This isn’t the worst news for tennis fans yet…. but if he starts betting, drinking Budweiser, slapping Mirka around, eating steak, driving an SUV, grows a fat belly, talking about games in the locker room or post-match interviews, well then I’m jumping off the edge the world.

Doesn’t Fed have an exhibition match with Sampras? Is it in MArch or this month?
Whatever reason brought him there, I think it is great for tennis to have some extra coverage. Maybe it is time for the fans of other sports to learn a bit about tennis too.

Red Carpet!
Since the Oscars and Golden Globe shows were cenceleed, maybe someone figured they might as well use the red carpet in superbowl!

It’s Mirka! She likes American football, and Roger likes red carpet! lol Why not? Stranger things have happened.

Great publicity for tennis! In fact, they were talking about tennis during the Dallas Mavs vs Detroit game too! Talking about Federer and Nadal. Tennis is moving on up in the world of coverage!!!! This is great news!

P.S. Roger has been in the US because he did a stint at the Nike headquarters earlier this week so maybe Nike wanted him to show up at the Super Bowl… Who knows… But I think it’s great!

If you don’t appreciate ‘Roger Federer’ as all americans do, please just show nothing especially your ego ideas. I’d like to know Mr.
if you always are successful in your career and in everything in your life. If so, you’re not human, for Roger, he shows that he’s a human.

The joker may have won the Ozzie Open but it’s the Fed Express that everyone wants to see.

If he’s been to see Nike then he’s almost certainly there under instruction. But if he hasn’t he’s there because he’s a smart guy and knows how to cream publicity. As long as he and Mirka don’t end up like Victoria and David Beckham living in a fantasy world then I don’t mind what they do so long as they promote tennis.

If you’re American and reading this and have never heard of the Beckhams (there’s no reason why you should have) then he’s a wonderfully gifted footballer (soccer player) and she’s a pop singer.

And “pop singer” is probably at the generous end of descriptions one could apply to Victoria Beckham.

I think tennis can be more popular if it is broadcasted on NAtional TV. I was very mad at ESPN for advertising the “freee??” ESPN 360 which available to no one in US ( I think only 20 million). Because of thet the AO TV was not available in US. TAlk about limiting the spectators. If ESPN can’t profit, no one should be able to watch.

Even more ridiculus was the reply to my e-mail to ESPN: “Thank you for contacting ESPN. For information regading ESPN360, please read these FAQs!”

That’s why even a moment of a tennis champion on TV should be cherished. Does not happen very often in the United States!Good on Fed!

I also wish they start showing some of the great ads involving the tennis players.

For All Djokovic “fans” Von, Zola…

Novak will Win WIMBLEDON this year. Prepare your hankies you`re going to do some serious crying!!!!

Especially to Von

Roddick will NEVER Ever win anything major!!!! DEal with it!!!!!

Veka,
If Djoko wins another grand Slam, he has my congratulations from now. I hope you do the same if Rafa or Fed win wimbledon and not Djoko.

Sean
Maybe we should reconsider the meaning of “interesting” and stop applauding erratic bahavior on court. We need better role models.

I was watching Golf in Dubaii and was trying to pick out Fed from the crowd of spectators and guess what, he wasn’t there. His buddy, Tiger Woods won today. Now I know where Fed was.

“..he’s really into that whole fashion scene,..” He’s a Vogue guy also, so that explains his fashion sense.

Zola: “If ESPN can’t profit, no one should be able to watch.”

I complained to ESPN also about their coverage of the AO and the unavailability of ESPN360 in my area and I received the same “informative” reply. They’re stingy on the Tennis coverage and also with their replies. However,if you’re a Poker fan, it’s on all of the time.

“Doesn’t Fed have an exhibition match with Sampras? Is it in MArch or this month?”

It’s in mid-March in New York City at Madison Square Garden.

“If you’re American and reading this and have never heard of the Beckhams…”

Oh yes, we do know about the Beckhams. They’re our new Soccer Royal couple.

Zola,

Absolutely…We have a deal…I`m just saying that the goal will be Wimbledon not French Open.I`ll remind you of it in July. I wont forget.

Veka:

“Prepare your hankies you`re going to do some serious crying!!!!”

I bought a dozen hankies just for you and your friends and I’ll “Fedex” them to you tomorrow. Did you get it, “Fedex.”

Especially to Von

“Roddick will NEVER Ever win anything major!!!! DEal with it!!!!!”

Unlike you, Tennis is a very small part of my life. Roddick has 25 titles, so if he doesn’t win anything more, I’ve had my fill of watching him play great tennis. Your guy has 6 titles, you had better accept it that might be his quota. The United States has many sports heroes we have a choice. We’re not one dimensional. My question to you is can you handle your guy losing? And, do you guys ever stop? I think you need to change your drinking water, it’s contaminated with brain pollutants. Differnt names but same behavior. Be careful!

I sincerely feel that this is the only pleasure you can find, harassing people. Accept the fact that I have a choice and that choice gives me the liberty to choose which Tennis players I admire. Accept it and grow up.

Zola: You now have a friend for life.

Veka,
Deal! Let’s see how things will go . I usually don’t predict things so far behind. Who could have though that Fed could be the victim of a stomach bug or Monaco hit his ankle to a chair in the doubles final and default his final title. My first wish is for all the player to be at their best health. Then we’ll see how the games are coming.

