[...] Rafael Nadal officially withdrawn from London, two spots still remain with Janko Tipsarevic likely in and then Nicolas Almagro and Richard [...]

October 25th, 2012 at 11:23 pm

I’m very happy for JMDP getting to play in London. he’s had a very up and down year, and has risked further wrist injury just to qualify.

Tips, Almagro, T-Berd and Tsonga have been playing a lot of tennis to obtain spots in the lineup. I hope it will be a competitive tournament, and not one where only a few players are well-rested.

October 26th, 2012 at 1:25 am

:O what a surprise :O

he calls on attention upon himself so people don’t forget he still exists, casts some ominous doubts about his possible presence at the next incoming tournaments and (once again, this is getting so boring and predictable) just before the tournament starts, he checks his knees…sorry, his calendar and goes “oops, the ‘alleged’ six month silent ban for doping is still not over, i have to wait some more time before i can start playing again”.

next stop in the lust of excuses: australian open, let’s see what he comes up with then

it’s a good thing that other players who can’t play because they really are injured simply go on with their lives without bothering us all with announcements ever other week; if they did so there wouldn’t be enough room in the sports pages for all off them and by now fans would have changed to another sport if the only thing everyone permanently whined about were their injured calfs, hips, backs, wrists, legs, pimples, ingrown facial hairs or whatever….

October 26th, 2012 at 3:00 am

xmike. You are one sick joker!!!

October 26th, 2012 at 3:57 am

Oh I dunno Giles, “lust of excuses” sounds quite inviting…..;) I’d include too much chocolate on my “lust”…..

October 26th, 2012 at 4:56 am

Thanks Xmike. You hit it on the head. Nadal should just shut up. He is just one player on the tour. He is more known now for his off-court antics.

October 26th, 2012 at 5:42 am

^^^ Two idiotic dudes agreeing with each other! #GetA Life

October 26th, 2012 at 6:36 am

He announced because he is qualified. Nobody else had to withdraw.

October 26th, 2012 at 6:41 am

Gilles: “What was the point of the link you posted? Anyhow, the way I see it Rafa was just being honest in his opinions. Take it or leave it!! #vamosrafa”

You were referring to this link:
http://tinyurl.com/cxk4fh6

This wasn’t a case of Nadal innocently giving his honest opinion. What Nadal did and said was very unprofessional. At that time, Nadal was vice-president of the ATP Player Council: he had a responsibility to resolve such disagreements behind closed doors. Instead, Nadal (probably using his publicist Benito) publicized the council’s internal problems to the news media – Nadal was airing his fight with the council president to the public. Nadal was playing politics with the issue to spark dissent from unhappy players in order to get his way. Nadal had lit political fires for Federer to put out during the Australian Open (where Federer was in his half of the draw).

Nadal fought for his issues (player workload, 2-year ranking system, ATP CEO) that were important to his interests. When he didn’t get what he demanded, he resigned even though he was elected to represent the players’ interests, not his own.

Nadal’s issues were not the top priorities of most players: the workload issue was “briefly raised (at the player meeting) but soon gave way to a discussion about prize money at the grand-slam championships”. Furthermore, the majority of players were happy with Federer’s presidency – after all, Federer was re-elected to the Player Council and was re-elected president for an unprecedented third consecutive term. We now know that Federer has been using his reputation, goodwill and influence with the grand slams, ITF, ATP and players to do what players want most: negotiate unprecedented increases in grand slam prize money that these major tournaments had resisted for decades. No doubt Federer had to strong arm (behind closed doors) the grand slam organizers to yield those mega prize money increases – he wasn’t “caring about his image as a gentleman” when getting down to the dirty business of negotiating with these big businesses. If Dubai was leaked as the alternative site of a boycotted Australian Open, that had Federer’s hands all over it (Dubai is his second home base).

Nadal has voluntarily chosen to play in a way that exceeds his body’s physical limits (“leave his knees ruined for life… finish your career with pain in all parts of your body… ”) – if a player chooses to play that reckless way, he should not the traditions of the tour to change just to fit his style. If he can’t change his style, too bad. Those who can’t adapt should suffer short careers just like Hewitt, Kuerten and dozens of other excellent players.

