Federer Readies for Revenge on Roddick, Tsonga Seeks Fifth Straight on Djokovic in Miami

by Sean Randall | April 1st, 2009, 10:45 am
  • 194 Comments

Is there a guy on the tennis circuit that seemingly improves more, year-by-year, coach-by-coach than Andy Roddick? Ever year and with every coach we hear of how the American’s game has grown by leaps and bounds, or at least that’s what I’m led to believe listening to all the TV talk and reading through the stories, that under Brad Gilbert, he improved, that under Jimmy Connors he improved and now Larry Stefanki has him at the very height of his playing powers. ADHEREL

Well, forget the hyperbole, Roddick’s playing better, more consistent, patient tennis now than he was a year ago, but the best he’s ever played? I’m not buying it. Yes, his backhand, movement and perhaps his transition/volley game are all in better form, but I don’t think his serve and forehand are as lethal as they once were. And that’s important because today he’ll need those weapons and every once of his “improved” game against his nemesis Roger Federer in the quarterfinals tonight at the Masters in Miami.

While you could make the case that Roddick is playing better ball than last year, likewise you can argue that Federer is not. I’m still not convinced the once-mighty Swiss has fully recovered from that crushing blow at the Australian Open final, and after watching his third-set meltdown to Andy Murray last week at Indian Wells, it’s clear he’s batting some confidence issues right now late in big matches. So if Roddick can stretch it to a third…


But when your 16-2 against a player as Federer is against Roddick, Roger has to be in good spirits ahead of the match. And despite all the hype and hoopla of Roddick’s improved game and his no-bread diet, I think Federer gets his revenge on Roddick for his Miami loss a year ago.

The rest of the men’s tournament – like IW – has gone pretty much according to plan with eight of the Top 10 advancing into the quarterfinal round.

This afternoon we’ll have another spicy encounter with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokvoic getting together again. Both players seem to be hitting their stride, but Tsonga’s won four straight over the Serb and I think today he makes it five.

In the second set of quarterfinals tomorrow, we’ll see Juan Martin Del Potro v. Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray v. Fernando Verdasco, both pretty good matches. I had picked David Ferrer to upset Rafa at this stage and now I might lean to DelPo to get that job done. I’ll give it another 24 hours to mull that pick over. And I’ll stick with Murray over Verdasco.

In the women’s event, today both Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, are a win away from another collision. In the other semifinal, already set, it’s Sveta Kuznetsova and Victoria Azarenka. No surprise, looks like Serena’s going to come away with this title. Then again it is April Fool’s Day. Be forewarned.


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Murray v Berdych, Tsonga v Del Potro Thursday In Dubai; Roddick Out For Revenge In Delray
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194 Comments for Federer Readies for Revenge on Roddick, Tsonga Seeks Fifth Straight on Djokovic in Miami

jane Says:

Er, didn’t you mean Roddick readies for revenge on Federer? Federer beat him at the AO remember? Besides, Roddick owes Fed major, mega revenge.


Sean Randall Says:

I’m looking at it from a Miami perspective. Odd that Fed would ever be out for “revenge” against Andy, but that Miami loss last year should give him some added motivation. That’s all.


Matthew Says:

Yeah, as much as I am a Roddick-fan and as exciting as last year’s quarterfinal was, I don’t give Andy much of a chance tonight. Federer always seems to bring his best against Roddick, who always plays solid tennis but doesn’t play out of his mind – which is what he would need to do to beat Federer even when he’s having a bit of an off-day.

Yeah, yeah, Andy’s best start of his career, he beat Federer here a year ago, he’s got a nnew coach, engaged to swimsuit model, blah, blah, blah.

Fed in two.


jane Says:

I hope Djokovic can make a match of it against Tsonga; well, I hope he can win and turn the H2H around. Looking at the scorelines, Djoko’s nabbed some 6-1 sets off Tsonga, and others he’s lost have been 4-6 or 6-7, so it is a close match up. However, given that Tsonga seems to be playing his best right now – his serve has not been broken at this event has it? – and Djoko has been struggling, I have to agree with you Sean that Tsonga is likely to emerge the winner.

If things go that way – Fed vs. Tsonga – I see Fed in the finals with a very good chance to win it. I don’t see Tsonga as having the style of game to trouble Fed; Fed seems to like playing aggressive power-hitters imo.


jane Says:

And I can’t watch the Djok vs/ Tsong match due to the timing – arrrgh!


zola Says:

I think the positive about Roddick is that he falls off, dusts himself and gets ready to fight again and again. If he needs help from Connors or Stefanki, he does and gets it. I am anxious to see how the match goes tonight.

Similarly the match between Tsonga and Djoko should be interesting.

I just caught a bit of Rafa-Stan match. Seemed to me Stan was playing great.brushing the lines with precise, hard ground strokes and he was coming to the net very often. Great that Rafa was able to pull it off and even better that he has a day to rest before his match with JMDP.


zola Says:

Jane
It seems that Djoko is regaining his confidence and after 4 losses to Tsonga, if he can win this one, it might be “THE” turnaround for him. Would be interesting if he wins this and Roddick wins Fed and they match up again here.


jane Says:

zola, yes, that was a tight one for Rafa last night. He made more errors than usual, particular, I though, off the slice. But he fought so well and played by far the better tiebreaks. So he deserved the win in the end.

I hope Djoko is regaining his confidence; in his last presser he said his feel for the new tool is not at 100% but is getting much better. It would be awesome if Roddick and Djoko won today, but I am not holding my breath! I’d even be happy to see Djoko face Fed again; I would give Fed the edge but it’d be fun to see anyhow. Likely, though, Sean will be right on these calls. Oh well. Onward and upward – gotta get to work.


jane Says:

typo: “particular, I though,” s/b “particularly, I thought.”


andrea Says:

gawd. andy must be bashing his head against the locker room wall….


anon Says:

roddick’s improvements aside, he will revert back to moonballing and choking just as he always does when facing federer and federer will play his best tennis just for andy.


MMT Says:

I don’t know why everyone is so down on Roddick – he’s playing very well, and Federer is just getting by. Furthermore, this is best of 3, not 5 which lends itself to a Roddick victory.

As for Tsonga and Djokovic, I feel Djokovic has the upper hand here since he’s playing better and the heavier ball will help him defend Tsonga’s attacks.


MMT Says:

Man, except for the shoes, these two guys are dressed almost exactly alike – white shorts, blue top and hat!


MMT Says:

Tsonga looks listless – like he’s already out of gas. Djokovic put him under a lot of pressure in his first service game, and I’m not sure Tsonga’s evne won a point on his. Looks good for the Djoker.


tenisbebe Says:

Yeah, wish they wouldn’t have worn the same outfits – it’s confusing me. Also, what’s with everyone in Djoko’s box wearing the same shirts as Djoko & Tsonga? Those are the shirts they give the tournament people – I have several I can give them since they like them so much.

Tsonga is out of sorts in this match so far: serve, backhand. He needs to step it up.


MMT Says:

This match is almost unwatchable. As for the family of Djokers, that’s their MO – they’re like overbearing parents at their kid’s soccer game, but taking it to a whole new level. They’ve been busy with their tournament probably, so we haven’t seen them (too much) but they’re a lot better today than they used to be. They used to be just unbearable.


MMT Says:

I heard Tsonga was sick yesterday before the Simon match – looks like he’s just come from the loo…if I were Djokovic I’d run him from side to side until he quits – don’t bother coming in an shortening the points, because that’s to Tsonga’s advantage.


jane Says:

Just checked scores as break in my class – wow Djoko won the first set; I am pleasantly surprised.


MMT Says:

Jane: I would say keep checking the scores and don’t bother watching the match – it’s awful.


tenisbebe Says:

MMT Says: “I heard Tsonga was sick yesterday before the Simon match – looks like he’s just come from the loo…” Well that explains it. He’s seemed to be sweating alot & going to the towel frequently in the 1st set. back in a sec….


jane Says:

Students watching short film; looks like second set is on serve – why’s the match so awful MMT? Is Tsonga sick?


