US Open 2014: Roger Federer vs Roberto Bautista Agut match preview

A look ahead to the fourth-round match in the men’s singles

Anna Bonar
Tuesday 02 September 2014 13:54 BST
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Roger Federer
Roger Federer (Getty Images)

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No tennis player has dominated the game over the last decade and a half like Roger Federer, with an impeccable record in all Grand Slams; the Swiss ‘Maestro’ is always one to watch. This years US Open marks Federer’s 15 US Open in a row, and his 14 appearance in the fourth round.

Having won the tournament for five years in a row from 2004-2008, Federer will be eying his sixth US Open title, and 18 Grand Slam trophy.

While many say Federer’s best days are behind him, especially after an early hiccup in his third round match against Marcel Gronollers, few can say the same for Roberto Bautista Agut. Having won his only two ATP titles in 2014 (in s’Hertogenbosh and Stuttgart), and reaching a career-high ranking of 16 earlier this year, the Spaniard is playing the tennis of his life.

Bautista Agut has had a relatively easy draw so far having faced no seeded players, and only dropping two sets. His encounter with the Swiss great will match the furthest he has progressed in any Grand Slam. Besides the early scare in Federer’s third-round match, Federer has played a flawless tournament having only dropped one set, while pulling off some of the shots of the tournament.

Roberto Bautista Agut
Roberto Bautista Agut (Getty Images)

While they might not be the strongest servers in the game, the two go head to head for the title of the best returners of the tournament.

If ‘Bati’ wins he would record his first ever Grand Slam quarter-final, whereas Federer would better his performance from last year, when he lost in the fourth round in straight sets to 19 ranked Tommy Robredo.

The two players have never played each other before and the winner will face either Grigor Dimitrov or Gael Monfils in the quarter-finals.

Start: Wednesday, Arthur Ashe Stadium, 00.00

PAST MEETINGS…

N/A

STATS…

In the first three rounds Federer dropped 34 games while Bautista Agut 41.

Bautista Agut has won two ATP titles in his career, both in 2014. Federer has won 80 titles (3 most in open era) in his career including three this year (Cincinnati, Halle and Dubai).

Federer shares the most US Open titles ever (5), with Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras, a sixth title this year, would stand him alone on top.

Bautista Agut has less unforced errors than Federer, with 54 to Federer’s 76, even though Federer has played one set less in the tournament so far.

Federer has the highest ever career earnings at $84,035,204; forty two times more than Bautista Agut at $2,013,268.

Federer has hit 134 winners in the tournament so far, whereas his Spanish opponent has only hit 57.

ODDS…

Federer to win 1.09

Bautista Agut to win 11.5

TV: Sky Sports

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