Sports - Roger Federer Appreciation #1 - Page 9

*Catherine* · 06-14-2008, 01:10 PM

58 VICTORIES!

Roger has reached the final with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Nicolas Kiefer.

I'll post the interviews later

*Catherine* · 06-16-2008, 07:54 AM

Congrats to Roger!

Roger not only celebrated his fifth victory in Halle and his 55th career ATP title yesterday, but also his second tournament victory without dropping serve!

Quote:

Q: Did you get what you wanted out of this week, after Sunday night you weren’t quite sure if you were going to come here for various reasons. And here you are and you won without dropping a set?

FEDERER: I guess once you take the decision to commit and come somewhere, you hope for a good week. But there is never a guarantee. I was just hoping not to have a bad tournament in the first couple of rounds and then look back on maybe four days. It would have been really tough for me loosing on grass again for the first time and having just lost in Paris the final. It would have been a rough few days not having gotten through to the semis or finals. For this reason, I am really excited the way I played, never dropped a service game throughout the week. I think the first time in my career I achieved such a thing by winning a title. So, I couldn’t be more happy. I beat quality players and also my level of play was very good. So, I’m really pleased with my performance.

Q: You look energised. Do you feel that way?
FEDERER: Yes, I feel fine. I never had problems of fatigue this week. Just had some soreness in my legs here and there from the change of surface. Suddenly the calf hurts, then the feet hurt, but then the next day it’s gone. It’s just a matter of getting from clay to grass. The body fells that. But other than that, I felt great, I felt like I had a spring in my step. That’s also a very good sign after what I’ve gone through in the first part of the year.

Q: As usual you played better the important points?
FEDERER: Yes, I wish I could have again returned his first serve a bit better. But we are on grass, so you have to accept it. I just think I didn’t time my forehand return that well. Maybe all week, but again today I struggled a little bit. So, I gave him quite a few easy games early on. But sometimes there is not much you can do about it. I thought he played well in the beginning. From my end, I think important was the passing shot on break point to stay in this first set. Then I guessed well in a few of his serves. I don’t think he served that well anymore as the match went on. I started to get much more my teeth into his service games. This was really when I felt that I was getting the upper hand. From the baseline I was playing very smart, very well, not missing much and when I attacked, I attacked well. So, it was a good performance.

Q: Based on your first answer, did anything surprise you about how well you played this week?
FEDERER: Well I guess a little bit. You come here, you hope for a good week but you never know. Then, when you get through the whole tournament not dropping a service game and not dropping a set, it is a little bit of a surprise, especially I did two hours of practice of grass. It is possible, I’ve showed it as well going from grass to clay. I’ve done that in Gstaad one time with a half an hour practice. It is feasible but it’s not perfect preparation. I know that. But it’s nice to see that in tennis things like this are possible. Sometimes you can recuperate throughout the tournament. I really didn’t feel that I had to because Paris wasn’t that physically difficult this year.

Q: You say you have a spring in your step now. Do you feel that you needed this week to get your mind into the proper mindset for Wimbledon?
FEDERER: Well, I guess a first round loss would not have helped a whole lot. A few wins, once through to the semis is considered a good week. It’s something you can look back on and say ‘okay, I gave me some matches here.’ If you were to lose, you take a few days off, go to Wimbledon and get ready there. But it was never a problem for me because I never lost. So, I don’t have to look at it. I felt the pressure earlier on but played well all the way through. Now, I’m really happy. It’s been a great week for me. It’s only my second title of the year but, again, I’ve been in many finals recently. So, I’m definitely able to back up good matches.

Q: With 10 titles on grass you equalled Sampras today. What does it mean to you?
FEDERER: Well, I didn’t know, but it’s nice. Obviously the consecutive streak is more important to me than equalling a number like ten on grass. There’s not many people, who have grass court titles. Tim Henman for instance never had one. But equalling the 10 titles is not so important for me now. The focus is the bigger picture and that is Wimbledon right now.

