Roger Federer takes on his 2014 Italian Open conqueror Jeremy Chardy in the second round of the ATP 1000 Monte Carlo tournament tomorrow. The Tennis Review previews the action and predicts the winner.
Jeremy Chardy inflicted a rare early defeat on Roger Federer when he beat the Swiss 7-6 in the third set tiebreaker in the second round of the Italian Open 2014. Federer had his chances, too, holding match point in the tiebreaker, but Chardy saved it with a spectacular forehand passing shot on the run.
Federer had only arrived in Rome the day before the match, having just become the proud father of a second set of twins.
This year, though, Federer’s pre-match preparation is very different. For one thing, Federer has not been distracted by becoming a father for the third and fourth time.
He is also well rested, having not played since Indian Wells where he was runner up.
As well as being rested, the 2009 Roland Garros Champion is prepared. He has spoken of how he is much readier for the clay this season, and he has been in Monte Carlo for a week, practicing on the courts at the tournament venue with Dominic Thiem.
Also, with Nadal lacking confidence, and Djokovic coming off an exhausting Indian Wells-Miami double, the four time runner-up must also feel motivated and fancy his chances of winning Monte Carlo for the first time in his career.
Rested, motivated, well-practiced, and with a 16-2 record this year, in-form, it is hard to see Federer being upset by Chardy at an ATP Red Clay 1000 event for the second year running.
Federer knows it will be tough, but he also knows he can beat the Frenchman – he has two wins over the world no. 35, both last year, and both in three sets, at Paris-Bercy and Brisbane.
Prediction: This match, considering it is Federer’s first on Clay of 2015 and Chardy has a stylish, consistent game he finds difficult to play against, could also go to three sets, but expect Federer to win and extend his lead over the Frenchman to 3-1.
Watch Chardy’s spectacular winner to save match point against Federer at last year’s Italian Open below.
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Commentary by Christian Deverille @thetennisreview
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