Tennis-X Notes: Federer Doesnt Ride the Bus, Sarcastic Roddick

Federer is the biggest crybaby on the planet. Poor Princess Wogah has to take the bus with all of the dirty little people who want his autograph waah! such a snob… – sissy!

lol Arod comments -Bully!

John Isner watches NASCAR – bully!

Tommy Haas withdraws – sissy!

March 10th, 2008 at 10:44 am

I don’t think Fed said that he may not attend Beijing. I think what he said was that he may not stay in the village because of his experience in Athens.

About Roddick’s remarks, winning Dubai was sure great, but he is almost 3000 points behind the No 3 ( djoko). Sure, there is a reason for that. If his volley, forehand, etc..was working, he should have had a better result. So, he should cap the sarcasm and just work on his tennis and add more points. That’s the best way to silence people.

I am looking at the ATP page and can’t understand the hype on the No 1 race. Rafa is sure very close, but he will be No 1 when he is No 1. There is no guarantee for anything. Federer can easily gain 1000 points during IW and Miami and he plans to play Estoril too. So to create a hype at this stage is very premature.

March 10th, 2008 at 10:45 am

Zola,

Fed was quoted in the following article as saying he “still [has] not made up [his] mind” about attending the Olympics, so it is true unless the article is misquoting him.

See as follows:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23309168-5016213,00.html

March 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am

Jane,
thanks for the article link. Still it talks about the vilaage and then in paranthesis talks about attending the olympics or not. It might be what the reporter has inferred.

When I saw the same article I thought Fed was talking about staying in the village. Also look at this article:

http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/federer_should_get_communal_at_beijing_542024

Maybe Fed needs to clarify this himself.

March 10th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

Zola,
Im glad you still have faith in Federer!
People seem to be forgetting that both Rafa and Djokovic have a huge ammount of points to defend over the next few weeks. Especially djokovic. Its a great chance for Federer to widen the space between him and the rest of the field since he has almost nothing to defend.

And yes, I think Federer does need to clarify what he is saying. Alot of what he has been saying over the last few weeks is being interpreted a few different ways.ie: being sick, then saying he is healthy again, then sayin he has mono etc.

March 10th, 2008 at 2:06 pm

Roddick quote:

“If you look at my record against the rest of the Top 10, with the exception of Roger Federer, it’s pretty good for a guy who can serve but can’t really volley or hit a backhand or whose forehand isn’t really big any more. The list goes on and on and on, but there must be something there. I’m going to try to figure out.”…

I don’t see the above Roddick quote as being sarcastic – he’s saying it like it is. Isn’t this what most posters are saying about Roddick’ game, i.e., he can’t play tennis, his game is one-dimensional, his forehand is weak, he has no backhand, and his net play stinks, and most of all his game is boring. He’s just agreeing with and reiterating those facts. At the same time, he saying that they might have a point, and he’s going to try to figure it out. If he denied it, then they’ll laugh and say he’s dreaming, now he’s giving them what they want, and they call it sarcasm. What do you want him to say. Give the guy a break and be objective.

March 10th, 2008 at 5:29 pm

Zola,

In his pre-exo press conference, it sounds like Fed will be at this summer’s Olympics: go figure.

Here’s the link:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/UK_TENNIS/idUKL1002103420080310?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0

March 10th, 2008 at 7:01 pm

BTW, I am shocked but pleased to discover that TSN is airing the Roger Pete exo (tape delayed) tonight, so I’ll get to have a look.

It irks me, though, that this, which is essentially a cash-grab (come on; it is!) is being televised, while great tournaments like Dubai aren’t. Grrr. Money talks I guess.

March 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

The quote from Roddick doesn’t sound sarcastic to me. He’s said before that he just doesn’t really understand how he can be called an ‘underachiever’ by people who think the only decent shot he has is his serve. I’d agree that it’s flawed logic to say he hasn’t hugely ‘overachieved’.

Shame that at the end of a week when he beat the Nos 2 and 3 in the world the American press will still look for negatives to comment on.

March 10th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

“I wanted to see how Dubai went for me. I struggled a little bit, but I felt fine.”

From an interview Federer gave pre the exhibition.

March 10th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

9-Sports Now has learned exclusively that American tennis superstar Andy Roddick will skip the upcoming summer Olympic games in Beijing, and will instead defend his title at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington. This year the Legg Mason and the Summer Olympics have conflicting August dates, and Roddick has chosen to stay in the United States in an effort to better prepare himself for the U.S. Open, which begins just a week after the Legg Mason concludes.

