How impressive has Tommy Haas been this week? I mean, when this Miami tournament started who would have chosen Tommy in their semifinal bracket? I thought he might challenge Novak Djokovic, who hasn't really found his groove this whole month. But even after the thumping in the first set, followed by a break in the second, once he surrendered the break back I really thought Novak would do his #1 thing and get on a roll. Sure, Tommy had some help from a lot of uncharacteristic errors from his opponent, but at the same time his level of play was just amazing. Some of saves he got at the net, stretching and really giving himself for the big win, showed his passion for the game and the incredible talent he has.
A lot of times after a big win over a top player a lower ranked player, who has given their all for the victory, will have a major falter in their next match. Tommy Haas has been around for a long time, though, and he showed his experience and the way his game has really been peaking against a tired Giles Simon, rolling over him in an hour with a 6-3 6-1 victory. Will his almost 35-year-old body have what it takes to take it a step farther with a win over David Ferrer, who needed three sets in his win over a resurgent Meltzer? I like to think that Tommy's motivation level, with a day of rest for his old bones to recover, will be enough to make it to the final of this Masters 1000.
A year ago Tommy Haas was ranked 145 in the world. With this advancement into the semifinals he will crack the top 15 for the first time since January 2008. If that isn't inspiring I don't know what is, especially given the fact that he is in his mid 30s. I mean, Andy Roddick hung up his racquet on his 30th birthday.
The week started out kind of ho hum for me with Federer not participating. However, this exciting development has reignited my interest. Also, to be honest, it has given me more hope for Roger Federer's game in the months to come. I have been rather discouraged by his results in the last six months, winning no titles after such amazing results in the fall of 2011 through summer of 2012. But even if he goes through a slump for a bit, he's still a young pup compared to what we have been seeing this week and he should have lots of glory moments left for he and his fans to enjoy.
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