Von,
That generic response from ESPN is priceless. I was kicking myself. I could be watching 6 courts for $25 bucks if it was not for that “dang” ESPN360 ! The worst is that they advertise it as if aliens on Mars can get it too. I am yet to see someone with access to ESPN360!

Did you see extensive interviews in the middle of matches? documenteries? Cahill and Fowler taking up the whole screen while players are in their secod set? no score! Just ridiculus! and I think once they showed the whole college football results…Maybe next year they show the hamburger eating contests during AO!

Thank God for live scoring and channelsurfing!

Von,

It`s 8 not 6 and counting… Spring water!!! Basketball, Volleyball, waterpolo…You`re just full of haterite. Enough said!!!! You`re just too sad…

Zola:

“Maybe next year they show the hamburger eating contests during AO!” “Thank God for live scoring and channelsurfing!”

Yes, I saw Fowler, Cahill and then the other 3 P. McEnroe, Drysdale and MaryJo. They showed more of the commentators and less of the AO, and then in the middle of a match when you think finally, I can see a match, they switch to the women’s match, or a piece of another men’s match. I don’t want to get started with ESPN, you know my other beef.

Fortunately I have the Tennis Channel. They showed the matches from the previous day beginning at 8:00 a.m., so it wasn’t too bad for me. Pete Sampras has an investment in the Tennis Channel. The Tennis Channel is availble with the sports package from the cable company, it used to cost $4.00 extra per month, now it’s $8.00 per month. I can get Golf, Figure Skating (which I have been watching from 4:30 pm. today) of course Poker and Football from here to ying yang.

What a sad accident for Juan Monaco, he damaged his ankle and Gonzalez won the Vina Del Mar. I am happy for Gonzo, his ranking went down from 7 to 23, because he had all of those points to defend at the AO. He’ll start climbing again, I hope. I like some of his game.

Von,
honored to be your friend!

If I get tennis channel I will be watching tennis all day. I love watching a playing tennis.

Yeah, very sad for Monaco. I like Gonzo when he is in the Zone! He has great forehand. I aonder if Tsonga will be like him or will be more consistent. and where is Nalby? I hope his injury is better and I am hoping if he is in Dubai, he will be in Fed or Djoko’s quarter!

Zola:

“Honored to be your friend!” Same here.

“If I get tennis channel I will be watching tennis all day. I love watching a playing tennis.”

It’s good to have it because I see a lot more tournaments, such as Davis Cup and Fed Cup. They are showing Fed Cup today and tomorrow. Thje Russians beat Israel, and the US v. Germany are tied 1-1. Theyh got rained out today, so they’ll play tomorrow. I don’t want to get my hopes up for the US because Davenport got beaten yesterday. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.

I don’t know if I am weird or what, but I really don’t enjoy the women’s matches. I prefer to watch the men’s matches. How about you? Do you have a preference?

Yes, it would be good to see Nalby back in form. He is always a threat. When he played in Davis Cup in ‘06 he was in the zone. Safin beat Acasuso in the 5th rubber. It was great to see an in form Safin. About Dubai, would be good to see him in the Fed’s half of the draw.

Von,
I started watching a bit more of WTA since last year. I like these new girls. Pasck? ( I hope I am spelling right), Vaidosova, of course Justine ( although I disliked her a lot after she quit from AO final a couple years ago), Serena…The player I could not stand was Sharapova. But this AO she played very clever and powerful. Made me forget about her shrieks. Of course ANa Ivanovic is just gorgeous to watch. I would watch WTA if it is on TV, but won’t make any special effort. When it comes to ATP tours involving Rafa, it is a completely different story!

I am not following the Fed cup right now but read about Davenport’s defeat, but I think another player won , so there is a tie now. You never know, Davenport might win her other match. I still think US has a chance.

hey.. what do u think of the Davis Cup tie between Russia and Serbia. I think n hope Djoker will get his a** kicked by Safin

Hi!

All eight men’s and women’s semifinalists from the Australian Open are committed to play in the Pacific Life Open on March 10 to 23, 2008

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, fellow semifinalist and world No. 1 Roger Federer, finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and defending champion Rafael Nadal will be among the 96 men in the main draw.

In last year’s men’s final, Nadal defeated Djokovic.

The finals appearance was the first big result for Djokovic. He built on his Pacific Life Open performance and reached the semifinals of the French Open and Wimbledon and then the U.S. Open finals.

On the women’s side, Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova headlines the field with defending champion Daniela Hantuchova and Serbian stars Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic.

c ya there !

Tejuz Says:

hey.. what do u think of the Davis Cup tie between Russia and Serbia. I think n hope Djoker will get his a** kicked by Safin”

Why not ? Russians are ok, they did not bomb Serbian people with depleted uranium.But, unfortunately, your country did.

Foreign media have made much of Serbia’s war years in Serbia, especially the US lead NATO bombing of Belgrade, as the top stimulus for the rise in Serbian tennis.

You got it ?

U have been Serbed

Tejuz:

“hey.. what do u think of the Davis Cup tie between Russia and Serbia. I think n hope Djoker will get his a** kicked by Safin..”

I am looking forward to seeing Safin again in Davis Cup. He always plays his “A” game in DC. He is a great ball stroker. Smooth strokes and a great serve. Will be interesting.

So what if Roger went to the SuperBowl with his bud Gavin Rossdale? I hope they had a great time. What? Top athletes aren’t allowed to attend other sporting events? Gee…

HOPP ROGER!

