Roddick Surprises Murray, Meets Federer in Sunday Wimbledon Final

Murray caved under first real pressure tournament for him … could he be another Djokovic? … lets hope not for the sake of Mens tennis.

July 3rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm

Would like to see Roddick win Wimbledon and beat Federer. Quite a challenge (see Nadal d. Federer, Wimbledon Final 2008) but my sense is that if the roof closes, Roddick has a shot.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm

TennisFan, he couldn’t possibly be another Djokovic. At least a grand slam, musters cup, some more masters titles and we could talk then about him and his achievements. He has a lot to prove till then.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Roddick was very impressive off the ground. He never bailed out on a rally and was comfortable trading groundies with Murray, even out-foxing Murray a few times.

Murray didn’t just look passive today, he’s been like that all tournament, but the problem for his opponents was that he keeps the ball in play and forces them to be aggressive, which results in very erratic play. Against a top player, that strategy can only take you so far.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Congratulations Andy Roddick!

You have just guaranteed Federer’s 15th slam win.

No way is Roddick going to beat him on Sunday. Murray was the only player with the real legitimate chance of upsetting Fed.

Roddick may win a set and keep it close for a while until Roger gets a good read on his big serve and breaks him repeatedly. It’s all so predictable. Wish Nadal were there. It would be so a better final.

*Looks to next year*

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Murray lost because of his fitness. He ran out of gas! He lost most of his energy yelling after every point he made…Say what you want about Murray but he just has no class and does not deserve winning Wimbledon…yet!!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm

Andrew Miller Said:

“my sense is that if the roof closes, Roddick has a shot.”

Actually, Murray said the roof made conditions slower. So there.

Does anyone honestly see Roddick take three sets from Fed on grass at Wimbledon when Fed is going for his 15th? Don’t tell me what you hope for, tell me what you think will probably happen.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm

This is a weak and brief article, inadequate to recognize fully how well Roddick played, how much growth under Stefanki he displayed, and how big this victory for his career and American tennis means. Plus, this piece, in the manner of Hewitt, writes off A-Rod completely. Yes, Fed is the favorite, but A-Rod is in great position, with his game level and mental fortitude that he showed today, to challenge Fed and is now a bona fide title contender than any other player would have been.
Shame on, you !

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:16 pm

Worthy of mentioning is Another American won today in Boys’ Singles and is in the final: Jordan Cox.
Good work, kiddo !

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm

Kimo says: “tell me what you think will probably happen.”

Why? So you can squash any hope people might have? So you can hear your favorite player is the favorite yet again?

Here’s what’ll probably happen – the odds favor Federer: he has an 18-2 H2H against Roddick. He’s won five Wimbledon titles, two of those over Roddick. So, therefore, logic would dictate that Federer will win again. And maybe he’ll just keep on winning everything forever and ever, Amen.

However, I will be cheering on Roddick regardless of all that logic and the odds, etc.

Cindy says: ” It’s all so predictable.” Well, if that is the case, then what an utter bore eh? I mean really — why watch?

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:25 pm

Murray will probably go down as the king of three-set matches, but I don’t see him taking a huge number of majors, at least not until Federer and Nadal leave the game.

He’ll win a Grand Slam or two, but his first will probably not be at Wimbledon. He seems to like the hard courts in New York much better and there’s much less pressure there.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:27 pm

Jane,

I’ll watch because I’m a tennis fan.

You can cheer Roddick until the cows come home, but it won’t change the outcome. I’ll be more interested in the pageantry during the awards ceremony than anything else.

Who wants to see Roger cry again?

Get ready for the flood!

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm

jane said:

“why watch?”

Because it’s Federer, the greatest artist in our era.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm

congrats to roddick, now it is time to beat federer. you can do it!!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Jane, going to Montreal?

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Cindy says “I’ll watch because I’m a tennis fan.” Well, same here. But I hope Roddick makes a good match of it. As a tennis fan, I find routs boring. I like exciting matches. So we can hope for that.

And since we were discussing upsets … what would happen if he actually won? Would it trump Soderling/Nadal? I mean, given the H2H, the fact that most people would give Roddick about a 10% chance to win, or at most 25% as someone said above, then it would be pretty huge.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Cindy_brady, I agree.

Maybe with this new Roddick version he can trouble Federer… If Roddick serves this well, he might have a chance. I thought this is the best I have seen Roddick serves since 2004 wimbledon.

I thought Murray was too passive a lot of times today but federer will go for his shots from the get go.

Wow how much Federer is smiling right now…..

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm

Hi Duro, “going to Montreal?” No but I might try to go next year to Toronto as I have some family there.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Roddick did a couple of great dives today; and did anyone notice his return on match point? Murray served well there, but Andy R got it back and deservedly won.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm

Too bad…

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:41 pm

Great comments guys. I think Fed played great and much better than Roddick in this tournament, and I am a real Fed fan (sure, I’m Swiss, but that is another issue), but wouldn’t mind Roddick winning this one. hopefully a great final. Roddick would deserve another Slam.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:42 pm

You going Duro?

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm

Fed is afraid, you were blooming while Rafa ruled. You had the most suitable nick of all of the posters. What now? Is your boy going to play that good ever again? What a competitor he is but seemingly with an expiring date…

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm

Most Federer fans here (excluding myself)were rooting for Roddick because secrectly they fear Murray will have a better chance against Fed. Now that Roddick has eliminated Murray they are confortable thinking it will be a one way traffic for the swiss maestro.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Jane, I was expecting you to… Too far away for me.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:47 pm

Come on Andy!! Although Rafa is my favorite player, I will be rooting for Andy all day!! I really don’t like Federer as a player or a person, so let’s go Andy! I want to see Roger cry like he did at Wimbledon last year when he got his tail handed to him. I know many people aren’t giving Andy a chance, but he’s playing really well and I’m going to give him a shot.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:48 pm

Kimo Says:
“You know, for all the talk about the up-and-comers, this still is pretty much still the era of Federer, Roddick, Safin.” Ha ha ha well said!

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Had to wait and watch on crappy NBC – was not going to stream this one, so I’m 2 hours behind. Fantastic job Andy! I’m so very happy for him.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Kimmi – you are 100% correct @ 3:47 pm. “Most” being a key word. Some of them were sincerely rooting for Roddick, but no doubt many were thinking of the records between Fed/Murray and Fed/Roddick.

Now those people are already counting their chickens… I mean titles.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm

Roddick can definitely do it but I hope not. Why are people so against Fed? He has been one of the greatest ambassadors for tennis. He has earned the respect he gets. I’m not cheering against Andy just for Fed.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:54 pm

Seriously people, how is Roddick going to beat Federer in a best of 5 set grass court match?

The only thing Roddick does better than Federer is serve with more velocity. He doesn’t do anything other than that. Federer’s play will dictate the outcome. If he plays up to his normal standard, I don’t care how improved Roddick’s game is. Federer will win. Roddick has to hope Fed has an off day and he serves “lights out” to have a legitimate chance. Anything less, Fed’s going to win.

Another thing, People talk about Roddick’s improved game. Well Federer has gotten better and more experienced on grass since they last met too. He’s lost once on grass (5 tough sets to Nadal last year) in 7 years. 7 YEARS!!!!

If Roddick upsets Fed on Sunday it will be the 2nd biggest upset of the year and the 2nd biggest upset in tennis history. Roddick does have credentials on grass and at Wimbledon. Soderling had none on clay.

Nothing is going to top the Soderling over Nadal win at the French.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:55 pm

I doubt Federer is “licking his chops”. Roddick has been playing great tennis all year and probably has a better chance at winning on grass than Murray ever did.

I listen to a lot of the Radio Wimbledon during this tournament (at work) and it irritates me how often the announcers talk about Murray “knowing what it takes to win”. It’s true he is a very good player, but last I checked, he hasn’t won a thing.

