It’s the showdown many fans have been waiting for at Australian Open. The comeback player of 2011 takes on arguably the greatest tennis player in a rematch of 2009 QF in Australian Open.
Although many people are predicting an upset, I thought it will be a good idea to look at their performance so far in Australian Open:
| Stats | Federer* | Del Potro |
| 1st Serve % | 61 | 60 |
| Aces | 36 | 40 |
| Unforced Errors | 74 | 101 |
| Winning % on 1st Serve | 81 | 78 |
| Winning % on 2nd Serve | 63 | 48 |
| Winners | 143 | 124 |
| Receiving Points Won % | 44 | 48 |
| Break Point Conversions | 48 | 59 |
*Federer has played 3 matches in AO
Roger Federer
My Opinion: Federer is clearly playing well and has already hit 143 winners (19 more than Delpo) in 3 matches. The clinical display of tennis by Federer on Sunday evening was breathtaking to watch and there is no denying the fact that if Federer can embrace the pace of Delpo’s shots by mixing his shots and attacking more on Delpo’s second serve (48% win record),he has a strong chance of repeating 2009 AO QF result again.
Tip: To defeat him, one needs to hope that he has a bad day with serve and makes a lot of unforced errors. (As a recap in US Open Final in 2009, Federer served only 50% on his first serve, double-faulted 11 times, hit 62 unforced errors and converted only 5 Break points out of 22- a mere 23% BP conversion rate)
Quote: "I thought Del Potro had a chance to be No. 1 to be honest, he was playing that well."
Juan Martin Del Potro
My Opinion: After his return last year, he rose from 485 to no. 11 in the world. An incredible feat achieved only by a few, no doubt he is the first choice of analysts about who has a chance of entering top 4. If he has to beat Federer, he will have to hit his thunderous first serves and hope to outplay Federer with his punishing forehand, the way he did it in 2009.
Tip: To beat him, one will have to serve well and mix up his shots in terms of drop shots and volley.
Quote: “Roger is the best tennis player of the history, and of course he's the favorite. I remember three years ago I play in quarters against him and I only won three games.”
All in all, we have a blockbuster match lined up which will be played in tough conditions during daytime. It will be a test of fitness for both the players and heat can definitely play an important role in the outcome of the match. I think the way the conditions will be, it can favor Roger as he likes to play on a faster court (as being played in the daytime) and is one of the fittest player around!
My pick- Roger Federer! What about you?
Also : Nadal/Berdych- What does statsmeter indicate?
Evolution of Novak Djokovic- Australian Open (2007-2012)!
Evolution of Novak Djokovic- Australian Open (2007-2012)!
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