March 10th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

It irks me, though, that this, which is essentially a cash-grab (come on; it is!) is being televised, while great tournaments like Dubai aren’t. Grrr. Money talks I guess.

Well said, Jane! There is so little tennis on television, just a little bit more on “pay per view” internet livestreams–but we get an exo on television and free on usta.com (and promoted like it is the Second Coming)? Gimme a break! It is shameful that the USTA would foster this…where the heck were they when the Davis Cup final was exiled to the Versus network?????

March 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

deb:

“Shame that at the end of a week when he beat the Nos 2 and 3 in the world the American press will still look for negatives to comment on.”

First they overshadow his win with Federer’s untimely revelation of his mono, and now, they’re having a jolly good time with their onslaught of negative verbiage with respect to their interpretation of his “alleged” sarcasm. Can this guy ever win? What kind of world is this? You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t!

Btw, tonight before the Fed/Sampras match, John McEnroe asked Fed about his revelation of his recent bout with mono, and Fed replied: “You can’t go on lying to the people.” Does’nt that sound like he was aware that he was deliberately lying all along? He stated in another interview that he feels “just fine”. His is the weirdest case of mono with respect to the time it began, ended, and duration. I’m sorry to say, I don’t, and can’t believe anything he says. Oh, what a tangled web we weave!

Quote from Federer: “I wanted to see how Dubai went for me. I struggled a little bit, but I felt fine.”

So, why was it necessary to reveal the mono if he felt fine. Excuses for his loss?

March 10th, 2008 at 10:36 pm

Pete showing some good stuff tonight but a 26 year old versus a 36 year old is kind of silly – especially if (unlike say a Santoro or a later Agassi) the 36 year old is no longer on the tour.

All-and-all, a big “Net-jet” night. Sigh.

Here’s to the matches that matter – looking forward to the end of the week.

“Spring ahead” as Von said.

March 10th, 2008 at 11:18 pm

jane:

“Pete showing some good stuff tonight but a 26 year old versus a 36 year old is kind of silly -”

Absolutely. Pete is no spring chicken. he’s a chicken that has been sprung and his springs are now a bit battle worn. But, he’ll always be my favourite, all-time champion. However, they’re both making big bucks, and could care less about what we think. It would be admirable if they would donate some of it to charity.

March 11th, 2008 at 12:35 am

I can’t say I have complaints about the “netjet” /USTA screening of Fed/Sampras match. I love to see Sampras and it was great to see him pouding those serves again. Although his movement was not as brilliant, but I liked it that it was aierd and was for free.

If I want to dump my old car and switch to a private Jet, I will definitely use NetJets…..!

Seriously, this was great. I hope we see more of the tournaments aired for free on USTA or other tennis sites. Actually Rotterdam was on the internet for free. Same as Dubai ( Eurosport). Also tennis channel aired several courts on RG for free…So, maybe not on TV, but on PSs, there is a fair amount of free tennis. The only ridiculus one was San Jose that you had to pay 10 bucks per match ( and I chose not to see one)….Shame on ATP for promoting that!

March 11th, 2008 at 7:45 am

Von Says:

“Absolutely. Pete is no spring chicken. he’s a chicken that has been sprung and his springs are now a bit battle worn. But, he’ll always be my favourite, all-time champion. However, they’re both making big bucks, and could care less about what we think. It would be admirable if they would donate some of it to charity.”

I couldn’t agree more. This event had some serious star power..Trump…Tiger Woods…etc. Great opportunity for charity work.

As for the tennis, Sampras proved at least one thing through these four exos. If you’re the one holding the ball at the start of the point, and you can hit it big with accuracy, you will trouble anyone, including Federer. Hats off to both guys though. Fed had nothing to gain. Sampras risked embarassing himself. In the end, two great champions brought the goods. And you’d expect nothing less from these two. They deserve their place in tennis history.

March 11th, 2008 at 11:44 am

Von,

“It would be admirable if they would donate some of it to charity.”

Indeed, it would.

I can’t quite figure out why they’re doing this exo series? To promote the sport? To promote themselves? To make money? Just for fun? Maybe it’s all of the above.

But while it was nice to see Pete play again, I thought the match overall was rather unexciting. Sure there were some great shots by both players, but I guess I like matches where the two competing are more “invested” in what’s going on; there’s a sense of urgency then. I found myself flipping back and forth between tennis and other programs, which usually I never do. Anyhow…am eagerly awaiting the IW draw.

