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  • Federer begins quest to cling on to a slam

    8/26/08 12:10 AM | David Cox
    - It feels quite strange to describe Roger Federer as the reigning champion of just one Grand Slam and even stranger to describe him as the world No. 2. Can the Swiss prevent Nadal and Djokovic from claiming total dominance of the tennis world in 2008?

    Novak Djokovic provided a glimpse of what was to come in this city last September. The Serb had all the chances against Federer in the final but the pressures of a first big title showdown proved too much and he lost 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.

    Together Djokovic and Nadal have gradually displaced Federer's name off all the major trophies this year. The Swiss came into the season craving a golden slam, but all he's got to show for his efforts so far is the Halle title. Pete Sampras' slam record is only two away, but right now it might as well be 10 Slams away given the way former whipping boys like Roddick and Blake are starting to turn the tables.

    However, the importance of that Olympic doubles win could be crucial in terms of Federer's frame of mind. After Wimbledon, the Olympics was the main goal for him this season and to have missed out on any medal for the third successive games could have been one crushing blow too many. The singles loss still must have hurt badly, but at least he has something to draw on going into this fortnight.

    And Federer certainly needs it. Of late he appears to be lacking confidence in the forehand which will be of great concern. However, early-round drubbings of lesser opposition can do wonders for confidence and Federer is usually an impressive starter in New York.

    How convincing he is on Tuesday against Maximo Gonzalez will tell us a lot. The Argentine shouldn't provide too much of a test, ranked down at 114 and off the clay he's pretty much a no-hoper at this level. This will be his first non-clay match all year and he comes into this event on a losing streak of four matches.

    Verdict: Federer to progress, dropping no more than eight games.

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