Federer & Mirka playing Mixed Doubles
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QoEpkZyPo0k
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jpczVU-4keA
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b0BAh_pRRTo
Printable View
Federer & Mirka playing Mixed Doubles
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QoEpkZyPo0k
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=jpczVU-4keA
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b0BAh_pRRTo
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6...eaning-of-life
There isn't much happening in tennis but the Davis Cup. Federer, having said that the 'Olympic Gold' was his inspiration for the US Open, is probably seeking out some more inspiration.
For the "Fed" fans out there, our lives are perhaps also in need of some inspiration.
What is it about Roger Federer that makes someone want to pick up a pen? Is it the fact that we must go through an arduous effort to come up with superlatives? Probably. It is a challenge for any writer to write about something that is perhaps beyond words.
Having inspired us all with his US Open win, "Fed" fans are all looking for that next jolt of inspiration. I will attempt to provide some here. Let's face it, "Fed" fans, we all had that element of doubt about him winning that US Open.
Whether we had to watch him on television or Google him, didn't we all just fear that a title would read "Federer bows out of the US Open!" Along with writers emphatically carving his gravestone.
However, he conquered the young ones, and we "Fed" fans all once again firmly, believed, yes, we had made the right choice. We gave hope to what's still valuable in this world.
Our world is corrupted by many things. Tennis is a wonderful escape from it all; the same way music is or a great novel.
When someone like Federer comes along, we literally have the archetypal hero in the midst of that kingdom. His story is so captivating it draws millions of people in and somehow gives us some meaning.
We can all learn from Roger Federer's US Open win. There may be dry bouts in our lives; but if we are already complete as artists or sportsmen or whatever it may be, nothing can take away our ability to once again compose a masterpiece. The trouble of course, is completing ourselves; but that comes from within.
Federer is leaving a cliffhanger for us all. We are in the 13th chapter. Might there be an 18th or 19th chapter? Who knows? But, whatever happens, he will keep inspiring us all to write the next chapter of our own, personal lives.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6...g-tennis-again
Roger Federer: The Reason I Am Watching Tennis Again
I know about "emotionally moving" incidents and how they can create fans faster than any years of achievements can. It has been the same for me.
As a kid, I remember watching a video of Abebe Bikila running 1960 marathon barefoot. He wanted the world to know his country, Ethiopia, could win with determination. Only one time did he finish a marathon and not win. On his last Olympic marathon he ran 11 miles on an injured knee before he was pulled away. Watching someone with pure determination is always moving, even if they lose at the end. Crowds love it and that can turn them into fans.
But with Federer it was different. He did not have any drama or tragedies to overcome.
I was not a tennis fan, but the man is the reason I am watching it right now. I used to play as a kid but then somehow it got lost in my world, until only few years ago when I saw Federer play and I was hooked.
He appeared to be different from the rest, who I got to know one by one. Like the one that puts one step forward and with his sleeveless shirt pumps his fist to the ground. He looks angry after winning a point, his upper lips pulls up on one side as if saying you might as well not have tried. He looks like a panther defending his family's territory.
I like the kid though. Because of him, now we cannot say Federer did not have real competition.
And the other one who pointed to his legs and head after winning the game, so we all know how he won. And better yet, his father pointed to him and then to himself to get credit where it's due.
Then there's the one with facial hair, who flexes his biceps while walking to the net to shake his opponent's hand. He’s been called a bad influence on school kids because he swears often.
For me, the differences are stark. Federer is defending tennis's own territory. If tennis as a game could talk I think she would tell us, "I love Roger, he makes me look so beautiful. He pays lots of attention to me. Several times a year he seats me down and gives me a new hair style. He always applies some Botox shots, also. At the end, when I look in the mirror I feel younger, fresh, anew."
Federer is serving lady tennis better and longer than anyone else before. That is why he cannot vomit on its courts. He cannot chest pump or flex biceps. It's not about him; it's about the game he is serving. He has to stay calm like a good servant does and focus on the beauty of the game.
Where most of other players use a two-handed backhand, which is presumably stronger, he uses the nicer to watch one-handed, opening both arms after hitting the ball like an eagle touching down.
Where most others roar over each shot he stays quiet. This creates huge presence for him in the court. Sometimes silence speaks the loudest.
I am afraid tennis will be lost in my world again after the eventual departure of Roger Federer. Until that day, I am not going to miss a moment. I can only wish that it lasts longer.
Abebe Bikila once said men of success meet with tragedy. I tend to think when Roger Federer meets with tragedy he will have already achieved all the successes he possibly could.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/63555-federer-killing-tennis-softly
Federer: Killing Tennis Softly
Today the world can be classified into two distinct sections—Federer fans and non-Federer fans. I am myself a Roger Federer fan but I wonder if there is anyone who isn't trapped in the enigma of the mythical web of an embodiment of perfection within the human limitations called Federer.
There were many great players before Roger Federer began his epic world conquest on the tennis courts, who played brilliantly and left a lasting impression on every tennis fan's mind. Till then, we had seen tennis evolve as a sport in its style as well as in the players. From Bjorn Borg to Pete Sampras, the sports had evolved slowly and gradually.
But then arrived Roger Federer and suddenly everything changed. Federer marked "an evolutionary end point in tennis". Tennis was no longer a sport, rather a religion in which Federer was God.
His magical dominance on the tennis court with his awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping game and stoic yet humble nature conjured up a mire of disbelief and admiration. He wasn't playing tennis anymore, he wasn't a tennis player anymore. He was defining tennis in his own special way.
"His intelligence, his occult anticipation, his court sense, his ability to read and manipulate opponents, to mix spins and speeds, to misdirect and disguise, to use tactical foresight and peripheral vision and kinesthetic range instead of just rote pace — all this has exposed the limits, and possibilities, of men’s tennis as it’s now played."
Even after being dethroned by Rafael Nadal, the enigma of Federer doesn't end there. In an emphatic, mystical, dominating way, he has shown that the speed and strength of today’s pro game are
He has, figuratively and literally, re-embodied men’s tennis, and raised it to such incredible heights in terms of technicality and beauty that looks very unreachable.
The difficult part of attaining perfection is to find someone to do an encore. The realisation that one day Roger Federer will be gone from the tennis arena and will leave such a huge void that I fear no present player can fill.
I have seen Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, and others play intensely fought matches among themselves but sorry, none captured my imagination or met my expectations that Federer has set.
Rafael Nadal is a great player too but he awes me more with his stamina and brute force rather than with his subtlety, touch, and finesse. He perspires, he yells, he pumps his fist after winning an important point. Roger is effortless even in his hard fought victory, he is graceful, he is stoic to every decision.
This is what that is troubling me as a tennis fan. The realisation of the fact that after Federer is gone, tennis will no more be magical, stylish, technically polished, and graceful. Tennis will no more be perfect.
Every time I watch tennis without Federer, it is imperfect, real and missing the magic. It saddens and troubles me that Federer has raised the bar of excellence in tennis to such heights that anything less is a disappointment to me.
What captivates me in sports that unique moment of perfection where thing falls into place, the perfect players , the perfect play, the perfect timing. It is in anticipation of these moments that I watch sports.
But the regularity of Federer displaying perfect tennis is somehow satiating my appetite for tennis. He may be struggling now and never be able to be perfect again, but the damage is done.
He has shown perfection in every area of the game and now, even if some other player achieves it, the uniqueness is gone. "Been there, done that" kinda feeling is growing at an increasing rate in me.
