Swiss Indoors Basel Final: Del Potro v. Federer

[Riotbeard]

I am enjoying emotional Fed.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Federer has a reputation for dominating post-US Open obviously, whereas (regardless of who wins this Swiss final) I have my doubts about whether Del Potro can maintain this at the World Tour Finals. This level of endurance is not common for Del Potro. I definitely consider Federer a bigger threat at the World Tour Finals than Del Potro. I wouldn't be surprised if Del Potro kisses this 2nd set goodbye.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am enjoying emotional Fed.

Me too...You know why? Because the attitude of " I am showing no emotions either way, so I will not give my opponent any chance to see how I feel one way or the other.." has run its course and is not working any more. Maybe it is time to go the other way...what does he have to lose?

 

[Riotbeard]

Fed looks great today. Very good match.

 

[Riotbeard]

I am enjoying emotional Fed.

Me too...You know why? Because the attitude of " I am showing no emotions either way, so I will not give my opponent any chance to see how I feel one way or the other.." has run its course and is not working any more. Maybe it is time to go the other way...what does he have to lose?

Especially when he is not playing well, it's weird to be emotionless. His play gave his opponents plenty enough, so why not show a little humanity.

 

[Riotbeard]

Finally juan starts to crush the ball.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

That DTL backhand was just sick...after hitting the cover off from the ball with 3 previous forehands. Roger defended well there.

 

[Riotbeard]

Great defense from fed, but not enough.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Del Potro going for broke as expected. They are going in, so anything is possible still in the 2nd set.

 

[Riotbeard]

Delpo has gone up a gear

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Del Potro is playing well enough to break back, that is for sure. But he's not playing anything like the 1st set. He's trying to end points quickly in the 2nd set, as expected given the context of this match in relation to Paris etc. So if this goes 3 sets, I expect Del Potro to reign it in a bit and play steadier.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Roger attacks the second serve and gets the break and the set. Good job .

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Nice reach from Roger but he framed that shot...

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

Two double faults in a row. Roger had no business losing his serve here after leading 40-15. Let's see if he can recover quickly.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

One word sums up Federer's player here in 2013. Inconsistent. Same weapons, just not the consistency. Unforced errors, really off the stock shots rather than the big shots. The big shots are generally landing in.

 

[El Dude]

Watching this match, its clear that most of Federer's struggles have been in his head. The skills are all still there--at least on a level comparable to 2010-11, the "reduced but still elite" Roger--but the double faults point to something being off mentally.

I suppose the silver lining is that the double faults point to him being a bit more aggressive, which could lead to greater confidence. This is definitely the best I've seen him play since early in the year. Even if he loses to del Potro, he'll be tough in Paris and at the WTF and, I think, will be stronger next year. Probably not 2012 strong, but at least not "Shankerer."

 

[NADAL2005RG]

Watching this match, its clear that most of Federer's struggles have been in his head. The skills are all still there--at least on a level comparable to 2010-11, the "reduced but still elite" Roger--but the double faults point to something being off mentally.

I suppose the silver lining is that the double faults point to him being a bit more aggressive, which could lead to greater confidence. This is definitely the best I've seen him play since early in the year. Even if he loses to del Potro, he'll be tough in Paris and at the WTF and, I think, will be stronger next year. Probably not 2012 strong, but at least not "Shankerer."

I agree it is mental. And I think Federer will be the bigger threat at World Tour Finals, because of his experience there but also because Del Potro isn't known for finishing the year with great stamina. Federer whereas, won 26 matches in a row from late 2011-early2012. He's the master of year-long stamina, even in his 30s.

 

[El Dude]

I get the feeling that Federer SHOULD win this game, because he is playing better overall and del Potro looks tired. Its just that he seems to make too many mistakes, so del Potro mightnot have to beat Federer, who could very well beat himself.

 

[NADAL2005RG]

I agree, Federer's inconsistency definitely contributed to the 1st set going to Del Potro. 3rd set is similar so far, except Del Potro isn't as sharp (but perhaps sharp enough).

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

The best second serve against a guy like Delpo is a kicking body-serve. I am always surprised why it is so rarely used. Roger tries it once and gets an easy point. Delpo is not going to move away from the ball like a Nole can and even Nole sometimes struggles with a good body serve.