Roger Federer sails through the first round
Last year history was created at Roland Garros as Roger Federer arguably became the greatest player ever to play the game of tennis. Federer won his 14th grand slam title, equalling the great Pete Samprass. Not only that, Roger also became the 5th person in the history of tennis to win all four grand slams in his career, a feat Samprass was unable to accomplish in his grand career.
After losing 4 times at the hands of Rafael Nadal, People doubted if Federer can ever defeat him at this grand stage. Luckily for him, Nadal lost in the 4th round against Robin Soderling, thus clearing the way for Federer to create history.
This year the question of Federer defending his crown was the one which raised the most speculations. At one hand, Rafa was playing the best tennis of his career as he won three consecutive ATP 1000 events, and on the other Federer was not in his zone yet. There are other players on the tour who are playing exceptional tennis as well. For example Fernando Verdasco and David Ferrer of Spain have impressed a lot in the tournaments that preceded the French open. Federer’s draw is also not one which would please a player.
But one thing to notice is the way Federer played his first match at the French open. He looked confident coming into the match and his game depicted the same. His serving was excellent and he moved comfortably as well. He himself claimed that this year he came into the tournament much more relaxed compared to his earlier visits. He did not have the pressure of winning the only grand slam that had eluded him since last year.
The confident was evident as he made easy work out of his Australian opponent in the first round of the tournament. Peter Luczak was not someone who would have given in to the class of Federer that easily as he is a renowned clay courter. Federer started the match strongly holding his first two service games to love and taking Luczak's delivery to deuce. He won the first set easily with a regular break of serve. The next two sets were a similar story as Federer served exceptionally well, while raising his game a notch while returning to secure consistent breaks.
The final score of the match up was 6-4 6-1 6-2 in the favour of the champion as he opened his campaign in similar style. What we have to see is the potential match ups he can have with dangerous players that have staged up sets in the past. For example his match against Gael Monfils can be a delightful prospect for the tennis fans while his expected semi final against Andy Murrey can be threatening as well.
What the fans really want is another Nadal-Federer Final, but what the Federer fans want is that he wins that match to show it to the world that he is not just the king, but the king of clay as well.
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