Sports - Roger Federer Appreciation #2 : To the fans, he will always be the #1! - Page 2

LenH · 08-29-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

"I'm happy, I did my best there and was happy to play with the great Federer. I lost to the man who'll be holding the trophy this year, just wait and see".

I love that so many of his fellow players like him so much. It's great to see... and shows just what a great guy he is on and off the court.

***Catherine*** · 08-31-2008, 01:08 PM

Roger won his 30th consecutive US Open match today, defeating Stepanek 6-3, 6-3, 6-2

He played MUCH better than his last match. He just needs to continue this form all the way through

Pics!!

rawr...

No emotion? Puh-lease

***Catherine*** · 09-01-2008, 07:48 AM

Roger's interview...

Quote:

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You seemed to have very few unforced errors on your forehand side today. That's been an issue since Wimbledon. Is that something you've been working on?

ROGER FEDERER: No, not really. I mean, depends on day form sometimes. And today was pretty breezy, and so you try to keep the ball in the court, you know, not go for the lines too much.

Obviously you're going to have a little bit less errors, you know. He's quite aggressive off the baseline, so, you know, when there's an error it's usually a forced error, that's why the unforced errors count is not so high.

Q. You've come in here last several years with an aura almost of invincibility. Obviously coming in this year a lot of the players are talking about, Hey, James Blake was saying the other day Rafa has every reason to be confident. Other people are saying maybe there is a chink in the armor. Do you think in the course of one two‑week tournament, with commanding performances like you had today, you can reestablish that aura by the latter rounds, should you get there?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I would think so. I mean, that's the advantage I have, you know. If I were to win a big tournament, you know, again, one of those Slams, whatever, right away I have the invincibility factor again, which is great for me.

So that's why ‑‑ that's what I'm working for, you know. I was that close in Wimbledon, you know, so I hope to go a step further and win it this time.

That would definitely help for momentum for the rest of the year.

Q. Do you have that in mind when you're out there playing, to send a message, essentially, you know, in these earlier round matches so should you...
ROGER FEDERER: Not really. It's good for me, you know, to not waste any energy. I'm playing well and moving on in the draw.

At the end of the day, what counts is winning the tournament. And anyway, you forget who you beat, how you won. You forget all the unforced errors you made, and all anybody's going to talk about is the finals. That's how I look at things. I don't try to impress anybody in the early rounds. If it happens, that's great. I don't really care that much.

Q. To play Radek, who did beat you earlier, albeit earlier on clay this year. Is there a special satisfaction in going out and beating in straight sets one of the nine who did beat you earlier in the year?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah. I mean, it's nice to beat him, but I think he did well, you know, played really great in Rome. He served excellent against me. He served and volleyed first and second serve on clay and beat me that way, so it was a pretty tough loss for me, considering Rafa was out of the draw and maybe having an opportunity to back up another great week on clay after winning Estoril and being in the finals of Monaco.

So it kind of hurt, you know, but it's a good win for me. I'm moving on, and that's what I care about right now.

Q. Now that Etienne has decided to step down and you're a new board member, can you discuss the qualities that you would like his replacement to have? And is there one chief issue that you would like that person to really focus in on?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, he's still around till the end of the year, so it's not something I would like to discuss in public, first of all. I mean, it's very important role, and I think the players are much more aware today than they used to be, you know.

So I think it's really interesting times at the moment. We are getting together and really thinking, Should we have somebody from already the sport of tennis? Should it be someone just in sports in general?

Or maybe go further, you know. That's what we're looking at at the moment. Should be interesting to see who in the end it's going to be.

Q. How did you feel going in today? You obviously played a great match. Fewer errors and you only lost serve once. Did you really feel on from the get‑go?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I did feel good today. Conditions were pretty similar than the last round match, so maybe that helped, you know, having a little breeze out there and playing exact same conditions.

I think I returned well, you know, especially in the second serve. I didn't allow him to really have that many different options, you know, off his second serve, and he decided to stay back.

I was good off the baseline. I think I moved well today and really hit some great shots when I needed them. I think all in all I'm really happy. I'm serving well for the first three rounds, and that's always a good sign for the rest of the tournament.

Q. It's been so long since you've not been in the second week of a major, in fact even in the final weekend in a major. Do you remember what you did the last time you were not in the second week of a major?
ROGER FEDERER: Um, I mean, I don't know if it was second week when I lost to Nalbandian here five years ago, but I think it was fourth round or so, as well. But other than that...

Q. Kuerten at the French, third round.
ROGER FEDERER: Against Guga?

Q. Yeah.
ROGER FEDERER: So, I mean, yeah, I don't know. I guess I took a couple days off and I went early to Halle. Maybe that's what I did. I remember those first round losses at Slams, you know, back in the day when the pressure was on. This is nothing anymore. This is easy to handle today.