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – he’s listless as MMT said although he came out better at the beginning of the second. His 1st serve percentage is very low (the toss seems to be off) and he’s misfiring. He’s missed some “gimme” shots when Djoko was completely out of the point – very unlike him.

I guess Djoko is taking a loo break in the middle of the set. Weird match.


tenisbebe Says:

Now Djoko has called the trainer to come out at the next change of ends. He looked completely out of breathe at 1-all in the second but then picked it up again. Jeez, don’t know what is going on with these 2.


jane Says:

Oh well, I guess I am missing the right one then? Because I have students watching a film, I am able to follow scores on the computer. I see Djoko has a break in the second.

MMT: I agree that Djoko’s parents used to be overbearing but they’ve kind of mellowed so it doesn’t bother me. I think it’s nice they’re there to support him.


tenisbebe Says:

Re Djoko’s parents. I think this is the 1st tournament they’ve attended in awhile (not including AO) they’ve toned it down a bit but still the same – these tennis parents….

Here’s the trainer, Djoko is complaining bout his stomach. They’re taking his blood pressure – it’s gotta be the heat – didn’t think it was that hot today in Miami.


MMT Says:

Jane: that’s probably because you have a big heart while I find (almost) everything extraneous (parents, towels, chest-thumping, umbrellas, etc.) very annoying.

That said, you’re right, they’re slightly less bearable than in the past…but only slightly. Djokovic is having his pulse taken now at the changeover. This is awful. I don’t even know what the score is. I’m sure he’ll be running like a jack-rabbit momentarily.

Why am I still watching this?


MMT Says:

Correction: “…they’re slightly less unbearable…”


tenisbebe Says:

God, another missed volley from Tsonga where he had the whole court and worked so hard to construct the point. Messy match.


MMT Says:

It appears Tsonga is suddenly interested in the result, but he’s so sloppy today I don’t think it will matter. Djokovic is making great use of the kick serve in the ad court, but he could really do himself a favor if he would just serve and volley on it – just once. I think he’s lost 4 game points in this game alone.

Fundamentals…


jane Says:

MMT – don’t know about the big heart but I do have a soft spot for Djoko.

Ugh – he called the trainer? I hope he gets over this, health/anxiety issue; I cringe everytime now,


tenisbebe Says:

Jane – his last service game was PAINFUL – truly. Thought he was going to collapse any second (at 4-3) – the only thing more pathetic was that Tsonga played so miserably he couldn’t take advantage. This match is excruciating.


tenisbebe Says:

He won Jane – congrats I guess. Utter waste of time – you missed nothing. Oh, Christ he’s taking off his shirt and throwing it to the crowd. Put it back on Nole & get a conditioning trainer!


margot Says:

jane: that was so so painful to watch, it reminded of an Andy M match! However, I thought Novak played well in the first set, he was fairly thumping some nice passing shots. What’s he to do if he can’t play in the heat though? Or perhaps it was the humidity?


jane Says:

Oh that’s a shame tenisbebe, that it was such an abysmal match. I can’t comment on the trainer issue; sometimes I think he really has something like asthma or whatever, which I’ve mentioned before, other times anxiety or panic attacks. Don’t know. But it’s a “good” win nevertheless.

But what you guys say doesn’t bode well for his chances against either Roddick or Federer, whomever comes through that one.

MMT: I wish Djoko would implement a little S & V into his game too – particularly if/when he needs to end points quickly. Judging by the stats neither guy served too well although Djoko won a lot of his second serve points, which must’ve helped.

Well I hope the Rod vs. Fed match is better as I can watch some of it if it’s on soon.


jane Says:

margot: lol, that painful eh? I am glad to hear you saw the silver lining, i.e., that there were some redeeming shots here and there in the first set. I know what you mean about the heat or whatever; maybe it is that. Was it hot there? He’s got to be able to deal with it – do like Murray and get a place in Florida to train or something. He’s got to get over this, if that’s what it is; if it’s asthma or something that’s different. Anyhow, will avoid that can of worms just now. I am sure Sean will open it soon enough! LOL.


Duro Says:

Where are congrats to Duro?


jane Says:

Hi Duro – Congrats to Novak! I am glad he’s made inroads into turning around the H2H with Tsonga even if it was a painful match to watch.

Duro – what do you think about Novak’s trainer calls and stuff, given you’re such a dedicated fan of his?


LobBob Says:

I can’t take watching anymore Djokovic matches -exhausted in only the 2nd set in mid-80’s temp – maybe he should have taken up a winter sport like skiing? It’s all just too paintful. Even more surprising is why couldn’t Tsonga take him out?


Duro Says:

What to think? I’m thinking why is he always scheduled to play in the mid day or 3 afternoon, in the strongest sun? Is it deliberately, may be? I bet he’ll be scheduled against Fed, especially against Roddick in the hottest sun even if it’s more profitable for the networks and audience to watch it in the evening. They couldn’t even accept his request in AO to play evening match after playing till 2:30 in the morning previous day and he was a defending champion… No justice in this world, especially if you’re not a “domestic favorite”. Great game from Nole, and great achievement! Better in every possible aspect and element of the game. He was brilliant. That was a class of the tennis.


sar Says:

“I’m sure he’ll be running like a jack-rabbit momentarily.”

MMT,That didn’t happen though.

Novak called a trainer during the changeover when he was WINNING 6-3, 4-3 and up a break.Today is proof. There is no reason for him to be using sportsmanship when he’s up a set and a break. And he didn’t run like a rabbit afterward either.
Even that idiot Gimelstob finally today said that to Ted Robinson about breathing issues and that he was laboring during the match.

Ted: So you think that’s the essence of his retirement question?
G-SLOB: Yes I do


andy roddick Says:

hi, this headline is retarted. federer wants revenge on me? what did i do, bang his girlfriend and she is having my child? the writer is retarted and the website owner is retarted for posting this article. stupid ass tennis news


Bojan Says:

Well, Novak proved a lot today. He has beaten Tsonga in straight sets and then he has beaten his own daemons. I hope he’ll recover for his semis.
He had such a hard time today. It was obvious that he was feeling really bad. But even so he saved 4 break points and won the match. It wasn’t easy but he put himself together and won it. Tsonga was far from his best but you need two for tagno.


tenisbebe Says:

Congrats Duro!

Jane – A WIN IS A WIN! We had 2 matches yesterday that were imo fun (Dent/Fed, S&V), competitive (Rafa/Stanz) so I will be grateful for that. As for Novak, he could have asthma or a similar breathing disorder but one would wonder how the press haven’t gotten hold of that info. I just wish he would address his conditioning issues very soon because it’s very painful to see him gasping, doubled over, obviously in distress. All those positive vibes we sent both he and Andy did some good, yes?


Duro Says:

Thanks tenisbebe. For God’s sake, he had a surgery because of it! He’s a hero playing like this. Give him some credit, he deserved it! Brilliant, brilliant player!


Daniel Says:

When Djoko called the trainer he said something about his stomach and we could see that they gave him some medicine. At least today was a genuine ill, for sure!
I hope he recover soon enough cause either Fed or Roddick will be a great match-up. I have a feeling the semis will be 1×4 and 2×3, with the top 4 finally showing all the hype we expected this season.


jane Says:

Interesting posts from (most) everyone; I was so disappointed I couldn’t watch today’s match, trying to sneak peeks at the scores while students were occupied, ha-ha. I am glad he (a) only called someone when he was clearly ahead, and (b) pulled himself together enough to finish. But I am sad he’s still having health problems and I hope he does consider some alternative training, treatment or whatever he needs to fully realize his potential.


jane Says:

tenisbebe, let’s keep sending those vibes for Andy. I have to get home so I can watch the match. BTW, where’s Von? I hope she is okay and comes back to “see” us soon.


zola Says:

Jane,
Congratulations. Seems Djoko is over Tsonga now. Should be great for his confidence. I didn’t see the match either and I am not even sure I would be able to see Rafa’s match tomorrw!

Well,I CAN watch the Andy-Fed match. let’s see how it goes. I am impartial with slight inclination towards Andy.