Q: Do you think you raised your level every match or do you feel you hit peak earlier than today?
FEDERER: Honestly I think I played well all the matches, except the second round match. That was difficult in terms of my opponent. He played very different tennis. It was awkward for me to play against him and I struggled earlier on. But the other four matches, honestly I felt good out there. I served well, didn’t have that many unforced errors. Actually I thought I played well from the start.

Q: For the big picture: Did you keep an eye on Queens because Nadal won the first set?
FEDERER: No, I’m not up to date with that, but I saw the scores in the semis. It’s nice that they also can back it up right from Paris. Especially Rafa was in the finals against me. To see him doing the same thing is great. I think it’s exciting for tennis that we have two, three players at the moment, who are regularly in the finals and fans can relate to. I think it looks like they are also going to be in great shape for Wimbledon.

Translated German Questions:

Q: That was a final without challenges today. Do you share Boris Becker's opinion, that [challenges] kill it?

R: Well, I think to a certain level it should be allowed, and after that the umpire should also intervene. Where I'm also not a fan of it, is when a one of the rallies is stopped and then the next not. You must decide somewhere. From that I share a bit of his opinion.

Q: How important is the world ranking list at the moment. You have won more 'net' points here, because last year you weren't able to play here. In the Champions Race you have to catch up a bit. Is that also a reason why you are so happy about this title?

R: I am defending my Number 1 probably through the big tournaments. The biggest pressure comes next week. That wasn't here, because I didn't have to defend any points. That has been the same for a long time for me, that I have looked the same on the list. As long as I am the Number 1, that is super, great. I would really like to stay there and will try everything to do that. I know that such a tournament victory helps me, but at the same time I know that the next two, three, months will be important with the Olympics, Wimbledon and US Open. After that you will then see who is still at the front, because there's a lot of points to allot there. Rafa is also playing stronger again. I was not surprised how was was again on clay this year. So it will be interesting to see who will play well on hard court. There are still other players too who will be involved like Davydenko, Roddick etc. So it will certainly be an interesting phase, of the end of the year.

Q: Your fifth victory here in Halle. Does it still feel as good as the first time?

R: Certainly. It is already a bit of a different feeling to winning 7-6 in the third with 6-3, 6-4. That is already clear, but the satisfaction is huge. I am also proud to have played so solidly from the beginning to the end, no set lost, no break given and that with very little preparation from Paris. Those are super things. I am also very proud, that I could continue the streak and already could collect my 55th title. All titles are great, special. Those who say that they don't mean to so much to me anymore, they are very wrong.

Q: Always, when you've won here, you've also won Wimbledon. A good omen.

R: Yes, that is true. So I am also now very pleased of course and will go with big hopes to Wimbledon.

Q: In the second set I had the feeling sometimes, that you played a bit for the crowd? The beautiful rallies?

R: It would be good, if you could play like that. It is already a final. The long rallies were the important points. There I had to show that I will win them, as I always had the feeling that always where I had the chances, Philipp always came back well into the match. Then he served well or somehow come back into the match. There I had to be careful and develop more chances than in the first set. That raised the pressure, and therefore I had to work much harder in the second set. That was a hard match. I knew the dangers playing against Philipp. He has a world class game on grass, and he showed that to some extent again today. He will of course be very difficult to beat in Wimbledon.

*Catherine* · 06-17-2008, 07:26 PM

Roger watching France vs. Italy

*Catherine* · 06-20-2008, 07:09 AM

Wimby practice pics!!

He looks happy

The draw is out..Rogers first opponent...

Has a winning record against Roger, but the last match was 4 yrs ago..

*Catherine* · 06-21-2008, 10:09 AM

Some more Wimby practice pics!

Some pics of his shoes..looking snazzy!

Sparkling_Diamond · 06-21-2008, 10:27 AM

LOLZ, no way Hrbaty will beat Fed this time.

wingster · 06-21-2008, 01:01 PM

wimbledon is just the tournament needed for the fed to get out of his bad GS streak this year

*Catherine* · 06-21-2008, 01:01 PM

I know

Cant wait to see Roger play on Monday!!

ooh...I love this image!!!

naleyforever · 06-21-2008, 01:06 PM

Rodger sat with Tony&Eva

amazing!

Calgaryfan2006 · 06-21-2008, 01:09 PM

Hey, thought I would come in here and say hello.

