An Artist on all surfaces, Mr. Effortless - Roger Federer

[omega]

[html:ddadb057fa]http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/16/rogersportsstar.jpg[/html:ddadb057fa]

[omega]

Can I add a poll now?
Options please....

[ajithfederer]

Very Good title, omega :). Artist, I like that 8-).

Well, we will do one on his achievements. Will give u one in some time. :)

[ajithfederer]

3/4 mani nerama thalaya pulinju wiki-yae nondi edutha most greatest stats of his (Purely, IMO)

1. 16 + Counting Grandslams
2. 237 Continous weeks as No 1;
3. 23 Consecutive Grandslam semifinals (2004 Wimbledon - 2010 Australian Open)
4. 92-5 Win loss in the year 2006; 12 Titles ; Talk about almost total domination.
5. 44+ titles in Hard courts; 2 shy of tying all time leader Agassi.
6. 65 consecutive grass court match victories (2003 - 2008)
7. 56 consecutive hard court match victories (2005–2006)
8. 22 Grandslam Finals.
9. Only Player to win ATP WTF undefeated 4 times (2003, 2004, 2006, 2010).
10. The biggest of all; 5 Consecutive Wimbledons+ 5 Consecutive US Opens (Somebody defeat this feat!!).

[tscii:941addbe4a][/tscii:941addbe4a]

[omega]

[tscii:3ed43264b3]Federer's 2011 schedule:

Qatar Exxonmobil Open
01/03/2011 - 01/08/2011

Australian Open
01/17/2011 - 01/30/2011

Dubai Tennis Championships
02/21/2011 - 02/27/2011

BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells
03/07/2011 - 03/20/2011

Sony Ericsson Open
03/21/2011 - 04/03/2011

Mutua Madrileña Masters
05/02/2011 - 05/08/2011

Internazionali BNL d’Italia
05/09/2011 - 05/15/2011

Roland Garros
05/23/2011 - 06/05/2011

Gerry Weber Open
06/06/2011 - 06/12/2011

Wimbledon
06/20/2011 - 07/03/2011

Rogers Cup
08/08/2011 - 08/14/2011

Western & Southern Financial Group Masters
08/15/2011 - 08/21/2011

US Open
08/29/2011 - 09/11/2011

Shanghai Rolex Masters
10/10/2011 - 10/16/2011

Swiss Indoors
10/30/2011 - 11/06/2011

BNP Paribas Masters
11/07/2011 - 11/13/2011

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
11/20/2011 - 11/27/2011



[/tscii:3ed43264b3]

[omega]

Roger needs to defend his AO title & possibly grab maximum points in both IW & Miami to get a decent start in 2011.

Clay season will be tough. Very crucial year for Roger in which he would turn 30 in September.

[omega]

AF,

Etho neenga sonnathukkaaha oru thread open pannitten, but you know I am not good in maintaining it. Please do the honours (of posting some pictures, articles, stats etc).

[ajithfederer]

Kandippanga omega, No problem :).

Andha poll-ae unga first postla add pannidunga, Thanks :)

[omega]

Federer starts 2011 season @ Qatar Open (Doha) with a win against Thomas Schoorel 7-6, 6-2.

He has a better tweener this time around (where the ball changes direction slightly after kissing the net) checking his shot in the last second. :clap: :clap: - Shot maker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PzOVIFhj7k

[ajithfederer]

Thanks for uploading the poll Omega.

[omega]

Fed wins his 3rd round match @ Doha (Qatar Open) against Troicki 6-2 6-2.

Will meet Tsonga in the SF

[omega]

Fed thru' to Finals @ Doha (Qatar Open) beating Tsonga in straight sets 6-3 7-6.. :clap:

He awaits the winner of Nadal vs Davydenko

[Puliyan_Biryani]

Feddy, fantastic poll options :clap:. edhukku vote panradhunnu theriyalai :oops:.

Voted for "23 Consecutive Grandslam semifinals" :notworthy:.


He awaits the winner of Nadal vs Davydenko
Oh, aarambathulaye aarambichuttaaingala. edho nalladhu nadandha sari :D.

[omega]

It would be Fed vs Davydenko in the Qatar Open 2011 Finals.

Davydenko beats Nadal in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 (Nadal was carrying a flu I guess. At one stage he was looking to bag a bagel in the second set & fought back to get couple of games).

[ajithfederer]

No Problem. The pleasure is mine.

I welcome every hubber to vote in the poll here.

Feddy, fantastic poll options :clap:. edhukku vote panradhunnu theriyalai :oops:.

Voted for "23 Consecutive Grandslam semifinals" :notworthy:.


He awaits the winner of Nadal vs Davydenko
Oh, aarambathulaye aarambichuttaaingala. edho nalladhu nadandha sari :D.

[ajithfederer]

Plum,

You voted?. Any other Roger fans here?.

Hallooo

halloo

....

echo fades

[ajithfederer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4mAFhXye4

Roger Federer tweener shot in Doha, Qatar.

[omega]

King Federer makes a perfect start in the Finals breaking Davydenko's first service game. Looking rock solid, expecially the BH :clap: ...
Leads 3-0

[omega]

Fed takes the first set with one break 6-3.
Fed squandered 6 set points (break points) in the previous Davydenko's game.

[omega]

Fed breaks & will serve for the set & match 5-4

[ajithfederer]

Starts the year by Winning a title :clap:

[m_karthik]

Voted for 237 continuous weeks as No.1

If he regains No.1 again after dropping to No.3, I would consider that as the biggest achievement... hoping this to happen before Wimbledon'2011

:redjump: for Qatar win.. enna nadakumo indha varusham!!! :boo:

[gurusaravanan]

2,,,

[vanchi]

how i missed this. :P
done

[venkkiram]

Voted for "22 Grandslam Finals."

ஃபெடரெர் இறுதிக்குப் போட்டிக்கு வரும் அழகே தனி தான். கூர்மையான அருவாளை வைத்துக்கொண்டு கடினமான மரக்கிளைகளையும் எளிதாக வெட்டுவது போல, ரொம்ப சாதாரணமா நுழைவார் ஒவ்வொரு இறுதிப்போட்டிக்கும். பீட் சாம்ப்ரஸ்க்கு அப்புறம் இன்னொரு சகாப்தம் தோன்றுமா என ஏக்கமாய் பார்த்தவர்களுக்கு முன்னே நடத்தி காட்டியவர் ஃபெடரர்.

[ajithfederer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ENw9k8mBRQ&feature=related

Show tennis on water in Doha with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer!. Quite a novel idea.

[ajithfederer]

[tscii:febea7d2bf]
Roger Federer recently sat down with CNN to discuss his new-ish coaching situation with Paul Annacone. He had some interesting comments on Paul’s aggressive strategy for his game. It sounds like they’re going hot and heavy into 2011.



Read more: VIDEO: ROGER FEDERER ON PAUL ANNACONE’S AGGRESSIVE PLAN | GOTOTENNIS http://gototennis.com/2011/01/04/video-roger-federer-on-paul-annacones-aggressive-plan/#ixzz1Al4EjQz6
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial[/tscii:febea7d2bf]

[ajithfederer]

http://www.cnn.com/video/

In categories go for sports

And select

"Federer on Nadal rivalry".

Good video.

[ajithfederer]

13 votes so far, That's a start. I will vote at last for any option that is left with 0 votes though my personal preference is the last option: 5 USO + 5 Wimb - (Consecutive).

Kid u voted???.

[VinodKumar's]

For Federer fans especially rasigar mandra thalaivar Stan ku :)

I got this from last week sportstar , mudinja enable pannunga

Front page la pota nalla irukuma ;)

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/16/rogersportsstar.jpg

[VinodKumar's]

Federer with ATP title

[html:2cf763ebeb]http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/4053/federertrophy.jpg[/html:2cf763ebeb]

[ajithfederer]

Federer wins the first match quite easily

6-1 6-1 6-3

[Plum]

OpeninglAm nallA dhAn irukku AnA ivar phinising sari illayEppA..

[ajithfederer]

You just cannot stop Plum eh, can you? :)

[omega]

Federer playing Giles Simon in 2nd rd match right now...

H-H Simon leads 2-0 (both in 2008)

[omega]

Squanders 2 break point oppurtunities........
Holds his own easily....1-1

[omega]

Fed breaks Simon for a 2-1 lead...Looks rock solid...

[omega]

Fed takes the first set 6-2 breaking Simon twice.

[omega]

Fed is up by 2 breaks in 2nd 4-1

[omega]

Simon gets one break back....2-4

[Plum]

You just cannot stop Plum eh, can you? :)
illai feddy, isnt this the fact in his last 3 grand slam campaigns? I am ok with what happened in FO and USO, but WimbledonlEyE pappu vEgAdhadhu pArthA, ipdi thAn solla thONudhu

[omega]

Fed takes 2nd set 6-3.......

[omega]

Fed is down by 2 breaks in the 3rd set. Simon leads 3-0.
The level of play has dropped considerably for Fed...

[Plum]

Fed is down by 2 breaks in the 3rd set. Simon leads 3-0.
The level of play has dropped considerably for Fed...

This is what I meant. rettai kozhandhai poRandadhukkappuram competetive edge korainjA mAdhiri oru feeling

[omega]

Wastes couple of break point oppurtunities again in the 4th set.
On serve 1-1...

[omega]

Simon holding easy....Getting deep into Fed service games....
Shaky period for Fed.....Simon getting pretty much everything correct. Reading Fed's serves, positioning for the ground strokes etc etc....

[omega]

Simon breaks the all important 9th game. Will serve for the set.

[Plum]

Is that the 5th sett, Omega. Didnt expect such an early exit. So, it is time to applaud the Rafa Slam then?
Man, a couple of more slams for Rafa, and I dont think the GOAT tag will stand easily on Fed's head anymore

[omega]

Simon wins 4th set 6-4....We are into the decider 5th set.

[omega]

Is that the 5th sett, Omega. Didnt expect such an early exit. So, it is time to applaud the Rafa Slam then?
Man, a couple of more slams for Rafa, and I dont think the GOAT tag will stand easily on Fed's head anymore

We are into 5th set. The momentum is completely with Simon.
Fed is looking shaky, not agressive enuff.... Unless he changes his game plan in the 5th set, its going to be curtains.

[Plum]

Wow! So he is still alive - I thought he has already lost the 5th set.

But as you say, momentum seems to be with the opponent.
16 Grandslams - well, he'll have that record for another 1.5 years atleast - nobody can take away that, isnt that a consolation?

[omega]

Simon is not missing any...Fed is missing many....
0-30 in Fed serve.....Must win game.....

[omega]

That big common comes out as he holds for a 2-1

[omega]

fed breaks simon for 4-2 lead

[omega]

holds for a 5-2 lead..

[omega]

3 set points for Roger.....Simon saves all three for deuce

[omega]

Fed has to serve for the set @ 5-3

[omega]

Simon fights it out for a duece

[omega]

Fed wins @ the 5th match point oppurtunity....

Simon :clap:

Fed need to keep his focus. He was looking totally dominant in the first 2 sets (inspite of great tennis from Simon).

[San_K]

Federer had lost both his previous two meetings against Simon. So this is a convincing victory from Federer for his fans :)

[ajithfederer]

Both players :clap:

[Puliyan_Biryani]

Thalai jeyichuttaaru :cheer: but 5 sets :oops:. Lull 'em into a false sense of security and catch 'em (you-know-who) unawares tactic maadhiri irukku :wink:.

[Plum]

oh puipamnum sollalAmA? :)

[Puliyan_Biryani]

Final varaikkum ellaa match-um dominate panni paathaaru, raasi illai. adhanaala ippo pudhu chatterjee potturukkaaru. appadidhaan maintenance pannanum Plum :D.

[ajithfederer]

RRoger leads 5-2 in the opening set against Xavier Malisse.

