When it comes to one-sided Grand Slam semifinals, this would seem to take the cake. Federer has won nearly as many major titles, 19, as the 21-year-old Chung has years to his name. At this time last season, while Federer was claiming his 18th major in Melbourne, Chung was getting ready for the Maui Challenger. Not only will this be the Korean’s first Grand Slam semi, it will be his first encounter with Federer. That’s like being a boxer that steps up in weight class—maybe two weight classes at once.
Still, there’s little doubt that Chung can throw his own weight around. He has already straight-setted Novak Djokovic at this event, and he has shown that he can run and pound with anyone. His forehand is a rally-controlling, point-ending shot that he can fire to either corner, and his two-handed backhand shouldn’t be easy for Federer to exploit. While Federer will have the bulk of the fans on his side, there will surely be a soft spot for Chung, the game’s professorial new star, and his now-famous mother in the stands.
But while Chung has the game to challenge Federer, I don’t think he’ll have enough self-belief to take the stick out of the Maestro’s hand on this stage. It hasn’t been as big a story as Chung’s breakthrough, for obvious reasons, but Federer’s level of play in Australia has been as high as ever. He hasn’t dropped a set so far, and it would be an upset if he dropped a set in this one. Winner: Federer