Von: Unlike you, Tennis is a very small part of my life.

If this is true, can you then move on and let us discuss the tennis that plays significant part of our life!
You have probably the most postings on this site, reduce polution and move on!

Federer has really gone Hollywood hasn’t he? His head gets bigger every day, believing his own hype. It’s a shame how he’s become so greedy and conceited, corrupted by fame and money. I guess he’s not better than us after all.

Famewhore, what’s this?
“Federer has really gone Hollywood hasn’t he? His head gets bigger every day, believing his own hype. It’s a shame how he’s become so greedy and conceited, corrupted by fame and money. I guess he’s not better than us after all.”
Do you know him? I suppose you’ve judged by yourself!

Guys, I think we should allow Serbia to enjoy their success in Australia, only time will tell if Djokovic will go on to become a great champion so let’s wait and see if he can do it. Personally I think it unlikely that we will ever see skills and endurance from him in the way that we’ve seen Federer deliver them so consistently over the past few years. I do think however that if he is to emulate Federer’s success he will need to change his attitude from now on, there’s more to being a great champion than just playing great tennis and behaving like a clown.

I’m surprised at just how Serbian he has become when I recall it was not so long back that I seem to recall there was talk in the media of him allegedly considering applying for UK citizenship. One can never imagine Federer being anything other than Swiss, Roddick American or Murray Scottish so it must be somewhat worrying if it was the case that he considered a new nationality. Maybe he just wanted to ensure a bye into the second round at Wimbledon.

I’m British so unlike a lot of other countries we’re not that used to winning tennis tournaments although from time to time we have our moments thanks to players such as Murray, Henman and Rusedski (a fine British name). No, it’s true, we can’t strut our stuff like so many others do, we just have to content ourselves with the knowledge that we invented the game and have the best and most prestigious tournament in the World: Wimbledon.

By coincidence we have also invented just about every other major sport worth playing: ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL (soccer), RUGBY (gridiron without the armour); BOBSLEIGH; BADMINTON; BOXING to the modern code - Queensbury rules; BOWLS - made popular by Sir Francis Drake in 1588 before defeating the Spanish Armada; CANOEING - as a sport developed by John McGregor, a British barrister, in 1865; CURLING - the national sport of Scotland; DARTS; FIVES; GOLF; HOCKEY; HURLING; ICE SKATING - despite being known as a pastime in Denmark as early as 1134 the first ice skating club was formed in Edinburgh in 1742 and the World’s first artificaial ice skating rink was built in London in 1896; MOUNTAINEERING as a sport - mountains have been climbed ever since man could walk but it wasn’t until the Wetterhorn in Switzerland was climbed by John Wilkes that it became recognised as a sport in 1854; RACKETS (or Racquets); ROWING - developed as a sport by the English at the Leander Club in 1817; SKIING - even skiing is a British invention, as a mode of transport it had been around for cenruries but it was in the 19th century with the advancement in ski technology that the British developed it as a sport at the same time as inventing the package holiday; SQUASH; TABLE TENNIS; TEN PIN BOWLING - although perceived to have been developed from the German ten pin game to get round a ban in New York there are records of it having been played in Suffolk as early as the 16th Century; WATER POLO - developed in England in 1869; Water Skiing - althogh the USA claims it in 1922 and France in 1920 there are photographs in existence showing it being played in Scarborough, England, in 1914; WEIGHTLIFTING - first World Championship held in England on 28th March 1891; YACHTING - dates back to a race between King Charles II and his brother James, Duke of York on the Thames in 1661, there was a £100 wager (about $200) but I don’t know who won.

Sorry about all this, being English we tend not to show off too much but I guess it’s OK every now and again. You can understand why Djokovic may have thought about it.

Oh, I nearly forgot, I’ve a feeling we invented baseball as well only it was banned over here in the 17/18th century because it was attracting too much loutish behaviour resulting in civil unrest.

Enjoy the tennis and the rest of the wonderful sports we’ve given the World.

Big Dave,
I agree that we have to allow the Serbs enjoy Djoko’s wins.They have to allow for it themselves too. look at just this thread and see how many provocative comments are posted from those fans…

I just love the list of sports you say the British have invented! Well, who knows, maybe Andy Murray can go on top and make the British proud.The guy has the talent for sure.

Zola

Many thanks for your kind comment about British achievement. I know exactly where you’re coming from and, whilst it may not appear to be the case from my proud boast, humility is one of our better traits, especially in sport. We are taught that it as important to take part as it is to win and that the essence of sport is to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. This doesn’t mean to say we’re a bunch of losers, how else could we have built the greatest empire since the Romans and be one of the richest countries in the World with one of the strongest economies? Given time this is something I hope that Serbian sports fans will learn along with the ability to accept well intentioned comment. We’ll never get anywhere if we’re just gratuitously disrespectful to the achievements of others. Having said all of this high minded stuff I must admit that Djokovic is a bit of a pain from time to time with his mannerisms - maybe he’ll read this blog and realize where he’s going wrong!

Big Dave…

***humility is one of our better traits, especially in sport. We are taught that it as important to take part as it is to win and that the essence of sport is to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory. ***

This sums up what most of us expect from athletes very nicely. well-said.