[ajithfederer]

First set 6-3 to roger.

[omega]

Takes second 6-3 as well. Roger playing pretty ordinarily...

[ajithfederer]

Federer sets new Australian Open record
Friday, 21 January, 2011
By Darren Saligari

Today four-time champion and 2009 finalist Roger Federer overtook Stefan Edberg, one of his idols growing up, as the player who has won the most Australian Open matches.

"It's very nice, but he still stays my idol," Federer, who has won 57 matches in Melbourne to Edberg's 56, laughed.

The Fed Express kept his title defence on track with a straight sets, 6-3 6-3 6-1 win over Belgian Xavier Malisse in one hour and 45 minutes at Rod Laver Arena, but it wasn't vintage Federer. In fact, record aside, it's probably a match that Federer will be happy he won but not one that he'll show his kids when his playing days are over.

"The first two sets almost didn't reflect how tough it could have been. Or how tough it was. I think that maybe broke his will a little bit because he was up 3 1 in the second I think it was. Then I was able to come back," said Federer.

Unlike Argentine David Nalbandian, who pulled out of his third-round match citing illness, Federer said he wasn't feeling the ill-effects of his five-set stoush with Frenchman Gilles Simon on Wednesday night.

"I'm okay today, and I'm happy I was able to come through it. Surely not the easiest thing to come back after a five setter, but I managed. I'm sure that another day of rest is going to do me good."

At times the 2010 champion seemed distracted as he worked his way through a third-round match against an opponent he was playing for the ninth time after first encountering each other in 1999. Several times the Swiss ace chastised himself for simple errors and in one bizarre return attempt, he stepped behind the ball, crouched down and then held up his racquet in front of his face to deflect the ball. Suffice to say, the ball didn't make it over the net.

Breaks came early and regularly for the Swiss ace, who gave Malisse an early heads up on how the match was going to play out when he broke him in the second game of the match. The world No.2 raced to a 4-0 lead off the back of some pinpoint stroke-making and superior movement. But then a level of complacency appeared to creep into his game.

Malisse got his first game on the board - a break of the Federer serve. At one point, the second seed missed a routine overhead smash, clipping the tape and sending the ball wide. Not the usual clinical finish that Federer, who sat atop the rankings for 285 weeks, is known for.

Despite making six more unforced errors than his opponent, Federer compensated for this by hitting 20 more winners than Malisse. The difference in winners was also reflected in break point opportunities. Federer converted seven of his 17 chances, while Malisse had fewer chances to break but managed to cash in two of his three shots at breaking the Federer serve.

The second set saw Malisse break for a 3-1 lead, a turn of events that woke Federer from his slumber.

His response was as immediate as it was brutal - Federer broke the Belgian to love with a mix of elegant winners and ground strokes that were too hot for Malisse to handle. It started a run of 10 consecutive games for Federer who closed out the second set 6-3 before taking a 5-0 lead in the third set.

By now the match was all but over, but Malisse had one shot left to fire. The Belgian held serve in the sixth game of the third set and took a bow, much to the delight of the Rod Laver Arena crowd.

The Swiss ace put an end to proceedings the next game, finishing with a trademark flourish - a forehand down the line - a shot that easily fell into the vintage Federer class.

Federer now faces Spaniard Tommy Robredo in the fourth round for a spot in the quarterfinals.

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2011-01-21/201101211295597217301.html?fb_xd_fragment#?=&cb=f14af0366c35853&relation=parent.parent&transport=fragment&type=resize&height=61&width=55

[tscii:5212996b30][/tscii:5212996b30]

[omega]

Roger takes the first set against Robredo breaking once 6-3.
Surprisingly Fed looks really tired right from the start of the match.
May be the heat factor. Hopefully this should be the last day match for him.....

[omega]

Robredo breaks Fed in the second set & will serve for the set.
Lot of errors have started to creep into Rogers game.

[omega]

Robredo takes the second set 6-3.....Roger (This is only the 3rd set that Robredo has taken against Fed in their 10 H-H matches.

[omega]

Roger takes 3rd set 6-3...

[ajithfederer]

Takes the final set 6-2/

Advances to Q/Fs.

[omega]

Takes the final set 6-2/

Advances to Q/Fs.

In the process equals Connors record of 27 consecutive GS QF appearance :clap:

[Plum]

How many grandslams does nadal have? I want to calculate how long the all time GS record is going to stay with Fed :)

[ajithfederer]

Another poll item :clap:


Takes the final set 6-2/

Advances to Q/Fs.

In the process equals Connors record of 27 consecutive GS QF appearance :clap:

[omega]

Roger will take on country man Wawrinka in the first QF match tonight. Thought Roger would get a night match, but all he got is a mid-day match. If Wawrinka plays that way he played against Roddick, then we are here for a 5 setter. Roger could be in trouble if he cannot keep up his level for a good 2 hours.

[ajithfederer]

Wawrinka federer quarter final started

Federer leads 2-0.

[ajithfederer]

Federer has taken the first two sets 6-3 and 6-1.

[ajithfederer]

Leads 3-0 in the 3rd set.

[VinodKumar's]

Heard he has played between-the-legs shot today :)

[omega]

He did although it was not a winner. He actually lobed with the tweener facing back.....There was another oppurtunity in the same point but he peferred not to play & ended up playing back to Wawrinka at the net.

It was a great lob never the less.

[ajithfederer]

Serving for the match at 5-3.

[omega]

Wins it 6-3....It should be the easiest of his matches in this tournament. :clap: Awaits the winner of the other QF match between Novak vs Berdych

[omega]

It would be Roger vs Novak in the first SF @ Aus Open 2011.
Novak had a much easier QF match against Berdych whom he won in straight sets 6-1, 7-6, 6-1.. Novak is in great form right thru' this tournament in contrast to the bumpy ride that Roger has had. Would be a very interesting contest.

[ajithfederer]

Yes Omega, Commentators yesterday were salambifying that Djokovic has been playing like a big silambaatakkaaran in this year's open. Erkanave US Open semis la jeichaan.

:shaking:.

[Plum]

I saw novak's match. He was pretty good. Looks tough for Roger. AdhellAm irukkattum Nadar yArOda? adhu dhAne ippOllAm main panchayathu? Idhu sidelight dhane?

[m_karthik]

I saw novak's match. He was pretty good. Looks tough for Roger. AdhellAm irukkattum Nadar yArOda? adhu dhAne ippOllAm main panchayathu? Idhu sidelight dhane?

Nadal with Ferrer on wednesday.. and will meet(ferrer ellam jujubi) Murray or Dolgopolov(unseeded ukranian) on Friday.. Murray leads 2-1 sets in their QFs.. third set won by Dolgopolov in tiebreaker.. and leads 3-0 in the fourth set

Finals Djokovic vs Murray nu irundhaa nimadhiya parkalaam :oops:

[ajithfederer]

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html

Roger Federer plays Novak Djokovic at 7.30 Local Time; 3.30 EST and 2 pm IST.

[omega]

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html

Roger Federer plays Novak Djokovic at 7.30 Local Time; 3.30 EST and 2 pm IST.

On top of Novak playing extremely high quality tennis, he is now so used to playing in the night matches (I believe his last 2 rounds were played in night) when compared to Fed whose last couple of rounds were during the day. The ball tends to get slower during night depending upon how cold it gets. Its a 60-40 Novak....

[ajithfederer]

:)

[ajithfederer]

4-3 on serve with Roger serving.

Both men are not making it easy to each other.

[Plum]

Ah! I am unable to watch it now.
vAzhga competitors velga winner Djokovic

[ajithfederer]

Djoker 7/6 - 1st set.

[San_K]

looks like Novak is winning

[ajithfederer]

Excellent Men's Tennis :clap:

Roger leads 5-2 in 2nd set after being broken by Djokovic earlier.

[ajithfederer]

back on serve.

[ajithfederer]

2nd set 7-5 djoker.

Roger lost it from leading 2-5.

[Plum]

Djokovic is playing excellently. Roger's time is up. Maybe, he should retire now leaving us with "What if" than "Why didnt he"

[Plum]

mudinjidhA?

[hamid]

One match point saved.. one to go

[Plum]

Federer is really playing horribly. The Sixer he hit a few minutes back was horrendous.
Why is he not confident at all these days?

[ajithfederer]

Djokovic wins. Well done.

[Plum]

Djokovic :clap:.

Is there a gen change in Men's tennis or is it just a temporary break until Nadal comes back and cleans up all again?

Djokovic vs Murray - one of them is surely going to go to the next level in this slam. Augurs well for Men's tennis

[m_karthik]

Djokovic... :thumbsup:

Federer with 7965 after Australian Open.. still can hold on to second place even if Djokovic wins the slam..
After a long time.. Federer is not a defending champion of any slams...

Federer to play for 1465 points until Wimbledon..
Nadal will remain with same 12390 points and has to play for a whopping 7720 points(2 Slams wins, 3 Masters 1000 wins, 2 SFs in Masters 1000) until Wimbledon..

Djokovic also has a great chance to be Number 1 if he plays really well and wins the slams.. He has to play for 2285 after Australian open and he will gain immensely if he wins this slam...

[omega]

Federer takes the first set 6-2 breaking Gasquet twice in Dubai. On serve in the 2nd 1-1...
Earlier defending champion Novak advanced to Finals beating Berdych who retired due to thigh muscle pull in 3rd set. 6-7, 6-2 & 4-2

[omega]

Federer takes the 2nd set 7-5 & will meet Djokovic in Finals tommorrow...........

[ajithfederer]

Dubai open porardhe nyabagam illa

GM: aama therinjirundha nee parandhu poi match paaka poriya...

All sillyness aside,Camaan roggeerrrr..

Omega, Nadal velayadaliyaa??

[omega]

Dubai open porardhe nyabagam illa

GM: aama therinjirundha nee parandhu poi match paaka poriya...

All sillyness aside,Camaan roggeerrrr..

Omega, Nadal velayadaliyaa??

No. Nadal's next ATP tournament would be Indian Wells early March.
Iam not sure if Dubai has figured in his schedule ever.

[omega]

Fed vs Novak Finals going on...
Fed down a break. Serving to stay in the set 15-40 (2 break points / set points)

[omega]

Broken twice & Novak takes the first set 6-3...
Djokovic hit some stunning forehand crosscourt winners....
Perfect set by the Serbian...

[omega]

Fed breaks early in the 2nd set. Will serve 2-1. He needs to hold his serve at any cost.

[omega]

Fed holds easy for 3-1 lead

[omega]

Novak holds & breaks Fed to bring it back on serve. Will serve 3-3

[omega]

Novak with another 3 break point oppurtunity.

[omega]

Fed serving really poorly along with his too many errors on both wings

[omega]

Novak breaks & will serve for the set/match

[omega]

Djokovic wins easily 6-3 6-3....Another real bad match for Fed. Nothing worked for him.

[Puliyan_Biryani]

Fedex desperately in need of a second wind. ippadi aadittu irundha chinna pasanga will not remember him for the right reasons.

[Plum]

Rendu kozhandhai. Family man. Edge is gone. Unakku vayasaayidichu nayakkare, retire.

[Puliyan_Biryani]

So sorry. 2012. Olympics. London. Grass court. Gold Medal :cool:.

[Plum]

The days of "tennis in london? Parcel the trophy to FedEx" are long gone. Adhaiyum nAdAr kitta thOthA mAnam dhaan pOgum. Murray kirray jeyichu vechAnna peruththa avamAnam.

[Puliyan_Biryani]

Plum, adhellaam engalukku theriyaadhu. Wimbledon-samy panathai eduthu vache aaganum. Singles Gold medal is the only thing missing in his resume. varalaru mukkiyam amaichare.

