AUSTRALIAN OPEN

[CR2] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [CR46] Andreas Seppi (ITA)

Did we see this coming? There was a hint that Federer was not at his best when he dropped the first set against [CR48] Simone Bolelli (ITA) in the previous round.  However, Federer has never lost to Seppi in their previous ten encounters, so what happened?  Federer is not as confident as he once was and all credit to him, he was at the top for so long, that had to have taken a tremendous toll.  Despite his desire to compete and his incredible talent, doubts are creeping in.  When players see him being pushed or losing to players he would never have struggled with in his prime, they are no longer intimidated.

Inevitably the time for change arrives; Federer gave his fans many years of brilliant and consistent top quality performance.  Unfortunately, his reign is coming to an end.  Does he still have the ability to win a major?  You can never count him out, but it won’t be as easy.   Seppi should celebrate this well-deserved victory 6-4, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(5). Can he build on this and make it to the semi-finals?