The Weigh-In: Fabrice Santoro vs. Roger Federer
January 16th, 2008 by Lucas DwyerThe Sports Truth is proud to bring you The Weigh-In, in which we break down prospective match-ups within the world of sports (and sometimes pop culture) that you may never have considered. Because they are pointless, and above all, not real.
Our latest edition is a showdown of tennis “stars” with vastly different backgrounds who will face-off in the 2nd round of the Australian Open. One is a 12-time Grand Slam Champion. The other appeared in his record 62nd Grand Slam during the 2008 Australian Open. Who will emerge victorious when tennis’ superstar Roger Federer squares off against 20-year veteran Fabrice Santoro? Let’s take a look:
1. Physical Stats
Roger Federer: 26, 6′1″, 190 lbs, right-handed, one-handed backhand
Fabrice Santoro: 35, 5′9″, 163 lbs, right-handed, two-handed backhand and forehand
Edge: Santoro (a two-handed forehand? That’s got to be worth something)
Fabrice Santoro takes on Roger Federer in the 2nd round of the Australian Open.
2. Nationality
Roger Federer: Swiss
Fabrice Santoro: French
Edge: Federer (no one likes the French)
3. Career Achievements
Roger Federer: 551 - 134 career singles record, 105 - 70 career doubles record, 53 singles titles, 7 dobules titles, 12 career grand slam titles
Fabrice Santoro: 434 - 404 career singles record, 330 - 223 career doubles record, 5 singles titles, 24 doubles titles, record 62 grand slam appearances
Edge: Federer (Santoro does have the edge in career highest doubles ranking, 7 to 24)
4. Signature Move
Federer: Pin-point accuracy on every shot
Santoro: Forehand slice equated to a knuckleball
Edge: Santoro (have you tried hitting a knuckleball?)
5. Nickname
Federer: FedExpress
Santoro: Dubbed “The Magician” by Pete Sampras
Edge: Santoro
6. Command of the English Language
Federer: He’s fluent in four languages and English is one of them
Santoro: In a recent interview Santoro said “”I change my racket,” he said. “I have a longer racket. I change my serve. I change my style of play. I change my string.”
Edge: Federer
7. Career vs. John Isner (22 year-old 6′9″ American phenom)
Federer: Defeated Isner in the 3rd round of the 2007 US Open 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-4, 6-2
Santoro: Defeated Isner in the 1st round of the 2008 Australian Open 6-2, 6-2, 6-4
Edge: Santoro (Isner took a set from Federer. Isner also said of Santoro, “He broke me six times. I can’t remember the last time that happened.)
8. Claim to fame
Federer: Those 12 Grand Slam Titles
Santoro: Santoro won the longest singles match in the Open Era. At the 2004 French Open, he beat fellow Frenchman Arnaud Clément in a 6h 33m first round match, winning 6-4 6-3 6-7 3-6 16-14.
Slight Edge: Santoro (6 hours and 33 minutes!)
9. Sponsorships
Federer: Emmi, Gillette, Jura, Nationale Suisse, NetJets, Nike, Rolex, SWISS, Wilson
Santoro: Lacoste
Huge Edge: Federer
10. Career Record vs. One-another
Federer: 8-2
Santoro: 2-8, though he memorably pushed Federer as hard as anyone has in the 2nd round of the 2005 US Open, losing 5-7, 5-7, 6-7.
Edge: Federer
The Verdict: Santoro managed a 5-5 tie against the ATPs #1 player, but a small win in “Claim to Fame” and a huge loss in “Sponsorships” gives the W to Federer. As usual. But, if Santoro defeats Federer in their Australian Open match-up, who knows?