.


tenisbebe Says:

Duro says: “Thanks tenisbebe. For God’s sake, he had a surgery because of it! He’s a hero playing like this.” He had surgery to correct a deviated septum – which is a fairly common nasal disorder. That does not explain the stomach, heat-related & conditioning issues. I also am not ready to award him a medal – as I said, although it’s painful to witness him struggle, he should be addressing his conditioning pronto.

“What to think? I’m thinking why is he always scheduled to play in the mid day or 3 afternoon, in the strongest sun? Is it deliberately, may be?” I will tell you that both Novak & Rafa were scheduled for the evening matches at the Masters in Cincinnati ’08 while Federer who was the #1 seed, #1 player in he world AND defending champion was scheduled at 1:30pm, by far the hottest part of the day (both days were over 52C/125F on court without the humidity taken into affect) FOR BOTH HIS MATCHES. Was this a scheduling conspiracy to have Fed lose his Cincy crown & #1 raking (as he did to Ivo)? I think not.


tenisbebe Says:

jane Says: “tenisbebe, let’s keep sending those vibes for Andy. I have to get home so I can watch the match. BTW, where’s Von? I hope she is okay and comes back to “see” us soon.”
Yes, Jane, I am doing my “ohms” with Andy in mind. Hope you get to see the match. I also hope Von is OK – maybe she has done as she threatened & switched from tennis to basketball or figure skating. :-)

Can’t imagine her missing a Roddick match! Von, Von, where are you?


Abby818911 Says:

Hi…any suggestions for watching the match besides channelsurfing.net? Mines coming in very choppy. Thank you!!!


Ezorra Says:

As I said Jane.. your man is back!!!


rose Says:

hi everyone. How is roddick/federer match so far


Oleg Says:

IMO Roddick doesn’t take enough risks right now… the shots he is playing are too conservative and Fed can really tee off on those.

I think going for a forehand winner occasionally wouldn’t hurt A-Rod.


rose Says:

score please?


Oleg Says:

4-3 Federer up a break and serving


Sean Randall Says:

So far the match has gone to form. Federer still making errors. Roddick still playing like a pusher.

With the break, Federer has a huge edge. But I think Roddick can still make a match of this especially if Fed continues spraying errors here and there.


Sean Randall Says:

I will also add, great win for Novak today. JW wasn’t his best but Novak still picked up what I think is his best win of the year. Let’s see if he can keep that going Friday against either Fed or Roddick.


TD (Tam) Says:

Good evening everybody.

I’ve come to really hate Andy’s matches with Roger. Roger’s smirking arrogance just permeates the match and I hate it. Hate watching him strut around the court like a prince wearing the kings crown, hate watching Andy get nervous and self destruct. Thank goodness there is still Novak, the other Andy, and especially Rafa to put a stop to Roger.


rose Says:

do you guys think rafa will go all the way in this ATP?


Sean Randall Says:

Roddick broken again to drop the set. Not a good start for Roddick.

Fed’s playing a little better – honestly, he still looks a half-step slow!

Roddick’s now unraveled. His pusher game isn’t working and now he’s starting to make errors.

What Roddick needs to do is rip serves and rip forehands. The serve is there, but the forehand isn’t. He hit zero forehand winners that set (ok, maybe a forehand passing shot). That’s not enough.


Yan Says:

Here is a question – why does Fed’s game match so well against Andy’s?


jane Says:

Hi TD (Tam) – To me Andy doesn’t play to his capability when he plays Roger; he is in too much awe of him still or maybe a better way to put it is that Fed’s in his head, which sort of shows in his pressers. I’d imagine this is similar to how Fed fans feel when Fed plays Rafa, but I am only speculating of course.


jane Says:

Abby818911,

Try atdhe.net. Sometimes it’s choppy but not tonight for me anyhow.

Ezorra,

I am still hesitant to say that, as I have seen him play better but I am happy he finished with the win! I read that he is the best Hawkeye challenger in the ATP so that’s something! :-)


Sean Randall Says:

Yan, Federer matches up so well with Roddick for a variety of reasons. First and foremost the Swiss has always had a read of Roddick’s serve. One the serve is returned the advantage shifts to Federer off the ground.


jane Says:

Yan,

Fed likes playing guys that hit with so much power; plus I think he reads Andy’s serve fairly well.


Yan Says:

It feels almost like andy does not reposition himself fast enough after his own return. It’s weird but I can’t figure it out.


jane Says:

Why is Andy doubling so much? He’s better than this. I wish he could play against Roger like he’s been playing against the others: maybe he needs to hate him a little more!?


Yan Says:

ah… he is doing better now with those deeper returns… maybe his returns before were too short!


Sean Randall Says:

Andy escapes a 0-40 jam with a couple big forehands (finally). Fed’s been in just about ever one of Roddick’s service games, though.


Yan Says:

Go Andy! Take it to Fed!


jane Says:

There you go ANDY! Good job running things down, taking it to Roger.


Sean Randall Says:

Now that’s a first against Roddick. Fed up 40-0, missing 3 forehands, a relatively simple backhand pass then double faulting to give Roddick the break. Ha.

Could Fed be unraveling like he did against Rafa on Melbourne, Murray in IW and even Simon last summer??


Yan Says:

Andy has more heart than Fed. GO ANDY!


Daniel Says:

What’s wrong with Federer, 40-0, the match in control and then he collapse like that. Amazing!!!


Yan Says:

Andy is pushing too hard. Slow down and just focus on good tennis. Don’t force things andy.


jane Says:

Daniel, like the commentators I am listening to said, I think Fed lost concentration for a bit, and meanwhile Andy dug deeper, stepped it up, and so probably it was a combination of both.


Giner Says:

Sean Randall Says:

“Now that’s a first against Roddick. Fed up 40-0, missing 3 forehands, a relatively simple backhand pass then double faulting to give Roddick the break. Ha.

Could Fed be unraveling like he did against Rafa on Melbourne, Murray in IW and even Simon last summer??”

That was how he gave up the first break to Rafa in the 5th set. Wow. 5 errors in a row. Can’t believe it. Is he one of those players who misses a shot, then insists on trying it again and again until he gets it right? I’ve seen players do that with drop shots, and hand the other guy a dozen free points in botched attempts.


tenisbebe Says:

Tam:

I’m rooting for Andy but I do not know what you are talking about re: Fed’s smirking arrogance & strutting???? What?

Andy is definitely playing more aggressive & hitting his appraoch shots deepper. C’mon Andy, take this set!


Sean Randall Says:

Now in the lead it appears Andy’s abandoned the pushing mentality. I think he serves out this set.


jane Says:

You guys (Sean, Giner) are selling Andy a bit short there and maybe Fed too – some of those errors were forced, not the doubles. But at least one of the forehands. Andy was chasing more down, digging in.


Yan Says:

Gosh andy, be careful with approaching the net!


jane Says:

Andy’s much steadier from the baseline these days.


tenisbebe Says:

The crowd is rockin” – c’mon Andy!!!


jane Says:

Good Job Andy!!!!!! That’s some nice fighting throughout the set.


Yan Says:

Fantastically delicious!


Sean Randall Says:

Well, we have a match, and Gimel can drop some more product placements…

Roddick has a real chance here especially if he stops trying to approach to the Fed forehand.

Andy’s definitely opened up his game the last 20 minutes.

Fed serves first, and again let’s see how he fares in the final set of a big match. Recent trend hasn’t been good for the Swiss.


RG Says:

Wow. It’s one set all. The baseline rally that Roddick won to save break point was pretty remarkable.

Sean – I’m a little surprised that you mentioned nothing at all about Novak’s fitness (or lack of) in his match Vs Tsonga today.


Sean Randall Says:

At this stage the match is a toss-up. Roddick has more confidence right now than Fed and the deeper the set goes the bigger advantage i think for Andy.


jane Says:

Thanks zola – just saw your earlier post now.


Yan Says:

C’mon Andy, let’s make a dent on Fed’s service game.


rose Says:

score?? please


tenisbebe Says:

3-6, 6-4, 1-2 Federer, they are on serve.