July 3rd, 2009 at 3:58 pm

Scottish, personally, I am not “against Fed”; I am simply tired of the same player(s) winning all the slams (Fed / Nadal = 20 out of last 24) so I’d like to see someone else win. The same person winning all the time makes things predictable, regardless of the “artistry”.

I am “for Roddick” though because before Djoko and Murray came along, Roddick and Safin were my favorites. I watched both win the USO and found them exciting players. So of course I am thrilled to see Roddick in this position again.

And finally, I tend to root for underdogs for the most part. Just an instinctive position pour moi.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:01 pm

I should point out I’d be very happy to see either player win in the final. Part of me wants to see Roddick win it because the guy is such a fighter and he really deserves another slam. The other part of me wants to see Fed regain #1 and break Pete’s record.

I’m just glad I’ll be happy no matter what the outcome is, should be easier for me to relax and watch a great match!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 pm

Von Says:
“jane: You’re right about Roddick being fired up by Hewitt’s comments. Andy loves a challenge. He also said he won’t get into that word battle. Smack talk Rusty Hewitt is probably slapping himself silly.”

Don’t worry Von, Hewitt’s not gonna kill himself or cry his mind out over his comments on Roddick! The only thing which he’d be regretting about right now is his narrow loss to Andy! Hewitt’s an Australian, and strictly speaking, Australians don’t care about what others might think of them! They’d say what they feel, they won’t say anything to please others unless they really believe in it. Hewitt has a lot more knowledge about tennis than you and what he was saying wasn’t crap. He never said Murray’s not gonna lose, he just said that Roddick’s to play a helluva match to beat Murray and that’s the truth. I personally believe, whoever was going to beat Murray was gonna do it only by playing extraordinary/class tennis. Roddick played outstanding today and that’s why be beat Murray otherwise Murray’d have beaten him. And this is consistent with the opinion of Hewitt.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:07 pm

duro-who knows how rafa will do? it looks like he might have a short shelf life. but he will be back and in the mix soon enough.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Kimmi Says:” Most Federer fans here (excluding myself)were rooting for Roddick because secrectly they fear Murray will have a better chance against Fed.” No kidding.

Tennis Freak Says: “This is a weak and brief article, inadequate to recognize fully how well Roddick played, how much growth under Stefanki he displayed, and how big this victory is for his career and American tennis means. Plus, this piece, in the manner of Hewitt, writes off A-Rod completely.” Amen TF. The article is almost as bad as NBC’s coverage.

As for Andy’s chances vs Fed on Sunday, we all know th stats, etc & I for one am going to enjoy his win over Murray today. Enough time tomorrow to begin the discussion about the final. Congrats Andy RODDICK!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:18 pm

but i guess i should change my name. after winning the french, i don’t think roger is afraid of anyone including rafa.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm

It’s only fitting to see that the guys in the final’re the ones who’ve been handed out the most ridiculously tough draws in this tournament!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:21 pm

Almost 2 years ago I posted a comment on this website (I still read it weekly) and remember saying that I thought that Federer was going to be GOAT but that I wished that he could slam dunk like Pete used to. Today that came true (on a match point!!) To me it doesn´t matter what happens on sunday anymore. I´m going to miss the final because I have to play some tennis myself. Hopefully, it is still a great final and someone records it. I look forward to Nadal´s return, he was actually playing out-of-this-world tennis early in the season.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:22 pm

fed is afraid,

You should change your name to fed has 15.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm

huh said:

“It’s only fitting to see that the guys in the final’re the ones who’ve been handed out the most ridiculously tough draws in this tournament”

so true.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm

Roddick beat the number 3 player, plus a former WImbledon champion; he definitely deserves to be in the final – wow!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm

Now I can watch the final. If it were Murray/Fed I would not have done so. Notice how he had no celebration because the air was sucked out of the stadium?

Von: remember you were talking about Andy’s handle…”Even Roddick can beat him?” LOL

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:29 pm

It’s so wonderful to see so many who were rooting for Roddick turn on him now that he will face Federer and now are talking with the clairvoyance of a fortune teller. Why, because you all feared Murray would beat Federer, due to their H2H. H2H’s mean nothing, and today was a prime example. You guys are so transparent it ain’t funny.

I’d like to ask one question, why is it so many refuse to allow those of us who care about Roddick to enjoy this moment? Did any of Roddick fans put down Federer’s win today or yesterday? NO. So why can’t you be more charitable in your remarks? It’s OK to be objective, but do you have to seek answers from your crystal balls, thinking it’s the gospel truth and federer WILL win tomorrow”. It’s in poor taste people and I honestly don’t hope you eat crow. If you really like tennis, and are a tennis fan, let’s just hope for the good of the sport that we see a very-well competed final. I know most of the Fed fans delight when he puts a beat-down on his opponent, so I guess you’ve all got your cheery posts ready and waiting IF Federer beats Roddick on Sunday. I hope you’re not disappointed and have out leap out of here with your tails between your legs, just like you’ve done during Federer’s drought. Just bear in mind, it can happen again. that said, have fun and enjoy the ride. I wish I were as unkind as you are and could return the favor for the next time Federer falls flat on his face, and believe me it WILL happen, because nothing, and I mean nothing, lasts forever. cheers.
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Cindy Brady: Are you the poster who used to post as Federer’s twin sister? You remind me so much of her — always contentious. When you stormed in here you were against Federer and put him down at every turn. You were so prophetic and emphatic as to say he’d never win another slam. Then you were on Nadal’s band-waggon, and then you were on the drug thing with Nadal. And then, surprise, surprise, the unthinkable happenend, Federer won the FO, and Nadal was ousted, and WOW has there been a swing to Federer, bigger than the Brooklyn Bridge when it swings out. Have fun for as long as the party lasts, and I wonder when the unthinkable happens, Federer loses, whose band-waggon you’ll jump on next? Maybe Djokovic, but you’ve already burnt that bridge. Oh well, why bother.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:31 pm

jane said:

“I am simply tired of the same player(s) winning all the slams”

Why is that? they clearly deserve them the most.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:32 pm

I think Roddick has a good chance this final, thanks to Stefanki although I’m still betting on Federer. Roddick himself said that 2002/2003 were what he considers to be his best years form-wise but it appears he has more variety in his game now which may help. I found his 1st set versus Murray very impressive.

On the subject of Murray, I wonder how long his grand slam window of opportunity will last. He’s still mostly a defensive / counterattacking type of player, which means lots of running and a higher physical requirement. He has a lot of variety and seems adaptable though so I hope as he gains more experience he starts to change his style into more of an attacking player.

I wonder how different the tourney would have looked if Nadal had been in the picture.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:37 pm

Von, we aren’t being hypocrites, we’re being realistic.

And Fed would have handled Murray easily. But there’s no way to prove that now.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Kimo, it ain’t rocket science.

Von – excellent post @ 4:31. I agree. Why can’t these Fed fans be happy for Roddick instead of already notching #15? Sheesh.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm

Jane : “personally, I am not “against Fed”; I am simply tired of the same player(s) winning all the slams (Fed / Nadal = 20 out of last 24) so I’d like to see someone else win. The same person winning all the time makes things predictable, regardless of the “artistry”.”

Its not their fault that federer/nadal has been winning almost everything. Other players needs to step up. All slams are open to everyone…have not done so..what can we do.

Roddick has a chance on sunday to change that outcome, or else it will be another Federer victory and…jane…you are going to be very bored.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm

vared: Yes, that was Sean’s handle, “and, even Andy Roddick”. LOL.
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huh: “Hewitt has a lot more knowledge about tennis than you and what he was saying wasn’t crap.”

Well, huh, he should and let’s not forget he has more knowledge than you too, considering he’s a player and not you. I’m not one for looking up stats and using that information to expound about the past greats etc., to make myself appear knowledgeable, but I can assure you, I do have some knowledge about tennis more than you’d care to realize. Hewitt can talk all he wants, but his comments were tainted with some vinegar. Read the whole article and then talk to me after you’ve done so.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:39 pm

Von, if you recall, Fed fans always were worried about Fed’s tough match ups, like the ones against Soderling and Karlovic. Roddick fans, and today I was one of them, seem to be less objective.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Wow Andy what a freaking match. I’ve never seen Roddick play so well. I managed to stay offline the entire day and not get teh result and just watch the match and now I’m so glad I did.

