Federer to bite The Big Apple

Fed to bite The Big Apple


Punting
Michael Duffy

THE final grand slam event of the tennis calendar gets under way at Flushing Meadows, New York, next Monday as Roger Federer looks to claim a sixth consecutive US Open title.
It was in The Big Apple last year that Federer arrested a slide that saw him lose his world number one ranking to Rafael Nadal after a series of losses that included a disappointing showing at last year’s Olympics.
But if the stylish Swiss is at home on the hard courts, so too is world number two Andy Murray, who seems sure to grab a first grand slam title in the near future. Indeed, such has been the consistency in Murray’s game this season – he leads the ATP World Tour with a 53-8 match record – he could overhaul Federer at the top of the rankings without claiming a first slam.
But it’s one of the big four that Murray really wants and before last week’s Cincinnati Masters, many observers felt this might be Murray’s time.
At last week’s ATP event, Federer seemed rusty after a lay-off to welcome the arrival of his twin daughters. But a forceful semi-final demolition of Murray bucked a four-game losing streak against the Scot and secured a final place against Novak Djokovic, whom Federer also beat in straight sets.
That makes it 25 wins in Federer’s last 26 outings – the only defeat coming against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the Rogers Cup. Federer looked back to his aggressive best against Murray and Djokovic, playing aggressively throughout and always looking to make shots.
He now looks in fine shape to claim his third Grand Slam of the campaign after wins at the French Open and Wimbledon. If he makes it six US Opens on the spin, he will equal a record held by Bill Tilden in 1925.
Other contenders include Andy Roddick, who will be looking to follow his fine Wimbledon showing by claiming a first major since he won here in 2003.
Rafa Nadal recently returned to competitive action at the Montreal Masters, although he looked somewhat short of his best when losing to Djokovic in Cincinnati.
In the women’s draw, the Williams sisters start favourites, with Serena heavily tipped to retain the title she won last year. But Maria Sharapova’s new streamlined service action – a replica of the technique that has served Andy Roddick well – could see her back in serious contention here.
Sharapova’s rehabilitated shoulder has held-up well through a tough summer of matches and the new serve should see her regain some of her former power.
Recommendation: Roger Federer US Open, 6-4, Maria Sharapova US Open, 10-1 e/w.

Kingdom to beat the handicap
BACK in Croke Park this weekend, any hint of complacency from the Kerry footballers in advance of their semi-final clash with Meath will surely have been banished by the demise of holders Tyrone last Sunday (hope you followed our recommendation to back Cork).
After their scintillating demolition of the Dubs, Jack O’Connor’s side are further boosted by Kieran Donaghy’s return to training in advance of the Meath clash. In contrast, the Royals have a number of injury concerns.
Eamonn O’Brien’s side is far from the most celebrated bunch to line out for the county in recent times, but the unmistakable Meath resolve was certainly in evidence when they produced a seven-point turnaround in the closing 20 minutes against Mayo.
They won’t be cowed by the task ahead on Sunday, but Meath looked a distinctly inferior side to Dublin in their opening Leinster tie, so all known form-lines point to a convincing Kerry victory.
With Colm Cooper’s confidence no doubt restored by his fine show against the Dubs, and options galore in the stellar forward division, Kerry should have the scoring power to beat the handicap.
Recommendation: Kerry -4, 11-10.