Federer the Focus at Tape-Delayed French Open Semifinals

by Sean Randall | June 5th, 2009, 7:30 am
  • 404 Comments

Ah, the traditions of tennis. Unfortunately, one the traditions of the sport we love is it’s absolute ludicrous TV programming. If you awoke early like me hoping to catch live semifinal action today from Paris on your TV here in the U.S., forget it, because it’s not on. ADHEREL

After watching countless hours of live coverage on ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel how could I forget that thanks to NBC and the geniuses who run and market top tier tennis, the semifinals from Paris are again on tape delay which means if you want to watch either or both Fernando Gonzalez v. Robin Soderling and Roger Federer v. Juan Martin Del Potro live as it happens, don’t bother switching on your televisions today, it won’t be on.

The tradition continues…Online streaming here I come.


As for the matches, I love both Gonzales and Federer today and both pretty easily. Gonzalez is a true claycourter, Soderling is not. Gonzo’s also won the last four meetings against the Swede and I know Robin’s been red-hot but I just think the Chilean has the experience of having been to this stage before.

In the second semifinal I think DelPo will keep things close against Federer who will be feeling the nerves. But Roger is just too darn close to let it slip away now. The nerves, the pressure and the expectations are there and I expect Roger will handle what’s to come.


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404 Comments for Federer the Focus at Tape-Delayed French Open Semifinals

Cindy_Brady Says:

I’m thoroughly disgusted with the coverage of the mens semi-finals. Between three networks (tennis channel, ESNP2, and NBC) we can’t get the matches live.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

The ATP wants to market tennis in the U.S better then show the Damn matches live.

NBC is the problem. They want the rights to the finals and semi-finals but refuse to show the semis live. Disgraceful. If you can’t show them live then give the deal up to another network. Instead the Tennis channel is showing the woman’s semi-final from yesterday. They are probably just as frustrated with NBC as everyone else.

SCREW NBC!!!


Ra Says:

Cindy_Brady: “UNBELIEVABLE!!!!”, “SCREW NBC”.

I couldn’t agree more. NBC effed up the actual NHL post-season schedule too.


Kimo Says:

Gonzalez is no where near as aggresive as he was in the Murray match. His forehand doesn’t have the same “pop”.


Dan Martin Says:

NBC can’t afford to put the Today Show on a 1 day vacation…


Bob Muñiz Says:

Regarding your comment on Federer’s match, The Switzerland Machine (as I call him) he is the master on handling pressure games, better proof than his latest match against Haas. Self explanatory. I will certainly win the french open…..You will have to update your CARRER GRAND SLAM winners Stats!!!!

About NBC and ESPN2….. They just &^*$@

By the way, Never been in this web before…..looks pretty GOOOD…..Keep going my Friend.

BM
From DR


Bob Muñiz Says:

Opps For “I” mean Federer……….


Dan Martin Says:

Gonzo is not totally out of this, but the Swede looks good. I of course think my question in my pre-tournament article about “When did the last Swede win Roland Garros?” has destined Soderling for the title.


Cindy_Brady Says:

Dan Martin Says:

NBC can’t afford to put the Today Show on a 1 day vacation…

OR Regis and Kathy Lee

The world might end if we can’t see them for the 1 millionth time.

F**K NBC!!!!!


Dan Martin Says:

Can’t they stream live on MSNBC or CNBC and then show the tape delay on the mothership (NBC)?


zola Says:

This is outrageous!

getting the rights for tennis coverage and then show one, tape delayed?

NBC is stupid, but what about the FO people? Why do they give the rights to a network that has no willingness to air them?


Ra Says:

And we have a match (maybe)!


Cindy_Brady Says:

2 sets to 1 Soderling….

Too bad we can’t see it!!


Dan Martin Says:

We have a match!


funches Says:

I’m assuming NBC will go live when they come on the air in 27 minutes.

I’ve been as critical of TV coverage of tennis as anyone, but if tennis actually got better than a near-zero rating these days, both semis would be on live. And no, ratings aren’t low because of poor coverage. We get poor coverage because tennis ratings are low. Wimbledon and the U.S. Open have wall-to-wall live coverage, and ratings stink for those tournaments, too.


Cindy_Brady Says:

funches,

So the answer to make ratings better is to tape delay coverage for the semis when the rest of the tournament was shown live?

That makes no sense.

Roger Federer can potentially make history. This should be shown live both in the semis and finals.
Who ever makes these bone head decisions at NBC should be fired.

If NBC wants to show their breakfast at the French Open live, then fine. Do it. But don’t hog the rights to the semis and show the matches tape delayed. Allow other networks to air them live. The tennis network or ESNP could do it easily.

Tennis will never get better ratings unless it gets better coverage. NBC takes all the drama out of it by broadcasting something everyone knows the results of. Many viewers won’t watch on that basis. The whole thing just stinks!


Hari Says:

Unfortunately for us, Funches is dead accurate. The NBC’s decision to tape-delay is centered on TV ratings.

Speculation: FO people can’t do much better either – I guess they look at ideal combo of dollars and coverage. NBC probably can give the tournament a better (read as more audience) tape-delayed coverage than live coverage on a special channel. This probably will continue until Tennis on TV crosses a popularity threshold.

I suspect Golf in US has crossed this.


funches Says:

What’s right isn’t an issue. Of course showing both matches live would be right.

The bottom line is viewers, and tennis actually gets surprisingly good coverage in the U.S. considering its lack of ratings, much better than hockey, which is more popular. For years I’ve been scared that tennis coverage would go the way of track of field here – virtually nonexistent. Instead, live hours of all grand slams has increased dramatically, although it stinks that The Tennis Channel has most of the live coverage of the French Open. You want to talk about something killing the sport – having its primary carrier being a channel almost no casual fan is aware of is a huge problem.


Ra Says:

Oh boy, we’ve really, really got a match.


JCZ Says:

Looks like NBC will start from the beginning of the match. Meanwhile it’s going into a fifth. Go Gonzo!


TejuZ Says:

wow… soderling just played 2 bad service games at the end of 3rd and 4th sets.. and now its anybody’s game. Gonzo did well to hang in there… in the 3rd set when it felt like Soderling was outplaying him from the baseline.


Sean Randall Says:

How nice of NBC to come on with tape instead of a fifth set!

Nice comeback for Gonzo. Hard to see him losing now. This sets up good for Federer if this match can take something out of Gonzalez.


sensationalsafin Says:

aowuhga;uhgaweraerwghaeroughaerugharekhgargheakjrgearkjhaerugaeriugrghkuargkjragkjadh
gkjasdhgkarehgakjrghkraehgagherakgraekhgaekhgarekhgarehgaekhgera

Those are my thoughts on this tape delay bs.


Jenny Says:

Does anyone have a link to a live stream that I could watch??? I am desperate! Please?

And NBC is in need of a wake up call when it comes to tennis. I agree with previous statements- tennis will not get higher ratings here in the US if the matches are not shown on television!


Philip Says:

This BS from NBC is the worst. And it’s same year after year. If you can’t devote live coverage, then let someone else do it. This is complete BS.

So, NBC’s coverage is listed as only going until 1 PM and they’re starting the Soderling/Gonzo match from the beginning.. are they even going to air Federer/Del Potro??

This is absolutely ridiculous.


Cindy_Brady Says:

Looks like Gonzo has it. Spectacular comeback for the few that saw it live.

NBC only has a 3 hour time block scheduled for the men’s semis. They can neatly package it in those 3 hours from tape.

Showing the 5th set of the Soderling/Gonzo match would inevitably bleed into the Fed match. NBC knows it can’t finish all of that in 3 hours. So, hence start from the beginning.

Anything over 3 hours would bleed into “Days of our lives” and the other soap operas. Can’t have that.

BOOO NBC!!!!


Kimo Says:

Sodeling just got broke back in the fifth.

