RG Draw - Which half do you want Federer to be in?

[DragonBlaze]

So regardless of which player's fan you are, I think we can agree that the half that Federer lands in becomes the harder side of the draw (no offense to Muurya, but he has been sucking as of late...).

So do you want Federer to be in Djokovic's half or Nadal's?
And why?

As a Fed fan, I don't really know. He's got a better shot at making the final if he is in Djokovic's half, but do we really need a Fedal FO final repeat? Of course if he meets Nadal in the semis, his road to FO closes there and he drops a fair few points. So in summary, I have no idea.

Poll coming up!

 

[NadalAgassi]

Hopefully he ends up in Djokovic's half so they can truly decide who is the #2 clay courter. Last year it was Djokovic regardless who won their semifinal based on the overall clay season. However this year with the seasons both have had, whoever wins their semifinal would be the #2 clay courter for the year.

 

[Mike Sams]

Really sucks that no other player on the tour comes into discussion. :lol:
Anyway, I hope Federer lands in Nadal's half as it could be an epic semifinal. Federer hasn't even played Nadal on clay this season.

 

[Hood_Man]

Nadal's. Assuming he reaches the semi, if he can't beat Nadal there then I'd rather get that heartache out of the way and enjoy a neutral final. Last year's final nearly drove me to drink, it was such a come down after his semi win over Djokovic.

Also, if by some incredible fluke Federer beats Nadal or Nadal falls early, and Fed makes the final, I'd like to see a repeat of last years Fedokovic match, but this time with the trophy at stake.

I wouldn't mind a Nadokovic final though, as long as it's like the AO final. Not the best quality 5 set final I've seen (but then so few really are without rose tinted specs), but it was easily one of the most dramatic.

 

[big_bill]

I think he'd rather be in Nadal's half. That way he can get out of Paris a few days early and start preparing for grass.

 

[jackson vile]

Nadal needs a good warm-up before he faces Novak. If Nadal can't defeat Novak at the FO, then he is no clay GOAT.

 

[tennis_pro]

Im with you man. Since I don't think that anyone will beat Nadal, I guess I want Federer to land in Djokovic's half and at least fight for the maximum prize "available" - 1200 points and the runner-up trophy (losing to Nadal in the n-th FO final won't hurt him at this stage). At the same time Fed could buy himself time for a miraculous Nadal upset, what if a new star emerges and beats Nadal in the semis? At least Nadal will have 1 more round to go before playing the final against Federer (potentially).

Also I can't wait to see how the draw goes - whether it's the no 1-3 or 1-4 in the semis just so I can get really pissed off at Federer for not doing enough to get that no 2 ranking before the FO - that's in the 1-3 scenario obviously. If it's 2-3 in one half of the draw then there's really nothing Federer could do to avoid Nadal except for....going down the rankings to no 4

 

[tennis_pro]

Hopefully he ends up in Djokovic's half so they can truly decide who is the #2 clay courter. Last year it was Djokovic regardless who won their semifinal based on the overall clay season. However this year with the seasons both have had, whoever wins their semifinal would be the #2 clay courter for the year.

Does it really matter at this stage?

 

[NadalAgassi]

Does it really matter at this stage?

I think it matters for the confidence of both players. In the event Federer loses in the semis to Djokovic, it would hurt his confidence in his chances to win Wimbledon or the U.S Open, but if he wins then loses to Nadal in the final (which he probably expects on clay) it would raise it. For Djokovic similar is true, but in his case he probably feels he still has a fighting chance vs Nadal on clay, so would also be fighting hard to get past Federer unlike last year and make the final for that reason too.

 

[TenTan]

Nadals.

Im a Federer fan. If it ends up being a Nadal-Federer final, Nadal will get closer to Federer's slam record. But if its a Djokovic-Nadal final, Djokovic will have a better chance of denying it.

 

[dudeski]

Nadals.

Im a Federer fan. If it ends up being a Nadal-Federer final, Nadal will get closer to Federer's slam record. But if its a Djokovic-Nadal final, Djokovic will have a better chance of denying it.

Same here. I want Raonic in R32, Dasco in R16, Ferrer in Q, Fed in S and Novak in F. Well actually I want Nadal to be out in 1st round but in the tragic even he keeps on winning then above would be nice.

Murray won't get to semi so having him in Nadals half would be very unfortunate.

 

[CourtlyLove]

Hopefully he ends up in Djokovic's half so they can truly decide who is the #2 clay courter. Last year it was Djokovic regardless who won their semifinal based on the overall clay season. However this year with the seasons both have had, whoever wins their semifinal would be the #2 clay courter for the year.