*Catherine* · 06-21-2008, 01:10 PM

Yes he was sitting with Tony and Eva

And looked beautiful in the process

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calgaryfan2006 (View Post)

Hey, thought I would come in here and say hello.

You should come by more often!

naleyforever · 06-21-2008, 01:13 PM

He looked so good!

*Catherine* · 06-22-2008, 07:13 AM

Roger's interview from today..

Quote:

R. Federer - 22 June

Sunday, 22 June, 2008

Pre-event press interview with Roger Federer, defending men's singles champion and no.1 seed.

THE MODERATOR: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It gives me very great pleasure to introduce our defending men's champion, Roger Federer. Who would like to ask the first question.

Q. You kept a very low profile this Wimbledon so far. Is that because you're tired of the speculation, will he, won't he, or another reason?
ROGER FEDERER: No, just did a little bit less press than usual. That's maybe what you're referring to.

No, I mean, it was just ‑‑ maybe next year I'll do some more again. This year, it's the path I wanted to take.

I've done the same before the French. I just don't want to spend too much time doing those things any more, your know.

The time will come when I'll do some more, but right now I'm quite happy this way.

Q. How would you compare your game now to your game a year ago this time?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, now it's better again. Maybe at the beginning of the year, like I said, I felt a little slow. Just felt a little bit rattled due to the sickness I had.

But today I feel as good again as last year. You know, one year has gone by. I've played plenty of matches. I feel like I'm playing well, which is good.

Q. How would you compare the competition right now versus a year ago?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, the same players are right up there. Novak and Rafa obviously are the guys who are the biggest challengers. You know, they've also had a good beginning to the year.

I think particularly Rafa, you know, who's had the best start ever to his whole campaign, you know, by doing the same things he's always done during the clay court season, and the rest of the year he's been very consistent.

So I think pretty much the same guys. I think the same guys are also the favorites again for Wimbledon this year. You know, with Baghdatis, Hewitt, Murray, Roddick, you know, Nalbandian, all these guys. There hasn't been that much of a change actually.

Q. To what degree do you feel they've narrowed the gap, possibly even at Wimbledon?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, it's a tough call because we only play on grass so little, you know. I mean, they had a good Queen's, you know, Rafa and Novak, so it shows they can play on grass.

But they didn't need to prove that to me by playing well in Queen's. I saw that last year and the year before and the year before. I know what kind of good players they are.

Today you see it more and more, that actually guys can play on all surfaces. You know, you see David Ferrer winning, for instance, in Rosmalen. That maybe wasn't something that was possible to believe in five or ten years ago. Today it's different. Guys that are on the top, I really feel they can play on all surfaces.

Q. How much have you thought about the defeat to Rafa at the French?
ROGER FEDERER: Not a whole lot, to be honest. You know, it's almost easier to forget a loss like that than, let's say, the Rome finals I lost against Rafa with two match points down. Took me much longer to sort of digest.

The French was over in such a hurry. I mean, the French Open, as the whole clay court season was over at the same time, so it's easy just to look forward and concentrate on grass. I won't be on clay for 10 months, so it really hasn't been a problem, you know. I'm happy I haven't been affected by it.

Q. A lot of debate the last couple of weeks about whether you're more vulnerable this year at Wimbledon. Everybody from Borg to Pete Sampras weighing in on the subject. Does it annoy you, amuse you, motivate you?

ROGER FEDERER: Well, I didn't hear. I didn't read the press. I didn't talk to you guys. I didn't read you guys. So, I mean, people say different things. I don't know. I feel like I'm the big favorite obviously for Wimbledon.

It's a huge year for me, you know, going for my sixth. Getting the fifth one was a dream come true already. It's something that's going to be very hard to match, I think, in the future, in the years to come.

It's taken I don't know how many years for me to be able to match Borg's record. I hope I can also match Pete's record of seven Wimbledons here. That's what my focus is.

What other people and players say I cannot control, you know. But you'll always hear good and bad things throughout your career. It's maybe a time where some people talk a little bit too much sometimes.

