NO SPOILERS PLEASE
I see Fed as vulnerable for the first time in recent memory v. Roddick today. As AngleMaster described in his thread "Federer v. Ginepri" Fed is rusty, still. And after the Roddick v. Hewitt match A-Rod appears to be on better form than I've seen in a long time. As another poster in another thread mentioned Hewitt seemed to sense Roddick's level and was as subdued as he usually is v. Fed. The usual "c'mon's" (appropriate and inappropriate) were noticeable in their absence. Roddick's form seems to have earned the respect of another top fiver. Bad for Hewitt good for Roddick.
Biggest match-up question I see in the final will be Roddick's serve v. the Fed return. I know its probably always the biggest match-up, but I haven't seen Fed struggle with his return game as much as I've seen him struggle this week, and against average serves. It was no better v. Ginepri. And therein my lay Roddick's edge. Should A-Rod exploit it he may come away with the win which could shake Fed's confidence going into the Open. Interesting.
This may all be moot if Fed does "it" once more and lifts his level to thwart Roddick again. I just see this as Andy's best chance in a long time.
PS-What, no polls? Shocking.
I see Fed as vulnerable for the first time in recent memory v. Roddick today. As AngleMaster described in his thread "Federer v. Ginepri" Fed is rusty, still. And after the Roddick v. Hewitt match A-Rod appears to be on better form than I've seen in a long time. As another poster in another thread mentioned Hewitt seemed to sense Roddick's level and was as subdued as he usually is v. Fed. The usual "c'mon's" (appropriate and inappropriate) were noticeable in their absence. Roddick's form seems to have earned the respect of another top fiver. Bad for Hewitt good for Roddick.
Biggest match-up question I see in the final will be Roddick's serve v. the Fed return. I know its probably always the biggest match-up, but I haven't seen Fed struggle with his return game as much as I've seen him struggle this week, and against average serves. It was no better v. Ginepri. And therein my lay Roddick's edge. Should A-Rod exploit it he may come away with the win which could shake Fed's confidence going into the Open. Interesting.
This may all be moot if Fed does "it" once more and lifts his level to thwart Roddick again. I just see this as Andy's best chance in a long time.
PS-What, no polls? Shocking.