After witnessing those magical doses of "Federer moments", no other player awes or inspires me. Every time some other player hits a winner, it automatically raises comparison with Federer and the faults with the play are glaring at me. Its like I have seen everything that this sport has to offer to me in its entire technical and visual brilliance.
I know no player is bigger than the sport but after Federer, will the sport be scale any further heights than where Federer left it? Will the sport get any more beautiful and stylish than what Federer made it? Can the sport get any more perfect than what Federer made it?
A resounding NO echoes in my ears.
There is nothing more left in the game itself to interest me because the perfectionism of Federer has grown larger than the game itself.
You are killing tennis for me Roger. Every match that I watch you playing now on will be an eulogy of tennis for me.
For every moment of thrill, excitement, awe and disbelief, I can never thank you enough Roger but for killing tennis gradually, I will never forgive you Roger.
25 Most Powerful Global Sports Fig - Federer 9th
Federer is ranked 9th in the 25 most global sports figure
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08...0_global/9.htm
:clap:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...?section=sport
Federer the richest tennis player in history
Posted Fri Oct 17, 2008 9:23am AEDT
Roger Federer has become the richest tennis player ever, with career prize money earnings listed as a staggering $US43.29 million ($A63 million).
Federer's passage into the third round of the ATP Madrid Masters event saw the Swiss player edge past former number one Pete Sampras of the United States.
Federer will take his earnings to $US43.5 million should he win in Spain. Sampras earned $US43.27 million in his career.
Federer and Sampras, with 13 and 14 grand slams win each, stand almost $US12 million clear of third-placed Andre Agassi.
Current world number one Rafael Nadal stands eighth in the list with $US20.5 million in earnings, while legends Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors do not even make it into the top 10.
Nadal and Federer rolled over outclassed opponents in Madrid as the top two seeds edged closer to a title showdown.
Nadal, aiming to lift his second trophy following his 2005 triumph, stopped Richard Gasquet for the sixth time in as many meetings, his 6-4, 6-2 victory powering the top seed into the quarter-finals.
Reaching the final will insure the Spaniard the world number one year-end ranking for 2008 after taking it from Federer in August.
Federer faced Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the first time and floored the Frenchman 6-4, 6-1.
However third seed Serbian Novak Djokovic was knocked out in straight sets by giant Croatian Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5).
Federer will play for the semi-finals against Argentine Juan Del Potro, who knocked out defending champion and Davis Cup team-mate David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2.
Andy Murray was hoping that a jolt to his chronically weak knee would not prevent him from continuing this week after defeating Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6 (7-2).
The Scottish fourth seed advanced after reversing an early break when trailing 3-5 in the first set against the Croatian.
Murray said he will hope to make his Friday match against Gael Monfils, who defeated Andy Roddick 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
"As long as the pain is bearable, I'm ready to play," US Open finalist said.
-AFP
for those who doesn't visit his official site:
Dear fans
An amazingly successful year is coming to an end. I would like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you out there for your loyal support. Time after time all of you fans have cheered for me in great moments – and also stood behind me in difficult situations. You are a part of my whole success and it is hard to express how much this means to me. Thank you so much for all the presents, letters, poems, Christmas cards and wishes you have sent me.
My Foundation is something I am focusing on more and more. Thanks to your help and your donations we have been able to make a difference in the lives of children who are less fortunate than us. Furthermore, I want to thank my sponsors for the great partnerships and cooperation and I sincerely hope that we can celebrate many more victories together.
My family, Mirka and myself, we all wish you a very merry Christmas, a great portion of luck and prosperity for the New Year. We are already looking forward to your great support and an exciting 2007.
Thank you
Roger
http://www.rogerfederer.com/en/roger...fm?uNewsID=474
Wimbledon 2008 final - rapidshare links
Wimbledon Final........
http://rapidshare.com/files/13496735...DON.part01.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/13497020...DON.part02.rar
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http://rapidshare.com/files/13516705...DON.part31.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/13516821...DON.part32.rar
Another Set Of Links
First Set
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862326...x264.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862428...x264.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862510...x264.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862602...x264.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862700...x264.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862722...x264.part6.rar
Second Set
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862809...x264.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12862907...x264.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863000...x264.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863090...x264.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863137...x264.part5.rar
Third Set
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863235...x264.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863336...x264.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863443...x264.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863554...x264.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863648...x264.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863739...x264.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863761...x264.part7.rar
Fifth Set
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864566...264.part01.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864676...264.part02.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864788...264.part03.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864903...264.part04.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12865020...264.part05.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12865131...264.part06.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12865238...264.part07.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12865365...264.part08.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12865476...264.part09.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12865526...264.part10.rar
Fourth Set
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863855...x264.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12863965...x264.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864083...x264.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864195...x264.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864307...x264.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864423...x264.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/12864456...x264.part7.rar
enna boss..
roger federer kolgai parappu seyalalar level-ku ipdi work panreenga...
anyway keep the good work. i will download it for my girlfriend. She loves him so much (maybe that's why i'm not a big fan of him) :lol:
Roger Federer interview talk asia part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui9SO0fviIs
part2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlYwB...eature=related
part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9WhI...eature=related
ENJOY!!!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ten...ed-Tennis.html
Roger Federer no longer being taken for granted
Roger Federer looked blankly at the interviewer, probably thinking he was either mad or had been at the sangria.
By Clive White
Last Updated: 7:27PM BST 18 Oct 2008
Roger Federer no longer being taken for granted
Still fighting: Roger Federer didn't even realise that he had overtaken Pete Sampras in career earnings with his run to the Madrid semi-finals Photo: AP
"Pardon?" he said. The interviewer repeated himself: "So, you'll be No 1 in the world again this week."
His friend Tiger Woods would probably have got it in one, but tennis players, bless them, still aren't quite that materialistic: last week at the Madrid Masters, Federer overtook Pete Sampras as the biggest prize money winner of all time.
"Oh, that," he said eventually. It was, after all, a foregone conclusion. The man who breaks records with greater regularity than Sergey Bubka had only to turn up to overtake at least one of Sampras's records, since the second round loser's cheque of €15,000 alone was enough to put him ahead of the American's haul of $43,280,489. Besides, in the present economic climate it was not something to brag about.
Of course, you don't get to make $43m plus in prize money alone without being pretty cute on and off the court, but his decision to pull out of the Stockholm Open recently, thereby forfeiting €700,000 in appearance money, is proof that the man isn't greedy. "Suddenly tournament directors everywhere started calling me up, asking "Are you coming to our tournament?'," said Federer. "It was a sign of respect that they no longer took it for granted I would come."
Being taken for granted, unfortunately, is what tends to happen when you win 13 grand slams, four Masters Cups, 14 Masters Series titles and remain No 1 for a record 237 weeks. "People expect me to win every break point, every match point, every championship point, but sometimes it's just not possible," he said.
He may no longer be No 1 but the great expectation was there even on Saturday in Madrid against the No 4. Andy Murray may have won but Federer handled the pressure situations superbly as ever and no doubt some will be writing him off again – a little over a month after winning a grand slam.
"It took just two or three months for them to start writing funny things," he said. "I mean, I was playing sick at the Australian Open [he was suffering from mononucleosis], but that was almost forgotten. People were saying, "Now we have two new guys, Rafa [Nadal]and Novak [Djokovic]. Suddenly its Rafa and me again. Then I lose against Rafa, by a couple of points at Wimbledon, and I have the feeling I've lost to him in straight sets again instead of thinking of the great match we've just played."
