Sports - Roger Federer Appreciation #1

*Catherine* · 01-25-2008, 12:04 PM

Welcome to the 1st Roger Federer Appreciation Thread!

The Man

*Country: Switzerland
*Date of birth: August 8, 1981
*Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
*Weight: 187lbs
*Hair Color: Dark brown
*Eye Color: Brown
*Turned Pro: 1998
*Plays: Right-handed; one-handed backhand
*Hobbies:Sports (golf, soccer, skiing), friends, Playstation, music, playing cards
*Former Idols: Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg
*considers Swiss German his first language, but also speaks German, French, and English fluently
*Established the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 to help disadvantaged people and to promote sports to youth.
*Appointed a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF from 2006
*Named as one of the 100 most influential people in 2007.

Grand Slam results:

Australian Open W (2004, 2006, 2007)
French Open F (2006, 2007, 2008)
U.S. Open W (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
Wimbledon W (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) F (2008)

Remaining 2008 Schedule of Play:

10.08.08 Olympic Games-Beijing
25.08.08 US Open-New York
06.10.08 Stockholm Open-Stockholm
13.10.08 Mutua Madrilena Masters-Madrid
20.10.08 Davidoff Swiss Indoors-Basel
27.10.08 BNP Paribas Masters-Paris
09.11.08 Tennis Masters Cup-Shanghai

Why he is Number 1

*Federer has been the top ranked player on the ATP list since February 2, 2004

* Federer is the first player to be ranked No. 1 for more than 200 consecutive weeks, thus surpassing Steffi Graf for the all-time record of 186 consecutive weeks among all tennis players, male or female.

*Federer has won five consecutive men's singles titles at Wimbledon (2003-2007), a feat accomplished only by Björn Borg in the open era. In the 34 matches Federer played at Wimbledon during those years, he dropped just eight sets. In comparison, Borg lost nineteen sets over the five year period he won the championships (1976-1980).

*Federer is the only male tennis player to have won eight Grand Slam singles titles in three years (2005-2007), and twelve in five years (2003-2007).

*By winning the 2007 US Open, Federer won his twelfth career Grand Slam singles title to overtake Björn Borg and Rod Laver for a second place on the all-time Grand Slam singles titles leaderboard and just two behind Pete Sampras.

* In the fourth round game against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez at the 2007 US Open Federer set a Grand Slam record of 35 consecutive points on his own service games.

* Federer in 2006 became the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to reach the final of all Grand Slam singles tournaments during a calendar year. He repeated this feat in 2007, becoming the only man to do it two years consecutively.

* By winning the 2007 Australian Open, Federer became the only male tennis player to win three different Grand Slam singles tournaments at least three times each (Australian Open: 3 times; Wimbledon: 5 times; U.S. Open: 4 times).

* Federer has reached a male record seventeen consecutive Grand Slam singles semifinals (2004 Wimbledon through the 2008 Wimbledon...and counting)

*Federer is the only male player to have won three Grand Slam titles in a year three different times in his career

* With his tournament victory at the 2006 Tennis Masters Cup, Federer set a new record of 1,674 ATP Race points, eclipsing his 2005 record of 1,345. He had also held the previous record of 1,267 points in 2004, which had broken Andy Roddick's 907-point total for 2003

* At the 2007 Australian Open, Federer became just the fourth man in the open era to win a Grand Slam singles title without dropping a set.

* Federer holds the record for the highest ATP computer ranking points at any time of the year: 8,370 points on November 20, 2006.

Quotes by Roger

"I fear no one, but respect everyone."
"A man who wins is a man who thinks he can"
"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
"Every day is is a possibility to improve on something"

On his motivation as Unicef Ambassador: "I told the children that I would always be there for them. Children are our future, and for that reason I have tried to inspire them."
On why he is good to ballboys: "I try to be nice to them because you never know, eventually, they may play you and they'll want to beat you because you weren't nice"
On his being named among the Sexiest Men in People Magazine:"..The more success you have, the better looking you get."