What a win, what a heartbreak for Murray but he’ll be back it is now Roddick’s time.

As much of a Federer fan I am, I really am going to be pulling for Roddick in teh final. He deserves it.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm

Von,

Blah blah blah. I don’t have a band wagon or a favorite. I’m not a homer like you. I just see things from an objective point of view.

You are just upset because you know your boy is gonna take an ass whoopin’ on Sunday.

You still conveniently failed to answer my question. What in Roddick’s game is going to trouble Federer? since he’s the one player who can return his “un-returnable” serve.

You know the answer as well as I do. So go on and continue to live in your dream world where Roddick magically is going to win.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:43 pm

“jane…you are going to be very bored.” Maybe so Kimmi, maybe so.

But you know what? Von was 150% correct when she said “nothing lasts forever” wasn’t she? So things are going to change. For my sake, I hope it’s sooner than later!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm

I think Roddick has a shot on Sunday but I hope Roger can keep his record going and beat Roddick to get that #15! That’s what I will be praying for!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:45 pm

Von – the game is in the athlete, not the fan. The fan is a mere spectator, layman, observer of something extraordinary. To be a fan requires no degrees, credentials or accomplishments of the item or sport they’re a fan of, it simply requires a decision to be made that they’re a fan and the decision to observe the game and come to their own conclusions about their observations.

Since being a fan has such a low barrier to entry, and requires no commitment to “become a better fan in order to enjoy the game more”, there should be little to no expectation that we place on fans, wouldn’t you think?

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:46 pm

I’m probabaly one of the biggest Fed-fan in the world, whether you’d believe it or not! But I’m starting to feel, IRONICALLY, that Fed needs to leave the scene after breaking Pete’s records as soon as possible though only I know that how much I’ll miss him and then I may even have to live with the fact that there may someday be a better player than Federer, but for me, it won’t change the fact that I may never love any tennis player or athlete or endearing figure more than Federer. Fed calling it a day would mean the closing of the most beautiful chapter of my life. Anyway there’re lot more things which can be said for justifying this stance of mine, but as Skeezerweezer puts it always, I’m out! Nothing more on this stuff frankly.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm

“Even Roddick can beat Murray.” Repeat after me Even Roddick can beat Murray, even roddick….,

The brit press will gang up on Murray now. Did you see Roddick’s little thing he did on the starwell? Very nice. Guess he did the primal scream in a locked room upstairs.

BTW
Dinara Safina has reportedly hired Ronen Bega who worked with Novak Djokovic in the past. He will be her physical trainer.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm

well said, Green Balls

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:49 pm

jane: Thanks. Just a word of advice it’s a waste of time to try to argue sense when you’re reading nonsense — consider the source. The problem with most Fed fans is their insatiable appetite. It’s like a bottomless pit, and similar to someone eating the last forkful of their mid-day meal, while looking ahead and thinking about what they can eat for dinner. LOL.
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Kimo: How can you be realistic and oh so sure? Do you know what tomorrow will bring forth for you, for me, for Federer, for the world. Nothing’s a certainty and don’t count your chickens before they are hatched, because Federer can wake up Sunday sick. I wonder what you’d do then? And, that’s a reality you know, and I’m being realistic also.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm

vared said:

“Did you see Roddick’s little thing he did on the starwell?”

Yes I did. I’m really happy for him. These 48 hours will be the happiest of his life.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm

My wishes for men’s singles and doubles

Roddick for USA
Nestor and Z for Canada/Serbia

There is also a very hot little junior girl from France Kristina Mladenovic who has been beating everyone. She just won FO juniors too.

An American boy Cox is in it also against Kuznetsov. A relative of Sveta?

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm

Von said:

“because Federer can wake up Sunday sick.”

And a meteor might strike Centre court on Sunday and no final would be played. or maybe he’d get hit by a car, or France suddenly declares war on England and the whole thing stops.

Or Or Or Or. Get real.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Huh: “has been the best chapter of my life”

Talk about living vicariously.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm

I’m one of the biggest Federer fans in the world and I do agree with VOn in his last post. You never should ‘count your chickens before they hatch”. If the 2009 French Open taught us anything, it taught us that anything can happen. Before the French Open, just about everyone in the world had Nadal a lock to get that title. But we know what happened.

That’s why they play the game.

Now congratulations to Roddick for making the finals, but I will be 100% behind Roger to hope he can get that #15. And unlike the previous poster, I hope Roger stick around a long time because as long as he can make SFs and Finals in grand slams…and as long as he still like to play tennis – why would he quit? He said he LOVES tennis. That’s good enough for me!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:57 pm

Von,

Now you’ve really sunk low. Hoping Federer wakes up sick on Sunday morning.

I don’t wish illness on any player. I want them to win toe to toe with the best they have, healthy.

What are you doing now? Hiring a witch doctor to make a Fed voodoo doll. Gonna stick pins in him Sunday morning so Andy has a better chance?

LOL…..I don’t think that will even help!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:59 pm

Cindy: If Roddick loses, so be it, but if he wins, you’ll be very diaappointed. You do a lot of blah, blah, blah, blah, and then some yourself.

Re: Your question, Roddick will bring whatever he has and what he has can beat Federer the invincible. and, BTW, you didn’t answer my question, just like you never answered my question when I asked a few times, which player is your fave, because you vacillate so much. I suppose your “Go Roddick’ was just that Murray can lose and Federer’s odds will increase? LOL.
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Green balls: I’m a tennis fan and Roddick is my favourite, but I’m not into idol worshipping and greed. I believe in sharing the spoils, and I don’t find tennis disinteresting if my fave loses like the Fed fans who disappeared for most of ’08 and part of ’09. I like tennis and I enjoy seeing other players win also.

July 3rd, 2009 at 4:59 pm

Cindy Brady: Don’t go there. Read again, and comprehend, please. I said nothing’s for sure and anything can happen. Federer can wake up sick. Did I say I wish for him to wake up sick? Never. I never wish for any player to be beaten, but I can’t say the same about you.

And, you sholuld be the last to talk about anyone sinking low, you did that big time accusing Nadal of using drugs, and calling him all the names you could muster up. If you don’t think that’s low, then tell me what is? do you have proof.

BTW, I’m still waiting for my answer.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm

Ty says “Talk about living vicariously.” LOL!

Von, don’t I know it; i’ve been trying to argue with them for days about this player’s draw or that player’s ability or whatever. But it’s basically pointless. Now the vitriol begins. And it’ll be even worse going forward if Fed wins. More GOAT discussions, ad nauseum. Or should I say, add nausea? Sigh. Anyhow, you said it – “nothing lasts forever” – although apparently Federer is now immortal. LOL!

Let’s just enjoy Roddick’s win, hope for a great final, get some sunshine – and move on!!! Cheers!

: D

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm

The idea of Federer winning this Wimbledon is pretty boring to me.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Judging by form the whole tournament the two best players come trough and they had to beat the in form on grass (Haas) and the hot player of the tourney (Hewitt).

But I am with Cindy here: no way Roddick is going to beat Fed in a best of 5, on grass, with Fed’s present form: not a singe serve of his went to deuce today and his unforced errors are as low as it can be for an agressive player. He was broken 2 times during 6 matches and only lost a close tiebreak to kohs!

The only chance Roddick has is to win the first set which will probably go to a tiebreaker as both are serving amazing. If he lost the first set all the memories will come back. He is really unlucky to once again gets Federer in his way. Against any other player he would be the favorite even Nadal.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Imagine if Rod wins, and I don’t think he can, but hey, indulge me, I think the agony Fed will exhibit will be 100 times more than that he felt after his AO loss this year.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Von Says:
“It’s so wonderful to see so many who were rooting for Roddick turn on him now that he will face Federer and now are talking with the clairvoyance of a fortune teller. Why, because you all feared Murray would beat Federer, due to their H2H. H2H’s mean nothing, and today was a prime example. You guys are so transparent it ain’t funny.

