(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Other pressing concerns for the American come Sunday will be his inability to battle Federer from the baseline. For every inch Roddick makes Federer move, Roger tugs and pulls Andy around the court at least a foot in comparison. A foot here and a foot there can certainly add up when a point develops.
As a result, Roddick feels an instinctual urge to approach the net at any cost in order to be efficient. Unfortunately, what Roddick fails to recognize is that he is playing right into the hands of Federer's passing shots, which are some of the best in the business.
Roddick will, without question, have to rely on his serve prowess to produce most of his opportunities. He must come flying out of the gates, and if he is smart, he will compromise serve speed for spin and placement.
Federer was able to handle Karlovic's serve with ease, and Roddick should learn from that.
The benefit which Roddick has over a player like Karlovic is the versatility his serve possesses. Roddick has a great kick-serve, and a great can-opener on the deuce side. Using a more spin-oriented serve blue print will force Federer to create his own power, never a bad thing. If anything, the Swiss prefers to be attacked with speed and not spin.
Unfortunately, straying away from his cannon delivery will be tough for Roddick. It's kind of like, the "go with what you know" philosophy. In the crucial and subtle moments of a Wimbledon final, one can only imagine trying to mix it up as an option.
Therefore, unless Roddick is hot and can stay hot, it will be a routine affair for Federer.
One thing is for certain. Roddick knows what opportunity is before him. This might very well be his final chance at slam-glory. All the stops will be brought forth. This is the Wimbledon Final: If a player can't bring the goods and leave it all on the court, what the heck is he good for?
That will not be a problem for Roddick.
Bottom line, if Federer stays at the same form he has brought forth throughout the fortnight (there is a good chance that he may even play better), then Roddick has a slim chance.
If, for some reason, and it could very well happen, Federer feels the moment and what is at stake, then Roddick will have to pounce and pounce quickly.
All in all, both players want this title in a bad way and for many different reasons. But going with history, the matchup does mean something, and it just does not favor the American.
To conclude, during the 2004 on-court interview, after Roddick lost to Federer, the American made a hard-nosed, well-received comment after his efforts that day.
"I threw the kitchen sink at him, and he went and got his tub." Well Andy, you are correct, but if you thought the tub was bad, try fighting off history while chasing down an endless array of down-the-line-forehands.
Pick: Federer in four sets
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