March 11th, 2008 at 11:47 am

Jane

“I found myself flipping back and forth between tennis and other programs, which usually I never do. Anyhow…am eagerly awaiting the IW draw.”

Couldn’t agree more! There is nothing worth fighting for.

Why the draw is taking so long? Usually they are available earlier morning. I have entered at least 20 times today in the IW site.

March 11th, 2008 at 1:03 pm

The draw is up Daniel; did you see it?

Fed has a fairly easy first few rounds but could face Tipsarevic again, with any luck. I bet many of us would like to see that rematch to see if it would still hold the same drama.

The two Andys could face off, and then might have to face Fed if one of them gets through. Nalbandian vs. Federer could be the top half semi-final, if they both prevail.

Djok could run into Kohl and then later Canas in a rematch of the Miami final; he could then face Baggy or Ferrer. But his first round or two should be manageable.

Rafa is likely cringing – he’s got Tsonga. If he can get through Blake, Moya and Gasquet are on the top quarter of his side.

This is all going with seeds more-or-less; I’ve hardly mentioned possible dark horses and upsets as I’ve just given the draw a quick look.

What a deep field; it should make for some exciting tennis!

March 11th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

Finally!

The match between Nadal and Tsonga is by far the most interesting in earlier rounds. I wanna see what the French is made of.

In the openning round only Ancic x Monfils get my attention.

In all, this time the draw is well distributed. Next week will be very exciting!

March 11th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

SG:

“Hats off to both guys though. Fed had nothing to gain. Sampras risked embarassing himself. In the end, two great champions brought the goods. And you’d expect nothing less from these two. They deserve their place in tennis history.”

I agree. I think, all things considered, they did very well considering it was just an exho. However, it showed Old Pete could still hold his own, as it was just a point in the tie-breaker that was the deciding factor in Fed’s favor. Could you imagine though, if Pete and Fed were on equal footing in terms of both being in their prime, it would make for some absolutely great tennis. One a star server and volleyer and the other a masestro at finding the holes in which to place the ball, whew! Bbut that’s the stuff of which dreams are made. I have to come back down to earth though, and accept the fact, that these moments in history will not be repeated by two of tennis’ greats, and Pete showed he culd hold his own.

On the charity front, New York’s elite came out in grand style, and I am sure if they had made charity a part of that exho, they could have raised quite a lot of bucks since “The Donald”, Tiger and quite a few celebs were present.

March 11th, 2008 at 7:19 pm

Jane:

“I can’t quite figure out why they’re doing this exo series? To promote the sport? To promote themselves? To make money? Just for fun? Maybe it’s all of the above.”

You’ve said it — all of the above.

“Sure there were some great shots by both players, but I guess I like matches where the two competing are more “invested” in what’s going on; there’s a sense of urgency then.”

I also like the electricity competition produces, but I liked the fact that Pete had enough faith in himself and his ability to compete at a high level — it was a moment in history, a flashback of the coulds, wouldas, shouldas, which will never be answered, that’s why it’s history. :)

March 11th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

True Von – what do you think of the draw? Have you had a looksee?

March 11th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

So when, oh when will the WTA stop the nonsense of giving wildcards to Alexandra Stevenson. Granted, they’ve narrowed them down to qualifying, which she still can’t play her way out of… but surely there are much more deserving players out there…. really, she hasn’t done anything since Wimbledon back in 96

March 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm

jane:

“..what do you think of the draw? Have you had a looksee?”

Yes, I’ve looked and I can’t figure out why AR is on Fed’s side of the draw. He’s No. 6, an even number; he should be on Nadal’s side. I suppose he has a magnet pulling him toward Federer. Andy should do well until the quarters where he could meet Murray and if he gets by Murray, he’ll probably get Fed, who has an easy draw, except for Almagro, who’s won 2 titles for the ’08 season, and has given Fed some trouble in the past. It’ll be an exciting week of Tennis, for sure.

March 11th, 2008 at 9:44 pm

The draw looks interesting. As much as I want to see Roddick do good, I’d rather see Federer exact his revenge over Murray. Tsonga and Nadal could meet early. That’s interesting. Nadal will win. But then he could lose to Blake in the quarter, which seems likely to me. Djokovic has a very good draw considering the pressure he’s under to maintain the points from last year. A semi or a final should be very much in reach for him. If Federer gets through to the final, I hope he crushed Djokovic. I just want Federer to shut him up for once because he’s gotten out of hand.

March 11th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

Dear Andy Roddick,

Everyone catches lightning in a bottle once in a while. Have fun trying to figure out how to keep winning consistently without a backhand, court positioning, or a net game.

