Federer Back In Thriller, Murray Ready For Kyrgios
Locker Room
June 18, 2018
Could there be a more mouthwatering build-up to Wimbledon?
Roger Federer storms back to world number one with a stunning Stuttgart semi-final victory over Nick Kyrgios.
Score 6-7 (2-7), 6-2, 7-6 (7-5).
Then he shuts out the threat from Milos Raonic to take his 98th title 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) in the final.
GRACE
Who would have thought Federer hadn’t played since March?
All the grace, poise, balance and mental strength on the big points is still there in one of the world’s greatest ever sportsmen.
How lucky we are that he chose to miss the clay court season once more and come back fresh for the grass and the biggest tournament of them all – Wimbledon 2018.
CHARGE
It’s great news for Wimbledon fans, who can’t get enough of the great man and would love to see him on another imperious charge towards the finals at the All England Club next month.
But there has been even better news for British tennis fans as Andy Murray declared himself fit for Queen’s – and an early test against none other than Nick Kyrgios.
Let’s face it, Murray can’t be expected to beat the Australian, who just pushed Federer so close in Germany. Not after Andy has been out for a year.
ENJOY
He knows he will be ring-rusty, he knows this isn’t quite the time to take great physical risks for the sake of a match that doesn’t matter too much in itself.
Step by step. That will be Murray’s attitude. Enjoy the day, relax, get back into it in his own time.
‘I’m not putting pressure on myself to win it, this is more about how I feel out there,’ said the Scot.
GOOD
Quite right too. All we want is for Murray to come through without any nasty repercussions with regard to his long-standing hip problem.
Lose to Kyrgios at Queen’s by all means, just feel good out there and treat it as a dry run for the real thing – Wimbledon 2018.
Then we will be spoilt for choice. Cheer for Federer, Murray, or another of your favourites? What a lovely choice to have! Time to buy your ticket…