Roger Federer - Season 2008 (HD)
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Federer preparing for assault on 14th Slam
Tuesday, 2 December, 2008
By Tennis Australia
Roger Federer
It may still be more than a month away, but the thoughts of world No.2 Roger Federer have already turned to one of his happiest tennis hunting grounds, Rod Laver Arena.
“The Australian Open 2009 takes on a major significance for me, even more so after my illness last year,” Federer said.
The Swiss star is chasing a world record equalling 14th Grand Slam title and has been buoyed by his success in New York earlier this year.
“I am very keen to continue my Grand Slam form from the US Open and add another ‘Happy Slam’ to my collection,” he said.
“There is no better way to start the year than with a win in the men’s final on Rod Laver Arena. I am very comfortable there and have had some of my best tennis memories in that building.”
Indeed, one of the most memorable moments in Australian Open history was the tearful presentation ceremony, when the then world No.1 became emotional as he was presented with the Norman Brookes Trophy by his tennis idol, the legendary Rod Laver.
Laver will again be in Australia in 2009 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his 1969 Grand Slam effort in which he won all four Slams: the French, Wimbledon, US and Australian Open.
“We know Roger Federer is a supreme athlete with great respect for the game and its tradition. He has the dual motivation of wanting to regain the world No.1 ranking and also create some history of his own.” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“His preparation for our event is normally immaculate, so expect nothing less than a finely-tuned, incredibly-motivated world-class tennis player when he arrives in Melbourne in January.”
Whether Laver and Federer will again be on the podium on 1 February remains to be seen. For now, the Swiss champion’s focus is on getting into top condition for the new season
“I look forward to getting to Melbourne early in the New Year in top form and injury free,” Federer said.
Limited numbers of single session tickets for Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena and the popular $29.00 ground pass are available through Ticketek.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or by telephone on 1300 888 104.
http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2008ne...rer_forbes.asp
Federer Among Best-Paid Young Celebs
© Getty Images
Roger Federer emblemRoger Federer ranked No. 5 in Forbes Magazine's list of Best-Paid Celebs Under 30, earning $35 million from on-court performance and sponsorship deals combined.
The 27-year-old Swiss, who made $10.1 million in prize money during the 2007 season backed by title wins at three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, took home an additional $25 million from his endorsements with Nike, Gillette, Mercedes-Benz, Wilson, and Swiss companies Emmi and Jura.
Maria Sharapova, the highest-paid female athletic endorser, joined Federer as the only other tennis player in the Top 10 with her reported earnings of $26 million placing her at No. 7. Serena and Venus Williams finished at No. 11 and 12 respectively.
Beyonce Knowles finished as the Best-Paid Celeb Under 30 with $80 million in earnings last year, nearly double the amount of Justin Timberlake at No. 2 ($44 million). NBA stars Kobe Bryant ($39 million) and LeBron James ($38 million) followed the two singers on the power list.
Earlier this year, Forbes placed Federer at No. 23 in its Celebrity 100 rankings recognizing the world's most powerful and highest-paid celebrities. Oprah Winfrey came in at No. 1, followed by Tiger Woods, Angelina Jolie, Knowles and David Beckham.
Federer is the all-time ATP leader in career prize money, having earned $44.5 million to date. He surpassed Pete Sampras's mark of $43 million this past October at Masters Series Madrid.