Since 2005 Nadal has been campaigning to reduce the workload in the ATP Tour (really, for himself). As a result, the ATP has made several changes that benefits players such as Nadal: the top players get first round byes at ATP events since 2007, best-of-five-set finals have been removed from ATP events since 2007/2008, the ATP Tour season has ended earlier, etc. Today’s ATP World Tour is less physically demanding for top players than it was before 2008 – thus enabling Nadal to continue succeeding with his physical approach instead of ending up like Lleyton Hewitt or Gustavo Kuerten. As well, the ATP has made other changes that have benefitted Nadal at Federer’s expense, e.g., downgrade and rescheduling of Hamburg Masters (where Federer had previously won 4 titles), the elimination of the Madrid Indoor Masters (turning that slot into an outdoor hardcourt event), elimination of one week break between Paris indoors and the World Tour Finals.

Contrary to what Nadal claimed, Federer was not “judging everything on his terms” or “(disregarding) the long-term interests of the game”. On the contrary, he was trying to protect the basic standards and long-term interests of the ATP Tour that had been in place for 40 years from the short term, selfish interests of a few players trying to change the tour to give them (with their game style) an advantage. These traditions were being eliminated in recent years to satisfy the demands of Nadal and his generation. In 1974 mid-December, for example, top players had to play the Masters Grand Prix Finals (World Tour Finals). The 1975 Australian Open started one week later, just before 1974 Christmas. Federer knows that the ATP Tour that he played between 2004 to 2006 was more physically demanding and required more endurance than today’s tour schedule. Just compare the 97 matches Federer played in 2006 with what Djokovic played in 2011 or Nadal in 2010. Federer is probably not impressed with those of Nadal’s injury excuses that seem dubious.

October 26th, 2012 at 6:51 am

Federer, on the other hand, dealt with Nadal’s politics in a professional way. Federer told the news media he was not going to discuss Player Council business in public. Federer did not criticize Nadal in public. When Swiss tennis journalists questioned Federer about the issue (see link), Roger simply said that differences of opinion were normal and that he had no problem with Nadal no matter what he says and thinks. Despite Nadal stabbing Federer in the back in Australia, Federer still supported Nadal’s position on blue clay (see link). Federer has always sought to protect the image, reputation and long term interests of men’s tennis. I don’t believe any other No.1 player has bothered to perform the role of Player Council president in recent decades.

October 26th, 2012 at 6:57 am

Here’s the link (in German) I mentioned in my previous post.
http://tinyurl.com/9yjfxpg

October 26th, 2012 at 6:59 am

Dave. Nadal did apologise for airing his opinions on Fed in public and admitted it should have been behind closed doors. I really am not interested in the politics and why’s and wherefore’s of the Player Council. I do hope that Fed uses his position as President to bring about fruitful changes whatever they might be. That is why he is in that position. And that is all I am going to say. #rogerisasaint!!!

October 26th, 2012 at 7:21 am

A very diluted excuse from Gillsman on Nadals behalf. Why did he have to engage in cheap politics initially anyway. But its typical of the mindset of him.Gilly karma got him eventually in the form of Rosol. So just shut up

October 26th, 2012 at 8:03 am

Be very careful noogie dude. Karma is knocking on your door! #absoluteidiot

October 26th, 2012 at 8:35 am

@giles,
How about i spit on someone’s face in pubilc and then after a while i apologize to that person and say, “dude, i’m sorry. i shouldn’t have done that outside. shoulda done it inside” ??

October 26th, 2012 at 9:31 am

Tz. How about I tell you to SHUT UP the way Fed said those words to the crowd and DON’T apologise?? #cutsbothways

October 26th, 2012 at 10:07 am

Federer is miles ahead of these players [mostly uneducated and unschooled] guys in the way he handles issues in a mature way. Ofcourse federer did not go to school either, but you have got to give him credit for how he multitasks so many roles.

ofcourse clowns like Gill will try their best to make it look like Rafa is the greatest leader of them all, but that is obviously not true!

October 26th, 2012 at 10:21 am

Did fed say SHUT UP to the crowd and also said DON’T APOLOGISE?!
I don’t know, but even if he did, that’s because is a pure gentleman :)

This gentleman’s got class, SOMEONE else doesn’t :)

October 26th, 2012 at 10:56 am

http://www.tennis-x.com/xblog/2012-06-05/9815.php. Tz. Here is the article. The video has very conveniently been removed. #wonderwhy

October 26th, 2012 at 11:20 am

If I may say something. Most of this stuff is extremely old, so is it worth rehashing it over and over? What purpose will it serve? I’ll answer myself, NONE.

