2014 Wimbledon Quarterfinals: Federer vs. Wawrinka

[DarthFed]

He has to dig in right away this set or the match will be over in a blink.

 

[Murat B.]

Stan closes the set out comfortably. Power is the great equalizer. Nadal experienced it yesterday, Roger is seeing it today. If Stan's level stays where it is, it will be awfully tough for Roger today.

 

[Kieran]

Now we see why Rafa tanked against Nick... :snigger

 

[Murat B.]

Roger has to take risks with the returns. When he falls behind in the rally, he is toast.

 

[DarthFed]

I think part of Roger's problems with the big power players is he never adjusted his game after he declined. Against Stan and Berd the gameplan is all about putting them on the defensive at the first opportunity. Roger can't move or defend anywhere near how he used to so once they have control they are winning that point. He needs to put them on the defense early. They aren't great on defense either and can become erratic if they aren't getting target practice.

 

[TsarMatt]

I just love seeing a match with two beautiful OHBs.

 

[Murat B.]

Too good...

 

[Murat B.]

Roger has to keep holding and wait for Stan to come down to earth. Also it might be a good time to start chipping some short backhand returns, bring Stan in, get him out of his comfort zone, hit some passing shots, at least make Stan hit some volleys...Right now he is happily taking huge cuts from both wings from the baseline.

 

[atttomole]

Seems like Fed is on his way out too. He seems to be struggling to hold his serve. Hope we get a new Wimbledon champion this year.

 

[Murat B.]

Roger with 2 BPs.

 

[DarthFed]

Seems like Fed is on his way out too. He seems to be struggling to hold his serve. Hope we get a new Wimbledon champion this year.

Though you were a Fed fan? If Roger loses this one his career is as good as done.

 

[kskate2]

Stan is winning this match w/o a first serve

 

[Murat B.]

Roger had his chance with a second serve, but returned lamely. Stan holds...

 

[DarthFed]

65% 2nd points won for Stan, who hasn't been broken despite serving 38%. That says it all right there.

 

[Kieran]

65% 2nd points won for Stan, who hasn't been broken despite serving 38%. That says it all right there.

Hey brother, he was serving at 39% in the first set in the final in Oz, and there's folks who'll tell you he was playing lights out there...

 

[Murat B.]

Roger has to either take big cuts on the return, or just chip it and bring him in.

That was a nice return.

 

[TennisFanatic7]

What's going on today? Roger better win this, great chance of this title for him.

 

[atttomole]

Seems like Fed is on his way out too. He seems to be struggling to hold his serve. Hope we get a new Wimbledon champion this year.

Though you were a Fed fan? If Roger loses this one his career is as good as done.

Yes, I am Fed fan, but I am kind of resigned to fate now. It seems he is being overpowered by Stan, and he does not appear to have answers at the moment. I also fear that this is one of his last few chances to win another slam.

 

[Murat B.]

Monster of a backhand from Stan again. His upper body strength is what sets him apart from other single handed backhanders.

 

[DarthFed]

Seems like Fed is on his way out too. He seems to be struggling to hold his serve. Hope we get a new Wimbledon champion this year.

Though you were a Fed fan? If Roger loses this one his career is as good as done.

Yes, I am Fed fan, but I am kind of resigned to fate now. It seems he is being overpowered by Stan, and he does not appear to have answers at the moment. I also fear that this is one of his last few chances to win another slam.

It might be one of the last or in retrospect it might be the last. If Stan owns him on grass you can add him to the growing list of players who will be favorites over Roger at any major. And given the opportunity he now has I think a loss here signifies that he won't be winning any of the big ones again.