A Spanish newspaper last week ran a headline which read: "Maybe Federer has forgotten how to suffer". Watching him dismiss Radek Stepanek and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets it was easy to see what they were getting at, but it's not Federer's fault he purrs along like a Rolls. Sometimes he actually enjoys going the distance because it tells him where he is at physically.
"At the same time, Rafa has never had to go five sets in Paris, but of course he looks like he's suffering all the time because he sweats like crazy and makes a lot of noise," said Federer.
When it comes to bad mouthing one another that's about as nasty as it gets. Tennis has never known a No 1 and No 2 with such a cosy relationship as that between Rafa and Roger. John McEnroe would rather have bit his lip on court a thousand times than say "Jimmy Connors deserves to be No 1," which is what Federer said of Nadal, although he did add mischievously, that in taking over the No 1 mantle he had "only earned more pressure – should be interesting to see how he handles it".
But since they swapped rankings had the relationship changed? "No, he's still treating me with respect, I don't feel he's looking down on me in any way. I'm the president of the players' council, so in fact I'm looking down on him, he has to report to me…no, I'm just kidding."
[/tscii]
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/2008-10-26-3232662893_x.htm
Federer to cut exhibitions, focus on Slams in 2009
By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press Writer
BASEL, Switzerland — Roger Federer will cut exhibition matches from his 2009 schedule as he pursues Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles, his agent said Sunday.
Federer and Sampras played three exhibition matches across Asia last November and again in New York City last March.
Such commitments won't be repeated in 2009, agent Tony Godsick told The Associated Press.
"Roger will only play a schedule that works for him physically," Godsick said after Federer won his hometown tournament at the Swiss Indoors on Sunday.
"The next couple years you will see him put his seatbelt on and focus for the big ones, the Grand Slams and the big tournaments," Godsick said.
Federer is within sight of history with 13 Slams after a fifth straight U.S. Open victory last month.
The win at Flushing Meadows was defined as a defiant comeback in a year when Federer fell sick with mononucleosis, suffered untypical losses to players outside the top 10 and lost his number one ranking to Rafael Nadal after a record reign of 237 weeks.
"It was tough for him when people were writing him off," said Godsick, who guides Federer's off-court activities for the IMG agency.
"For him to do what he did (at the Open) was good for him, good for his confidence and I think really silenced the critics."
Godsick dismissed the idea the 27-year-old Swiss is old in tennis terms, but says that after his rise to the top, and his seasons of sublime domination, Federer is entering a new phase.
"I think it is the third stage of his career, but it is just the beginning of the third stage. I think he has got many years to come."
Federer is already nursing his body more carefully through a successful Fall schedule after his usual training calendar was wrecked this season by the illness and timing of the Olympic Games in August.
He skipped a tournament in Stockholm, Sweden, earlier this month and has yet to commit to the Paris Masters beginning Monday.
His agent believes Federer must have time to build up to the Slams in '09.
"He is not going to overplay next year," Godsick said. "He is just going to try to make sure that he peaks for the tournaments that mean the most to him."
The exhibition tour against Sampras visited Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and Macau inside five days, then drew a sold-out audience of 19,690 at Madison Square Garden.
"The Sampras thing was fun," Godsick said. "Roger got to spend some time with Pete, who was a childhood idol. He learned a lot from him."
Now Federer wants to take Sampras' prized record, and show his lighter side off-court while marking the moment in tennis history.
"You will probably see some fun set of commercials that help celebrate what is potentially going to take place," Godsick hinted.
"For him, it can't all be serious. Off the court he is just a kid."
The Associated Press
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=SgDncD...eature=related
A kid's day out!!
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=8g1Ih8F9GLM
8 minutes of pure rally stuff from US open 2005 2nd round
http://www.rogerfederer.com/en/roger...fm?uNewsID=827
OFF COURT - 200'000 USERS!
Dear Fans
We have just passed the 200'000 mark of registered users - an almost unbelievable number!
I would like to thank you for your interest in my activities the whole year through. It is important for me to see and also feel that you are always here for me. Celebrating a great victory together is awesome. And working together - sometimes only making slow progress, in order to get back to the top - is most important.
The number of people visiting my website jumps to amazing heights after Grand Slam victories. But you also come to my website when I am experiencing difficult times. Thank you very much for this loyal support. It is terrific to have a global community coming toghether here.
We have had to extend the capacity of the server several times so that it can cope with the enormous volume of data being exchanged during peak times. The number of visitors on the website has grown continuously over the years; I find it most interesting to look at the development of the amount of registered users:
October 2004: 13’000
October 2005: 40’000
October 2006: 90'000
October 2007: 143'000
October 2008: 200’000
I have often asked myself whether this increase would calm down at some point. But hey – the opposite is happening! This is a great motivation for me as an athlete and I am happy to provide you with a platform that you use actively.
Once again, thank you for your great support.
Kind regards
Roger[/tscii]
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5...fLNEQwSFOCnYjg
Federer still on painkillers, cautious over Masters Cup
5 hours ago
SHANGHAI (AFP) — Top seed Roger Federer on Saturday said he was still taking painkillers and limiting himself in training as he battles to shake off a back injury that could jeopardise his Masters Cup defence.
Federer, who pulled out of last week's Paris Masters quarter-finals with the problem, said his condition had improved but he didn't know if he was 100 percent fit.
"I haven't been pushing it to the very limits because I want to give my back the maximum time of recuperation," he said.
"Then we will see on Monday what's going to happen. But so far I've been serving without pain, I've been playing without pain and that's definitely a very good sign."
The Swiss world number two opens against Britain's Andy Murray on Monday as he bids for his third consecutive Masters Cup title and his fifth overall.
The 'fifth Grand Slam,' featuring the top eight players, has already lost world number one Rafael Nadal, who pulled out citing fatigue and tendinitis, while Argentine seventh seed Juan Martin del Potro is nursing a chronic big toe injury.
Chinese organisers voiced anger in 2005 when Nadal, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin all withdrew.
Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic have both pulled out of the equivalent women's tournament in Doha with a stomach injury and virus respectively.
Federer said he was hopeful that he would recover but admitted he was concerned the problem could flare up again if he pushed too hard in training.
"Maybe if I push too early in practice then I'm back to where I was last Thursday and then things are not looking good at all," he said.
"I think this problem I have with my back needs as much time as possible. Hopefully I'm just going to get ready for Monday and then things are going to be fine."
Federer has a superb record at the Masters Cup, reaching the last five finals and losing only one, when he was struggling with an ankle injury against David Nalbandian in 2005.
Victory here would complete the first year-end title hat-trick since Ivan Lendl in 1985-1987 and bring a positive end to a season in which he lost his number one ranking and five-year Wimbledon streak.
"I've been able to practice without pain. I'm just being cautious as normal. I don't want to have any set-backs I'm just trying to keep myself in shape so I'm ready for Monday," Federer said.
World number three Novak Djokovic and del Potro play the first match on Sunday with Nikolay Davydenko facing Jo-Wilfried Tsonga later. Andy Roddick is against Gilles Simon in Monday's second match.
The Masters Cup is making its fourth and final appearance at Shanghai's futuristic Qi Zhong Stadium before moving to London as the ATP World Tour Final.
[/tscii]
Some of THE BEST backhands in the business
:shock: :clap:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ten...ry-so-far.html
The first of many: Andy Murray and Roger Federer share the spoils at the Bangkok Open in 2005 Photo: REUTERS
Bangkok, 2005: Federer beat Murray 6-3, 7-5
During the autumnal Asian swing, Murray went on a run at the Bangkok tournament, where his results gave him the points to break into the top 100 and also took him into his first main tour final.
