- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
American Steve Johnson will have to produce a career-best performance if he hopes to upset former French Open finalist David Ferrer. Join The Roar for live scores from 2pm AEDT.
Ferrer showcased his championship qualities in the second round, defeating Australian tennis icon Lleyton Hewitt in three tough sets on Rod Laver Arena.
The 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 victory was once again the result of the Spaniard’s ability to play at a high intensity against an opponent that was giving his all in his last ever match.
Despite his hustle, Hewitt lost the arm wrestle convincingly to a player who plays an aggressive but extremely solid brand of tennis. Ferrer’s forehand in particular allowed the Spaniard to dictate points on a consistent basis against the two time grand slam champion.
Judging from his performance against Hewitt, Ferrer will once again start a warm favourite against Johnson in the third round.
Johnson does possess a bigger game than Hewitt so Ferrer will have more to contend with in this regard. His serve and forehand are solid shots and the American will take comfort from his most recent performance against Ferrer last year.
In their only meeting to date, Johnson pushed Ferrer all the way in the final of Vienna, losing in three tight sets 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.
In order to go one better against Ferrer, Johnson can’t hold back with his groundstrokes and will need to take risks against a player whose court coverage ranks as one of the best on the ATP tour.
If Johnson can find his range with his groundstrokes, this contest should be a well-fought affair. For all his tenacity, Ferrer can struggle to contain players who possess superior firepower with their groundstrokes.
Indeed Ferrer was well beaten at the Australian Open last year by Kei Nishikori, who never looked in danger despite the Spaniard’s best efforts. The Japanese player just possessed the heavier groundstrokes and eventually overpowered Ferrer en route to a straight-sets victory.
The blueprint is an easy one for Johnson but executing it for two or three hours remains the biggest challenge for the American.
If he can do that, an upset could be on the cards. If not, Ferrer will outlast Johnson once again.
Prediction: Ferrer to win in four sets.
Join The Roar for live scores from 2pm AEDT.