Neither of these players is playing well btw.


zola Says:

The tennis channel and ESPN were doing fine with the matchs. not the best, but better than the dumb NBC.

If NBC is getting the rights, it means it has some rating for it. If the ratings are very low, then NBC should give it up and let tennis chgannel or ESPN pick up the semis and the final.


Dan Martin Says:

If this is not over by 5 or 5:30 Paris time, they need to start the other semi on another court.


NachoF Says:

Soderling serving for the match… Unbelievable


Cindy_Brady Says:

Soderling serving for the match. Looks like he will not be denied. Still a great effort by Gonzo to come back and make a match of it.


Kimo Says:

Sderling came back from 1-4 down, won five straight games.

TBH, he deserves to be in the final.


jane Says:

Congrats to Soderling. A great match! This is something else for him, I mean can you imagine if he won the tournament? It would certainly justify his conquering of Rafa, though I think he’s already done that.

Kudos to Gonzalez for a great effort and bum rub on the line!


Ra Says:

Yeah, unbelievable show for Soderling. Anyone got a link that isn’t absolute crap? How come the FO didn’t offer a paid subscription this time around?


funches Says:

I take back what I said earlier.

It looks like NBC won’t have any coverage of the Federer match. That’s on them, not the tape-delay policy. They should have just shown the end of the first match live. What they’re doing will hurt whatever ratings they would have gotten, so it’s an idiotic self-defeating move.


Edward Says:

all the live streaming sites suck right now!

anybody know a website with good reliable streaming???

channelsurfing.net sucks!
justin.tv sucks!
fromsport.com sucks!

where else????


SriC Says:

I don’t understand NBC’s stand. Firstly if they need tennis to pick up steam show games live especialy so late in a Grand Slam.

Also what were they thinkingwith a 3 hour slot for a French Open semifinal? Ridiculous. This is probably the only place on earth where this Grand Slam is not being shown live.


SriC Says:

I have checked about 5 sites and the coverage does not exist


Ra Says:

p2p4u.net is sketchy at best.


zola Says:

wow! Soderling in the final.

I think I am mastering the art of scoreboard watching!

somewhere in NBC and evil force is watching all these miserable tennis fans in US , rubbing hands, saying “Exccceelllenttt!”


SriC Says:

Zola-

hahahaha..nice one


Jenny Says:

My goodness, this NBC feed is absolutely terrible. Horrendous!


Daniel Says:

It was a very tense match, I am still nervous. They were both nervous too you could see that in their faces and the strokes.
Soderling made a “nervous” volley on the line as the comentor said to go up 30-0. If that ball was out maybe things will be different, but he was very nervpus serving for it. This is a good sign for Fed, Soderling can have mental issues if he happens to be leading on Sunday (assuming Fed will pass DelPo).

Great win for Soderling and even greater to see Gonzo fighting so hard.


Daniel Says:

In a pre interview leaving loocker rooms right now, DelPo looked very tense answering questions and Fed looked calm and was even smiling. I think DelPo will be more nervous in the beggining.


Edward Says:

thanks, Ra!!!
this is frustrating!


Ra Says:

You’re welcome, Edward, but you might not wanna thank me yet. It’s kind of a nightmare of link switching over there.


jane Says:

Gosh I feel for you folks. In Canada it’s live on TSN. My big flat screen t.v. is showing the shots clearly. But trust me, I’ve been there and it’s VERY frustrating.


rose Says:

hi everyone..im so upset with NBC..this is so so disrespectful for the fans ..this a grand slam semifinal for god sake ..anyone know a good live stream ..i cant find anything that works right now..thanx for you help


zola Says:

sriC,
I think he is watching me, because where I am, NBC is showing the local news!

isn’t it great? I can have the weather forecast, a perfect recipe for lunc, news on the latest child adopted by brangelina and more….!


SriC Says:

Jane-

All of the world, ex US, is seeing it live. What is wrong with networks here?


zola Says:

Jane,
you should put a webcam on your laptop and broadcast it on justin tv!


Jenny Says:

I’m in the same boat as you rose. I’ve been searching for the past 30 minutes to find a decent live stream. Nothing so far.
I can barely see the ball on the NBC feed!


SriC Says:

are we in the 21st century yet? Back in the day in India they would just show the semis and the finals live. Seems like worse than that except that we have the internet to find the latest scores.


rose Says:

omg guys this is so frustrating..grrrrr


SriC Says:

Zola-
Please do keep me posted on Brangelina….I am so curious….hahaha


rose Says:

ATDHE.net live stream is working for me ..


jane Says:

I think Fed’s serve will be key in the finals as well, assuming he will get there, which I think he will.


NachoF Says:

Its crazy whats happening in the US… here in Venezuela we get great (and live) coverage :)


fed is afraid Says:

it is destiny for robin.
he wins the FO.


rose Says:

which one Zola??


Ra Says:

I second atdhe.net (at least for the moment)


SriC Says:

Rose-
I am on that site but cant find the FO. Any help is appreciated. Thanks


Jenny Says:

I am watching on fromsport.com right now, thank you everybody!! at least I can see the ball on this stream. thank you!


Daniel Says:

DelPo is nervous, second service game that he was up 40-15 and make errors.


rose Says:

i’m on zola live stream now cause atdhe.net was so slow …zola site is working great


rose Says:

thank you zola ..you are awesome..


Daniel Says:

DelPO is keeping his act together, two break points that he faced he saved with excelent first serves.


Daniel Says:

Fed into prblems 0-40. DelPo retuned very well this game.


SriC Says:

thank you zola. 3 Bpts for DelPo


zola Says:

You are very welcome Rose, SriC.


huh Says:

My gut feeling – Soderling’ll win this FO ! The way he came back today scares me ! I was praying for Gonzo’s win, but as I said in another thread, only Soderling deserves to win this FO, not coz he beat Rafa but coz he’s playing the best tennis there.


Kimo Says:

So you guys think someone who is 0-9 against Federer (most of them surfaces Soderling does better on than he does on clay) can beat Federer.

okkaaaaaayyyyyyy……


Dan Martin Says:

saving the breakers at 1-2 has helped shift momentum for sure.


SriC Says:

Federer is looking edgy and lazy at times


Daniel Says:

OMG, Fed missed an awful smash and is in trouble again, everythings is working for DelPo now. Double fault…


huh Says:

Had you seen Soderling serving at 1-4 in the 5th set, he looked already beaten but boy
did he freakin fight back a la panthera leo and killed Gonzo??? ABSOLUTELY !!!


zola Says:

oh man! bad fall!
I hope Delpo is allright!


funches Says:

I’m a journalist in my non-tennis watching time, so I called NBC and requested to speak to someone who could give an official explanation as to why they weren’t showing the tape of Gonzo-Soderling when they could have shown Federer live.

They put me on hold, then transferred me to a viewer comment machine.

I hung up and called back, but got a busy signal. Called again. Busy. Called again. Busy.

Called a third time. The same intern then said the contract with other television partners did not allow NBC to show the Federer match, which I believe. There’s no way NBC would choose not to show the match people care about live in favor of the match much fewer people care about on tape.

My guess is NBC’s contract calls for it air the first semifinal, and the money in the contract is not high enough for NBC to influence the schedule and get the Federer match to be played first. It’s an idiotic contract, but I remember this happening in the past, where the less attractive semifinal got aired. There’s just never been this cavernous a difference between the two matches before.

If you want to air a complaint with NBC, the phone number is 212-664-2014.

And for what it’s worth, The Tennis Channel can’t come on until 4 p.m. Eastern time today because NBC’s Pacific Time Zone tape of its Eastern Time zone tape won’t be over until then. I would assume the Tennis Channel would show the Federer match first.


Daniel Says:

W\Very important saving from Fed from 0-40. Yes Dan, that was a crucial saving from DelPo.
Let’s see if the momentum shift again.