March 11th, 2008 at 10:01 pm

“As much as I want to see Roddick do good, I’d rather see Federer exact his revenge over Murray.”

What did Murray do to Fed? He just beat him twice. If anyone deserves some wrath it’ll be Djok for his mouth, but Murray just did what he had to do to survive. Who knows, Murray could lose to Roddick.

Nadal could lose to Tsonga, but Blake is questionable. He has been sidelined by knee problems. It’ll be interesting to see what happens. Despite being redundant, it’ll be a great tennis week!

Blake’s knee problems now makes the next Davis Cup match-up with France kind of iffy, together with the Bryans who are in a slump, – titleless since the ’08 season began, and France has two (2) good doubles teams. It’ll be interesting and scary at the same time.

March 11th, 2008 at 10:03 pm

Well,
That luck of RAfa!
But I would love to see him come up with a good win over Tsonga. The courts are slower here and RAfa has a sense of what Tsonga is capable of. That’s IT for RAfa.

LAst year he went through Ferrero, Roddick and Djoko and this year I hope he can at least get to the finals.

Federer has no excuse not to get to the final here. Almagro is no obstacle for Federer.

March 11th, 2008 at 11:09 pm

“Who knows, Murray could lose to Roddick.” You’re right Von; he could. Although their H2H is 4-2 for Murray, Roddick beat him as recent as last year at Memphis. It’d be a tight one.

I also agree that Fed has no reason to seek “revenge” against Murray. I’d rather see Murray win, or Roddick, if they meet. If Fed does get through, which is entirely likely, I’d LOVE to see him play Nalbandian again – now that would be interesting.

March 12th, 2008 at 9:25 am

Zola,

“The courts are slower here and RAfa has a sense of what Tsonga is capable of.”

The courts do suit Rafa more, and if it’s extremely hot that will also work to Rafa’s advantage, as it did last year, when his various spins were working some magic. I just hope he stays aggressive and doesn’t retreat behind the baseline

“Federer has no excuse not to get to the final here. Almagro is no obstacle for Federer.”

What about Tipsy, or Murray, or Nalbandian? There are a few threats lingering for Federer, players who can and do trouble him. I wouldn’t carve his way to the final just yet. However, if Federer is feeling well again, it’s obviously a good bet he’ll get through at least to the quarters, and possibly the semis.

March 12th, 2008 at 9:29 am

Really, who cares if Federer does or does ride the bus?

March 12th, 2008 at 9:36 am

Sorry – “does or does NOT ride the bus”

March 12th, 2008 at 9:36 am

sensationalsafin,

Further to the previous comments that Federer has no need to seek revenge against Murray, you should read this article, which elaborates on Murray’s chronic knee problem and which ends with Murray being very sportsmanlike about comments made after his last W against Federer.

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/tennis/story/0,,2264426,00.html

Maybe Safin will beat Murray – and then what? Make it all the way to the final? This year, stranger things have happened!

March 12th, 2008 at 10:12 am

Jane,

Agree on your points.

The real test for Fed won’t be Murray or Roddick, although they have 2 titles each, will be Nalbandian in the semis. That is the match I will be waiting for.

March 12th, 2008 at 11:13 am

Daniel,

I agree with you, too, that Monfils v. Ancic could be a cracker of a match; at this year’s early tourney in France (Marseille?) , Ancic showed some good stuff, taking out Tsonga, etc.

March 12th, 2008 at 11:35 am

I think there will be less surprises at the IW this year than at Dubai. However, it will be interesting to watch who will be avenging whom, even if that is not all tennis is about.

I like the draw. In one of the quarters, if nothing unusual happens, Roddick or Murray could be playing against Fed. If Fed happens to come alive out of there, he could find Nalby waiting for him in the semi. Let me predict: Whoever survives and makes it to the semi from this half of the draw will win the title. It could be Roddick, Murray, or Federer.
It is entirely possible that none of these three will make it to the quarter: For instance, Karlovic might get to play Robredo in that quarter, and Davy could be playing in the semi instead of Nalby. If that happens, I will be surprised a bit.
In the other half of the draw, we might (I stress “might”) get to see a replay of Aussie. Nadal vs. Tsonga in the pre-quarter, and Djoko vs. Tsonga in the semi. But I don’t think this will happen.
However, something else can happen: what if FeLo takes Nadal out? It will be unfortunate for him and for a lot of viewers like me. If Nadal makes it to the semi, it could be Djoko waiting for him there. In any case, Nadal has a tough draw, almost as tough as Roddick /Murray/ Fed’s.
I think Djoko has the easiest draw, as far as making to the semi is concerned. So he could be retaining most of his points, if not all, even if he does not make it to the Final.

