Against Roger Federer “You’re playing chess out there” recalls Scoville Jenkins

The GOAT Roger Federer turned professional in 1998. Federer has won 1200 matches in his career over two decades and counting. The Swiss master has played with many players over his career and one such was American Scoville Jenkins.

At a recent podcast, Jenkins has revealed some lethal traits of his 2007 US Open opponent, Federer.

You can be embarrassed against Fed: Scoville

Oklahoma State Associate Head Coach Scoville Jenkins faced Roger Federer in the first round of the 2007 US Open. He recalls the encounter vividly.

“You’re always feeling under pressure like if I don’t do something he’s just gonna go back into maybe hitting a great forehand across or up the line and a sliced short to then pull me up the line,” Jenkins said. “I have to be on the offence, you feel so much pressure to be able to do something or he will embarrass you,” he added.

The match was an easy win for Roger Federer 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in straight sets. But his opponent, Jenkins, played the biggest match of his career. He ended his professional career in 2010 after garnering a high rank of 132.

Jenkins revisits his clash against G.O.A.T Roger Federer

Jenkins has revealed that his match-up against Federer was as mentally challenging as a game of chess. The GOAT is always a step ahead in the game. Now, watching the match on TV, each time it feels like Federer is outplaying him.

“I watched him do it on TV millions of times you know and so you’re always feeling like he’s out-thinking you, outplaying you, he’s a step ahead of you,” Jenkins continued.

“I would say the biggest thing with him is you’re playing chess out there with him and he’s just constantly a step ahead of you and you know it. You know every shot he hits is to set up the next shot and when you are playing him I’m thinking if I don’t hit this good enough then I already know what he’s gonna do to me,” Jenkins said.

The Swiss master is away since 2020 Australian Open and is expected to be back in 2021. Pertaining to knee surgery, Roger was away from the courts but is now back to practicing for his resumption to the tour.

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