"Domination isn't down to poor competition, it's about making the difficult look easy"
"I recognize the responsibility of encouraging us all - player and fans alike - to look and act like champions.”
" When I lose I am disappointed, but I surely respect my opponent when he beats me and thus can congratulate him with a smile."
"I always believe if you're stuck in a hole and maybe things aren't going well you will come out stronger. Everything in life is this way."

"It's always what people see first — for them, that's what you are 'best at.' ... When you see me play, you see a 'beautiful' player — and maybe after that you maybe see that he's fast, maybe you see that he's got a good forehand, maybe then you see that he has a good serve. First, you know, you have a base, and to me, I think it's great, you know, and I'm very lucky to be called basically 'beautiful,' you know, for style of play. ... With me it's, like, 'the beautiful player,' and that's really cool."

"People are intrigued with crazy things, you know, in this day and age, especially with reality TV shows and stuff. I see where they are coming from, but ... I still believe that good manners and politeness is the better way to go. And if that's boring, then I'm sorry for the people who say that it is boring''
"I'm who I am. I'm not trying to be like somebody else. I think every individual should have their own careers. I think nobody has got the same character so I'll be remembered as myself, not that I've been compared to somebody else"

"I would rather be a role model for kids and myself. It's anyway the person I am and I am not going to go out there to be controversial to be just in the media. I think that’s the way to do it for me. Anyway people give me a lot of compliments but that not why I do it. I do it because it is me and it is genuine and so lets see how it goes in the future. Hopefully I stay out of trouble."

“It's not as though you get used to being No 1 in the world, but for me there is pressure at every tournament, from fans, sponsors, the media and not least myself. I expect a lot from myself. I try to give everything I have. It doesn't matter whether the tournament is Estoril or Wimbledon. I always try to give my best.”

"Be quiet, OK?".

Quotes about Roger

"All records will tumble when it comes to Roger Federer"- Bjorn Borg

"Roger can produce tennis shots that should be declared illegal.”

- Tracy Austin

Roger Federer is the best player in any sport today, and it's not close. It's not close."... -Mike Greenberg

"What he's done in tennis, I think, is far greater than what I've done in golf.

- Tiger Woods

"[In the modern game], you're a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist or a hard court specialist ... or you're Roger Federer."
- Jimmy Connors

"I've probably run out of adjectives to describe him on the court to talk about his excellence. He's just unbelievable."

- James Blake

"He’s the most gifted player that I’ve ever seen in my life. I’ve seen a lot of people play. I’ve seen the Lavers, I played against some of the great players-the Samprases, Beckers, Connors, Borgs, you name it. This guy could be the greatest of all time. That, to me, says it all. He’s probably the greatest player that ever lived. He can beat half the guys with his eyes closed!"- John McEnroe

"Roger's got too many shots, too much talent in one body. It's hardly fair that one person can do all this - his backhands, his forehands, volleys, serving, his court position ... the way he moves around the court, you feel like he's barely touching the ground, and that's the sign of a great champion - Rod Laver

"He simply does not have any more weaknesses left in him. It is such a pleasure to see him play. To me, Roger Federer is the right model for anyone aspiring to be a tennis player. It is such a pleasure to just watch him play. His shot-making has got better and I doubt there is any shot he cannot make in any part of the court…. He is such a complete player that I do not see anyone getting better than him for a long time from now."
- Bjorn Borg

"He's probably the most talented person to ever carry a racquet around-the shots that he can come up with, the way he's kind of become a totally complete player. But I think off the court, it's huge. There have been a lot of good champions, but he's just classy. He is never high and mighty in the locker room or anything like that." - Andy Roddick

"I am amazed, not only by the beauty of Roger's game, but also the consistency of his tournament wins. Even more amazing is the fact that he seems to love what he is doing and he handles the pressure so well. Roger is a great champion and ambassador for our sport."
- John McEnroe

"He's a class guy on and off the court. He's fun to watch. Just his athletic ability, what he's able to do on the run. I think he can and will break every tennis record out there."