Q. But if you win this time, will it be your greatest victory here?
ROGER FEDERER: If I win this year?

Q. Yes.
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I'm not sure. You know, I mean, first one is always the most unique one, I guess. On top of that, it was my first Grand Slam victory. I guess the one last year was very meaningful to me, you know, in the circumstances, playing Rafa in a five‑setter at Wimbledon. It's hard to top that one.

But never know what's going to happen this year. So maybe this one will be even better. Who knows.

Q. Speaking about hard to top, what were your observations of what Tiger Woods did last week and if you've had any communication with him since, if you care to share anything about them?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I watched it. I came back from Halle on Sunday. I watched till 3:00 in the morning, and then watched all Monday, as well. I mean, it was a great, great victory for him, especially under the circumstances with his injury, you know.

I really thought he was actually in better shape, because I had brief contact before Paris started and I asked him, before the finals of Paris, and he told me his knee was actually doing okay and stuff. I was quite surprised to see him struggling.

But so happy for him that he got, you know, the victory. It's a huge, huge win for him ‑ one of the biggest ones probably of his career, the way he won it. It's just sad now to see him injured.

But I'm sure he'll bounce back next year and be strong again.

Q. Have you been in touch to any degree since you heard about his injury? What were your thoughts when you heard just how badly he was hurt as he was doing this?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I wished him all the best, hope he gets well soon, you know. But, yeah, I mean, it's quite a severe injury, I'm sure. I'm not quite sure what he has exactly, you know.

I could tell that he was hurting, because Tiger wouldn't show otherwise, I would think.

Q. You were expecting for Rafael to win at Queen's honestly?
ROGER FEDERER: Excuse me?

Q. You were expecting that Rafa winning at Queen's?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, yeah. I mean, why not? He's been on an unbelievable roll on clay. He's proven himself on grass the last few years. I didn't think he was that far off the last couple of years at Queen's, you know. I think one time he gave up maybe. One time he lost against a good player. I'm not sure again.

I mean, I played Rafa now a couple times on grass and I know how strong he is. In the end, I'm not that surprised, no.

Q. Is there anything specific that made you take this more low‑profile approach with the press over the last month or two?
ROGER FEDERER: Not really. I mean, it's just more doing it for ten years. Sometimes you need a little bit of time off. I guess also I've been playing a lot of matches since, let's say, the clay court season or since Indian Wells.

I've really done a lot of tournaments in a row, a lot of media every day, you know, the official press conferences and everything. So I felt like I was talking enough, you know. There's no more really to be said.

On top of that, I don't have much vacation after Wimbledon ends, you know, because the schedule actually keeps on going in a tough way with the Olympics and the US Open. So it's maybe also a way to protect myself and save my energy for the rest of the season.

Q. Comparing with the previous four or five years, how would you sum up your season so far?
ROGER FEDERER: Uhm, well, I think the important part for me is coming right now. You know, from tomorrow on all the way to the US Open for me, it's where I can really judge my season, if it's going to be a good one or maybe, you know, a less good one.

So far it's been okay. You know, I mean, I had some problems at the beginning of the year, the ones we know about. After that I think I bounced back and played better again on clay. I wish I could have done better against Rafa. But a loss is a loss, no matter whether you lose in three or in five.

I'm still pretty proud about achieving, you know, my third French Open final, but for some I guess that's still not good enough. But, anyway, I think this is now the important time for me to see what I can do: Wimbledon, US Open, and the Olympics. This is what it's going to come down to for me anyway.

Q. You mentioned the Olympics. Are you confident you have things figured out, you'll be able to bring your best game to Beijing? I know it's an important tournament for you.
ROGER FEDERER: Look, it's a tricky tournament. It's best‑of‑three the first rounds and then best‑of‑five for the finals. It's a more dangerous tournament than maybe a Grand Slam, you know, where best‑of‑five matches may favor the favorites. You have to see the draw. The draw will be tough. Most of the top players are going there, so I'm looking forward to play well.

Anyway, I feel like I'm exactly where I want to be. I'm playing well again. I'm physically in a good shape again. So things are looking good, but there's never a guarantee. I'm going to try to prepare the best way I can.

