Everybody knows that all the top players are still in preapration for the 2012 season, but Federer and Nadal really got humiliated in their matches in Abu Dhabi.
Federer managed to stay afloat in the first set till he was 2-2 vs the world nr.1. Then.. game over. Roger was playing in slow motion and he was literally not able to put a ball in. In no time Nole had a stint of 9 consecutive games to find himself leading 6-2 5-0. Eventually the last set finished at 1 (6-1). The match lasted 44 minutes and it was not much fun.
‘It is the perfect start to season. I played great,’ Djokovic said. ‘It’s something that makes me very happy.He has won over 15 matches at the end of 2011, so I’m sure he won’t feel down after this loss here,’ Djokovic said. ‘His main goal here is to get a couple of matches under his belt, as it is for all of us.’
Federer couldn’t hide his embarassment at the end of the match and he apologized to the crowd for his performance. ‘It’s surprising when it goes quick and you are on the losing side. It’s not so comfortable sometimes,’ Federer said.
‘You try hard and try different things and it’s not working. He was playing really well,’ Federer said. ‘Unfortunately, it was a short-lived match but we know he is a very good front-runner. He took the lead in both sets quite early and that made it difficult because conditions were pretty quick and my game was not good enough today to make it more competitive.’
Ferrer – Nadal wasn’t also a much better mattch. Ferrer is the only player in this exhibition that is in top form and he confirms he is serious about having a fantastic 2012. He managed to defeat an ‘unprepared’ Nadal in 70 minutes 6-3 6-2.
‘I knew before coming here that I was not ready to win a match against David Ferrer, not to win a match against Djokovic or Federer,’ Nadal said. ‘But I am ready to spend hours on court without risk of injury. That is the most important thing. I need this transition, hours of practice. If I am here, I will probably have a better feeling for Doha.’
Today Djokovic wil play Ferrer in the final and Nadal will challenge Federer for the 3rd place.
The feeling is that the Federer – Nadal won’t be as epic as the 2008 final in WImbledon. Maybe both Federer and Nadal have to be more careful in planning their matches. We all understand that this is an exhibition but their huge fan base wants to see them always at the top of their condition.. or at least… sufficiently fit to play.
We are eager to see them having a great 2012!!! The are truly living legends.