I don’t think it’s a big deal for u to write about, Sean. If u hate him, it’s fine, it’s up to u, but don’t write ridiculous things like that. Fedex can go everywhere he wants, it’s none your business, he did not need your permission to be there (is that right?)I can see u wrote it with a bad purpose, but for what? And who cares? You are nothing in this world, but he is. You got it? It’s not fair for you to judge people like that.Fedex always has his own reasons.

Federer’s domination is DONE. Make no mistake about it, he WILL, WILL win more grand slams (wimbledon most likely) through the rest of his career. But you will also see him lose more matches this year to the likes of Djokovic and Nadal. The rest will start to push him to more sets and make him work harder but those matches I think will go to Federer (sort of like Tipsarevic did). One more thing. For Big Dave, how excatly is Nole a clown? His court gimmicks and his impressions I find funny and refreshing. It’s a nice change. Yes, Djokovic DOES get a little too upset on the court but he’s still young and that’s expected and himself has admitted he has to change that. But Federer? Once he’s pushed to the limit you see his true colours. He HATES the replay system. Why? Cause he SUCKS at it. At Wimbledon against Nadal he actually requested to turn it off. WTH?!

Nemanja

That’s fine, if you find Djokovic funny just get on with it and enjoy him. I enjoyed his impressions when he first started doing them, I just find it irritating after a while, it’s a little like hearing the same old joke over and over again. There’s another side to it and perhaps you missed my point, it’s not that I necessarily have anything against his earlier behaviour, you’re right he’s young, it’s just that now he has won a major and become a champion of champions then he needs to behave as such. It’s one thing to mock other players on your way up, in my eyes it’s disrespectful when looking down on them. I’m approaching 60 so my best days were long ago and now I see things differently but, you could be right and I could be wrong. My little niggles are not worth worrying about in the overall scheme of things, it’s only a game when all is said and done: so says an old guy who still runs 35 miles a week and plays 6 hours of competitive singles a week and 2 hours of social doubles.

I agree with nemanja90 why you are insulting Djokovic, calling him a clown? He is only 20 years old and does not deserve this harsh words!

Big Dave:

“Oh, I nearly forgot, I’ve a feeling we invented baseball as well only it was banned over here in the 17/18th century because it was attracting too much loutish behaviour resulting in civil unrest.”

“Enjoy the tennis and the rest of the wonderful sports we’ve given the World.”

Absolutely. I was born British and moved to the USA at 19, and became an American Citizen. I have dual citizenship and still am faithful to my British roots. I am also thankful that I have been blessed to enjoy and appreciate the greatnesss of both countries.

You are absolutely correct about baseball, except that it did become more of a British girl’s school sport, viz., ROUNDERS, and it was modified by deleting most of the physical demands of BASEBALL. I think the British also invented BILLIARDS too, which is referred to as POOL in the USA

I’ve been crioticized for my comments about humilIty and proper decorum. Also, my comments about Tennis’ roots as a “gentleman’s” sport, hence, the reason why the players shake hands with each other and the Umpire as well, and the Royal box at Wimbledon.

Look at the great countries which were once under British rule, e.g., Canada, USA, Australia, and the former British Crown Colonies, they still maintain their British roots and frown upon crude behavior and mannerisms. The British are a genteel people, some feel they are fuddy-duddy, I call it grace and class, and I still appreciate the pomp and circumstance, and The Royal family.

You stated: “I’m surprised at just how Serbian he has become when I recall it was not so long back that I seem to recall there was talk in the media of him allegedly considering applying for UK citizenship.

That’s what I have read also, and the ESPN commentators at the ‘06 Wimbledon tournament mentioned it.

I feel that the only reason he has become so “Serbian” hinges on the fact that he knows that’s the only place where he can obtain a huge celebration for his tennis achievements. They can have him. However, I questioned why is his residence in Monaco and not Serbia. Considering how Serbian he is, it would be only fitting that he should pay income taxes to that country.

U have been Serbed:

For your info, i am not an American.

Bob22 Says:

You stated: “Unlike you, Tennis is a very small part of my life.

“If this is true, can you then move on and let us discuss the tennis that plays significant part of our life!”

“You have probably the most postings on this site, reduce polution and move on!”

What can I say I am a pollutant, that’s why there are environmentalists such as yourself to kep me in line.

With respect to moving on, I wanted to do so about 10 days ago, however, there are some posters, e.g., the Serbian and Djokovic fans, who refuse to allow me to do so. They are abusive and indulge in harassment as a hobby. They have missed meaning of co-esistence and other people’s rights to their opinions. They do not talk about “tennis,” they talk about “Djokovic.” They interpret my remarks as being hateful. I never stated I hated him, those are their words. And when they back themselves into a corner and are lost for words, they resort to abuse, because they are “limited” in their vocabulary.

Igonirng them is a waste of time, they harass myself and two other posters, with their taunts and crude statements. Is there any doubt as to why their “hero” is so obnoxious, just look at his fans. like follows like and imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

So, Bob 22, I’ll make a deal with you, if you can stop these people from harassing us,then I will stop posting to them. Your post to me speaks voluimes about your appreciation for such abuse.

You are free to post anything you want, but i am not going to answer you anymore, but don’t ask me to roll over and play dead.

I would suggest that you read their

Bob 22:

Excuse the error in last paragraph. Should read, “I would suggest that you read their posts before criticiaing me.”

As you guys go at it about Djoko and Rog’s future, here’s an update on the Fed at the SB.

http://blogs.forbes.com/digitalrules/2008/02/super-week–the.html

“Roger drank two bottle of Aquafina water during the five hours we occupied the box. He ate nothing. In civilian clothes, he looks as skinny as a middle-distance runner.”

