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This is my tennis blog, Lefty Advantage. Tennis is my biggest passion in life and I started this site to discuss the great game. I mainly follow the career of Roger Federer, but I truly love watching all tennis, whether it be the final of a Grand Slam
or a junior tournament on the other side of the world.

I have played tennis for 13 years. If you ever met me, I could talk your head off about all things tennis for hours on end if you would let me. Welcome, and enjoy the writing!

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Federer Into Olympics Quarters

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics.  Juan Martin del Potro, Nicolas Almagro, and Kei Nishikori rounded out the men's final eight.

Federer faced Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.  After jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead, Istomin fought back to get even.  There was a short rain delay at 5-5 and when they came back out Roger saved three break points to keep the lead.  Almost predictably, he won the next game to break and take the first set.  In the second, Fed got another quick break lead, but did not look back, and took the match 7-5, 6-3.

Net up for Fed is John Isner, who took out Janko Tipsarevic in straight sets.  Roger holds a 3-1 record over Isner, with his only loss coming in poor conditions at the Davis Cup in February.  Isner is dangerous on grass with his serve, but if Fed can neutralize that weapon and make the big man rally, he should have an edge.  Look for him to utilize the slice plenty with Isner's height.

In other action....

Novak Djokovic rallied from a set down again to beat Lleyton Hewitt 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.  Hewitt gave Djokovic a lot of problems, and Nole did well to get through.  Jo Tsonga took out Feliciano Lopez, showing no fatigue after his marathon match with Milos Raonic yesterday.  Juan Martin del Potro stamped out Gilles Simon in three tough sets, and in the shocker of the day, David Ferrer was upset by Kei Nishikori 6-4 in the 3rd set.

Federer and Wawrinka go out in doubles:

Although it was a good day for Federer in the singles, disappointment fell over him in the doubles, where he and Stan Wawrinka lost to Israeli pair Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-3.  You have to feel for Stan because he went out in his first match in the singles and now he is done for the Olympics.  On the positive side though, Roger can now focus solely on the singles, and he'll need to be very solid in order to get the gold (with Isner, Delpo, and Djokovic/Murray likely being his final three matches).

Along with Federer vs Isner, we will also see Djokovic vs Tsonga, Murray vs Almagro, and Delpo vs Nishikori.  If I was a betting man I'd take Djokovic, Murray, and Delpo, but this is the Olympics.  We have seen what Jo can do to Novak (French Open), and you just never know with Almagro and Nishikori.  Can Kei keep up the momentum gained from defeating Ferrer?  Can Almagro go balls-to-the-wall and stun Murray?  We shall see.

Until next time....

2 comments:

  1. Uff, that can be dangerous but hope Roger can win tomorrow!!!

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  2. Right on that crazy, awful clay court in Switzerland @ Davis cup with Isner beating Roger. Not only the poor clay conditions, but the big guy, John, played the game of his life! Don't think anyone could have beat him that day. Feeling confident still in Roger going all the way to gold as his skills are there & he is sharp as ever but always having to keep his focus as he did throughout Wimbledon.  Yes, sorry for Stan in their doubles loss but also agree with you on Roger needed his rest for the rest of the Olympics!

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