Wimbledon 2010: Putting Roger Federer’s Shaky Start Into Perspective

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at Internationaled.org

Published: June 22, 2010

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Yesterday Roger Federer narrowly escaped an upset of epic proportions. World number 60, Alejandro Falla, gave the defending champion all he could handle and then some as play opened on Centre Court at Wimbledon.

Federer hasn't lost in the opening round at the All England Club since 2002, when Mario Ancic straight-setted the Swiss.

Falla, an early and flat ball striker, dictated play for the majority of the first four sets. Often, he was able to win long exchanges with Federer. The problem for him was that he was only able to secure two sets.

Falla had numerous opportunities to close out Federer in both the third and fourth sets. Possibly hampered by a groin injury, or perhaps by a constriction in breathing, the Colombian faded after a fourth set tie break loss. Federer went on to cruise 6-0 in the fifth set.

Federer should be commended for staying the course. He scrapped, clawed, and fought his way to a five set victory. Falla indeed folded under the pressure of a potentially career-making win.

Now that we've wrapped up the recap of the match, let the analysis begin. This is an alarming victory for Federer. There are not many positives to take away. Don't tell me that he dug deep and learned a thing or two about his heart and his desire to win.

He already knew that he had the heart of a champion—one doesn't win 16 Majors without it. He would have much preferred a routine first round win. Especially considering that he'd never lost to Falla, and had dropped only three games to him on grass just a few weeks prior in Halle.

Approaching 29 years of age, the world number two is all too aware that having logged nearly 12 years of professional tennis has taken a toll on his body. The shorter the battle the better. Only the freshest legs will serve him any good against the likes of Andy Roddick or world number one Rafael Nadal.

Federer kno...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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