Does it really matter at this stage?

Seriously. I'm sure Federer and Djokovic are just dying to figure out whether or not they're the "#2 clay courter for the year."

 

[veroniquem]

I don't think either Fed or Murray would be a big threat to Rafa this year at RG, so I don't really care.

 

[cc0509]

I think it would be more favorable to Federer if he and Djokovic were in the same half. He has a shot at defeating Djokovic and then making the final. Even though he won't beat Nadal in the final at least he will make the final which is better than making the SF. I really do not think Federer expects to defeat Nadal on clay at the FO at this point in his career. I think Federer's focus will be on W to the USO and rightly so.

 

[tudwell]

Hopefully he ends up in Djokovic's half so they can truly decide who is the #2 clay courter. Last year it was Djokovic regardless who won their semifinal based on the overall clay season. However this year with the seasons both have had, whoever wins their semifinal would be the #2 clay courter for the year.

Yeah, it's definitely not the guy who's actually won a title (and a Masters at that) on the surface as opposed to Djokovic, who has only three losses.

 

[cc0509]

Nadals.

Im a Federer fan. If it ends up being a Nadal-Federer final, Nadal will get closer to Federer's slam record. But if its a Djokovic-Nadal final, Djokovic will have a better chance of denying it.

I honestly don't think anybody will be denying Nadal his 7th FO win. It is what it is. Fed fans have to deal with reality.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Yeah, it's definitely not the guy who's actually won a title (and a Masters at that) on the surface as opposed to Djokovic, who has only three losses.

Monte Carlo final + Rome final + Roland Garros final > Madrid title
Madrid title + Roland Garros final > Monte Carlo final + Rome final

It seems pretty straightforward to me.

 

[Mustard]

Djokovic's.

 

[tudwell]

Of course if he meets Nadal in the semis, his road to FO closes there and he drops a fair few points.

That's simply not true. Outside of 2008, Federer has always put up a great fight against Nadal. If Nadal's not on his top game, Federer can win. That said, I'd rather Federer fall in Djokovic's half because if Federer does finally beat Nadal at the French, I'd prefer it to be for the title and not have to worry about him following up that performance with another match against (presumably) Djokovic, who just beat him on slow red clay.

 

[tudwell]

Monte Carlo final + Rome final + Roland Garros final > Madrid title
Madrid title + Roland Garros final > Monte Carlo final + Rome final

It seems pretty straightforward to me.

True. I guess I was thinking that, at this point in time, Federer's decidedly number two. If Djokovic outperforms him at Roland Garros, then he might be second best. Of course, it would be really interesting if Djokovic won the whole tournament. That'd really stir the pot. Then who would be no. 1, no.2, no.3?

 

[bullfan]

There is only one thing on Fed's mind, and that's not the FO. It's the Olympics. It's so close he can taste it. I'm sure that he doesn't care to get beaten by Rafa again, and that's what will happen no matter if he goes through Novak or not and faces Rafa.

 

[OddJack]

Rodge's better off if he meets Nadal in SF.

I just hope Rodge gets there

 

[veroniquem]

How is he better off losing in the semi, thus losing points?

 

[cc0509]

There is only one thing on Fed's mind, and that's not the FO. It's the Olympics. It's so close he can taste it. I'm sure that he doesn't care to get beaten by Rafa again, and that's what will happen no matter if he goes through Novak or not and faces Rafa.

Yeah, I don't think Federer's big focus is on RG at all despite the fact that it is a slam. He will focus and should focus on W, OG and USO.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Yeah, I don't think Federer's big focus is on RG at all despite the fact that it is a slam. He will focus and should focus on W, OG and USO.

I agree. I think he has a good chance of winning the U.S Open, especialy if he avoids Nadal, and he even has a fighting chance vs Nadal there (the only slam he still does IMO). OG is best of 3, so even if he has declined on grass, he has a good chance there. Wimbledon I am not sure of, his game has declined alot on grass for best of 5, but maybe his improved form on other surfaces will translate to better play on grass this year.

I think each event builds from here, as each one has has a better shot of doing well in or winning than the previous one, starting with the lowest point in that sense being Roland Garros where he should make the semis, but probably wont go further.

 

[dudeski]

How is he better off losing in the semi, thus losing points?

It's all about stopping Nadal from winning FO. It has to be a team effort since no single player is good enough. So the first 6 players soften Nadal up and then Djokovic can hopefully take him out in the final. Onviously in form Federer can keep Nadal running around like a headless chicken for 3 hours while some lesser opponent who would take place of Murray who obviously won't make the semi will only keep Nadal playing for under two hours. That's why we want Federer in the semi to tire out the demon as much as possible before the final.

