[aburva.org]

Is tomorrow a coronation, or an inauguration? Do we see the last step in the naming of Fed as GOAT, or do we see Robin Soderling vanquish a lot of demons and stake a claim at the very top of the game?

And could there be two more opposites at play in tomorrow's final. Different style game, different personalities, different career arcs. Robin's probably got a girlfriend that is blonde and Olson-esque.

Career H2H - a laughable 9-0 Roger. Robin's only ever taken one set off Fed in the past, and that was on grass, at Halle, 4 years ago. Two priors on clay, including this year at Madrid, both of which Roger won in straights. (But, Robin was 0-3 against Rafa, beaten in straights on clay, and never having won a set before the 4th round, if you need something to consider).

[spacecrafty]

Roger in 4! (I almost said in straights.)

I think he'll be focused and Soderling will finally get nervous. I think Soderling is probably exhausted too.

[xtrudood]

Roger in 3 or 4. I said 4 to be on the safe side, but I could very easily see straights as well. Depends on whether or not he wins the 1st set.

[spacecrafty]

Roger in 3 or 4. I said 4 to be on the safe side, but I could very easily see straights as well. Depends on whether or not he wins the 1st set.

I'd say Soderling's best shot is the second set.

[aburva.org]

I don't see Robin getting overwhelmed on the big stage like we have seen Dinara others do. I also don't see him having a chance in heck of winning even a set. GOAT in 3.

[aburva.org]

I think Soderling is probably exhausted too.

Soderling has played two less sets than Roger has in the tournament, though their time on court has been almost identical (905 vs. 903 minutes).

[fuslssdfaa]

Much as I want Roger to win, I'm going to be the contrarian here and take Soderling in 4 sets. I thought he would crumple to Gonzalez in the 5th and he pulled it back together. All previous H2H's are out the window because the Soderling playing in this FO is a different player than what we've seen previously.

The biggest problem Federer has had is keeping his ground strokes deep in the court, which has allowed his opponents to put him on the defensive. Soderling has done a great job of keeping his opponents pushed back behind the baseline.

I hope I'm wrong.

[spacecrafty]

Soderling has played two less sets than Roger has in the tournament, though their time on court has been almost identical (905 vs. 903 minutes).

Mentally, silly. He's not used to still being here. He can't be used to all of the media. Coming back from a break down in the fifth against Gonzalez had to be thrilling but tiring. People said he looked wore out in the third and fourth sets.

I think Federer, on experience alone, will be the fresher of the two.

[repldoinfo]

Mentally, silly. He's not used to still being here. He can't be used to all of the media. Coming back from a break down in the fifth against Gonzalez had to be thrilling but tiring. People said he looked wore out in the third and fourth sets.

I think Federer, on experience alone, will be the fresher of the two.

I think also, playing style of Roger is most effortless in the way he moves and strikes the ball. I think he uses less energy per hour than any other top 10 player.

[spacecrafty]

I think also, playing style of Roger is most effortless in the way he moves and strikes the ball. I think he uses less energy per hour than any other top 10 player.

Good point. Soderling literally hurls himself into the ball.

[ManituIKOL]

Roger in 4

[berdyanskdotsu]

I don't think Soderling has much a chance, but I didn't think he had one against Rafa until the third set. The guy was beaten 0 and 1 a few weeks earlier and crumbled in the 5th at Wimbledon. Roger better steps up this time and stop giving away points as he has done during the last few matches.

Edit: Forgot the score Roger in 4

[Stovegeothnon]

Roger in 4. Or not. Wow tomorrow is going to be juicy.

[altosburg]

The person I choose always loses, but I went with Roger in 3. However, even if Soderling wins, I think staking a claim at the top of the game is a stretch.

[gyjsdtuwr]

Roger in three extremely boring and predictable sets.
Thankfully I will be working and will be spared from watching the Soderling GOAT sacrifice.

[TypeTeasiaDer]

Where was the button for simultaneous injury retirements leaving the title in blissful limbo and sparing me from months and years of incessant whining or overdone smugness?

[gyjsdtuwr]

Is there anyway of turning on the LHC (God's machine) in hopes of a black hole that will suck in Chatrier tomorrow?

[anderriter]

Is there anyway of turning on the LHC (God's machine) in hopes of a black hole that will suck in Chatrier tomorrow?

Unfortunately, a technician messed up and the LHC will restart only in October.

[gyjsdtuwr]

Unfortunately, a technician messed up and the LHC will restart only in October.

What better chances of obtaining a freak wormhole then? (And NO, this is not a Stepanek joke)





BTW, I like how our avatars contrast

[retrahdggd]

Either Robin has a magic wand in that racquet or his bubble of insane play will burst tomorrow and the coronation will follow.

GOAT in a straight set beatdown.