[ajithfederer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-cj3fQ6ZSE&feature=feedrec_grec_index

Federer's 25 Best Shots of 2008 in HD

[ajithfederer]

Federer equals Sampras' Win Record in Miami

Federer made it 762 wins, equaling seven-time Wimbledon champions Sampras' record after a 6-3 6-3 win over Czech Republic's Radek Stepanek. American Jimmy Connors is the leader of the six men who have won more matches than Federer and Sampras with 1,242 wins.

Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/127337/20110327/tennis-roger-federer-sony-ericsson-open-miami-pete-sampras-radek-stepanek.htm#ixzz1HsCnJf7p

[ajithfederer]

Federer just won againt rochus 7/6 6/4.

[omega]

Fed's latest tweener in 4th round Wimbledon 2011. It is a defensive one (a lob) which looked like might be going out, only to draw an unforced error from Youzhny


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBIkeRfGOSk

[ajithfederer]

Tennis star Federer launches school project in Malawi

(AFP) – 10 hours ago

LILONGWE, Malawi — Top tennis star Roger Federer on Tuesday launched a $3.3-million (2.4-million-euro) project that seeks to put 54,000 children in school in impoverished Malawi in the next 10 years.

"As the father of two little girls, I observe every day how incredibly fast children learn if their environment is a stimulating one," the 16-time Grand Slam winner said in a statement.

"It is a great privilege for me and my foundation to help give children in Malawi the chance to reach their full potential," the Swiss star added.

The programme, through the Roger Federer Foundation, will be implemented in collaboration with development organisation Action Aid Malawi and will aim to build 80 community-based child care care centres in six of the country's 28 districts.

The centres, aimed at three- to five-year-olds, will be equipped with classrooms, education supplies and play areas and also provide a "nutritious meal to every child in attendance," said Martha Khonje, country director of Action Aid.

"In a country where nearly half of all children under five are chronically malnourished and over three million children under eight are out of school, the initiative could not have come soon enough," Khonje told AFP.

She said Federer's foundation had been "looking to work with organisations who specialise in early child development, and we fitted into their requirement after submitting a concept paper."

Khonje said every day her organisation "witnesses devastating impacts of children missing out on school, from low literacy rates to early pregnancy."

Malawi is one of Africa's poorest countries, with half its 13 million people living below the poverty line.

Founded in 2003, the Roger Federer Foundation supports education and sports projects that have enrolled almost 20,000 children in Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Switzerland, according to its website.
On the Net:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hZxx3qluXrdT99wRpozj6s4MhFpw?docId=CNG.b2cea dbac94f53ed52774bcb398e39c0.281

* Roger Federer Foundation: http://www.rogerfedererfoundation.org/

[ajithfederer]

Happy 30th birthday Roger... Enjoy the day.

:)

[ajithfederer]

PLAYER NEWS
Federer's 30th Birthday By The Numbers

by Matt Fitzgerald
|

03.08.2011

http://www.atpworldtour.com/~/media/4A1B9122A4BB4EE5908AFB9423404EA2.ashx

Federer will have his first opportunity to win a title as a 30 year old next week.

Roger Federer will turn 30 on Monday, 8 August, in Montreal. Here's a look at his birthday milestone by the numbers...

1 – World No. 1 for 285 weeks
2 – Finished in year-end Top 2 eight consecutive years (2003-10); only player to do so
3 – Grand Slam titles won in same season, accomplished three times (2004, 2006, and 2007)
4 – Fewest losses in his career in 2005 season (81-4)
5 – Year-end No. 1 finishes AND Barclays ATP World Tour Finals titles
6 – Wimbledon titles AND number of winning streaks of 20 matches or more
7 – Number of Grand Slam finals won before first loss (’06 Roland Garros to Nadal)
8 – Consecutive years with at least one Grand Slam title, from 2003-2010
9 – Or more titles on clay, grass and hard courts – only Jimmy Connors matches the feat
10 – Straight major finals reached: 2004 Wimbledon through 2007 US Open
11 – Consecutive years with at least one ATP World Tour title (2001-2011)
12 – Career-high titles won in 2006
13 – Number of match wins in first full season on ATP World Tour in 1999
14 – Wins in 23 matches against current World No. 1 Novak Djokovic
15 – Losses in a three-year span (2004-2006) in 262 matches. :clap:
16 – Grand Slam titles AND number of titles won in U.S. (most of any country) :clap:
17 – ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crowns
18 – Grand Slam finals reached over 19 appearances from ’05 Wimbledon to ’10 Australian Open (missed at ’08 Australian Open) AND tournaments won in different countries
19 –Age at first ATP World Tour title in Milan on Feb. 4, 2001
20 – Grand Slam matches won in a season six straight years (2004-2010) AND wins against players ranked No.1 or No. 2
21 – Years old when he finished inside the Top 10 for first time in 2002 (No. 6)
22 – Times he has been the top seed at a Grand Slam tournament AND age he first became No. 1
23 – Successive Grand Slam semi-final appearances (’04 Wimbledon through ’10 Australian Open) AND overall Grand Slam finals
24 – Straight finals won between ’03 Vienna through ’05 Bangkok
25 – His age when he finished with a career-high 92 match wins in 2006
26 – Wins in a row against Top 10 opponents (2003 Masters Cup to 2005 Australian Open QF – lost to No. 4 Safin in SF)
27 – Consecutive wins in Grand Slam play, achieved twice (2005 Wimbledon R1-2006 Roland Garros Final; 2006 Wimbledon R1-2007 Roland Garros Final)
28 – Years old when he claimed his latest Grand Slam title at 2010 Australian Open
29 – Consecutive major quarter-finals reached (going into 2011 US Open)
30 – Grand Slams in a row as No. 1 or No. 2 seed between ’04 USO and ’11 AO

- With assistance from Greg Sharko

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2011/08/Features/Federer-30th-Birthday-By-The-Numbers.aspx

[ajithfederer]

http://i53.tinypic.com/hte97o.jpg

[venkkiram]

பிறந்தநாள் வாழ்த்துக்கள்!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CszcB3u5Is&NR=1&feature=fvwp

[venkkiram]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybsbzV7fNEo&feature=fvwrel

[venkkiram]

Roddick has no answers to Federer's Genius நாயடி பேயடி என்பது இதுதான். ஃபெடரர் டென்னிஸிற்கு வராமல் இருந்திருந்தால் எப்படி இருக்கும் என்பதை என்னால் நினைத்துக் கூட பார்க்க முடியவில்லை... குறைகள் கொஞ்சம் இருந்தாலும். இந்த நூற்றாண்டின் ஈடு இணையற்ற விளையாட்டு வித்தகன்.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRxqISt6PQY&feature=related

[venkkiram]

Roger Federer hits a magical shot against Rafael Nadal during the French Open (Roland Garros) 2005 semi-final.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls1k7rF-2wU&feature=related

[omega]

Fed's best point against Tsonga @ Paris Indoors Finals...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVMSBx-fFHM

[ajithfederer]

From Roger's FB:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/386153_10150393427034941_64760994940_8237503_18154 34986_n.jpg

I am very excited to finally get a hold of the ATP Masters 1000 Paris trophy!!!

[P_R]

Looks like the trophy is computer tesine, espoart koalty

[ajithfederer]

100th Final for Roger. :clap:

Interestingly his strike rate is similar to that of Tendulkar 69-30(Around 70% mark)

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2011/11/47/London-Finals-Saturday-Federer-Ferrer.aspx

[omega]

Great win Roger. Thats 64-12 for the year with 4 titles & ending the year No.3 (still 815 points less than his previous year).
Just to compare it with Pete Sampras. 2001 was the first year when Pete won no titles for a 35-16 win-loss record. He finished No.10....

Common Roger. Best wishes for a GS & Gold medal @ Olympics in 2012.

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/392211_10150420932214941_64760994940_8325504_13069 53308_n.jpg

In my locker-room with the trophy....

[omega]

Roger's Schedule for 2012

================================================== =======
Qatar Exxonmobil Open
01/02/2012 - 01/07/2012
City: Doha, QAT
Series: ATP 250
Surface: Hard, outdoor


Australian Open
01/16/2012 - 01/29/2012
City: Melbourne, AUS
Series: Grand Slam
Surface: Hard, outdoor


ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
02/13/2012 - 02/19/2012
City: Rotterdam, NED
Series: ATP 500
Surface: Hard, Indoor


BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells
03/12/2012 - 03/18/2012
City: Indian Wells, USA
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard, outdoor


Sony Ericsson Open
03/19/2012 - 04/01/2012
City: Miami, USA
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard, outdoor


Mutua Madrid Open
05/07/2012 - 05/13/2012
City: Madrid, ESP
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Clay, outdoor


Internazionali BNL d'Italia
05/14/2012 - 05/20/2012
City: Rome, ITA
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Clay, outdoor


Roland Garros
05/28/2012 - 06/10/2012
City: Paris, FRA
Series: Grand Slam
Surface: Clay, outdoor


Gerry Weber Open
06/11/2012 - 06/17/2012
City: Halle, GER
Series: ATP 250
Surface: Grass, outdoor


Wimbledon
06/25/2012 - 07/08/2012
City: Wimbledon, GBR
Series: Grand Slam
Surface: Grass, outdoor


Olympic Games 2012
07/27/2012 - 08/05/2012
City: London, GBR
Series: Olympic Games
Surface: Grass, outdoor


Rogers Cup
08/06/2012 - 08/12/2012
City: Toronto, CAN
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard, outdoor


Western & Southern Open
08/13/2012 - 08/19/2012
City: Cincinnati, USA
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard, outdoor


US Open
08/27/2012 - 09/09/2012
City: New York, USA
Series: Grand Slam
Surface: Hard, outdoor


Shanghai Rolex Masters
10/08/2012 - 10/14/2012
City: Shanghai, CHN
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard, Indoor


Swiss Indoors
10/22/2012 - 10/28/2012
City: Basel, SUI
Series: ATP 500
Surface: Hard, indoor


BNP Paribas Masters
10/29/2012 - 11/04/2012
City: Paris, FRA
Series: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard, Indoor


Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
11/05/2012 - 11/11/2012
City: London, GBR
Series: ATP World Tour Finals
Surface: Hard, Indoor
================================================== =======

Looks like a jam packed season ahead with Olympics figuring right after Wimbledon & WTF being pushed 2 weeks
ahead (So next year Fed has to defend his last 3 titles in 3 consecutive weeks)

[tamizharasan]

I think 2012 will give realistic chance for federer to win another grand slam. Beyond that it will be really tough given the competition. I hope he wins one or two asap.

[VinodKumar's]

Today's match is his 1000th career match

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/1771/screenshot20120124at121.png

[ajithfederer]

http://www.australianopen.com/images/pics/misc/f_federer_08_02.jpg

[VinodKumar's]

Super pic ...

[ajithfederer]

http://www.australianopen.com/images/pics/misc/f_federer_08_06.jpg

[ajithfederer]

http://www.australianopen.com/images/pics/misc/f_federer_08_10.jpg

[ajithfederer]

10 Million + fans on facebook.

:clap:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/393155_10150382216234941_64760994940_8192885_39228 8457_n.jpg

[ajithfederer]

Federer hopes to master Indian Wells

Mar 5
8:06 AM ET

Any ATP pro ought to be deliriously happy with the kind of six months Roger Federer has had, but given that he's the all-time Grand Slam champ -- and a thorn in the side of the two men ranked above him (No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal) -- the run he's had also puts him under a microscope as the two big U.S. hard courts (Indian Wells and Miami) unfold in the coming weeks.

That's how life is these days for the all-time Grand Slam singles champ. He's won 33 of his past 35 singles matches and carried off five singles titles -- including that of the 2011 ATP World Tour Finals. Not bad work for a guy who's over 30 and thus, at least theoretically, is going downhill.