He didn't look at all intimidated against Federer, and put in a respectable performance, but the Swiss had too much class.
Cincinnati Masters, 2006: Murray beat Federer 7-5, 6-4
Murray registered his first victory over Federer when they met in the second round in Cincinnati.
Some would suggest that there should be an asterisk next to Murray's win as Federer had been considering pulling out of the Ohio tournament because he was feeling drained of energy. But that is to ignore the fact that Murray still had to hold it all together as he closed in on a win against the then world No 1.
Dubai, 2008: Murray beat Federer 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-4
When Murray played Federer in Dubai in March this year, it was in the first round of the desert tournament, as Murray was unseeded - remember those days? And Federer was playing his first event since losing to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, so he probably still wasn't quite over the effects of glandular fever.
US Open final, 2008: Federer beat Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2
When Murray appeared in the final at Flushing Meadows, he was the first British man to compete in the title-match of a grand slam since Greg Rusedski had finished as the runner-up in New York in 1997.
Perhaps Murray's semi-final win over Rafael Nadal, which was the first time he had beaten the Spaniard, had taken a bit too much out of him, as he could not win a set. But there is no debate that he had faced Resolute Roger, with Federer determined in his quest to win his first slam title in a year.
Madrid Masters, 2008: Murray beat Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5
At Murray's first tournament after the New York slam, Federer remarked that the Briton had become a man. To underline that Murray beat the great Federer for the third time, coming from a set down in their semi-final on his way to winning a second consecutive ATP Masters title.
Overall: Murray 3, Federer 2
Amazing!! Unbelievable!! Breathtaking..............He makes it look ridiculously easy.. Actually I had watched that match (2006 Tennis Gold Masters Final), never realised he had that many backhand winners. Looks even more impressive @ a time when Roger is struggling even with his Forehand these days.......Quote:
Originally Posted by ajithfederer
Big match tommorrow for Roger against Murray. Must win to stay in contention for SF berth. Struggling with his stomach, I am not sure how
much of a fight he could give. Hope he could do some of his magic tommorrow...........
The match between Roger & Murray has started. Roger is definitely feeling his touch. He is already up a break....serving 30-30 leading 3-1...
brilliant match. Fed in spite of his back problem played unbelievable and scintillating shots. As always the backhand stunning. :D It all boiled down to fed's fitness or else it would have been a clear two setter for fed. pleasure to watch him in full flow. Murray prevailed in three sets.
:exactly: but couldnt bear to watch beyond a point...Quote:
Originally Posted by wrap07
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...4-3162,00.html
Roger Federer vows to return
November 16, 2008 12:00am
ROGER Federer yesterday put his aspiring young rivals and off-court detractors on notice ahead of January's Australian Open.
The star declared he was far from finished despite his worst Tennis Masters Cup result in six years.
Eclipsed 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 by Scot Andy Murray at Qi Zhong stadium, Federer failed to reach the season-ending championship's semi-finals for the first time since losing to Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.
Irked by suggestions he had under-performed this year, despite winning the US Open and Olympic doubles gold medal, finishing runner-up at Wimbledon and the French Open, and being an Australian Open semi-finalist, Federer is relieved his season is over.
And, with the emergence of Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Ernests Gulbis as grand slam contenders behind Federer, Novak Djokovic and world No. 1 Rafael Nadal, Federer yesterday applied the blowtorch to the sport's fresh-faced contenders.
"They're doing well, it's exciting for tennis at the moment," he said. "I'm excited to see how they'll handle next year under the pressure, because they've had a good year now. It will be interesting to see if they can back it up."
Weakened by the viral infection mononucleosis at the Australian Open in Melbourne in January, Federer was stripped of the Australian and Wimbledon crowns, the No. 1 ranking and his cloak of invincibility as the year wore on.
And he finished the year with 14 losses, the most since his breakthrough 2003 campaign, with some of those defeats coming against pluggers such as Radek Stepanek and Mardy Fish.
Troubled by back soreness, Federer will take a short break before preparing for the Kooyong Classic in January.
"It's been a good year, you know. But tough to start off with. Tough to end," he said.
"So obviously a little bit of mixed feelings. But I think it gives me the opportunity to start over all new again next year."
Sachin for cricket and Federer for Tennis.
Check this
Federer against Safin in Aus Open (2007???) semi finals.
Quote:
Originally Posted by omega
http://cornedbeefhash.wordpress.com/...ns-the-french/
Why Roger Federer is the best player ever to swing a racquet, even if he never wins the French
As Wimbledon commences today, and Roger Federer walks out to defend his title, which if he does would make it five straight — equaling Bjorn Borg’s five in a row from ’76-’80 — there will still be some scattered chatter about Federer’s place in tennis history. With the French Open title still eluding him after this year’s loss to Rafael Nadal, his one and only nemesis, the pundits (it’s specifically the ones on the telly that I’m thinking of), in their infinite wisdom, will hesitate bestowing him the honor of “Greatest of All Time”; the talking heads currently believe that Australian Rod Laver currently holds this distinction.
Many would argue, myself included, that this year was Federer’s best opportunity to win at Roland Garros: he’d had two past experiences of playing (and losing to) Nadal on this big stage; he was in perfect health and relatively fresh; and he got a confidence boost by beating Nadal on clay for the first time, in the final of the ATP Masters event in Hamburg the week prior to the French. But all that wasn’t enough to overcome Nadal.
Even with this most recent loss, there’s no question that thus far Federer is the greatest, and here’s why: he is and has been dominant in a field of insane depth, on all surfaces except for one, one which is being dominated by the greatest player to ever play on that surface.
Allow me to elaborate. Currently, there are at least 1500 players who have an ATP ranking. In 1968, when the Open Era began and the professionals finally got to join the amateurs, the Wimbledon draw had 128 players, just like this year. However, the pool of tennis players to draw from at that time was infinitely smaller, and, while tennis even then was international, the countries represented in ‘68 were for the most part the usual suspects: the top 16 seeds at that year’s tournament were represented by six Aussies, four Americans, two Spaniards, a Dutchman, a Croatian, and a South African. This year, the top 16 seeds (mind you, now 32 players are seeded) include two Americans, two Spaniards, two Russians, a Swiss, a Serbian, a Chilean, a Czech, a Scot, a Cypriot, a French, a German, a Croatian, and an Aussie. Tennis’ global march has spread the talent far and wide, and you don’t have to be an expert in trickle-down Reaganomics to recognize that tennis depth runs from the community courts and the clubs to the junior tournaments and all the way up to the top. So I guess in this case it’s “trickle-up.”
This year’s Wimbledon qualies not only includes familiar names, but players with current and/or past grass street cred: Niclolas Mahut, who just lost in a tight final with Andy Roddick at Queen’s Club, made it through; as did Dick Norman (Belgian) and Wayne Arthurs (Aussie), both dangerous on grass; Arthurs made it to Wimby’s fourth round in ’99. Pick any given year in the last five, maybe ten years, and you’ll find this kind of depth on display on all surfaces. Not so in the 60’s or 70’s.
The name that always comes up when it comes to Federer and history is of course Rod Laver. Laver was dominant in his era, too, and carries the mantle of ‘greatest ever’ in the eyes of the media. He pulled off the Grand Slam in 1962 as an amateur, went professional (which meant he was prohibited from playing the Slams, which at the time were for amateurs only), was invited back to Wimbledon at the start of the Open Era in ’68, and then proceeded to win the Grand Slam again in ’69 as a pro. Who can touch a record like that? Federer never will. But as great a player as Laver was (you can get an idea of Laver’s style of play from this YouTube clip, there was no Guillermo Vilas, no Mats Wilander, no Ivan Lendl, let alone a Bjorn Borg or a Nadal, standing in his way. Rod Laver won 11 Grand Slam titles and two calendar Grand Slams, but I’ve never hear the pundits say much about his competition — have you?