Dan Martin Says:

JMDP will have to serve this out with less of a cushion. Interesting set.


zola Says:

funches
Thanks a lot for that, and the phone number. I will make a call. I think at least they should know the tennis fans are not happy with them.


zola Says:

Delpo strings three points. Struggles for the fourth. Seems to be a pattern!


Sean Randall Says:

I’ve been in/out with the online feed. Busy with other stuff. Just disappointing, frustrating, [insert your favorite adjective) that neither matches are being shown live…AGAIN.

DelPo is just ripping the ball. He’s about to take the first set.


Dan Martin Says:

I have seen Murray do this to Fed where he is struggling to even hold, but JMDP seems to have that knack in this match as well.


Daniel Says:

Everything is working for DelPo. One return obby by accident, and now a first serve return in Fed’s feet.


PietjeP Says:

Fed is in for a tough one. DelPo is on fire…
First set lost…


PietjeP Says:

If DelPo can keep his first serve % up like this and his returning as good as in the first. I see him taking this match.

Right now it’s all about Del Potro


SriC Says:

funches-

THanks for the number. I calledth same and a girl by the name of Gabby picked up. She said this was not te right number and transferred me to someplace and no one picks up at that number

I will keep calling though.

Federer lost the first but that has be a patern with him this FO. He starts slow and then picks up a litle steam.


zola Says:

funches
I just called the NBC and the lady told me they only had the rights to Soderling match. I asked who has the rights to Federer match and she said perhaps the tennis channel!

So someone forgot to get the rights for Federer match!

Oh man!


Bob Muñiz Says:

I cant watch the game just the sound, any orientation. I had try in explorer and with Safari!!


rose Says:

omg nadal pulled out of queens atp ..i wonder what happened?


zola Says:

Bob,
did you try the fromsport link? mine is working on explorer. Are you using a mac?


grendel Says:

Federer, after starting very sharply, is being overpowered by del potro. That is ominous, for this is an opponent with a champion’s mentality, no doubt. del Potro, like Soderling, has come of age. And Federer, well, looks his age.

This feels a bit like Safin sweeping through Sampras. I don’t see del Potro relinquishing his hold on the match. This is a promising player becoming great before our eyes.


zola Says:

Delpo just realized he won a set off Federer!


Mr.G Says:

Try ESPN360.com for live tennis coverage. If Verizon is your ISP or if you are on any US university network, you should be able to access the live stream.


Bob Muñiz Says:

I tried Fromsport link. I’m using a Mac with a windows parallel…..so I have both systems and no one is working with the images :(


Sean Randall Says:

DelPo is just teeing off. Roger very nervy.


zola Says:

Bob,

see if you can open this link. It has links to other streams.

http://www.fromsport.com/p-9514.html


Daniel Says:

Fed is unable to return DelPo serve, who is serving above 70 % first serves in.


PietjeP Says:

Fed needs to try and return deeper and keep the ball lower. DelPo can swing freely.

Fed desperately needs the 2nd set…. And if he wants it, he needs to break quickly. The longer it lasts, the nervier he will get…

How many times have we seen Fed going 3x in a row 0-40 on his serve… Wow!


huh Says:

Those who doubted Del Potro need to finally acknowledge his talent if they are watching this match. As far as Fed’s pre-match smile is concerned, it might very well be fickle-mindedness and the seemingly worried Del Potro might very well be concentrating!


NachoF Says:

Fed has not played bad at all….its just that DelPotro is playing awesome tennis.


RZ Says:

I tried sending NBC an email asking why the heck they weren’t showing the matches live. And in that email I said that since they don’t respect the sport, they should give up their exclusive rights and let another network (ESPN) that does show it live. Guess what happened? The email I sent to the address I from NBC’s “Contact Us” page – nbcsports@nbcuni.com – bounced back. I tried again using nbcsports@nbc.com and again it bounced back. I can only hope that the reason for it is the tons of emails others have been sending in to NBC to complain.


NachoF Says:

Completely overpowering him right now… Fed needs to find a way to slow the points down.


jane Says:

Del Po’s attacking game today is great, so far. But it seems like you guys are exaggerating. He’s won one set and you’re already saying he has a hold on the match. So did Haas, so did Acasuso. The point is, can he sustain this level? He’d have to take this in three sets, or four maximum. If it goes to five, the final spot goes to Fed. But it’s nice for Del Po that he’s finally taken a set off Fed. I hope he can continue playing with confidence and passion.


Kimo Says:

huh said:

“Those who doubted Del Potro need to finally acknowledge his talent if they are watching this match.”

Nobody is doubting JMDP’s talent. I still believe he’ll lose this match though.


Bob Muñiz Says:

Zola,

Thanks for all your effort…..I’m not that lucky yet but I’ll try little bit later.

I’ll have to accept the sound and the live score from RG web.


zola Says:

Jane

Excellent post @12:02.


NachoF Says:

I hate it when Fed has to resort to the dropshot but today it really does seem like a good idea.


youyong Says:

fed will find i way. either that del potro will collapse. just to see if my theory that everything is falling into place for federer this yr :P


huh Says:

B.t.w. I’d like to request Fed to lose as early as possible to Del Potro so that he’s fresh to face Soderling. After all Delpo has more chance to win than Fed against Robin i.m.o ! It’ll be less painful for me if Fed loses to JMDP instead of Soderling.


Sean Randall Says:

The winner of this second set will take the match. I think Fed will pull it out in a tiebreak. Just a wild hunch!


Kimo Says:

What’s really annoying for me is how lathargic Roger looks. I mean when Nadal loses a service game or a set he looks pissed and then comes back at his opponent with everything he’s got.

I realize that Fed is more laidback, that’s just who he is, but come on man!!! Get Angry!!!


huh Says:

Let’s see if Del Potro is willing to put Fed soon out of his misery! ;-)


rose Says:

really interesting match guys..this is not the same del potro we saw in AO..thank goodness..this match is far from over i think but im glad to see a good tennis match..let the best win


youyong Says:

yeah agree! gut feel that fed will win the 2nd in a tiebreak.


Kimo Says:

Fed will win the match guys don’t worry. I don’t know why guys are already writing him off!!! I mean it’s not like he’s helpless.

Hats of to JMDP for making it a match, but calm down a bit guys ok. :)


Dan Martin Says:

Getting these holds was c ritical for Fed. At 3-6, 0-1, 15-30 he looked like he was out on his feet to borrow a term from boxing. Now he is at least steadied. Obviously, winning the second set is huge, but being in the match gives a player a chance even if far behind – being steamrolled does not.


youyong Says:

yeah the match ain’t over till it’s over…


Kimo Says:

Roger is not as aggressive as he needs to be. He needs to step up the court and play his game. Scrambling for balls from three meters behind the baseline like a Nadal is not what he’s good at and is not gonna make him break JMDP.


SriC Says:

Like Rose said…..may the best player today win. Federer needs the second set. DelPo’s serve today is unreal…gettting a lot of easy points


Kimo Says:

HUGE hold for Fed from 0-30 down to make it 5-5.


Kimo Says:

Del Potro is putting almost all his 1st serves in at the moment. There’s nothing Fed can do about that.


jane Says:

Fed has also gotten a number of easy points off his serve. But I agree that so far Del Po has served well.


SriC Says:

It might be too early to say….I just noticed that DelPo is losing a little bit of steam on his second serve…..If Federer can somehow take this to a tie breaker he has agreat chance


jane Says:

So far Del Po has returned better. He’s tall enough that the higher kicker serve doesn’t always work. Especially when Fed serves to his forehand, which up to now had been his better returning side.


TY Says:

To the people vehemetaly complaining about tape delayed coverage…here’s an idea. Don’t go surfing online for results you dolts.

I think it’s a pretty simple solution really.


SriC Says:

what a time to lose the feed…..anyone else having problems?


Kimo Says:

The crowd is squarely behind Roger at the moment.


Kimo Says:

3-0 Fed


jane Says:

Fitness is an issue too. Del Po is not a long match player. At the USO against Murray when they played a long grueling match Del Po was cramping.