Of course I'm very proud and happy about my run at the majors, and it's always nice to be a part of the final group, either the final four or final two, you know. That's what it's about. That's why I work out hard.

Have to put myself in the position, and it's always a good feeling. I feel like it could happen here again.

Q. We're approaching the end stretch of the season. What would you consider a successful season for you this year?
ROGER FEDERER: We'll see. See what happens here in a week's time, and we'll see how the indoor season goes, you know. Got an Olympic gold. I played solid throughout the year, even though it was difficult, so it's not the time to analyze a season yet, you know.

I mean, very important stage of this tournament, so that's where my focus is right now.

Q. As you said, you've had difficulties. What would you say was the low of this...
ROGER FEDERER: The low of?

Q. Discouragement.

ROGER FEDERER: How do you mean? I don't understand.

Q. Well, when you felt the worst about what was going on, losing and...
ROGER FEDERER: If you mean losing is worse or just which loss...

Q. Well, that period you went through with an awful lot of losses, and I wonder when you felt the worst.
ROGER FEDERER: I never felt terrible, to be honest. Because every time, you know, maybe things weren't looking that great, either I was in the final of a Slam or I was able to win a tournament, like in Estoril or in Halle.

So I always bounced back right away when things were not looking that good, and same thing after Wimbledon. You know, maybe I was a little bit disappointed but it's still ‑‑ the buzz was bigger about the great match we just played, so I couldn't really look at this match and be completely disappointed.

And then went through maybe the summer didn't win a whole lot of matches, but I won the Olympic gold in doubles.

So I guess I always had sort of a good spirit. I was working out hard. I was in practice and never really down, because this is, I think, when you feel it most, when you go out on the practice court and you wonder what you want to do or change, and I never really felt I had that.

That's a good thing, and I think that's why I'm always very, very positive, still, right now.

Q. James lost last night. Do you think there's any Olympic effect on players, or will be on some of them ‑ maybe not you ‑ but other players?
ROGER FEDERER: Whew, possibly. I would think so on a few guys, you know. But then again, the other guy maybe just had a better day. Who knows? I think Mardy played great.

For instance, yesterday there was not much James could really do. It was at Beijing such a hard call. I don't know. But I think also it's a thing you can judge at the end of the tournament, who really had the big effect.

At the moment, I feel not tired at all anymore, which is a good thing. So that's from my side. But I don't hear many players complain that they're really tired in the locker rooms, which I think is a good thing, at least.

Q. What's been the greatest comeback in your career? And the opposite, the worst‑blown lead in your career?

ROGER FEDERER: The worst‑blown lead, maybe Davis Cup against Lleyton 2003 in the semifinals, serving for the match, two points from it, two sets to Love. But.

My best one, I don't know. Maybe Rafa in Miami. I was down two sets to Love and came back and won. So I guess that.

Roger plays Andreev tomorrow......Once again, the net game and first serve % will be key in this match..

**-wait for it-** · 09-01-2008, 01:49 PM

he played great yesterday....that's the roger we need to see

***Catherine*** · 09-02-2008, 07:17 PM

Congrats to Roger for pulling out the win against Andreev in 5 sets tonight! Oh my..what a match. Moments of greatness ( When he broke in the 5th

) but moments of WTF too..lots of UFE for Roger..but he gets the win, and lives to continue the dream of 5 straight US Open titles!

And to all those who say Roger never shows emotion..he showed LOTS of it tonight

And the CROWD...wow. 100% for Roger. It was great to see such love from the crowd for him

PICS AND VIDS

I just wanna give him a hug

No emotion? pffft...

When he broke in the 5th set

VIDEO OF THE BREAK

Match Point...

the gifs are by an amazing guy who goes by the name of Mark

***Catherine*** · 09-02-2008, 09:24 PM

Final game and on court interview!

Some more pics..

reacting to a missed point..rarely see this kind of reaction

Presser

Quote:

Q. Did you think there was a chance you were going home today?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, being down a set and tiebreak in the second set, obviously, you know, there's danger written all over that situation. But it's not really that much time to waste, you know, thinking about that kind of stuff.

You just hope that it's going to turn your way. It did. So I'm happy.

Q. Did he really surprise you tonight? And if he did, what did he surprise you with?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, he couldn't really surprise me, because I haven't played him that much. You know, I only played him four years ago. That's such a long time ago.

There I remember set 3 and 4, he started playing really well and I was happy to win in four. Now, today, I've seen him play quite often. I've seen how hard he can hit the ball, how well he can serve. So he was just proving himself tonight what a good player he is, you know.

I expected a tough one, you know. You always was get ready for five‑setters, but they're fun when you play them, you know. Sometimes, of course, they're hard physically and mentally and the pressure is huge on me, you know, because Igor doesn't have a whole lot to lose, you know. For me it's way worse, so I'm very happy with the way we competed tonight.