I’d like to ask one question, why is it so many refuse to allow those of us who care about Roddick to enjoy this moment? Did any of Roddick fans put down Federer’s win today or yesterday? NO. So why can’t you be more charitable in your remarks? It’s OK to be objective, but do you have to seek answers from your crystal balls, thinking it’s the gospel truth and federer WILL win tomorrow”. It’s in poor taste people and I honestly don’t hope you eat crow. If you really like tennis, and are a tennis fan, let’s just hope for the good of the sport that we see a very-well competed final. I know most of the Fed fans delight when he puts a beat-down on his opponent, so I guess you’ve all got your cheery posts ready and waiting IF Federer beats Roddick on Sunday. I hope you’re not disappointed and have out leap out of here with your tails between your legs, just like you’ve done during Federer’s drought. Just bear in mind, it can happen again. that said, have fun and enjoy the ride. I wish I were as unkind as you are and could return the favor for the next time Federer falls flat on his face, and believe me it WILL happen, because nothing, and I mean nothing, lasts forever. cheers.”

Completely agree.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Kimo: At least yhou got the hpothetical situation I mentioned correctly. Maybe you can enlighten Cindy Brady.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm

vared – stick around okay? It’s good to hear that news about Safina. She needs something to kick start her belief. Maybe a trainer is the answer, although I think a sports psych might be better.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm

And Von, we didn’t disappear. It just happens that you don’t feel like communicating when you receive bad news.

We didn’t hear from zola a whole lot this Wimbledon, and that’s understandable, but I wouldn’t say he doesn’t enjoy other players’ wins.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm

Von, can you please tell me when did Cindy_Brady said Fed’ll never win another slam? Was it last year or what coz last year many people were out declaring Nadal as the GOAT-in-waiting and Fed as a closed chapter? Please tell me. And if he really said Fed’d never win a slam, then WOW!!! I’m the only dumba$$ or what?

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:15 pm

Isn’t Federer such a great player when Nadal is sidelined? lol.

That should stir the pot a little bit.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:16 pm

jane: As you know, we’ve been there and done that with the influx of Fed posters. We’ll just have to post less that’s all, and let them talk among themselves. The reiterating of Fed’s resume and the GOAT talk will be unbelievable. They should listen to Bud Collins on the GOAT theory and Rod Laver also.

Gosh we Roddick fans should be allowed some joy today instead of reading these crystal ball prophecies.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm

FoT: I’m a he and not a she.
_________________
huh: Cindy Brady mentioned that a few months after the AO, and then she switched after the FO to being Fed’s fan, after Nadal lost. jane probably remembers Cindy’s comments.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Ty: “Isn’t Federer such a great player when Nadal is sidelined? lol.”

If federer wins tomorrow, this might have some truth in it.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:22 pm

Guys, let’s face it, the Fed-Rod H2H is the most lopsided in tennis right now, maybe even in tennis history. Is there any man on tour that can boast a +16 record against anyone, let alone a former no.1?

I was driven today partly by my respect for Roddick, but mostly by my disdain for Murray. I hate everything he represents. I hate his atittude (I applauded Pascal Maria when he had the guts to warn Murray for profanity, something he got away with against Wawrinka). I hate his game. I just hate him. Was Federer a factor in my support for Murray today. The answer to that would be no. Fed would have won, and people would have finally stopped gloating about the Murray-Fed 6-2 H2H which means absolutely nothing since Murray’s wins were when either Federer was injured (the TMC match, which Murray barely won), or when Federer was not at his best because of the same bad back (the other three). All their matches were on Murray’s favorite surface, none on clay or grass where Fed is much better.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:22 pm

huh, Cindy Brady said it after the Australian Open and Nadal’s winl; I am sure of it. You could check the threads, but generally I remember things pretty well.

Von, that’s precisely why I am going outside. Sheesh. Hang in there, and be happy! Your guy played AMAZING today and he totally deserved to win. As you always say, “don’t worry; be happy”!

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pm

Kimo – give it a rest. Why push that H2H in our faces. THAT is EXACTLY what Von was talking about. Wow.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Von Said:

“FoT: I’m a he and not a she.”

Ok now I’m confused!!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:24 pm

Hey Von, congrats on Roddick. As a Fed/Nadal fan I was not rooting for Roddick today because he is an easier match up against Fed. Murray isn;t ready for this slam yet and I think Roddick is the tougher challenge because he has nothing to lose and no pressure. The pressure is all on Fed now. I’m not so nervous now about Fed though as I was before the FO. He has proven he can handle the mental strain of pressure this year.

I think mens tennis is as good now as it has been for a few years and the quality of some of the matches at AEC have been fantastic.

Fed has definitely won a lot but come on he has done it himself. IF anything we have learned in 2009 it’s that you can’t just assume you will win. Nadal, Murray, Djoko, JDMP have all shown that they can be beat in early rounds. But Fed has been there. People can cheer for wheover they want, but Fed shouldn’t be put down just because he’s been reaching finals.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm

How about Haas the past few months? His level has been incredible, he must be feeling ecstatic to have done so well at this stage in his career. Must be a bit frustrating to get so deep at RG and Wimby only to lose to the same guy on both occasions, but wow – good for him.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm

Not gonna lie, I think I’m gonna be rooting for Roddick in this match. I knew the Hewitt win would definitely boost Roddick emotionally, but this was slightly more than I expected. I’m not overly surprised in the win, but the way it was won. 70 something winners from Murray and Roddick still won. Incredible. Absolutely wonderful. Roddick vs Federer? We really are living in the past. I want Federer to win for all the history and whatnot, but that can wait. I want an epic final, like last year only obviously it would be a tad bit different. And I want Federer to reclaim the number 1 ranking. But I’m of the opinion that should whatever Roddick prevents him from achieving Sunday, Federer will just get later. It’s inevitable. What’s not inevitable is Roddick winning Wimbledon. And gosh darn I want Roddick to win Wimbledon. Congrats and good luck to both players, but cmon Andy!!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:26 pm

Don’t worry FoT, Fed won’t leave tennis quickly nor do I want him to leave quickly. I enjoy him more than probably you do, what probably, may be definitely will be the better word! That’s why the use of the word ‘IRONICALLY’. Cheer up now and take care!

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:28 pm

Von,

I don’t have a favorite. I just enjoy the sport of tennis. Why is it so difficult to comprehend that?

I still believe Nadal has been taking something and it ain’t vitamins. But that is for a later discussion if and when he returns.

Still haven’t answered the Xs and Os of how Roddick is going to beat Federer? In fact, no one has! Does Roddick moves better than Fed? Does Roddick have a better forehand? Does Roddick have a better back hand? Does Roddick have a better volley? Does Roddick have more variety of shot. Does Roddick have more experience? Does Roddick have a better return. Is Roddick more athletic? Is Roddick more creative? Does Roddick pass better?

Roddick serves Fast. Very fast. It works against most players. Not against Roger. I don’t believe Roddick’s serve is better than Fed’s. Just more velocity. If anything they are equal because Fed places his serve better and more consistently. He also seems to bring his best stuff when he needs it the most. Roddick doesn’t always.

Any body who believes Roddick will win, also believes in Santa clause, the Easter bunny, the magically delicious leprechaun, Charlie Brown’s Great Pumpkin, and the tooth fairy. Keep on dreamin’

/tirade

/rant

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Kimo: “I hate his (Murray) game. I just hate him”

Wow, sounds really personal, what did he do to you ?

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:30 pm

Fed said he wants to play tennis in the 2012 olympics, which will be played at SW19.

Imagine him bowing out after getting that elusive gold medal on the same court where it all began.

