We have a very interesting match in the 3rd round of the Australian Open. On one side we have a man that is widely considered as the greatest player in tennis history, on the other an “ex-troubled teenager” that seems to have found his way to tennis and maybe to greatness.
This match may have a similar significance of the famous Federer – Sampras played in Wimbledon 2001 when the Swiss Maestro defeated the supreme Pete 7-6 (7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-5 in the fourth round.
Tomic
He is coming from an incredible start of the season to defeat everybody (even the great Nole), win his first ATP tournament in Sydney and be as self confident as it can get.
When people were asking to him if he was exciting at the opportunity to play Federer in the third round he commented :”Yes, if he can make it”. That was quite a statement talking about a guy that reached 39 consecutive grand slams quarter finals!
Maybe Bernard had to see this video before making that comment.
The Australian is as bold as ever also because he has not lost a service game since his semifinal against Nieminem in Sydney… 5 matches ago…no bad!
Bernard preparing for the match
Federer
The Maestro didn’t play any warm up tournament in 2013 to have a couple easy win in the first 2 rounds against Paire and Davydenko.
“I guess he’s learned a lot in the last year,” said Federer, talking about Tomic. “It’s nice he’s been able to turn it around after a tough end of the year, last year. It seems he’s playing well. It’s obviously a difficult match-up in terms of [being] early in the tournament. But I’ve got to be ready, so I’m looking forward to the match.”
Head to Head
It’s 3-0 for Federer. Last year they played in the fourth round of the Australian Open where Roger won 6-4 6-2 6-2. From that moment Tomic as improved a lot, but strange to say… so as Roger.
Our pick is still the Maestro.
Last year’s match at the AO
