By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, August 22, 2018
"He's created miracles before...he can do it again for sure," says Chrissie Evert of Roger Federer.
Photo credit: US Open Facebook
Location is essential for New York City real estate development.
A rival's landing spot is key to Roger Federer building an Open Era-record sixth US Open title run.
US Open: Men's Preview By The Numbers
On the 10th anniversary of Federer's last US Open championship, drama hangs over the impending draw: No one wants to see sixth-seeded Novak Djokovic in their neighborhood.
The Wimbledon winner's whereabouts will determine how far Federer can go in Flushing Meadows, ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert told Tennis Now in a conference call today to promote the network's first-to-last ball US Open coverage starting on Monday. For the first time, all 16 courts will be covered with 130 hours scheduled on ESPN television.
"It's absolutely amazing—at 37 years young—how fit as a fiddle Federer is," Gilbert told Tennis Now. "He seems to be able to put himself in position. It's not what happened the last 10 years, he's only focused on the next two weeks of potentially what can happen. I think the biggest win possibility for Federer could be is if Djoker is in the same quarter or half as Rafa."
"I think potentially, let's say he [Djokovic] is in the same quarter or half same as Roger, just potentially having to beat those guys back-to-back, I mean it's still possible for him to do it—maybe no one else. But it's just a huge obstacle so I do think the most important thing, by far, in the men's draw is [Djokovic's placement] because basically Djoker being six seed he has a one in four chance of being in anybody's quarter."
The 31-year-old Serbian surged to a 6-4, 6-4 sweep of Federer on Sunday in the Cincinnati final making history as the first man to win all nine Masters 1000 titles.
Djokovic holds a 24 to 22 career edge over Federer. If the second-ranked Swiss avoids Djokovic in his quarter, it's a major win for Federer.
"I'm sure the entire 125 other guys are hoping he's either in Roger or Rafa's quarter, which then will maybe create some more openings in other sections," Gilbert said. "I do think that is the most important factor for Roger. If Djoker happens to fall in Rafa's quarter, [Federer] wouldn't say anything, but I'll say it for him: I think that's a big win."
After falling in the Cincinnati final, Federer said the US Open draw will be an entertaining curtain-opener for the season's dramatic final Grand Slam.
"I think it's going to be an interesting US Open," Federer said. "I don't know if it's going to be 16-seed for sure at the Australian Open, but it looks good. I still think this US Open draw, as well, is going to be quite entertaining, and I can't wait for the US Open to come around."
The 37-year-old Swiss advocates for more best-of-five set matches at ATP events.
Hall of Famer Chrissie Evert says while Federer is supremely fit, the sometime suffocating New York City heat—combined with the physicality of best-of-five set matches—present problematic potholes.
"As far as Federer is concerned, I think for some reason the US Open hasn't been easy for him," Evert told Tennis Now. "And it's at the end of the year, it's the height of the heat, it's three out five sets. He's created miracles before, in the last two years, and we've been surprised. He could do it again, for sure, he's very capable of doing it again."
Djokovic is a 5 to 2 favorite to capture his third US Open crown, while reigning champion Nadal is a 4 to 1 favorite to successfully defend a hard-court major for the first time in his career. Oddschecker lists Federer as the third favorite at 11 to 2 and Evert asserts that's where he belongs based on US Open Series performance from the iconic trio.
"Is Federer rested up enough because it's gonna be a grueling two weeks for him and this is sometimes when age creeps in," Evert said. "So three out of five sets when you've had three in a row. I just think Djokovic and Nadal would have to be favored over Federer at this point."
A year after his run to the US Open quarterfinals, Federer believes he must bring vitality, efficiency and fun to fuel another Flushing Meadows run.
"That's going to be fun. I'm not the favorite; they are. Rafa and Novak, in my opinion," Federer said. "I'm happy that my level, you know, is there. I just need to figure out my game, get used to different balls...
"That's going to be just something I'm going to be working on. I just gotta come up with a lot of energy, and then hopefully I also have a chance after 10 years to do something special again at the Open."