With the win over Andy Murray in Dubai the other day, Federer has also beaten another member of the elite big four in the final of a single-elimination non-major tournament for the first time in well over a year (the previous time was 2010, when he got the better of Djokovic in Federer's home town of Basel, Switzerland).

Now he's got people wondering: Can he really surge and threaten the two men who have stolen his thunder for two years now, or has he pulled off this streak with smoke and mirrors, accessories provided by the fast indoor and outdoor courts on which he's flourished -- slick surfaces on which no Grand Slam events are played?

It's a fact that nobody, but nobody, can match Federer's versatility and shot-making prowess on courts at the fast end of the spectrum. Murray, who beat Djokovic in the semis at Dubai, conceded as much. Analyzing how Federer won the tight first set (the scores were 7-5, 6-4), the No. 4 player recalled a few critical Federer winners and told the press: "You get a lucky shot here or one great shot and you can break the set wide open. So I think that was the difference in the first set."

He added: "I think that the indoor season and the surfaces like this one, I mean, if there were more tournaments on these courts, I think [Federer] could definitely be No. 1 in the world for the next few years. It really suits his game well. Just so many of the courts are so slow now."
:clap:

Then Murray summed up Federer's dilemma neatly when he noted: "Indian Wells and Miami are going to be very, very different to here. Much slower court, which hopefully will suit my game a little bit better."

Last year, Federer made the semis at both of the upcoming Masters. At Indian Wells, he lost a close three-setter to Djokovic -- but remember it was before anyone, perhaps including Djokovic himself, understood just how glorious a run he was embarking on. At Miami, Federer played one of the worst matches of his career on a big stage, losing to Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in a listless, almost petulant performance.

Djokovic has good reason to be wary of Federer, especially if he can't muster the same form he had last year at this time. That's a real possibility, as we saw in his loss to Murray. And the last time I checked, Federer and Nadal are 5-5 on hard courts, although Nadal recently has carried the biggest days on outdoor hard courts (two wins at the Australian Open and the one in Miami in their past three meetings).

We don't really know much about Nadal's prospects; he hasn't played since he lost that Australian Open final to Djokovic. Federer, on the other hand, is an open book.

And after he won in Dubai, he said: "I think I was just confident. I was playing aggressive. I was focused. I didn't doubt my ability. I'm defending much better than maybe I was in the middle of last year, where I felt like I couldn't come out of tough defensive positions anymore."

If Federer's own assessment about his ability to transition from defense to offense is accurate, he may be a tough out in the upcoming Masters events.

http://espn.go.com/tennis/blog/_/name/bodo_peter/id/7646961/tennis-roger-federer-parlay-success-masters-series

[omega]

Federer hopes to master Indian Wells

Mar 5
8:06 AM ET

Any ATP pro ought to be deliriously happy with the kind of six months Roger Federer has had, but given that he's the all-time Grand Slam champ -- and a thorn in the side of the two men ranked above him (No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal) -- the run he's had also puts him under a microscope as the two big U.S. hard courts (Indian Wells and Miami) unfold in the coming weeks.

That's how life is these days for the all-time Grand Slam singles champ. He's won 33 of his past 35 singles matches and carried off five singles titles -- including that of the 2011 ATP World Tour Finals. Not bad work for a guy who's over 30 and thus, at least theoretically, is going downhill.

With the win over Andy Murray in Dubai the other day, Federer has also beaten another member of the elite big four in the final of a single-elimination non-major tournament for the first time in well over a year (the previous time was 2010, when he got the better of Djokovic in Federer's home town of Basel, Switzerland).

Now he's got people wondering: Can he really surge and threaten the two men who have stolen his thunder for two years now, or has he pulled off this streak with smoke and mirrors, accessories provided by the fast indoor and outdoor courts on which he's flourished -- slick surfaces on which no Grand Slam events are played?

It's a fact that nobody, but nobody, can match Federer's versatility and shot-making prowess on courts at the fast end of the spectrum. Murray, who beat Djokovic in the semis at Dubai, conceded as much. Analyzing how Federer won the tight first set (the scores were 7-5, 6-4), the No. 4 player recalled a few critical Federer winners and told the press: "You get a lucky shot here or one great shot and you can break the set wide open. So I think that was the difference in the first set."

He added: "I think that the indoor season and the surfaces like this one, I mean, if there were more tournaments on these courts, I think [Federer] could definitely be No. 1 in the world for the next few years. It really suits his game well. Just so many of the courts are so slow now."
:clap:

Then Murray summed up Federer's dilemma neatly when he noted: "Indian Wells and Miami are going to be very, very different to here. Much slower court, which hopefully will suit my game a little bit better."

Last year, Federer made the semis at both of the upcoming Masters. At Indian Wells, he lost a close three-setter to Djokovic -- but remember it was before anyone, perhaps including Djokovic himself, understood just how glorious a run he was embarking on. At Miami, Federer played one of the worst matches of his career on a big stage, losing to Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in a listless, almost petulant performance.

Djokovic has good reason to be wary of Federer, especially if he can't muster the same form he had last year at this time. That's a real possibility, as we saw in his loss to Murray. And the last time I checked, Federer and Nadal are 5-5 on hard courts, although Nadal recently has carried the biggest days on outdoor hard courts (two wins at the Australian Open and the one in Miami in their past three meetings).

We don't really know much about Nadal's prospects; he hasn't played since he lost that Australian Open final to Djokovic. Federer, on the other hand, is an open book.

And after he won in Dubai, he said: "I think I was just confident. I was playing aggressive. I was focused. I didn't doubt my ability. I'm defending much better than maybe I was in the middle of last year, where I felt like I couldn't come out of tough defensive positions anymore."

If Federer's own assessment about his ability to transition from defense to offense is accurate, he may be a tough out in the upcoming Masters events.

http://espn.go.com/tennis/blog/_/name/bodo_peter/id/7646961/tennis-roger-federer-parlay-success-masters-series


Actually Murray seems to be belittling Fed's achievements post 2011 US Open. Kind of tit-for-tat in response to Fed's comments last year after Murray won the Asian leg of indoor tournaments (Fed has asked the reporters, if that was a big achievement then?). Murray was vividly upset with that & he wanted to finish ahead of Fed by end of 2011 (No.3). He actually for a while took over No.3 spot but for his injury had to withdraw from the year end masters. He became greedy chasing points playing week after week eventually ending up with injury....

Roger has to somehow beat either of the top 2 in the Indianwells/Miami tournaments.
If he could serve & play with the same intensity as he played in Dubai, he has a very good shot at it. Go Roger!!

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/432010_10150675354643701_24410993700_9275402_14170 07228_n.jpg

Roger Federer claims his 35th win from past 37 matches with a 67 62 64 victory over Milos Raonic at BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Photo: Getty Images

[omega]

Fed plays his QF match against DelP @ 4PM EST today.
Nadal will take on Nalbandian @ 6PM EST in the other QF.


Hope Fed is 100% recovered.
I don't want him to win barely today, only to get trounced by Nadal in SF.

DelP may give Nadal a run for his money in the SF.

Win or loss, nothing like watching Fed, use the magic wand!!

[VinodKumar's]

oru 4 30 ku veetuku poiralamnu plan pannuraen thakkali vuda maatikiraanunga :twisted:

[omega]

Just now catching up on the match.
Fed has taken the first set 6-3.
Up a break in the 2nd. Will serve 2-1

[omega]

Breaks again for a 4-1 lead.

[omega]

Consolidates for a 5-1 lead.

[omega]

Wraps up the match on his serve 6-2.

[omega]

Roger must have returned really well. Ace count is 13 to 0 (Delpotro no ace in a match?)

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Flawless match tonight...the ace count is really impressive and clearly shows how well he must have served....hopefully he plays the same way in the semis....and if he does we could be in for a treat.

[ajithfederer]

Saw the match at yesterday night 1.30. Thanks to power cut the match got stopped at 2. Del Potro was visibly pissed at a line call during the 1st or 2nd game and he was complaining for sometime. So it is again Nadal/Fed.

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/419884_10150681394653701_24410993700_9290994_12977 78790_n.jpg

Roger Federer clips Juan Martin del Potro 63 62 to set a possible SF showdown with Rafael Nadal at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Photo: Getty Images

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/429715_10150683915763701_24410993700_9298229_67964 2243_n.jpg


Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal 63 64 and Sunday will look to equal Rafa's record 19 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles against John Isner in final of BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Tennis Garden. http://bit.ly/FPzEbC

[ajithfederer]

ROGER FEDERER: FEARLESS AT 30
DEUCE Australian Open 2012
by Joel Drucker | 02.01.2012

Roger Federer is now 30 years old – typically the tipping point year for a professional tennis player. But dare call Federer "typical" at your own peril.

December in Dubai
The coach issued a suggestion: try this drill.
Now let's try that one.
Here's one that ends the point sooner.
How 'bout this one that makes the point last longer?
This time you get to hit only one serve.
Come in on the return.
Stay back on the return.

The coach was Paul Annacone. More than 30 years into his tennis life, Annacone had honed his game at fledgling Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, reached a career-high No. 13 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, played Davis Cup and gone on to coach Pete Sampras.

So here was Annacone on a December afternoon in Dubai, putting yet another player through the paces, looking for ways during tennis' short off-season to enhance his charge's tools.

And the player was incredibly happy, eager to soak up every one of Annacone's words.

"Roger has the enthusiasm of a 20 year old."
That he happened to be Roger Federer hardly mattered. What Federer does in Dubai has long intrigued. Away from tournaments and rivals, fans and cameras, surely this spot in the Arabian desert is the place where the secrets are stashed; where the genius that has triggered swooning in everyone from literati, like the late author David Foster Wallace, to glitterati, such as Vogue editor Anna Wintour, to zillions of tennis aficionados, is concocted in an elaborate laboratory.

But the recipe was marked by utter transparency. Here Federer was, age 30 – the tipping point year in the life of a professional tennis player – spending anywhere from two to four hours a day hitting ball after ball under the eyes of Annacone and Severin Luthi. Add to that a few more hours with fitness trainer Pierre Paganini and physiotherapist Stephane Vivier. The picture emerged of a man simply conducting business. As another all-time great graced with genius, Rod Laver, recently said, "There's really no substitute for hard work, for putting in all that practice and time."

"I love this game more than anybody, so I'm not all of sudden going to wake up in the morning and say I don't like it anymore," says Federer. "It's a lot of sacrifice. It's a lot of effort I have to put in every day."

But in this case, Federer might be mistaken. Based on the pleasure he took in Dubai, it would be inaccurate to call something Federer enjoys so much a sacrifice. Says Annacone, "For Pete there was more wear and tear by this stage. Roger has the enthusiasm of a 20 year old. There is no need to motivate him. He's relentlessly studious about trying to improve."

If more memorable chapters emerge in the Federer saga, mark 10 September, 2011 as a good day for his prominent last phase to commence. That day there had been a brilliant US Open semi-final versus Novak Djokovic (http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2011/09/36/US-Open-Saturday2-Djokovic-Beats-Federer.aspx). Despite holding two match points against the Serb, for the second year in a row in New York, Federer had come up empty. His 2011, became the first year since 2002 he’d failed to win a Grand Slam singles title.

There followed a press conference where Federer described Djokovic's dazzling forehand return winner at match point down as "the lucky shot". A backhanded compliment that did not do justice to the victor. Dare a man who has struck as many breathtaking winners as Federer reduce himself by speaking this way of a rival's good fortune?

Later that afternoon, a trip to the ground – that is, Federer is on the floor of the US Open's day care center, playing with two-year-old daughters Charlene and Myla. And as he simmered and frolicked, Federer began to concoct his plan.