 

[cc0509]

It's all about stopping Nadal from winning FO. It has to be a team effort since no single player is good enough. So the first 6 players soften Nadal up and then Djokovic can hopefully take him out in the final. Onviously in form Federer can keep Nadal running around like a headless chicken for 3 hours while some lesser opponent who would take place of Murray who obviously won't make the semi will only keep Nadal playing for under two hours. That's why we want Federer in the semi to tire out the demon as much as possible before the final.

I am a Federer fan and I can tell you nobody is tiring Nadal out before the final. It does not matter if he plays for 5 hours. He will be good as new for the final.

 

[TheF1Bob]

It's all about stopping Nadal from winning FO. It has to be a team effort since no single player is good enough. So the first 6 players soften Nadal up and then Djokovic can hopefully take him out in the final. Onviously in form Federer can keep Nadal running around like a headless chicken for 3 hours while some lesser opponent who would take place of Murray who obviously won't make the semi will only keep Nadal playing for under two hours. That's why we want Federer in the semi to tire out the demon as much as possible before the final.

Our savior and healer, the Son of God..... The shining beak from the Flight of the Eagle.... united to end genocide, will end the dominance the demon once had and will send him packing to the depths of hell where he will spend eternity to rot.

The people, and importantly tennis..... will be saved.

 

[forzamilan90]

I will say Djokovic's draw. Nadal would be a tougher opponent for Federer, and Djokovic is more prone to the upset or to lose to Federer.

 

[FlashFlare11]

I feel like Roger's going to make a statement at RG this year, much like last year. He's showed up on almost every occasion this year, and has a great track record at RG. He'll be going in as a solid third favorite behind Rafa and Novak, but Federer has the game and tactics to beat Rafa. It's just a matter of execution, and that's the thing Federer didn't do last year. And even that match was close!

In addition, I would love to see a Federer-Djokovic slam final. A proper sequel to last year's amazing semi. I think both men will bring their best, and we would be in for a spectacular final if they both make it, however slim the chance of it happening is.

Nadal's half, in response to the OP's question.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Hopefully he ends up in Djokovic's half so they can truly decide who is the #2 clay courter. Last year it was Djokovic regardless who won their semifinal based on the overall clay season...

You have some classic moments don't you?

So you think all the tournaments which serve as a lead-up to the pinnacle event of the clay court season - and where the best players aim to peak - are more important than French Open results? :lol:

I'm certain there is no non-slam winning player in history who wouldn't swap all of their other clay court tournaments to have a single French Open beside their name. Why?... well, if you need to have it explained you've missed the whole point.

 

[timnz]

Roger - Novak

Why rate Djokovic over Federer for chances at Roland Garros? It's clear that Federer's head wasn't into the Rome semi-final (from his post match interview) and that he was very tired coming off the Madrid win and then playing night session after night session.

The other reason I think you can't draw too much conclusion from the Novak/Roger semi in Rome is that Federer served 39% in the first set. No wonder he lost it 2-6 ! When his serve was over 50% he was on level pegging with Djokovic in the second set. Now Roger has been serving really well of late, so I have to think this was an aberation, perhaps related to fatigue. No one in the history of tenis is going to beat the current number 1 serving 39% of his first serve in - in the first set.

 

[Bobby Jr]

Why rate Djokovic over Federer for chances at Roland Garros? It's clear that Federer's head wasn't into the Rome semi-final and that he was very tired coming off the Madrid win and then playing night session after night session....

This ^.

If anyone knows how to pace themselves and concentrate on what matters most in the lead up to slams it's Federer. Last year he fared far worse and had a great French Open. Playing a lot can be a double-edged sword with regards to form vs fatigue.

 

[FlashFlare11]

Why rate Djokovic over Federer for chances at Roland Garros? It's clear that Federer's head wasn't into the Rome semi-final (from his post match interview) and that he was very tired coming off the Madrid win and then playing night session after night session.

The other reason I think you can't draw too much conclusion from the Novak/Roger semi in Rome is that Federer served 39% in the first set. No wonder he lost it 2-6 ! When his serve was over 50% he was on level pegging with Djokovic in the second set. Now Roger has been serving really well of late, so I have to think this was an aberation, perhaps related to fatigue. No one in the history of tenis is going to beat the current number 1 serving 39% of his first serve in - in the first set.

I think Novak has a better chance of winning the entire tournament, whereas Roger's chances greatly increase if Rafa is knocked out first. That's why I believe Novak should be second favorite.

