2017 Montreal Final - [2] Roger Federer vs [4] Alexander Zverev

[The Green Mile]

The final is set! Federer leads their H2H 2-1, but this will be their first meeting on a hard-court.

Zverev looking for his 2nd Masters title of the year, and 5th title overall in 2017. Meanwhile, Federer is still undefeated in Masters events, and is playing for his 3rd this year.

Quite the fascinating match up, hope it's a good one.

Scheduled for Sunday, not before 4:00 pm local time.

 

[NEW_BORN]

Danger match for the Fed.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

Haven't picked against Fed once this year to my recollection, but this one I'm unsure about. Though Zverev did look nervous at points tonight which if he is against Federer he's toast. Would like to see Federer not donate so many points away on his serve, because this is a guy that will make you actually pay for that.

 

[marc45]

16 match winning streak vs. 9

 

[Deleted member 688153]

Zverev the heir apparent?

If you come at the king, you best not miss.

 

[marc45]

Haven't picked against Fed once this year to my recollection, but this one I'm unsure about. Though Zverev did look nervous at points tonight which if he is against Federer he's toast. Would like to see Federer not donate so many points away on his serve, because this is a guy that will make you actually pay for that.

nervous against the new star, was supposed to win...tomorrow, supposed to lose, less nervous?

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Excite.

Haven't picked against Fed once this year to my recollection, but this one I'm unsure about. Though Zverev did look nervous at points tonight which if he is against Federer he's toast. Would like to see Federer not donate so many points away on his serve, because this is a guy that will make you actually pay for that.

Careful, son. Don't forget Judas hung himself with his own rope.

 

[cronus]

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

nervous against the new star, was supposed to win...tomorrow, supposed to lose, less nervous?

I'm not too nervous, if Federer brings his A game he'll win. That said I don't think he can get away with his C game like he did against Ferrer. Today was pretty good save for that one bad service game, but Haase can't really hurt Federer anyway, Z can.

Idk I was nervous for Halle at the time and Z got crushed. So it's definitely on him to show up more than anything for it to be tight.

 

[ACE of Hearts]

I will say federer in two 6-4 7-6 in a tiebreaker.

 

[Vanhalen]

Again, Fed...all court game wins.

 

[Winners or Errors]

Again, Fed...all court game wins.

This. Not a lot of creativity in the Z - Shap match. Still, Zverev did a good job of respecting the obviously disappointed crowd at the end, which makes me like him a little more. Kohl's getting old and he's the next German...

 

[MichaelNadal]

Fed will win.

 

[MasturB]

Since it's afternoon I think conditions will be slower.

So I think that will be advantage to Fred since he will be dropshotting and coming to net more.

 

[BeatlesFan]

I will say federer in two 6-4 7-6 in a tiebreaker.

My prediction as well. Fed's been playing lousy all week and can't buy a BH down the line, but I was not impressed by Z at all against Denis.

 

[BretH]

Very little variety tonight even though there was some excellent shotmaking. But as was said above, all court game wins.

Fed in 3.

 

[Logic]

Fed will win.

Nice signature - I love that scene of Beerus just deleting Zamasu.

Maybe it's because I just watched some Dragon Ball Super, but 2017 Federer kind of reminds me of Frieza. Every time you think he's finally out of the show and the next generation of villains are going to take over, he gets resurrected with a new transformation/modification and dominates everyone again. With this comparison in mind, I predict Friezerer to demolish Zvamasu in straight sets, and then casually declare, "this isn't even my final form".

EDIT 1 - I originally misspelled Frieza as Freeza (too much Team Four Star!).

EDIT 2 - Wait, I just realised something. Is that why they call him Lord Fedr (Lord Frieza)?

 

[TennisRookie]

I predict Freezerer to demolish Zvamasu in straight sets, and then casually declare, "this isn't even my final form".

Agreed, can't wait for Federer to peak.

 

[kabob]

I'm gonna laugh my balls off if Federer drop shots Zed to death like he did in Halle. It was the softest pummeling I've ever witnessed in a professional match final.

 

[kabob]

Nice signature - I love that scene of Beerus just deleting Zamasu.