I think it was really fair. He's a wonderful player.

Q. It seemed like a turning point in that match was that one point where he hit the dropshot. You raced in to get it, the crowd was cheering while you were running in. You lobbed him and then he missed the backhand. Could you hear the crowd cheering as you were running? Did you sense that was a turning point in the match?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, obviously it was a break point, it was huge to get the first break in the fifth set. All I remember was just I was hoping to get the ball back in play, and I had the feeling I had kind of a good contact, but I wasn't sure if it was high enough to make it over the net.

As I was turning around, I looked and I saw him actually attempting to do a dropshot, so I just started to run, and once I got up there, I felt better again after the whole spinning and running and everything. I just thought, you know what, I think even if he can get to it as a volley, he has to backhand smash it, which is probably not his favorite shot and he went in; he missed it. It was a good moment. I think the moment of the night.

Q. You said on your on‑court interview that you were happy with how you played tonight. And you seemed genuinely elated. I mean ‑‑
ROGER FEDERER: Genuinely?

Q. Elated.
ROGER FEDERER: I don't understand "elated" yet.

Q. Happy. A very high point in emotion, if you will.
ROGER FEDERER: Okay.

Q. Do you really feel like, you know, this was, if you could just describe the feeling of the victory tonight? Because you had some tough moments in the match.
ROGER FEDERER: Yes, I think it was ‑‑ it was really entertaining, not only for the fans, but for both of us. I don't remember if I ever played an entire five‑set match on center court. I remember playing Andre in five sets, but that was over two days. Other than that, I don't quite remember that many, you know. I don't give myself the opportunity that much, you know, because I always win easily, and then five‑setters don't happen, you know. (laughter.)

Like this, it's different. It's fun for a change. Same as the Australian Open when I beat Tipseravic 9‑7 in the fifth. Being part of some dogfights, it's fun for me.

I was really happy because in five sets you go through different stages of feelings, of playing well, playing bad. And in the fifth set you try not to make that many errors, and hopefully, you know, you'll get off on a good start. That's exactly what happened.

I was just really pleased with my fighting spirit.

Q. It wasn't an easy match for you, but were you surprised at some of the choices he made, and especially from third set going forward? Some of the decisions he made?
ROGER FEDERER: He made?

Q. Yeah.
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, you know, he's a risky player from the baseline. He takes incredible chances, especially with the forehand. I was struggling in the beginning to really serve. I think he really has got some serious pop on his serve. He's got a great second serve. Nice spin on it, nice pace, as well. So it makes it really hard to really get on the offensive from the start, you know. He was dictating play, so of course he's going to try to change it up a little bit.

No, I mean, I think he played a good match from beginning to end.

Q. Many people are curious about your health situation. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you think you are over your mono that you were working on earlier?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I feel I'm over it, but, you know, maybe I'm not playing, you know, my best yet, you know. Who knows?

But I need to play my best, you know. What I need to do is get through the matches. Hopefully the best match will come at the end of the tournament. That's what I'm looking forward to. I have no complaints. I don't feel I'm extra tired. I'm not scared to be super tired tomorrow. I don't think physically it was that much of a problem. Those are all good signs to have right now.

Q. Going back to the second game of the final set, how much was the turning point emotionally for you? Did you feel it was all downhill from there?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I wasn't really expecting to make a break in that game, because I was sort of against the wind, so I was just trying to ‑‑ hoped to, you know, put pressure on him, and he had I think a bad serving game. I think he had many ‑‑ especially on the deuce side, he missed many first serves. That allowed me to get into the rallies a bit more.

It's hard for him, every shot, you know, to hit winners all the time. So I just hoped to make a little bit less mistakes, and then maybe come up with something when I had to. That's exactly what happened.

So it was sort of a bonus, and I was actually quite disappointed I didn't make a second break. Either on the other side with the wind and then against it again. That put me under a lot of pressure when I had to start serving break points again. So the fifth set was quite a thriller.

Q. Besides being really happy or elated at the end of the match, you showed a lot of raw emotion throughout the match, especially for you in the fourth round. I'm just wondering if that's sort of indicative of letting off steam from what's been a frustrating season?
ROGER FEDERER: It hasn't been that frustrating, you know, to be quite honest. It's just fun to play on center court, you know. I mean, it's why you practice hard, that you play, you know, good when, you know, when it's crunch time. I'm happy with the way I played today when the pressure was the highest, and the crowd gives you that, you know, that feeling of going crazy a little bit.

So that's exactly what happened to me, same as at the Olympic Games. I think I'm at a stage today where I just really enjoy playing, you know, much more again. Whereas maybe for a while it was quite, always the same for me ‑ go on court, you win all the time, so maybe you don't take it for granted that much anymore.