Yan Says:

1 set all, 2-1 Fed in 3rd, Andy serving (30-0)


jane Says:

So long as Roddick keeps serving well, stays focused, absorbs the good crowd support, for sure, this is anyone’s match.


tenisbebe Says:

Yeah, with Federer’s FH errors as high as they are, Andy’s definitely got a shot if he he stays focused & with the game plan that won him the second.

Fun point at 30-15


Yan Says:

Come on Andy break him!


rose Says:

omg andy managed to win a set..c’mon andy!!!!


tenisbebe Says:

Gerry & Roger were having a few words. That’s a switch.


Yan Says:

What did they say to each other? I couldn’t hear it.


tenisbebe Says:

Rose – it’s 3-all in the third.


Yan Says:

Fed is coming undone.


LobBob Says:

Roger just gave away the 2nd set – he plays so listless and lazy like he’s afraid to break out in a sweat. Roddick’s much faster and ready to play ball!


tenisbebe Says:

I wish Andy would have played more aggressive at 15-40 but at least he was calm and didn’t beat himself up. Those chances don’t come very often though.


Sean Randall Says:

Fed survives a 15-40 scare to hold for 4-3. He’s teetering. Roddick’s been cruising on serve, if Fed’s gonna break this is it.


Yan Says:

aww, what a sweet sweet fake shot from Andy. exquisite!


tenisbebe Says:

C’mon Andy, hold!


tenisbebe Says:

HUGE HOLD FOR ANDY!! Good job!!!


jane Says:

Good hold from Andy for 4 all – one excellent down-the-line slice which Fed couldn’t volley.


Sean Randall Says:

Roddick fights off Fed to hold. Roddick should absolutely unload on Fed this game.


jane Says:

Ack!

Fed’s forehand has been in and out tonight – sometimes great sometimes awful.


rose Says:

score? please


RG Says:

rose – federer in 3 sets


RG Says:

6-3 4-6 6-4


tenisbebe Says:

Rose – fed broke Roddick at 4-5 so won the final set 6-4. Boo hoo. Andy kept approaching to Fed’s forehand and Roger would whip it across court. AHHHH.


jane Says:

OMG – Fed pulled that one out of the fire! Very Very SAD loss for Roddick – he had the momentum and so forth! :-(

Fed will be glad to get that win I suspect; he stayed the course, kind of like Rafa last round.


rose Says:

oh noooo..i was hoping andy would pull this one out..does anyone know what is the head to head bewteen federe and djokovic?


Daniel Says:

Well, the net was Roddick`s enemy the whole match. But Fed get the momento in the final points, in the match point he returned one of those 130+ mph serves.
So far 2×3 in one semi, let’s see if tomorrow ends with 1×4, with the fab 4 finally faving each other off!


Sean Randall Says:

Entertainment match. Credit to both players. Roddick stepped up halfway through, went back to cracking the ball and it worked. Had he stayed away from the net I think he may have pulled this one out.


blah Says:

Too bad… Roddick should be this aggressive every time he comes out with the weapons he has. You could see how disappointed he was too. Still don’t know what he was thinking hitting topspin approach shots in to Federer’s forehand.

Federer’s forehand is definitely on a lower level now, he still had enough though… You have to wonder how long he is going to stay at the top tier with the errors he makes nowadays.


tenisbebe Says:

7-2 Federer


rose Says:

is it just me or this new genereation of tennis is just fantastic..most of the top 10 palyers are playing amazing tennis..kudos to tennis


Kimmi Says:

Wow !! What a match point! Tough match Roddick gave Fed…waaaay better than AO


blah Says:

I wouldn’t say going to the net is bad, just that he needs to hit into the opponent’s weaker wing. He won a lot of points when hitting approach shots into Federer’s backhand. He also need to take some spin off of his approach shots; some of them bounced right into Federer’s strike zone.


Sean Randall Says:

To put a cap on this one…

Fed’s going to need to play much better than he did today to beat either Rafa or Murray in the final. I do think he’ll get through Novak, though.

As for Roddick, if he plays like he did the last set and 1/2 he can hang with the Top 3. That passive, pusher game we saw from him the first half of the match should be scrapped against the elite guys. And while he’s improved at the net, I still don’t think attacking the net should be a first or second option during points against top guys.


Sean Randall Says:

blah, Fed was looking so shaky in the third set, especially off the ground. And when you don’t have confidence off the ground in most cases you welcome guys approaching the net. That way you get a target and that’s just what Andy gave to Roger, a target and Roger ate him up.


zola Says:

Ah…what a match! I think Roddick just gifted the first set to federer. Perhaps he could have taken the third ( and the match!), had he not come to the net so many times. Federer passed him a million times. Otherwise, Roddick could have taken the match.
Most of the times when he stayed in the baseline and traded shots with Federer and remained patient, he won the point.

At some point in the second set ( I think 4-4), fed shouted at a spectator. I think he knew he was in real trouble.

better luck for Andy next time.


zola Says:

oops, sorry for repeating sentences! didn’t proofread (obviously)!


Sean Randall Says:

Zola, you saw it the way i did. Andy was doing damage to Roger in the longer rallies, but as soon as Andy came in – which was way too often toward the end of the match – it played into Fed’s hands.

Had Andy stayed back, cracked his forehand, i think Fed would have imploded.

Roger is clearly dealing with some confidence issues. He seemed really annoyed at squandering that 0-40 game on Roddick’s serve, then yes, I saw that scream in the second set – looked like at a fan!

Good night of tennis, as it should be.


zola Says:

Sean,
Rafa had two very tough matches. Somehow he doesn’t look at his best right now. Unless he improves a bit more, I give the edge to Murray. Fed has to get past Djoko and since Djoko is finding his game and confidence, that will be a very interesting match too.


TD (Tam) Says:

Life can be so cruel. Andy should have won that match but once again it is Roger and his never ending luck.

I hope one day Andy can beat Roger in a big match, hopefully at Wimbledon.

Rest up Andy!


jane Says:

Yes, it’s true – Roddick was steady enough from the back, moving well enough etc, that he didn’t need to come in as much as he did. In the first set, his serve wasn’t yet clicking. When he started to serve more consistently he stopped racing in as much. He played a great 2nd set and good 3rd until those last few points. I hope he can take away some positives from this.

Sean, I think Fed will likely beat Novak too, based on the comments people had today about his match with Tsonga, which I didn’t get to see, but I just hope Djoko comes ready to play… until the end, come what may.


Sean Randall Says:

But again, credit to Fed for surviving and Roddick for switching gears from defensive to offensive. Hope he keeps it there.


jane Says:

Von & TD (Tam) :-( You should still be proud of Andy for how well he played tonight!

Congrats to Daniel, Kimmi, grendel and other Fed fans here.


jane Says:

The commentators I listened to really thought Fed’s footwork was much improved in this match, which I didn’t really notice, paying more attention to the shots. I often miss footwork and movement.


Sean Randall Says:

Jane, I didn’t notice anything of significance in regards to Roger’s footwork/movement. If anything, I did note that he looked slow, but then to me he’s looked slow for a while now.

But, he did miss a lot of those inside-out forehand down-the-line shots, and in my experience those type of strokes require near-perfect footwork. Who knows…


broken shoelace Says:

As for Novak, he was playing really well. His backhand looked really solid for the first time in ages. And unlike Tsonga, he actually has a plan B. When he started struggling in the end, he couldn’t buy a first serve. What did he do? He started taking pace of the serve, and hitting them with a wicked kick. Tsonga couldn’t hit a single decent returns off of them. He also went to the net and finished the points early. Props to Novak for finding a way to pull it off.


alex Says:

So disappointed with Roddick, when it was at 4-4 one set each I thought he could put it off and get another win on Federer, with he recent improvement and good form and all that. Oh well.


sar Says:

Sorry to Roddick fans. I was pulling for him of course. It was soooo exciting, unlike the Djok/Tsonga match. The next time they meet Roddick will win based on what I saw today. He is getting closer and you could see the relief on Fed’s face when he won. It was like Fed winning a master’s tournament not a QF.