Regardless of everything, I like surprises, especially from young players and certified underdogs. Let me hear from others.

(P.S: I thought tennis x would rite something about the draw in time. Stop slacking, guys!!)

March 12th, 2008 at 4:04 pm

Von:

“Yes, I’ve looked and I can’t figure out why AR is on Fed’s side of the draw. He’s No. 6, an even number; ”

>>>>> As I remember this is how the draws are made – 1st they have no.1 and no.2 on either half of the draw. Then they randomly pick 3 or 4 to play No.1 (Obviously the other guy will be placed to play No.2 in the semis)

Then they randomly choose 2 out of no.5, 6, 7 or 8 to fill out the quarters. so either 1 of 5,6,7 or 8 are equally likely to play no.1 in the draw.

Then they choose randomly between 13, 14 15 and 16 to play no.1, 2, 3 and 4 in the 4th round. 9, 10, 11 and 12 are randomly pitted against 5,6,7 and 8 in the 4th round.

Then they choose randomly between 25-32 to play against the top 8 in the 3rd round. 17-24 are randomly chosen to play against 9-16 in the 3rd round.

To summarize, if you want to avoid no.1 in the semis, only way to do that is be no.2. If you want to avoid 1 or 2 in quarters, only way to guarantee that is be 3 or 4. So roddick being no.6 is not insured against no.1 in the quarters.

Obviously he had a 3 in 4 chance of not playing fed in the quarters, but well…. this time that chance did not bail him. This might not be a bad thing at all for a-rod. As I remember, fed in the finals on a hard-court will take a extra-super-human effort to be beaten. All the more so if you do not have the defensive skills of a nadal, nalbandian or djokovic. Federer’z game will be in the zone in the finals and when federer’s game is on fire the only extinguishers are the above mentioned people. Actually it has almost been 2yrs since nadal won his only hard-court match against fed and after the shanghai thrashing, fed seems to have gotten nadal out of his head (which was his major problem against nadal on non-clay surfaces)

I definitely think a-rod’s chances of meeting are higher, the sooner he plays fed in a tournament. Ideally he would want a 3rd rounder so that he has had 1match under his belt and maybe even wish fed has a walk-over or something. Feds game in tune is real bad news for a-rod as his game matches really bad against fed’s game.

March 12th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

“I definitely think a-rod’s chances of meeting are higher, the sooner he plays fed in a tournament. ”

replace meeting with winning in the above sentence

March 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm

I’m not saying Federer has a bone to pick with Murray or anything, I mean he should exact his revenge by beating him after he lost to him. What’s so hard to understand about that? I think he still has to get his revenge over Nalbandian, Gonzo, Volandri, and in a way Canas, too. They beat him so he’s gotta get them back. Nothing personal. But yeah with Djokovic he’s definetly gotta show him whats up.

March 12th, 2008 at 6:21 pm

“and in a way Canas, too” – Fed smoked Canas off the court last year in Madrid (or was it Paris?) – one of those carpet MS Tourneys. So if that’s revenge, he got it.

Speaking for myself, I guess I don’t see losing fairly as a reason to exact “revenge” on someone; it’s different if he’s wronged Fed in some real or perceived way (for instance, the Djoker’s comments might warrant desire for revenge) but not by getting a fair and square W.

Anyhow – it’s just semantics I guess.

March 12th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

Kash,

Thanks for the “draw” clarification; I agree that Roddick might have a better chance of winning against Federer if he meets him early in a tournament. But in a 3 setter, with his confidence restored, and his game improved and/or back on track, I’d say he has a real shot against Federer. Now might be the time? On the other hand, Fed will be gunning to win here.

March 12th, 2008 at 8:33 pm

sensationalsafin:

“I’m not saying Federer has a bone to pick with Murray or anything, I mean he should exact his revenge by beating him after he lost to him.”

It was an attempt at humor on my part. If you read my post again, you’ll see I stated that “Murray only beat him 2 times.” That’s my attempt at some humor. Get it. :)

March 12th, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Kash;

How are you? It’s been a long time since we exchanged posts and butted heads. :) As you can see I’ve been a good student with those smileys. Thanks.