Lots of errors for Del Po now and crowd wildly cheering on Fed.


zola Says:

for Delpo to serve that well for two sets and just let everything go in the toe-break is really ….( can’t find the word!)


Cindy_Brady Says:

TY…….

One word for you!

IDIOT


Kimo Says:

4-1 Fed


Bob Muñiz Says:

5-1 Fed :D


jane Says:

Sad to see Del Po just collapse like this and hand the set over with one error after another. Would’ve liked a more competitive tiebreak. Yucky play from JMDP here.


Kimo Says:

6-1 Fed with a monster forehand!!!!


Kimo Says:

7-2 Fed.

And we’re back to square one, only now I feel JMDP is a bit broken. He was the one serving better in that set.


NachoF Says:

Fed takes second set… lets see if del Potro breaks down


Daniel Says:

DelPo felt the pressure and made errors he wasn´t doing in the tiebreak. Great hold for Fed, who is not playing bad at all, delPo that is playing excelnet so far. His serve is showing us that if he develop thius weapon a litle more, he is for sure n. 1 contender in the future.


PietjeP Says:

Oeff… What a narrow set. Had DP won it, he would have won the match. Now it’s game on.

Fed still needs to break DP; the guy is serving massive so far and following the serves up really well by being very agressive.


youyong Says:

yeah i feel that del potro will start breaking down now.


Cindy_Brady Says:

Uncharted territory for Del Potro…

If Fed gets an early break up in the 3rd, could be a runaway.


sensationalsafin Says:

Is anyone else about to piss themselves? I hate sports. I’m gonna die early from a heart attack after watching Sampras’s son (who I’m declaring my favorite player in 15 years) lose to Agassi’s son (my Nadal in 15 years) in the Wimbledon final.


Ra Says:

Fed is playing pretty solid, and he’s been getting more depth on his blocking returns. Will Del Potro get some steam back, or was that it for his overpowering game?


grendel Says:

don’t have a lap top, so can’t follow you guys’ comments. But I thought del Potro had the better of the set – till tie break, and that, really, all hinged on the first point which, after all clipped top of the net. Well, Fed’s a fighter – but if del potro keeps serving like he is……


jane Says:

lol sensationalsafin… bit of a love hate thing you got going on I suspect. Relax and enjoy. It’s just a game.


Kimo Says:

damn, Del Potro Breaks Federer


Ra Says:

Or will Fed go all error machine…


huh Says:

Come on Jane, be realistic and honest ! Del Potro stands on a higher footing than Acasuso or Haas !


jane Says:

I am being realistic and honest. Fed is still the favorite, especially in a five set situation. Are you being realistic or just nervous for Fed?


jane Says:

Great get at net from Del Po, not that it means tons, but it shows he can move and has some touch.


Kimo Says:

So far Del Potro has been crazy good on his serve. If his level dis just 10%, he’ll be out in no time. It all depends on his level and his ability to maintain it, coz Fed is not playing badly (he’s not playing his best either).


St4r5 Says:

Help! I am nervous for Fed!!!


zola Says:

sensationalsafin
***I hate sports. I’m gonna die early from a heart attack after watching Sampras’s son (who I’m declaring my favorite player in 15 years) lose to Agassi’s son (my Nadal in 15 years) in the Wimbledon final.
***

I am still laughing! thank you! ( but don’t die!)


Cindy_Brady Says:

I am “deliciously” enjoying watching Fed struggle!

He He Ha Ha Ho Ho

Bwaaaaaaaaa!!!!


Kimo Says:

This is the first time in a long time I see Fed out-aced, and by 12-3!!!


Daniel Says:

15-30 and DelPo makes 3 unreturnable serves. He is playing like a champion!


PietjeP Says:

If DelPo keeps serving like a monster he will win it… Either he will keep acing Fed; but even if Fed gets them back he is able to put so much pressure on Fed he is wrapping them up


rose Says:

good job from delpo right now ..i thought he was just going down graded his tennis after loosing badly the tiebreak but no he is holding on together so far..this kid has matured right in from our eyes..federer playing great as well..his first serve is working nicely now..


huh Says:

I’m not nervous anymore for Fed as I know even if he somehow manages to win this match, he’s not gonna win the French Open. I’d be the happiest person if he does it but being realistic and honest, I never see it happening!


jane Says:

Yeah, you can’t say Fed is playing badly at all.


Kimo Says:

Cindy_Brady Said:

“I am “deliciously” enjoying watching Fed struggle!”

You keep watching…


Kimo Says:

Fed must be really frustraded that he hasn’t made any inroads in Del Potro’s service games. It’s been nearly two sets since he last saw a break point!!!


zola Says:

Daniel
Delpo plays like a champion only for 3 points in a row. For some reason can’t make the fourth one!


jane Says:

huh, Soderling struggled to five sets against Gonzalez, so who knows? Fed’s still the favorite for the title. It goes almost without saying. How could he not be, as he has more experience than the two guys still standing, and he has the crowd and media on his side which can add momentum. Perhaps pressure too but Fed’s used to that.


zola Says:

Jane,
Fed has everything on his side. Delpo must feel he is playing a DC match with Fed in Basel.


Kimo Says:

Deuce on a JMDP service game. The first one in a long time.


Dan Martin Says:

my by-line so far would be height matters


huh Says:

Really seems like Fed’s getting ready to get his @$$ handed over to him by Del Potro ! Anything that ‘staff’ has to say about this?


Cindy_Brady Says:

Fed goes through 2 sets and a half without a break. Finally gets one and then gives it back.

Fed is not going to win this match.

Sorry to say Feder – lemmings.


jane Says:

Great net point again. Some fun stuff in this match from both guys.


Kimo Says:

Cindy, Fed hasn’t broken so far in this match.


fed is afraid Says:

it’s not meant to be fed fans.


Dan Martin Says:

JMDP has the 3rd set under control – routine in 4 or a 5 set brawl?


Kimo Says:

Del Potro has broken again. I hope JMDP starts looking more human on his serve in the fourth set, otherwise Fed’s toast.


Daniel Says:

Fed must be really frustrade not being able to break DelPo serve all match. Last game when DelPo was serving 0-30 he made silly choices that made delPo grown even more. Let´s see if he regroup in the fourth.


Cindy_Brady Says:

Kimo,

I thought he did.

Hmmmm?


jane Says:

Okay, now that game admittedly was spectacular by JMDP. The net point and the returns, just ripping them. He’s reading Federer’s serve well or something. It’s not as simple as height matters because it doesn’t help Karlovic all that much. Del Po has more game than simply height. But maybe on the kick serves it has helped.


sensationalsafin Says:

Fed’s actually going to lose… Why couldn’t DelPo have done this crap in Madrid or something, why now?????


grendel Says:

del Potro is back to first set – overwhelming Fed. He plays badly in one service game – but so does fed. del Potro’s serve still mighty good. Fed’s serve just not there today, and that tells the tale. Hard to see how he can come back now, because del Potro will not falter. He’s a toughie, a true champion in the making


rose Says:

5-2 delpo ..2 breaks in this set..delpo serve is just outstanding today.if he keeps the points short ..i think he can pull this upset..but we have a lot match left …


potro Says:

HE GOT HIM. serving huge


Daniel Says:

Agree Kimo, it´s unreal on clay when they usually have some breaks for him to hold this long.


Dan Martin Says:

All I mean by height matters is it helps at picking out angles and hitting big serves/getting free points when needed. JMDP winning 4 straight tournaments last Summer and playing into draws in NY, Melbourne and Paris shows me he is more than just tall, but I am sure Federer wishes he had a Becker type serve now and again to get a few more free points himself.


Cindy_Brady Says:

Fed is getting over powered by a younger stronger guy who is confident. My take on things.


rose Says:

second second to delpo..now is play time for federer all or nothing..


