Two-time Roland Garros runner-up Robin Soderling has tipped World No. 2 Roger Federer to win his sixth Australian Open title, ahead of 16-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal next month in Melbourne.
The Swiss maestro claimed his 18th Major and fifth ‘Happy Slam’ at the Rod Laver Arena after overcoming Nadal in a nail-biting five-set thriller in January earlier this year. However, picking a winner for 2018’s event isn’t so easy with the return of former champions Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka and triple Grand Slam holder Andy Murray adding a slice of intrigue to the tournament.
Federer and Nadal reigned supreme on the men’s circuit in 2017, winning two Grand Slams each, with the 36-year-old picking up the Aussie Open and Wimbledon crowns and the Spaniard collecting trophies at the French and US Open. The duo finished the year as No. 2 and No. 1 in the official ATP rankings.
But, Soderling considers Federer holds the advantage over Nadal for next year’s Open because Melbourne’s quick surface suits his style of play.
He told Tennismash: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Novak and Andy do well, but I think Federer (will win). When Federer played his best last year, no one could match it. Not even Nadal.”
Federer didn’t participate in the European clay court season to keep himself fresh for an assault at Wimbledon, which he eventually won without dropping a set in the entire competition. And Soderling feels the decision hurt Roger’s chances of ending the year as the top ranked player in the world.
He said: “Rafa finished the year world No.1, but if Roger would have played the clay season he would have finished as No.1.”