As for Djok/Fed match. If it is a day match Fed wins. If it’s an evening match Djok has a chance.
The main thing with Djok is today he got ONE demon off his back–Tsonga with the heat.


zola Says:

Yes, congrats to all Fed fans.
Roddick will be very disappointed. This match could have gone his way as well and he knows it too.

I didn’t see Djoko-Tsonga match either, but knowing Tsonga, he would have been proud to have an ongoing win streak against Djoko. So a straight set win tells a bit about Djoko, even if he didn’t play his best.


alex Says:

The coming federer vs djokovic match could be interesting. There seems to had been some bad blood between these two.


NachoF Says:

Judging by the way Federer played today there is no way he’ll beat Djokovic… and even if it does he would be no match for Nadal or Murray…. Im a huge Fed fan but his game is just not that awesome anymore.


Abby Says:

Does anyone know who the commentators were on the channelsurfing.net? Just curious. They were extremely annoying. What a great match, just wish Roddick would have pulled it off. :(


margot Says:

TD(Tam): “endless good luck” ??? probably not…


jane Says:

sar, thanks for the quick link to that presser. I’ve just now been able to read some of the press on the match, and surprisingly, based on some of the commenters here who were watching the match and found it awful, the press has been quite positive about Djoko’s play. Here are a couple of quotes:

“Delivering dashing groundstrokes and generating plenty of spin on his second serves, the Serb was on top throughout.”

“Yet his [Djokovic’s] mixture of superb ground strokes – which consistently found the corners of the court – always put Tsonga’a somewhat inconsistent serve under pressure, and every time the Frenchman missed a first serve he almost invariably lost the point.”


Ezorra Says:

My pick@prediction to represent the top half of the draw:

1. Verdasco
2. Del Potro
3. Nadal
4. Murray

My prediction to represent the bottom half of the draw:
1. Djokovic
2. Federer

Champion: Djokovic (55%) Ferdasco (45%)


alex Says:

Thanks for the link. It seems to be a funny interview. Djokovic on his ball bounce : “if they, you know, let me know that I am slow and everything and then give me warning, I have no problems with it. I will accept it as, you know, something which is rule.
But it’s on them, you know. I cannot tell to the umpire, Look, I’m slow. Can you give me a warning. (Laughter.)”
:-) Remind me of some of the funny comment Safin would make.


Ezorra Says:

My prediction was solely based on the condition of the court that favors big hitters as well as the current performance of my favorite Mr. Rafael Nadal (which look very average at the moment).

Having said that, I still hope that Nadal can win the title and become the 6th person who manages to win IW and MW back to back!


Milo Says:

Fed gets so many of Roddick’s serves back because he’s only trying to chip it. You can shut down a big servers ace numbers if all you’re trying to do is get in the point. This is a great play against Roddick, whose midcourt decision making has always been suspect. Sampras showed in the “exhos” with Roger, that if you can back up a big serve with a solid net game, Roger’s chip-erOO tactic shouldn’t work. Sadly, with the modern power, the days of the highly competent net performer (Edberg) are over.

Roger’s one-hand backhand is showing signs of a mental meltdown against the top horses. I think we can give Rafa’s lefty serve and Xcourt forehand most of the credit for convincing him it sucks. The first sign of true doubt is that when Mirka told Roger she was pregnant — the first thing Fed said is “the kid is going to have a TWO-HANDER.”


Milo Says:

Between Djokovic and Ivanovic, I’m having a hard time deciding which one has the better Serbian Nationalism fist-pump salute? Novak sells the Milosevic death squad look better, but Ana’s close to the chest, overly contrived action is cute.

Speaking of fist-pumps, Serena has to know hers comes off on TV as more of a violent stomach cramp.


vesna Says:

Milo,
What has fist pumping got to do with nationalism?Why are you mixing tennis with politics?


Long Live The King Says:

That is when you know your game is in the dumps. When you need to dig into the 16-2 reservoir to beat a player as limited as andy.

Anyways the big W is all that matters and Fed now has 17 of them against a former no.1. Andy fans should learn from andy, and stop crying like sore loosers. Roger was nice enough to support Andy in his stupid fights with Novak. I am sure Andy doesnt think Roger has endless luck. Sometimes you have to wonder if these fans are actually Roddick fans or djokovic or nadal fans in disguise!


Long Live The King Says:

It is harder and harder to root for Novak when you see all these serbian fanatics rooting for him on these forums and making tennis feel more and more jingoistic like soccer/european foot ball. I would rather root for a player who belongs to the entire world like murray or tsonga or nadal or roger than players like novak who is increasingly becoming a symbol for serbian nationalism and all the other evil things that serbians must be ashamed of.


zola Says:

Long live the king
**Sometimes you have to wonder if these fans are actually Roddick fans or djokovic or nadal fans in disguise!**

you have left this post in another thread as well. So I ask the question here too.

Can it be Federer fans in disguise?

Trolls are trolls and can pretend to be anybody’s fans. Why not concentrate just on tennis?


zola Says:

Milo
I have no idea about nationalistic fist pumps. But I like Ana Ivanovic’s fist pumps. So feminine.


sar Says:

What will be the schedule for Friday?


jane Says:

Long Live… I really don’t see any sore losers on this thread; most Roddick fans were quite congenial, congratulating Fed fans or just expressing their disappointment, which is what fans generally do when their guy loses.


Long Live The King Says:

Zola :

Federer fans in disguise will say federer is endlessly lucky and that he is an arrogant creep?

I missed when they explained this in “Logical Thinking 101”. Can you explain that? While you admirably take responsibility for everything great that Rafa achieves, it is amazing how you will let the Rafa trolls slide off as just trolls like any other players’ fans! I will hear that when you are happy when the “other players” beat rafa.

As they say ” Success has many fathers! Failure is always a bastard!” The least you can do is stop preaching others like you are the paragon of equanimity.


Long Live The King Says:

Jane :

I dont see calling a great champion endlessly lucky as being congenial. Or do you have different standards for fans of people you admire? I am sorry but any amount of dissappointment does not warrant insulting a legendary tennis player’s skill. You can keep ignoring what your “pals” do, but please save us the congenial description of such petty minded people.

Anyways let me be congenial and say Andy is the one who is endlessly lucky to have snuck out a grand total of 2 matches in 19 tries.Both of them in the final set. The montreal win was a 3rd set tie-break to boot. 17-2 is not lucky. It is a bloody thrashing. 43 sets to 10 sets. There is no way a roddick fan should even call Federer lucky – unless they mask around as a Nadal fan.


jane Says:

Long Live…says:

“novak…is increasingly becoming a symbol for serbian nationalism and all the other evil things that serbians must be ashamed of.”

We must remember to separate players from fans; I don’t know what a Serbian salute is, or if a fist pump qualifies as that. I do think Novak is obviously patriotic, but he has a number of fans who are not Serbian but who just enjoy his best tennis, myself included. I am actually with you on the keeping of too much nationalism out of tennis (i.e., so it doesn’t become like soccer hooliganism) but on the other hand, sport and nation have always been tied so it’s utterly natural for,say, Serbians to support Novak, Brits/Scots to support Murray, the French to support Tsonga, Americans to support Roddick, Spaniards to support Rafa, and yes, even the Swiss to love Roger. So I don’t think you should single out Novak’s fans. Spaniards have been fairly rowdy from time-to-time. The French contingent were very loud during the Monfils / Safin match, and the Americans rather rowdy last night. Ah, and do you remember Murray’s match with Gasquet at Wimbledon? Hardly a non-partisan crowd wouldn’t you say?

Anyhow, I know you’re happy for Roger’s win, but what’s done on the court is done.


jane Says:

Long Live…

I am assuming that poster who made that comment did so because of the “lucky” net-cord that Roger got to get the final break point against Andy. Maybe it was uttered in the heat of the moment. These things happen. And okay, maybe it wasn’t congenial.

But your comment that Andy was lucky to sneak out two wins doesn’t reflect the very good form Roddick had last night, and the momentum too. I really do feel that Roddick came VERY close to winning.

