Serve-volley king stands in Federer’s way
MELBOURNE: Roger Federer’s renaissance faces an unusual test against surprise quarter-finalist Mischa Zverev at the Australian Open today as his hopes rise for an unprecedented 18th Grand Slam title.
The Swiss legend, seeded 17 after his 2016 season was cut short by a knee injury, was expected to meet five-time runner-up Andy Murray after overcoming world No.5 Kei Nishikori in the round of 16.
Instead Federer will take on the 50thranked, net-rushing German left-hander Zverev, who stunned Murray in the fourth round, as he pursues a fifth Australian crown at age 35.
The victor will play the winner of today’s other quarter-final, between 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka and former finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, for a place in the final.
Zverev, elder brother of rising German teen Alexander, shocked world No.1 Murray with an assiduously executed serve-volley game that kept the Scot out of his comfort zone.
Zverev will again strive to keep the rallies short and spend as much time at the net as possible, but his challenge will be to attack Federer’s stronger second serve.
The 29-year-old German journeyman didn’t win a game in his last meeting with Federer at Halle in 2013, and lost their other encounter in straight sets in Rome four years earlier.
But Federer is wary of taking on the rejuvenated Zverev in the unique pressures of a best-of-five-set quarter-final on the slick Rod Laver Arena hardcourt, where Murray and six-time winner Novak Djokovic have been ambushed in this year’s tournament.
“Obviously he’s on a high right now. He’s feeling great. Probably feels the best he’s ever felt on a tennis court,” Federer said.
“It’s going to be tough and different and tricky. That’s my mindset.
“Of course I’m the big favourite in this match, but I prefer to be the favourite. I did it for years and years. It makes me feel comfortable.”
For Zverev, it will be a “dream” match with Federer.
“Playing Roger will be a dream for me. Growing up I was inspired by him. He’s my favourite player,” he said, after taking out Murray in four sets.