PietjeP Says:

DelPo’s serve is going to win him the match.
It’s not just the aces, it’s the unreturnables as well and the high half court returns he gets from them. He just finishes them off really good.

I think it’s over and out for Fed.


Ra Says:

Maybe a lot of match left, but maybe not. JMDP’s broken Federer 4 times already.


potro Says:

this guy’s got it, he deserves being int top5 and I see him number1 contender. if defeat roger he will win the cup.


Dan Martin Says:

Cindy your assessment is spot on at this point.


Kimo Says:

Cindy, but that younger stronger guy was beaten easily a month ago!!!

His serving today is outstanding.


jane Says:

How is Fed’s serve not there. I mean he’s not served many aces, I’ll concede that. But he’s won 72% of first serves and is getting over 60% of his first serves in. Plus he’s winning 50% of second serves. I just think that Del Po is serving slightly better. He’s hitting more winners but his errors are in the same ballpark as Fed’s. Anyhow, Fed’s serve has been much much worse in other matches, but since Madrid, even in Rome, it’s been much more consistent. This is still anyone’s match.


Kimo Says:

Even if at this point Fed is thinking that he’ll do his best to hold serve so that he might take the fourth in a tie breaker, what the hell is he gonna do in the fifth where he HAS TO break if he wants to win????


Shaky Says:

I like what fed did that service game to start the 5th. He took a lot off those first serves, hit a high %. Del Potro’s height + clay bounces gives him an advantage on returning Federer’s kick serve. A couple of them barely looked 110mph.

This guy is just serving like mad though. Really really impressive.


Sean Randall Says:

Does Federer have another Great Escape in him? He has to figure a way to break DelPo!


Cindy_Brady Says:

Kimo Says:

Cindy, but that younger stronger guy was beaten easily a month ago!!!

His serving today is outstanding.
__________________________________________________

Nadal easily beat Soderling a month ago, too. Different circumstances and venue. Del Potro always had it in him to take it to Federer. He just has belief. When you have belief everything in your game improves including a 6-6 mans serve.


youyong Says:

somehow i feel if federer manages to take it to a 5th set he will win.


NachoF Says:

Fed has won all the flashy points….. but loses on the stupid points.


youyong Says:

cindy… that 6-1, 6-0 score nadal had over soderling wasn’t a good indication of how easy the match was. the games were a lot closer than the results indicated and many of them could have gone to soderling then too.


jane Says:

Funny assessment NachoF, but I have to disagree. Del Po has won some flashy ones too. And he lost some stupid ones in the tiebreak.


NachoF Says:

Its crazy that Fed cant break just once


Daniel Says:

This break point was crucial, but DelPo holds again. Fed needs an earlier break as soons as possible!


Cindy_Brady Says:

youyong ,

Please. I don’t care how you “spin” that. LOL

A 6-1, 6-0 win is a major ASS kicking!


Shaky Says:

wow 2 service winners that game from Federer…

Yeah I’m reaching here. Not a lot of drama unless he can break Del Potro. You have to think JMDP is not going to roll over in another tiebreaker, Fed could really use a break this set.


Bob Muñiz Says:

youyong,

If Fed carry Del Po to a 5th set…….Delpo will be just Argentinian History on France


potro Says:

fed need to break at least once, otherwise he really doesn’t deserve to win the frensh. time for the new generation


NachoF Says:

Why are you guys so sure that Fed would win a fifth set?


sensationalsafin Says:

If someone put this match on dvd, I will punch the dvd in the face.


potro Says:

he won’t NachoF, cuz he is losing all the rallies


Bob Muñiz Says:

NachoF,
Cuz is The FEDERATOR!! He is Back!!!!


NachoF Says:

Here we go again…. get a break man.


Kimo Says:

“Why are you guys so sure that Fed would win a fifth set?”

I’m with you NachoF, if we do fo to fifth, which is questionable at this point, he still has to break JMDP.


PietjeP Says:

Fed needs to desperately break DelPo.
But the guy is serving massive….


youyong Says:

dp’s service games r getting tighter this 4th set.


potro Says:

this dropshop was nice


Kimo Says:

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


NachoF Says:

FINALLY!


youyong Says:

federer breaks at last. somehow i knew it was coming.


Daniel Says:

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Bob Muñiz Says:

Already break!!!!! 3-1 Fed


potro Says:

finally the break!


Ra Says:

Now hold it together, Fed!


Cindy_Brady Says:

Well well,

Fed finally got his break. Let’s see if he keeps it.


Shaky Says:

Let’s not get too excited yet. Not a break until you hold your serve afterwards =P

Gut tells me we’re going five, but we’ll see. Del Potro isn’t getting down as well on his backhand side btw, I know people said fitness could be an issue for him…


sensationalsafin Says:

Holy shit! Did anyone see that point at 15-0 Fed serving? Delpo missed the return but he had his racket back exactly where Fed was going to serve it as Fed tossed the ball up… interesting…


Bob Muñiz Says:

Just BRILLIANT 4-1 Fed :D


zola Says:

Delpo perhaps thinks he has done his part for the day. Completely submissive.


Sean Randall Says:

DelPo maybe running out of steam. Maybe.


youyong Says:

yeah. i think del potro is collapsing now :P sigh


Kimo Says:

My GOD!!!!! Am I releived!!!! at least now Fed knows he can break Del Potro, and that’s gotta give him some hope.


potro Says:

looks like, the way he breathing is quite revealing


Ra Says:

Sean,

It looks that way to me, too. Although I wondered the same thing a set ago…

Now keep holding it together, Fed!


Shaky Says:

Yeah watching them on the changeover… the big man looks winded. Let’s see if he can catch his breath and get back on track here.


sensationalsafin Says:

I disagree. DelPo is pretty strong mentally. Maybe he is (hopefully he is), but, I was of Sean’s thinking that Fed would be able to gain control of the match after the tb, but DelPo stood his ground. I just don’t know anymore. Damn this sport. Ffl.


zola Says:

I think delpo is tired. this match lools to be over.


potro Says:

no more aces, hummm…. may be he already thrown all that he has in his tank


Kimo Says:

Another break!!!!!


Bob Muñiz Says:

potro,

Thats Federator tactic…..5-1 Fed


Kimo Says:

JMDP’ serves dropeed about 30 kmh in speed. He’s starting to look human.


youyong Says:

dp will give up this set. and start serving in 5th


Cindy_Brady Says:

DAMN!

Can’t see the match. Is Del Potro getting tired?

It seems he is losing something on his serve from the numbers I see.

Fed may pull this out yet.


Bob Muñiz Says:

Here it comes the 5th!!!!!! thats WAR


potro Says:

let’s see what’s gonna happen in the 5th, but roger has the momentum and that may help him


fed is afraid Says:

one set to go
will he blow it?


Kimo Says:

Cindy, JMDP is serving a lot slower now. About 20 mph slower.


Shaky Says:

When this goes to the fifth set, DP needs to take a page out of the nadal/novak playbook and take his time, to the limits (or further even).

He’s clearly tired and getting frutrated, Federer is going to eat him at this rate if he doesn’t catch his breath and get composed.


youyong Says:

i still think it is fate that fed will win the FO this year. things r continue to fall into place for him :)


jane Says:

Another 5 setter!!! Tennis has been good to us today. This is how the semis SHOULD be in my opinion. Exciting.


huh Says:

Insane foregame by Del Potro to level 30-30 in the sixth game.


potro Says:

again, that nice dropshot


Daniel Says:

Well, who would´ve thought both semis going to 5 sets. The crowd and the tournament coult ask for more. I give an edge to Fed, but delPo is serving first .


grendel Says:

well, I thought that just as Fed’s age was against him in first 3 sets – he looked just a little past it – here, it helped him. Experience and craftiness -plus del Potro looked a little weary. The outcome looks obvious now – hubris, help!