You guys have to realize that whenever Fed steps onto a court at a slam he isn’t just playing against the guy on the other side of the net, he’s playing against history. That makes him play like a god. Fed’s best performances are always at slams and almost always at slam finals.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:32 pm

Roddick is a 5:1 underdog right now to win on Sunday. I think his odds against Federer this Wimby are probably his best ever. Federer is still not playing at 100% of his 2007 level, whereas Roddick has improved a lot of areas in his game recently. Hope it’s a good match!

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:33 pm

Kimmi said:

“Wow, sounds really personal, what did he do to you ?”

It does sound personal doesn’t it? I dunno why I hate him, but whenever I see what’s his face my worst emotions come to the surface.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Scottish: I don’t see anyone putting down Federer, at least not me.
____________________
Kimo: As I’ve said previously, you guys can’t seem to get enolugh of a good thing, Repeat, repeat, repeat. OY VEY. As I said, I’m not into stats, which means the H2Hs are unimportant me.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Please don’t say things about idol-worshipping coz we worship idols and it’s hurting to see the manifestation through the expression in some posts, now and before, of the perceived religious superiority(although I rather hope I comprehended it wrongly, otherwise it’ll be really sad). Why don’t people stick to the term “hero-worshipping” instead?

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:35 pm

Cindy_Brady all the stats point to Fed winning and he probably will but sport is all about upsets. Look at any sport and you will find it. Roddick isn’t green, he has been here before so stats mean nothing on any given day. He’s going to give Fed a real challenge and it wouldn’t surprise me if he wins. Fed has got handle the pressure since he will be the crowd favourite now that Murray is gone.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:36 pm

Is it getting personal here, so much emotions of all wild kinds? Do you think we should chill out a little bit? Are not the semis and final moments already volcanic hot? (I am aware of what I did in preceding days but then it was too calm out here then and we needed some noise).
Let’s not call each other names, who is coward and who is brave, who’s wishing for whose rise and whose fall, etc.
You all accepted that the better player today, so can we just follow the same line of logic and say, “The better player will win on Sunday.”
If you are thinking that Murray’s exit has already delivered the 15th slam to Fed, then there should not be the final on Sunday, but there is one. And the two best players of the tournament, who has each won 6 matches, will be fighting for the title. Both have the least numbers of UEs and best serve percentages of all the players who’ve played this tournament. Roddick’s win today has not changed anything: The final is yet to be played. If Roddick can down Murray, the hottest player of the year, he can take down anyone. Let’s not play Hewitt again. Did we not criticize him just a little while ago?
Just like Murray’s H2H was not a factor today, it may or may not be a factor on Sunday. If you really want to pull out the record, the scarier stat is Fed has lost only once on grass (67-1) since 2003, a record that is more formidable than any other.
Roddick will go out there and play his hear out. If he can play like he did today, he will have Fed on the run for his money. If Fed can play like he did in the last 6 years in the finals, he could be holding the 15th trophy.
But, after all said and done, the match stands at 50-50: Nobody has earned a point yet for the Sunday’s final.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:38 pm

Green balls said:

“Federer is still not playing at 100% of his 2007 level”

I beg to differ, he’s playing better than 2007. Back then he had a streak of four Wimbledons and fighting for his fifth, which would match him Borg. Streaks, while very nice to have, are an enormous burden. Nadal’s camp was relieved when his 81 match winning streak on clay was ended, becasue it really started to have a life of its own. It became a beast.

Now, Federer really is swinging freely.

A relaxed Fed is a dangerous Fed.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:39 pm

correction:
Para 2: “better player”= better player won today
Para 5: “hear” = heart

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Kimo: Talk about a comedy of errors. I meant, I’m a ‘she’ and not a ‘he’. See how much you guys are confusing me? LOL.
_____________________
Cindy Brady: Roddick will bring whatever he has. If that’s not good enough, then Federer will win. I’m done with this subject. If Roddick wins, i’ll be ecstatic, and if he loses, I’ll still be happy he made the finals. The question should be asked, what will you do if Federer were to lose now that you’re so convinced he’ll win? As I mentioned previously, nothing’s a sure thing and the impossible can happen. And, please don’t go interpreting what I’ve just said as wishing for something to happen to him, because that’s not so.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Von and Jane, thanks for enlightening me on Cindy’s predictions.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 pm

According to TSN: Federer is 46-1 at Wimbledon and 71-1 on grass overall since 2003. That really is amazing. Rafa owns clay and Fed owns Grass. Pretty simple explanation of the last 5 years.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:45 pm

If Roddick wins, I don’t think it’s going to be because he’s playing better than Federer. Maybe they’ll play equal, like Murray and Roddick did today. The difference will be who wants it more. And I just feel like Roddick is ready to die for this. He’ll will himself that Wimbledon trophy. Honestly, a big part of me sees Roddick holding the winner’s trophy Sunday. Either way I hope it goes to 5. But again, I’m rooting for Roddick in this one more than Federer.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:48 pm

TF: “But, after all said and done, the match stands at 50-50: Nobody has earned a point yet for the Sunday’s final.”

You can say that again. I don’t understand how people can be 100% sure that any player will win, and as I said H2Hs mean zilch, and today proved that.

I’m outta here, so that the stats people and prophets can talk and gloat.
__________________
Scottish: I agree with your post of 5:36 pm. Nothing’s a give in sports and it’s why we have what’s called “upsets”.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 pm

Von said:

“The question should be asked, what will you do if Federer were to lose now that you’re so convinced he’ll win?”

I know that wasn’t directed at me but I wanna answer it.

I dunno. The hardest Fed loss for me was last year at Wimbledon. I was very depressed for a couple of weeks people thought I lost a loved one. The second hardest was this year at the Australian Open, I almost cried with Fed. I think THAT was his lowest moment. That’s when he hit rock bottom (his rock bottom is losing a slam final, LOL).

If he loses to Roddick it would be a shock, a very big surprise, but would I be as sad as I was last year?……..
………
……..
……..

No I don’t think so. I mean obviously I wouldn’t be happy. I want him to break the record at Wimbledon. I want him to get his no.1 ranking back, coz that’s where he should be. But I wouldn’t be devastated. Why? Fed said it himself after he won the French: If he walks away from the game today he’ll be a happy man.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 pm

Kimo: “You guys have to realize that whenever Fed steps onto a court at a slam he isn’t just playing against the guy on the other side of the net, he’s playing against history. That makes him play like a god”

please settle down there. Your erection is showing. It is hitting a little fuzzy ball across the net over and over and he is really good at it.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:51 pm

sensationsafin – good post @ 5:48, as usual. I hope it goes to 5 also. More than anything, I hope it is a close contest; and next to that, I hope Roddick wins.

Daniel – don’t you remember what you said way back – if Fed wins the French, wouldn’t it be great if Roddick wins Wimbledon?

Well, I am going to hope for that even though it’s a big ask from A-Rod.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm

Fed’s playing below his 2007 level. To me, there’s no diputing that.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Ty said:

“please settle down there. Your erection is showing. It is hitting a little fuzzy ball across the net over and over and he is really good at it.”

LOL

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Scottish,

I understand the nature of upsets. I’ve been watching sports/tennis for more that 45 years. I’m not green.

But if an upset is to happen than usually there is some kind of reason behind it, somewhere. Nadal losing to Soderling could have been because of Nadal’s knees and lack of movement. Maybe true. Maybe not, but at least a reason exists.

In the Roddick over Federer case all I here is Maybe Roger will be sick that day.

Jane keeps incorrectly harping the 18-2 h2h means nothing. Bull crap….When you lose to a guy that many times it has to weigh on the mind at crucial moments in a match. It’s only human for it to happen.

In fact the last time Roddick beat Federer was in Miami when Federer was ill. And he was. I saw that match and something was wrong with Federer. He wasn’t moving. It’s almost like he didn’t care. Roddick took full advantage. But Roddick did not beat the Wimbledon Roger. He beat a disinterested Roger who was hurt. Big deal!!

If we saw the error prone Fed from earlier in the season than maybe Roddick has a chance (playing at his very best) but we have seen none of that this Wimbledon. Roger looks rock solid in all phases of his game.