As for a match between Roger and Novak, I think it'll be another toss-up. I don't take much from the Rome SF (as Novak fans shouldn't take much from today's final). Neither player played particularly well in the matches they lost, but slams are totally different stories. I believe that both Roger and Novak will comfortable make the SFs at least, and the rest depends on the draw.

 

[NadalAgassi]

You have some classic moments don't you?

So you think all the tournaments which serve as a lead-up to the pinnacle event of the clay court season - and where the best players aim to peak - are more important than French Open results? :lol:

I'm certain there is no non-slam winning player in history who wouldn't swap all of their other clay court tournaments to have a single French Open beside their name. Why?... well, if you need to have it explained you've missed the whole point.

Are you disputing Djokovic was the 2nd best clay courter of last season. Some on this forum have even argued he was the best ahead of Nadal. Your point would only make sense if Federer had won the French last year, or was ever going to be able to with Nadal in the final, which was not the case. That is the reason even winning their semifinal could not have made Federer the 2nd or best clay courter last year. Djokovic with his 2 Masters wins over Nadal in the final easily overcomes Federer's Roland Garros final (not victory) last year.

 

[NadalAgassi]

Why rate Djokovic over Federer for chances at Roland Garros?

Since even after losing to Nadal twice in a row on clay now, he has a better chance of beating Nadal on clay than Federer does. The road to the French Open title clearly goes through Nadal.

 

[kishnabe]

Rather Federer being on Nadal half......since a win would help him face a less daunting player in the final.

If he faces Djokovic and won.....it won't be easy. He would feel a bit stiff going into the Nadal final......Nadal would knock him out in 4 again.

If Federer fails to Nadal in the semifinals....no big deal....at least Djokovic can still take the prize away from Nadal.

If Federer reaches the final against Nadal......Federer taking the prize away is slim.

 

[nadal_slam_king]

Really sucks that no other player on the tour comes into discussion. :lol:
Anyway, I hope Federer lands in Nadal's half as it could be an epic semifinal. Federer hasn't even played Nadal on clay this season.

I agree, I hope Federer lands in Nadal's half. However, I have a different reason. I want Federer to lose in the semi so he loses ranking points.

 

[Mustard]

Sorry, but I'd prefer Nadal to face Murray and Djokovic/Federer, than have to potentially go through Federer and Djokovic in consecutive matches. I couldn't give a damn about the rest of the top 4 losing points. I just want Nadal to have the best chances to win the title.

 

[nadal_slam_king]

Sorry, but I'd prefer Nadal to face Murray and Djokovic/Federer, than have to potentially go through Federer and Djokovic in consecutive matches. I couldn't give a damn about the rest of the top 4 losing points. I just want Nadal to have the best chances to win the title.

What a huge body-blow it would be if Nadal were to straight set Federer and Djokovic back-to-back. But I understand your point, Murray (or whoever beats Murray) is indeed the safer semi, if safety is an issue.

 

[Mike Sams]

Sorry, but I'd prefer Nadal to face Murray and/or Djokovic/Federer, than have to potentially go through Federer and Djokovic in consecutive matches. I couldn't give a damn about this or that player losing points. I want Nadal to have the best chances to win the title.

Nadal has beaten Djokovic and Federer in back to back matches two times at RG in both 2007 and 2008. He also beat them both in 2006 RG although not back to back.
Djokovic is where the real test will be for Nadal and it won't be another case of Djokovic falling mentally off a cliff just because of one bad call. Djokovic will be spurred on by the 'Djokovic Slam' and the chance to complete the career Slam so he will be fighting for every point. It should be a fun tournament.
The real question is what will Federer, Berdych, Del Potro, Raonic, and Murray bring to RG and...to a lesser extent...will Verdasco, Almagro, Tsonga, etc make the step up and try to make some inroads on the Slam domination of Nadal and Djokovic?
Remains to be seen. One thing I do like though when I see Berdych and Verdasco playing Nadal is how well they strike the ball when they have a tiny bit of confidence. Verdasco's last effort in Madrid was respectable and if he can use that little bit of confidence he gained from the win, who knows? Maybe Verdasco is going to show the glimpse of AO 2009 level tennis at RG? He's big strong guy after all. No lightweight. He can crack the ball as hard as any Federer, Nadal or Djokovic.

 

[Mike Sams]

What a huge body-blow it would be if Nadal were to straight set Federer and Djokovic back-to-back. But I understand your point, Murray (or whoever beats Murray) is indeed the safer semi, if safety is an issue.