So it wasn't because I'm frustrated in any way or because it's been a frustrating season. I don't see it that way.

Q. I know you said playing the fifth set was fun, but you lose the fourth set, do you remember your emotions right at the start of the fifth set? And, you know, were you thinking, What do I have to do differently? What were you thinking going into that fifth set and losing that fourth?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, first of all, I didn't think I was playing that bad in the first set, for instance. He just got off a great start, and I was always running behind. Actually, I felt I was hitting the ball okay, serving well, and just needed a little bit of luck here or there, and maybe an error from him. That's what I got towards the end of the first set and the same thing in the fourth set.

I think it was very even, you know. I just had sort of one game maybe where things didn't really go that well for me. I thought, you know, no excuses. It was two flashes that went off in the first two points of that game. I was down Love‑30. Then I got unlucky with the net cord. I'm not saying I would have won that game without those things, but during five sets you go through tougher periods.

He had a good game there, and that put me under a lot of pressure and I thought he was serving well in the fourth, so it was kind of difficult to break.

Q. Gilles Muller came into this tournament as a qualifier. He knocked off Tommy Haas, and then went on to beat Almagro. He came into the press room and he said that he's coming in with an attitude that I have nothing to lose, I think I can beat Davydenko, and he came out and beat him today in really a remarkable display of tennis. How dangerous is an opponent like that, who feels so empowered, you know, in that he doesn't have anything to lose, really?
ROGER FEDERER: It's been like this for four‑and‑a‑half years. This is nothing different for me. It's just a guy who's got even less to lose, you know, than all the guys from four‑and‑a‑half years ago. It's really the way it is, you know.

I mean, definitely he's on an unbelievable roll. He maybe should have never been in the quarters because he could have been knocked out in straight sets by Tommy. We could have had a completely different quarterfinal. He did well, he fought incredibly well in all these matches and you have to give him credit for hanging in there. It just shows you if you believe, and if you're right there, when you ‑‑ you know, it pays off. And I think that's his credit, you know, because I heard he couldn't win matches anymore in challenges, and now he's in quarters in the US Open. He played the greatest matches here of his life.

I'm definitely aware of how well he's playing. I saw a little bit how he plays. He played aggressive. Serves well. He didn't beat Andy for nothing here a few years ago. That's why I definitely won't underestimate him because he's a good player.

**-wait for it-** · 09-03-2008, 07:11 AM

mark sure works fast

***Catherine*** · 09-03-2008, 07:26 AM

He does

He had them up a few minutes after the match

this is where he slipped but got the break anyways..cute caption: On your mark..get set...break.

Next up..QF against Muller who has had a great run at this US Open. Hopefully Roger will stop that though

***Catherine*** · 09-04-2008, 09:58 PM

Roger won his QF match today in straight sets

7-6 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (5) in 2 hours 25

He has reached a record 18th straight major semifinal!

Quote:

Roger Federer
Thursday, September 4, 2008

Q. How much of a relief was it to get through this in straight sets knowing you have two days, maybe three if it rains, Saturday to prepare for the semis?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, look, I'm happy I won, first of all. After a tough match I had last time, you know, it's nice to get through straight. This was a tough opponent who has been playing very well this tournament, and, you know, showed why he was so dangerous today.

He served great, you know, takes big chances from the baseline, and wasn't a whole lot of rhythm out there. Made it just more difficult with the wind and the sun today.

I'm very happy with this result.

Q. Set points in the first set and break points throughout the match. Created a lot of those opportunities, but you weren't able to take advantage. As those are accumulating, are you frustrated, annoyed, angry?
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, I didn't create that many. I mean, I had a few to win the set in the first set. Five minutes later I win the set, so you forget those. I was a little bit annoyed maybe not getting the 15‑40 head start in the third, you know, where I got a bad call. That can happen. I still got the break point at 30‑40, I think, and maybe another one then.

It was tough today, you know, especially to break against the wind. It was almost impossible, you know. He's a big guy. He gets great angles and he's got a lot of, you know, safety in his serve, especially the first serve. He does have great variety.

So I always knew it was going to be hard to break against that, and it makes it frustrating in itself, knowing on that side you're not going to have much of a chance. That's why I was really happy coming through in the third set tiebreaker, because I had to serve to stay in the set against the wind and then start the breaker against the wind, which I knew was going to be really dangerous and tricky.

Q. Do you feel you're moving as well as you have in the past?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, today it was tough, you know. I couldn't get a great read on his serve, you know. I think that's where I don't think it has nothing really to do with movement. That's more with reading the moment. I never played the guy, so it was always going ‑‑ it can be tough on that.

Otherwise I think my movement is okay. I think it's more the coordination and the wind. Sometimes that's a factor. I always have that, so it's okay.

