Roger Federer is the member of the Big Three most likely to encounter a tough time at the upcoming US Open, according to former champion Andy Roddick.
The Swiss 38-year-old hasn’t won the New York Major for more than a decade after being unbeaten at the tournament between 2004-2008. However, he has reached at least the fourth round every time he has played there since 2001. In this year’s tournament Federer could have to play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals in what will be a rematch of the Wimbledon final. At the All England Club, Federer failed to convert two match points against the world No.1 during a five-hour marathon.
Speaking about Federer on Thursday, Roddick believes his lack of match play could prove costly. The world No.3 has only played in two matches since Wimbledon. Losing in the second round of the Cincinnati Open to Andrey Rublev.
“The two clear favorites are Novak and Rafa,’’ Roddick told The New York Post. “Roger is low on match-practice. And that loss was tough at Wimbledon. He’s going to need the crowd and be lifted. Fortunately, I’ve never seen a guy more beloved than Roger. He’s going to be searching for form because he doesn’t have a lot of matches. If he can get through the first week clean, he’ll have a shot.”
Roddick is two years younger than Federer, but retired at the age of 30 back in 2012. A decision he says he has no regrets about. Even though more players are playing later in their careers. It is the Federer’s longevity that has drawn praise from the American. Who lost to him in 21 out of their 24 meetings on the ATP Tour.
“I remember Roger was carrying a back injury into the U.S. Open in 2013. People were talking after he lost to Tommy Robredo, whom he hadn’t lost to before: Is this the end? And here we are six years later, he’s one shot from winning Wimbledon and still winning majors.’’
All three players are battling it out to break the record for most grand slam singles titles won. The Record is currently held by Federer with 20 trophies. Although Nadal is closely behind with 18 and Djokovic on 16. It is Djokovic that many has tipped to one day break Federer’s benchmark given his recent success in the big events. The Serbian has won four out of the past five grand slams. The only exception was the French Open, which Nadal won.
Commenting on the race, a diplomatic Roddick stayed clear of backing a single player. Instead, he paid tribute to all three.
“It’s trying to choose the Oscar winner without seeing the last 25 percent of the movie,’’ Roddick said. “You’re asking me to predict health. I put it even-money across the board for all three of them to finish with the record.
“Novak is the most dominant day in, day out. Rafa has put his flag on the ground at the French and Roger is still able to win Slams. It is remarkable.’’
Roddick in the last American to both win a grand slam title (2003 US Open) and contest a final (Wimbledon 2009). During his career, he won 32 titles on the ATP Tour.
The US Open will get underway on Monday.