Sound like Roger made it through the game. Though the fact that he didn’t eat anything hints that he’s not turning into American anytime soon! No nachos? No chips? No wings? No beer? What fun? Hope the water tasted good…

Von, well said, I was watching a television chat show the other day and an Ozzy came on and said that one only has to look at all the countries that were once British and see how well they were doing to realize just what our heritage has bequeathed the rest of the world. Now that came from from an Australian so it has to be right. Talking of Australians they’re a nation that can whinge and whine but the difference between them and the Serbians on this site is that the Ozzies do it in jest (well most of the time) unless we dump them from the Rugby World Cup. Talking of Australia just look at the wealth of great tennis players they can muster, some of the greatest ever I would say along with the likes of those from other countries such as McEnroe, Borg, Lendell, Federer, Sampras et al.

Who was the greatest Australian tennis player ever? Rod Laver the two times Grand Slam winner? Ken Rosewall; Pat Cash; Yvonne Goolagong Cawley; Fred Stolle; John Newcombe; Tony Roach; Tod Woodbride; Mark Woodforde; Margaret Court-Smith; Pat Rafter; Mark Philipoussis; or Lleyton Hewitt? I think at sometime or other all of these players have either been world number ones or winners of major slams with perhaps the exception of Philipoussis.

When you think about it, Australia is a big country with a tiny population and for them to produce this many great players in one sport is some achievement not to mention all of the other sports they excel at. This is what a British heritage can achieve, remember, their queen is our queen as well. I doubt that they could match Federer though for sartorial elegance! I went to one of their biggest casinos on the Gold Coast and a guy came in and sat at the table next to me in shorts and a shirt that I wouldn’t even wear to cut my lawn in but, that’s Australia.

Big Dave (aka Sam):

“This is what a British heritage can achieve, remember, their queen is our queen as well.”

I still get goose bumps when I hear the British National Anthem, “God Save The Queen”, and my favourite, as was, Princess Di’s, “I Vow To Thee My Country”, that causes a lump in my throat even as I write this post. I know that I will see a post countering what I have written, that I am being “foolish” and am writing “BS”, about my “patriotism” but, be that as it may, there are some of us who have a genuine love and respect for our roots, and we don’t use it in an opportunistic manner to gain popularity. Also, we are grateful for being accepted into another country, and as a result of that acceptance, are blessed with a standard of living, that is comparable to, and can only be matched by other major countries in the world.

You stated: “Who was the greatest Australian tennis player ever? Rod Laver the two times Grand Slam winner?… “Pat Rafter; Mark Philipoussis; or Lleyton Hewitt…”

“When you think about it, Australia is a big country with a tiny population and for them to produce this many great players in one sport is some achievement not to mention all of the other sports they excel at.”

That statement speaks volumes, and it irritates me when the ESPN commentators expound about Serbia and thier accomplishments and forget the Aussies. The Aussies are so genunine in their love of Tennis, that they still fill up the arenas with a sell-out crowd, even though they presently do not have any great Tennis champions. Likewise the British at Wimbledon. They decry the behavior of their own ’son of the soil’, Lleyton Hewitt, how much more aren’t they going to frown at a brash, arrogant, non-Aussie. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” In essence, look before you leap, and in his case, before you speak. Further, there’s no excuse for bad manners.

Big Dave, the following is a joke which you as a Brit can appreciate, as follows, **A poorly educated man went into a British Pub, and the bartender asked him what would he like to order. The man stated: “I doesen’t, drinks, and I doesen’t smokes.” The bartender intrepreted this to mean, a dozen drinks and a dozen cigarettes, so he took 12 shot glasses of alcohol and 12 cigarettes, and left those on the counter.

Big Dave, thank you for your generous comments and for the opportunity to reminisce about our British roots. It is a breath of fresh air compared to the harassment and crude posts over the last 2 weeks. Like follows like.

To my fellow posters, you’re free to write any derogatory posts to me, however, please remember, that I have freedom of speech and the right to ignore what you say. Thank you.

Sean:

Speaking from a purely psychological point of view, I feel it was very therapeutic for Fed to attend the Super Bowl after suffering his heart breaking loss. It’s similar to when you fall off a horse, get right back on it. The same goes for Fed. He can’t go into seclusion and stay there forever. He needs to face a crowd at sometime. Hence, his appearance at the Super Bowl. What better way to start and make the statement: “I’m back, fancy duds, et al!”

as to the why:

isn’t Federer looking for a coach?
Isn’t Annaconne (spelling) from NY state? Wouldn’t he be there too?

who knows????

Big Dave says:
I’m surprised at just how Serbian he has become when I recall it was not so long back that I seem to recall there was talk in the media of him allegedly considering applying for UK citizenship.

This is just one of many lies that are running around Djokovic’s name. The truth is that he never applied for a British citizenship. Instead he rejected lucrative offers from the British authorities which consisted with him playing under their flag.
He was not the only Serbian player who was approached by the same authorities. Fortunately, they all rejected these offers, and hopefully this will bring an end to the stealing of young talents from an war distressed country.
Furthermore, the same country that had the guts to approach these athletes were the same people who manifested a dangerous environment for these athetes when they were in their youth, even vowing to sent Serbia back into the stone age. This was actually one of Wesley Clark’s main objectives - who was at the time a Nato commander. For the ones who are not familiar with the subject, yes, Britain was the country that sent B-52 bombers and ordered them to do carpet bombing of civilian targets in northern Serbia, where there was no conflict to begin with. Yes, that was a time when little Ivanovic and Djokovic, who were only children at the time, were struggling with playing in an olympic swimming pool instead of playing on a tennis court freely outside, under the blue sky, an any average child.