Q. For your great winning streaks at the majors, this is the one that's still intact. As you move closer to the final do you feel more pressure because of that to keep it going?
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, I'm happy to keep sort of the semifinal streak alive, you know. That's a huge streak, you know, for such a long time.

I played well this tournament, so I'm really happy to keep it alive and give myself an opportunity again to be in the final four. I hope this time around I can take it a step further than I did in Paris or Wimbledon.

Q. You've been showing more emotion in this tournament than in years past here in New York. Can you kind of describe some of those cries you had out on court, what language they were in, and what you were feeling at that time?
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, look, I mean, I'm in good spirits at the moment because the Olympic gold definitely helped to sort of, you know, not be more happy on court, but maybe more outgoing, because I'm always like this, especially in the practice, you know.

So I guess for a while I put my head down in the matches and just tried to keep that unbelievable run I had going instead of trying to disturb myself with, you know, any sort of reactions really. Maybe it's a time where I can show a little bit more and it comes out.

So for me it's not a big change, because I practice more than I play matches. It's normal, really.

Q. I know it's always satisfying to win a major, but if you're able to defend here, given the circumstances of this season, would you consider it one of your most satisfying wins?
ROGER FEDERER: Possibly. Speculation, right? So it depends on the moment, after match point how I feel right then, so I can't answer that right now. I mean, I wish I could talk about it, how great it was winning the US Open, but I'm not there yet.

So the focus is trying to beat Djokovic or Roddick, so I'm really excited to see what's going to happen there tonight, and then I'll start preparing for that match.

Q. Andy Roddick was saying it actually helped him when he saw people picking Gulbis before he played him. Do you ever derive any motivation from people picking against you, or is your personality just different?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I never heard anybody picking Gulbis over Andy, but it was always going to be a tough match. But, I mean, I guess some players get a kick out of that and want to prove people wrong and stuff.

I mean, I'm not that type of person, you know, to go through life just wanting to, I don't know, prove myself. I'm past that point, you know.

I think that those days were five years ago maybe. Didn't enjoy those times that much, so I'm very happy I had a sort of more relaxed five years where I could enjoy tennis and not really have to deal with really tough situation and moments with the press.

Now I'm in a totally different situation that, you know, nothing really bothers me anymore. I do my thing and I love tennis, and, you know, I hope I can always put on a good show for fans. That's really where my focus lies at the moment.

Q. How much of your success in the next round is going to be based on form, and how much of it is going to be based on fight and experience?
ROGER FEDERER: Don't know. I mean, I really don't. I mean, I've played Andy here in the past, and Novak, so there's no really surprises between the two of us. The only difference this time around is if I were to play Andy he's won the last match, so there's a little bit of a change because I had his number for so long.

You know, that's maybe a little bit of a difference. I don't know if that's better or worse for anybody. But in slams it's a different situation, again, because I've been so dominant the last few years. Whereas Novak, he's been, I don't know if the best hardcourt player this season, but he's been very good, and that's why either one it's going to be really difficult. So I don't know what it's going to come down to, but I like to say when the best play each other it's usually day form.

Q. When you speak of your change and emotional outlook, you sound more and more like Pete Sampras. Are you starting to identify with Pete, who in the beginning of his career did keep his head down and then began to show emotions in the latter stages?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, look, I mean, I know a little bit of his career, but I don't know everything. I don't know how he went through the demeanor on court, how it happened throughout his career.

But for me, it's all about being myself out on the court, you know. I had a tough time just sort of getting my act together out on center court, you know, trying to behave properly. I don't know if he ever had a problem with that. For me, that was a big deal.

Finally when I got my act together and I started to relax a bit, results came, so I kept on, you know, doing that. I've always tried to show emotions as much as I sort of could, you know, without really disturbing my concentration, you know.

Who knows, maybe it is just a couple of weeks and I'm going crazy, and after that you'll see me more relaxed again.

I don't know yet. But, no, I mean, I've always been very relaxed guy, so this is nothing really, too drastic of a change.

Q. How would you compare the way you feel now in terms of the tennis as you did last year and the year before, say?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, let's see, last year I thought matches were really difficult against Lopez and Isner. I was really relieved coming through those matches.

Looking ahead in the draw I was quite worried, you know, playing, who was it? Andy in the quarters, which was a tough draw, and then Davydenko in the semis and Novak in the final. I didn't drop a set anymore.

That's sometimes what happens. You know, all of a sudden you turn it on, and you look back and say, Wow, I struggled in the third round or fourth round, but then didn't drop a set till the end. That's sometimes how the slams go. I've hopefully created again for myself an opportunity to do that, and didn't, you know, use that much energy after all. The Andreev match didn't take that much out of me, so I'm happy with my mindset going into the semifinals.