On another topic, thanks, for the very in-depth clarification of the draws. I just feel that just like Roddick’s game is so well matched up to Fed it almost seems that his draws are also matched up to Fed’s, and Andy ends up in Fed’s part of the draw, regardless of his ranking. He has a magnet for Fed. I guess the Roddick/Fed battle will always be an assured one. I just hope that this time Roddick will take it to Fed. He needs to get that monkey off his back. I cringe at the humiliation that A-rod has to suffer, and I’d like for him to be spared that. His critics will have a lot of fun if he loses. I sound like a mother lion protecting her cub. :) I’m going to think positive and say Roddick will win and move on to the semis. He has ’07 points to defend.

Keep posting, even though we end up sparring I like that intellect – i’ts stimulating. :)

March 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm

jane:

“Speaking for myself, I guess I don’t see losing fairly as a reason to exact “revenge” on someone..”

I’m with you on the ‘revenge’ thinking. I guess it’s my Catholic/Christian upbringing, that we should not harbor revenge in our hearts, and leave the the Lord, but I suppose in sports and the way the world is,’revenge’ is the norm.

March 12th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

Von:

Thanks for your kind words. Just have enough time on hand to read posts but not to get into the discussions :(

I like people using smiley symbols, so keep using them as and when you feel the need :) Regarding A-rod and fed, I guess in a fair world A-rod would have had a couple more wins by now. Most people would agree that it is not lack of effort on Andy’s part that makes the H2H so lop-sided. If and when a-rod can get a few wins and make those numbers respectable, it will be a tremendous story of perseverance and untiring efforts.

Fed’s return game is weird in the sense that he can get even the fastest of serves in play but he has more trouble taking advantage of mediocre serves like rafa/nalbandian’s serves. I agree with Jane that a-rod in this form makes a potential a-rod and fed match very exciting. And for the 1st time in almost 5 yrs a-rod is more certain to make this meeting than the the fed….. lets keep fingers crossed for some exciting match-ups in the next few weeks :)

Jane:

I hope you are watching Djokovic on Jay-leno. It is quite funny so far…..

March 12th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

Kash!

Thanks for reminding me; I’d forgotten all about the Djoker’s appearance on Leno. But luckily, it’s only 9:45 in my time zone, so it’s all good. I can watch it at 11:30.

Cheers.

March 12th, 2008 at 11:46 pm

Kash

“Thanks for your kind words. Just have enough time on hand to read posts but not to get into the discussions.”

You’re welcome. Well, then I feel very honored that you took the time to answer my post and give me some more insight on the draws, etc.

Posting is forced down time for me. Research, after two hours or more can become mind boggling. At saturation point everything begins to make sense and objectivity just disappears. Posting is a welcome respite at those times. Anyway, I hope the IW tournament provides some welcome down time for you from your research. Enjoy. I am beginning to think that all tournamnets have now entered into that phase of uncertainty, wherein no one player can be safely predicted as the ‘winner’. There’s too much talent to spread around and each player could be a potential threat. I love it! :)

March 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

Jane
**What about Tipsy, or Murray, or Nalbandian? There are a few threats lingering for Federer, players who can and do trouble him. I wouldn’t carve his way to the final just yet. However, if Federer is feeling well again, it’s obviously a good bet he’ll get through at least to the quarters, and possibly the semis. ***

Fed won Tipsy in AO when he was on medication. Here, where he is healthier and wants to make a strong return, I don’t think he will lose to Tipsy or even Murray. The only one that can be a threat is Nalby. But isn’t he in Rafa’s half? So, if he plays Fed, he would play the final and I certainlyy hope it id Rafa playing the final.

March 13th, 2008 at 1:58 am

Zola,

Nalby is on Fed’s side of the draw. They could meet in the semis, which will be THE match of this tourney.

March 13th, 2008 at 8:40 am

Feeding the beast… Roger Federer says he is motivated by having to prove he is the best.

World number one Roger Federer dismissed suggestions his career was in decline and said he would use his recent defeats as motivation after recovering from an early-season virus.

The Swiss player was beaten in the first round in Dubai last week by Briton Andy Murray, his first match since losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals in January.

“In Switzerland there is a little too much speculation my career is over,” the 26-year-old Federer told a news conference ahead of next week’s exhibition match against former number one Pete Sampras at Madison Square Garden.

“People just need to know I’m healthy and happy and not miserable and down and out.”

The 12-times grand slam singles champion, who competes at the ATP event in Indian Wells, California later this week, was told he had mononucleosis (glandular fever) after the Australian Open.

“Honestly, losses like this motivate me more than anything,” said Federer. “Trying to come back, trying to prove I’m still the one to beat.