With the diamond-cutter's focus practised by such longstanding World No. 1s as Sampras and Jimmy Connors, Federer has long been meticulous about his competitive schedule. After mid-September, Federer took six weeks off, skipping the ATP World Tour's Asian swing. He emerged incredibly fresh, winning 15 matches in a row to take the titles at the Swiss Indoors Basel, the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris – his 18th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown – and, for a record sixth time, the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

"I've always been an emotional tennis player."
The London run was highlighted by a comprehensive 6-3, 6-0 dismantling of Nadal and two sparkling three-set victories over the man who'd beaten Federer at Wimbledon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Said Federer after the final, "For me it was important to step and sort of have that bird's view from up top and say, 'Where am I right now in my year? It's been a good year. I know I've been playing well, I've been healthy. When is all this hard work going to pay off?'"

Having worked with Andre Agassi into his 30s, ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert is quite familiar with the evolution of an aging champion. "Last year I was selling Roger's stock a little bit," says Gilbert. "But what he showed me late last year, I'm buying. That was as aggressive as I've ever seen him."

Like all of us, Federer marches to his own seemingly contradictory yin-yang. What's less frequently seen, but quite important to Federer, is the line that goes from his head to his heart, the deep-rooted passion that has publicly revealed itself only occasionally – such as at the 2006 Australian Open when Federer accepted the champion's trophy from Laver, or at the same spot three years ago following a loss to Nadal.

But as Federer points out, don't think all those fluid shots are issued from an automaton. "I've always been an emotional tennis player," he says. "I used to be so emotional when I used to lose. But I try to keep my emotions in check while the tournament is going on because I like to save it in case there is something more. It can't be an emotional rollercoaster throughout the whole career, season, or match."

"He never gets hurt, he’s sharp, he doesn't overplay."
Paired with Federer's subdued but present emotions is a remarkable tranquility. Watch Federer around a tournament, and you will see a man consummately at ease, never rushed no matter if about to conduct a series of interviews in various languages, in a line for food, killing time in the locker room, on his way to practice, or for that matter, about to pull out a new racquet deep into a match. Says Annacone, "It's like he's at a cocktail party. He's just enjoying every part of the tournament."

And so, as he has so often with his racquet, Federer has his own distinct ability to manage time on his terms. Week after week, he conducts himself with constancy, precision and reliability. Says Gilbert, "He never gets hurt, he's sharp, he doesn't overplay. You see him play a tough match and he’s right out there the next day."

"I'm shocked every time that I've reached so many finals or won against so many players or whatever record it is," says Federer. "It strikes me and makes me obviously very happy and very proud that I've been able to do it for so many years at the highest of levels."

It's that sustained level of excellence that has always made Federer popular with marketers all around the world. According to Forbes Magazine, Federer is the second-most trusted athletic brand in the world – a testament not just to logos and ad campaigns but to sustained performance. Federer's current endorsement portfolio is tidy but significant, including such tennis brands as Wilson and Nike, as well as Rolex, Lindt Chocolate, NetJets, Gillette and others. "It's not just that Roger's arguably the greatest tennis player," says Greg Via, global director of sports marketing for Gillette/P&G, who has been part of advertising shoots with Federer in such wide-ranging places as Barcelona, Dubai, Orlando and Shanghai. "But that he stands for something even bigger - a grooming icon, a man who looks good, a man who conducts himself with class and works with us in any number of ways." In Shanghai, for example, Federer went on-stage to teach 1,000 young men how to shave.

The last time Federer entered a year without a Slam title, Barack Obama was a state senator. Like the President of the United States, Federer enters 2012 eager to prove a point. Three major chances for Federer take place in London – Wimbledon, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and the summer Olympics that this year take place at the All England Club. The Olympics have often been a wellspring for Federer. At the 2000 Sydney games he commenced his romance with a touring pro named Miroslava "Mirka" Vavrinec. Eight years later, taking the Olympic gold medal in doubles with countryman Stanislas Wawrinka helped propel Federer to his fifth US Open singles title.

Even beyond the Olympics, Federer is poised to make his share of major runs in 2012. After all, can Djokovic compose another year-long masterpiece? How well will Nadal perform? Others such as Andy Murray and Tsonga remain more intermittent nuisance to Federer than sustainable rivals.

So what are keys to capturing big titles well into one's 30s? While a world-weary Sampras was able to eke out one last run at age 31 when he won the 2002 US Open, such former World No. 1s as Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and John McEnroe were unable to find the winners' circle past 30. Even after the great Laver swept all four Slams at age 31, he never made it to another major semi-final.

Read: Roger Reaches For World No. 1

Then there were those who succeeded significantly at this stage – Connors and Agassi with two Slams apiece past 30, Ken Rosewall with four. Study this trio closely, and you will see that Federer shares much: superb footwork, driven by incredibly-alert eyes that send the feet into ballerina-like motion. Tempting as it is to call this a gift – which it might well be – it also clearly a skill, one Federer continues to hone year after year, month after month, day after day, hour after hour, minute to minute.

Over the remaining years of his career, Federer will listen and read to all sorts of conjecture and commentary. There will come losses, at once sobering, at once frustrating, certainly those that signal a possible curtain call. But it's likely the words he'll respond to most will be two that come from Annacone: try this. Knowing that all he can do is control the process, Federer in 2012 figures to do all he can to generate more memorable outcomes.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/DEUCE-Tennis/DEUCE-Australian-Open-2012/Roger-Federer.aspx

[ajithfederer]

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Thanks to all my loyal fans that supported me in Indian Wells this week. I am on my way to Miami tomorrow but very excited about winning the title today!

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/425380_10150618021329941_64760994940_8942175_14347 8563_n.jpg

Rotterdam Title pic.

[tamizharasan]

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=16952&zoneid=4
LOS ANGELES (AP)—Roger Federer has been named the greatest player of all time by America’s Tennis Channel.

The television network’s “100 Greatest of All Time,” a five-night series, aired this week and culminated Friday.

Federer edged Rod Laver for the top spot. Rounding out the top 10 were Steffi Graf in third, followed by Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Margaret Court, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King.

The rankings were determined by an international panel.

[ajithfederer]

Tennis channel is a good one. They telecast some great matches from the past. Great award this one.

[San_K]

Nadal Chris Evertukku mele irukkaar. idhu saridhaanaa?

[ajithfederer]

Roger Federer
Current tournament:Sony Ericsson Open (Men's Singles)

2nd Round
R. Federer R. Harrison

6-2 7-6

Mar 25, Completed


Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic into Miami Masters third round

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/546005_10150698008618701_24410993700_9346533_20725 14920_n.jpg

Roger Federer beats Ryan Harrison 62 76(3) and will play Andy Roddick in Sony Ericsson Open 3rd RD.
Read more: http://bit.ly/H22eFG

Photo: Getty Images

[Arvind Srinivasan]

^ played flawlessly for the major part of the match....had a minor glitch in the second set when he slid from 4-1 to 6-6....but in anycase wrapped it all up in the tie breaker thereby setting up a nice showdown against roddick....

[ajithfederer]

FIRST QUARTER REVIEW 2012
CONSISTENT FEDERER AIMS FOR MORE GLORY
Roger Federer
by ATP Staff | 06.04.2012

© Getty Images
Roger Federer has a 23-3 season record.
ATPWorldTour.com reviews five storylines from the first quarter of the 2012 season. In the final instalment, we look at Roger Federer's consistent start.

Roger Federer is 30 years old and for 12 straight seasons he has lifted silverware. Last month, when he was asked to define success, the Swiss superstar said, "I'm a tennis player, [so] I judge success on the tennis court if I'm winning or losing... I love winning tennis tournaments, especially when you put in all the hard work."

This year, Federer has maintained his late-2011 season form and compiled a 23-3 match record, with a 4-1 mark against Top 10 opponents. By lifting three straight ATP World Tour titles at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (d. Murray) and the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (d. Isner), he improved to a 73-30 record in tour-level finals.

Brad Gilbert exclusively told ATPWorldTour.com, "He is playing great tennis. No one can rule him out of a return to World No. 1 or adding to his major haul."

Discuss On Facebook

Federer started the last of his 285 weeks at No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on 1 June 2010. Over the course of the next two months, Federer must defend 1,830 points through Roland Garros. By comparison, Rafael Nadal has 4,700 points and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic 2,970 points to defend.

Read Rivalry Stories: Federer-Djokovic | Federer-Nadal

Federer's consistency in his six tournaments this year has proven he could potentially make up ground on his higher-ranked rivals, and, ultimately, put himself in contention to break Pete Sampras' record of 286 weeks at World No. 1.

Certainly, Federer was in a positive mood in the build-up to the Sony Ericsson Open last month. He said, "I have played some of my best tennis now, since I have turned 30 last August."

A look at the record books indicates that seven players aged 30 plus have picked up major titles in the Open Era. Rod Laver was 30 when he completed his second calendar year Grand Slam in 1969, then Ken Rosewall (37 at the 1972 Australian Open), Andres Gimeno (34 at 1972 Roland Garros), Jimmy Connors (33 at the 1983 US Open), Andres Gomez (30 at 1990 Roland Garros), Pete Sampras (31 at 2002 US Open) and Andre Agassi (32 at the 2003 Australian Open).

With 16 Grand Slam championships titles, Federer should never be ruled out. As Gilbert told ATPWorldTour.com, "Roger is the youngest 30 year old I've ever seen. He never misses a Slam. He is always prepared for the big tournaments and has never had surgery. He has a team of geniuses. Andre was 35 when he reached the 2005 US Open final. I am sure he is an inspiration to Federer to keep playing."

Over the past three months, Federer has added 865 points to his South African Airways ATP Rankings. The World No. 3 is currently 900 points behind No. 2-ranked Nadal, which means the Spaniard and Djokovic will be looking over their shoulders, as the focus shifts to Europe and the road to Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/04/Features/First-Quarter-Federer-Review.aspx

[tamizharasan]

http://blogs.tennis.com/thewrap/2012/04/debating-the-debate.html


Debating the Debate 04/11/2012 - 12:06 PM



The Greatest of All Time debate: a well-established recipe for tedium, but irresistible nonetheless. The Tennis Channel was the latest media outfit to wade into it, with its ambitious, well made, and predictably controversial list of the Top 100, which ran a few weeks ago.

I feel whatever pain the creators of this program have experienced since then. Six years ago, for the 40th anniversary of Tennis magazine, we counted down our own list of the Top 40 Players of the last 40 years. When we ended up with Martina Navratilova at No. 2 and Steffi Graf at No. 3, I received an email about how we had made a “grave mistake,” and that the sport would never be the same because of it. People take it seriously.

Like Tennis Channel, we put men and women together, which is obviously tricky—how, exactly, do Pete Sampras’s 14 majors stack up against Steffi Graf’s 22?—and which a lot of people hated. But I like the uniform finality of a single list, even if you have to compare an apple to an orange now and then along the way.

But like everyone else, I had my issues with this one. Lendl below Connors and McEnroe? Agassi and Billie Jean ahead of Serena? Emmo ahead of Muscles? Thirty-four players ahead of Pancho Gonzalez? The latter judgement just shows that, along with the difficulty of combining men and women, there’s an even greater difficulty in simply comparing statistics across eras—Roger Federer is No. 1 primarily because of his Grand Slam total, but for 20 years Gonzalez wasn’t even allowed to enter Grand Slams. If your primary criterion for greatness only exists for certain players on your list, you're in trouble.

What’s the alternative? Not to do it at all? That would have meant not seeing all of the archival footage that the Tennis Channel dug up, not learning about and imagining a fabled talent like Norman “The Wizard” Brookes of Australia, not hearing the opinions and assessments and memories of various legends and quasi-luminaries—not, in short, getting a rare chance to appreciate how rich the history of tennis is, and how much farther it goes back than many of us realize.

