Sports - Roger Federer Appreciation #1 - Page 5

*Catherine* · 04-20-2008, 03:25 AM

Roger has reached his first final in 2008 after defeating Denis Gremelmayr 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.

In the final he plays Nikolay Davydenko! Tough tough match! Hope Roger pulls out the win!

Lets go Roger!

Avatar · 04-20-2008, 01:57 PM

That last pic is brilliant!

And the Fed won when N-Dav retired with an injury - you never want that to happen to a player, but you can't really do anything about it. Now on to Monte Carlo!

*Catherine* · 04-20-2008, 06:17 PM

Yes, Roger won his first title of 2008 with a 7-6 (7-5), 1-2 win. It was a pity that the match had to end with Davydenko retiring though.

Quote:

That last pic is brilliant!

Isnt it? I freakin LOVE it. I'm gunna post it for all of the clay court season events

More Pictures!!

Avatar · 04-23-2008, 10:59 AM

I know it's a Spaniard on clay, but for Roger to come within two points of losing to a 137th-ranked qualifier doesn't exactly fill me with confidence - I'm thinking the mono has set him back more than he wants to admit.

*Catherine* · 04-23-2008, 03:10 PM

Roger was two points from an exit from the Monte Carlo Masters before rallying to beat Spanish qualifier Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 to reach the third round.

He was down 1-5 in the 3rd set

Great comeback though.

Quote:

I'm thinking the mono has set him back more than he wants to admit.

I think so too, and I believe he will still struggle with bouts of fatigue. It's part of the illness and depending on its severity, can last several months, if not way longer. He said it himself today - "i felt slow". And he didnt look like Roger. Infact for all his matches he hasnt looked like the old Roger.

I'm just so glad he fought through this match..

Some pictures!

Next match...Gael Monfils...

*Catherine* · 04-24-2008, 07:07 AM

Well Roger had a bit of an easier time today, winning 6-3 6-4!

Some vids..(not made by me)

Forehand slice winner!!

Look at that forehand…

Not sure right now who he will play next, but its looking like Nalby.

*Catherine* · 04-25-2008, 09:02 AM

Well he DID play Nalby today, and it was a good match, with Roger WINNING

5-7, 6-2 6-2

He took advantage of his break points today..was 5/5

Forehand down the line..

Brilliant drop shot..

Match point..

He was really fired up!

Next up...quite possibly Djoker. He hasnt played yet today, but, he'll probably win. Wont that be a great match. Best of luck to Roger!

*Catherine* · 04-26-2008, 12:24 PM

Huge congrats to Roger for winning against Djoker today, 6-3, 3-2.!!!

He broke Djoker twice in the second set ( Djoker broke back once), and then, Djoker retired

But Roger was rocking today. He missed a few shots here and there, but overall, it was great watching him. The crowd was totally FOR Roger, and I LOVED when he told Djoker's parents to "Be quiet". They deserve it, they are really annoying.

A little article that sums up my feelings about the retirement...

Quote:

April 26th, 2008

Djokovic Taps Out Again, Sets Up Federer v. Nadal Monte Carlo Final

by Sean Randall

When the going gets tough, sometimes the tough and the not so tough quit. And that’s just what the not so tough Novak Djokovic did today, just as he has done before, hitting the eject button when things turned against him in a big match.

Today in the Monte Carlo semifinals, Djokovic retired with a breathing illness to Roger Federer after getting broken to go down 6-3, 3-2. The retirement follows a mysterious pattern of in-match withdrawals by the Serb, who pulled a similar act against Nadal at the French Open, Nadal at Wimbledon and even against Davydenko this year in Davis Cup.

And I feel confident in speaking for many tennis fans in saying that we are tired of this act.

You play to win. You don’t play to quit. If Novak’s looking to make fans and gain their respect, this isn’t how to do it.

In Novak’s defense, I understand he’s had a breathing problem, one that was serious enough to require surgery. So it’s there. That’s a fact. It’s been an issue. But Novak, what I cannot understand is if it’s that serious how come you don’t ever retire when you are winning? And why is it only against the top guys and at moments when you feel like the match is no longer within grasp that decide to wave the white flag?

I think it’s safe to say the guy has a game of a No. 1 player, but much like Richard Gasquet, his fate is going to be determined by what goes on between his ears. And right now he’s not right up there.

Sure there’s a physical component, but it’s seems to be more mental with Novak because he feels it more in the tougher times. And his ego maybe does get the best of him.