October 26th, 2012 at 11:26 am

Fed is a non event to controversy. Is that the very best u can do One instance of shut up? The man has played 1000 matches and no crossover “bumps”

October 26th, 2012 at 11:29 am

7 time award winner “Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award”
Roger Federer

October 26th, 2012 at 11:34 am

xmike, the ATP obviously cares as they’ve out Rafa’s announcement on their official website. I don’t think the international media holds conference calls with Monfils or Nalbandian or track down their PR man for a statement daily.

By the way, it’s also been announced in Paris that “Rafa Nadal will come back to Paris this week end. Will be live at M6 news at 8PM on Sunday October 28th.”

Obviously, they are interested in what’s going on with him.

Also you might like to know that Rafa has twitted this: “I hope to play in Abu Dhabi! I want to finish this year returning to the court! I want to enjoy tennis :)”

Watch this space, the spanish matador will be back!

October 26th, 2012 at 11:53 am

I just read that article and was also able to read a few comments. Mark and metan, two clowns were criticizing fed back then. Talkin about role model. Saying “vamos- rafa is perfect”. My oh my! Had they known that just a few weeks later their GODSOME rafa would bump on a lesser ranked opponent. But, that’s great! RAFA can’t be called a sore loser! It was justice being brought upon that Rosol who was kicking butt of the HUMBLE HIGHNESS!

I think players shouldn’t be allowed to yell at a specific fan who disturbs the players during a match! But players can bump on each other, may be play a WWE NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH!!! All hail HUMBLE RAFA!

By the way, it was unnecessarily brought up by me. Its an old matter, and I shouldn’t have talked about it right now. But I couldn’t resist from expressing my feelings about this type of fedal war. Some rafa fans think everything is fair when rafa does it. But they give no quarter for federer if he makes something unusual.

October 26th, 2012 at 11:58 am

All these people who don’t care about Rafa crowd around his thread like bees to a honey pot. If you hate Rafa so much why bother posting on his thread?

October 26th, 2012 at 11:59 am

Most probably Nadal will pull out of the AUS open too (since the 6 months wouldn’t be done, and then he would be eligible for protected ranking).

I think he pulls out of everything till the clay season begins. After all, what does he have to lose? Ya, he has 1200 ranking points at the AUS open, but he is not going to defend those – there are many more “hard court Rosols” waiting for him now, espcially since he will never be the same again, after such a long break.

Heck, another clay genius with 11 slams retired suddenly when he couldn’t win anything outside of clay (and at a similar age) – Borg. this may go the same way.

October 26th, 2012 at 12:50 pm

Although i made my point yesterday,as a fan of Rafa i will never condone any of the things he does,any more than if it were any other player either,two wrongs dont make a right,Rafas far from perfect,but i have to agree with Alok and say its an old story,an old argument thats resurfaced again,whats the point?

October 26th, 2012 at 12:52 pm

Nice message from Delpo about Rafa,saying how sad he is for Rafa,after having a lengthy injury of his own,its not essy after such a long time away,we miss Rafa alot on the tour,he is one of the best players in history,he will come back strong,im sure it will be very soon,he will be ready to win a big event again,i know he can play better than me when he makes his comeback,i wish all the best to him,pure class from Delpo.

October 26th, 2012 at 1:20 pm

Fed also likes smashing rackets and demands a match be discontinued due to a few drops of rain! #WantedRoofClosed

October 26th, 2012 at 1:38 pm

http://twitpic.com/b7llx3 Paris draw. Have fun dissecting!

October 26th, 2012 at 1:51 pm

Now my comment which doesn’t even contain a single slang is awaiting moderation

October 26th, 2012 at 2:26 pm

Thanks for posting the draw Giles.

October 26th, 2012 at 2:27 pm

Jane. Looks like Nole has a toughie. All the giants on his side of the draw.

October 26th, 2012 at 2:36 pm

Yes – Rafa’s usual complaints about hard-courts hurting players conceal the real source of his injuries – a freakishly over-aggressive style of play. Federer almost floats on the court, Nadal is almost like the ‘Terminator’, crashing heavily into it.

In consequence, Federer has only extremely rarely called the trainer or taken an injury timeout. Nadal has taken injury and bathroom breaks at critical moments (e.g. before tiebreak begins) of a match, quite regularly and especially when he has been in trouble.

Also Rafa was warned for receiving coaching from Uncle Tony during a Wimbledon match. Roger F has won at least half his slams WITHOUT a coach.

Who would or should you counsel as a model for your kids learning tennis?

