Roger Federer Vs Arnaud Clement Will Federer walk all over Clement
It is either the bad performance of a top player or an outstanding show by the underdogs that makes exhilarating tennis and shocking results. Today will show whether Federer will continue to struggle at Wimbledon or whether the match against Frenchman Arnaud Clement will be a sure victory.
Many tennis commentators are wonder why both Nadal and Federer seem to be struggling in their early round matches, speculating that this year will witness a new title champion. However the young players are quite talented, being trained by some of the best coaching professionals in the world, and are causing Federer to sweat.
Federer is far from his top form, causing concern for his aim towards the title. At the same time, the underdogs are aware that the Swiss is lacking sharpness in his game, and are ready to pounce at the chance to dethrone the six time Wimbledon champion.
Federer will now face Clement, who has beaten Federer in three out of their ten total career meetings. The Frenchman is yet to score a victory after 2001, while Federer has gone on to earn a legendary status. Clement is known for his ability to prolong matches, and will probably take advantage of Federer's waning form with a calculated game. However, this does not necessarily lean the odds in favour of an upset. Federer is more than likely to make this a quick match, following his gruelling first three rounds. It’s likely Federer will wrap things up in three easy sets.
Clément feels at ease following displays of a vulnerable game from Federer, which has been a continuous streak for several months now.
Clement’s path to the grass
The Frenchman is ranked 86th in the world, with three wins in his past meetings with Federer, which, granted, have occurred several years ago. Coming into round three, Clément beat Australian Peter Luczak 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Undoubtedly, he is looking forward to the prospect of playing Federer at this point, especially in a grand slam.
Federer is in unfamiliar territory on Court One, and was able to close it out in a match that lasted two hours and 46 minutes, in the second tie-break. Going by current Wimbledon standards, this was a short enough match, after the record-breaking Mahut-Isner marathon.
Federer has earned the reputation of being unbeatable, at least on the grass court. His peerless record has undoubtedly contributed to this conception, with eight wins in ten matches, and only two losses on grass in 75 outings. His signature elegance and calm add to his mystique. He waltzes through his game, as if untouched by worry. He is a master of predicament, able to handle anything with poise and confidence.
As effortless as his game may seem, Federer cannot evade the effects of time on his physical ability, especially due to the impressive level o the game that younger players are demonstrating. He is not as smooth on grass as he was a few years ago, and nearly slipped up in his intense match against Falla.
Federer’s confidence, however, is strengthened by his illustrious past, which is impressive to say the least. This past January, the big-serving Igor Andreev tormented the Swiss for three sets in the opening round of the Australian Open. Follwing this grueling duel, Nikolay Davydenko strung him around all the way into the second set of their match. Nevertheless, Federer emerged a tougher opponent, obliterating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets, blasting Lleyton Hewitt, before wrecking Andy Murray's final.
The challenge to show his signature best stands greater than ever in today’s match against Clement. As long as he takes time to compose himself, and focus on strategic ball placement, Federer should come through with little sweat to waste.
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