Best Roland Garros Conditions For Federer...

[Ted Ghost Shackley]

Let's say Federer and Nadal meet again for the French Open title this year. Should Roger hope for a cool damp Sunday where Nadal's forehand won't jump and emasculate his one-handed backhand, or a hot day like last year where he can (potentially) rush Nadal?

He can either have conditions that help him attack or conditions that help neutralize Nadal's brutal topspin forehand. I argue that slower, damper conditions would favour him. His grips are geared for a low ball.

The ATP Masters in Hamburg usually has cool damp conditions and low ball hitters like Edberg, Stich and Medvedev have done well there. Federer has also had excellent success in the cool dampness of Hamburg.

Federer should hope for spring and not summer conditions in Paris should he meet Rafael again this year. One of the beauties of Roland Garros is how weather dramatically effects the way the courts play.

 

[Alafter]

As a fed fan, I have no believe whatsoever that Fed can rock Nadal on clay.

 

[caulcano]

Let's say Federer and Nadal meet again for the French Open title this year. Should Roger hope for a cool damp Sunday where Nadal's forehand won't jump and emasculate his one-handed backhand, or a hot day like last year where he can (potentially) rush Nadal?

He can either have conditions that help him attack or conditions that help neutralize Nadal's brutal topspin forehand. I argue that slower, damper conditions would favour him. His grips are geared for a low ball.

The ATP Masters in Hamburg usually has cool damp conditions and low ball hitters like Edberg, Stich and Medvedev have done well there. Federer has also had excellent success in the cool dampness of Hamburg.

Federer should hope for spring and not summer conditions in Paris should he meet Rafael again this year. One of the beauties of Roland Garros is how weather dramatically effects the way the courts play.

It doesn't really matter. If a combination of Nadal having a bad couple of sets & Federer having all his shots working like it can, then the conditions wouldn't matter.

 

[urban]

The 2 last matches at RG (sf 2005, f 2006) were played under completely different conditions. The sf was played on a cold, rainy day, after long interruptions late in the evening, the final under hot, sunny weather-conditions. It didn't change anything significant about the outcome. RG clay courts play differently without weather changes, the Centre Court is faster than the Suzanne Lenglen court. The 'bullring' is imo the most difficult for a favorite, because of the close, intense atmosphere.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

Rain, rain, and more rain. That will definitely keep the ball low. Also Nadal's grip would be effected by sweat (from humidity) and he won't get as clean of a hit on the ball.

 

[tintin]

if the courts are faster than usual than I say yes he will have a greater chance at beating Nadal.

 

[bluetrain4]

I'm not sure about this, but wouldn't hot conditions and baked clay be good for Fed? I've seen the French when it's hot and the courts get hard and much faster and super slippery. Wouldn't the increased hardness of the court allow Fed more penetrating shots?

What I'm not sure about is if the tournament director would allow this to happen. They could just have the grounds crew put extra water on the courts to keep them relatively less baked.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

All I know when it is hot the ball is jumping high off the ground making Nadal's topspin even more effective than it normally would be. Also the conditions in Rome were cool when Fed almost beat Nadal.

 

[dgonzalezm]

I think that if Federer improves his game on clay from Montecarlo to Roland Garros it could have a chance to defeat Nadal. But only if he improves his tennis. He has to work hard, if he wants to win the French Open.

 

[edmondsm]

It needs to be very nice weather with no wind. Nadal battles through bad conditions and breaks Feds will, and the match is over before we know it.

 

[Aykhan Mammadov]

For Federer, for the history and for his psychology is not enough to win simply RG. It is important to defeat just Nadal at the final (or before). Best condidtions for Federer are those under which Nadal feels himself very good and in the form, and under which Federer is also in the very good mood and form.

Federer must win Nadal in the very competitive and equal match in order to avoid rumors such as Nadal wasn't in the form, that happened or that prevented and etc...

 

[Pro Staff Pete]

Still don't know what went wrong after the first set during the final last year @ RG.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

Still don't know what went wrong after the first set during the final last year @ RG.

Nadal stopped being jittery and the heat was bothering Federer.

 

[VGP]

The weather and court conditions don't seem to matter.