Von Says:

Excuse the error in last paragraph. Should read, “I would suggest that you read their posts before criticiaing me.”

I did read all posts and that is why I am speaking to you. You are showing pathological hate agains not just Djokivic and his family but agains all Serbs as a nation. Is it true that you are Albanian? If yes then, do what you do the best, sell the drugs, rape and steal.

Sean, you know everyone would be reporting on what Roger ate (if he’ll get another stomach virus, etc.) so he did the sensible thing and just dranked bottled water. Good for Fed! Nothing to report…

But on another forum, someone was mentioned that Roger looked like he had gained weight and looked out of shape in those clothes. Ha, it was just a cover. He probably had on 4 layers! According to the person in the box, Roger looked skinny. I’ve always said that take away his tennis clothes and he does look like a skinny kid. Same for Nadal for me. When he’s in regular clothes, he just looks … well… regular. Roger looks very slim. Sometimes too slim but I think he would make a great run-way model because he wears his clothes very good.

Anyway, I’m glad to see him out more and enjoying himself. These free moments will really come in handy later in the year when tournament after tournament comes up. He’s doing great with his schedule early in the year because it’s going to be a monster later in the year and we’ll look backc at this time and say he scheduled great when everyone else will be running on fumes!

Bob 22:

You stated: “Is it true that you are Albanian? If yes then, do what you do the best, sell the drugs, rape and steal.”

You stated you read all of the posts. You’re LYING. If you did, you would not ask me the idiotic, moronic, question about being “Albanian.” If you indeed read, ALL of the posts, on the other 2 threads, plus this one, you would have seen my post stating ThAT I AM AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. As a matter of fact, and, for the purpose of clarity, (I am forced to write everything so carefully, because I am dealing with nit-wits) I HAVE DUAL-CITIZENSHIP. BRITISH as well as AMERICAN. I stated that to your other MORONIC, IDIOTIC, fellow abusive posters, who have only found out just rcently, how to express themselves by using their “limited” vocabulary, as a means to convey their braggadocio statements with respect to their little “hero,” the newly-found 8th wonder of the world, in the form of Djokovic.

If, as you say, Albanians, sell drugs, rape and steal. I wouldn’t know. What I do know, is that you sir, lack the necessary, basic, comprehension and written skills to start a written confrontation with me. Further, if I were in your sad state of having difficulty in comprehending and expressing myself in English, I would find a Professor who has majored in English to teach me English grammar, and when I have perfected my English grammar skills, then and only then, would I begin an assault on an English-speaking person, so as not to embarass myself on a site, that is visited by some well-educated people. YOU ARE STATING TO EVERYONE ‘I AM AN IDIOT’.

I have two posts to another poster, who is British, one written at 6.17 pm, and the other at 9.29 pm, and after the first post of 6.17 pm. to Dave, I answered your post at 6:36 pm. In my first post to Dave, I mentioned that I HAVE DUAL-CITIZRNSHIP, and was born BRITISH.

How could you have read and understood my posts to mean I am Albanian. You are just looking for an argument, and trying to express your lack of comprehension by lying. My polite post to you was a waste of time. You did not understand anything I was saying.

As for your statement about “pathological hate.” What do you know of pathology? Do you know the difference between pathological and biological hate. One you acquire by means of a disease, the other you are born with. I would say you fall in the latter. YOU CANNOT HELP BUT HATE THE WORLD. IN YOUR LITTLE MIND THERE’S ONLY ONE COUNTRY, SERBIA.

I would suggest that you find someone to help you with the comprehension of this post. YOU ARE A PARASITE. YOU THRIVE ON HARASSING OTHER PEOPLE. FIND A HOBBY OTHER THAN HARASSMENT. If you can’t find a hobby, then just STIFLE.

Von:
Your hate is cultural, with high level of prejudice and racial paranoia.
Do you really believe if your first language is English that is giving you the right to shit everyone around? Do you believe that education is void if it is not achieved in England? Do you think that if you have dual citizenship (not CITIZRNSHIP) makes you superior to others? Do you know me; know my education and what I am doing, to call me a parasite. Your pathological hate towards Serbs is unbearable.
I asked you to move on, to save discussion for tennis only but without success.
I am not the only one who had issue with your attitude. You also indicated you do not care too much about tennis. Instead your main reason to stay, is to fight Djokovic fans and to insult them on national basis.
Why are you attacking Djokovic? There is only one explanation. He is a boy who came from Serbia and show different picture of Serbia to the world. For last decade Serbs were portrayed as violent and barbaric in order to justify commited atrocities against them. This is also why you are telling to me and others to shut up, get a English professor and learn to speak before we leave the cave. We are not supposed to be here. You want to continue to spit on Djokovic, and other Serbian tennis players, to show how they do not deserve to be celebrities.

Umm…maybe Roger has never been to the Superbowl or even a football game and someone invited him to go. And so he decided to go. I used to go to school with some guys from countries where football in the American sense of the word does not exist, yet when the Superbowl came around they got pretty excited. Me, I have never watched a whole football game. I guess sometimes it’s just nice to see something for the sake of seeing it.