Q. Last year in the finals you met with Djokovic. There's a chance you might see him again soon. He's changed over the year, not imitating so much on the court. How is it different now if you were to play him compared to playing him year ago in the finals?
ROGER FEDERER: Only played twice since, Australian Open and Monaco. We haven't played that much really. He gave up in Monaco, which was only one set on clay. Really the only one we can look back at is almost the Australian Open.

But there I didn't think I did my really very best. I hope this time around it's going to be something similar to the US Open, you know, hard‑fought tennis from the baseline.

You know, if we were to play, he's definitely gained in experience. You know, he's played in bigger matches and, you know, deep into the tournaments he's been very consistent with his young age and won his first slam.

So things have changed for him, no doubt. He's never won the US Open, so I have that over him in case I play him. Andy knows how to do it, so there goes a bit of experience, you know, in Andy's favor, for instance, or in mine.

Q. You said in the on‑court interview that you were actually trying to relax yourself by saying, Well, if we go to a fourth set, that's okay. Would you be conceding that maybe even mentally perhaps last year or a couple of years before, have you come to terms with perhaps the idea of not being invincible anymore?
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, it's not like I'm happy to go four, you know, or anything like that kind of attitude. It's just like it looks like we're going four, so let's just try to do your best in this set still. Let's try to make the guy doubt and, you know, let's try to still play my best tennis. If you turn it around it's incredible.

My mind has always been like this. I'm not like a dreamer where I'm, like, I'm 4‑2 up or I'm 4‑2 down. I don't try to put myself in the lead just for mental sake, you know.

I've always been very realistic, you know, where I am at, you know, in the match, and today was tough. You know, the third set tiebreaker didn't look like I was going to win it, so that's why I was real excited after I was able to.

Tough semi ahead, playing Djoke on Saturday..or Sunday depending on the weather..

**-wait for it-** · 09-05-2008, 12:51 PM

kind of the ultimate comeback huh?
playing djokovic and then potentially nadal...the two men who beat him earlier in grand slams

Ms X · 09-06-2008, 12:44 PM

I'm so, so, so happy for Roger that he has got to the final

He deserves it so much.

I'm torn though if Murray gets through as I am a Brit and would dearly love to see a Brit win and I like Murray. Having said that, I adore Roger. God I'm stuck

***Catherine*** · 09-06-2008, 01:50 PM

Dont be stuck! Root for Roger!!

Yes..Roger had a pretty good match today over Djoke, beating him in 4 sets 6-3 5-7 7-5 6-2.

He came out VERY strong the the first..was broken in the 2nd, got the break back, but when serving to go to a TB, he got broke again. But the third and fourth sets were good

By the way...this is his 17th Grand Slam final. Only Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl got more with 18 and 19 respectively,

Great point by Roger late in the 3rd set He's made that shot before, and its amazing every time

Pics!

Love the hair...

Presser

Quote:

Roger Federer
Saturday, September 6, 2008

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. So this very declining Roger Federer, three Slam finals and one semifinal. How do you comment on it?

ROGER FEDERER: Did you write some of that stuff or not? I hope not (laughter.)

I hope not for you. No, I mean, look, of course I'm happy to be through to another Grand Slam final. You know, I've been on an incredible run at slams lately, and this was a big match.

I knew it from when I saw the draw. If we both get to the semis it was a huge match, he's seeking the No. 2 ranking a little bit. You know, he's been playing very well on hardcourt for the last one‑and‑a‑half years.

I knew it was always going to be difficult. I'm very happy with the result, obviously.

Q. You hit the first serve of the ball game on the T. You seem to have a fondness for that spot.
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, depends on ‑‑ I did serve it well there, yeah, no doubt. But I think it's important to have variation and to be able to hit all four corners on the court. That's what great servers do.

Then of course it's important to choose the right ones when you have to. I think my serve got me out of trouble a few times today.

Yeah, it's hard to break against the wind, you know. It's basically impossible. I knew that, and it was just important to be really concentrated against the wind.

Q. Was that your best serving in a long time?
ROGER FEDERER: I thought I actually served very well throughout the tournament already. Of course Novak is a different caliber of return player, so I always expect more balls to come back from him, especially when I saw how easily he returned Andy.

You expect him to return me even more easily, because I don't have the power that Andy has. But I got maybe a little bit more variety. I can sort of hide my serve better, you know, so it's harder for him to read. And that doesn't give him the confidence from the baseline, then.

Q. When was the last time you played a set as cleanly as you played the first set today?
ROGER FEDERER: Probably in Toronto in the first set. I played very well there as well. I hit winners all the way through. It was important, you know, to stay grounded, you know, because I knew that tough times were going to arrive, and that's exactly happened in the second set.

You don't hit your first serves like maybe you do usually, or the way I was hitting them in the first set. I knew I was always going to get in trouble against such a good player like Novak.