It’s true that the Roddick/Fed match up is horrible for Roddick, but he is nothing if not an admirable contender and fighter. Roger just has a really good read on his serve, and Roddick has a tendency to approach the net at ill-advised times or with weak approach shots, and Roger loves a target like that.


zola Says:

long live the king
If you have posted enough here, you will see that most of the posters try either to ignore the trolls or sometimes write short warnings to them and I have done that a lot too.
what I am saying is that some people post because they are fans and some post just to make other react to what they write and it is not fair to mis these two groups and create unneccessary tension.

I am not a fed fan nor a Roddick fan. That’s why I was able to watch yesterday’s match without being nervous about one winning or losing. Fed could have easily lost that match if Roddick did not rush the points. I can say Fed played a more clever match. It wasn’t a clean win like several matches they played before. here Roddick had a real chance to win.


bob22 Says:

Long Live The King :
I would rather root for a player who belongs to the entire world like murray or tsonga or nadal or roger than players like novak who is increasingly becoming a symbol for serbian nationalism and all the other evil things that serbians must be ashamed of.

Who are you that you can judge the whole nation? Your hatric towards one nation is equal to fasizm we have seen of Nazis towards Jewish people. Unfortunately this site is known for endorsing hate towards individuals but they never did against a nation. As I can see nobody from tennis-x is reacting, and they should be ashame of. Pasive response from them and most of visitore is indicator that they do agree with your statemets!


Long Live The King Says:

Jane :

If you have followed TD’s posts, you know this is not a one off thing. He/She is consistently degrading Federer’s wins. If he/she has nothing good to say they can shut up. I mean there are a lot of posters who criticize Federer fairly, and then there are people like TD and “I like bullies” (maybe they are the same person)

My comment was an attempt to get the “congenial award”. ;)

Anyways, your take is fair enough. Roddick is a great competitor. But so is Fed. It is not like he was winging it yesterday, was it? Fed made most of his chances. Remember Fed made 3 consecutive errors to give Roddick a look at 40-0 on Fed’s serve in the 2nd set (The game he got broken). The same erratic play gave him the lucky net cord. How is that lucky? Roger had more break points, (7 to 3). Converted more (4 to 1) played lesser points on his own serve (80 to 101) despite having the “weaker” serve. won more 1st and 2nd serve return points – (32% to 29 in 1st 47% to 31%) Dictated the game (44/41 w/ufe compared to 22/21 for andy)

Tell me, who is the better player? It is not like it was a given that Roddick won the match if that netcord landed out. We all have our biases. If a player we admire loses, the other player is lucky! else our player really showed heart and won the match. Tell me 1 statistic that shows Roddick tried harder than Federer? I mean statistics dont tell everything, but they are not total hogwash either, right?

I still dont agree that Federer was “lucky” yesterday. If anything he was PLUCKY! showed immense heart that most people couldnt see when he used to routinely squash top 10ers like they were unworthy flies.


jane Says:

Long Live…

Talk to you in a bit, I have to teach a class. Here’s the link to Roger’s presser if you haven’t read it. Luck is a big topic.

http://www.sonyericssonopen.com/3/en/assets/pdfs/interviews/federer040109.pdf


Von Says:

Long live the King has posted here under umpteen post names. They change from time to time. The theme is the same. He’s still the same as: ???? shall I give you your aliases, or you know them. Just say the word. You should know everyone’s history as you’ve been around a long time, BUT you go into hibernation after burying one post name and resurrecting another. Your HATE FOR RODDICK and his fans is the ruling emotion. You are nothing but a good ‘ole Federer donkey girl scout’, braying like a jackass. When have you ever been fair to roddick or his fans?.

Talking about fairness Federer had a draw that was practice. Whom did he face in a challenge in the form of a seed? No one until Roddick. It’s the reason why he gets to the SFs and Finals while other players break their bakcs to play seeded players. All he has to do when he’s scheduled to play is show up for practice to play a lower ranked player, show some strokes and we hear he’s great. Go get a drink of reality and if you want fairness, tell ATP to stop nursing him along. I wouldn’t be proud of a player who’s is nursed to get to the SFs with a draw that’s such a joke. GET REAL. Now you can go off on one of your famous tangents; e.g., name calling and the whole nine yards.
______________
TD (Tam):
Sorry to say this, but it would be better if you refrained from mentioning Federer in your posts, or stay around to defend what you’ve written because all it does is incite the Fedtards and subject the other Roddick fans to ridicule and garbage from the Fedtards. Thank you.


Von Says:

“I still don’t agree that Federer was “lucky” yesterday. If anything he was PLUCKY! showed immense heart that most people couldn’t see when he used to routinely squash top 10ers like they were unworthy flies.”

It’s easy to be plucky when you know you have beaten another several times, aided by easy draws. Did he even break a sweat in his matches prior to Roddick. He got a bye, played Kim, Kiefer and Dent. Great resume for the QFs don’t you think? He should have played Monfils and I’m sure he wouldn’t have faced Roddick, because right now his game is not clicking and I’m sure Monfils could have knocked him out. Right now Roddick IS the better player and Federer know it.


sensationalsafin Says:

Von, I think you’re overdoing it. Federer would have beaten Monfils the same as he always has. And last night, Roddick wasn’t the better player, he was the more inspired player. When Federer had 3 break points on Roddick’s serve in the second set, I thought to myself: “Well, this match is over. Roddick doesn’t fight back the way, say, Hewitt or Nadal would against Federer. He’s just going away because he’s discouraged and he’s going to get blown out.” Then Roddick did something he’s almost never done against Federer, he ignored him. He forgot that he was playing Roger Federer and started playing him the way he would anyone else he expects to be able to beat. He generally doesn’t believe he can win but last night he did and that’s why he put up such a fight. Hell, he had 2 break points in on Federer’s serve in the third set, the match was so close for Roddick’s taking. But what happened? Federer won. Why? Because when it comes down to the core of tennis, Roger Federer is a better tennis player than Andy Roddick. Always was, always is, and always will be. I’m not trying to insult Roddick, I’m very impressed with his progress this year, and very pleased to see him really troubling the top guys. But his game is still inferior.

Federer is not at his complete best. He seems shaky, even against someone he’s beaten 16 times before. But head games aside, his game is still great. He just seems to be forgetting that. He keeps saying he’s fine but he needs a coach like Paul Annacone to remind him that he is Roger Federer and Roger Federer can hit a forehand winner from the stands if he has to. He can flick a backhand pass with his eyes closed. He can serve 4 straight unreturnable serves just because it’s 3-3 in the first set and he’s not up a break. Federer is still more than capable of playing his best tennis, just not as consistently as in the past. But he’s in the semis of a masters event and he has been able to shine so many times before. I don’t know if he’ll win tomorrow, but he is capable of it and everyone who’s been bashing him needs to remember who dominated this sport only a year a half ago.

Amazing how Federer gets criticized for winning while Roddick gets praised for losing. Did I miss something?


zola Says:

sensationalsafin,

I don’t think Roddick was praised for losing. I for one criticize him because he could have won that match. He had to be more patient. like Murray.

When he came back in the second set and as you said ” forgot he was playing Federer”, Fed lost concentration. he even shouted at a fan, throwing the “class” out of the window!

There were several lop-sided wins by fed over Roddick, but last night was not one of them. I don’t think anyone is criticizing fed for his win or Roddick for his loss, but it was such a close match that one cannot help but discuss the “but”s and “if”s.
Still, this is just a master series and I hope Roddick and Stefanki use the positives and work on the negatives for the next encounter.


Von Says:

sensationalsafin: I’m not overdoing anything. What about the idiots who are talking their garbage, and Federer’s remarks are idiotic to say the least. He always has to take a dig in whatever form or fashion he can whenever he wins. He never gives any player ful credit for anything, but gets in his little digs, all of the time.