No, there won’t be any Roddick miracles on Sunday. Roger is very awhere Andy is a dangerous player and will be prepared! He won’t sneak up like a Soderling did to Nadal.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Von – Congrats!!!! I said I had a very good feeling about Roddick’s chances at Wimby last week – and I still do!! He played the best I have ever seen him – you have to be very happy.

Pro_B Says: “von and tennis bebe, u guys there? i’m just so happy :)”

Von says: “I’m now going to watch the culmination of the match on NBC. I want to hear Patrick McEnroe when Roddick wins. PMc loves Andy Roddick.” It was Johnny Mac – not PMac on NBC. He did most of the talking and Mary said almost nothing!! Maybe she was stunned. ESPN will have a highlight show tonght at 8pm & I’m sure PMac will be on it – I plan to watch it & soak it all in.

“Did you see Roddick’s little thing he did on the stairwell? Very nice. Guess he did the primal scream in a locked room upstairs.” Didn’t see it – What did he do???

Cindy_Brady says: “Now you’ve really sunk low. Hoping Federer wakes up sick on Sunday morning.” Where the hell did she say that??? Read the post.

Tennis Fan – Talk about biased reporting on ESPN, you should have heard the trio during Serena’s semi, not a word about Elena’s great playing until the middle of the 2nd set. Ridiculous.

July 3rd, 2009 at 5:57 pm

Ty Says: Kimo: “… That makes him play like a god”

please settle down there. Your erection is showing. It is hitting a little fuzzy ball across the net over and over and he is really good at it.

Good one Ty – and oh so true :-)

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Cindy_Brady Said:

“In fact the last time Roddick beat Federer was in Miami when Federer was ill. And he was. I saw that match and something was wrong with Federer. He wasn’t moving. It’s almost like he didn’t care.”

Add to that the fact that Roddick didn’t break Federer’s serve that match. It was 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 with the only break going to Fed in the 2nd set.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm

Cindy_Brady. I’m not sure you have watched too many upsets. I don’t have time to list tons here but go back just a month to the Stanley Cup final, game 7. The Red Wings were defending champs, AT HOME where their record for the playoffs was 10-1. They lost. Why? Because they were simply outplayed and Pittsburgh had the more drive. Stats go out the window when an upset happens. Otherwise it wouldn’t be an upset. LOL

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:04 pm

Uhhh, Roddick won 6-3 in the third set in Miami.

Sick, healthy, what’s it matter. Sunday is gonna be about will power. And Andy Roddick has a LOT of will power. Federer does, too, of course. But I just think Roddick wants this way more and it’s gonna show.

If Federer is going to be prepared for Roddick, why wouldn’t Roddick be prepared for Federer? Roddick doesn’t know Federer is dangerous? Federer is the clear favorite, EVERYONE will admit to that, but it doesn’t mean he can’t lose. Roddick’s going to give it his all and it’s possible it’ll be enough. You never know.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Cindy_Brady says: “But if an upset is to happen than usually there is some kind of reason behind it, somewhere. Nadal losing to Soderling could have been because of Nadal’s knees and lack of movement.”
That’s the point!!! There could be upset & there might be a reason behind it: sickness, injury, birth. Who frigging knows? Before FO, people were saying Fed had no chance unless Rafa broke his leg. NEVER SAY NEVER.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:07 pm

Taken form a Fed presser:

Q. You played Haas on clay, and maybe clay is not your favorite surface.

A: I’m a clay court specialist, if you haven’t realized yet (smiling).

LOL :D

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:08 pm

God, I can’t get over the fact that people (myself included) considered Federer to be in a slump when he reached the SF in AO, Finals in RG and WImby, then won the US Open last year. Then reached the AO final again this year. That right there speaks to just how dominant he can be.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm

tenisbebe: Thank you, and I’m happy. whatever happens tomorrow, I’ll stil be happy because Andy made it to the finals at Wimby. However, I’m keeping my options open and wishing a-Rod pulls off the win.
_____________________
Cindy Brady: So now we’re back to denigating every player’ win in ’08 to Fed’s mono again? sheesh. That’s what I’d call low.
_____________________
Kimo: you’ll be repeating the stats in your sleep, be careful. You realy are fixated, aren’t you. Maybe Ty was right. LOL.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:12 pm

Ty: „Isn’t Federer such a great player when Nadal is sidelined?“

Good question, but I fear we’ll have to wait till 2010 for some answers…

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:14 pm

Kimo: „Imagine if Rod wins, and I don’t think he can, but hey, indulge me, I think the agony Fed will exhibit will be 100 times more than that he felt after his AO loss this year.“

I don’t think so. Even if he loses, Fed will certainly have another opportunity (or opportunities) to win that 15th slam. And let’s be honest, if there was any player other than Roger or Rafa who would deserve the Wimby title, it would be certainly Roddick…

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:15 pm

Is it just on my side or did the atpworldtour site crash?

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Kimo: „Fed would have won, and people would have finally stopped gloating about the Murray-Fed 6-2 H2H which means absolutely nothing since Murray’s wins were when either Federer was injured (the TMC match, which Murray barely won), or when Federer was not at his best because of the same bad back (the other three). All their matches were on Murray’s favorite surface, none on clay or grass where Fed is much better.“

Lastly I checked, Fed’s won 8 grandslams, 10 MS events, and another xy tourneys on hard. He’s CLEARLY the best hard-court player in the post-Sampras-Agassi-era (and certainly one of the greatest ever as well), so to claim Murray’s been lucky to face Fed exclusively on hard-courts sounds like a cheap excuse. I’m sorry to say this, but when reading your post, one has to wonder whether it’s indeed Murray who has such a lopsided lead in his career meetings vs Fed or whether it’s actually vice-versa :-) LOL Kimo! Get real! It’s 6-2. Six-two. Sechs-zwei. Sei-due.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Cindy_Brady says: “Jane keeps incorrectly harping the 18-2 h2h means nothing”

Oh really? Please, show me the money! Where have I “harped” this once on this thread? Once?

Here’s what I said to Kimo, in fact:

“Here’s what’ll probably happen – the odds favor Federer: he has an 18-2 H2H against Roddick. He’s won five Wimbledon titles, two of those over Roddick. So, therefore, logic would dictate that Federer will win again. And maybe he’ll just keep on winning everything forever and ever, Amen.

However, I will be cheering on Roddick regardless of all that logic and the odds, etc.”

————————–

Get your facts straight sister.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:17 pm

Von – you said the “final tomorrow” a couple of times. You mean Sunday yes? Or are you somewhere over the Int’l Date Line? :D

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:18 pm

Why are fellow Fed fans excusing his losses? Who cares how or why he lost? We don’t have to excuse his losses or his H2H. They are what they are. It doesn’t take away in the least from his accomplishments.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm

“Did you see Roddick’s little thing he did on the stairwell? Very nice. Guess he did the primal scream in a locked room upstairs.” Didn’t see it -What did he do???

Of course he couldn’t really celebrate due to the shock of the crowd, etc.He went up the stairs after he left the court with his bags and put his bags on a step and just sort of stood there doubled over on the steps. It’s hard to describe. Like a collapse, but then got up grabbed his bag and kept going up the steps. I think he saw the cameras were on him. Can someone describe it?

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm

Skorocel, Fed’s dominant days on a hard court are gone. Why? Because the biggest field of players are found on hard courts, and Murray is at the very top of that field right now. Fed isn’t.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:21 pm

But Cindy, Roddick also pushed Federer in Miami this year; was Fed also sick this year. And don’t forget Roddick pushed Fed to 3 sets on clay this year, at Madrid, Roddick’s worst surface, and Fed won in Madrid. Or maybe he was sick there too? In any case, both of those matches Fed won.

I am not saying Roddick is the favorite on Sunday; no one is. People are simply saying, he has a shot. People are simply saying they’ll root him on. What’s wrong with that?