The "conditions" that have to happen for Federer to beat Nadal is if Nadal is lacking in confidence or if he is tired going into the final and Federer can capitalize.

I'm actually rooting for Nadal.

 

[Blade0324]

I don't think the weather will have that much impact on Fed's chances. If he wants to win the French this year his best chances are if Nadal has to play a couple of top quality clay court players in earlier rounds and gets beat. If this happens then Fed has a chance. If he meets Nadal in the Final it's bye bye French for at least another year.

 

[Ted Ghost Shackley]

In Hamburg, Federer was able to penetrate better than Nadal from the baseline and Nadal's topspin was unable to assault Fed's backhand, which is happened in the hot, dry Roland Garros conditions of last year's finals. I think Federer can win if the two meet in cool damp conditions in this year's final.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

In Hamburg, Federer was able to penetrate better than Nadal from the baseline and Nadal's topspin was unable to assault Fed's backhand, which is happened in the hot, dry Roland Garros conditions of last year's finals. I think Federer can win if the two meet in cool damp conditions in this year's final.

Unfortunately I agree. The temperature probably makes the biggest difference as how high the ball is hopping off Nadal's topspin. I actually think Nadal likes fast clay courts as long as the ball is jumping and not skidding. Also I think the heat really bothers Federer's decision making.

 

[fastdunn]

Weather condition wouldn't matter much if any.

This year, the best challenges Nadal had on clay so far
are Davydenko at Rome and Hewitt at Hamburg.

I bet on Federer's not making quarter final this year.

 

[mdhubert]

I think on the distance a cool humid weather would fit Federer's game. In 2005 the weather was humid and Fed played a beautiful second set and a good first part of 3rd set in RG semi. It was his first match on clay against Rafa, with much information to process, the lefty spin, the tactical trends, etc. Last year in a hot weather he played a great first set and then was overwhelmed by Rafa's topspin on his BH. So I would favor a colder humid weather.

That said, let's not forget that Fed won 3 out of their last 4 matches, including one on clay (with bonus bagel), so I think he's much readier tactically. So conditions are less of a factor than they used to be IMO.

 

[illkhiboy]

Weather condition wouldn't matter much if any.

This year, the best challenges Nadal had on clay so far
are Davydenko at Rome and Hewitt at Hamburg.

I bet on Federer's not making quarter final this year.

I see that you like making silly outrageous comments from time to time. Federer has made six finals out of the last eight claycourt tournaments he has played since 2005, going out before the quarters exactly once. That fact alone makes your prediction absurd to say the least. That said, anything can happen. But if Federer were to lose before the quarters, it still wouldn't make your prediction any less absurd. It would be dumb luck, that's all.

 

[callitout]

Fed says he practices in Dubai, and the heat doesnt bother him.
He's had great success in Australia. So perhaps a sweltering hot day will do something to decrease Nadal's stamina.

 

[jelle v]

Federer needs a quick claycourt I think.. so hot weather with a quick surface (hard claycourt), not al lot of humidity and no wind.

 

[Warriorroger]

You should never focus on conditions or how well the other player plays. Focus on your own strenght.Tennis is a mental game, if Federer really believes he can win the French Open, he will. Some poster on the board said, it is time Federer showed he is a fighter besides a winner, couldn't agree more. He showed he could fight at Hamburg, if he keeps that spirit he will win, if he has one ounce of doubt against Rafael, he is gone. BTW I don't count other players of winning the French. Paris is a tournament I really enjoy, cause many matches there are won with the mind.

 

[Moose Malloy]

I see that you like making silly outrageous comments from time to time. Federer has made six finals out of the last eight claycourt tournaments he has played since 2005, going out before the quarters exactly once. That fact alone makes your prediction absurd to say the least. That said, anything can happen. But if Federer were to lose before the quarters, it still wouldn't make your prediction any less absurd. It would be dumb luck, that's all.

