Most Entertaining Match So Far<\/p>\n
had to be Federer’s<\/a> match with Suzuki<\/a>, and although the Japanese player is only 5’8″, he put on display a game style other players should think about adopting if they want to make inroads on Roger’s winning ways. He came out serving very aggressively and effectively, rushing the net repeatedly. I think Roger was a bit taken aback…at least until the magical game eight, when he shifted into the high gear, got the break and served out the first set.<\/p>\n The style that can beat Roger, in other words, is basic old serve and volley. Too bad hardly anyone is playing it today, and the most likely candidate – Tim Henman<\/a> – has had good success against Federer, at least up until last year, when Roger gained the upper hand.<\/p>\n The rest of the match was an amazing display of Roger, Roger, more Roger. Yes, I suppose there’s really nothing more to do…other than walk off the court when the guy hits the around the post shot barely six inches off the ground!<\/p>\n Still, the crowd loved and really appreciated Suzuki’s effort and gung-ho style of play, and I just want to know how a guy can be ranked in the 300 range on the tour and play as well as he did…for at least a good portion of the first set, against the world’s best player.<\/p>\n Role Reversal<\/p>\n Used to be the men’s game was the thrilling game, a number of guys could beat each other on any given day to take a title. Then a guy named Roger Federer came along, and even though Brad Gilbert thinks the four top guys can win it (Federer, Roddick<\/a>, Hewitt<\/a>, Safin<\/a>) along with Andre<\/a> (#8), it seems Roger is the one who will most inevitably rise to the surface at the end of the day.<\/p>\n Not so the women, although it seems only a brief while ago when Serena<\/a> and Venus<\/a> were exchanging titles amongst themselves. Now there are a handful of Russians, along with a rejuvenated Lindsay Davenport<\/a>, and the always powerful Amelie Mauresmo<\/a>, who can keep Serena and Venus company.<\/p>\n