Maybe it's because I just watched some Dragon Ball Super, but 2017 Federer kind of reminds me of Freeza. Every time you think he's finally out of the show and the next generation of villains are going to take over, he gets resurrected with a new transformation/modification and dominates everyone again. With this comparison in mind, I predict Freezerer to demolish Zvamasu in straight sets, and then casually declare, "this isn't even my final form".

I've seriously tried to give Super a go as some of my friends and my old roommate are huge fans but it's just so kiddie to me compared to earlier Dragon Ball series/movies. And it's not like DBZ has ever risen above juvenile entertainment in the first place.

 

[Logic]

I've seriously tried to give Super a go as some of my friends and my old roommate are huge fans but it's just so kiddie to me compared to earlier Dragon Ball series/movies. And it's not like DBZ has ever risen above juvenile entertainment in the first place.

Fair enough. I personally skipped the first two arcs, but the last three have been epic (to borrow what I think is MichaelNadal's favourite word). It's worth tuning in even now to see the Universal Tournament, because it's the battle to end all battles, with the highest possible stakes.

 

[SeeingDusk]

Fed will win if he keeps making Zverev come to net.

 

[3fees]

Federer v Zverev the experience vs the youth,,Zverev could be hungry enough to gobble up this win

Cheers
3Fees

 

[AceSalvo]

Kid Z coming out on court tomorrow for some GOAT blood.

 

[SeeingDusk]

I'm impressed with Z. He can back up his win by making it to another final the following week.

 

[Dolgopolov85]

Zverev is improving rapidly this year. His slice is working well now and he is also spreading the court really well, especially with the CC BH. Made a running FH DTL winner from way out of court in the Shap match, very Fed-esque, so his movement is better than you'd expect for one so tall. For all that, he is still not good enough getting up to short balls and his conservative rally hit point won't help matters against Fed. Fed looks kinda cranky and rusty just as he did the last time he got to a final in Montreal. So if he has a bad day, he could lose. But if he is reasonably fresh and sharp, his junkballing should be too much for Zverev who is still very much a slave of rhythm.

 

[VaporDude95]

All Fed has to do is bring Z to the net. Most of these "next gen" types are horrible up there

 

[Julian Houston]

Federer to get broken after facing many breakpoints and rebreak easily. This is the story of Fedr year.

The biggest difference from 2015 is he was pressured to S&V to protect his serve.

 

[Fedberg20]

Zverev is improving rapidly this year. His slice is working well now and he is also spreading the court really well, especially with the CC BH. Made a running FH DTL winner from way out of court in the Shap match, very Fed-esque, so his movement is better than you'd expect for one so tall. For all that, he is still not good enough getting up to short balls and his conservative rally hit point won't help matters against Fed. Fed looks kinda cranky and rusty just as he did the last time he got to a final in Montreal. So if he has a bad day, he could lose. But if he is reasonably fresh and sharp, his junkballing should be too much for Zverev who is still very much a slave of rhythm.

What is this junkballing? I've seen it used here quite a lot but I really have no idea what it means. Other than than I completely agree with what you said

I think Fed makes it in 3. Sascha has a mean serve and a solid 2nd serve return, and Roger has been making way too few 1st serves to go a whole match without losing his serve. Having said that, if Shapo could get to 8 BP's, so can Roger and the Maestro will not have such a poor conversion. One should also take into account Sascha has played a lot lately and will have less rest, which might become a problem if it goes to 3. Also, this season Roger always raised his game for the top guys and he has been on fire at the net. Look forward to this one!

 

[Dolgopolov85]

What is this junkballing? I've seen it used here quite a lot but I really have no idea what it means. Other than than I completely agree with what you said

I think Fed makes it in 3. Sascha has a mean serve and a solid 2nd serve return, and Roger has been making way too few 1st serves to go a whole match without losing his serve. Having said that, if Shapo could get to 8 BP's, so can Roger and the Maestro will not have such a poor conversion. One should also take into account Sascha has played a lot lately and will have less rest, which might become a problem if it goes to 3. Also, this season Roger always raised his game for the top guys and he has been on fire at the net. Look forward to this one!

Basically a term used largely on TT to describe innocuous looking slices, drops, half volleys etc mostly landing well within the service line that deny rhythm to a baseliner. In an earlier era, it might have been called 'great touch' but at TT, no distinction is made between the rec slicer and a top pro using such tools. For the sake of clarity, I have started using the term too though I don't agree with it in so far as it's applied to the pro game.

