Creature vs. Creature: Roger Federer Simply the Best, Again

As we head into another US Open final on Monday, where Roger Federer faces the agile Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, fans await another championship moment for Federer as he scales new heights in an inspiring and record-setting career.

Most feel Federer will take his sixth US Open championship. For Leroy Watson's opposing view, click here.

Roger Federer

Like a hyper-inquisitive child who never tires of testing his boundaries, Federer prods the limits of his sport, always seeking to find a new way to accomplish the improbable, to improve upon his last not-quite-perfect performance.

Ultimately, Federer believes that a perfect game is possible and that he might experience it the next time he takes the court.

In an effort to extend his playing days, he listens to the rhythm of his body, acutely aware of miscues and abnormal patterns.

He pushes himself to stretch and improve but always with a careful and clinical approach because he never takes for granted the muscles and sinews that are the foundation of his gift.

There is no one who pays more attention to tennis, its players, its history—understanding where it has been and where its future lies.

He can watch a player and understand immediately the player’s strengths and weaknesses because he is the complete player with all of the tools necessary.

Federer has won 40 consecutive matches, including five consecutive championship titles, at the US Open. Juan Martin del Potro is his sixth opponent in as many finals. He owns New York, and New Yorkers accord Federer his status as an adopted son.

This will be his second consecutive Monday final. Last year he faced Andy Murray in Murray’s first Grand Slam final. In 2007 it was Novak Djokovic’s first. This year it will be del Potro’s first Grand Slam final.

Roger Federer is not only going for his sixth consecutive US Open title; he is also closing in on his 16th Grand Slam trophy. He sets new standards and new records almost every time he takes the court, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

The tennis world hangs in the balance, waiting for the moment when the mighty Swiss relinquishes his hold at the top again.

Will Win If...

Roger needs to bring all of his tennis toys to the playground on Monday, including his serve, his return, and his lethal forehand. These are all dependent, of course, on his fleet footwork. In other words, it will have to be Federer’s game as usual.

Del Potro has a powerful serve, but so do Ivo Karlovic and Andy Roddick. Federer, however, will not be able to dismiss the Argentine’s serve because it could present a major obstacle to any player, especially if del Potro is in the zone on Monday afternoon.

Del Potro moves well side-to-side. Federer needs to make the lanky Argentine move forward. He needs to neutralize del Potro’s extreme height or even make it a disadvantage. Federer will be aiming his returns at del Potro’s Nike laces so that the Argentine has to scope the ball out, bending his huge frame down to meet the low bouncing ball. 

Because del Potro is primarily an offensive baseliner, Federer will need to mix it up and keep the 20-year-old from getting too comfortable on the court.

Will Lose If...

Federer needs to serve well in order to keep the pressure on del Potro’s serve. If Federer’s serve fails him, it could be a very difficult afternoon for the Swiss.

He also needs to return well and keep del Potro pinned deep along the baseline.  

With a powerful first serve and a deadly forehand, del Potro is a dangerous opponent. His increasing consistency could also cause Federer problems. His height allows him to place a powerful first serve and not be bothered by high topspin balls.

Federer must keep the Argentine off balance. Once del Potro gets into a rhythm and picks up the ball early, life gets very complicated for his opponents.

Intangibles

There is the moment. Del Potro will be playing in his first Grand Slam final. He has lost to Federer all six times they have played, although del Potro extended him to five sets at the French Open and made the Swiss struggle for the win.

There is the matter of belief. This is where Djokovic fails. The Serb has the game to defeat Federer but not the belief. Will del Potro vanquish the mystique of playing Federer as he did against Rafael Nadal on Sunday?

My call

Ladies and gentlemen: Federer in four.