Part of being a great tennis player is being a great fighter. And Novak really hasn’t shown much of that fighting spirit up to this point in his career. Even today, if this guy needed to draw some inspiration to continue and possibly come back – it wasn’t like he was playing bad either! – all he needed to do was to look across at the net at Federer who could have easily mailed it in when in the second round Ruben Ramirez-Hidalgo had him by the throat up 5-1 in the third set. To his credit Federer didn’t quit and now look how nicely it’s paid off. Federer didn’t get to No. 1, didn’t win 12 Slams, by being a great frontrunner. There’s more to it.

Novak is going to need to learn that. And last I checked - and I’m no tennis historian - but I don’t recall too man guys with a history of retirements ever reaching the No. 1 ranking. Marcelo Rios had a lot of injuries, so did Gustavo Kuerten. Andy Roddick had issues early in his career, but he’s overcome them. And has Roger Federer ever retired from a match? I can’t remember.

So Novak, you can’t retire your way to No. 1. It’s not going to happen that way. Few doubt your game, but what’s going on between your ears is another matter. You have a lot of money now, hire a psychologist or two and a good trainer and get it worked out in your head. And stop sapping your strength by bouncing the ball a thousand times (I get dizzy also just watching that!), re-adjusting your hat and doing imitations. Save your energy for actual play.

(Imitating Novak would be easy. Just bend over in exhaustion, take a few deep breaths, fall to your knees a few times, look distressed and then signal to the chair umpire. That’s Novak. You don’t even need to do the ball bounce routine.)

As for the match, Federer continued his high level he had set from his Nalbandian win. He looked that good, that impressive. (Did Fed really yell at Novak’s parents telling them to “Shut up” as the announced hinted? If so that was great!). But will it be enough tomorrow against Nadal? Will he continue on this revenge tour? Probably not. I have to stick with Nadal in that one.

I think it will help Federer in getting such a quick match today after a few three setters this week, but this is Nadal’s surface, Nadal’s time of year. He’s built for clay supremacy. And of course Nadal’s got Fed’s number, especially on clay.

Federer, though, I think is playing at a level now where if Nadal is off his game the Swiss can take it. And he’ll be playing without a lot of pressure. But Roger’s going to have to play impeccably and aggressively. Attacking when it’s right and even using that new drop shot of his.

I guess the one bright side of Novak’s retirement is that we do get the Federer-Nadal matchup. And we are assured no one’s going to hit the eject button during tomorrow’s final.

Tomorrows final should be GREAT, if Roger can keep his play up. Im really looking forward to watching it. Its going to be tough to win, all credit to Rafa...but should still be exciting!

*Catherine* · 05-08-2008, 09:33 PM

Well, I've kinda fallen off with the reporting.

Roger is still on track for a first title in Rome after defeating Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (4), 6-3 in his third round clash.

Some pictures..

up next...Radek Stepanek!

*Catherine* · 05-11-2008, 10:04 AM

Well Rome is over, and obviously Roger didn't win

Lost in the QF to Stepanek. He played alright though. In the match against Stepanek Roger won more total service points, more total return points - more points in the match period. It was the big points that let him down.

on the Hamburg, where he has won for the past few years. Hopefully he can keep up that trend!

SportyChick · 05-11-2008, 12:15 PM

Im a huge fan of Fed , never stopped by this thread or seen it before but great updates of pictures and news .

*Catherine* · 05-11-2008, 02:58 PM

Thanks! I have a huge obsession with him, and it was killing me there wasnt a thread. Not many people post but I like to always keep it up to date anyways

*Catherine* · 05-12-2008, 07:36 AM

So Hamburg is now underway...

Roger will first play the winner of the Jarkko Nieminen VS Rainer Schuettler match, which is scheduled for Tuesday. So Roger's first match will be Wednesday.

*Catherine* · 05-13-2008, 11:09 AM

Roger will be playing Jarkko tomorrow..and he is up third on center court

*Catherine* · 05-14-2008, 11:30 AM

Well the FedExpress has started rolling...Congrats to Roger for winning in straight sets today, 6-1, 6-3. Total match time: 58 minutes.

He did miss several shot, and he kept giving the break back after breaking Jarkko in the second set, but..a win is a win..

Quote:

Press Conference with ROGER FEDERER

Hamburg, 14 May 2008

Federer - Nieminen 6:1, 6:3

Q: --

FEDERER: I think I had a good start today. I am happy with my serve and the way I played from the baseline. He is a tough player, even though I have a good success against him. He can cause difficulties. I played him in the final in Basel a few weeks ago. It was a tough match. I am happy with my first round here.