I don’t wan’t to convince you of anything about Roddick. Lord knows you’ve insulted him more times than I can remember, and then you submit a peace offering. If I were to be as forceful as you are with your comments the whole Fedtard tribe would be on my back. They can’t take what they dish out for sure, and because they are numerous, and I’m in the minority they get away with their vulgar and crude remarks. It’s not a battle anyone can win. They stoop so low as to stray from the subject matter and become personal with the poster,, e.g., myself and all of what they presume to be my faults. the name calling is un called for and I don’t understand how Tennis.x allows such stuff. I don’t see it on other sites, but it’s allowed here. The moderators seem to be on permanent vacation. But, then again, this site is so pro-Federer, so why not the whole crew. I honestly wish there were more Roddick fans around, then we’d see a fair battle, but sadly there isn’t.

Recently, despite Roddick’s progress, which even a half-blind man can see, you mentioned “Roddick sucks”, and when I asked did you see him play, you admitted, yes he’s playing better, but he’s still dumb, but you picked him to win. What do you think I can make of that? You’ve referred to Roddick as a “pansy”, e.g., when he beat Gulbis at the USO and many such names.

As for Fed beating Monfils, I suppose he would, considering all those guys have a defunct chip in their heads. nevertheless, i would like to see Federer challenged by seeded players instead of qualis and unseeded players he plays.

“Amazing how Federer gets criticized for winning while Roddick gets praised for losing. Did I miss something?”

It wouldn’t be that way, if the Fedtards would enjoy his win WITHOUT criticizing the losing player, but they aren’t that smart. The only way they can celebrate is by dragging the losing player through the mud and find everything they could to dishonor him. You call that winning gracefully? So what are the fans of the losing player to do, retaliate or let it go. I’ve let many things go in the hope the idiots would take a hint, but it’s like wishful thinking, they become even more vociferous by spewing their venom and their retarded cliches around, posting under aliases and many, times too.

Sure, he’ll win tomorrow; he’s well-rested from playing zero competition until Roddick. Maybe you could try thinking a little more objectively and look at the draw more closely, and then ask yourself the question, would he be able to win despite facing seed after seed.


Von Says:

Zola:

“he even shouted at a fan, throwing the “class” out of the window!”

Anyone can show class and smiles when they are winning. Grace under fire is where true class lies, and sadly Federer doesn’t possess class, not evening in winning. Saying what’s politically correct and smiling sheepishly is not class. Class is defending others and being graceful in winning AND defeat. Not saying “I played unbelievable”, “he’s of normal talent”. Not to mention: “I enjoyed it” after beating the opponent. That’s sadisic. To be so vociferous, with utter disregard for your opponent’s feelings is ‘classless’. I can’t remember a No.1 player making such classless remarks during the time I’ve watched tennis. and, it’s the main reason i’ve never liked him.


sensationalsafin Says:

I’ve always been critical of Roddick because he always played dumb when he could have played so much better. I don’t think I criticized Roddick at all in my last post. If anything, I said it was good Roddick came back and really fought against Fed, something he rarely does. I really can’t criticize Roddick’s perfomance last night because he finally played the way I wanted him to, and clearly it works well. Sure he rushed the net too soon and too much, but it’s not like he was failing every time he went to net. He had some real success there last night, which he rarely does against Fed (this is getting repetitive). It sucks he lost while playing so well, but atleast he finally knows what to do and how he should play.

I don’t think I’ve ever personally attacked someone on this site. This blog is for tennis. I’ve disagreed with countless people for their views and whatnot about different players and matches, but I don’t think I’ve ever resolved to name calling, that’s not what I’m here for. If I’m wrong I surely apologize because that’s just juvenile.

Von, I know I’ve said this a lot about Fed’s draw in the past, I WANT him to face tough players and seeds early on. I WANT him to be tested and challenged. I agree he’s had a pretty weak draw and I think that hurts Fed more than it helps. The low ranked players are still scared of Fed. They’re too scared to push him and test him. Before only Nadal wasn’t afraid of Fed. Now you have Djokovic, Murray, and even Roddick fits the bill. That’s why they push him and beat him so much. When Fed gets to that 3rd set against someone who soundly beat him in one of the first 2 sets, he gets nervous. It’s normal, I’m sure everyone does, but Fed really lets it affect his game because he’s just not used to it. And now it’s happening fairly often in the semis and finals of these events and Fed doesn’t know what to do with himself. If he was tested for 3 or 4 straight matches, he’d come up against Nadal or Murray and be ready for a real battle while knowing he can actually win the battle. Remember 2007 Hamburg. Federer was playing like crap the whole tournament and was extended to 3 sets in all but 1 of his matches I think. Sure the competition wasn’t extremely tough but he was being tested by some legit players. Then he faced Nadal and finally beat him because he knew he could pull through in a battle (although, it was an odd battle to say the least). Federer needs to be tested in consecutive matches so that he knows what it feels like. It seems like he forgets he beatings against Murray and Nadal by the time he reaches a semi in the next tournament. Federer made a good point where he’s had matches like this and then gone on to win the tournament. I wonder why?? Because he’s f*cking ready for battle. I really do hope last night’s match helped Fed regain some of his confidence in big matches and, hell, it could be the push Fed needed to turn his beatings around and get some revenge against Nadal and Murray. I don’t wanna take anything away from them but I think everyone can agree that tennis-wise, Federer is more than capable of beating them both. Not every single time or anything, but it should go back and forth a lot more than it does. Not 1-5, but 3-3 or 2-4 AT LEAST.


Von Says:

Roddick should be admired for playing against Federer. he should do as Tommy haas does, give a walk-over or Gasquet, or he could retire. never once has he not risen to the occasion and played the match fighting for every point WITH EVERY FIBRE OF HIS BEING. Therein lies the true grit of a champion. I wonder if the fortunes were reversed if the so-called mighty one wouldn’t have opted out like Haas and others who’ve retired, instead of facing the challenge like roddick doeS EVERY TIME. This is a man who should be commended not dragged through the mud as the Fedtards are doing, BUT YOU CAN’T RECOGNIZE CLASS IF YOU AIN’T GOT IT. GO ANDY RODDICK YOU’RE A CLASS ACT!!!!


jane Says:

Long Live…

“Tell me, who is the better player? It is not like it was a given that Roddick won the match if that netcord landed out. We all have our biases.”

You’re right, we all have our biases, you included, and it’s not definite Roddick would’ve won had Roger not had that lucky bounce from the net-cord (sorry, I do feel net-cords are generally lucky or unlucky). But Andy was playing quite well and had some serious momentum, so he had at least a 50/50 shot of winning at that point. Roger has been known to get tenative in tight situations lately, so personally I think if it would’ve went to a tiebreak, Roddick might’ve had the edge, with the crowd support, etc. But who knows?

“I mean statistics dont tell everything, but they are not total hogwash either, right?”

No statistics are not hogwash true – but the UEs Roger had are telling. And remember – most winners don’t always win matches; sometimes it’s focus, persistence, counter-punching and so forth. Stats don’t measure all that stuff.

sensationalsafin

“Roger Federer can hit a forehand winner from the stands if he has to. He can flick a backhand pass with his eyes closed. He can serve 4 straight unreturnable serves just because it’s 3-3 in the first set and he’s not up a break. Federer is still more than capable of playing his best tennis, just not as consistently as in the past.”

I got to say – if Von’s overdoing it above, certainly you are overdoing it here. Federer’s forehand has been very inconsistent lately and last night’s match was no exception. Sometimes he hit brilliant shots of that side; sometimes weak. And he can’t always “flick a backhand pass with his eyes closed”; witness any of his matches against Rafa or Murray. His serve, too, has been in and out of form in a single match; how many doubles did he hit last night? He’s hitting more of those recently. You acknowledge his inconsistency yet say he can still play his “best” tennis. I feel the days when he flew around the court like Superman are days gone by. He’s still a great player, but he can’t play like he used to, which you imply.

“Roddick gets praised for losing.”