 

[Dolgopolov85]

-----del----

 

[MeatTornado]

I'm not too nervous, if Federer brings his A game he'll win. That said I don't think he can get away with his C game like he did against Ferrer. Today was pretty good save for that one bad service game, but Haase can't really hurt Federer anyway, Z can.

Idk I was nervous for Halle at the time and Z got crushed. So it's definitely on him to show up more than anything for it to be tight.

But that's been the story all year with Fed. I heard the exact same concerns during the weeks of Miami, Halle, Wimbledon, and now Montreal. His m.o. all year has been to work his way through the draw with as little effort as possible, and then turn on the jets when it matters. He looks vulnerable early on, which makes fans nervous about the later rounds before he eliminates all doubt on gameday, leaving us wondering what we were so worried about.

He's simply a different player on championship Sundays, he doesn't bring his C game.

 

[Federer and Del Potro]

But that's been the story all year with Fed. I heard the exact same concerns during the weeks of Miami, Halle, Wimbledon, and now Montreal. His m.o. all year has been to work his way through the draw with as little effort as possible, and then turn on the jets when it matters. He looks vulnerable early on, which makes fans nervous about the later rounds before he eliminates all doubt on gameday, leaving us wondering what we were so worried about.

He's simply a different player on championship Sundays, he doesn't bring his C game.

I agree, I guess I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually did though, he's 36 after all. Better now than the USO. But I think he'll get it done tomorrow. Zverev looked shaky today. If he gives Federer those openings, he will take them. Denis was unable to tonight.

 

[falstaff78]

As everyone knows, I root for Lord Fedr to continue to smash these next gen guys into an undignified pulp, without the slightest shred of remorse, for as long as humanly possible.

I do really like a bunch of them: Thiem, Zverev, Money etc. But Feddy bear is definitely the first priority.

For those who share similiar preferences, a word of warning: at some point, they will get too good, and I'm sure our man @Meles will be there to gloat.

But until then, let's enjoy!!

 

[slice bh compliment]

I am for RF, but i think he treats this matchup less seriously than he will at the US Open.

As with his other two losses this year, Roger plays nicely, gets up a match point, and the other guy takes a close third.

This either happens here, or at the Real Slam (Ohio).

 

[nikdom]

I want Roger to treat this like an exo - S&V on 1st and 2nd serves, SABR returns, head fake shots and generally just practice his creative racquet work. If he wins, good, and if he loses that's fine too. Who cares about Montreal with the real slam coming up?

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I expect Federer to take it up one more level at least today. In all honesty, he hasn't been thoroughly pushed, and even played some of these matches like practice session, but he has slowly been getting better and better with each match. As he said, he has practiced enough, why not play a couple of real matches to get ready for the Open?

Now that he is in the final, no Nadal in site, it means the number ranking is more and more within his grasp. He has openly stated he wants that ranking, because becoming world number one at 36 is just as legendary as winning a 6th USO for him at this point. He knows what being the best in the world at his age will mean, and could likely be a record that may never be passed. He knows how to play Zverev, and will take him seriously.

Will we see God Mode Federer? Absolutely not. He is not going to reach peak mode until latter stages of Cincinnati at the earliest, but will we see him make a push in this final, knowing his best Masters event is next, and he should navigate through that likely even more effortlessly than in Montreal? Yes, we probably will.

Zverev will come out and try his best, like his attitude, but it will all depend on Federer. If he brings it, he wins.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

All in for Sasha! But dont think he will do it.

 

[Sarzy]

Roger in 3

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I expect Federer to take it up one more level at least today. In all honesty, he hasn't been thoroughly pushed, and even played some of these matches like practice session, but he has slowly been getting better and better with each match. As he said, he has practiced enough, why not play a couple of real matches to get ready for the Open?

Now that he is in the final, no Nadal in site, it means the number ranking is more and more within his grasp. He has openly stated he wants that ranking, because becoming world number one at 36 is just as legendary as winning a 6th USO for him at this point. He knows what being the best in the world at his age will mean, and could likely be a record that may never be passed. He knows how to play Zverev, and will take him seriously.

Will we see God Mode Federer? Absolutely not. He is not going to reach peak mode until latter stages of Cincinnati at the earliest, but will we see him make a push in this final, knowing his best Masters event is next, and he should navigate through that likely even more effortlessly than in Montreal? Yes, we probably will.

