By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, May 14, 2014

 

In a match full of swirling wind and momentum changes, France's Jeremy Chardy upset Roger Federer at the Italian Open.

Photo Credit: AP

After becoming a father to new twins last week, many were unsure if Roger Federer would show up at the Italian Open in Rome. When he did, uncertainty remained as to how he would perform after several weeks away from the tour.

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In his second round match on Wednesday, Federer looked certain for victory. At least in the first set. Against France's Jeremy Chardy, the former No.1 looked in control of his game and the swirling wind that continues to plague the event. Though his hair sometimes was out of place, Federer's game wasn't. Going up an early break, Federer smacked down an ace to hold for 4-1. 

Two games later, Federer converted on his third set point with a forehand winner for 6-1.

With their first and only meeting in Brisbane back in January going the distance, it was no surprise this match would need three sets as well. Though he couldn't control the wind, Chardy managed to rein in the errors coming off his racquet in the second set. Looking more settled with himself and the conditions, Chardy started connecting for more winners, especially on his favored forehand side.

With Federer dropping in his own level, it was enough for Chardy to claim a break for 3-1. Federer would win several cagey rallies against the Frenchman and sneak in a few well-timed serve and volley attacks. But it wasn't enough as Chardy threw down a big serve to seal the set 6-3.

Chardy would miss out on holding 0-40 on Federer's serve in the opening game of the final set. Federer, helped out by poor returns from Chardy, would hold for 1-0. Chardy wouldn't lose his resolve though. Several games later, again with another big forehand, Chardy would earn the first break for 3-2. Chardy had chances to go up a double break only to watch Federer cling on to his serve for 4-3.

With the Italian crowd chanting in favor of Federer, that seemed to spur the three-time finalist into raising his game. Earning his first break point of the set with a well-timed slice backhand pass, Federer would covert for 4-all after Chardy netted a forehand. Both players would take care of their serves down the stretch leading into a final set tiebreak. With the gusts returning, more momentum swings were expected. But who would it favor?

Chardy jumped out to a 4-2 lead early but Federer again looked more composed whenever wind started sending shots awry. A calm Federer, with a pair of easy serves, would go up 5-4. At 5-all, Chardy would throw in a nervy double fault to give Federer match point.

That would set up the point of the day with Federer serving up 6-5. Sending over a low, dipping forehand, Federer appeared to have won the point and the match. Yet Chardy scrambled, chased it down, and then flicked back an even better forehand of his own.