US Open Tennis 2011: Stormy Weather Ahead for Roger Federer vs. Tsonga

It's fitting that the weather has been dreary in New York City at the U.S. Open because Roger Federer has a storm of a matchup ahead of him.

Federer, who looked like vintage "Fed Express" early Tuesday morning against Juan Monaco, is set to face his 2011 nemesis in the quarterfinals on Thursday, world No. 11 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

After defeating Tsonga to start off 2011, Federer has dropped his last two matches to the Frenchman at Wimbledon and the Rogers Cup. He once again finds himself pitted against a man that has been frustratingly strong in competition, especially at the Rogers Cup.

Federer, at 30 years of age, may not have many more opportunities to win a Grand Slam. We've already seen signs of him slowing down and the fact is he still has the same shots and craftsmanship, but doesn't have the same athleticism. In a field complete with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, it's becoming more and more difficult to see him winning another major.

Tsonga may be proof of Federer's decline. He's also more equipped to go into the late stages of the match, especially after what he showed against rising American Mardy Fish in the fourth round. Against Fish, Tsonga found himself down two sets to one and in danger of falling out of the tournament. But he rebounded in a vicious manner that was reminiscent of his match with Federer at Wimbledon, in which he came back after losing the first two sets.

Roger Federer is still Roger Federer, and after his display against Monaco he figures to have a better chance against Tsonga this time around, but it's not going to be pretty. Federer will have to endure a battle, rain or shine, and Tsonga will be the hurricane that he runs into.

But one thing's for sure: in a tournament that has been dampened by the rains and playing conditions (as well as the USTA), Federer vs. Tsonga will bring some sunlight to tennis fans.

Get ready for some great tennis.