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6/17/11 2:00 PM | Johan Lindahl
Goran Ivanisevic, who once confessed he had at last three personalities on court who badgered him with their contrasting opinions on how he should play, believes that Roger Federer faces "mental problems" when he faces arch-rival Rafael Nadal.
The 2001 Wimbledon champion who achieved his dream after losing three Grand Slam finals is tipping No. 1 Nadal over the Swiss if they should meet again in the All England Club final on July 3.
Between them, the elite pair have won the last eight Wimbledon crowns, with Nadal now defending the 2010 title he took over Tomas Berdych.
"Rafa's the defending champion and if Roger and Rafa play the final then I think Rafa is the favourite to win," Ivanesevic, who retired in 2004, told Britain's Press Association. "I think Roger has some mental problems when he plays Rafa.
"If Roger plays anyone else in the final, then I think he's going to win."
The Swiss stands 8-18 in the series with the Spaniard, losing a 2008 Wimbledon final to his rival after beating Nadal for the 2007 trophy. Federer, who lost the French Open final to Nadal this month, last claimed a major in January last year in Australia.
Ivanisevic still likes what he sees in the Federer game from Paris two weeks ago. "Roger played better than when he won the French Open (in 2009). He made some mistakes he wouldn't make against anyone else but he doesn't like playing Nadal."
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Nope, this is not the correct position. I really liked Goran's serves and attitude but if you serve like that you donot develope the game for rarely the ball is returned for a rally to take place. Now, Roger's greatest weapon- the cross court backhand slice is a lollypop to Lefty Nadal who would thrash it for a winner anytime from anywhere. There is nothing more to it. Roger will never ever slice against Nadal. Every now and again Roger will have to find the rythm like he displayed in the first set at Madrid this year, against Novak in FO and Nadal in last year end tourny if he has to tie with Pete. Big ask but possible.
newfangkc , 6/18/11 6:16 AM
I agree with Goran, that if Fed meets anyone other than Rafa in the final, he'll win. It's only Rafa who has the game to beat a fit and healthy Fed, not anyone else, at least not yet. Fed and Rafa are the two best movers on grass among the active players. Fed simply skips around the court, while Rafa moves like snake on grass. Watching Rafa playing against Tsonga at Queens this year, I marvelled at how quickly Rafa moved around the court. It seemed like he hardly lifted his legs to run, he just glided around like a snake on it's belly, and that explained why he was able to get to most of Tsonga's shots at Queens. Rafa is also the only one who is experienced enough at slams to match Fed; both know how to pace themselves nicely and reserve lots of energy for the later rounds and in the final. In other words, Rafa has the speed, stamina, skills, games and the mindset to beat a top form Fed even on grass. I must add, an off peak Fed, for I see peak Rafa vs peak Fed on grass is a 50-50 chance but maybe, just maybe Fed is still slightly better than Rafa on grass!
luckystar , 6/18/11 7:23 AM
This is not rocket science, everyone knows that. But apart from the mental edge, Federer has to play above himself to beat Rafa.
nadline , 6/18/11 10:00 AM
Crazy Goran really isn't crazy at all, at least in regard to this analysis.
Maya , 6/18/11 6:26 PM
Goran is the last person to talk about mental issues.... However he was the biggest nutcase of them all so if he talks with those credentials he might be on to something. But not in this Wimbledon.
It's time to settle the score.
Sienna , 6/20/11 11:24 AM
The score was settled in 2008 with the strokes of Rafa's genius.
nadline , 6/20/11 12:59 PM
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True words from Goran
Emiliano55 , 6/17/11 3:12 PM