“I just want to show I can do it over and over again.”

The back-to-back defeats dented Federer’s aura of invulnerability and fed the confidence of those younger rivals who have seen him reign as number one for a record 215 consecutive weeks.

Unwavering affection

Within two grand slam titles of Sampras’s record haul of 14, Federer said his affection for tennis was greater than ever.

“I love competing on centre courts all over the world. So many people are happy when I get there. It touches me. I love to practice more and more now,” he said.

“What I enjoy most are the matches, the pressure, the fans, centre court. I hope that’s going to stay with me as long as possible.”

Federer said he was looking forward to competing at the Beijing Olympics in August and to more Games campaigns beyond.

“The (London) Olympic Games in 2012 is something I’m looking forward to, and go from there. See how I feel with my fitness, my motivation.”

Federer may have made his worst start to a season in eight years but Sampras was confident the Swiss would soon be winning again.

“In a lot of ways Roger has created this sort of monster of being unbeatable,” said the 36-year-old American.

“If you lose a match here, lose a match there, people have the assumption he has lost his edge, lost his dominance. I don’t look at it like that at all.

“He’ll play Indian Wells and he’ll play Miami (in two weeks) and do fine at those events. When it comes down to it at the big, big events, I think he’ll be the guy standing with the trophy.”

-Reuters

March 13th, 2008 at 8:42 am

For those who are interested, Djoker’s appearance on Jay Leno is up on You Tube (Search: “Novak Djokovic on jay Leno”).

Predictably it’s very funny (imo); “Tennis is a girl’s sport” and quips like that. He even joked around with Bill Cosby, saying he also does “stand up comedy”. He was “careful” talking about the impressions and his health issues, but didn’t shy away from either.

Anyhow, see for yourself if you wanna. ;-)

March 13th, 2008 at 12:02 pm

Von: Posting is forced down time for you? Yet you post every day, all day…more than anyone else. You live here!

March 13th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

rogers twin sister:

I usually ignore you, but I’ll just say that where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise. Shall I post Henry’s comments to remind you about your hate for others. Unlike you, I have something conducive to add to the other comments, pitiful you, only go through the posts to pick on other people’s typos and then call them names, eg., they’re ignorant, iliterati, etc., and don’t forget Amy who has never posted once after you lashed out at her for being a racist. You’re just a very bitter and hateful person who has picked on me from the very inception of my posting. Have fun, it’s probably the only sick fun you can experience in your miserable life. I won’t answer you again, but be assured, I’ll find Henry’s comments and post them for all to see. And, as usual, you never deviate from your cowardice, you wait until a thread is finished, and then you post. I actually pity you.

March 13th, 2008 at 2:55 pm

Zola:

“The only one that can be a threat is Nalby. But isn’t he in Rafa’s half?”

You’re correct. Nalby is on Rafa’s side of the draw. If he does get to the semis he’ll have to win to meet Fed in the finals, and that’s if Fed makes it to the finals.

March 13th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

Von & Zola,

May I kindly point out that the draw is divided up not between right & left in this instance, but between top & bottom. In this case, there will be a top half semifinal, in which Federer and Nalbandian could meet, and there will be a bottom half semi-final (in which Roddick, Murray, Djoker, Rafa, etc could meet).

Remember that this draw is two full pages if you print it out / scroll down. Notice, too, that it has spots for “top half finalist” and “bottom half finalist”.

The winners of the top and bottom halves therefore will meet in the final, which means a Nalbandian v. Federer FINAL is not possible in this case.

March 13th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

A correction to the above post: sorry, Roddick and Murray are, of course, on the upper half (with Fed & Nalby), so they wouldn’t meet either Djoker or Rafa until the final, should they come through.

March 13th, 2008 at 6:29 pm

I dont care if Roddick never beats Federer again he can still win titles beating the nos two and three which is just as impressive and with a bit a luck Murray will do the honors of taking Federer out and everybody will thank him kindly for it!

March 13th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

jane:

“Remember that this draw is two full pages if you print it out / scroll down. Notice, too, that it has spots for “top half finalist” and “bottom half finalist”.”

thanks for pointing out the draw to me. I am totally confused, but I’ll take your word for it. You’re usually right with these technicalities. Now I have to change the whole draw in my mind, which is not so good at my age. Anyway, whatever happens, it’s so very unpredictable and exciting, don’t you think? :)

TD:

“I dont care if Roddick never beats Federer again he can still win titles beating the nos two and three which is just as impressive …”

My thoughts as well. I’m just happy when he wins and when I can watch it on TV am even happier. His matches have that unexplained electricity that only his fans can appreciate. :)

March 13th, 2008 at 10:58 pm

Von,

“it’s so very unpredictable and exciting, don’t you think?”

