as the court doesn't play like lightning, he can step inside the white lines and grind anyone down, including Federer on a great day. "I have an all-around game that can be quite successful on all surfaces," Djokovic said. "Right now I feel quite okay, that people are not talking about me too often, which gives me a freedom to perform the best tennis I can on court."

More Stories From foxsports admin



Trending Now

Stories | Photos | Lists | Videos

Tennis Videos

Schrager: Weekend Recap Posted: Jan 30, 2012
Peter Schrager discusses the Australian Open and the Colt's situation surroundin...

Serena: I don't like sports Posted: Jan 04, 2012
Serena Williams discusses her dislike of sports and her untrained dogs

The Dan Patrick Show: Chris Evert Posted: Dec 09, 2011
Dan Patrick chats with Chris Evert.

MORE FOXSPORTS VIDEO »

Fox Sports Store

    itemName itemURL imageSrc price itemDescription
    Mitchell & Ness Los Angeles Lakers #8 Kobe Bryant Gold Authentic Throwback Basketball Jersey http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/124407/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_124000/FF_124407_xl.jpg&w=100 259.95 Mitchell & Ness Los Angeles Lakers #8 Kobe Bryant Gold Authentic Throwback Baske..
    adidas Milwaukee Bucks #22 Michael Redd White Home Swingman Jersey http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Milwaukee_Bucks/browse/featuredproduct/141061/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_141000/FF_141061_xl.jpg&w=100 29.99 adidas Milwaukee Bucks #22 Michael Redd White Home Swingman Jersey
    adidas San Antonio Spurs Black Primary Logo T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_San_Antonio_Spurs/browse/featuredproduct/172441/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_172000/FF_172441_xl.jpg&w=100 17.95 adidas San Antonio Spurs Black Primary Logo T-shirt
    adidas Los Angeles Lakers Purple Primary Logo T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/172442/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_172000/FF_172442_xl.jpg&w=100 17.95 adidas Los Angeles Lakers Purple Primary Logo T-shirt
    adidas Miami Heat Black Primary Logo T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/173566/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_173000/FF_173566_xl.jpg&w=100 17.95 adidas Miami Heat Black Primary Logo T-shirt
    adidas Boston Celtics Green Primary Logo T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/173567/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_173000/FF_173567_xl.jpg&w=100 17.95 adidas Boston Celtics Green Primary Logo T-shirt
    adidas Atlanta Hawks #15 Al Horford Navy Blue Road Swingman Basketball Jersey http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Atlanta_Hawks/browse/featuredproduct/178055/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_178000/FF_178055_xl.jpg&w=100 49.99 adidas Atlanta Hawks #15 Al Horford Navy Blue Road Swingman Basketball Jersey
    adidas Boston Celtics Green Primary Logo Long Sleeve T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/179331/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_179000/DS_179331_xl.jpg&w=100 19.95 adidas Boston Celtics Green Primary Logo Long Sleeve T-shirt
    adidas Boston Celtics #5 Kevin Garnett Green Road Swingman Basketball Jersey http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Celtics/browse/featuredproduct/182418/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_182000/FF_182418_xl.jpg&w=100 59.99 adidas Boston Celtics #5 Kevin Garnett Green Road Swingman Basketball Jersey
    adidas Denver Nuggets Light Blue Primary Logo T-shirt http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Denver_Nuggets/browse/featuredproduct/188059/source/prsp_ca http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_188000/DS_188059_xl.jpg&w=100 17.95 adidas Denver Nuggets Light Blue Primary Logo T-shirt
Microsoft© 2012 Microsoft