It should be a no-brainer. Still, all things considered, Rafa is remarkably humble in the way he comes across at post-match interviews, given his awesome accomplishments, the greatest of which is to have gotten inside the great Federer’s head.

October 26th, 2012 at 2:53 pm

Thanks Giles.Yes, Nole draw is very tough even without Murray (who is in Federers half )-He will play most likely Sam Querry, Chardy, Raonic,Del Potro and Tsonga just to come to the final.That is tougest draw he had this year…Well,lets see how the cookie crumbles…

October 26th, 2012 at 2:55 pm

Giles, yes, it’s a pretty tough quarter I think. We’ll see how it plays out! Fingers crossed. :)

October 26th, 2012 at 2:57 pm

Tsonga,Isner,Delpo,Raonic,thats quite a tough section for Nole,some fantastic potential matches to look forward too,would love to see Nole really tested,to see where hes really at,ahead of the WTFs.

October 26th, 2012 at 3:08 pm

@Allison-I asume that Delpo beats Isner,so Nole gets Delpo.Also I asume that Tsonga beats Ferrer but maybe gets Ferrer.Anyhow you look at that, its a really tough draw-but hey,he is good so lets see how is he…

October 26th, 2012 at 3:15 pm

Courbon would love to see Nole play Delpo again,Delpo seems like hes almost back to his very best,and Ferrer likes to make every player run for every ball,Tsonga is also a fantastic HC player,yeah some fantastic matches in prospect,sooo looking forward to it.

October 26th, 2012 at 3:23 pm

Fed has Gilles Simon – his nemesis No. 2. He once said “I don’t ever want to see him on my side of the draw again”!!!

October 26th, 2012 at 3:24 pm

Yeah come to think of it Feds side is quite tricky too,Berdych,Cilic,Tipsaravic,Simon,Fed has had a rough time the last couple of times with Berdych.

October 26th, 2012 at 3:30 pm

@Alison:You are right there.If Nole plays Delpo I think it can be very tight match-actually I think Delpo will is more dangerous then Tsonga.

October 26th, 2012 at 3:32 pm

Courbon yep totally agree,Delpos had a tough time since that wrist injury,hes my 3rd favorite player,and im delighted hes now back to his best,i actually fancy his chances of been world number 1 at some point,this is JMO,for what its worth.

October 26th, 2012 at 3:40 pm

@giles
>How about I tell you to SHUT UP the way Fed said those words to the crowd<

Did you forget the time Federer also told Novak’s parents to shut up?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2GUpbNKSWs

October 26th, 2012 at 3:50 pm

Quite right there-Federer potential oponents are Simon,Nishikori,Berdych(or Gasquet) and then Murray.Also tough.Murray got relativly easy draw (Cilic,Monaco,Tipsarevic…)Probably while those two fight for no1 ranking Murray gets this trophey…

October 26th, 2012 at 3:51 pm

Courbon i thought Murray had pulled out with injury?

October 26th, 2012 at 3:53 pm

No,he pulled out of basel (not really a injury most likely, but resting probably ) but he is playing Paris 100%.Well I just checked ATP website a he is in the draw.Know you can cheer for a Brit (Ok, its a Scot but still a Brit)!

October 26th, 2012 at 4:02 pm

We gotta give the players a break on this ( talking back to the box, or the crowd.) There have been numerous times that the crowd or the box yells something during a when a point is in play, and that is not cool and unfair to the player. This happened also during a non Fed match, (Nole vs Rafa) and Nole starting yelling at the fans when some jerk was yelling during the rally. Justified imo.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:06 pm

@ Giles

Thanks for the draw. I’m curious to see how Nole handles Raonic, if they meet. Kind of happy with Andy’s QTR although Cilic and he had a close one in 2010 at Bercy; and Tipsy can be trouble when he’s on.

