The script is already being processed and it is now up to Roger Federer to make the final amendments.After Rafael Nadal’s shock exit the Swiss now recognizes that this is his chance to immortalise himself within the tennis hall of fame as the all time great.
Sunday’s ‘earthquake’ has not just opened up the draw but signalled to Federer that this might well be the best and possibly only opportunity to complete an historic Grand Slam while also equalling Sampras’s 14.
Since 2005 Roger has failed to come to terms with the mesmeric Spaniard on the Parisian clay. From their first meeting onwards Nadal has been the thorn in Federer’s successful career and it is likely that without this pain Roger would have collected many French Open titles without a problem having lost the last three successive finals to him.
In many ways Soderling’s unforgettable victory makes the challenge a lot easier for Federer however the way he has being playing so far has been nothing but convincing. His performances in the earlier rounds have seen him struggle to find form it has been just pure champions grit which has pulled him through.
Nerve could also play a key factor in the former world number one converting this golden opportunity. His match against Haas demonstrated that when under pressure his forehand can seriously tighten up, as he continually made unforced errors on that wing. However it proved that when the back was against the wall at 7-6, 7-5 4-3 with a break he can still produced a high risk shot to turn the match in his favour.
Challengers
The opponents left in the quarter finals may also feel they have a great opportunity to collect a first grand slam. In fact anyone left in has a great chance, even Soderling who currently is in the form of his life and could yet spring even more surprises.
Federer still has tough opposition in his half of the draw with both Gail Monfils and Juan Martin Del Potro in fine form. However with the experience of 13 grand slam titles behind him this will for sure pay dividends when the tournament nears its end.
By Geoff Berkeley
Pic: vickihuang2001
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