Looking at this 100 Greatest, two broad thoughts came to mind. First, the meaning of “tennis player” has changed in the last 40 years. Now, when we say "greatest," we mean the greatest singles player ever. Before the 1970s, the decade when the top men stopped dedicating themselves to doubles, a player’s greatness would likely have been a combination of his or her singles and doubles abilities. "Tennis,” in the total sense of the word.

Of course, you can’t go back in time, and if you include doubles in your criteria, you’ll end up slighting Federer, Borg, Graf, Lendl, Jimbo, and all of the recent greats who didn’t prioritize it. It would be hard not to make Margaret Court, with 62 total Grand Slams, the Goat. Still, I like the idea of thinking about a complete tennis player, of considering their ability to battle through physically and mentally grueling singles matches, and then turn around and have the skills—the serve, the hands, the volleys, the quick movements, the team leadership—to dominate in doubles as well. It adds dimensions to the sport, and what we expect from its players.

Two modern greats stick out in this regard, and their stock would rise even higher if doubles were part of the equation: John McEnroe, who won a nicely symmetrical 77 singles titles and 78 doubles titles; and Martina Navratilova, who won an ungodly 350-something total titles in singles, doubles, and mixed. Navratilova and McEnroe had plenty in common: Both are lefties, both were hotheaded and smart, both arrived as the sport was transitioning from amateur to pro, and both were blessed with speed, hands, and flashingly aggressive styles. They were great tennis players, in a pure sense of the word.

The second thought that comes to mind is that your own Top 10 or 20 list can say as much about you as it does about any player on it. I mention this because since TC’s 100 Greatest came out, two writer-historians, Richard Evans and Joel Drucker, have commented on it and offered their own more idiosyncratic choices. The results were illuminating.

For Drucker, it’s “sustained long-term excellence” that earns his respect. “Perhaps this is because all my life I’ve been more planner than crammer,” Drucker writes. “In college, my belief was that those who stayed up all night to crank out a paper were less concerned with sustainable learning and knowledge and more focused on a short-term goal. . . . So in that sense, I favor those who persistently ask things of themselves, who continually improve and therefore seek to endure.” He lists multi-decade champs like Navratilova, Evert, Rosewall, Sampras, and, of course, Joel’s hero, Jimmy Connors.

Which leaves me wondering, as it often does with tennis fans: Does Joel value Jimbo because he was enduring, or does he value endurance and longevity because he likes Jimbo? Does our choice of a favorite player happen because he or she fits some philosophy of life that we have always had? Or do we create a philosophy to justify the fact that we just really like this player and who knows why? I’m starting to think it's the latter—that inarticulate fandom comes first. Either way, what matters is that Drucker’s indentification with Connors has led him to create some of the best writing about what it means to be a tennis fan.

Evans, on Twitter, offered his own top-of-my-head Top 15, which went like this (I’ll leave it in the form of his tweet):

1 Fed 2 Hoad 3 Navratilova 4Laver 5 Rosewall 6 McEnroe 7 Seles 8Borg 9 Graf 10 Hingis 11Sampras 12 Kramer 13 Agassi 14 Court 15 Connors

Evans went on to say that he openly favored talent over titles. I love the individuality of his choices. Hingis over Sampras? Seles over Graf? Lew Hoad over everyone except Federer? No Pancho? Clearly, he went with his gut and didn’t apologize for it. What does it tell us about him? Perhaps, as an Englishman, in his privileging of talent, Evans carries more residual respect for something that's inherited than an American like Drucker does. Nature versus nuture—a debate beneath the debate.

Since Evans was willing to jot his Top 15 down off the top of his head, I’ll do the same with my own Top 6. Your first instinct, done in a blink, is usually your truest response, right? I'll limit mine to Open era, since I watched those players and can bring a personal response to it.

1. Federer—16 Slams, 23 straight Slam semis, domination for four straight years, and a blend of beauty and purpose, of the aesthetic and the useful, that I've never seen from any other player.

2. Navratilova—Six straight Slams, utter domination for five years, three-decade longevity, and the thought of the slashing, instinctive way that she moved toward the net.

3. Graf—All four majors at least four times, her fearsome desire to win, which never seemed satisfied, and a forehand that broke all the rules and was still one of the most important shots in history.

4. Laver—Two calendar-year Slams, and a hard, practical purity of form shot through with sudden explosiveness and flights of artistry.

5. McEnroe—There have been plenty of unique styles over the decades, but to my eyes McEnroe made contact with the ball differently from you, me, and everyone else.

6. Sampras—At his best, the closest to unbeatable that any player has ever been. Forget art and beauty—though he had both of them—Pete took the racquet out of your hand.

I guess this list tells you . . . that I identify with left-handed people.

Whenever these canonical countdowns are made, we hear that the best thing about them is that they spark discussion. That’s true, but I think tennis’s lists go past that. The fact that they're impossible to do in any absolute sense makes anyone’s personal choices as valid as anyone else’s.

We shouldn’t say that we “can’t compare players from different eras." Subjectivity should be encouraged, because that's what makes these lists worthwhile—that's what allows us to engage and act out as fans, and to think seriously about what made certain players special. When we decide which legend we would "take" over another, we might even tell each other a little bit about ourselves.

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/541083_10150790715449941_64760994940_9477897_20801 80922_n.jpg

Having fun shooting(Dai, dai :evil: ) the new Lindt commercial...trying hard not to
eat too many Lindor truffles during the breaks.....rn1/541083_10150790715449941_64760994940_9477897_20801 80922_n.jpg[/IMG]

[ajithfederer]

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Roger Federer won 90% of second serve points in his 64 64 win over David Ferrer in the Madrid QFs. Can anyone recall a better conversion by Roger? Photo: Getty Images

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576740_10150888416493701_24410993700_9732882_54784 0377_n.jpg


Roger Federer passes $70m in prize money after beating Janko Tipsarevic 6-2, 6-3 in the Madrid semis. The No. 2 ranking is on the line for Fed in Sunday’s final; will he make it? Photo: Getty Images

[omega]

http://i47.tinypic.com/1jb913.jpg

3rd Madrid Masters Title (only person to have won 3 times)
20th ATP 1000 title (joint record holder with Rafael Nadal)
74th career title....

The odyssey continues!!!!

[VinodKumar's]

http://i50.tinypic.com/2qlsjrd.jpg

[VinodKumar's]

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[VinodKumar's]

http://i48.tinypic.com/357kiom.jpg

[VinodKumar's]

http://i47.tinypic.com/110ztxv.png

[VinodKumar's]

Still Roger is not confirmed that he will play Rome. He said he is tired and exhausted and he will decide on Wednesday based on his fitness.

[ajithfederer]

Omega, So after when is he back to 2nd rank??

[ajithfederer]

Adhu velayadaradhukku summa irukkalam.

Still Roger is not confirmed that he will play Rome. He said he is tired and exhausted and he will decide on Wednesday based on his fitness.

[ajithfederer]

MUTUA MADRID OPEN 2012
FEDERER CAPTURES 20TH MASTERS 1000 CROWN
Madrid, Spain
by ATP Staff | 13.05.2012

Roger Federer will return to No. 2 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on Monday after winning a record-equalling 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title on Sunday in Madrid. The Swiss defeated Tomas Berdych 3-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the final of the Mutua Madrid Open.

"It’s been a great spell and I couldn’t be more happy right now coming off a break winning right away," said Federer, who was playing his first tournament since early April. "It’s always an ideal scenario for what’s to come."

The 30-year-old Federer tied Nadal’s short-lived record for most ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophies. The Spaniard clinched his 20th title last month at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (d. Djokovic). Federer is the all-time leader with 258 Masters 1000 match wins and won his first of the coveted trophies in Hamburg in 2003.

Federer’s return to No. 2 will see him hold the position for the first time since the week of 14 March, 2011. The Basel native has been in blistering form over the past eight months. Since losing out to Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals, Federer has compiled a 45-3 match record and has lost prior to the semi-finals just once in nine tournaments (l. to Roddick 3rd Rd in Miami). :shock: :clap:

Federer captured an ATP World Tour-best fourth title of the season, adding to triumphs in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), Dubai (d. Murray) and Indian Wells (d. Isner). He was contesting his first clay-court tournament of the year, and was extended to a third set tie-break in his Madrid opening match against Milos Raonic.

“I was worried about getting through the first round and was not even thinking about who was going to be my second round opponent," he said. "I was very realistic coming into this event. Confidence is coming back. I was away and it didn’t take much for me to get my confidence back, especially now that I’ve been playing so well for the past nine months."

Berdych made the better start to the final, breaking straight away for a 2-0 lead. The Czech was denied a set point chance in the eighth game, but closed it out on serve in the following game. Federer looked set to level the match after an early service break in the second set, but squandered a set point in the ninth game as Berdych fought back to level. A double fault from the Czech proved costly in the 12th game, though, as Federer broke once more to steal the set.

After saving two break points at the start of the third set, Federer broke through in the eighth game courtesy of successive double faults from Berdych, who had just rallied from 0/40 with three aces. However, Berdych again hit back, breaking immediately to level up at 5-5. The Czech’s lives ran out in the 12th game. He recovered from a 0/40 deficit, but could not deny Federer on his fourth match point as he prevailed in two hours and 38 minutes.

"It was tough. I was almost down the entire time," admitted Federer. "Finally I got the break in the third, and then he broke back. Things got tough again. I played great. It's always special winning a title 7-5 in the third. The crowd was amazing so I'm very happy."

It was Federer’s 11th win in 15 meetings with Berdych. He came into the clash with the Czech player having lost three of their past five matches, including defeat in the 2010 Wimbledon quarter-finals.

Federer triumphed in Madrid for the third time in five finals. The right-hander lifted the trophy for the first time in 2006 (d. Gonzalez), when it was an indoor hard-court tournament, before regaining the trophy in 2009 (d. Nadal) on clay. He was runner-up in 2007 (l. to Nalbandian) and 2010 (l. to Nadal).

World No. 7 Tomas Berdych was bidding to win his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown, following victory in Paris in 2005. This season’s Montpellier champion (d. Monfils) dropped to a 7-7 record in tour-level finals. He had been in impressive form throughout the week at La Caja Magica, storming through to the final without dropping a set, including victories over Fernando Verdasco and Juan Martin del Potro.

"I would just say that it was a very close game," assessed Berdych. "You sometimes need to make those small adjustments to win a match like this, but it wasn't my case today.

"The week was great until the last day," he continued. "Right now I am really upset and I am sad because of how I finished it. I lost the final but in a couple of hours I am going to see it in a more positive way. I had a great week, I beat a lot of great guys and made it to the finals."

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/05/19/Madrid-Sunday-Final-Report-Federer-Beats-Berdych.aspx

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/292282_10150891046798701_24410993700_9742149_27832 7373_n.jpg

[m_karthik]

Adhu velayadaradhukku summa irukkalam.

He had to play. He had to produce medical fitness certificate if he can't play. Otherwise there will sanctions.
Monte Carlo is non-compulsory.

[omega]

As there are no announcements yet, I think Roger will play @ Rome tommorrow.
It looks like he could reach Semis on paper w/o much ado..

The season ahead looks very packed with no time to recover.
Next week will be the only time off between Now & Wimbledon.
If he runs deep into FO like last year, he would prefer to skip Halle, the only grass event (ATP 250) prior to Wimbledon.
Whenever he has won Halle, he has done well @ Wimbledon too. This time around Novak & Nadal also will be at Halle.

[ajithfederer]

http://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/6753


Federer passes $70 million in Career Tournament Prize Money

New world No. 2 Roger Federer passed $70 million in career tournament prize money following his title last week at the Mutua Madrid Open. Federer has earned $70,512,279 throughout his celebrated career which started in 1998. Federer, a winner of 74 singles titles including 16 majors and 20 Masters 1000s, has earned $3,082,343 so far this season.

[omega]

Federer wins his 2nd round match against Berlocq 6-3, 6-4 @ Rome Masters....
Fed was broken once in the 2nd set...
Next up Ferrero...