I think most people were praising Roddick for his fight. Look at the H2H – good lord. What kind of praise does Roger need?! And really, even a devout Fed-fan would admit that was not his best match by far, and he pushed to the limit. Roddick, who is facing a horrible psychological load everytime he faces Fed, deserves some praise, for, as you yourself so aptly put it “forgetting he was playing Fed”. It’s much like when Roger plays Rafa. I think a lot of people praised Roger over the Wimbledon final last year, for how he fought. Well same goes for Roddick here. There’s no skin off Federer’s back anyhow is there? He’s sitting quite pretty at number 2, with more hardware than anyone, and so forth. And he’s in the semis.

He deserves some kudos for staying the course last night against Roddick, and I believe those were sent his way last night by some of us posters. But to me it was sad to see Andy lose that. Three hours later while doing the dishes I was still thinking – wow, that ended so quickly, in the snap of a finger- or 1 passing shot. But such is life and tennis eh?


jane Says:

Hi Von b.t.w., nice to see you back. We were wondering where you’d gone!


Duro Says:

Von, are you all right? Some people were worried about you for being absent so long…


Duro Says:

Hi Jane! One kind request for you: please don’t ask others about matches, it’s incredible how many stupidity you can hear here. Tray even at work to peak, as you said, into your computer or to watch the match no matter what! Nole was absolutely brilliant yesterday, determined and very self confident, clean powerful shots, focused, very similar to his best, perfect on the net, very few unforced errors, very good game overall. He had stomach problems, even the day before and for me it’s heroic what he achieved in these conditions in my opinion. Someone said it was hard to watch, yes, but not his play which was fantastic even in the hard moments, but his condition. Anyway, he won the great battle, with the opponent as well as with his illness.


Duro Says:

Sorry about the typo, try of course, not tray.


sensationalsafin Says:

I think Federer is capable of Superman play atleast once a tournament. He just seems too scared to play that well. Federer didn’t have his best match at all last night. But I think a lot of that has to do with Roddick being really aggressive and not really letting Federer find the rhythm he loves so much. I just think Federer needs to be reminded what he’s capable of. He doesn’t trust himself and doesn’t believe in himself as much as he says he does.

Net-cords are always lucky, Federer admitted that himself. But he also made a good point that you have to put yourself in that position. My one friend always tells me “you don’t get lucky, you make your own luck”. Federer could’ve shanked that ball like he does so often, but he didn’t. That’s the way things go sometimes.


jane Says:

Duro, Well as I mentioned to sar, the press write ups on the match were very complimentary of Novak’s play yesterday so I was disappointed to have missed it. I love to see him at his best, which is what I hope he’ll be able to bring when he meets Federer tomorrow. Fingers Crossed!


Duro Says:

I don’t know why, but I think Djokovic-Verdasco in the finals!


Von Says:

Duro: Thanks for asking, I’m alright.

Glad to see Djoko made it thorugh that tupsy-turvy match, and I hope he can win the other match too.


Duro Says:

Von, don’t be afraid to say it out loud: He is going to win the match against Federer! I’m sure of it!


Duro Says:

Jane, a tip for you: on the Novak’s site the match against Tsonga will be ready for download, so you can watch it soon! Don’t miss it, Nole was great!


Von Says:

jane: Thanks. I’ve lied in the past when i left to spare others feelings, but i’m not going to be so generous now. I left because of the ankle-biter who knows everything I write is “all in my head” and one, who even though he says he’s not, is always seeking an argument ro find his jollies. It mmst be wonderful to be gifted with the crystal ball. I wonder what crystal ball he and his other Roddick stomper used when they were talking that Roddick’s Dubai withdrawal was a PR stunt. Between the two of them they wrote Volumes I and II and the sequel. Some of them are akin to posting voyeurs who don’t write often, but just read, looking through keyholes, and are ready to pounce when the urge hits them. Unbelievable.


jane Says:

sensationalsafin maybe he can only play superman style when he’s facing an opponent who doesn’t threaten him: game-wise or psyche-wise? So then that doesn’t mean he can play like that against Rafa, Murray, maybe even Roddick and Djoko, if they can each push Roger, Rafa and Murray consistently.

Maybe all the players have superman moments against lower ranked players?

I guess I object to elevating ANY player to godlike or superhero status, even if they were dominant for a period of time. And Fed certainly was that; but he’s mortal, after all.


jane Says:

Von,

I know. It’s good to take breaks once and awhile, I totally get that, but we did miss you, esp. during Andy’s match last night. He played so well. Wow, I was sad about that loss, sadder than I have been in a while over an Andy match, because my aunt and I really thought he had it. Oh well – next time…

Duro,

Thanks for the tip! I’ll look into it.


sensationalsafin Says:

Idk. Imo, the greatest match I’ve ever seen was Federer and Safin in the 05 AO semi. And they both played godlike in that match. Last year’s Wimbledon final also brought out some of Fed’s best, not all thought, and that was against Nadal. In this year’s AO final, Fed completely dominated the 4th set. So the trend seems to be that they can all play godlike against each other for only a set or so. The problem is that Fed’s mentally weak when push comes to shove, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the skills though.


jane Says:

sensationalsafin – who wouldn’t love that match!? It was a classic match, played by two excellent players, but to me there have been several of those and there are great matches at every event. But no gods; only mortals.

“The problem is that Fed’s mentally weak when push comes to shove, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the skills though.”

Well certainly in their H2H one could say the same about Roddick; he does seem mentally weaker against Fed than against others, but one senses, based on how close he’s come, and IN PARTICULAR, how good he was from the baseline last night, that he could do it. That the H2H may not’ve been so tilted.

I’d even hasten to guess that a number of players have, in the past, been mentally weak against Roger because of – at least in part – the aura that was built around him. But that’s another can of worms innit. Let’s not go there today – cool?


Skorocel Says:

sensationalsafin said: “In this year’s AO final, Fed completely dominated the 4th set. So the trend seems to be that they can all play godlike against each other for only a set or so.”

Well, although I’m a Fed fan, I have to admit that that was more because of Nadal resting & saving some precious energy for the 5th set rather than because of Fed playing like a “god”… I’m not a fan of his at all, but the fact is that Nadal is a smart player… He knew very well that after that 3rd set (which he won after a VERY intense fight, and which could’ve easily gone Fed’s way – just remember all those unconverted BPs), it would be simply impossible for him to maintain such focus and determination, both mentally and physically wise, so he more or less tanked that 4th set and focused totally on the decider – which, as we all know, he won pretty decisively. I may be wrong on this one, but that’s how I see it… The fact is, Fed only rarely plays great tennis when leading (or being at least even) with Nadal in their matches… He usually shows his best stuff when he’s down, playing catchup, but when he’s up, he almost always falters… A lot of this of course has to do with Nadal’s mental toughness (which is and always was better than that of Fed), but oh well, that would be for another story…


Skorocel Says:

Anyone watching the Nadal vs JMDP match?


Von Says:

sensationalsafin:

I don’t know how we can equate any player to being god-like and it’s one of the reasons Federer talks about himself in the supreme manner because of the accolades he hears and reads by some of the stupid media. How would anyone know who’s god-like considering none of us have met the real God. To attach such powers to a human being blows my mind and I don’t understand it.

The main reason I dislike the draws is the fact that the top 4 players are given such weak opponents to play against, and when they win, the media builds it up with such a hype as to how imperious and crushing they are. When they meet a good quality seeded player, they begin to struggle and look ordinary and then the same media talks about their frailities. However, the hype by the ATP website continues for the top players because they want to keep the interest in the tourney going.

I’d like for tennis to some day have 3 divisions similar to boxing. Top opponents through to 32; 33-75, and 75 on. Then we’ll see how very superman and god-like the top players really are. As it is they are nursed by being given opponents that are unseeded and qualis, for the sake of money and to keep the tourney interesting until the SF and final. The whole system needs to be revamped, and the other that needs to be changed is the carry-over points which ensures No. 1 remains No. 1 from year to year.


Von Says:

“Duro Says:
Von, don’t be afraid to say it out loud: He is going to win the match against Federer! I’m sure of it!”

I hope you’ll help me defend my own player as well. Roddick fans are very few and they don’t speak up or are afraid to, not like you Djoko fans who go to bat for your guy. I’m very impressed.

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