Speaking of domination: can one imagine a more dominant clay court player than Rafael Nadal? And he’s been even more so at the French. Now, many won’t be surprised if Federer never wins the French, myself included. If you’re one of those types who like to ponder fantasy matches between the top players of today and those of the past, then go ahead, be my guest: Nadal against Vilas? Sure, put a wooden racquet in Rafa’s hands. Nadal vs. Borg? Ditto. How about Wilander, Lendl, Courier, Kuerten? You’re kidding, right? I’ll take those odds. The point then, is that player who’s keeping (and has kept) Roger Federer from holding all four Slams at once (and arguably holding them twice, a la Laver) is simply the best clay court player of all time. But please don’t call Nadal a clay court specialist: you’ll feel like a fool when he gets back into the Wimbledon final. Okay, maybe those aren’t the best odds. But I’ll take Federer as greatest player ever at 1:1. Now can we move on please?
Michael Shaw writes about tennis and other subjects for the Los Angeles Times, and is also an artist. He can be reached at michaelshaw_sar AT yahoo DOT com
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...3-3162,00.html
Fitness first for Roger Federer
Article from: Herald Sun
Leo Schlink
November 18, 2008 12:00am
THE facts are overwhelming. Roger Federer had his worst grand slam season since 2003, winning a solitary major.
The Swiss genius lost the world No. 1 ranking after a record 237-week residency.
The man celebrated as the best the sport has seen claimed just four titles in 2008, his leanest haul since 2002.
And Federer racked up almost as many losses (15) in a single year as he had in the previous three seasons combined (18).
Worse, some of those defeats came against players outside the top 20 -- notably American Mardy Fish, ranked 23rd, and Czech plugger Radek Stepanek (26).
Even Andy Roddick, usually a pushover rival, managed to get in on the act, registering only his second win in 17 starts against Federer.
And, after Novak Djokovic's 6-1 6-4 Masters Cup triumph against Nikolay Davydenko in Shanghai on Sunday night, Federer is only 10 points from slipping to No. 3.
The facts appear to say Federer is on the slide. And is possibly gone.
But the locker-room consensus disagrees with the broader view. Resoundingly so.
Andy Murray, who beat Federer three times this season, is among the Federer defenders.
"I don't see a whole lot of weaknesses with Roger," the Scot said.
"Federer is, I'm sure, going to want to get his No. 1 back and I'm sure he's going to try and regain his Wimbledon trophy."
Murray is more aware than most of Federer's 2008 season.
A season that began with an energy-sapping bout of glandular fever ended with serve-inhibiting back problems.
Tennis history is littered with champions struggling for fitness or health.
Federer's health between 2004-07 was rarely an issue.
The result? An era of virtual invincibility, capped by 315 wins, just 24 losses and 11 grand slam titles.
Questionable fitness is now intruding into a game still the best, but no longer clearly superior to the rest.
Federer's 2008 proved as much. His grand slam season was hardly shabby - semi-finalist at the Australian Open, runner-up at the French Open and Wimbledon, champion at the US Open.
But he was suddenly beatable. It started with a semi-final defeat to Djokovic in Melbourne and a sense of change at the top took hold.
Federer, for reasons then unknown, was not at his peak.
James Blake, Murray, Ivo Karlovic, Gilles Simon, Rafael Nadal (four times), Stepanek, Roddick and Fish all lowered his colours.
All the 2008 season has proved, according to Murray, is that no player, no matter how illustrious, can play hurt or sick.
Murray knew Federer was injured at the Masters Cup.
He flayed Federer's serve, realising the winner of 13 majors was unable to use his withering kicker because of his sore back.
Murray went for the jugular because he didn't want Federer to reappear in the final of the round-robin event, such is his respect for the Swiss.
Federer admitted later to compensating his power output to protect his body.
Consequently, his movement suffered and then so did the foundation stone of his game: the forehand. Yet he almost beat Murray.
The match was a cameo of the Federer season.
Attacking and in control, if patchily, at the start, Federer hit a flat spot mid-match before trying to bluff his way through.
And just when it seemed his heart, the most underrated part of his game, would pull him through the crisis, a younger, more powerful opponent came over the top with a knockout punch.
In the past four seasons, Federer would have ducked, grinned and survived.
Not this year.
Federer has 62 days before the January 19 start of the Australian Open to heal his body. If the remedial process works, he will start favourite and probably win a record-equalling 14th major.
But if his body continues to protest, he is in big trouble.
Tennis rarely allows its champions the luxury to bow out on their terms.
At 27, Federer has already outlined plans to play until the 2012 London Olympics. But the facts say he will struggle.
Whether he finishes as the greatest, statistically, depends on one thing: his health.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/can...AvK0ditsjkur4A
The Canadian Press
Wimbledon more important to Swiss star Roger Federer than No. 1
11 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Swiss star Roger Federer says winning Wimbledon is more important to him than regaining his No 1 ranking.
"Wimbledon is something special. There is no substitute for it," Federer told reporters Monday, on the eve of an exhibition match in Kuala Lumpur, billed as the "Showdown of Champions."
Others playing Tuesday night are James Blake, ranked 10th, and two former Wimbledon champions, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. The quartet will play two singles matches and one doubles.
Federer is currently ranked No. 2 behind Spain's Rafael Nadal, after spending a record 237 consecutive weeks at the top. He lost to fourth-ranked Andy Murray in the Masters Cup in Shanghai on Friday, hampered by the sore back that had forced him out of the Paris Masters two weeks ago.
Federer began the year recovering from a bout of mononucleosis. He lost the French Open and Wimbledon finals to Nadal, who overtook him for the No. 1 ranking. But Federer won the Olympic doubles gold, then his fifth straight U.S. Open to pull within one of Pete Sampras' Grand Slam record.
"While I would also love to beat Pete Sampras's Grand Slam record of 14 titles, and also to regain my No. 1 ranking, I place winning another Wimbledon title above all else," said Federer.
McEnroe, who also attended the news conference, said he is excited to be playing in a match that will showcase "two generations of players in action."
"Players nowadays are so fast and hit the ball even more powerful than during my time," said McEnroe, also a former world No. 1, and winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles.
"I also believe that there are personalities in the men's game, much more than in the women's. We must capitalize on this as we can bring more fans to the game," said McEnroe.
http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=53341
Well, nobody's unbeatable. That's a fact. But, again, the fact is that he's one of the best - maybe even the best player - that this sport ever had. I have a lot of respect. I think all the players have a lot of respect for him. He's been so dominant in last four, five years, playing his best tennis when it matters, in the Grand Slams especially. It looks very easy when you look at him. He's an artist on the court.
But, you know, he reached a certain point, you know, when certain players start to win against him, and then you lose a little bit of the confidence within the loss. The other players start believing more that they can win, so I think it's a natural process. It's nothing strange that he's losing a little bit more than often.
But for him it's a big challenge to come back next year. It's still not over. Roger is the second player of the world, and he's intending of getting the top spot next year.
