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3/14/11 3:06 AM | James Munoz
World #2 Roger Federer battled through another close battle with Russian Igor Andreev.
The sellout crowd at the BNP Paribas Open came to see Roger Federer display his magical touch. Federer had won all three previous meetings with Igor Andreev, but each were battles. Those looking at Andreev’s #96 ranking may have been surprised that his forehand and first serve are world class and would be able to frustrate the world #2.
Both players started off well and dominated their service games. Roger served 72% first serve and won 20 of the 21 first serve points, never facing a break point. Placement was key to these service games as keeping the Russian off balance with kicks and angles worked to perfection. Roger was able to paint the lines on those rare occasions where he was troubled on a point. The average service game in the first set was about a minute and half for Federer.
Serving for Andreev was a different story. While Igor did dominate the points where his first serve bombs went in, he was unable to serve enough of them. With his opponent holding with ease, all the pressure was on the Russian to play perfectly. Andreev was able to maintain an exceptional level to go up 5-4 on serve, but Federer would run off the next five games as the pressure began to hit the Russian. Andreev found much success on the forehand rallies earlier in the match, but his range abandoned him at the end of the first set and beginning of the second. Federer, quick to realize this, kept the pressure on.
After going up 2-0 Federer appeared to have lost focus in the match. First serves became something of a rarity as Roger made a mere 40%, although he did win 14 of the 16 points (88%). Andreev sensing a drop in level from Federer and disgust at his own unforced errors, struck back in the next two games. Igor’s forehand and first serve punished Federer until the tie breaker.
Federer would rebound after dropping serve by going hitting angles and taking away his opponents footing. Federer’s service games became battles, but he was extremely cool under pressure as he awaited the tie breaker.
In the breaker, tremendous rallies went the way of Federer to go up 3-0 as he fought off Andreev’s power. It appeared Andreev may succumb to doubt after playing three great points and not winning any, but he came back even stronger to bring the score to 3-3. After winning three points in a row, Andreev hit a nervous forehand into the net for a most inopportune unforced error. This little opening was all Federer needed as he quickly closed out the match by forcing a few more errors.
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---The sellout crowd---
I didn't watch the match (I usually don't watch Fed's matches). But, I was curious to see how many people were at stadium and I switched to the match for a couple of minutes. I saw a large number of empty seats.
I have noticed that Fed's worshippers tend to cheat.
Augustina08 , 3/14/11 12:24 PM
Fed is probably losing his popularity though the crazy Death Eater type of worshippers will probably remain loyal forever.
But to be fair, it is not unusual to see empty seats even if tickets are sold out as many seats are reserved by Corporates for their executives or VIPs who may not turn up ( who may not even be tennis fans).
holdserve , 3/14/11 4:30 PM
There were empty seats at other matches too, Djoko's for instance. I don't see his popularity on the down, certainly not Feds, any time soon.
dejanaja , 3/14/11 6:34 PM
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*Was* it a sellout crowd, James? I was disappointed to see some empty seats closer to courtside.
(I mean, I know we're in a recession, but ...)
mara002 , 3/14/11 10:51 AM