Roger Federer vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Match Preview: US Open 2011
Firing off with the quarter-final match on Wednesday 7th September, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Frenchman, will once again take on the former world No.1, Roger Federer, Swiss, for a seat in the semis. The two will play their
8th head-to-head at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA.
Ranked at world No.11, the Frenchman is streaming up the rankings like a rocket. Storming 8 matches out of his last 10, the former world No.6 has been consistent on all surfaces lately. Aged 26, Tsonga has a capability to play
strong forehands to outgun his opponent.
Proving to be deadly on hard court, the right hander has an exceptional playing technique. With lightening fast serves, the Frenchman in known for his heavy forehands strokes and a great touch at the net. Tsonga is well capable
to mix up his style of play by rushing up to the net.
The huge 6’2” is one of the few remaining players who utilize a serve-a-volley type of play. Considering his height and mass, the world No.11 is extremely agile and speedy. The Afro-Frenchman goes spectacular at time. Lunging dives
to play his shots, Tsonga mesmerises the crowd with his fighting spirit and play.
On the contrary, the former world No.1 has a different technique to counter his opponent. Considering the fact that Tsonga is good at volleying, Federer is considered the best in the game. Smashing effectively, the world No.3 performs
rare elements in today’s tennis such as backhand smash, half-volley and a jump smash, better known as a ‘Slam Dunk’.
Federer plays with a single-handed backhand which gives him immense mixture. The world No.3 utilizes the slice, sporadically using it to entice the adversary to the net and outdo him. Federer also fires topspin winners and possesses
a 'flick' backhand where he can cause pace with his wrist, usually used to pass the rival at the net.
Both players have an exceptional style, however, lately; the Frenchman has been dominating significantly. Out of the 7 matches the two have played head-to-head; Tsonga is catching up as he is only one less than the Former world
No.1, 3-4.
Predicatively, Tsonga has a greater chance to win the fixture. Beating the former world No.1 in Wimbledon and Rogers Cup, Tsonga would certainly be comfortable playing the Maestro. However, the pundits have an equal bet on the
two.
Federer, regardless of the fact that he is less considered for a win, will surely stun the crowd as he is playing aggressively and is in his top form. Nevertheless, an upset is always welcomed.
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