- Pete Sampras

“Roger is like a good red wine, he’s getting better with age. I think his best years are ahead of him. I think his big years will be when he is 26, 27, 28, as that is when he will be both mature and at his physical peak. I think he will become a better player in many respects. Roger hasn’t even started to use a lot of his game. It’s a challenge for all those trying to stop him. But they are playing against a man who will probably enter tennis history as the best ever" -Tony Roche

Icons
(not made by me!)

Vids

Roger Federer as Religious Experience

The 12 Grand Slams of Roger Federer
Top 10 Best of Roger Federer
The Great Roger Federer
Roger Federer - Simply the Best
Roger Federer can't stop laughing!
Roger Federer

Links
Roger's Official Site
Roger Federer Foundation

Fed Fans

*Catherine*
wingstar
rach3
Avatar
naleyforever
natalie8you
Rinniee
BenMcKenzieAlways
Ms X
CreekFreak
Calgaryfan2006
ASG
colorblind
Nadja_S
~Adema~
Amy_UK
kat99

*If anyone would like to be added to the Fed Fans list, or has any suggestions for the OP, please PM me*

**Credit to Anke for "Playing against history" and G.S.M banner, Jessie for the opening banner. Credit to markeysworld for the gif. The rest of the banners and icons: if you made them, let me know, and I'll credit.

wingster · 01-25-2008, 06:29 PM

thanks for the new thread
and i feel your pain...though i'm sure he'll have more fire come the french open

rach3 · 01-25-2008, 09:05 PM

ooo.. thanks for opening the thread. i love roger, let's hope he can finally win his first French Open title

*Catherine* · 01-26-2008, 01:44 PM

Yes, I have high hopes for the FO this year for some reason

This loss will make him a more resolute person and he will be hungry for the Roland Garros with less pressure of going for 4-in-a-row. It will be a fresh start and Roger will respond with his full attention.

Avatar · 01-27-2008, 06:54 AM

Yay Federer thread! Thanks for starting.

And nice original post too.

I wasn't really surprised at Fed losing to Djokovic - with Fed just coming back from a stomach bug, I think it was in the cards. But I'm sure Federer will come back strongly in the French and especially at Wimbledon.

*Catherine* · 01-27-2008, 03:05 PM

That stupid stomach bug. Actually, I found a translation of an article in German that talks about just how sick Roger was for the Open

Quote:

Poisoning, Fever, Hospital!

Roger Federer was much more ill than he admitted before the Australian Open. He was flat out in hospital for 6 days with fever and diarrhea. With this history his semi final loss is no disappointment, but an outstanding performance of his will.

Before the start of the Australian Open two weeks ago when Federer spoke about his food poisoning, he said something like, 'I woke on Satruday with a fever, and the hospital diagonosed a slight food poisoning. But I felt better very soon however, and now I feel 100% fit.'

Also after the semi final defeat on Friday to Novak Djokovic, he didn't want his disturbed preparation to apply as an excuse. 'Maybe it has played a role, but I don't know'. However, he admitted that he was less quick on the court and less bubbly than he usually felt. No wonder!

It pays tribute to Roger, that he is not looking for excuses, but the truth is otherwise. With a short hospital visit the matter was far from fixed. According to reliable sources of SonntagBlick, Roger's illness was deliberately spoken about little for tactical reasons. They wanted to show the opponents no weakness. They were very pleased that they had succeeded to hide the real health problems of the Swiss.

This also explains why Federer thought the semi final results was 'pretty good'.

This version is further supported by Fitness coach Pierre Paganini. In 'Le Matin' he explained that Federer had suffered 6 days of fever and diarrhea and lost 3kg of body mass. 'That would have laid down any athlete.' Paganini also confirmed that the world number 1 travelled to Australia in the best physical shape.