I agree that Fed’s and Nole’s QTRs could be tricky, but at this time of the season there are some unexpected results.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:07 pm

Volley Roger told Novaks parents to be quiet,he didnt actually say shut up,he was rather more diplomatic than that there is a big difference,and Roger was well within his rights,especially when your trying to concentrate on playing,if the officials had been doing their job properly,Roger wouldnt need to tell Novaks parents or anyone else to be quiet either for that matter.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:09 pm

Courbon thanks for clarifying,i did see Murrays name when looking at the draw,but thought it was a mistake duh,great hes playing anyway,and im half Scottish too,or rather my late mother was,so its in the family lol.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:13 pm

Ah, then you are real Northern Girl (don’t tell me that you have a red hair also?).I agree about Roger and telling ‘Keep quite ‘ to Novaks parents (they can be sometimes be over the top-I’m fan of Nole but never liked his father-hes got those eyes that I hate-cunning and kind of smugish.).If Wog Boy read this he’ll tell me off.I know,Wog Boy, I should not bring the family in to this …Anyway,let me finish last episode of “Wire” and then I’ll got to bed…Speak to you soon.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:26 pm

Courbon lol yeah a real Northern lassie,i have long blonde curly hair ATM,although i did have red hair at one point,i get bored of having the same hair style so i keep changing it,its very Meg Ryan style like she had in the film When Harry Met Sally ATM,I dont want to offend Wogboy either i was just saying,anyway enjoy the Wire ive never seen it TBH but heard its good,sleep well speak soon.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:43 pm

volley Says:
@giles
>How about I tell you to SHUT UP the way Fed said those words to the crowd<

Did you forget the time Federer also told Novak’s parents to shut up?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2GUpbNKSWs

October 26th, 2012 at 3:50 pm

Volley please listen to what Fed said. He said Be quiet

Furthermore his mom (from hell) and dad where laughing and calling balls out during play.
Novaks parents are testament of his serbian roots. Unsportsmanslike, no respect and no class.
Look at how Feds parents conduct themself in relation to these two trailertrash hoodlums.

October 26th, 2012 at 4:45 pm

Not sleping yet…”Wire” is not good but its a best TV drama I’v seen!You have to watch it, but give a chance first couple of episodes because its starts slowly.But after is fantastic.Ok, if you have the haircut of Meg Ryan thats enough for me-lets leave it at that ’cause this is a tennis blog.Sleep well.. p.s.:I’m out of touch with net (or text talk) so please tell me what is:TBH, ATM (cash machine?) and LOL (is that lots of Love?I guess?)

October 26th, 2012 at 4:51 pm

Courbon yeah LMAO.

October 26th, 2012 at 5:04 pm

Courbon sorry TBH to be honest,ATM at the moment,LOL laugh out loud,but also in yours any many of the other nice posters it can also mean lots of love.

October 26th, 2012 at 5:08 pm

Courbon Sorry LMAO,laugh my arse off.

October 26th, 2012 at 5:09 pm

A,Ok…You are probably LYAO(“yours”) how old I’m,TBH I’m a bit old fashioned this days, don’t LOL at me and LOL to you…

October 26th, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Courbon no not at all,i love you posts,to be honest it took me a while when i first stated posting to learn the tennis x slang,anyway im no spring chicken myself.

October 26th, 2012 at 5:27 pm

And in case we forgot:-

roger swears at an umpire dropping the S- and F-bombs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koTTY3QuLcQ

just keeping some of the Fedfans honest. :~)

October 26th, 2012 at 6:38 pm

For somebody’s information , Nole’s mother is Croatian and she is lady and proud mother of three nice mannered and well raised boys. Good on you Dijana:)

October 26th, 2012 at 7:59 pm

”Fed is a non event to controversy. Is that the very best u can do One instance of shut up? The man has played 1000 matches and no crossover “bumps””

davis cup against hewitt. yelling abuse at him after hewitt congratulates a shot. [federer was losing]

wimbledon against nadal. complaining/crying to umpire hawkeye was losing him match. [federer was losing at time]

as a veteran with 13 slam wins[a completely different sit. to murray], bawling like a baby at australian open thinking he may not break sampras’ record. ruining nadal’s moment and drawing all attention back on himself like the great sportsman he is. [federer lost the match]

petulantly and arrogantly complaining to umpire about a legit hawkeye challenge of del potro during usopen [federer was losing control of match]

belittling the games of nadal and murray in many interviews [being on the losing end of these h2hs]

blaming wawrinka for latest davis cup loss. [after fed being no.1 player and losing his singles at home on clay]

just the other week. trying to stop match in shanghai against murray after a few drops on court even though umpire and murray were happy to play. using his status to bully umpire to delay play, spending twenty minutes trying to justify his gamesmanship which even the federer biased commentators were admitting.
[federer was losing match]

notice pattern?

it’s easy to be a ‘great sport’ when you’re winning. federer tends to do that a lot. which is why there are so many fools around who can’t see through him.

he’s a bad loser. and has a history of being disrespectful to other players.