Q. Your memories of the two Olympics you participated in, are those good memories, or is it kind of exasperating, because obviously you didn't come away with a medal?
ROGER FEDERER: In 2000, I didn't expect a medal, so it was already a big breakthrough to get to the semis. Then it was sort of disappointing not to get one, having two chances.

But Sydney, for me, was one of the best sporting memories for me, almost as a person or as an athlete. The whole combination for me was quite unique.

Then Athens, for me, was already a bit more disappointing. You know, I was No. 1 seeded, lost in the second round against Berdych. Was close; got a little unfortunate in some points and stuff.

Next thing you know, I had to play doubles after that, as well. It was just really a bad day. Also didn't maybe enjoy that much of Sydney, so I hope Beijing is going to be, again, a better experience for me.

Q. How do you feel about your draw? If you do win, you'll have to play Novak and Rafa.
ROGER FEDERER: Already in the semis. That's good (smiling). Look, I'm happy if that happens, you know what I mean. I go round by round. I think it's a tough draw, you know. It's not one of those predictable draws. I think I have dangerous players, you know, floating in my sections.

You start with, let's say, second round, Soderling is possible maybe. The third round has dangerous players in it, as well. The seeds that come after that, I think they can all play very well on grass, you know. But, of course you'll always have surprises here and there, and then the draw with open up.

I really think it's a tough draw, like something similar to maybe what happened when I played Gasquet and Henman first round. It's a difficult draw.

Q. Could you comment on Spanish players going to the grass finals, Ferrer, Verdasco? What does it mean to you?
ROGER FEDERER: It's good to see, you know. They're good players. The clay‑courters or the Spaniards, you know, they know how to play. It's good to see them finally also making a little bit of a move on grass, because they weren't really that interested in grass till a few years ago still I thought.

Rafa actually has been able to change mentality around for the Spanish players, because he's showing them that it is possible to play well with an aggressive baseline game. And then now doing the same like what Rafa has been doing, and it's good to see.

Q. How much have you thought about last year's final, which you said is sort of hard to top? What carries over from that? In the last year, to what degree has it been on your mind?
ROGER FEDERER: The finals last year?

Q. Yes.
ROGER FEDERER: Well, it's just a nice memory looking back. Just great being part of such a huge final against Rafa and the circumstances. You know, going for my fifth, it was just a perfect setting.

Now, it didn't play on my mind in any way. I moved on, had other things to focus on after that. I felt that all the people were really happy for me. I was able to do the same like what Bjorn Borg did. Then US Open came around, I was able to win that again, had a great end to the season by winning the Masters Cup as well.

It's not really on my mind, you know. It's just something I'm really proud of.

Q. How close do you feel Andy Murray is to being a Grand Slam champion? What do you feel he has to do?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I think he's got the game to put himself into the position, you know. Now, if that's enough to win the Grand Slam in the end, I don't know, because he has tendencies, you know, to struggle against Novak. He has a tendency to struggle against Rafa, as well. He's in that section, with Rafa anyhow, so it will be interesting to see.

But I think Andy Murray's best surface is grass, so I really think it's most dangerous here for anybody.

Q. Having seen up close Tim Henman being under the constant spotlight of the British public, do you have sympathy for Andy? Yet again one person is basically carrying the entire British support with him.
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, it's a tough thing, you know, because you go to the French Open, to the US Open, you know, you have 15 guys in the main draw. Here you have, I don't know, one guy making it in, maybe other ones who get wild cards. I don't know exactly how it works.

It's hard, you know. But I think Andy or Tim, they were guys who could handle it. Also it would be obviously nice if the Brits had also more on the women's side. It would take away some pressure, but that's not the case here.

It is hard and it's tough, you know. Like I said, I haven't read what you guys have been writing, but I think Andy knows he's got a good chance, you know, to do well here. I really think he has a good game to really go very far. We'll see how far it takes him. But should be interesting times for Andy after missing it last year, for instance.

Q. You were elected to the Player Council. With the top three players on the council now, will this mean a change in direction for the tour, do you think?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I think important was, you know, that we, the players, feel like we're represented in the right way. You know, instead of always just being asked in the press maybe, saying stuff from the locker rooms and whatever, I think it was important that also the other players see that we truly care on sort of a council and board level.