Q: Is it a special feeling for you to come back here?

FEDERER: Obviously when I come here and go on the Centre Court I think of the success I had here. And then when I played the first point, a forehand down the line, I thought it obviously works for me here. And obviously to come back as the defending champion, that's pressure, but it's nice because you have good memories from the year before.

Q: Could you give us a word about the news of Justine Henin?

FEDERER: I heard, but I did not hear reasons. It's obviously a shock for the tennis world, no doubt. She's No. 1 in the world. So, it's particularly surprising because it's a month away from the French Open and two months from Wimbledon which she hasn't been able to win. So, it's quite surprising. But she definitely has her reasons. It's unfortunate she's out of the game.

Q: At the beginning of the clay court season, you started to work with a new coach. What was the aim? To win Roland Garros or just to improve your game on clay?

FEDERER: I didn't hire him for clay. I didn't hire him to win the French Open. It's part of becoming a better player. Obviously the focus is on clay at the moment, so it looks like he's only here for that but I spoke to him already for the future, for after Paris. We had a couple of weeks test, they went very well. We had to get to know each other a little bit. Things went fine and I was happy with what he told me, with our communication. He went back as planned. He was always going to go back to the States after Monaco and he's going to come back for Paris. So, things are looking good. But just to make sure that you guys understand, I didn't hire him for clay only. I had the feeling that he was the right coach at this time. Some people say I took him because I was not playing so well maybe. This had nothing to do with it. I don't work this way.

Q: What did he improve in your game?

FEDERER: So far, we haven't had enough time on the practice court yet. He arrived a few days before Estoril and I just changed surface. I've been having too many match days really. So, it's been more of talking than being able to really improve a few things. He told me a few advice, tactics here and there, but in the end, I have to take the right decisions on the court that work in my favour for the match. That's why I was particularly happy that I played so many matches in such a short period of time, so he got a feeling how I play on clay and how he wants to see me play and win the French Open. I think the next week when I arrive early in Paris and have practice times, this is where I can work on few things in particular and it will get a bit easier than just playing matches all the time.

Q: Can you tell me about your plan for next year: Are you going to play Davis Cup with Wawrinka? Do you expect to maybe also win?

FEDERER: Sure, Davis Cup, it's always a chance to win with the No. 1 player in the world. I don't want to be arrogant or anything but it's always an opportunity to beat any team away or at home. Now that Stan has been playing very very well, it's great for him, it's great for our country having again such a good player in the Top 10 after having Hingis and Rosset and Hlasek and myself, having really the next guy, who is an excellent player. I announced a few months ago, I will play Davis Cup against Belgium at home in September. For next year I haven't decided yet.

Q: Will you decide at the end of the year?

FEDERER: Midway through, end of the year.

Q: --

FEDERER: Of course I'm satisfied with my game, but Soderling will surely be a tough opponent for the next round. He beat two good players, Andreev and Tsonga. That was a tough quarter anyway. I didn't know who would get through there. So it's always difficult to play him, even though I was successful against him, but he is a dangerous opponent. He has a good serve and especially a good forehand. He can play tactically as well with less risk. So it will be interesting to play against him on clay. I think I never played him on clay. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the match and hope I will be able to play as well as today.

Q: Could you say something about Justine Henin as a player.

FEDERER: She plays a bit differently than your average female tennis player, which is automatically because of her one-handed backhand. She is rather small, which was more and more obvious during the last years, because more and more tall players came on the tour. So her successes were even more remarkable. She always had the big plus that she could play on all surfaces. It's a shame for tennis when the number 1 player announces her retirement out of the blue. But I hope that she has good reasons and can live with them. But I'm sure she can. A comeback is never out of the question, but usually on the day you announce it you don't want to think of that. But of course I wish her all the best.

Q: Can you imagine that personal reasons become that strong that you would stop at the age of 26?

FEDERER: Difficult. We are the same age. I was just thinking about it when I was giving the answer. I could not imagine just to say goodbye … That wouldn't be my thing. I have the feeling that I still have so much ahead of me and so many possibilities in tennis. I just love the sport. It would break my heart if I had to stop. Injuries could be a reason, but obviously that's not the case with her. But she did have a difficult time on the Tour with injuries and then the story with her husband, etc. For sure there are reasons which could make you retire. I can imagine that, however not in my situation. Especially as long as I'm the no. 1. Then I would rather wait a year and say "Okay, maybe in a year things will be better." But for sure she has her reasons.

Up next..Robin Soderling