The final of the 2007 Masters Cup in Shanghai, China should prove to be very interesting. You have the usual suspect of Roger Federer in the finals but he faces the surprise of the tournament, David Ferrer of Spain. Ferrer has been the best player in the tournament not losing a match while Federer faced an early hiccup with his first round robin defeat to Gonzales before dominating in the semifinals against Nadal. Ferrer has been the underdog in every one of his matches and he will be a big underdog in tomorrow’s final. Federer owns a perfect 7-0 lifetime career record against Ferrer but Ferrer has never played as well as now and his confidence in through the roof. Ferrer’s return of serve is the best in the game but Federer has history, experience, and talent on his side.

Semifinals
Federer dominated Nadal 6-4, 6-1 today in an impressive match that featured superior serving and an impressive backhand that was able to run Nadal ragged and out of the tournament. Federer’s net play was also brilliant in rushing Nadal with his groundstrokes.

“I was really pleased with my performance for the last 1 1/2 sets,” Federer said. “Before that it was tough. Rafa had a bit of the upper hand. But after that, I got in the zone and played incredibly. Once I get on a roll, it’s hard to stop me. When it happens again for me, it’s not as big of a surprise because this is why I work my tail off, basically. It seems it’s paying off again.”
Nadal said his rival was playing “very crazy.”

“When he’s 100 percent, he’s playing in another league. It’s impossible to stop him,” Nadal said. “I fight. I fight. I fight. Nothing to say. Just congratulate him.”

No sweat for Federer to beat Nadal:

Net play was the key to Federer’s victory against Nadal:

Ferrer was even more impressive in his semifinals win than Federer. He crushed Andy Roddick 6-1, 6-3 and was able to make Roddick’s serve look mere average.

“Today, I played very good,” Ferrer said. “Now I want to enjoy this moment.”

Ferrer celebrates semi-finals victory against Roddick:

Predictions
Federer will have a much easier time in protecting his serve and will come out aggressive because he knows that Ferrer is very dangerous. David Ferrer will finally wake-up from his fantasy week and realize that he’s facing the GOAT (greatest of all time) in Federer and lose to him in 3 tight sets.