Djokovic on Roger
WARRIOR WITHIN
The Key To Roger Federer’s 2009 Campaign Will Be In Giving New Life To The Fighter In Him
Prajwal Hegde | TNN
Somebody won tennis’ season-ending Masters Cup.That probably happened when we were looking the other way, perhaps in the direction of Roger Federer as he was brought down early in the season’s finale in Shanghai last week. Who would wear one of the calendar’s biggest crowns was no longer the point of contention. The big question facing tennis today is where the peerless 27-year-old, with 13 Grand Slams titles, a record 237 weeks atop the world rankings, and almost $45 million in prize-money, will be next season?
Invincible is no longer the adjective used to describe the amiable Swiss. His name doesn’t invoke fear among rivals any more, its healthy respect these days. And it’s showing in the statistics. This was Federer’s worst Grand Slam season in five years, he won just one major. His total haul of titles was a mere four, his leanest streak since 2002. This year alone he has had almost as many losses (15) as he had in the last three seasons combined (17). In August his streak as the game’s top gun was snapped.
The slip may have been triggered by his physical condition. Federer was never at his best this season. At the start of the year, he was suffering from mononucleosis, later he was laid low by a bad back and in Shanghai he caught the stomach bug. While it’s hard to say if a fitter Federer could’ve staved off the challenge, there’s no denying that his rivals have been growing in stature.
Nadal, the man with the inflated muscles and cut off trousers, who wears his guts on his racket strings, was the first to nail a weakness in Federer’s enviable repertoire. He found a way to bore (pun intended) through the genius Swiss’ silken skills. He first did it on a surface most conducive to his tireless legs and relentless backcourt game and then carried the strategy over to Federer’s beloved
lawns at SW19 and took away the title the
Swiss valued more than any other.
The door had been opened, the champion considerably weakened. Novak Djokovic,
Federer’s Australian Open conqueror, made a charge, finishing the year just 10 points behind the Swiss. Then almost unannounced, Andy Murray, the thinking, teasing Scot, arrived, drawing from Nadal’s strategy he found a way to sneak the extra ball past Federer, finishing the season with three wins from four meetings with the master.
Federer, however, will look to turn it around next season. “When they (court announcers) say, ‘This is the world No. 2’, it just doesn’t sound right to me,” Federer had said in an interview. “I’m not world No. 2. I just don’t like the ring of it. It just sounds awkward to me because I’ve been up there for so, so long, it sounds unfamiliar.”
There are many theories floating on what Federer needs to do to reclaim the No. 1 ranking. The most popular being adding greater venom and variety to his attack. Multiple Grand Slam champion Stefan Edberg said, “Federer must have realised the need to be more offensive in his game. He has to play more serve and volley and get in more variation.”
The key to Federer’s 2009 campaign will be in striking a balance between offence and defence. When he started out he basically hung around the baseline, waiting for his chance. A mental battle in his late teens, in which he set the aggressor in him free, is what led to his breakthrough season in 2001. The range and rage of the artist-warrior combine was more than a handful for most opponents. He won his first Grand Slam title in 2003 and went from strength to strength. His domination was total and complete. He didn’t need to fight, he was winning at will.
The tide has turned and Federer will have to awaken the warrior within if wants to win more Grand Slams. Whether he’ll ever be number one again though is another matter. He’s only 27 and has another couple of years at least at the top, but week-in and week-out dominance may have passed him, just as his dream to win the French Open, the only major he hasn’t won.
No matter how close Nadal had come to beating Federer at Wimbledon in 2007, the Swiss never fully expected the Spaniard could pull it off on the courts he had made his own over the years. His 2008 loss at the All England Club shook Federer at the core. Clearly, he needed to do more. He needed to go to battle.
If anything that should serve as a warning for the coming season. Federer has almost two months before he kicks-off the next year. There’ll be time enough to recoup and reinvent. A blast from the past may well be the story of 2009.
REIGN OF TOUCH 2008: Federer’s four-year reign as No. 1 came to an end. Won four titles in eight finals, including his fifth straight US Open crown. Year-end ranking 2.
2007: Finished No. 1 for a fourth straight year. Won eight titles in 12 finals, including three Grand Slam crowns. Yearendranking 1
2006: Finished No. 1 for third straight year. Won 12 titles, including three Grand Slam crowns. Year-end ranking 1.
2005: Finished No. 1 for second straight year. Won 11 titles, including two Grand Slams. Year-end ranking 1.
2004: Won 11 titles in as many finals, including three Grand Slam titles. Year-end ranking 1.
2003: Won seven titles in nine finals, including his first Grand Slam crown at Wimbledon. Year-end ranking 2.
2002: Opened the season with a title in Sydney and earned first Masters title in Hamburg and another in Vienna. Year-end ranking 6.
2001: Won first ATP title in Milan. Year-end ranking 13. 2000: Reached first ATP final in Marseille and also in native Basel. Lost in bronze medal match to Di Pasquale at Sydney Olympics. Year-end ranking 29.
1999: Youngest player (18 years, 4 months) to finish in the top 100 and advanced to his first ATP semifinal in Vienna. Year-end ranking 65.
1998: Best result was reaching the quarterfinal in Toulouse. Year-end ranking 301.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Defau...Mode=HTML&GZ=T
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/8...fan-looks-back
Roger Federer: A Fan Looks Back
Tennis—the beautiful sport of balls, nets, and racquets—has seen some of the most glorious and glittering careers in the world of sports.
It has seen the legends like Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras, Andre Kirk Agassi, and countless other sparkling performers, players who have written the stories of their unreplicable journeys of disappointments and exhilarations in indelible ink in the history books of this great sport. And more importantly, they've written it in the hearts of millions of Sport-Lovers who have seen and fallen into raptures at the sight of Great Victories, Broken into tears at the sight of heart-wrenching falls.
With each passing era came its own unique excitements and styles. From Laver's Grand Era to Borg's 'Ice-men' kind, from McEnroe's temperamental style to Sampras' serene kind, From serve and Volley to the pukka baseline play—the sport and players had always only evolved with time and for good.
The process has been slow and steady.
And then, a little after the fall of the new Millennium, the world witnessed one of the most astonishing eras of the Great Sport, An Era which dawned at the Holy Grail of Tennis—the Lush Green Lawns of The Championships. The birth of a Champion who is today, probably the Greatest ever to play this sport (and saying 'Probably' may be being unfair to him).
A man who has given this wonderful sport the kind of Meaning and Definition like none before him had. A certain Genius hailing from the Alpine hills of the Playground of Europe. A guy who could do practically anything with a Tennis Racquet.
It may have actually begun one fine Monday afternoon in mid-2001, when the world sat back expecting another Pete Sampras win at the Center Court of Wimbledon. Instead, what they witnessed was a Lawn Tennis Masterclass from a virtually unknown Swiss Teenager (Not many really remembered and recognised this Young boy who had broken down uncontrollably during the presentation at the Sydney Olympics, where he had ended up in the agonising fourth position).
Sampras had had a Poor year, but this was Wimbledon, his Private Property, he couldnt lose here, right?...Wrong. In a memorable five-set thriller, a 19-year-old Swiss prodigy dethroned the King of Wimbledon, the winner of seven of the last eight Championships.
The Most significant implication of this match at that time to the Tennis World might have been the now un-ignorable signs of the impending fall of curtains in the career of Pistol Pete.
But today, on retrospection, one feels that what was most remarkable about this match was the manner in which this young man had 'served' and 'returned' out the Great Sampras, the astonishing similarity in the styles of play and the tantalising array of shots. He lost his very next match in the tournament. But Tennis lovers knew they had just witnessed the Birth of a New Champion, who had played and outplayed the Master, who had just passed the ultimate test as far as Lawn Tennis is concerned.