Q. Especially after being down 5‑4 in that third set, you seemed to break more than just Novak's serve, also his spirit with a lot of help from the crowd. Do the ovations like that mean more to you this year given some the troubles you've had this season?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I said it from the start. It would be great if I do get, you know, a lot of fan support. I don't count on it because I'm not American, but I feel a little bit New Yorker right now.

So it does feel great. I definitely appreciate, you know, the effort from the fans, you know, supporting me and pushing me forward. I definitely feel it's helped me throughout this event.

I had some tough moments against Andreev, again today, and they were definitely on my side, which is always very nice for me.

Q. Given the expectations you have of yourself and everybody has of you, now that you're in your third straight slam final, how would you describe your year?
ROGER FEDERER: Let's wait another day and then I will answer that question.

Q. How will you describe it if you win at the end of that?
ROGER FEDERER: You can't wait, eh? (laughter.)

Yeah, I don't know. Give me 35 hours, and then we'll sit down with something to drink and I'll tell you everything (laughter.)

Q. Out on court, you mentioned that it would be nice if you played Rafa again. He's in big trouble now. Is your thinking on that just it's a great rivalry, it's good for tennis?
ROGER FEDERER: Look, what we went through at Wimbledon and, you know, in the past, in Paris and all the tough matches we've had over the years, it's just always nice to play against him, even though I have a losing record against him.

I mean, I'd like to play Andy, as well, but obviously he hasn't been as good as Rafa for the past years, you know. But I'm sure he will be, you know, at the top of the game for a very long time, because I always thought Andy has incredible talent. He's a great player.

I won't be surprised if Andy would beat Rafa, but just I think the meaning would be more to play against Rafa here at the Open, you know. But we'll see what happens. Still, it's not over.

Q. Can you identify, say, a key or "the" key moment in this match, the turning point, moment?
ROGER FEDERER: I think the way I played the first set was the key moment, you know, get the first set. I had a feeling he was looking a little weary, a little bit tired. I had a feeling like what the other person said, I think I broke his will as well when I got the third set. I think he let his head hang a little bit.

I needed to just play really tough now, and maybe all of a sudden play my best again with the lead, I knew I could get it in four.

For a while it was almost looking like I was going to win it in three actually. There were a couple of key moments. The end of the third and just the entire first set.

Q. You said the other day you are becoming more emotional. You are showing more of your true face out on the court. Seeing your reaction after the win today, it looks like there is pressure on you to prove to people that you are a still there. Could you dispute that or confirm that?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, look, you have to ‑‑ let's not forget what type of matches I won here. I beat Stepanek who I lost to in Rome, you know, the last time we played. So that was an important win for me.

Andreev was a five setter. Never played and entire five setter on center court in a row, so that was always going to be emotional.

Beating Novak today was big, you know. And then also Gilles Muller was a tiebreaker in the third set. A point here and there and you go to the fourth. Like this you can just be happy you won.

Those are the reasons I had to four times show a lot of emotion at the very end. But it's true that I am trying to push myself, you know, not to be actually more emotional, but to try to play well.

I have been struggling on hardcourt, you know. I have no problems admitting that. But here it hasn't been a struggle because I played well on clay and on grass, so maybe that's why I'm more emotional.

I'm trying more and more to push myself forward and playing well here at the Open, because that's what it's all about right now.

Q. A common observation right after the match was you looked like your old self. How do you react to that, and do you feel like your old self?
ROGER FEDERER: Sure. I mean, I had moments out there where I really felt, This is how I normally play on hardcourt, you know. Half volleys, passing shots, good serving, putting the pressure on, you know, playing with the wind, you know, using it to my advantage. All those things.

I definitely had moments during today where I thought, This is how I would like to play every time. So it was a very nice feeling, actually, to get that feeling back.

Q. You looked very good physically. Are you feeling as good or better than you ever have coming into a final here at the US Open?
ROGER FEDERER: I don't know. I'm feeling fine. It was humid today. That's why we're sweating absolute bullets out there. Other than that, it was no problem for me. I could have easily gone a fifth set.

It's always tough, you know, the Saturday/Sunday, semis/finals. I'm happy the way I feel now. I don't feel like I need extra sleep, extra treatment, which is obviously key for tomorrow.

Q. You weren't around when we had all the airplanes every day. Was that a distraction, or did you wonder what was going on? They had the to use new patterns across here.
ROGER FEDERER: I had a feeling they were trying to get as many planes out as possible before the rain came. No, it is a little bit disturbing, you know, not to the point where you're like, Oh, my God, another plane.

The things you don't hear, the shot, you don't hear, you know, the other guy moving around, so it's just different type of feeling out there. It's like if you play with music. It's just completely different than when you play in a normal tennis setting.