***Djokovic’s mother said he was interested in obtaining British citizenship not because of any connection to the country, but because she and Djokovic wanted to secure training for his younger brothers and further Djokovic’s sponsorship opportunities. ***

http://www.tennis.com/features/hotshots/hotshots.aspx?id=64332

Zola:

“Djokovic’s mother said he was interested in obtaining British citizenship not because of any connection to the country, but because she and Djokovic wanted to secure training for his younger brothers and further Djokovic’s sponsorship opportunities. ***”

It was for an opportunity to help them with free Tennis coaching and gain sponsorships. The British Lawn Tennis Association pays for free coaching for it’s athletes. The BLTA paid for Murray’s coaching. So Dave was right, and I heard nearly the same thing on ESPN. However, you can’t obtain the benefits without a connection to the country = Citizenship.

Zola:

I don’t have a clue on which thread I should post, so I am doing it here. They threads are all messed up.

You asked about the Sampras/Fed Exho match. I saw the info on the Tennis Channel tonight. The match is set for March 10, 2008, at 7:30 p.m., to be shown on the Tennis Channel.

The Fed Cup tie, US v. Germany, the US is now up 2-1. I haven’t finished watching the tape but so far, Harkleroad is 1 set up on the German girl. If Harkleroad wins the other set, then the US will play in the semis against Russia.

Von,
thanks for the info on Fed-Sampras match. Although it is an exhibition, I like to watch Sampras play. I should see if there will be an internet streaming.

I read the result of the Fed cup. But I am not going to say anything until you finish watching the tape.

Regarding the British citizenship I knew Dave was right because I remembered this from a couple of years ago. All I had to do was to “google” it!

Zola:

“I read the result of the Fed cup. But I am not going to say anything until you finish watching the tape.”

So you are going to keep me in suspense. I am thinking about posting on another site. I can’t deal with this provacation and persecution any more. It is sick. I have gotten to the point where I am afraid to check the posts, and when I do it upsets me. What do you think?

Zola:

“Regarding the British citizenship I knew Dave was right because I remembered this from a couple of years ago. All I had to do was to “google” it!”

Goes back to Dave’s statement, how patriotic are we?

Von,
*** I am thinking about posting on another site. I can’t deal with this provacation and persecution any more. It is sick. I have gotten to the point where I am afraid to check the posts, and when I do it upsets me. What do you think?***

I really don’t care about those comments so it doesn’t effect me. I like Abe and Sean’s writings and like to state my opinion. But there are several good places that you can comment on and even read great tennis analysis from the posters.

Zola:

“But there are several good places that you can comment on and even read great tennis analysis from the posters.”

When next I post I’ll ask you to give me the names of those sites. Thanks.

Von and Zola, I think you have the right idea, let’s move on, all this animosity get’s us nowhere. Thanks for your comments and references to my posts they were very much appreciated and I enjoyed everyone’s comments very much, they tell us more than we initially think and where the problems lie. One thing the Serb’s cannot take away from the British and Americans is the right to freedom of speech and the opportunity to indulge in it, afterall between us we invented the Internet (US Department of Defence in 1969) and the Worldwide Web or WWW (Tim Berners-Lee an Englishman and then gave it to the World free of charge. At the time of inventing the WWW Tim Berners-Lee was working in Switzerland so just three countries have been responsible for producing the best means of communication and the best tennis player the World has ever experienced and all three are set to get better and better.

Sorry I missed your comments earlier but we’re in a different time zone to you and it was bedtime over here when you really got going.

I’m going to play tennis now and when I get back I think I’ll move on but as I say, let me know Von and Zola where you go, I’ll need some allies I’m sure.

Cheerio for now.

Veka-
“Roddick will NEVER Ever win anything major!!!! DEal with it!!!!!”

Roddick has won a grand slam title, several masters shields and now the Davis cup. You deal with it.

Von, Big Dave,

About superiority of British or Americans, I think people don’t chose where they are born. So I rather judge people by their individual behavior rather than their place of birth . There are decent and innovative people everywhere in the world. It is just the matter of being able to utilize their talent rather than trying to survive. For that matter I don’t hold Angel or Bob , or even Djoko , a represantitive of Serbs!

I often comment on tennis.com. Both Peter Bodo and Steve Tignor write great articles on tennis and many people post there( hundreds of comments per thread!). One good thing is that they have moderators. The posts go up very quickly and without delay, but hateful posts get deleted and the posters are warned. So, for example Angel with so much hate against Albanians and Muslims and everyone else in the world, would have a hard time commenting there.
There is Sportingo.com, espn.com and certain player pages of course.

As I said before, I like this column too. I like the analyses by Sean and Abe and I really don’t care about some of the comments. So they really don’t bother me. and no need to say I love the comments by both you guys.

People, I hate to have to do this, but every now and then I guess I have to.

This is a tennis forum. This is a thread about Roger Federer and his attendance at the Super Bowl.

This is NOT a thread about Albanian, Serbian, British or American superiority or inferiority.

If you want to gets your rocks off and thrash each others culture or background or car stereo, do it elsewhere. Not here. The internet is vast and wide and I’m sure there’s a right place for you and your opinion on such matter.
If you want to take a rip at Roger or praise him for his Super Bowl visit, have at it. Even if you want to rip some more on Novak or Roddick or maybe you want to comment that you liked the color of Sveta’s Australian Open dress, that’s fine. But this Serbia v. Albania v. British garbage is something I simply do not care about and will no longer tolerate.