October 26th, 2012 at 9:21 pm

I don’t think it is a wise idea for Nadal fans to indulge in this who is a better sport or less controversial figure game.

Here, I will start with a few:

1) most suspected player in tennis world regarding doping

2) suspected of having homosexual relations with a couple of players [There is nothing wrong with it, but choosing to hide it is wrong]

3) Bumping rosol while getting his bum kicked by him

4) Berdych shushing him in front of his own crowd

5) Robin soderling making a fool out of nadal for rafa acting high-handed in the 2007 wimbledon match.

and countless medical time-outs and time violations, on-court coaching fines!

October 26th, 2012 at 11:18 pm

I think most in the tennis world would agree that novak’s mom is a disgrace to novak!

October 26th, 2012 at 11:25 pm

novak’s mom is a disgrace to novak!Rafael@ 11:25

Why? He loves his mother.
Do you see Serbs in your soup?
Just curious.

October 27th, 2012 at 12:27 am

@roy

Its laughable a Rafa fan like you is trying to take down Fed when it comes to sportsmanship. You can search “google” and “you tube” all you want but its to your own folly.

What really matters is substance, and that is in his Sportsmanship Awards, in which the votes come from his peers, NOT idiots like you.

Count to 7 and then repeat, rinse, and repeat. Read 11:18 post. Rinse and repeat.

Now repeat after everyone, how many “Sportsmanship” awards doe Fed have?

And oh BTW, another “all time record”.

Oh and another BTW,

“notice pattern?”

Yeah…sure do… you’re just flat out jealous.

October 27th, 2012 at 1:21 am

@volley

I don’t think you’ll find the majority of Fed fans thinking Fed is an absolute saint. But he represents the sport better than anyone else in todays game. He took on president of the players ATP ( he did not have to take that on ), a record 7 sportsmanship awards, winning slams married and with kids ( who in the top 4 can say or do that? ), Exhibitions for charity, foundations, etc. He is overall exhibits great respect for the rules, the game, the tradition, while embracing change. He is not a complainer ( regardless of conditions )…….remember “Blue Clay?” Go ahead and knock the guy. But compare him against any top player today, and you’ll find he is the best tennis model of the this ERA hands down.

out

October 27th, 2012 at 1:30 am

No player is a perfect saint. But I cannot agree that Dijana is a lady or that Djokovic was a nice mannered and well raised boy. I could cite several cases, but here is one example where we can see their true behavior before Team Djokovic hired publicity and public relations experts to embellish their image.

From late December 2007 through January 2008, Roger Federer was sick with mononucleosis, but it was undiagnosed (Federer’s doctors did not test him for mono virus at the time). The illness wasted Federer’s training block and threw off his preparations for the Australian Open. Federer did not play Doha at New Year, and thus relied on Kooyong’s AAMI exhibition tournament for warm up. However after January 4, when Federer-with-mono arrived in Australia, things took a turn for the worse when he also suffered acute food poisoning (stomach virus). Pierre Paganini, Federer’s respected fitness and conditioning coach, explained later to the Swiss media that Federer had suffered six days of fever and diarrhea and lost three pounds of body weight “that would have put down every athlete” (see link). Federer was of course forced him to withdraw from his warm up Kooyong AAMI Classic exhibition event and further ruined his preparations. Even though Federer claimed a few days later that he was 100% fit, local newspapers reported Federer had been hospitalized and was looking sickly and weak during practice before the Australian Open started. For Federer, withdrawal from the 2008 Australian Open was not an option: had Roger withdrawn due to his illness, Federer would have lost his No.1 to Nadal (and Roger’s consecutive weeks at No.1 would have ended at 209 weeks, instead of 237 weeks). Under the circumstances, it was impressive that Federer reached the semifinals of the Australian Open or even survived his five set match against Tipsarevic in the third round. Federer should have been in bed, and the Switzerland’s chief Olympics doctor later confirmed that Federer had a dangerously-enlarged spleen from his physical exertions while sick with mono — this has been fatal for a few mono patients.
http://tinyurl.com/9ma4msm

Because of the publicity regarding Federer’s illness before the Australian Open, obviously the other players (including Djokovic) were aware about Roger’s food poisoning and poor preparation before the AO (at the time, not even Federer realized he had mono). But this well-mannered and well-raised boy did not send Federer any ‘get better soon’ wishes. Instead Djokovic soon turned into a vulture circling over the sick Federer, kicking Roger while he was down. Djokovic started a publicity campaign throughout the Australian Open to claim that “the players” felt that Federer was beatable and vulnerable. This was ridiculous considering that, in 2007, Federer had won three grand slams from four slam finals (8 consecutive slam finals), the World Tour Finals (TMC), 68-9 win-loss.