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:21 pm

Scottish,
The correct stat is: 5 Halle titles (25 matches)+ 5 Wimbledon titles (35 matches)+ 1 SW19 final (6 matches; 1 loss)+ this year final (6 matches; 1 yet to be played)= 72-1 on grass.
Wimbledon alone—47-1, including today’s win.

(This is a correction to my post above).
Fed did not play Halle or any pre-Sw19 grass event in 2007 and 2009.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:23 pm

BTW Jane, regarding Djoks parents and the tennis academies. Judy Murray is going to open up one too. LOL

Judy Murray quitting LTA to found academy
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-sport/2009/06/27/i-will-find-new-andy-115875-21475254/

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:23 pm

I don’t understand why Roddick gets so much hate. I wish I could meet Roddick and ask him to be my friend. The guy seems so great on a personal level. And if half the world’s working population worked half as hard as Roddick does on the court, we’d have flying tricycles by now. If Roddick had gone through Bolleli and Chela in his last 2 rounds, I’d say his chances against Fed are nonexistant. But he beat Hewitt and Murray. Murray!!!! The guy everyone thought would cruise through Roddick and maybe even beat Fed in the final. I can’t believe how much shit he’s getting for everything he’s worked so hard to achieve.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Still nobody AND I MEAN NOBODY has delivered an Xs and Os reason on how Roddick can POTENTIALLY beat Federer on a grass court over 5 sets.

Only obscure fuzzy reasons. Fed might be sick. Fed might break his leg. Andy might want it more. Anything can happen. Roddick may have more will power.

sensationalsafin,

I have to laugh. Will power didn’t help Roddick out those other 18 times he lost. You think he didn’t want it bad the last two Wimbledon finals he lost to Fed?

If anybody has the willpower it’s Federer.

The fact is, it’s not even about will power. They both have that. It’s more about how the two games match up against each other. Roddick’s game is a bad match up against Fed’s. Very similar to how Fed’s game is a bad match up against Nadal’s.

Roddick plays into Federer’s strengths. Federer makes Roddick look slow. Puts him on a string and yo yo (s) him around the court. Eventually Roddick breaks. It happens time and again. How is anything going to be different on Sunday. Oh yes, that magical leprechaun again!

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:26 pm

“Q. Has this era of Roger and Nadal been a bit demoralizing for players at your level?

ANDY RODDICK: What’s a player at my level?”

Just brilliant!

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:27 pm

Roddick surely has a sharp brain.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Cindy- I am still waiting for you to show me my “harping” that the H2H means nothing – please. You accused me of it so back it up. It’s only fair.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:29 pm

LOL @ Cindy_Brady

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:32 pm

tennisbebe: Yeah, I guess I’ve crossed over the International dateline. i mean sunday. LOL.
_________________
sensationalsafin: Great post @6:25 pm. So much garbage is being dished out, and I don’t understand why, and for what? I’d like to know why some people just can’t be happy another player won without stooping so low as to denigrate their past wins, and/olr becoming fortune tellers in the prcess. In sports nothing’s a given and anything can happen. Ask Nadal.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:33 pm

Vared – thanks for the Roddick post-match. Maybe I can find it on-line.

Jane says: “And don’t forget Roddick pushed Fed to 3 sets on clay this year, at Madrid, Roddick’s worst surface, and Fed won in Madrid.” Roddick was apparently very upset with this Fed lose in particular because he thought he should have won it (not could have, should have). This says alot to me about his current mindset re: Fed.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:33 pm

Bye guys, I’m off this thread. Cindy Brady, you’ve got the platform and enjoy the ride with your negative jargon.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:35 pm

Cindy_Brady,
I’d like to see Fed win the final as much as you do, no less.
But can you describe, using your 45+ year old experience and reason, how the first point of the final will be won (by either player) and provide some reasons how will that happen? I will get back to you on Sunday to see if you are indeed right. Just 1 freaking point: Forget about the whole match.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:37 pm

Kimo: So then, where was the biggest field of players during Fed’s peak years?

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm

Tennis Freak: If i remember correctly reading your previous posts, you have been bashing every other player not federer/nadal and I am very surprised now you think this match up on sunday will be 50/50. What are your renewed reasons ?

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:45 pm

sensationalsafin Says: “…I’d say his chances against Fed are nonexistant. But he beat Hewitt and Murray. Murray!!!! The guy everyone thought would cruise through Roddick and maybe even beat Fed in the final. I can’t believe how much shit he’s getting for everything he’s worked so hard to achieve.”

Exactly! One of the things I most admire about him is that he doesn’t have anywhere near the natural talent that some others do (ex: Fed) so he muct work very hard to compensate – and he has put that work in, yr after yr, disappointment after frustration, & yet remained a constant presence in the top 10 for what, 8 yrs running?, when there have been and are much more talented players around. His focus, discipline, & dedication (or should I say devotion) to our sport is commendable and I for one will be rooting for him on Sunday, no matter what the odds for or against.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm

I said: “Tennis Fan – Talk about biased reporting on ESPN, you should have heard the trio during Serena’s semi..”

s/b “you should have heard the trio on NBC during Serena’s semi..”

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 pm

jane Says:

But Cindy, Roddick also pushed Federer in Miami this year; was Fed also sick this year. And don’t forget Roddick pushed Fed to 3 sets on clay this year, at Madrid, Roddick’s worst surface, and Fed won in Madrid. Or maybe he was sick there too? In any case, both of those matches Fed won.

OH Jane,

The Federer in Miami this year was the “Smashing racket” Federer. Hardly the “on point” Federer we are seeing at Wimbledon now.

And Jane, it can be argued that clay is Federer’s WORST surface and yet he still beat Roddick on it. So how does that translate to grass at Wimbledon anyways since the dynamics are so different and grass is arguably Fed’s best surface. Anyway you slice the pie, my 45 years of watching tennis tells me it will go something like this time and again:

A) Roddick serves at 130+MPH
B) Federer slices it back into play
C) Roddick stiffly sends it back to Fed.
D) Federer knives a back hand low to force Roddick in for a quick pass or screams a winning forehand down the line or cross court.

E) Roddick looks bewildered and frustrated.

F) Roger raises the trophy

/Wimbledon 2009

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:50 pm

If people say that Rod’s win over Fed in Miami 08 was due to his sickess, then they must also stop praising Rafa so much for his Wimby victory coz even there Fed should be accepted as sick and that has to be held as the exclusive/single biggest reason for his loss, no? And if your reply to my question is yes, then you’ve obviously failed to grasp anything from watching last year’s matches.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:54 pm

And don’t forget, wasn’t it the “Greatest” himself who said that the “better” player doesn’t always win in a 5-setter? Let’s just wait and see what happens. Sure the odds are stacked against Roddick, but the match still needs to be played, nonetheless.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm

You still haven’t shown me where I harped that the H2H doesn’t matter Cindy. Why not?

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:56 pm

Roddick has enough talent to be honest.

July 3rd, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Ok, you girls need to wind it down. Even the guys are not getting as testy.

I don’t think this discussion would have been any better had Murray won.

Let’s just be happy for Roddick that he got to his first slam final in three years. Let’s be happy for Roger who couldn’t have dreamed of a better opponent.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Cindy, for an experienced tennis fan you sound like you’ve never seen a player who’s not the favorite win. Further, it seems to me that since you know precisely how the match will play out, you might as well just tune in for the pageantry at the end.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:02 pm

Kimmi,
Ref: “What are your renewed reasons ?”
Ans: The match has not been played yet, not even the 1st point. So, it’s anyone’s match. After 6 games on Sunday, I’ll declare early projected winner, including total number of sets. Stay tuned.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:03 pm

Roddick doesn’t match up very well against Fed. Fed’s transition from defence to offence is second to none, that’s why if Fed is able to put Andy’s serve back into play, he can work his way back into the point. To me, Andy’s best shot is to put a little extra mustard on his forehand, and to employ a similar strategy as he did against Murray: when he hit a solid shot to the backhand, approach the net. If he can make Fed beat him with his backhand, then I believe that’s his best chance. Breaking it down, though, to its elements, Fed has too many advantages:
-Serve: Roddick.
-Return: Fed.
-Footspeed: Fed.
-Forehand: Fed.
-Backhand: Fed.
-Volley: Fed.
-Mental toughness: Fed.
-Touch: Fed.
-Overall fitness level: Even.
-Game strategy: Roddick (Fed doesn’t have a coach).