I think it's interesting times in tennis. It's good times in tennis because, you know, there's been quite a few changes. But I think it's only for the better.

I don't know the changes yet, but, I mean, it's not gonna affect a whole lot the lower‑ranked players. Maybe what they think, it's now we're only going to look for the top players. I'm going to represent all players like the way we're supposed to.

Q. You mentioned Andy Murray's pressure. What pressure is there for you being No. 1?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I guess it's a different kind of pressure, you know. I mean, I've been on tour now 9, 10 years, so it's obviously very different to his. But playing at home is always a bit more special. It can get the best out of you, but also the worst out of you.

He's shown both sides, I guess, here in the past. He's been injured. He's had a good run, was it two years ago when he beat Andy, then lost to Nalbandian, or three years ago. It's a different type of pressure. I don't know how to explain.

But I prefer mine, you know, to be honest. I just like to be the favorite and like to come in and, you know, try to dominate other players.

Q. All the talk is about you three as the contenders, but Andy Roddick has beaten all three of you this year, been in two Wimbledon finals, perhaps underestimated to previous years. How do you see his chances?
ROGER FEDERER: Very good. Same thing. I think he's been playing well. Clay court season obviously has been disappointing. Not played maybe that much. He actually played okay in, where was it, Rome, where he reached the semis and everything.

Yeah, like you said, I think he's been a little bit under the radar because other guys have been in the spotlight. You know how it is, the ones who win Queen's usually get the headlines anyway. That's something where Andy hasn't been this year after winning it, was it four times maybe as well.

No, for me he's one of the big favorites. I'm happy to see him in the other section of the draw actually.

Q. You mentioned Borg. Are you surprised he's not ranking you before No. 3? He's ranking you as the third best player in the tournament. Are you surprised after what he said about you last year? He was so full of praise.
ROGER FEDERER: Obviously, yeah. That's how quickly things change, you know. I mean, look, it's his opinion. I don't mind what he says. Obviously at the moment he has a microphone under his face and people ask him many, many things. Once he'll sound more critical, once he'll sound more positive.

But it doesn't change much for me. I like when it's praise. When it's something else, when it's more critical, you tend to just forget about it and move on, so...

Yeah, I don't ‑‑ it doesn't affect me much.

Q. It's not disappointing to hear what he's saying?
ROGER FEDERER: Not disappointing, but it's just different. I'm surprised. Let's put it that way.

Q. The girls are starting to wear shorts now. Will you do something new this year, or will you still wear the white jacket?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, look, I'm not going to go skirt yet. I'm not Scottish either. But, yeah, I mean, I'll have something. I'll have a cardigan. I'll make sure I'll be a class act on the court, yeah.

Q. You haven't practiced today at Aorangi. Are you scheduled to practice today?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I've got to go actually. No, I've got practice at 1:00.

Q. At Aorangi Park?
ROGER FEDERER: Yes.

Q. You are so strong on the grass, especially in Wimbledon. What do you think about any tactics in particular for Wimbledon?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, obviously the game changes a whole lot, you know, when you play on grass. I think it really favors my game because of my ability to move, the way I defend, the way I use my shot selection. I think it really works in my favor. I haven't lost in such a long time on grass. Obviously my confidence is really, really high.

Then again, other players are around, you know, to really challenge me. That only motivates me. So it should be an interesting Wimbledon this year.

And another pic..love the shirt! "Pain is only temporary, Victory is forever"

*Catherine* · 06-22-2008, 11:06 PM

Well good luck to Roger in a few hours from now on center court!!

Thought Id share something I saw about Roger's grass court streak.