The Era took its time to unfold, and in that interval, a good many had started questioning this man's ability to really 'Get there, where he truly belongs'. He had a quick Temper, he used to abandon his strategies on court a bit too soon if they didn't work out right, he used to get frustrated too quickly.Simply put, he just was yet to become the Champion he had the potential to, but the makings were evident.
Then 2003 happened, The Breakthrough year of this Promising player. Coming from some First-Round losses, bearing the memory of his disastrous Opening Round Exit at Wimbledon the year before, he came into The Championships determined to make a few amends. And what we saw was one of the most masterful Grand Slam Campaigns ever, winning the most coveted Silverware in the world of Tennis dropping just a single set throughout the Tournament.
Finally he had arrived.
And he was different. He didn't have height that casts a long shadow or muscles that shouted at you. And he played the sport which is yet to be given the sporting credit it deserves.
In the new era of Power-Hitters, of double handed backhanders, this man played elegant, Swift, Graceful, creative and 'beautiful-looking' Tennis. His Forehand Looked and WAS Devastating. His Serve looked unpredictable. His half Volleys always hit the bull's eye, and his baseline play was most impeccable. And of course, The pleasure of watching the Single Handed Backhand, a quality one at that, in action is one of its kind..
This man was fast becoming one with no seeming weakness at all. He was Destiny's Child.
He was Roger Federer.
Before we realised it, an unofficial Rule had been written down to the guidelines of Tennis: No one beats Roger Federer, especially and most importantly, on the big stages. For that, the Swiss needed to have a Big off day (and he didn't have many of those) or it was the Matador of Spin, Rafael Nadal on Clay.
And Losing to Nadal on Clay was very soon to be acknowledged as 'No Crime', even for a Superhuman, as the Spaniard was to become (and still remains) a 'yet to be recognised' species on Clay. So It became the Fact of the Game - Federer = unbeatable on any surface barring the red Clay.
He would win 10 of the 15 tournaments he participates in, and those he doesn't win are either on Clay against Nadal or it is because of exhaustion.
But Roger Federer cannot, will not and doesn't fail.
He would ghost past opponents in a flurry. He had an answer to every question you could possibly throw at him. Even as you marvel a shot you have just made, something whizzes past you and you hear 'Game, Set, Match Federer'. You say, 'Uh what just happened? What did he just do?'...Yeah That was a winner from him, he got to that ball, he hit that ball in that angle, That is a winner and the Match is over.
Every time a Challenger came close to threatening his throne, The Swiss was quick to fend him off by starting some 40-match winning streaks.
Every time he entered a rare dry patch, he would bounce back at the most unlikely of Tournaments, beating the Most unlikely of Opponents—for example, the Title-less three months post AO '07 which was to be followed up with a thumping victory of Nadal on Clay at Hamburg.
Every time critics started raising their eyebrows - take for example the surprise back-to-back defeats in 2007 at Paris and Shanghai(Rob Rd 1), He would follow it up with a most masterful and comprehensive performance in the Showdown of the Year.
He had all the Gears: A, B, C, D, E...You name it. Other players in the circuit couldn't stop praising the man, The Lovers of the sport couldn't get enough of him, The Media was left wanting more and more.
He was The Mighty Federer. The Man to Beat.
And at some point or the other, he himself started believing, not just in his greatness but also in his infallibility.
And then happened...2008. And things changed.
This was supposed to be THE year..The Year Federer was to Break Sampras' Big Record of Slams. But Things didnt work out as planned.
He was outplayed at Melbourne by a most deserving Novak Djokovic, humiliated on the Red dirt of Roland Garros by the man who was becoming the biggest Nightmare for the man and his fans alike. Then, the big blow—robbed at his own backyard, the place he had virtually owned, in that agonisingly incredible and immortal match in SW19, stunned at the Quadrennial Extravaganza by a player who had never beaten him in their past some eight clashes.
He suffered disappointment after disappointment and to punctuate these hard losses were...well...losses again to players who had seemed peanuts in front of him just a few months ago.
And finally, after fondling his beloved crown for a mind-boggling Number of 237 straight weeks - Now even thinking that someone will break such kind of a record seems crazy- he was stripped of the No. 1 status.
The Ever so pleasant faced Federer slowly seemed to acquire a haunted look on-court.
Detractors began opening their mouths wide and loud, fans began to shiver, and he himself was unable to understand what was going wrong with him this year...It wasn't supposed to turn out this way, right?
There was no respite for the infallible Fed - because he had finally fallen. He was no longer the Numero Uno, He was no longer the Man to Beat.
And he took it very hard, It hurt him terribly, this.
Coming into the US Open, he was, for the first time since February 2004, The second seed. The Defending Champion wasn't expected to pull off 'great things' this year in the Land of Apples.
But come the Flushing Meadows, The fallen King was determined to set a few things right. Against all the odds stacked against him, he survived Dogfights to reach his 5th straight final where he met a first timer in Slam Finals. But he had met even a veteran of Slams, on that fine Monday evening at New York, it would have been difficult to deny this man who was looking more desperate, more stubborn and more determined than ever. It just meant that Andy Murray was destined to learn what these 'Big maches' take, the hard way.
The Swiss Express was back to being on top of the world, If only for a short time. But this victory was a clear message from the man. He was nowhere close to being done with winning Tennis matches and Tournaments.
It has been a long, punishing and unforgiving year for the Great man, and on retrospect, has indeed been a poor year - and I don't add 'by his lofty standards' for the sake of it, because we are talking about a man who makes history for a living, who lives in a planet to which we are denied visiting rights, a man whose ego has been the fountainhead of his success.
He has had ups and downs in this troubled season, But there have been bright spots and this time around, both he and his fans have celebrated them more heartily than before.
And the final image that he has left to his fans this year has been one to be proud of—The Image of a Man who was plagued with a Stiff back but refused to show the disrespect to the sport of quitting halfway through the match.
The Parting words have been "I don't quit once I step on court. Guess you got to drill me one in the eye, then maybe. But otherwise I don't quit."
The Last impression has been one of resilience.
After all, its times like these we learn to live again...
A tough year to start with, a tough year to end, now the man will have a richly deserved break from the marathon to keep his ranking intact (and Improve it). He will return fitter, stronger, motivated and finer when 2009 comes calling and there is nothing that he would love more than take flight yet again...The Great Federer Flight...
While his wings may no longer flap as easily and effortlessly as before, and may flutter now and then, at the end of the day it would do to remember that this is a man who ran towards fame, grabbed his glory, hugged his victories with tears - no one who has witnessed it are likely to forget his 'On the rough' speech at the Melbourne Park in 2006 - and had to be, quite literally, wrestled off his throne, A man who has an indomitable spirit, the Heart of a Champion...
And as someone rightly said, there may never be another in this sport (or any other for that matter), to fly so far, so ahead, and so close to the sun as Roger Federer.
Viva La Roger.
Fed vs Murray TMC 2008
Part1. http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VOQGUS1J
Part2. http://www.megaupload.com/cn/?d=TY9TPK1Q
Part3. http://www.megaupload.com/cn/?d=CLLFFJFI
Part4. http://www.megaupload.com/cn/?d=WC6G8BCU
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/8...attle-for-no-2
Roger Federer Vs. Novak Djokovic: The Battle for No. 2
He was down love to three in the third set. He sat down pondering and the watching world wondered whether this would be the first time in 766 career matches that he would retire from a match. His back seemed to be killing him. But he decided, he would play on. He would give it his all to win this one no matter what.
He fought, he fought and he fought. He refused to let his fans down, let the sport down, let himself down. He saved one match point after the other, but alas, eight was all he could manage.
