USA TODAY International Edition
USA’s Rubin makes good impression on Federer
MELBOURNE, What makes AUSTRALIA tennis so interesting is that two players from differing circumstances often take away their own personal perception of the same match.
A perfect example of that would be the Australian Open second- round match between superstar Roger Federer and qualifier Noah Rubin that took place on a chilly Wednesday afternoon.
As expected, Federer, a 17- time Grand Slam tournament champion, pulled off a less- than- perfect 7- 5, 6- 3, 7- 6 ( 7- 3) win that is unlikely to stay in his memory bank for long. In contrast, newcomer Rubin walked away having put forth a more than credible performance in a match he will remember for a lifetime.
For 35- year- old Federer, ranked a low 17th after being sidelined the last six months nursing a knee injury, the match admittedly presented challenges. For 20year- old Rubin, ranked 200th and looking to find his place within the game, the match was an opportunity to play his boyhood hero.
“There’s something about him,” admitted Rubin, smiling. “You just look and say, ‘ Wow, OK, that’s Roger Federer.’ A couple of times in the first set I just took a peek over to the other side.
“I told him at the end of the match it was an honor to be out there with him because, no matter what the outcome is, if he’s not the greatest, he’s top two,” Rubin added. “He thanked me and said, ‘ Great match.’ ”
The Long Island, N. Y., native had two set points on Federer’s serve at 5- 2 in the third set and served for that set at 5- 3, before the possibilities escaped his grasp.
Rubin should have had ownership of the third set. Rubin knew it. Even Federer intimated so.
“It was a difficult first set,” Federer said. “Tricky third set, of course. I had to save a couple of set points. I know it could have gone different.”
The outcome of the failed third set irked Rubin — he had chances and let it go — something he hopes experience will counter in the future.
“I’m actually pretty disappointed,” Rubin said. “My coaches say that’s a good thing. I came out of the match thinking what it would be like to be in a fourth set. I liked my chances competing- wise against him, and I thought it would be a lot of fun to be out there against him for another set.”
Federer was just the latest in a list of top players who Rubin, still predominantly a Challenger- level competitor, has either practiced with or played in an exhibition.
Federer was complimentary of Rubin, making note that, despite the New Yorker’s diminutive stature, he has a surprisingly tough serve, especially second serve, and was fleet of foot on the court.
“I was very impressed by Noah,” Federer said. “I thought he played really well. I feel like he’s going to have a great, consistent career. The question now is how far can he go. It’s so hard to tell with these youngsters, because they just need time to mature and get used to the tour.”
Rubin is the confident sort, although not at all cocky. In that regard he didn’t shy away from agreeing with Federer.
“I think I have a lot to offer to this game, and I really enjoy being out there,” Rubin said.