Under this news, Federer's semi final qualification receives a much higher value. Had Roger declared a forfeit because of his illness, he could have already been replaced by Nadal as No.1 in the coming weeks. Now however, the Basler receives an area of opportunity to bring his body back into top form.

After a break another intensive training phase with Pierre and DC captain Severin Luthi in Dubai is planned. Roger will only come back to tournament events with his 'home tournament' in the desert city in the first week of March. Then really 100% fit.

anyhoo..I just read that Djoker's mom said " the king is dead and time for the new king"...hahaha..she wishes

I really cant stand people who talk like that. I think Djoko's parents rub off on him in that way, which is why, in my opinion, Djoko will never be a great champion, like Roger. He has a good game, I like his style (except how long it takes him to serve..oy), but to hear comments like that from his family, and similar comments from him really make me dislike him..

rach3 · 01-27-2008, 08:18 PM

^ITA about Nole & his family's comments. Roger is a great champion because he's classy on and off court.

*Catherine* · 01-28-2008, 06:37 AM

Yup. And Djoko is young..sure. I get it. And I think all players of any sport have to have confidence..but there is a line between confidence and arrogance.

Roger has done so much for the sport besides win..alot..

and I dont think some people understand that. But oh well.

BTW...I keep editing the OP..if anyone wants to add anything or take anything out..let me know..

*Catherine* · 01-29-2008, 06:15 PM

I read this over at TW... Anyway, it is part of an interview with Mats Wilander..its about the final but kinda sums up some of my feelings. Djoko's family was very disrespectful in the SF too..

Quote:

Swedish interviewer Annette Sjober: "In all your years have you ever seen security having to guard the parents of a player during a match?"

Wilander: "No, that was really unbelievable. I've never seen it
before. Not only security but the lower tournament director sitting by the family box. You know, it seems they [the Djokovic parents] were bothered that the crowd was pro-Tsonga. Well, Tsonga is a modest guy, you know, he's very popular in the locker room and with fans. Novak is, a little, not too modest."

Interviewer: "Do you know why the security guards were by the Djokovic family?"

Wilander: "Well, they are known to talk trash, let's say. Even to players on the court. It's one thing to encourage your player, but they take this to a level I've just never seen. Just because there's some pro-Tsonga people behind them, you know, with their faces painted the French colors, they get upset and complain. I've never heard of a player's family interjecting themselves like this or complaining. That's just sports. Get used to it."

Interviewer: "Novak seemed upset in the first two sets that the crowd wasn't supporting him."

Wilander: "Well again, he needs to get used to it. I've played in
Davis Cup matches where we were booed and heckled and all the rest. It comes with the territory. He's not endearing himself to fans or press people, just a timely warning. It's always better to play down your strengths and not trumpet up your own wins. And the family aspect is very weird at the moment."

Anyway. Happier times!

Quote:

Jan 28, 2008 from Tennis Week:

The swoosh may well become a much more lucrative symbol to Roger Federer next month. Nike is reportedly on the verge of signing the 12-time Grand Slam champion to "the most lucrative tennis endorsement deal ever," according to a published report in the SportsBusiness Journal written by Daniel Kaplan and Terry Lefton.

The 10-year contract extension "could be worth as much as $13 million a year", according to SBJ, though it is unclear how much of that figure is guaranteed and how much is contingent on Federer meeting performance-based incentives.

Federer is a long-time Nike endorser. His prior Nike contract, signed in 2002 without the benefit of an agent (Federer is now represented by IMG's Tony Godsick) and before he had won his first Grand Slam title at the 2003 Wimbledon, paid him about $1 million annually, which is well below market value for a champion of his status.