Quote:

ATP - ROGER BY THE NUMBERS DURING THE GRASS COURT STREAK

59
Open Era grass court winning streak record since his last loss to Mario Ancic in the first round at Wimbledon in 2002

43
Different opponents he has beaten on grass during the streak

34
Has won 34 consecutive matches at the All England Club, second in the Open Era to Borg’s 41

24
The most aces he’s hit in a match during the streak (in ’07 final vs. Rafael Nadal)

16
The number of sets lost in 168 sets played

10
Tied (with Pete Sampras) for the most career grass titles in the Open Era

9
Has defeated nine Top 10 opponents during the streak, including eight at Wimbledon

8
Has only lost eight of 110 sets during his Wimbledon title reign

7
Lost his serve seven times in the tournament in last year’s Wimbledon title run

6
Trying to become the first player since William Renshaw from 1881-86 to win six straight Wimbledon singles titles

5
Last year tied Bjorn Borg’s Open Era record of five consecutive Wimbledon titles (1976-80). Has also won five career titles in Halle

4
The most times he’s been broken in a match (three different times – ’07 Wimbledon final vs. Nadal, ’06 Halle QF vs. O. Rochus, ’04 Wimbledon final vs. Roddick). Saved four match points vs. Rochus in ’04 Halle, the only time he’s faced a match point. Also only lost his serve four times in his Wimbledon title run two years ago

3
Has beaten three opponents three times each during the streak (Richard Gasquet, Nicolas Kiefer, Andy Roddick)

2
The fewest games he’s won in a set (in ’07 final vs. Nadal) in 168 sets played

1
Has been stretched to five sets once during the streak (in ’07 final vs. Nadal)…Also has lost the opening set only once at Wimbledon during the streak (in ’04 Wimbledon final vs. Roddick)

*Catherine* · 06-23-2008, 10:11 AM

Roger celebrated his 60th victory on grass today, winning 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 against Slovakia's Dominik Hrbaty!

PICS!

ohh he looks so beautiful!

Roger's presser...

Quote:

Q. Did it startle you a little bit when Dominik suddenly sat next to you?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah. I looked over and there he was. He asked if I could sit next to me. I said, Sure. There's no problem. There's an extra seat (smiling).

We go way back. Used to play doubles together. Used to practice a lot together. You know, he taught me also a little bit how you're supposed to practice because I was a little bit weak in the beginning of my, you know, men's career and everything. I couldn't practice real hard, so he sort of showed me how it works. He always said if I ever beat him in practice I'd probably be No. 1 in the world. That's exactly how it went. We've had always good fun together. He said it might be his last Wimbledon, so it was almost a little bit emotional. So it was quite nice he did that.

Q. What did you say to him?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, sure you can sit next to me. I said, Well, I mean, also I'm very happy, you know, that you appreciate playing against me. You know, it's a match that was a great honor for him to actually not only play against me, but be my friend. I said, Well, same for me here. It was nice to share that moment on Centre Court together.

Q. Must be the first time you've walked out on Centre Court with people in certain quarters expressing some doubts about your game. Did that have any effect on your psyche, or did it make you more determined going into this first round match?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, again, I haven't been reading and I haven't been listening to what has been said. So, of course then I haven't been affected either. So I've been working in there as defending champion, opening Centre Court, trying to defend the title again. That's all that mattered to me. I came from a good tournament in Halle. I couldn't do any better than not dropping a set, not dropping a service game, so I feel like I'm right there to do the same thing again this week.

Q. Hrbaty has been a bit of a tricky customer in the past. Were you expecting more of a testing match today?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, sort of. Maybe not a whole lot more because I've been practicing with him in Paris, and then as well in Monaco and in Indian Wells, as well. I've seen him struggling with his serve and his elbow. He had elbow surgery. He's not the same player, and he knows that. You could also see that throughout the match. He started to serve more and more double faults. He hasn't always loved this surface. He's struggled in the past, as well.

But, you know, he's been in this situation before 10 years ago against Sampras, you know, when he played Pete in the first round here. So he knew what it was all about. Anyway, it was fun playing against him and it was sort of the match I was hoping to expect. But he played better in the beginning than I thought he would actually.

Q. Anything different about the new grass this year?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, every time you walk out it's beautiful. I mean, the grass is perfect. You really feel like nobody has really walked on it, even though they played the doubles Saturday. It felt very special again. The roof back on felt very natural, as well. It was, you know, nice sun. I thought the grass played very nicely again.