It is – I hope Andy continues his roll, and if not I want Murray to get through. That way Fed has to play at least one of the Andys, should he get to the quarters.

“Now I have to change the whole draw in my mind, which is not so good at my age.”

Sorry to confuse matters! I usually just print draws out, and then I can follow along more easily.

March 14th, 2008 at 9:25 am

Jane,
Yes, Federer can meet one of the Andy’s in the QF and Nalbandian in the semis. RAfa can meet Tsonga, then Blake in QF and Djoko in Semis….Tough job!

March 15th, 2008 at 12:04 am

TD,
I think if Roddick remains aggressive, he has a chance to beat Federer. What I was in AO and US Open, was that Federer could read Roddick’s serve very easily. Roddick has to improve the way he serves against Fed.

March 15th, 2008 at 12:06 am

Von,
I am sorry. I think I startd the confusion with that Nalby question. I looked at the draw later and saw he was on Fed’s half as Jabe pointed out as well ( Thanks Jane). So, that’s a relief. But I waish he would meet Fed in QF or earlier!

March 15th, 2008 at 12:08 am

Zola:

“So, that’s a relief. But I waish he would meet Fed in QF or earlier!”

I’d like for him to switch places with Roddick. It was my fault about the draw too, I only made a cursory look at it and just saw Roddick’s quarter. These things happen. sorry for all of the confusion also.

March 15th, 2008 at 6:11 am

Zola,

Rafa does have a tough quarter but this court is suitable to his game, as last year showed; moreover, he’ll bring his fighting spirit, as always.

A Fed v. Nadal final is something we haven’t seen in awhile is it? Might this be the time? Perhaps it’d be appropriate, given the stakes.

March 15th, 2008 at 11:14 am

Jane,
sorry again, I have to many typos and one was your name !
I would love to see a Federer-Rafa final. But he has to pass through this quarter first. I think a win over Tsonga ( if that happens) will give him lots of confidence and maybe he can deal with Blake as well.
I know he is a fighter, but he has now the pressure of defending all these points. I hope he can do it.

March 15th, 2008 at 11:58 am

“I’ll find Henry’s comments and post them for all to see.” – Von

Go right ahead. I’m not shivering and shaking under the table at the thought of Henry’s wrath (whoever he is). Words on a screen don’t dictate the path of my emotions and existence, so I don’t give a hoot what you or Henry think about me.

“And, as usual, you never deviate from your cowardice, you wait until a thread is finished, and then you post. I actually pity you.” – Von

Uh, I don’t wait until a thread is finished; I just don’t spend my entire life here as you do.
I post when I have a few free minutes.

March 17th, 2008 at 12:21 pm

rogers twin sister:

“Uh, I don’t wait until a thread is finished; I just don’t spend my entire life here as you do.
I post when I have a few free minutes.’

I think if you ONLY have a few minutes to post, you should put it to good use and discuss TENNIS instead of making it your business to be my timekeeper and continuously harping on how much time I spend posting and the ridiculous statement that I live here. I don’t care what you do, or how many times you post, so what’s your problem. You have done this systematically throughout the time I have been posting here. Just leave me alone. I shouldn’t be your focal point.

March 17th, 2008 at 12:54 pm

after indian wells, it is now obvious, djokovic is the guy 2beat. federer really needs 2 have a win against murray, nalbandian, nadal & djokovic in upcoming events 2 show people he is the best. his poor performance against fish was a mindblower 2me. i so didn’t expect that. on other websites the comments have been federer has always had it easy either playing guys who were not in their prime or were up and coming, ie murray, djokovic. he really does need 2 win miami 2show that he is a great player. he should have won fish. djokovic lost a set but got back on track and won the tournament. federer cannot make anymore excuses as 2y he either isn’t playing well or he feels he did a good job @ indian wells. federer is my guy, but he really needs 2start proving that he deserves the #1 spot. with claycourt coming its not going 2get any easier for him. and yes, kudos 2 andy roddick 4beating nadal & djokovic @ dubai. i’ve been reading a lot of different comments and apparently djokovic is now the best player in the world. i hope federer plays him and beats him silly. djokovic is an ego maniac & i’m sick of him taking his shirt off after every big win.

March 25th, 2008 at 11:01 pm