Though tennis shoes and clothes sales in the United States are not nearly as large as other sports, Federer's popularity in Asia, where tennis is booming, his international appeal and his pursuit of Pete Sampras' record of 14 career gives the company global exposure.

even when he is not playing he is breaking a record in tennis

rach3 · 01-29-2008, 09:20 PM

thanks for the article..

good for roger!

djoko and his family..

*Catherine* · 01-30-2008, 07:29 AM

23 wonders of sport...

Quote:

1. Roger Federer’s top-spin forehand.

We knew he was human before the semi-final defeat in Melbourne, because like Pete Sampras he has not won the French, but Federer. is on the way to being the greatest of them all. The 26-year-old Swiss’ 12 grand-slam titles (three Australian Opens, five consecutive Wimbledons, equalling Bjorn Borg’s record, and four US Opens) don’t tell the story of what it is to watch him. For tennis fans it is a religious experience. To separate his forehand seems churlish, but it's liquid power transcends the rest of his game. Just watch it and breathe. John McEnroe, no easy critic, calls Federer’s top-spin forehand the greatest shot in tennis.

*Catherine* · 01-30-2008, 09:26 PM

Where is Roger now? Visiting the Nike campus

A building at the Nike Campus - taken January 28,
in preparation for "Roger Federer Day"

According to The person who took the pic (a Nike employee): "I watched him play wii tennis and Q&A session with Mr. Knight. Nicest guy ever."

Watch him play Wii tennis?

Oh I wish I could've seen that

And here he is working as a "cashier"

wingster · 01-30-2008, 10:15 PM

thanks for the articles

*Catherine* · 02-01-2008, 04:50 AM

Not a problem!

Quote:

No. 1 Federer looks ahead to French

Thursday January 31, 2008

Roger Federer is hardly dismayed by his Australian Open showing. Indeed, he scoffs at those who talk about his loss there as if it came in an early round rather than the semifinals.

Sure, when asked Thursday about what happened in Melbourne, the No. 1-ranked Federer made a passing reference to "small regrets," such as wishing he'd managed to successfully serve out the first set of his defeat to eventual tournament champion Novak Djokovic.

Federer, though, is really focusing on the future -- particularly on his next chances to add to a career total of 12 Grand Slam singles championships, two shy of Pete Sampras' record.

"It's important to look forward. The bigger picture for me is now looking forward to a very, very tough schedule ahead, with the French Open, Wimbledon, Olympics, U.S. Open. That's going to be an interesting time," Federer said in a conference call to promote his March 10 exhibition match against Sampras at Madison Square Garden. "That's what I'm saving myself for now. Going to get back on the practice court and get ready for that."

Will that preparation -- including for Roland Garros, the only major he's never won -- include working with a coach? Federer hasn't really had one since parting ways with Tony Roche last spring.

He'll sit down in February and try to arrive at a decision. One possibility would be to continue to have Switzerland's Davis Cup captain, Serevin Luethi, travel with him regularly, while also having more experienced coaches drop in from time to time for added help.

"I don't think I can change my game drastically, and I don't think I should, you know? I have the possibility to vary my game, and that's my big strength," Federer said. "In today's game, it's the details, so that's what I have to keep working on. That's maybe the reason why I have to look for someone else" to work with.

He pronounced himself healthy, fully recovered from the stomach bug that prevented him from playing any tuneup matches before the Australian Open.

Last week's setback there against No. 3 Djokovic ended Federer's record streak of reaching 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals.

It did not, however, change the fact that the Swiss star is atop the rankings, just as he has been every day since Feb. 2, 2004.

"Eventually somebody will catch up, but I try to make it as difficult as possible, and that's why I'm happy I actually did play the semis. People, I think, are talking like I lost in the second round or something," Federer said. "But under the circumstances _ having not played a tournament before and maybe being also a bit sick -- I was actually quite happy with the result in the end."

"Of course," he made sure to add, "I wish I could have played better against Djokovic."

naleyforever · 02-03-2008, 03:55 AM

I'm all for this thread go Fede