2009 Wimbledon – Nick’s Picks – Men’s Singles Semifinals
Every day throughout Wimbledon Nick’s Picks will bring you the latest analysis and predictions. We are also teaming up with The Independent Newspaper in London to cover the event!
Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Tommy Haas (GER)
Federer did what no one else has been able to do in this tournament: break Ivo Karlovic’s serve. He did it two times and didn’t face a single break point on his own serve. Federer has now reached the semis of 21 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, which is a remarkable streak in itself. I don’t think there is anyone playing better than Mr. Federer right now and it is going to take a Herculean effort to stop him!
I couldn’t be prouder of my boy Tommy Haas for reaching the semis. He is playing unbelievable tennis right now and I am thrilled for him. This is Haas’ first appearance in the semis at Wimbledon and it’s the fourth time he has reached the semis of any Grand Slam. A win here would put him in the finals of a Grand Slam for the very first time in his career!
Match-Up:
Federer is 9-2 against Haas and just beat him in the fourth round at the French Open. That was an extremely close match tough during which Haas won the first two sets and was one point away from going up a break in the third set when Federer found his game. He came storming back to win the last two sets 6-0, 6-2. That match will give Haas confidence knowing that he can play and win this match.
One aspect of Haas’ game that has plagued him over the years is controlling his emotions. He has done a remarkable job of that at this year’s Wimbledon, which has allowed him to win big points at crucial times. He is serving really, really well and this is especially true on the second serve. He may have a lot of double faults, but it is that strategy of constantly attacking that has allowed him to reach the semis. His slice is really biting, he is hitting the one-handed backhand beautifully, and the killer forehand is right on target. Haas has also moved his position a little closer to the baseline and is coming into the net whenever he can (including when you don’t think he will!). When you put all of that together, you have a very dangerous opponent.
On the other side of the net, you have the master. Federer is on cruise control right now and handled the serve of Karlovic better than anyone. Federer’s return of serve is one of, if not, the best on tour and it is very difficult to beat him with just a serve. Federer is making quick work of all his opponents so far, but without a doubt, Haas will be the most difficult. Tommy plays a game that can give Federer fits, especially when he is constantly coming in. I will definitely agree that Federer is the favorite to win this match and the tournament, but Haas will make this close. I have so much respect for both of these guys that I just can’t pick one to win this match!
Nick’s Pick – Too close to call!
Andy Roddick (USA) vs. Andy Murray (GBR)
It was good for Murray to get an easy win after such a difficult fourth round match. It showed he is composed, mentally strong, and can handle the pressure. He is now one win away from reaching his first career Wimbledon final and his second Grand Slam final overall. There is already a two-day wait in the queue to see Murray, and they better start lining up now if they want to get a chance to see him in the finals should he win.
Roddick survived by the slimmest of margins in the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-7(10), 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-4 victory over former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt. Roddick hasn’t been to the finals of a Grand Slam since the 2006 US Open and he hasn’t been to the semis of Wimbledon since 2005.
Match-Up:
Murray is 6-2 against Roddick and beat him earlier this year on the hard courts in Doha. Roddick served incredibly well against Hewitt, hitting a career high 43 aces and getting in 73% of his first serves. Against Murray he is going to need a similar effort because Murray is an excellent returner of serve. Roddick probably has a bigger forehand than does Murray, and his backhand has really improved. Murray is definitely the better defensive player and covers the court exceptionally well. Don’t forget about Murray’s serve as well. It has improved over the last year and he places it superbly.
With the crowd behind him, Murray is tough to beat. If Roddick doesn’t get a high percentage of first serves in and doesn’t win a lot of free points with it, he is going to be in big trouble. If the serve is working like it did against Hewitt then this match will be close. Overall, I feel Murray can do a little more with his shots and I have to give him the slight edge.
Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 or 5 sets
