Federer - Nadal

juvenal

So, after straight set wins for both in their semi-finals, and dropping only one set between them en route to the final, the match-up that everyone wants to see is on this Sunday.

Nadal's total dominance in Roland Garros and his apparent ability to close the gap on Federer on grass makes it very close to call. Federer has made a remarkable comeback since then, winning Halle and coming through his favourite tounament without dropping a set. He's playing his best tennis all year, and serving at close to 90% for first serve.

Being a staunch Fed fan, I'm going for him, but I really wouldn't be surprised to see Nadal beat him, given his mental edge. I'd like to see a three set schooling victory for Federer to avenge the massacre in Paris, but if anything I think another five-setter is on the cards.

I'll go out on a limb and say Roger in four.

Paddy Power betting: Federer 8/11; Nadal 11/10

Amz

It's a tougher one to call than previous Wimbledon meetings between the two, but I still fancy Federer to do it.

Danger_Dave

Amz wrote: »

but I still fancy Federer to do it.

Dont you mean this Amz . On topic. I hope Nadal wins, but i think its just to close to call. Nadal will get alot more cheap points on serve left handed methinks.

BazBox

I really hope Nadal wins, i think he is the best and most exciting player on the mens tour. Saying that, federer has been awesome since the defeat in the french open final, i have a bad feeling he will go all out to do the same to Nadal.

davyjose

BazBox wrote: »

I really hope Nadal wins, i think he is the best and most exciting player on the mens tour. Saying that, federer has been awesome since the defeat in the french open final, i have a bad feeling he will go all out to do the same to Nadal.

That could very well be his downfall - play the ball not the opponent. If Fed feels the need to "try harder", then he's changing part of what makes him the best.

Nadal in 4 sets - you read it here first.

Aaron M

I'll go with Federer because he's the best and because I much prefer watching him play than Nadal. He's going to have to do it the hard way though, 4 sets minimum I think.

Xavi6

Nadal in 5. Could be a classic.

Sherifu

And they're off, looks like both are in top form.

First set, 3-1 to Nadal.

Xavi6

Nadal 4-3 with a break.

Bring back the digital scoreboard!!!

Sherifu

3 break points for Nadal in the third at 3-3

/edit and he's lost all 3

Xavi6

Yeah Fed did well there under pressure.

Sherifu

Federer has it all to do but he's showing signs of a fight back.

NewApproach

Rain delay...

Xavi6

Feckin rain. Don't get that at the Aussie Open :pac:

Sherifu

Damn it anyway.

Xavi6

Exactly what Fed would have wanted though.

Might have to call it a night if it's gonna be raining for long. Disgusted.

spanner_head

he should have converted the break points!! Great game.

I think Nadal will win.

Mr.Nice Guy

This is the last year without a roof isn't it? Suppose it's fitting that there should be a rain delay!

I'm surprised at how things are going. I fancied Nadal but not to get a two set lead. Federer might claw one set back but can't see him winning now.

ByrdsFan

Great match, Nadal totally outplaying Federer.
Play due to start again within 50 mins

Keano

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

This is the last year without a roof isn't it? Suppose it's fitting that there should be a rain delay!

I'm surprised at how things are going. I fancied Nadal but not to get a two set lead. Federer might claw one set back but can't see him winning now.

I heard on the radio prior to the tournament that centre court was to be covered this year. Tbh it is long overdue.

Marshy

Federer has been terribly poor on the important points in this match, particularly on any break points he's had. He's 1/12 on break points on Rafa's serve which tells a story in itself. Some really weak returns of second serves letting him down especially when he's had golden opportunities.

Fed has actually won more points so far, 95-92 over Nadal. But crucially he's not converting the ones that matter the most.

Aaron M

Marshy wrote: »

Federer has been terribly poor on the important points in this match, particularly on any break points he's had. He's 1/12 on break points on Rafa's serve which tells a story in itself. Some really weak returns of second serves letting him down especially when he's had golden opportunities.

