Roger Federer took the Crown at the Madrid Open! Did he deserve it?

In recent weeks I have been pretty harsh on Roger Federer not for the pleasure of castigating Roger, but rather because tennis needs Roger and it would be a great loss to the game to see him fading away so rapidly.

Today we all knew that Rafael Nadal was pretty tired from the 4hrs and some odd minutes match against Djokovic and indeed Nadal was far from his best, nevertheless we can not take merit away from Roger Federer win.

First Roger was more determined than ever to win this title and conditions were saying yes to him.

-  Roger found the rhythm of his service after long months struggling with it.

- The forehand in spite of a couple of hick-ups held steady and the winner quota was positive.

- The backhand had its ups and downs but held steady when needed.

- The tactical use of the drop-shot from the backhand side worked

- The slice backhand mix was just enough.

- The serve and volley variations were mostly successful.

But Roger has to thank Djokovic for one and than the following:

- Madrid is at 667 m (2,188 FT) altitude almost 3 times higher then Basel at 244 m Rogers home town. These conditions favor Rogers game.

- The ball in Madrid fly much faster and bounce higher

- The backhand slice works better and skids faster

- Attacks either serving and volleying or from the ground are more effective.

- Nadal could not adjust to the speed of the ball and his topsin forehand did not bother Federer.

- The court was fast and dry, which allowed Federer, to finish points and hit more winners.

- Nadals unforced error quota was atrocious for his level and the backhand went South.

All in all conditions favored Roger Federer, but let us not forget that appart from Romes clay that can somewhat play similar, in all other clay court tournaments Rafael Nadal is the beneficiary.  So I do not feel sorry that for once Nadal had to lose!

The match in itself was not the best between the two, but it showed that Federer ever since Rome put in some serious work on and off the court and these are very encouraging news for the future.

On the other hand Roland Garros which is approaching very fast remains the main question.  Is Roger Federer ready to win Roland Garros?  I and perhaps millions of us would like to say, YES! Common sense though, says, No! Not this year.

But this thing of predicting matches is worst than the lottery, so I stay away from both, let the story develop and just hope Roland Garros will present us with plenty of excitement.

In the meantime, Congratulations for the Madrid Open title Roger! Great effort, we want Roger Federer for many more years. COME ON!!!!!!!!

Sergio Cruz

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