Ra Says:

Quality 5 set semis today, that’s all I know.


huh Says:

Let whatevah happens happen, I’m just too greedy to miss the 5th set of this epic match!


jane Says:

Fed’s clearly going to win. Experience on his side, crowd on his side. Plus better fitness. Del Po is not used to any of this. I have seen him cramp before and his serve is going off. So Fed enters the fifth with mucho momentum. But I am very please with Del Po’s efforts today. Major kudos to him for pushing Fed to another 5 setter.


potro Says:

now fed is wining more rallies


Ra Says:

Federer’s actually moving faster than he was before at this stage.


rose Says:

last set ..delpo is looking heavy completely different player…if federer doesnt take this one it would be so disappointing cause it seems that the tennis gods are on his side


youyong Says:

yeah. dp really looking lethargic now. it’s fed’s match to win.


potro Says:

making less errors also


Kimo Says:

Fed breaks in the 5th!!!

That’s three str8 breaks!!!

JMDP is hitting the ball nowehre near as hard as he did in the first three sets.


rose Says:

the crowd goes crazy every time federer wins a point ..i guess they arent cheering the underdog this time


potro Says:

50% vs 74% of 1st, what a dramatic change


Ra Says:

And that seems to be the trend these days. Perhaps he should think about a more intense prematch warm-up.


Cindy_Brady Says:

Fed up a quick break in the 5th.

Curtains for Del Potro. Needs to get fitter!


potro Says:

he is killing him with those dropshots


rose Says:

federer got this one is the bag ….i dont know if soderling will upset federer tho..he barely made it today and federer is hungry for history..this is federer 2009 RG..


Kimo Says:

I see all those who gave up on Fed are starting to feel his prowess.

Do you see now why while we were concerned, we were still pretty calm? :))


potro Says:

JMDP is clearly out of gaz


Shaky Says:

I really really hate the drop shot when you’re down 15-30 in that situation. If that hadn’t been perfect, he’s coughing back up that break he just earned and giving the giant some confidence back.

I don’t think anyone but Federer decides to do that and pulls it off… I disagree with it but that’s the difference between him and pretty much anyone I guess.


Kimo Says:

jane, all the flashy artsy fartsy point are going Roger’s way now :)

And mind you guys, he’s playing someone 8 years his junior. Yet he is the fitter guy :)


sensationalsafin Says:

I’m still not calm. Soderling looked down and out against Gonzo who in the fifth and came back. I’ve watched Safin blow several leads this year. Fed hasn’t won it yet. It’s not over until the last point is played.


Shaky Says:

Aaaand in the time I took to post that, he does another perfect drop on DP’s opening service point.

You guys that desperately want federer to lose need to be seeing this. This is really amazing to watch.


Kimo Says:

JMDP is barely able to run now.

I feel for him. He pretty much would have won this match had he been playing anyone else.


PietjeP Says:

It is not over yet!! DelPo holds….
As long as it is not a double break, he can still pull it off.


I like tennis bullies Says:

JMDP running out of a gas as expected. french crowd is bigoted towards him, cheering all of his errors.

Federer and his never ending dumb luck


huh Says:

Two great matches for semis regardless of results.


potro Says:

who’s that Andy Garcia looking like person?


Kimo Says:

PietJeP, I’m not judging by the scoreline, I’m judging by the body language and fitness of those players.

If Fed is to lose this now, he has to run through a very nasty patch of abismal play.


potro Says:

humm, roger in danger


Kimo Says:

BTW, US guys, you are missing out on an epic match. Very high level tennis.


Tom Foober Says:

Why in the name of hell is this not on any channel in the United States?

I am mad as a …. damnit I’m mad as hell.


potro Says:

I am in us and watching it it on the Net


potro Says:

google a bit and u will find plenty of streaming


potro Says:

if he only can break him one last time …


huh Says:

Great volley by Del Potro, he’s a class player to be honest and surely one of my favourites !


Cindy_Brady Says:

Those of you who are lucky enough to see it live, Stop rubbing it in.

We can’t help it that our television executives are morons!


PietjeP Says:

DelPo fighting to survive…. what a beautiful match!


jeff Says:

what site are you guys watching on????


Kimo Says:

Regardless of how this ends JMDP has cemented my support for him for years to come. I’ve always liked him, and I really wanted someone young to stand up to Murray and Djokovic in the years to come. :)


Tom Foober Says:

NBC is out of their damn skull for this. Yeah, whoever said the ruined the Hockey playoffs. Your damn right about that too.

Where in the hell is the Tennis Channel? Well, I’ll tell ya, those idiots are showing Rafter vs. Sampras. As much as we love both of them I think… and I hope I speak for all of us.

SHOW LIVE TENNIS ESPECIALLY WHEN FEDERER IS MAKING HISTORY!

What the hell is so hard about that? I am sorry but this is friggin OUTRAGEOUS and DESPICABLE.

Is anyone getting this match, a link, and if you are what channel is it on?


PietjeP Says:

As long as DelPo can win his service games, he will get a chance on Fed’s service…

He just doesn’t give in yet…


Shaky Says:

“JMDP running out of a gas as expected. french crowd is bigoted towards him, cheering all of his errors.

Federer and his never ending dumb luck”

All you had to say is this guy is completely out of gas. This has pretty much nothing to do with luck, Federer looks like he could go another 3 sets right now.


huh Says:

Fed v JMDP – A TALE OF YOUNG HEAD VS OLD @$$


potro Says:

when I say google the Net, go google te Net and stop complaining, u still can watch the last games it’s not over yet


NachoF Says:

Its definitely not over


Bob Muñiz Says:

The plan now is to Hold, Break and serve for the Match!!!!!!!! This is my scenario, what do think guys???


Tom Foober Says:

Show all the early round matches and then it gets to the semifinal with the greatest player of all time and it’s not on instead of Days of Our Lives.

I just don’t get it.


Kimo Says:

Del Potro breaks back!!!


NachoF Says:

Del Potro breaks…. dear god…


Shaky Says:

Ho ho he broke back. Nice.


Tom Foober Says:

Well when your computer is slow as Christmas I just can’t do that.

What’s the score anyway?


potro Says:

fed will still win


potro Says:

but he need to break back right away


potro Says:

go get FIOS from verizon


JCZ Says:

Break back… break back….. Please…


potro Says:

3 break points


Tom Foober Says:

Thanks for that history making college baseball Espn.

Worst Run Network in Sports.

Nope, that would be NBC. And the Tennis Channel what’s your excuse?

You got the word “TENNIS” in the name of the channel for christ sakes!!! What’s your excuse for not showing this semifinal?


Kimo Says:

Fed breaks right back!!!

You Fed bashers are……I mean we never hear from you when he’s winning, only when he’s struggling.

I’m sorry Fed keeps disappointing you guys :)


Tom Foober Says:

What’s the score anway?


Kimo Says:

sorry, didn’t break yet :(


Tom Foober Says:

Is it 4 all or 5 all in the fifth?


Kimo Says:

3-3 and Ad Fed Tom.


NachoF Says:

Breaks back… thank god


potro Says:

do u still watch tennis-channel, aren’t u borred yet with stupid commentators John and the herd


JCZ Says:

He did!!!! 4-3 Fed


Bob Muñiz Says:

4-3, Fed Serves now


Kimo Says:

and Del Potro double faults.

Admit it Fed bashers, the gods of tennis want Fed to win ;)

3-4 Fed and now all he has to do is hold serve two more times.


Shaky Says:

You gotta give Del Potro a lot of credit here, he’s clearly really tired (the announcers just commented that his ball tosses have been all over the place the last two games) but he’s fighting hard.

Fitness determined this match though for sure. Roger is playing well now (notwithstanding his weak returns), but if Del Potro were serving like he did in the 3rd set Roger would be in a lot of trouble.


Kimo Says:

Fed’s serve has been steadily improving throughout the match. JMDP’s has been declining rapidly.


huh Says:

One of the most unfortunate double faults of Del Potro’s career (may be) ! But a smooth foregame to level 15 all by Del!


