It was a far from perfect start to the US Open for Roger Federer, who endured a tough five-set clash against 19-year-old American Frances Tiafoe in the first round.
The Swiss second seed struggled to exert his usual consistent dominance in the match, hitting 56 unforced errors compared to 41 winners. During stages when he was in the lead, Federer came undone. Ahead by two-sets-to-one, an inspired Tiafoe fought back to force proceedings into a decider. Then in the deciding set a 5-2 lead was cut to 5-4, before he finally triumphed in the match.
“It was very exciting. I really enjoyed myself even though maybe I also was tired and nervous at the end. It was very cool to be part of that match.” Federer said after the match.
Delighting the Arthur Ashe stadium with a late-night classic, questions about Federer’s current form is mounting. Leading into the final grand slam of the season, he withdrew from the Cincinnati Open due to a back problem. As a consequence, his preparation heading into New York was disrupted. He still remains one of the favourites to win the title, but Federer himself admits that parts of his game is ‘rusty.’
“I don’t think I had the preparation I was hoping to get.” He explained. “Since Montreal, focus has been more on the back, making sure I can play the tournament rather than being well-prepared. I always knew I was going to come in feeling rusty or not great. I was hoping to start better.”
At the start of the match Federer immediately dropped his first service game and subsequently the opening set. Playing in his 17th US Open main draw, the 36-year-old admitted that he initially struggled to adapt to the court. A somewhat perplexed statement from a player that has previously won the title five times.
“I really struggled early on. I think Frances connected well. I just really kind of lost my footing sometimes. My eye wasn’t working. I was misjudging distance. I think I was also being a bit cautious with my movement. Then in the second set I think it all started to come together.”
Praise for the Next Generation
Tuesday’s clash wasn’t all about Federer’s roller coaster journey on the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The rising star Tiafoe manage to illustrate the potential he has. He is currently ranked 70th in the world, ten places below his personal best, and has already won two Challenger titles this season. Tiafoe is part of the ATP next Generation campaign, who promotes the future stars of the men’s game.
“I think it’s a great initiative, the NextGen. Frances has done well, as well, this year. Moved up the rankings. Got a taste of Arthur Ashe, how it is to play against top players. He’s only going to learn from a match like this and become better.” Federer evaluated.
It is clear that the next generation of players is moving their way onto the big stage of tennis. 20-year-old Alexander Zverev, who defeated Federer at the Rogers Cup, is seeded fourth in the tournament.
Prior to the Next Generation campaign, Federer was part of the ‘New Balls Please’ intuitive, which worked on the same concept. In his group was the likes of Lleyton Hewitt, Tommy Haas Gustavo Kuerten.
“Obviously our generation also was very strong. We went on to become, many of us, top five players. I wish the same for them (the next gen).” The 19-time grand slam champion said.
The ATP’s rising stars campaigns – the class of 2001 vs the class of 2017 pic.twitter.com/UuVxBRWHpj
— Adam_Addicott (@tennisbanter) 30 August 2017