The British Telegraph newspaper puts the well-mannered and well-raised Djokovic in context: “Here in Melbourne, there has been an attempt at revisionism. According to Djokovic, the men’s locker-room now believe that Federer has lost his aura of invincibility, that he could be vulnerable to defeat. It was a view enhanced last Saturday when another Serbian, Janko Tipsarevic, extended Federer to a 10-8 fifth set in their third-round match. “The players start to feel that Federer is beatable,” Djokovic said. “Of course, nobody’s unbeatable. But he was very, very dominant, especially on the faster surfaces. You know, now he’s been the world No 1 for a while. The players started playing in a different way against him, with more belief that they can win. So it’s a good thing for all of us.” Still, it has come to something when you are discussing the supposed ‘vulnerability’ of a 12-time grand slam champion, someone who has won three of the last four majors, and who is attempting to win a hat-trick of Australian Open trophies and a fourth overall. And Federer’s 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 win over American James Blake last night took his run of successive grand slam semi-finals to 15. How shaky does that sound? And although Djokovic beat Federer in the Toronto final last summer, the Swiss has won their other five career contests, including the title match at last year’s US Open. True, Djokovic had his chances in New York that day, but that did not prevent Federer from winning in straight sets.” (Google “Novak Djokovic primed for Roger Federer”).

As for Dijana-the-lady, she publicly boasted: “As we said, ‘The king is dead, long live the king’… No [Novak didn't see Federer as the king coming into the tournament]. Because the last time the US Open they played, my husband said, ‘This is the last time he win against Novak’ “. (Google: “Djokovic family rejoices after clown prince Novak dethrones king Roger.”)

October 27th, 2012 at 3:36 am

What a waste of space!

What was he supose to do, bow down or bend over for a “king” like the others were doing (exept Rafa). Of course not, instead, he straightseted him and took his first GS later, that is what nicemannered and well raised kids do, regardless of mono. They believe in themselfs and don’t bend over for “king”.
If you are playing means you are not sick, if you don’t feel well don’t play.

October 27th, 2012 at 3:57 am

That’s a bad, misleading argument — and you know it. Djokovic was perfectly entitled to straight-set a sick Federer playing with active mononucleosis. No one expects any player to bend down, bow down and show mercy ON COURT to an opponent.

But OUTSIDE THE COURT, the comments, attitude and behavior of both Djokovic (the “nice mannered and well raised boy”) and his mother Dijana (“the lady”) were classless, weaseling and disrespectful. No other player or their entourage has behaved like that in recent years. No wonder Team Djokovic needs a professional publicity agent to embellish their image.

It’s quite silly to claim that others “bow down or bend over for a “king” like the others were doing”. Federer has played the most top ten players in the 45 years of the open era (237 top 10 players) — that far more top 10 players than Djokovic, Nadal, Sampras, Borg or any other player has done — yet Federer has beaten the most top ten players in open history. Are you trying to tell us that so many top players were mesmerized by ‘King Federer’ that they bow down and bend down whenever they play against him? That’s ludicrous, the kind of excuses we have been hearing from die-hard fans of Federer’s opponents who can’t accept that Federer is the greatest winning machine in at least open era — if not all tennis history.
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Reliability-Zone/Reliability-Versus-Top-10-Career-List.aspx

October 27th, 2012 at 4:31 am

We have on this thread openly RACIST comment and yet somebody is writing novel about Federer’s mono five years ago. Go back and read it again (Sienna’s post). It is ok to say “I don’t like Roddick because he is a jerk” but RACIST is to say “I don’t like Roddick because he is American” and I would be first to say it is RACIST. Now go back and read Sienna’s post, you jerk! My post was for her/him/shim, or whatever that creature called Sienna is, CLEAR.

October 27th, 2012 at 4:33 am

Wogboy i completely agree its one thing to have a debate,about the rights and wrongs of family conduct,quite another when people start dragging players families nationalities into question,as you say its racist,i have to ask sometimes where is the moderation?

October 27th, 2012 at 5:25 am

Wog Boy, be quiet. Stop being a hypocrite with your whining. If Sienna’s posts were really that racist to you, why did you take 12 hours to claim that her post was racist (as you finally did in your last post RACIST…RACIST…RACIST)? Second, don’t hypocritically whine about Sienna’s posts being racist when you abusively refer to her as “creature”.

