Monday, Nov. 10 was anticipated with eagerness by Federer fans all over the world. The match between Roger Federer and Gilles Simon, though scheduled for the late evening, was something everyone was preoccupied with.
But sadly, those who wanted a Federer victory were denied the euphoria of seeing him win. After a two-hour gutsy battle with Frenchman Simon, Federer finally succumbed.
Though he took the first set 6-4, he seemed to be ill at ease and his game continuously faltered thereafter.
In the second set, he converted a break in the third game but ended up giving a break to Simon in the next.
Also, he didn't manage to convert many opportunities that came his way. On the other hand, Simon suddenly transformed the game, played a few great shots and took the second set 6-4.
That was it! Federer suddenly looked vulnerable and the pressure was on him. The scene at that point eerily reminded one of the Toronto Masters second round.
As Simon geared for serving in the third set, Federer fans expected magic to make its presence felt and hoped for a Federer rebound. Unfortunately, the wheel of luck was not going to turn that way.
Although both Federer and Simon retained their service until the sixth game, the 23-year-old Frenchman proved too good in the end. He forced Federer to make mistakes that the Swiss Master rarely makes. Federer's game was unnaturally below par, his shot selection not up to the mark at all.
But more important than this was the fact about Federer's unforced errors. After every prefect shot, Federer committed an error. It was something that neither him nor any of his fans would have wanted.
The fact that he needs a coach ASAP was reflected time and again today, and the draw will not do anything to help him. It is the grossest draw that could have been drawn.
With Murray and Roddick out there to challenge him in the next few days, it seems an uphill task for him. The only solace that can be garnered is that, last year too, Federer lost his opening match but went on to win the title.
So, that is one more thing to look at the glass as being half full. But I would like Federer and so will each and every fan of his, to make the glass not half full, but fill it to the brim!
Gan Batte Khudasai Federer!!
12 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
J.A. Allen 8 months ago
Rohini - such a terrible beginning for the dear boy! i was fearful when Roger intimated that he could not practice all out. Simon was obviously waiting for Federer today...i don't think Roger can bounce back like he did last year because of his back and because of the year he has had!!
You are so right - how i wish he had Djokovic's draw!! Good job! jaa
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Rohini Iyer 8 months ago
hie jaa...today you know after that unfortunate incident.....i read in the official website of the masters cup that federer himself that he himself didn't know what to expect of his draw......and murray also won against roddick...why is everyone after him.....i hope that he works wonders...it was so disparaging to see simon celebrtae like he has conquered everest........i hate him from the core of my heart !!!!!!!!!!!
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Donald Fincher 8 months ago
You act like Federer is lost without a coach. He has never used a coach. He doesn't need a coach. At this point in his career, after going his whole career without one (except for the guy that helped him prep for the French this year), a coach would be more of a disturbance and just give people more reason to talk about how vulnerable he is and how he doesn't have "it" anymore.
All that has happened here, really, is that he has had to endure his first year with health problems. He plays in a way that he nearly glides and has, therefore, not had to deal with injuries even though his younger counterparts have loads of them. That's just another thing about Fed's game that is so above the field. But with the mono and now the back, it's just been a bad year and he needs his off-season. I'd love to see another player have mono and a bad back and still win a slam and go to the finals in two other slams and the semis in the 4th slam. It's silly that people are questioning Federer. Andy Murray or Andy Roddick or, frankly, anybody on the tour other than Nadal would only wish for those results when fully healthy. Get real!
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Rohini Iyer 8 months ago
hie donald, i am not questioning his ability. all i am saying is that he needs someone to guide him he doesn't need a coach to teach him but just to help him improve. the fact that his unforced errors have steadily gone up is a real problem and he does need to solve them......
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Rege Rosencrantz 8 months ago
Roger is the best - hands down - no argument there! A coach would help him - let's say the right coach would help him on the last leg of his journey!! rege
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Rohini Iyer 8 months ago
yes rege i agree with you...i hope that he wins today....he is the best but don't diamonds need polishes every now and then? thats what i was trying to say......
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Long John Silver 7 months ago
brad gilbert may be ? he's everything that rodge isnt - that always helps
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Rohini Iyer 7 months ago
yes Long, i think that a coach whose approach is different from the player's style will help a lot. btw what do you think his chances are this year? i am so sacred about him that i have stopped preparing for my exams.
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Long John Silver 7 months ago
this year ? in what ?
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Long John Silver 7 months ago
you cant put your pers life on hold for that - come on, if thats the case every time ferrari does not win, i will moan and cry
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Rohini Iyer 7 months ago
in the shanghai masters
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sabina t 7 months ago
Roger has a coach.... Severin Luthi.
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