Tom Foober Says:

I having no such luck finding it.

I think the score is 4-3 Fed with Potro serving.


youyong Says:

was a good match :)


Matt Says:

@ Tom Foober:

Tennis Channel doesn’t have the rights. NBC does. If you want to blame someone, blame them.

Also, it is available live streaming here: http://24xtv.com/sources/ustr3.html


JCZ Says:

Tom: Just go to rolandgarros.com and use their scoreboard. It works well.


potro Says:

fed also looks tired


Cindy_Brady Says:

Kimo,

I’m fair on both sides. I don’t like Federer but I do respect his tennis and his place in history. I’ve always thought he was a bit of a phony. If he does go on and win this event I think he should be regarded as the greatest player.

But I still may upchuck!!


Shaky Says:

Yeah Huh that was a nasty down the line forehand.

The guy’s got the baseline shots, and he’s swinging freely, but Federer is moving a lot better and he’s now winning every long rally. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fed clawed back into DP’s service game here down 40-15.

(Maybe I’m a purist but I hate it when huge dudes have two handed backhands — just doesn’t look right to me, that’s what I did when I was 12.)


Tom Foober Says:

Thanks SriC.

Fed up 5-3!!!!!


potro Says:

but JMDP gave him a run for his money


NachoF Says:

match point.


Tom Foober Says:

I have calmed down and I am sorry about my rant earlier but I planned my whole day around seeing this match, even got up extra early to workout.


youyong Says:

federer will serve for a place in the finals! don’t think dp has anything left in the tank even if he manages to break.


Tom Foober Says:

Just for the record..

Is it true than nobody in the United States saw this match on TV Live?


Bob Muñiz Says:

Pay attention Serving for the match


JCZ Says:

Tom: that sounds about right.


potro Says:

2 match points


Kimo Says:

WOW, that was one hell of a semi.

All credit to JMDP. He played out of this world for 3 1/2 sets. Too bad for him that against Federer, it just wasn’t enough.

But I have a lot of admiration for the guy, especially for the way he was still fighting. He was there mentally, but his body let him down. He never choked.


JCZ Says:

Match !!!!!!


potro Says:

finallly


Bob Muñiz Says:

MATCHPOINT


youyong Says:

federer wins as predicted.


Bob Muñiz Says:

Argentianian History…Federator rocking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Cindy_Brady Says:

As Dr. Smith used to say in “Lost in space”

Oh Penny the pain!!!!!!


youyong Says:

i think the 2nd set was the key. jmdp needs to work on fitness.


potro Says:

he really scared him, beleive me… he may talk about it in the interview


Daniel Says:

Great win, great match!!

No way Fed is going to lose the final the way he is able to hold against this tuff moments like this. DelPotro serve unbelievable for 3 sets and Fed maintain his focus and it paid off.


SriC Says:

THank you all for the links and for your views. We wil meet again during the finals.


Shaky Says:

Probably the first service game where Federer got 3 big first serves to go in — naturally he blows him off the court. Honestly he served so badly early, the turnaround is as extreme as I can remember seeing from him.

Totally different player the 4th and 5th sets. I’m really impressed with how del potro fought back, but I’m even more shocked by Federer right now.

Best match I can remember watching because of the huge momentum shift from 3rd to 4th set. Del Potro needs to get in better shape, he’s a monster and he’s going to be amazing.


Bob Muñiz Says:

I have to admit Del Potro is an excellent player, applause for him!!!


fed is afraid Says:

well. congrats to roger he came back and won.


TejuZ Says:

Great matches… both the semi-finals.. all 4 played great (in pactches). Fed was able to do what Gonzo could not.. surrender a break in final set and still win. So two 5-setters for fed already at RG this year… same as in AO.


Ra Says:

Great show by all the semifinalists today. Good to see everyone here. Until soon…


Scottish Says:

We’ll be seeing a lot of Del-Po for a long time. He’s going to win a bunch of slams. Amazing fight but really Rogers talent and mental strength was too much in those last 2 sets.


huh Says:

Though Fed won, I have to say that I have never seen Fed as nervous as in today’s match except in Wimbledon 2008 and Aus Open 2009 final vs Rafa and that shows Del Potro’s nothing if not the real deal.


Kimo Says:

I don’t see anybody saying Soderling will blow Fed out of the water?

What? No takers?

I guess not after what you saw today: how he was able to fight of a worthy opponent who was a better player for the better half of the match.

Federer is too mentally strong, too motivated, and too smart to let this FO slip from him.


Bob Muñiz Says:

SoderWho!!!!


JCZ Says:

fed is afraid: You’re coming around man… Maybe by the end of the tournament you change your nickname.


Slick Says:

I just want to say Thank God for UPSTREAM and
EFFF U NBC. You want the rights to the French Open? Then show the dam thing you dumazzes or let the Tennis Channel have it!


huh Says:

Now in this 3 hr 28 min great match both the guys have won my hearts! Kudos to Fed and kudos to Del Potro, Del Potro showed today that he’s ready to fight in the future against the top dogs.


TejuZ Says:

Del Potro deserved the win too.. but he was tired. Am sure he will win next match against Federer. His game suits hard courts and probabaly grass.. he hits his shots soo flat and awesome timing.

Some of Feds return.. chipping it short to backhand… it wont work against Soderling i guess.. but yeah.. he will have to use a lot of drop shots in the finals just to keep soderling guessing.


Kimo Says:

Don’t bother JCZ; guys like fed is afraid can’t be reasoned with.


grendel Says:

what a gutsy performance from del Potro! His serve broke down in 5th set – but that’s surely the good news for him. For you can just see the serve steadily improving over the months, and when he can maintain form with it over 5 sets, he’s going to be so difficult to beat. Definitely top 5 now, not the 4.

once again, we see how Federer can – despite pusillanimous viewers like me – pace himself; because the fact is, he can no longer sustain the old high levels. So those who say he’s in big trouble because he always needs to go to the final round these days are partly right. But for the time being, it seems Fed is able to play near to his best for just long enough for it to count. And at the right moments.

It’s all incredibly nerve wracking, and expect more of the same Sunday. I give slight edge to Soderling, player of the tourney so far. But don’t count out the old fox.


Shan Says:

Del Potro has the game and pretty good movement for his size, but not the experience quite yet at these stages in the slams. It also looked like his conditioning needs a bit more work to hold up in those 5 setters. His confidence seemed rock solid at first but I think that started to go down from the 3rd set, and his 1st serve percentage was really going down the tubes.

He definitely has the game to win a slam though, maybe one day with more training. Very impressive play throughout!


Kimo Says:

I think Soderling will put up a good fight, you know why? Becasue the guy is so deraanged that he won’t realize the significance od the match and that’s going to make him swing more freely. He just doesn’t give a damn about what Fed can accomplish.

But the edge goes to Federer and by quite a decnt margin. Sod is coming out of a five setter, which is something he doesn’t do very often becasue he doesn’t go so far in slams. He has never played an entire fortnight of best-of-five tennis before. Fed has, and his fitness is better for it.

ONE WIN FROM IMMORTALITY!!!


Edward Says:

They could have made a season of Survivor about this tournament. This is one of the craziest slams ever. Federer has reached the final of the “Wacky Slam”. Coincidentally or not, this echoes Agassi’s run from ten years ago. I’m sure most know that Andre’s the trophy presenter this year.
One more hurdle to go.


TejuZ Says:

Both Soderling and Federer deserve to win the French Open.

Soderling.. because he beat Nadal ofcourse.. and if he wins, he would have beaten Federer as well… both the finalists of last year plus not to mention Ferrer, Davydenko and Gonzo.

And Federer… because he really has shown some gusty performances this year coming from behind against Acasuso, Hass and tonight.. and also held off challengers like Monfils and Del Potro and Soderling(if he wins).