So it's ‑‑ I don't know. I had no problems with it today. I didn't think it was that extreme. I don't think it was from the start, either.

Q. But you had heard about how it used to be?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, and also in practice the week before the Open they still go. Yeah, that's sometimes a bit annoying.

Q. Is this your house?
ROGER FEDERER: I don't know. I like to call Wimbledon my home, you know, a second home. I've had so much success over there. But I could equal my five Wimbledons here tomorrow, so this is a big moment tomorrow.

Q. You did a little dance out there at one time.
ROGER FEDERER: Did I?

Q. Yes.
ROGER FEDERER: When?

Q. On the big point.
ROGER FEDERER: A dance? Oh, my God. I was a bad dancer, because I don't remember. I don't remember.

Q. That's good.
ROGER FEDERER: Maybe you spotted a talent, you know, I don't know.

Q. You've fallen a little bit behind in your course to try and equal and also pass Pete. Do you feel like getting a victory in the final would really kind of get you on course for '09? And also, just talk about the history of potentially being not only be the person to win five straight here, but also in Wimbledon, what that means to you.
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, but I think at the moment the focus is trying to get my ‑‑ defend my title here and get my fifth. I think that's what it's about right now.

I know the Pete thing is obviously still very much alive and everything is possible. But, I mean, I'd like to obviously focus on that, you know, on the five in a row right now, you know.

After that, you know, sure. I mean, if I win, it's great. I'm back sort of in the race and things aren't that bad like everybody's saying.

But for this, I first need to just get the win tomorrow. That would be huge, you know.

Q. I heard in the past you describe when you're playing well it feels like you're flying.
ROGER FEDERER: Um, in one of those planes, right? Loud, too.

Q. Did it feel that way in the first and fourth sets today?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I felt like I was in control of how the points were constructed. I felt very smooth, great coordination. I think that's also very important, you know, that you hit, you know, the ball smoothly, not that many miss‑hits and stuff. Even though in the wind it's always going to happen.

But I definitely felt for a while out there like that's how I want to feel. That's what I explained before. I definitely had that feeling out there today which I had quite often in the past.

Q. If you do play Andy tomorrow, do you remember what it was like to contest for your first major, and can you put yourself in his shoes a little bit?
ROGER FEDERER: I guess it's less pressure for him to be in the finals here than at Wimbledon. There's no doubt. I mean, even though over there he would have, you know, tremendous support. I still feel he's maybe even better on grass than on hardcourt, you know, so that just shows you what a great talent he is, you know.

But, I mean, I remember I came in as being the favorite actually for my first final. So that's obviously a big difference, you know, to how he would go in, even though he beat me last time.

It will be interesting to see how he handles it, but I have a feeling he's a guy who plays well on the big occasions. That's why I need to be very, very careful how I play tomorrow if it is Andy. Match isn't over yet.

Q. It seems ridiculous to even suggest that after all your Grand Slam success that there's any hint you have to prove yourself, but given this year after the things that have been said and written, do you feel any pressure to prove yourself tomorrow?
ROGER FEDERER: No, I mean, the pressure is off. I think now you can look forward and just try to win, really. Because I think the pressure is always on in the early rounds, coming through and not getting an upset early on.

You know, there was a couple of tough opponents early on, so this is ‑‑ I think once you get to the semis you can maybe play a little bit more freely again, because you're also playing opponents who you know most likely have a better chance to beat you.

You also know them better, so it's easier to play against them, as well. I don't feel like now I need to prove myself in the finals. I think if it's Rafa, I mean, he's No. 1 player. I don't want to put pressure on him, but that's how it was for me. I was always expected to win.

I had maybe a little bit less this year, but nevertheless I'm defending champion. I know what it's all about tomorrow.

kat99 · 09-06-2008, 04:15 PM

federer to the finale of the us open
im soo happy
i love him

***Catherine*** · 09-07-2008, 04:31 AM

Me too..

I dont even really care who he plays on Monday..I'm just so happy he made it back to the final and has a chance to lift that trophy once again.

Did anyone see his on-court interview? So cute..and He looked emotional..imagine if he wins..bring on the tears for me, Id expect

Great shot by Roger

oncourt interview (not the greatest quality)

I'm sure we all hope to see this yet again on Monday!

***Catherine*** · 09-07-2008, 08:14 PM

Well we now know who Roger will be playing on Monday..Andy Murray, after he defeated Nadal

Murray could be very tough......he definitely has a HC game. He may be nervous about playing his first Slam final, but I dont think he is going to crumble

I still give the edge to Roger though!

As long as he doesn't relent in his intensity to win this title, I think he should be able to pull it off. Murray has weapons, no doubt, but they haven't played each other when the stakes were high for Federer...and everyone knows Roger at a Slam is a different force to be reckoned with..

I think Roger will win in 4 sets...

Allez Roger