Fed has actually won more points so far, 95-92 over Nadal. But crucially he's not converting the ones that matter the most.

That's it in a nutshell really. Federer just hasn't played the big points as well as Nadal. 1 out of 12 break points converted is atrocious!

Nadal really does have amazing mental strength though. Unbelievable.

MisterAnarchy

Marshy wrote: »

Federer has been terribly poor on the important points in this match, particularly on any break points he's had. He's 1/12 on break points on Rafa's serve which tells a story in itself. Some really weak returns of second serves letting him down especially when he's had golden opportunities.

Fed has actually won more points so far, 95-92 over Nadal. But crucially he's not converting the ones that matter the most.

Same old story with Federer.
Exactly like the French Open final last year where Federer had a huge number of break points but couldnt capitalise.1/17 I think,Nadal made all his 3.
Its a mental issue.
He has serious problems against Nadal mostly in his head.

His tactics when receiving have been flawed to say the least.
Just as in the French Open final ,Nadal has hit 90% of his serves to Federers backhand.
Federer doesnt adjust his position to counteract this.
Frankly its baffling.
A club player would spot this immediately.

If Federer plays aggressive tennis he will beat Nadal but he is engaging in far too many baseline rallies ,suiting Nadal.

kinaldo

I'm praying for Nadal to win. You have to hand it to Federer for saving 3 breaks points there. What a great champion. He may have played some of the big points badly but they've generally been only against serve. So he's still giving Nadal a hell of a game and it will take something superhuman to beat him here today. I can't see Fed losing this set now so it's all setup for another classic.

Sherifu

3 set points for Federer in the tie braker.

/edit got the last one

kmart6

Federer did well there coming back from 0-30! 5-5 all now

callaway92

This could turn out to be greatest final ever if Fed wins 4th set

Sherifu

This is awesome.

Vokes

Fcuk me. This is nail-biting :eek:

kmart6

Federer takes the 4th 10-8 in the tie-break!

Some of the best tennis of the championships has been played since the rain break!

String

what a game!

Sherifu

Brilliant tennis.

staker

unreal! thse two passing shotwere brilliant

dr.bollocko

If anyone can come back its nadal but at this stage it looks all Federer.
First service for Nadal of this final set is vital.

Mr.Nice Guy

Classic game this. I picked Nadal to win but I hope I'm wrong. Federer is fighting like a true champion.

kmart6

Crazy bounce off the line!

Sherifu

Damn rain!

kmart6

Shame the rain has come again! Federer really shoulda finished that game off!

snubbleste

Great rain.
They both need a break from the entertainment they're providing.

dr.bollocko

Smuggling plums Batman!
This match kicks ass.
But top gear is on on the other side in a minute....
Keep raining!

fuzzywiggle

I hope Federer wins. But the pure strength of Nadal is amazing. But what a comeback!

Limerick Dude

Love to see federer win it! One of the greatest comebacks in tennis surely!

However it wont go to a tie break because it is the fifth set and federer is looking a bit shaky when he is serving.

Mr.Nice Guy

Federer has done so well. The end of the fourth set was epic stuff. One of the greats of tennis definitely. Wouldn't write Nadal off though but I hope Roger can do it...

kmart6

Thank god they're back

Aoibheann

Wow, what a match. My nails are pretty much entirely gone at this stage..

The tension.. best match I've seen in a long time. This is some rivalry, long may it last!

Nadal saving that break point - talk about grace under pressure. This guy is unbelieveable. C'mon Rafa!

Sherifu

Federer is sticking to his guns. Just 1 break away...

Keano

Come on Fed! Super game though and great for tennis.

Sherifu

Fifth set, 5-5

Aoibheann

Two break points saved by Federer there..

Argh, dunno how much longer I can watch this - hiding behind the couch I go!

kmart6

Jesus that's some way to hold your servis!!!!:eek:

snubbleste

It's gonna go down to the wire..