Q. What is your ideal first week? Do you want three or four games as smooth for you as that, or would you rather have a match that's a lot tougher?
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, as long as I pass the rounds I don't really matter if it's five sets or three sets. I really don't. I think the next round will be a difficult match with Soderling. Definitely not to underestimate. If you probably remember him, he was here in the fourth round against Tim one time. Then I think Tim beat him again maybe two years, three years ago, and then I played Tim in the next round.

So he's a good player. Actually, I think grass really suits his game because he's got a great serve. So, I mean, that's my next focus. Not really the first week. I'd love to get through and then find my way into the tournament. I was able now to get through the first round. That was key. That gives me an extra day of practice. Just a good feeling passing sort of the pressure test really.

Q. Your junior years here, sleeping in the dorm, eating the English food, what do you remember coming as a junior player coming in here?
ROGER FEDERER: I remember it as a really fun time. Juniors is just a little bit more relaxed in some ways because you're trying to be professional, but sometimes you're not. You think you are, and the coach is telling you you're not. It's just a hard thing. You think you're doing the right things, and all the time you I almost had the feeling sometimes I was working harder back then than today, you know, because everything seemed so much more complicated. I remember sleeping they dorm at Roehampton. It was a fun thing to do, as well. Felt like sort of a little Davis Cup team in an amateur way. Then once you play Roehampton and you got here the second week of Wimbledon, these are the moments you sort of dream about, you know, sort of rubbing shoulders with the best players and just being around, I think.

Then if you get a chance, playing with the top guys, you know, it was like a big thrill. Yeah, I mean, anyway, I had a blast in juniors. That's why it's so nice to see also guys I played against from junior times also playing today actually at the best of levels.

Q. How relieved are you when you get a start like this?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, it's great, you know, because I did feel all of a sudden like a little pressure about two minutes before I went on court. I felt like, Wow, okay, here we go. Let's try to get off to a good start. I did. I don't think I dropped a point in the first few games. That was a great start. Then that right away obviously put away the pressure. I could just concentrate on trying to play well. Pressure sort of left pretty quickly.

Q. Are the first few rounds extra nerve wracking?
ROGER FEDERER: I would think the first one and the finals. The rest is okay (smiling).

Q. Your next opponent, Soderling, you played him six times. Some people say he should be a top 10 player, but he's missing the mental approach. Is there something about his game?
ROGER FEDERER: Look, I mean, you need a few things to get to the top. I guess one is mental, one is physical, one is technique, tactics, talent. In the end, you put a lot of things together and you see who's at the top. But Robin is a dangerous player, because, like you say, maybe on one particular day he can play top 10 without a problem because he's got a big game, great serve, aggressive baseline. That is what you need today.

Against me, he's had some issues, like you say, maybe not playing great in the most important moments. He gave up against me in Miami, which surprised me, you know. Those are just signs sometimes of being a little mentally weak. But nevertheless, you know, he's a guy I respect a lot. It's not a whole lot of fun playing against him in the second round of Wimbledon already. We'll see what happens. I won't underestimate him, that's for sure.

Q. When you're so far superior to an opponent, as you were today, particularly when it's a good friend, are there any feelings of awkwardness or discomfort in winning so efficiently and sort of ruthlessly?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, not really. I mean, I think I've passed those times. You always know it would be much worse if the whole match ends up turning around and you end up losing. It would be much worse of a feeling. That's why you just try to block it out, hope you have a good match. It was fair play from beginning to end. That's what I was hoping for. He had some good points. He hit the shot of the match, you know, behind his back. It was just a great day of tennis. You know, that's how I try to look at it and not really on the side of, you know, poor guy and stuff. You know, maybe some of the spectators see it that way, but I don't think that Dominik saw it that way.

Q. Where did the idea for the sweater come from? How much say did you have in the design?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, obviously, it was Nike. You know, we've been talking, what could we do? I thought two jackets also was enough. Let's move on to something a little bit different. Maybe, again, the jacket will be back against next year. I think it was just something different would be nice. We thought about something nice, like a cardigan, a jumper. I think the result is nice, as well. I have a belt as well this year. Just some new fresh things. It's nice. It's a little bit more easier to wear than the jacket, to be honest.

Up next..the tricky Soderling