Kimo Says:

Edward Said:

“I’m sure most know that Andre’s the trophy presenter this year”

WOW really? that would be awesome!!! I wish Sampras could have been there too.


Scottish Says:

Del-Po lost for 2 main reasons. 1. He’s not in good enough shape to sustain high pressure for 5 sets. This is where Fed has proven himself. 2. He doesn’t have the experience yet. But this match will definitely go a long way to helping him. Fed continues to show incredible mental strength all the way through to the end. He’s going to hit a tornado in Soderling but you have to give the edge to Fed. I think I heard that Sod hasn’t been past the quarters in any significant tournament?


TennisMasta Says:

Here are the key Roger slam records:
19 finals – tied with Lendl
10 straight finals – the next best is perhaps the 4 from Laver
20 straight semis – the next best is 10 by Lendl and Laver
4th straight final at RG, 5 straight wins at US Open and Wimbledon

The greatest feat of all is that despite illnesses (mono), injuries (back), off days, marriage and all the impact on focus and motivation to top athletes, Roger Federer once he bagan his run has avoided the upsets in early rounds like no other before him and now.


TejuZ Says:

yeah… this certainly echoes Agassi’s run in 1999. Soderling is the surprise pack like Medvedev. Hope Fed wins.. and hope its not as nerve-wracking as tonight or the 1999 final.


Scottish Says:

I heard on RG Radio that Sampras said he would come for the final. But haven’t found any evidence yet.


TejuZ Says:

Tennis Masta says:
“10 straight finals – the next best is perhaps the 4 from Laver”

well. the next best is 5 (an counting), also by Federer from last french 2008 to french 2009


vared Says:

Soderling is ranked 25.


Kimo Says:

TejuZ Said:

“well. the next best is 5 (an counting), also by Federer from last french 2008 to french 2009”

Touche :)


Cindy_Brady Says:

I hope Soderling upsets the Fed party. He’s got both the big game and the confidence to pull it off. He never batted an eye lash demolishing Nadal or Davydenko.

Fed better be in top form and not error prone. I think Soderling is gonna bring it!


Ty Says:

Thanks for all the comments M8’s. I wasn’t able to watch here in the U.S. and was pretty much living vicariously through your texts. Strangely enough, I even was getting nervous just through reading these.

This is just destiny now for Fed. So many comebacks from death and defeat.

Also the comments were hilarious on this board. People were going from extreme to extreme. You read one;
“That’s it Fed’s done” “Del Potro is definately taking it”

Then two lines later after Fed breaks,
“Fed is definately winning this one”

Cracking me up.


sensationalsafin Says:

When was the last time we had such great 5-setters in both semis of a slam? Seriously, it’s been a long time. There was Safin-Fed in one semi way back when, and Verdasco-Nadal this year. But 2? And these were great 5 setters. Truly great. DelPo was awesome. Soderling, man I’m scared. But Soderling plays a lot like DelPo, big serve, big off both sides. Hopefully that will help Federer because he won’t be caught as off-guard if he was coming off a win off of Hewitt or something.


Shan Says:

17 years or so according to the Roland Garros radio!


Sang Lee Says:

Let’s go to NBC and send protesting email. It is useless to complain here.


sensationalsafin Says:

2002 AO. Johansson went 5 against Jiri Novak and Safin went 5 against Haas. Unfortunately, Safin lost in 4 despite being the favorite. He lost due to nerves. Hopefully the same won’t happen sunday.


Sang Lee Says:

NBC email is nbcsports@nbcuni.com.


Kimo Says:

Guys, trust me, Soderling will be beat and tired. He never went this far in a best of 5 tournament


grendel Says:

jane, just scrolled thru above comments, and found this: “How is Fed’s serve not there. I mean he’s not served many aces, I’ll concede that. But he’s won 72% of first serves and is getting over 60% of his first serves in.”

The reference is to me.(b.t.w., how d’you get such quick access to stats: impressive!). Here, jane, imo, stats are misleading. My impression as I was watching is that at that stage of the match , Fed’s serve was utterly lacking bite. You can serve 100%, but if they’re dollies, what’s the point. I don’t know why Fed’s serves were so (relatively) soft – but that’s how I saw it. Ans in the meantime. del Potro’s was awesome. As the match went on, Fed’s serve became sharper, and Del Pot’s wnet away.

As I said above, with fed, it all seems to be about timing these days, since he can’t keep the momentum going for too long. With del Potro, the future is very bright. Once he’s got his fitness to Fed’s level, who will stop him?


jane Says:

grendel – I just got a new used laptop which is brill! i can still watch on the t.v. but have the stats and blog at the ready. It’s loads of fun. Anyhow, I see what you mean and could even apply it to more of Fed’s shots; I thought he was going for it more later in the match as Del Po tired; however, I do think credit should go to Del Po who was returning serves that wouldn’t’ve been easy for other players to return. More and more matches seem like tangoes to me. LOL. It really is what’s going on with both players, not only one. I think that was why I responded to your point as I thought that Fed wasn’t serving badly at all (like remember around the AO, how poorly he was serving?), but that Del Po was leaning into the returns and neutralizing any kick.


Tom Foober Says:

I wish their was something we could do to show NBC how upset we are with the stupified way they handle the French Open semis.


Ty Says:

TOM FOOBER:

LETTER BOMB!


Cindy_Brady Says:

Actually, I checked.

Tennis channel had the rights to the Fed/Del Potro match. NBC had the rights to the Soderling/Gonzo match. Since the start of the 2nd match is determined by the length and end of the 1st, Tennis channel had no way of properly scheduling a live feed, thus the tape delay. NBC just wanted a finite 3 hour package of tennis.

What they need is ONE network to get the rights to both semis and broadcast them back to avoid this CRAPOLA in the future.


Tom Foober Says:

Soderling is dangerous.

This will not be a cakewalk people.


james Says:

Well, here in Canuckistan, not only did TSN (The Sports Network) show the semis start to finish on the main network and HD… but had the repeat on TSN 2 with a 2 hour delay.

This was the feed that has been on all week. The commentators are outstanding, low key and you never see them.. all you see is TENNIS.

I am not looking forward to NBC sucking the crap out of the finals with the bozo commentators and all of the background crapola that NBC thinks it needs to show freaking sports.


zola Says:

Cindy,
that’s too funny!
next we know, the umpire will cut the match at the 180th minute.
Sorry folks, That’s how much time we are allowed by the NBC!

tennis channel could have broadcast the match on its website live and the replay later!


Von Says:

Zola: “tennis channel could have broadcast the match on its website live and the replay later!”

It’s not that simple. There are certain rights that have to be adhered to by broadcasting stations and they just can’t decide to do otherwise, or else they could have a huge lawsuit on their hands.


zola Says:

Von,
they had all the matches of the first week on their website.

Iknow it is probably different for the semis, but At least they could have negotaied the rights for the internet.
I don’t have ESPN360, but I saw here that it was showing the match.

If tennischannel couldn’t find a peoper timeslot, I wish they let ESPN air it.


Von Says:

I have ESPN360 but unfortunately I didn’t have the time to watch. I had my own battle going on elsewhere. here’s a link for you on Nadal’s queens pull-out. You’ve probably read the story but read the posts and they should give you some hope and comfort on how many other fans like your Nadal, so smile and don’t worry be happy. Whenever Roddick pulls out of any match I like to read the posts on Yahoo and they make me feel better to know that he has some fans elsewhere except not on Tennis.X.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05062009/3/nadal-wimbledon-warm-queen-s.html


sensationalsafin Says:

400th? epic!!


Von Says:

sensationalsafin:

“400th epic!!” Educate me please. I don’t know what you’re talking about.


Von Says:

Ahh, don’t bother to explain, I get it. Yours is the 400th post. The light bulb just went on. You should buy a lottery ticket.


Ron Says:

I wonder if we can expect the same to happen during Wimbledon. I am stuck because my cable provider Comcast does not carry the Tennis Channel! What a bummer.

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