Would take an extra effort for Nadal to straight set both. He basically has to keep 110% concentration for both matches and not suffer even a slight dip in concentration. Maybe he can do it or maybe not. But I do believe Djokovic is going to be playing at a much higher level than what he showed in MC and Rome today. He won't be smashing racquets. He'll be focused on winning his first RG and completing the career Slam.
Last year, Toni said Nadal was extremely nervous in the locker room during the rain break even despite being a set and a break up against Federer. There is no doubt that even despite Nadal having beaten Djokovic in MC and Rome, Nadal will still be thinking about the last 3 Slams he lost to Djokovic and how heavily it weighs on Nadal's mind if Djokovic brings his best game remains to be seen.
RG clay after all is going to be a faster surface than Rome and MC. Faster balls. It will benefit Djokovic's and Federer's games much more.

 

[nadal_slam_king]

Would take an extra effort for Nadal to straight set both. He basically has to keep 110% concentration for both matches and not suffer even a slight dip in concentration. Maybe he can do it or maybe not. But I do believe Djokovic is going to be playing at a much higher level than what he showed in MC and Rome today. He won't be smashing racquets. He'll be focused on winning his first RG and completing the career Slam.
Last year, Toni said Nadal was extremely nervous in the locker room during the rain break even despite being a set and a break up against Federer. There is no doubt that even despite Nadal having beaten Djokovic in MC and Rome, Nadal will still be thinking about the last 3 Slams he lost to Djokovic and how heavily it weighs on Nadal's mind if Djokovic brings his best game remains to be seen.
RG clay after all is going to be a faster surface than Rome and MC. Faster balls. It will benefit Djokovic's and Federer's games much more.

Concentration isn't an issue for Nadal, I'm happy to say. No doubt he can do it. He is that much better than them.

 

[Mustard]

Nadal has beaten Djokovic and Federer in back to back matches two times at RG in both 2007 and 2008. He also beat them both in 2006 RG although not back to back.
Djokovic is where the real test will be for Nadal and it won't be another case of Djokovic falling mentally off a cliff just because of one bad call. Djokovic will be spurred on by the 'Djokovic Slam' and the chance to complete the career Slam so he will be fighting for every point. It should be a fun tournament.
The real question is what will Federer, Berdych, Del Potro, Raonic, and Murray bring to RG and...to a lesser extent...will Verdasco, Almagro, Tsonga, etc make the step up and try to make some inroads on the Slam domination of Nadal and Djokovic?
Remains to be seen. One thing I do like though when I see Berdych and Verdasco playing Nadal is how well they strike the ball when they have a tiny bit of confidence. Verdasco's last effort in Madrid was respectable and if he can use that little bit of confidence he gained from the win, who knows? Maybe Verdasco is going to show the glimpse of AO 2009 level tennis at RG? He's big strong guy after all. No lightweight. He can crack the ball as hard as any Federer, Nadal or Djokovic.

I'm not saying that Nadal couldn't beat Federer and Djokovic back to back, but he is more likely to lose if he has to do this than if he didn't. For that reason, I want Federer in Djokovic's half.

And yes, there are always those dangerous floaters in the field. We have to expect someone like Raonic to make a big impact at some big tournament in the not too distant future.

 

[nadal_slam_king]

I'm not saying that Nadal couldn't beat Federer and Djokovic back to back, but he is more likely to lose if he has to do this than if he didn't. For that reason, I want Federer in Djokovic's half.

And yes, there are always those dangerous floaters in the field. We have to expect someone like Raonic to make a big impact at some big tournament in the not too distant future.

I think Raonic can beat Federer at a slam. He's like Berdych who beat Federer at Wimbledon. But Nadal smashes Berdych and Raonic each time he plays them. Nadal has won all 4 sets vs Raonic, and has broken Raonic's serve in every set. But I agree Raonic is a dangerous floater (for Federer, especially after their thrilling meeting at Madrid).

 

[Bud]

Makes no difference to Nadal either way. However, federer vs djokovic matches on clay are more fun to watch

 

[Spider]

Who cares?

Why would you care in which half Federer lands in? It is not like that determines who is winning RG.

The biggest question, like it always is, can anybody stop the war machine - Nadal? If that doesn't happen, other things are just formalities.

 

[dudeski]

I am a Federer fan and I can tell you nobody is tiring Nadal out before the final. It does not matter if he plays for 5 hours. He will be good as new for the final.

What happened in 4th set of 2011 USO? I am hoping for something like that.

 

[NadalAgassi]

What happened in 4th set of 2011 USO?

He was outplayed. Seems pretty simple to me.

 

[dudeski]

Our savior and healer, the Son of God..... The shining beak from the Flight of the Eagle.... united to end genocide, will end the dominance the demon once had and will send him packing to the depths of hell where he will spend eternity to rot.

The people, and importantly tennis..... will be saved.

I approve this message!