[omega]

Hope Ferrero doesn't play like a former No.1 today.
Seeing some similarity to Miami Masters, when Roger lost to another former No.1 (Roddick) in 3rd round coming fresh from winning IW title.

[m_karthik]

As there are no announcements yet, I think Roger will play @ Rome tommorrow.
It looks like he could reach Semis on paper w/o much ado..

The season ahead looks very packed with no time to recover.
Next week will be the only time off between Now & Wimbledon.
If he runs deep into FO like last year, he would prefer to skip Halle, the only grass event (ATP 250) prior to Wimbledon.
Whenever he has won Halle, he has done well @ Wimbledon too. This time around Novak & Nadal also will be at Halle.

Olympics in Wimbledon courts just before Toronto Masters....
But one month gap between Wimbledon and Olympics. :)
If Nadal wins Rome Masters, then Fed moves down again to 3..

[omega]

The difference between Federer & Nadal is 325 points.

Nadal winning Rome means he will take back No.2 spot next week.
To remain No. 2 Roger has to win Rome, which looks very unlikely..

[Arvind Srinivasan]

A very interesting line up of events....Rome masters ( current), Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Toronto Masters followed by the Olympics.....Entertainment guaranteed for the next three months....:)

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/556231_10150906184418701_24410993700_9780061_11306 16924_n.jpg

Game On! Roger Federer sets first clash with Novak Djokovic since 2011 US Open after beating Andreas Seppi 61 62 to reach Internazionali BNL d'Italia semi-finals. What will happen Saturday? Photo: AFP/Getty Images

[omega]

Looking at the way Roger is playing the last of couple of rounds, I have a very strong feeling that he is going to pull this on off against Nole....
Very crispy ground strokes with ever smooth swift traction... He looks very comfortable & effortless out in the middle....

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Since his fall to no. 3, federer's had the problem of facing both Nadal and djokovic in their prime form to get a tournament win. He defeated Djoko in last year's French Open only to lose the final to Nadal. Considering his excellent form of late,it will interesting to see if Federer can hold back Djoko and Nadal in consequent matches.....

[VinodKumar's]

Exclusive Pete Sampras interview: Sampras tells The Tennis Space that his friend Roger Federer will carry on playing, and challenging for grand slams, “for many, many years” as he will avoid burnout. The Californian argues that Federer “is a young 30 who is very eager, plays a lot and loves the lifestyle of being on the road – I don’t see any decline”.

Sampras also talks about the influence that his former coach, Paul Annacone, has had on Federer, and how he is “getting used to Roger breaking my records” – this summer, Federer could go level with Sampras on seven Wimbledon titles, and one more week as the No 1 would see him match the American’s record of 286 weeks at the top of the tree.

Sampras on whether Federer can win another slam. “Yes, I still think Roger can win a slam. He still seems very motivated. He loves to travel, he loves to play. He’s sort of a young 30-year-old. He’s very eager, he plays a lot, he loves the lifestyle of being on the road. When I was his age, I just felt a little more tired and burnt out after the years of travelling. He enjoys the lifestyle, and as a result he’s going to play for many, many years.
“His level is still very high and he could very easily….winning in Paris is a tough one but I still think he’s the favourite at Wimbledon and the US Open in a few months’ time is still a realistic win for him. I don’t see any decline, I just think some guys have stepped it up in the last three or four years and they’re in their prime now. But Roger still has a great attitude, he’s still playing great and he loves it out there. I don’t see him getting burned out or tired, he’s still very eager.”
Sampras on Federer’s chances at Wimbledon. “Listen, he’s a strong favourite, as is Novak, as is Rafa, it’s really, not a lot separates the top three or four guys. At Wimbledon this year you’ve got a few guys who are stepping it up a little bit but when push comes to shove I still like the top three or four guys to be in there in the last weekend. Roger’s been there so many times, he knows what to do. It’s really anyone’s. The top four guys are so much better than the rest it really just comes down to when they play, getting the breaks and playing a little better, feeling better, who’s had the easier first week. But I still like Roger on the grass. He has the best game for the surface, but we’ll see.”
Sampras on Federer breaking his records. “Roger’s very eager, willing to put in the work, is still training very hard and I see him being a contender and a favourite at Wimbledon. I don’t think being No 1 again is as important to him as a Wimbledon would be but obviously everything goes hand in hand. So, I’m used to Roger breaking my records, that’s the way it’s been for a number of years. There’s nothing I can do about it. I would just sit here being impressed at what Roger’s been able to do.
“I know how hard it is to stay on top for many years, and I think it’s easier to have my records broken by a guy who I admire and who I consider a friend. It’ll make it a little bit easier. When we all play, we want to keep our records for ever but we know that records can be broken and most likely will be broken. Roger’s done incredible things on and off the court and really deserves all the accolades of being a great champion.”
Sampras on the influence of Paul Annacone, his former coach, who is now working with Federer. “I think Paul’s very smart. He knows what it’s like to be out there. He coached me for many years, he’s smart with different personalities, what I might want to hear, what Roger might want to hear, or Tim [Henman], for a few years. He’s not a guy who is going to need to tell Roger a lot of things but to have Paul in his corner can help him figure out a few things, like how to play a lefty in Rafa, how to cope with Novak and his speed, try to think of different ways to beat these guys, if it’s coming in a little more, being a little more strategic, because Roger played one way and he was so much better than everyone.
“Now the guys are moving a little better, playing a bit better, he’s got to find new ways. Paul’s very smart, he knows the players. He’s been with Roger quite a while now so he knows what Roger can do and what he can say. It’s been a good fit. I know from talking to Paul, he really likes Roger and enjoys the time they have together, and it’s a good match.”
Sampras on how Annacone stays calm. “He is very relaxed, doesn’t get too wrapped up on anything, and he’s there for you. But when he needs to step up, he’ll step up and say what he has to say, be very honest. But he does it in a very calm demeanour, he’s not a distraction to Roger. When I was playing I never thought, ‘God, he’s scheduling interviews, he’s doing…..’ Paul was about the job and about the player. In a day and age, when you have coaches looking to do other things, looking at other opportunities, Paul was always in my corner and I always liked that loyalty.”

http://www.thetennisspace.com/opinion/sampras-exclusive-i-see-no-decline-with-federer/

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Will be a tough French Open for federer....Doubting if he can beat Djoko and Nadal on the trot to get the slam....Paapoam...

[VinodKumar's]

French open free ya vidunga. Peak la irunthapavae mudila. Wimbledon thaan namma aim.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Yes, Federer has bright chances in Wimbledon, the olympics and the US open if he can maintain his current form....

[omega]

French Open 2012 draw is out....

Possible matchups for Fed..

1st rnd vs Tobias Kamke (Ger)
2nd rnd vs David Nalbandian
3rd rnd vs Roddick (doubt though)
4th rnd vs Feliciano Lopez / Stepanek
QF vs Berdych / Del Potro
SF vs Novak
F vs King of Clay..

Hope he reaches SF atleast....

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Berdych vs Federer will definitely make a very good match. Berdych can be a threat for federer considering he's stopped federer from reaching a grandslam semifinal once....

[VinodKumar's]

Goffin: "My room was plastered with photos of Federer and now I'm going to play him at RG. Still can't believe it."

[VinodKumar's]

Tony Nadal on Roger Federrer

http://www.rogerfedererfans.com/forum/topic/319-views-of-toni-nadal-uncle-of-rafael-nadal-on-roger-federer-in-an-interview-to-swiss-smash-magazine/

Stan, by any chance are you a member of that forum ???

[tamizharasan]

I sincerely hope Federer has a few more grand slams left in him.

[omega]

32nd straight GS QF for Roger after his yet another scrappy win over David Goffin in 4th round @ Roland Garros

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Its Del Potro vs Federer in the quarters...Berdych vs Federer matchkku kudutha build upkku nalla payyan...

[Plum]

Del Potro periya appAtakakr dhAnE?

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Agreed... Del Potro is also very good player and could upset Federer's SF plans....but I always thought Berdych to be a much bigger challenge to federer than Del Potro...

[omega]

Fed will be relieved to play DelP than Berdych....
Berdych always plays better against Fed, particularly attacks Fed's 2nd second serve way better than anyone else (Murray comes a close 2nd).

Fed has kind of owned DelP ever since his comeback in the last year or so (winning him 4 or 5 times in the recent past). Added to the plight is DelP's latest knee issue. However every day is different & who knows if DelP can be aggressive enough he can have Fed's number. Fed for some reason is looking very lethargic thus far in this tournament.

[VinodKumar's]

Its Del Potro vs Federer in the quarters...Berdych vs Federer matchkku kudutha build upkku nalla payyan...

:ashamed: Delp summa lam illa oru GS count ah korachirukaan already :twisted:

[ajithfederer]

No I am not Vinod. Who will Fed play in Semi's if he wins against Del P?. Hopefully it's Nadal.

Tony Nadal on Roger Federrer

http://www.rogerfedererfans.com/forum/topic/319-views-of-toni-nadal-uncle-of-rafael-nadal-on-roger-federer-in- an-interview-to-swiss-smash-magazine/

Stan, by any chance are you a member of that forum ???

[Arvind Srinivasan]

AF, Federer will be playing Djoko/Tsonga in the semis if he wins today...

[VinodKumar's]

Delp got an early break in first set :|

[VinodKumar's]

FAiled to hold his serve 0-40 ...Whats happening ??

[omega]

In their last 5 meetings DelP failed to take a set against Roger.....
Here, he has the first set with relative ease....
Looks like a hard day @ office for Roger.....

[VinodKumar's]

http://i46.tinypic.com/wtyqoo.png

[VinodKumar's]

White is classic la. Wimbledon Test cricket :notworthy: .

[ajithfederer]

Whoa!! Great pic vinod. :clap:

[faithiu11]

roger u simply great:bow::bow::bow::bluejump::redjump: one more thalaiva...waiting for tat moment....go feddy go...

[omega]

ரோஜெர், வயசானாலும் அந்த ஆட்டத்தின் நேர்த்தி மட்டும் இன்னும் குறையவே இல்லை!!!
வாழ்த்துக்கள்!!!

[Arvind Srinivasan]

:bow: :bow: :clap: :clap: for the 7th time Wimbledon Champion

[m_karthik]

Voted for 237 continuous weeks as No.1

If he regains No.1 again after dropping to No.3, I would consider that as the biggest achievement... hoping this to happen before Wimbledon'2011



Roger Federer :clap: :notworthy:

[Arvind Srinivasan]

sachin tendulkar ‏@sachin_rt
Roger the real champion!!!

Rahul Dravid ‏@its_RahulDravid
sports is nothing without emotions, and it was the most emotional match in recent times. where heart wanted both guys to win

[tamizharasan]

Federer, the most complete player of all time without any doubt.Looking at how well he is volleyed and if the wimbledon courts had been faster like pre 2002 then federer would have become the greatest volleyer of all time. Is there anything that he is not capable of doing? Thanks for giving a such a wonderful era of tennis.

[San_K]

Roger Federer :clap: :notworthy: :thumbsup:

Fedex will smile @ the poll options :)

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Guess Federer is a hot favourite for the olympics...Will be interesting to see as to how things pan out for him....

[ajithfederer]

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012
FEDERER WINS SEVENTH WIMBLEDON CROWN
Wimbledon, England
by ATP Staff | 08.07.2012

Roger Federer will return to World No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on Monday after winning a record-equalling seventh Wimbledon crown with victory over Great Britain’s Andy Murray.

Watched by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge, the 30-year-old Swiss defeated the fourth-ranked Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday in the final of The Championships, which lasted three hours and 24 minutes.

