- Views 0
- Likes 0
Well, not a good day for me, a Federer fan. Not a good day for Roger Federer either, as he looked really bad today, and Rafael Nadal looked like just what he is, the King of Clay, defeating Fed in the final of the Rome Open, 6 -1, 6 -3. Rafa has won this title seven times, Roger, zero. They did have once classic match at this event in the final of 2006, it was at that time a five set match, and it was close. Today was never close. Federer did not play his best tennis by far, way too many unforced errors (winners/losers, 15/32) and his serve was simply not spot on which it has to be for him to have a chance to beat Nadal on clay. He only won 32% of second service points and that will never get the job done against Nadal, especially on his beloved red clay. Rafa on the other hand looked sharper than ever, close to 100% back from his injury time off, and ready for Roland Garros. At least Roger made it to the final. 2013 has not started particularly well for him, and after losing badly to Rafa at Indian Wells, (hard court), Fed took seven weeks off. His return to action on the clay in Madrid was less than stellar and up until today, he had looked very sharp in Rome. Hopefully, Fed can turn it up and be more consistent in Paris. Rafa is the clear favorite heading into Roland Garros in seven days.
On the women’s side, Serena William took care of Victoria Azarenka, 6-1, 6-3. (same score, how about that?)
All in all, disappointing performance by Fed today and disappointed as a devoted Fed fan to see him lose in that manner. Congrats to Nadal.
