US Open Tennis 2011: 6 Reasons Roger Federer Will Win His 6th Title

The 2011 US Open tournament is underway, and the tennis universe is wondering who will win the last Grand Slam of the year.

Many fans and experts believe that Novak Djokovic will celebrate his third Grand Slam victory of 2011 at Flushing Meadows. Others think it’s going to be the year of Rafael Nadal’s second US Open title and a rematch of last year's final.

And what about five-time US Open champion Roger Federer? Yes, 2011 has not been Federer’s best year so far with only one single's title at the Qatar Open in January, but how can you count out the greatest player of all time?

Here are six reasons why Roger Federer will win the 2011 US Open and keep his streak, which started in 2003, of winning at least one Grand Slam a year alive.

1. He Could Make History Again

Since the start of the open era in 1968, only three players have won the US Open five times: Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer.

However, Conners needed nine years to collect five titles, and Pistol Pete needed 12 years. Federer on the other hand was able to collect his five tournament championships in five consecutive years from 2004 to 2008.

In 2009, Federer reached the final for a sixth consecutive year but lost against Juan Martin del Potro in a five set thriller.

Last year Federer managed to advance to the semifinals where he lost in one of the best matches ever played at Arthur Ashe stadium against Novak Djokovic in another five-set thriller.

After two missed opportunities to become the first player to win six US Open titles in the past two years, Federer has yet another chance to write his name in the tennis history books.

2. He Has a Positive Record Against Djokovic on Hard Court

Despite losing his last three matches on hard court against Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer still leads the series against the Serb 11-8.

Last year’s semifinal win was Djokovic’s first win against Federer at Flushing Meadows ever. Before that, Federer was able to eliminate Djokovic in three consecutive years from 2007 to 2009.

No matter how great Djokovic played this year, New York is a special place, and Federer owned it for half a decade. 

3. His Experience of 16 Grand Slam Titles

An advantage Roger Federer has over almost every opponent on the tour is his experience.

In 13 years on the tour, Federer has reached an unbelievable 23 Grand Slam finals.

Between Wimbledon 2005 and the 2010 Australian Open, Federer reached 18 out of 19 Grand Slam finals, the only exception being the 2008 Australian Open.

The 30-year-old Swiss has seen it all, and he's won a record 16 Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces. He won on good days, and he won on bad days.

There is simply nothing that would be able surprise Roger Federer on a tennis court.

4. New York Crowd

American sports fans have a little chip on their shoulders that reads, “supporting the underdog.”

The 2011 US Open tournament is unique because it’s the first time in almost a decade that the majority of the fans will cheer for Roger Federer.

Yes, it is hard to believe, but the greatest tennis player of all time is going into this tournament as a dark horse.

Many odds makers have Federer at No. 4 behind Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.  

This additional support might translate into Federer’s game and give him an extra boost in difficult situations.

2. Rafael Nadal Will Not Reach the Final

No other player represents a bigger threat to Roger Federer than Rafael Nadal. In head-to-head matches, Federer’s record against Nadal is a stunning 8-17.

The Fed-Express has never been able to come up with a solution for the powerful play of the 25-year-old from Spain.

Positive for Federer is the fact that Nadal also had a more than below average year with only three tournament titles, all of which came on clay and the highlight being the French Open victory against Federer.

In preparation for New York, Nadal participated in the tournaments in Montreal, where he lost his second-round match against Ivan Dodig, and in Cincinnati, where he lost his quarterfinal match against Mardy Fish.

Nadal, who is seeded No. 2, might have trouble reaching the US Open final with players like Andy Murray waiting along the way. 

6. It Has Happened Before

Arthur Ashe has seen its fair share of upsets and special moments.

May I recall the 2002 final between Pete Sampras, who was already past his prime, and Andre Agassi?

In a now classic battle between two tennis greats, Sampras was able to conquer his 14th Grand Slam title in four sets.

If Sampras was able to win this tournament past his prime, then Federer is more than capable of doing the same. And history tends to repeat itself over and over again.