I don't think that's an outrageous prediction, the Federer that won Hamburg isn't playing as well as the Federer of a year ago. He lost sets to Ferrer & Moya in Hamburg, 2 guys that he has historically owned. His comments all week long were about getting as many matches in as possible. He is a very meticulous type, he knows his preparation for the French wasn't where he would like it to be at. Beating Nadal was like getting an A on a test by studying all night, don't think that will work at the French, in a best of 5 format. I'm not sure how he will react to playing a few 4 (or maybe even 5) setters. He lost only 2 sets in reaching the FO final last year, which is almost unheard of at the French, & that was due to his incredibly high level of play throughout that entire clay season. His game is not at that same level right now, I think this year will be more of a grind, & I'm not sure how good his grinding game is is on clay(like say a Guga who was always going 4 or 5 it seemed)
I wonder how Federer would react to playing back to back 4/5 setters on clay, its something that he's never experienced, & something that can take a lot out of a player.

If Fed lost before the quarters it wouldn't be a monumental upset(like say Muster in '96) imo.

 

[fastdunn]

I see that you like making silly outrageous comments from time to time. Federer has made six finals out of the last eight claycourt tournaments he has played since 2005, going out before the quarters exactly once. That fact alone makes your prediction absurd to say the least. That said, anything can happen. But if Federer were to lose before the quarters, it still wouldn't make your prediction any less absurd. It would be dumb luck, that's all.

Of course, anything can happen. It's just that it's slightly more likely to happen this year.

It's not about "clay" preparation of Federer. It's about Federer of last 4 months.

It may sound silly and dumb for some people. I understand that.
Well it doesn't for a few people.

 

[dh003i]

I think Federer's had a better claycourt season this year than last year. Beating Nadal in a final makes it a better claycourt season.

 

[Mikael]

In Hamburg, Federer was able to penetrate better than Nadal from the baseline and Nadal's topspin was unable to assault Fed's backhand, which is happened in the hot, dry Roland Garros conditions of last year's finals. I think Federer can win if the two meet in cool damp conditions in this year's final.

Interesting point. I have often wondered about Federer's amazing record in Hamburg even though he is an all court player and it is a slow court. I guess the low(er) bounce might explain a lot of it.

 

[tlm]

I thought fed is the goat, does he need certain conditions for him to beat rafa?Believe me you wont have to worry because fed will not make it to the finals.

 

[JonJon]

Best conditions for Fed: grass growing on the court.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

Best conditions for Fed: grass growing on the court.

Or a big wind storm where all the clay comes off the court. lol

 

[ACE of Hearts]

U people are so focus on Fed.Nadal has alot of pressure after getting bageled!I wouldnt be surprise if he went down.

 

[fastdunn]

I don't think he did "getting" bagel. I think he "gave" away a bagel.

But I think you're right. Nadal has pretty big pressure now.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

Nadal always has pressure on him. I actually think losing to Federer took some of that pressure away. It would suck to end your win streak on clay at the French Open.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

Fed says he practices in Dubai, and the heat doesnt bother him.
He's had great success in Australia. So perhaps a sweltering hot day will do something to decrease Nadal's stamina.

What Fed says and how he looks on court against Nadal are 2 different things. Practicing in heat and playing Nadal in heat 3-5 sets are quite different. I think Roland Garros is not quick enough clay for Federer. Even in the heat. Rome and Hamburg give Fed a better shot. Rome due to faster clay and Hamburg due to lower bounces and different feel on sliding for Nadal.

 

[veroniquem]

So perhaps a sweltering hot day will do something to decrease Nadal's stamina.[/quote]
You're joking, right:shock:?

 

[rightytopspin79]

Still don't know what went wrong after the first set during the final last year @ RG.

What do you mean you don't know what went wrong. Fed couldn't convert on 17 break points!!!! Lets be honest, can we all just come to the conclusion that Fed has had Nadal several times within a break of finishing him but somehow he finds a way to come up with a incredible shot or Fed chokes. Hamburg this year is good example. I don't care if the other player has to take a 20 minute dump or if he ace's out his service game, Hold serve and you win the match. Last Year's RG it was interesting 1st but after that it played out like a typical Nadal match.

It's all mental now. If Fed doesn't believe he can beat him nothing short of upset or injury will stop nadal from winning Roland Garros.