Thanks Sean.

Big Dave:

“I’m going to play tennis now and when I get back I think I’ll move on but as I say, let me know Von and Zola where you go, I’ll need some allies I’m sure.”

I have to check out a few sites and when I find the one I like I’ll let you know via this site. However, considering the volume of posts and the different threads the information could easily get lost.

It was uplifting to read your enlightening comments, a breath of fresh air so to speak, as compared to the harassment, provacative, aberrant and irritating comments from some posters, whose names are not worth mentioning. Cheerio, Dave.

Zola:

Thanks for the info. I enjoyed your comments also. Bye.

Sean, like Zola I’d just like to say thank you.

As far as I’d concerned Federer always turns out looking smart. I’ve bought quite a bit of his tennis gear from Nike (sad old bloke) and whilst I’d struggle to play anything like him it just makes me feel good. Fortunately I’m tall and slim which helps, I keep the weight down by running upwards of 5 miles most days and train in the gym with my wife who’s a fitness trainer.

Good news we won our game of doubles tonight: 6-4;6-3.

Von and Zola. Thank you both. I’ll look out for you.

Who is Roger Federer?

Fed at the Superbowl. I guess he couldn’t stand watching Tiger win when he didn’t…LOL! Here’s how I figure it. Elite athletes are like Stone Masons. It’s kind of like a cult. I figure the following giys hang oult all the time, but secretively:

Roger Federer
Thierry Henri (… or is Henry)
Tiger Woods

……maybe those stupid Gillette commercials are a clue into to something much bigger….

Tom Brady
Kobe Bryant (…someone has to be the bad boy)
& Alex Rodriguez (…someone has to be the jerk)

These guys hang out in closed door meetings trying to figure out how their either going to piss off the media or smooch the public to such an extent that NIKE volunteers to up its own endorsement deals. It’s an evil plot by elitists! And evil plot I say…. Can’t wait to hear the next story about Tiger, Fed and Brady playing a round at Augusta….

I AM TIRED OF DJOKOVIC.EVERYBODY ARE TALKING ABOUT HIM.I DONT LIKE HIM.HE IS TOO MUCH NOSY,BORING AND HE IS RIDICULOUS TAKEN HIS T SHIRT OFF.PLEASE DJOKO PUT THE T SHIRT IN BECAUSE U ARE SO UGLE .HIS CAREER IS A JOKE LIKE HIM AND SOON NO ONE WILL WAST TIME TALKING ABOUT THIS BEAST.LONG LIFE TO ROGER

Sean:

I’d like to say a big thank you to you for your very stimulating and scintillating articles. I enjoyed them immensely.

Sorry about the patriotic comments however, even though they appear to be braggadocio statements, are sometimes necessary to inform others that theirs is not the “only superior” country in the universe and that we’ve been there and done that, without the hoopla, tympany and fanfare. Fools rush in where wise men fear to trod.

They supposedly want to talk “Tennis”, let’s see how insightful and tennis oriented they are and what significant comments, they can contribute to these threads.

Von
Sean might censor me here, but I am going to take the risk. Why would you apologize? Those who could not take criticism of Djokovic’s behavior on court and started spitting hateful comments towards other nations , they should apologize.

I wish sean intervened earlier. Maybe talking about a country’s superiority has nothing to do with tennis, but writing hate comments has nothing to do with anything.

On Fed’s attending the superbowl, I am very glad to see a tennis champion there. I wish we had more tennis stars attending other evets . This is very good for tennis. As far as him drinking just water, my first reaction was “Stomach flu”, but then, it is great that he is watching what he is eating.

Anyway, Rotterdam is on the way. Fed is not going there, but Djoko and Rafa and Tsonga and Ferrer will. Then Perhaps Rafa and Djoko will be in different halves and I would love to see Tsonga in Djoko’s half and then a final with Rafa ! that will be great!

Zola:

“Sean might censor me here, but I am going to take the risk. Why would you apologize? Those who could not take criticism of Djokovic’s behavior on court and started spitting hateful comments towards other nations, they should apologize.”

I agree, but this began just after he won the AO semis, with our regular posters, and when he won the championship, then all hell broke loose.

I did not know that so many of the regular posters were his fans. I thought that most of them were Fed fans. I got blasted for saying anything about Fed before the AO tournament. I am sure you read those posters’ comments and the stand they took agaisnt posters who were non-Djok fans. I guess these people were just hiding in the woodwork. Consequently, his Serbian fans’ behavior was reinforced. United we stand.

“I wish sean intervened earlier. Maybe talking about a country’s superiority has nothing to do with tennis, but writing hate comments has nothing to do with anything.”

Dave’s comments were rather subtly related to tennis. His message conveyed that our countries have been there and done that, and we celebrated with class and humility. There was no need to expound to everyone the greatness of our tennis champions. Their records reflected their achievements. He also elaborated on Australia’s great champions. Thus, there should not be this bravado garbage from Djok. However,you cant talk sense to nonsense. These people are nonsensical. Just take a look at the posts subsequent to Sean’s comments. It still goes on.

“On Fed’s attending the superbowl, I am very glad to see a tennis champion there.”

It was good for a number of reasons, but mainly two important ones. He represented tennis, and he showed everyone that he is back and doing fine. It was a therapeutically needed acti