Zverev will come out and try his best, like his attitude, but it will all depend on Federer. If he brings it, he wins.

Enjoyable and likely accurate analysis as always.
Can't wait for the match.

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I am for RF, but i think he treats this matchup less seriously than he will at the US Open.

As with his other two losses this year, Roger plays nicely, gets up a match point, and the other guy takes a close third.

This either happens here, or at the Real Slam (Ohio).

He's not going down after MP in a final I don't think.
He does that in early rounds to save energy. He does that in a final, and it would be pointless, and he's basically thrown away the energy of getting to the final.
Zero percent chance IMO. More likely that he'll get blown out than that.

 

[Red Rick]

I will stand by @Meles on this one, in victory and defeat

 

[Deleted member 688153]

I'll put up a scoreline on the off chance I hit the jackpot. Gotta be in it to win it.
7-6 6-3 for Rogr. Maybe even saves SPs.

 

[deBroglie]

Zverev has been on a roll here. I wouldn't be surprised with any result.

Zverev in 3, 6-3 6-7(4) 7-5.

 

[mike danny]

The last time 2 guys separated by 16 years contested the Montreal final was back in 2005, when Agassi and Nadal played an awesome match.

 

[Silence]

Two tight sets with multiple breaks both ways. 7-6 - 7-6 Federer.

 

[WeeDiM]

Hopman cup was on hard court and Roger lost that match in three tiebreak sets, so Zverev actually leads 1-0 on hard so far. I think this one is going to be uncomfortably close again.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

Since it's afternoon I think conditions will be slower.

So I think that will be advantage to Fred since he will be dropshotting and coming to net more.

Well Fed has had nothing but afternoon matches all week, whereas Zverev has played some night matches the last few nights, so maybe Fed will be more used to the daytime conditions. Should be a good match though. Fed will need to bring it though, because Zverev is a considerable step up in competition from Haase, Polansky, and maybe to a lesser extent RBA and Ferrer, though Fed played like crap against Ferrer, at least by his standards, lol.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

I expect Federer to take it up one more level at least today. In all honesty, he hasn't been thoroughly pushed, and even played some of these matches like practice session, but he has slowly been getting better and better with each match. As he said, he has practiced enough, why not play a couple of real matches to get ready for the Open?

Now that he is in the final, no Nadal in site, it means the number ranking is more and more within his grasp. He has openly stated he wants that ranking, because becoming world number one at 36 is just as legendary as winning a 6th USO for him at this point. He knows what being the best in the world at his age will mean, and could likely be a record that may never be passed. He knows how to play Zverev, and will take him seriously.

Will we see God Mode Federer? Absolutely not. He is not going to reach peak mode until latter stages of Cincinnati at the earliest, but will we see him make a push in this final, knowing his best Masters event is next, and he should navigate through that likely even more effortlessly than in Montreal? Yes, we probably will.

Zverev will come out and try his best, like his attitude, but it will all depend on Federer. If he brings it, he wins.

Sight*

I agree though. It seems like these great champions have this uncanny ability to elevate their game when they need to. They are so proficient at managing their game through the draw, and understanding that it's about peaking for the later rounds. Sometimes in the early rounds you don't necessarily need your A game to make it through, and you know that you can't play that "god" mode level of tennis through the course of 5, 6, or 7 matches. You're gonna have matches where it's just not there, but you find a way to win anyway, like Fed against Ferrer. I feel bad for Ferrer, because that may well have been one of his best chances to finally get a win against Fed, since Fed played such a woeful match, and yet Fed still found a way to win. It's really just as a simple as being better than the guy across the net from you. Sometimes you look amazing, sometimes you look like crap, but hard to argue with the results if you consistently get those W's.

 

[Big_Dangerous]

Hopman cup was on hard court and Roger lost that match in three tiebreak sets, so Zverev actually leads 1-0 on hard so far. I think this one is going to be uncomfortably close again.

That event doesn't count because there are no ranking points at stake. It's really more of a glorified exhibition to be honest. Not to diminish Zverev's win, but yeah that wouldn't be reflected on their respective head to head. Also, that was Fed's first event back in more than 6 months. FWIW, he kind of demolished Zverev in that Halle several weeks back.