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1/24/08 1:49 AM | Jonathan Morgan
Federer dismisses James Blake, but has yet to show the off-the-wall Federer we are all used to.
This result was never in doubt from the first struck ball. A simple look at their history, and one could easily see that Blake wasn't winning this match. The difference this time, however, was that it was really close. What usually happens in these matches is that Blake comes out firing, blasting his forehand all over, while Federer absorbs all Blake's power and sends it right back at him.
This match started out very well, with both players solid until Blake served at 5-6 in the first and played a sloppy game to get broken for the set. In a surprise turn of events, he maintained his composure and was able to get himself going in the 2nd set. He had a few 0-30's late in the 2nd set, but was fighting deuces and break points in almost all his service games. In the tiebreak, Federer got up to a 6-2 lead, Blake had a mini-comeback, before Federer closed it out 7-5. In the 3rd set, Federer grabbed 2 breaks before losing one back and closing it out 6-4.
A few things that both players should come out with from this match. For Blake, he played just about as well as he could. He missed many service returns, especially on his backhand, but that was probably because he was going for more, knowing he had to facing Federer. His demeanor on the court was great, as he usually gives up after a set against Federer. This time he was composed, fought hard and gave all he had for at least the first 2 sets.
As for Federer, he was good, but not great. He did just enough to get through the match against a player he has owned in his career. Many shaky shots, and a few pure shanks. His serve has been absolutely on fire since Wimbledon, however, and he really helped himself out with some bombs. Of course, it is tough to find fault with Federer when he wins a Quarterfinal match in a slam in straights, but hey, thats the bar that he has set. He faces Novak Djokovic in the next round, in a match that should be a great one. He'll need to play better than he did tonight, as Djokovic has both the game and the belief to pull off an upset.
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Did you know that... Lleyton Hewitt won an ATP-title in Adelaide 1998, ranked as number 550 in the world.
Avalaine, Dec 4, 2008 4:32 AM
ravikiran, Dec 4, 2008 3:49 AM
kaitepai, Dec 3, 2008 10:59 PM
kaitepai, Dec 3, 2008 10:02 PM
janhavi, Dec 3, 2008 2:51 PM
Avalaine, Dec 3, 2008 10:15 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 8:23 PM
Casper, Dec 2, 2008 8:02 PM
Roger Federer
James Blake
Australian Open
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