2011 Qatar ExxonMobil Open: Preview – Roger Federer vs. Viktor Troicki
Playing at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha this week, world number 2 Roger Federer plays his third straight match at the event today. Seeded second in the event, Federer meets sixth seed Viktor Troicki for their quarterfinal
match.
Having met only once before and that too four years ago when the Serb was a bud in the tennis world, it would not come as a surprise should the rising star get one over the Swiss tomorrow. However, for the record, Federer currently
leads the career head-to-head 1-0. Although there is much difference between the rankings of the two, given Troicki’s recent Davis Cup performance one cannot completely dismiss the possibility of him levelling the head-to-head.
Talking about playing Troicki, Federer said, “I think we've only played once, if I'm correct. I hardly heard of him before then. Obviously he's improved [a] big deal since then. He's beaten some good players, so I'm sure it's going
to be a tough match.”
Apart from the statistical advantage, Federer also has the plus of coming from a comparatively superb season in 2010. Although it was not one of the Swiss’ personal best, Federer still managed to bag five titles. However, the nine-time
Grand Slam winner failed to win any other Grand Slam for the year besides winning the season opening Grand Slam, Australian Open. He also won titles at Basel, Cincinnati Masters and Stockholm before finishing the season with his fifth title win at the season
finale event in London. In addition to Halle, Federer put in final appearances at three Masters events; Montreal, Madrid and Shanghai.
On the other hand, ranked 28th in the world, Troicki finished 2010 with only one singles title, winning it at Moscow. He made it to the finals at the event partnering Janko Tipsarevic. He also won one doubles title for the year
partnering Christopher Kas, winning it at Bangkok. Troicki was also the star of the doubles rubber at the Davis Cup final for Serbia versus France. Having debuted at Doha in 2009, Troicki was ousted in the first round by Victor Hanescu. Returning to the event
in 2010, Troicki made it to the semis before losing to Rafael Nadal.
Like Troicki, Federer is also appearing at the event for the third straight year having made it to the semis in both 2009 and 2010. He was ousted by Andy Murray in 2009 and by eventual titlist Nikolay Davydenko in 2010. His 2011
run at the event has been smooth sailing so far having enjoyed no set loss. Meeting qualifier Thomas Schoorel in the first round, Federer defeated him by 7-6(3), 6-3. He moved on to defeat compatriot Marco Chiudinelli in a straight, yet not so simple, set
victory of 7-6(5), 7-5.
Troicki moves into the quarterfinals after defeating Sergiy Stakhovsky in the opening clash and then Teymuraz Gabashvili in the second round.
Although Federer is a favourite to win the match, Troicki’s recent form especially at the Davis Cup might suggest him turning the tables on the Swiss marvel.
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