Don’t claim that your post was for Sienna when you don’t mention her by name. We’re entitled to respond to such misleading comments. It’s ridiculous to claim that Djokovic is a “nice mannered and well raised boy” and his mother Dijana is a ”lady”.

Roddick was absolutely right to comment about Djokovic’s dubious behavior — many other players and analysts had criticized Djokovic for years, at least as far back as 2005 US Open (against Monfils).
http://www.utsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050831/news_1s31openmen.html

October 27th, 2012 at 5:30 am

I dont like Berdych,i think hes the biggest jerk in tennis,his attitude is terrible,and one of the reasons i will never root for the guy,such a shame as hes a fantastic player with alot to offer,but because of his attitude i always root for his opponent whomever that is,nothing to do with race or nationality,just cannot stand the guy.

October 27th, 2012 at 5:32 am

I went back to read Sienna’s post again. It was indeed a racist comment against the Serbian people. I would not mind anybody attacking their personal favorites but to malign an entire nation is unconscionable.

October 27th, 2012 at 6:47 am

Polo yeah spot on.

October 27th, 2012 at 6:48 am

I meant “individual players”, not “personal favorites” but you get the message. alison did. Thanks for standing up against racism in any form, alison.

October 27th, 2012 at 6:53 am

Polo yeah i have never had a problem with objective critisism,however i do draw the line at racisism of any kind,when i critique a player,its only about them,nationality or race doesnt come into it,race,nationality or religion mean nothing to me,as far as im concerned underneath we are all the same,theres good and bad in everyone.

October 27th, 2012 at 7:01 am

Thanks roy @ October 26th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Fedfans need to take their blinkers off.

Here are a couple more examples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMHPdnJ7hyk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-e-Ud-ly04

Federer was rightly booed in Miami for smashing his racquet against Djokovic.

October 27th, 2012 at 7:26 am

Rafael Says:

I don’t think it is a wise idea for Nadal fans to indulge in this who is a better sport or less controversial figure game.

2) suspected of having homosexual relations with a couple of players [There is nothing wrong with it, but choosing to hide it is wrong]

Umm!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5LdAM8d5aE

October 27th, 2012 at 7:33 am

Rafael @ October 26th, 2012 at 11:18 pm

Is that all? You are really sraping the barrel, aren’t you?

October 27th, 2012 at 7:38 am

I think for many years it is very popular on this site to be racist against Serbian people.As I see now at least there are some non Serbian people to see that.Thank You alison,Thank You Polo.

October 27th, 2012 at 8:01 am

Nadal is the best thing that’s ever happened to tennis. EVERYONE wants his back as soon as possible there is a vacuum in tennis without him.

Nadal is the best thing since sliced bread.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jecZ6BI5l0c

October 27th, 2012 at 8:06 am

@Wog Boy,
Thanks for calling a spade a spade. Finally.

Some people are really sickening. And now we see those who support the spade. They’re like-minded. We’ve always known this, but they’ve finally come out in the open.

October 27th, 2012 at 8:56 am

“…………but they’ve finally come out in the open.”

No, they have been in the open for a long time, it’s you, for reasons best known to yourself, who has been in the dark till now….

October 27th, 2012 at 10:17 am

EIETMO. That is an extra special video of our man in action. Exceptional tennis!! #WeMissYouRafa

October 27th, 2012 at 10:18 am

nadal will be back when he gets off the juice where is the atp investigating nadal

October 27th, 2012 at 10:22 am

Polo and alison, nice comments.

Wog boy, have a plum brandy. :)

October 27th, 2012 at 1:06 pm

Thankyou Jane.

October 27th, 2012 at 1:48 pm

testament of his serbian roots. Unsportsmanslike, no respect and no class. Sienna4:45

Why does the moderator keep deleting MY posts when Sienna makes racist statements. Alison we have been deleted but that tacky little thing still has her post up there.

October 27th, 2012 at 9:38 pm

Courtside yeah tell me about it,the worlds gone mad.

October 28th, 2012 at 3:01 am

If u don’t like a player, u will search for “evidence” to justify your opinion and, of course, if u search hard enough u will find “evidence.” Nobody’s perfect and Rocket Science it ain’t.
Another popular pastime is putting down one player in order to blag up your own favourite.
Happens all the time, alas :(

October 28th, 2012 at 4:23 am