“Today was unique because of playing Andy,” said Federer. “Obviously, being able to play or finish a match under the roof, I don't think that's ever been done before here for a final. So that's been different, as well. I'm happy I got a victory today, but obviously it was very, very special."

Federer joined William Renshaw and Pete Sampras as the only seven-time winners at the All England Club, adding to his triumphs in 2003-2007 and 2009. He has a 66-7 record at the grass-court Grand Slam and was contesting his eighth final, with his only defeat coming to Rafael Nadal in 2008.

Federer also extended his own record by winning a 17th major singles title. It was his first Grand Slam crown since defeating Murray in the Australian Open final in 2010. He won his first major trophy at Wimbledon in 2003 (d. Philippoussis).

When Federer returns to World No. 1 he will tie Sampras’ all-time record of 286 weeks in the top spot. At 30 years and 335 days, he is the second-oldest man to hold the No. 1 ranking, behind Andre Agassi who was 33 years and 131 days old. He was dethroned from the top spot by Nadal on 7 June 2010.

"This year, I guess, I decided in the bigger matches, to take it more to my opponent instead of waiting a bit more for the mistakes," said Federer. "This is, I guess, how you want to win Wimbledon, by going after your shots, believing you can do it, and that's what I was able to do today. It's special.

"This one hasn't quite sunk in yet for some reason. I guess I was trying to be so focused in the moment itself that when it all happened I was just so happy that it was all over and that the pressure was gone basically."

Federer has a 46-4 match record on the season and has won four ATP World Tour titles. Only David Ferrer has won more matches this season with 47 victories. The Basel native was victorious in Rotterdam (d. del Potro), Dubai (d. Murray) and at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells (d. Isner) and Madrid (d. Berdych).

The 25-year-old Murray was bidding to end Great Britain’s 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam champion; since Fred Perry triumphed at the 1936 US championships. The Scot tasted defeat in a Grand Slam final for the fourth time, having finished runner-up to Federer at the 2008 US Open and the 2010 Australian Open, and to Novak Djokovic at the 2011 Australian Open.

“I thought I played a pretty good match,” said Murray. “[There was] a lot of close shots, a lot of close games, a lot of break points here and there. He played very, very well the last two sets especially. When the roof closed, he played unbelievable tennis.”

Murray dropped to a 32-10 record in 2012, highlighted by winning the title in Brisbane (d. Dolgopolov) and reaching the finals in Dubai and Miami (l. to Djokovic). He was also a semi-finalist at the Australian Open, falling to Djokovic in five sets.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/07/27/Wimbledon-Sunday2-Final-Report.aspx

[ajithfederer]

Other than equalling Sampras record, Wimbledon is a mokkai tournament for me(Ennai sonnen). Roger go for the best darn slam out there. My home slam. USO 2012. Angae dhaan naama 6th slam edukkanum.

:smokesmirk:

[ajithfederer]

Olympics-ayum loosela vitralam, Enna solringa Omega?. I don't think he will consider that but Olympics win panna than ivar thillanlangadinna adhu thevayae illa. 17 Titles already speaks that. I have to do a research on who has won the most slams past 30. I know Agaasi has two (:clap:) and Sampras has one.

[ajithfederer]

Federer driven on by fatherhood, age

By Dave James | AFP – 6 hours ago

Roger Federer believes becoming a father and celebrating his 30th birthday inspired him to a record-equalling seventh Wimbledon title.
Federer moved level with Pete Sampras on seven All England Club titles and celebrated a 17th Grand Slam crown with his battling 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 win over Britain's Andy Murray in his eighth Wimbledon final.

The win, secured beneath Centre Court's £80 million roof, also allowed him to return to the top of the world rankings where this week he'll stand for a 285th week, just one short of Sampras's record mark.

All in all, not a bad day's work for a man who had been written off as a relic in the new golden age of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, and who had been without a Grand Slam title since collecting his 16th at the 2010 Australian Open.

But Federer said he has been driven on by wanting to see his twin girls Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, who are three later this month, get the chance to witness their father in action in his pomp, not his decline.

"People forget sometimes I do have twin girls. That has had a massive impact on my life. It's helped my game more than anything because I think I'm playing some of the best tennis of my life right now," said Federer.

"But just to be able to juggle everything together has been a challenge. And I think you learn from mistakes. You try to make it work for everyone involved. Hasn't always been easy, you know. I admit that.

"The victory today is a dream come true today for me and my family and seeing them there. Yeah, it's big."
Federer is five years older than Murray and Djokovic, who was deposed as champion at Wimbledon by the Swiss star in the semi-finals, and four years the senior of
Rafael Nadal, who claimed a recored seventh French Open last month.

Beating Djokovic and Murray in successive matches at the All England Club has given Federer even greater cause for optimism that the future holds even more success.

Despite Djokovic and Nadal having played in the previous four Grand Slam finals, Federer is still part of the golden age equation -- 29 of the last 30 majors have been shared amongst the three men.

"I feel I have a great game. I'm so happy I'm at the age I am right now, because I had such a great run and I know there's still more possible.
"It's very different than when I was 20 or 25. I'm at a much more stable place in my life. I wouldn't want anything to change. So this is very, very special right now."

Federer, whose next target will be a quick return to the All England Club for the Olympics, said he never doubted that he would be back on top of the world again.
"It was just a temporary thing," said Federer, after his two and half year wait for another Grand Slam title.

"I believed that maybe down the stretch, like with Andre Agassi (who was 32 when he won the 2003 Australian Open) it's like a steppingstone, a period I have to go through.

"I'm going to win 90% of my matches throughout the year, it's impossible every single year. So you're always going to go through ups and downs.
"But I knew how close I was for the last few years, and some people didn't quite see that."

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/murray-shoulders-british-hope-glory-034543858--ten.html

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561407_10150946201478732_355247235_n.jpg

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/556441_10150946201883732_1363981980_n.jpg

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205256_10150946202073732_1630165440_n.jpg

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487699_10150946202293732_138269478_n.jpg

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523831_10150946596853732_19373772_n.jpg

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553816_10150946116728732_1813180611_n.jpg

[kid-glove]

Fraudulent schadenfreude. FFS.

[omega]

wow....What a match!!!
Very high quality tennis from both the players. Well done Murray. I surely feel you deserve more than nil on GS count.
The way Murray started the match was breathtaking, particularly his FH (which has never been a weapon thus far). He surely gave a wake up call to Roger, who normally starts a match cleaner & crispier. It was a very tight 2nd set which was a huge turning point (thank god, Fed did win the 2nd set when the roof was open & made the match even before rain forced the roof to be closed). Once the roof was closed Roger was a different animal altogether (awesome ball striking). His movement which was a little worry in the match against Novak (those running FH cross court which he missed many) was gone & legs felt younger than Murray's for sure. Those volleying & disguised semi drop volleys' were an absolute treat to watch (Thank God, we were saved from the baseline slugfest between two unimaginative robots this time around).

It was a very complete match played by Federer after so long. Congrats!! Roger. Keep dreaming & everything will fall in place...

[Bala (Karthik)]

http://nymag.com/news/sports/roger-federer-2012-7/ (Pre-final article)


His skid started with a drop shot. At the French Open last year, Federer had put an end to Novak Djokovic’s white-hot streak in the semifinals and was manhandling Rafael Nadal in the final, taking an early lead, only to end a dramatic rally by attempting a dazzling backhand slice drop shot to win the set. Walking to check the mark, the umpire ruled the ball out by less than an inch. Federer seemed flustered after missing the shot, and Nadal won the game, then the next six, and eventually the match. At Wimbledon—Federer’s favorite tournament, partly because the faster grass surface favors his aggressive style of play—he was up two sets against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga but lost the match. This had never happened to Federer before; his record after having won the first two sets was 178-0.

Then it happened again. In the semi*finals of the U.S. Open last year, Federer was somehow in the same situation, up two sets against Djokovic, who was playing erratically—whereupon Federer lost his rhythm and Djokovic climbed back. In the fifth set, Federer fought his way to two match points. On the first of them, a Federer first serve wide to the forehand side, Djokovic rose up with a mixture of desperation and faith and appeared to hit the serve back harder than it came—a cold winner. Djokovic won the crowd with the shot, and the match was *essentially over.

Afterward, Federer was annoyed with the shot, which he believed to be lucky given that Djokovic was “mentally out of it.” *Federer wondered if that shot was somehow divine punishment from the tennis gods for all he’d achieved. “Maybe you’ve already won so much that it evens it out a bit sometimes,” he said at the time.

[omega]

Just before the SF match between Fed & Nole, there were discussion about who will be favoured if the roof gets closed in the event of rain....

Mats Wilander --> It will be advantageous to Novak, who takes the ball so early & hits will much more pace on both wings. Fed even though good at indoors will find it difficult to deal with Novak. Mat was really shocked (even worried) that Fed won another GS (which he believed he will, may be not so soon) & more so in taking the No. 1 ranking.

Boris Becker --> It will favour the more aggressive player which is offcourse Federer, who hits the ball cleanly taking it early & can mix it up very well.e

Off all the morons out there Patrick Mcenroe gets the egg all over his face. Idiot never gave Roger a chance right from 2009. There are so many out there (Martina Navro.. who said that Fed will never win a GS hereafter!!) but hey who cares...

[ajithfederer]

Yeah that !@#$ MN said Roger could never come back to 1. In your face MN.

[ajithfederer]

Aanalum 2 1/2 varusham(Again 2 1/2 here) was a painfully long time with no Grandslams. Couple of times came very close USO 2009 and 2011 were good examples. 2 ATP WTF's and host of other 1000 events were appetizers but grandslam victory is always the main course. Naan french ellam edhirpaakaradhe illa. Even this year's AO was brilliant till the semi's only to lose steam.

[ajithfederer]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/336474_10150946200808732_339313938_o.jpg

The kids :beautiful:

[tamizharasan]

Just before the SF match between Fed & Nole, there were discussion about who will be favoured if the roof gets closed in the event of rain....

Mats Wilander --> It will be advantageous to Novak, who takes the ball so early & hits will much more pace on both wings. Fed even though good at indoors will find it difficult to deal with Novak. Mat was really shocked (even worried) that Fed won another GS (which he believed he will, may be not so soon) & more so in taking the No. 1 ranking.

Boris Becker --> It will favour the more aggressive player which is offcourse Federer, who hits the ball cleanly taking it early & can mix it up very well.e

Off all the morons out there Patrick Mcenroe gets the egg all over his face. Idiot never gave Roger a chance right from 2009. There are so many out there (Martina Navro.. who said that Fed will never win a GS hereafter!!) but hey who cares...

Boris Becker is a great sportsman and he is not vayiththerichchal party like other guys who don't want federer keep adding trophies to their count.Look at his comments on BBC and you will understand how much regard he has for Federer. Becker and Sampras have very great regards for Federer because Federer plays so well on grass even when the grass is slowed down and Becker and Sampras were great indoor players themselves like once Sampras once famously said Becker is the best indoor player he ever faced. Federer is the second most like person in the world according to the survey and most of the former and present players can't handle that because no body from tennis became that popular.
Mats Wilander was a big joke in indoor courts during his career anyway.

[Arvind Srinivasan]

Leave the whiners for the moment...It is the time for us to applaud the great man..Its been a wonderful year for him.....Was slowly getting closer to the number one ranking and it was a little shocking for me to see Federer playing so many tournaments on the trot. But it is gratifying to see all his efforts pay off..

[tamizharasan]

Yeah that !@#$ MN said Roger could never come back to 1. In your face MN.


Here onwards MN should not comment on anything about tennis because she has lost her credibility. That was a big statement.

[tamizharasan]

Federer has to defend only 970 points till the US Open. If he does better than Djokovic then it is very likely that he would remain no. 1 till after the US open. Even if he loses to No.1 spot to djokovic he can regain it before US Open. After US Open he has lot of points to defend and things could change before the year end.