He almost pulled off the miracle he wanted to, but the bottom line—he had lost. To the subdued applause of the crowd, his opponent got his first wish - Send Roger Federer packing from the tournament. And the Swiss left the court after playing his final match of the year, a year in which the great man had to sit through much nonsense, to the loud and clear standing ovation of the Chinese.
So much about "A True Champion" who had lost.
But now onto the new 'Master of Masters.'
He was the clear No. 1 player in the world for the first quarter of the year. And soon, he became the forgotten of the Top Four as the season approached its end. Another was already being touted The No. 3 man.
While a certain Spanish sensation hogged all the limelight, while the focus turned to a Swiss Star's 'fall' and a Serbian Gun started to flounder, a new face appeared—Andy Murray.
The Scot had an impressive second half to the season which saw his rise to the fourth spot in the rankings. With the culmination of the 'slams fever', the talk was about Federer's return, Murray's rise and Nadal's conquests. Novak Djokovic seemed the lost of the 'Big four'.
And the young Serb had a point to prove. And That he did - the reigning King of Melbourne stunned a lot of people by becoming only the second man in the current Top 10 to claim the prestigious YEC.
The Year end Rankings do not lie.
Rafael Nadal has been the undoubted Tennis Star of the year. With the beginning of the 'Nadal' season (read 'Clay'), The Majorcan started murdering opponents left and right, and this time around, not just on his favourite surface. Winning a whooping eight titles this year, including Two Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold, the Spaniard sits pretty on top of the mountain as the World's best Tennis player.
On his way to glory, Nadal dethroned a certain Swiss gentleman who had so far seemed naturally affixed to the Title of Numero Uno.
And so we had it, after nearly four years and a half, Roger Federer was to play the unfamiliar role - one he clearly does not like -of the World No. 2. But for how long?
With his first ever Robin Round exit in the Season ending Masters Cup, Roger Federer now stands in serious danger of being relegated into the spot below. Yes, the Swiss star would be thanking his lucky stars that after starting the year some thousand points ahead of his nearest competitor, The World No. 2, he has not ended the year as the third best in the world.
Aided by Federer's early exit, Djokovic's Shanghai triumph has brought him menacingly close to snatching the Swiss' sleep. Federer may end the year as the World No. 2, but Djokovic is closer than ever to the spot now, trailing by a mere 10 points - yes Razor thin, the difference, but still a difference. And it is by the skin of his teeth that Federer hangs to to the No. 2 spot. He knows it, and so does Djokovic.
And this makes things interesting come Australia 2009, for the seeding itself is not predictable at this moment. Will Federer be able to cling on to his No. 2 spot, or will Djokovic go for the kill and get to lead the Bottom half of the Draw for the first time in his career?
The Difference in points can be easily covered and extended by either player at Doha prior to the Battle for supremacy at the Melbourne Park. Either which way, Federer knows he has got his work cut out and so does Djokovic at the first Major of the year.
But irrespective of how the ranking may possible change when the season kick-starts next year, as the Swiss and the Serb mentioned recently, both of them will have their eyes and hearts set on the Numero Uno spot, not the one beneath. It remains to be who will finally get to bite the apple - and of course a Brit and a Spaniard, among others, may have something to say on their part!
With the Winds of Change sweeping the Tennis world Now, 2009 will be a year looked forward to with much anticipation and not for just a couple of reasons.
All we can say is...Bring it on!
Federer Backed By Fans To Regain No. 1 Ranking
http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2008news/no1_battle09.asp
Rafael Nadal may have ended the season as ATP World No. 1 but ATPtennis.com fans believe that his great rival Roger Federer (pictured) will reclaim the year-end No. 1 ranking in 2009.
2008 Year-End ATP Rankings
Forty two per cent of ATPtennis.com readers believe the Swiss will join Ivan Lendl (1989) as the only player to regain the year-end No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings. Lendl finished No. 1 in 1985, '86, '87 - No. 2 in 1988 behind Mats Wilander - then regained the year-end No. 1 in 1989.
Player Percentage of Vote
1 Roger Federer 42%
2 Rafael Nadal 35%
3 Novak Djokovic 12%
4 Andy Murray 8%
5 Other 3%
********************
I too believe, he would have a much better year in 2009 (should win atleast 2 GS to break Pete's record). Everything would depend on his fitness though. If he wins AO (which I think he will), then he would gain points, thereby making Novak to lose some (as he has to defend his points there) which is the need of the hour (the gap between him & Novak is thin as a hair).Quote:
Originally Posted by ajithfederer
I hope he gets enough rest the next 5-6 weeks, rather than playing some exhibition matches...
Omega :yes:
A gist of the article
ATP QUICK POLL
Battle For No. 1 In 2009
November 24, 2008
Federer Backed By Fans To Regain No. 1 Ranking
© AFP/Getty Images
Roger FedererRafael Nadal may have ended the season as ATP World No. 1, but ATPtennis.com fans believe that Roger Federer (pictured) will reclaim the year-end No. 1 ranking in 2009.
In a poll of more than 55,000 fans, 42 per cent of ATPtennis.com readers believe that the Swiss will join Ivan Lendl as the only player to regain the year-end No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings after losing it. Lendl claimed the year-end No. 1 ranking in 1985, '86 and '87 before finishing No. 2 behind Mats Wilander in 1988. He then regained the year-end No. 1 in 1989 and remains the only player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings (since 1973) to achieve that feat.
Quick Poll: Who will finish No. 1 at the end of 2009?
Player
Percentage of Vote
1
Roger Federer
42%
2
Rafael Nadal
35%
3
Novak Djokovic
12%
4
Andy Murray
8%
5
Other
3%
Federer, who lost the No. 1 ranking to Nadal after a record 237 consecutive-week stint on August 18, polled seven per cent more votes than his Spanish rival. Federer ended the year with a 66-15 match record, highlighted by a 13th Grand Slam trophy at the US Open (d. Murray).
Nadal finished the 2008 season with a 1,370 points lead over Federer. The 22-year-old Mallorcan captured eight titles – including Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Olympic gold – and had an 82-11 match record.
DEUCE: Rafael Nadal – Making History In a Hurry
But he will face stiff competition, not only from Federer, if he is to repeat his stellar year.
By capturing the Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai title, Novak Djokovic of Serbia moved within 10 points of Federer in the South African Airways ATP Rankings. The 21-year-old Australian Open winner received 12 per cent of the votes.
Andy Murray, who this year became the first British player to win five titles in the Open Era, could make it a four-way battle for No. 1 next year. The Scot attained the No. 4 ranking following his run to the US Open final in September.
The 21 year old gained eight per cent of the poll that received more than 55,000 votes.
DEUCE: Murray Muscles His Way Into ATP Elite
FOCUS ON ATP'S TOP FOUR IN 2008
Year-End Ranking Player ATP Rankings Points Match Record Titles
1 Rafael Nadal 6,675 82-11 8
2 Roger Federer 5,305 66-15 4
3 Novak Djokovic 5,295 64-17 4
4 Andy Murray 3,720 58-16 5
2008 Year-End South African Airways ATP Rankings
Roger Federer Show: The half-volley
P.S: Is it just me or did anyone else has observed that the youtube video has been enLARGED :huh:
Yes, it indeed has been enlarged..........I am not sure from when though. I did notice it today morning.Quote:
Originally Posted by ajithfederer
Thanks omega.
Roger Federer - beauty serves, aces against J.Tipsarevic
AUS OPEN (2008??)