Returns to sand after more than two years: Roger Federer. Image: keystone
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Federer’s path in Geneva is full of obstacles – sand bunnies want to make life difficult for him
In his first tournament on clay in almost two years, Roger Federer got in the way of a whole range of specialists at the Geneva Open. When it comes to Wimbledon, every game counts for Federer.
Roger Federer (39) is playing his first tournament on clay in Geneva since the 2019 French Open, when he failed in the semifinals to Rafael Nadal. He does this in the hope of match practice with regard to Roland Garros, but above all also at Wimbledon. But the way is full of hurdles.
After a bye in the first round, he could meet the Spaniard Pablo Andujar (ATP 76) on Tuesday, who feels particularly comfortable on sand and has already won four titles (including 2014 in Gstaad)
The Chilean Cristian Garin (ATP 24) is also a specialist. The possible quarter-final opponent has five titles to show, all on clay. Federer has not played against Andujar or Garin so far.
It would not be a premiere if he met Casper Ruud (ATP 16) in the semifinals. In 2019 he defeated the Norwegian in Paris in three sets. However, the 22-year-old has defeated players like Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 5), Fabio Fognini (ATP 28) and Diego Schwartzman (ATP 10) on clay this season.
Denis Shapovalov last demonstrated his good form in Rome. Image: keystone
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If it goes according to the paper form, the top seeded Federer in Geneva would meet Denis Shapovalov (ATP 14) in the final. Federer has won the only duel so far against the left-hander two years ago in Miami on a hard court.
But the 22-year-old Canadian is currently in brilliant shape and reached the round of 16 in Rome, where he got two match points in a game that lasted 3:27 hours against the sand king Rafael Nadal. Federer’s path in Geneva? It’s complicated.
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