These two are always fun to watch just because they are so talented. The difference being one player has the determination and belief in himself and the other doesn't. You be the judge as we point out some key analysis to this 3rd Round match up.



0:00
The first point of this highlight package demonstrates the greatness of Federer. Check out his speed and range in this first set rally.

One thing that has changed at Wimbledon over the past 5 years is the clean bounce of the ball. This allow players to really show off their A games and use more spin than ever before.

2:30
Check out the shot tolerance of Federer as he is willing to sit back and wait for Safin's forehand to implode. Shank City! Safin probably has much better shot tolerance at the pub!

4:45
Safin started getting his teeth in the match and showed some acumen trying to get a feel for the grass by mixing it up. Here he carves out a little inside out backhand drop shot only to see Federer's soft response. (Notice Roger's racquet work their is barely any movement as he allows his momentum and the tension in his grip to do all the work).

5:10
By the 3rd set Safin was bringing his A game and made some nice adjustments in the match. Here he does the modern version of chip and charge by aggressively hitting his backhand return (his best shot) and coming to the net for a easy volley winner. Nice adjustment since Federer was surprised and hit it right to him at the net.

5:30
This is probably the most entertaining exchange of the match. Safin ended up losing the point but both contributed high quality tennis to this rally.

5:43
Safin really discovering some grass court instincts and comes into net off a forehand approach shot and hits another easy volley for a winner.

6:49
At the pro level it doesn't matter how hard you return you have to get it away from your opponent. This one is hit sharpley but right in federers comfort zone. The announcers (Fred Stolle and John Newcombe) gush over this shot and replay it at about 3 different angles. Don't get me wrong it was fun to watch but naturally instictful for a professional tennis player.

7:24
The beauty of Federer is his ability to adjust. As well as Safin was playing in the 3rd set it only ended up sharpening Federer's arsenal of shots. Here Safin wins the point but only barely. Look at the "get" Federer almost pulls off only to lose the point.

8:14
This is really where "belief in yourself" comes into play. Safin hit a big serve, an aggressive cross court approach and Federer hangs a cross court forehand and Safin tightens up with his footwork and doesn't close the shot out by moving forward. Instread he gets "alligator arms" and tries a crazy drop volley. Next point he lost his serve and it was only a matter of time.

Enjoy,

Brian Lutz / Tennis Professional