 

[daddy]

What do you mean you don't know what went wrong. Fed couldn't convert on 17 break points!!!!

This is nothing new. People should just accept that those saved break points have little to do with Federer and much to do with Nadal. He did absolutely the same thing to Djokovic in Hamburg ( 3 out of 17 ) over the best of 3 sets match.

 

[sureshs]

where Nadal's forehand won't jump and emasculate his one-handed backhand

Oh my........

 

[veroniquem]

He he Nadal has no respect for Fed's manlihood!

 

[Nellie]

The weather won't matter - they cover/water the court to be consistent.

It's not like Wimbledon were the grass grows/dies based on the weather.

 

[AprilFool]

Unfortunately I agree. The temperature probably makes the biggest difference as how high the ball is hopping off Nadal's topspin. I actually think Nadal likes fast clay courts as long as the ball is jumping and not skidding. Also I think the heat really bothers Federer's decision making.

I agree. I think that hot and humid conditions really affect Fed's game in a negative way, more so than others.

 

[montx]

In Hamburg the humidity in the semi final was said to dampen the kicks of Nadals topspin against Djokovic. I don't know how much this comes into effect.

Whatever the conditions, however, I think Fed will put up a good fight. I've have confidence in Roger's ability to win this one.

 

[Nadal_Freak]

In Hamburg the humidity in the semi final was said to dampen the kicks of Nadals topspin against Djokovic. I don't know how much this comes into effect.

Whatever the conditions, however, I think Fed will put up a good fight. I've have confidence in Roger's ability to win this one.

The courts were damp as well from what I've heard. Nadal's serve is also neutralized by cold and wet conditions. Instead of being a match about Nadal's topspin, it becomes a match of Nadal's retrieving ability. He is great at both so it's not like once his topspin loses its effectiveness, he is in trouble. You have to be very consistent as well. It takes a lot more out of him to play in these conditions as the points are much longer.

 

[Greenfin Beta]

weather forecast for paris

here's the weather forecast for paris in the next 10 days:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/FRXX0076?from=36hr_topnav_business

May 24 - 90% chance of rain
May 25-28, 30, 31 - 60%

as you can see it would be mostly wet. aren't there covered courts at roland garros?

 

[carlos djackal]

whatever the conditions at RG should Fed and nadal meet in the finals, as a RF fan i can just hope nadal's shots won't go in because Nadal is just D best in clay.....his game is best suited in clay....for fed he is just second best in clay for his era...

 

[joeri888]

whatever the conditions at RG should Fed and nadal meet in the finals, as a RF fan i can just hope nadal's shots won't go in because Nadal is just D best in clay.....his game is best suited in clay....for fed he is just second best in clay for his era...

Keep the faith man.. Roger was just experimenting at Hamburg and MC He played 5 good games each set and then threw it away on purpose. Only thing that matters is Paris.. When roger tells he lost on purpose, you need to remember You heard it here first.

No seriously, it's tennis we're talking about. Rafa can lose too. Just have a little faith.

 

[Eviscerator]

Nadal is clearly the favorite, however a perfect scenario for Federer would be to get yet another quick start, then have a rain delay for a few hours. Since Nadal seems to start slow Federer might take advantage of the delay and get way out in front. However Nadal is a fighter so even two sets down he could make a comeback.

If they both make the final I will force myself to watch it despite my aversion to watching clay court tennis.

 

[WillAlwaysLoveYouTennis]

It's a conundrum, and any win against Nadal at the French Open will be herculeal task for Federer.

Warm, dry conditions that might suit Federer style better (more going to net), would also help Nadal's heavy topspin shots to spin away even more quickly.

But if it were cooler and damp, definitely would go in Nadal's favor as his shots are so powerful and heavy. Either way, or any combination whatsoever, it's going to be extremely tough for Fed to win.

 

[joeri888]

By the way, could anyone tell me when it will be known which qualifier will play who. I'm especially interested in the opponent of Jesse Huta Galung.

 

[cucio]

Wow, this was thread necromancy! When I read that some dude said that Fed had won 3 of their last 4 matches I experienced a full WTF moment until I looked at the date of the message. There is a reason why old threads should be let rest in peace.