The main advantage that Roddick has is that he knows exactly how Fed will play, because Fed doesn’t really vary his game. That way, Roddick has the opportunity to put a game-plan together that will maximize his chances, which are slim to none.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:03 pm

It just kinda hit me, but I’m so happy for Roddick right now. After all the ups and downs he’s gone through, all the upsets and early losses at the slams, he’s finally back in the final. If he loses, it’ll be a shame. If he wins, it’ll be great. Either way, he’s not going to change. He’s still going to work just as hard and he’s going to carry his sense of humor to every tournament. I’ve been very critical of Roddick for a long time, and probably will continue to be, but I have so much respect for the guy. I wish I had an ounce of his work ethic and desire. It’s just awesome.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:07 pm

sensationalsafin said:

“I’ve been very critical of Roddick for a long time, and probably will continue to be, but I have so much respect for the guy. I wish I had an ounce of his work ethic and desire. It’s just awesome.”

That’s how I see him too.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm

This is just a ridiculous statement. “and yet he still beat Roddick on it” – LOL!! Roddick has never been past the R16 in the FO, he’s never won a Europoean clay court title (someone correct me if I am mistaken). And while he’s not horrible on clay, it’s *obviously* his weakest surface. Meanwhile Fed has won MS titles on clay, been in 4 FO finals, winning 1, and has been in several finals losing only to Nadal. So to say “and yet he still beat Roddick on it” is really grasping at straws. More like, if he hadn’t’ve beaten Roddick on it, then it’d’ve been a rather huge upset.

Grass is different; Roddick has won Queens 4 times and this is his third Wimbledon final.

Once again, no one would say Roddick is the favorite but there’s no reason not to give him a puncher’s shot. People were giving that to Karlovic for crying out loud. Roddick deserves at least that.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm

Jane, all thread arguing? This was exactly why I left last time. Don’t get caught in that net. You’re too smart and distinguished to come down to that level. Simply skip it today.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm

“People were giving that to Karlovic for crying out loud. Roddick deserves at least that.”

Very true

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:13 pm

LMAO Jane. Karlovic. What a chump. Roddick’s going to do a helluva lot better than Karlovic did. People are just dumb.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:13 pm

jane said:

“People were giving that to Karlovic for crying out loud.”

Well, Andy is clearly human, but Ivo? That’s debatable. LOL.

Where did the pleasant jane go?

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:14 pm

Thanks Kimmi and sensationalsafin – that’s all I want. People need to give Roddick some credit and put him in there with a shot. That’s all. He deserves some kudos and some respect!!!!

Duro – OMG, you’re right. Why am I wasting my time. A la skeezerweezer – “I’m out.”

See y’all at the final.

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm

Kimo “Where did the pleasant jane go?” LOL – she’s going outside. Bye!

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm

Cindy_Brady,
Where were you when Murray was still alive in the tournament? You did not to come out and speak for Fed then because he does not have a good H2H against the Scott and you have memorized only that H2H stat in your 45 years experience?

Nothing personal, this is my stand against the H2H being the FINAL determining factor, as I was when Murray was still in the tournament. I stood against the H2H when Fed and Murray played the USO final last year. I stood against the H2H when Rafa played against Fed in 2006, when Rafa had 6-1 against Fed at that time. It IS NOT an absolute factor; it COULD be a factor, and it does not determine the outcome in absolute terms.

So, tone down.

If Fed wins, it won’t be only because he has better H2H against Roddick. I am sure he will play better against the much improved Roddick and claim the title by outplaying the worthiest opponent of the tournament, not for any other reasons. So, the H2H placard will only undermine the final, the opponent’s worthiness, and Fed’s win (if he wins).

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Tennis Freak Says: “…by outplaying the worthiest opponent of the tournament…”

Hear, hear!

July 3rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm

Came in for a drink – it’s hot out. Here’s a bit from Murray’s presser that pertains to today. (And read Roddick’s – as usual it’s witty as hell, and I agree with Brooklyn about him and his shorts).

————————————————
“Q. Could you talk about Andy’s return? And secondly give us an assessment about the final. Does he have a good chance against Roger?

ANDY MURRAY: His return of serve?

Q. Yes.

ANDY MURRAY: I mean, I think a lot of people think that necessarily he doesn’t return that well. But he has a decent return. It’s not the best and it’s definitely not the worst. But, you know, he makes quite a lot. He doesn’t miss that many returns on second serves.

Because he serves so well, it makes it even more important for you to serve well. If you don’t do that, then he’s going to create chances. Because he came to the net a lot today.

I think if he serves like that he’s got a chance against anyone, ’cause it comes down to, like I say, a few points in each set. So regardless of whether it’s Roger or, you know, me or anybody else, if he serves high 70s with the pace he’s got on his serve, he’s got a good chance.

Q. Despite his record against Roger?

ANDY MURRAY: I had a pretty good record against him as well going into today. Like I say, if someone serves 130 miles an hour consistently throughout the match, and above, you know, in the high like 75s to 80%, it’s very tough to break them, especially on a court like this that’s quick.”

————————————————-

Also one more stat, from the Wimby site, then I am really “out.”

“It was Roddick’s uncanny success in tiebreaks which put the final seal on his upset win. This year he has played 30 of them and, with the two he won here, his count is 26-4.”

July 3rd, 2009 at 8:02 pm

Tennis Freak,

What are you talking about?

I was the first one to say Andy Murray had a good shot against Federer. His game matches up well against Fed.

Please get your facts straight!

July 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm

Cindy_Brady,
Yes, you said, “Murray had a good shot against Federer.” But you were not speaking in favor of Fed, but you were speaking in favor your H2H and 45-experience, which overlap now.
You are my rival here, a Murray fan or H2H fan or whatever, but you are no Fed fan, so don’t act like one.
Fed does not need your H2H logic to win Slam finals. He did not have those lopsided H2H stats in 2003, 2004, or even 2005, but he still won in those years without 16-2 H2H stat. H2H is not a shot, nor a serve, nor a footwork, definitely not a weapon that you win a point with when you go out there to play tennis in the court. No need to exaggerate what H2H does: Nada.

July 3rd, 2009 at 8:20 pm

T-bebe,
Are you laughing at me or at Roddick? I am confused.

July 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 pm

Tennis Freak,

Why do you keep harping on the h2h? It’s one small psychological advantage IF a player has it. No one claimed it was a major advantage. It can play a role. Doesn’t mean it will. Good grief!

The biggest factors, like I said are match ups and “at the moment” playing form.

Both of those factors go in favor of Federer even with the supposed new and improved Roddick. And I still don’t buy that he is a better player now than he was between 2003-2005. I think he’s pretty much the same with some slight adjustments to his game. A little less velocity on the serve but a little more consistency everywhere else. Still not enough to trouble Federer over 5 sets.

Murray came into Wimbledon in good form and his game matched up well against Federer’s. The h2h in Murray’s favor only added to the psychological drama if the two played in the final. It could have given Murray confidence at crucial times in the match when doubt creeped in. It is by no means a guaranteed anything.

This is all a shame because a Murray/Federer final could have been epic like last years Nadal/federer final. Instead we are just going to get another 2004-2005 rehash of Fed over Roddick in probably 4 uninspiring sets. Yes, I’ll give Roddick a set before Fed puts the clamps down!

July 3rd, 2009 at 8:48 pm

P.S. to my post before the last. This excerpt from Fed’s interview expresses the same:
“I don’t know how much…a record…would come into play. I’m not sure. It starts from zero . It’s the same thing with Murray’s record, which he has a good one against me, but then he’s never been in a Wimbledon final before. It’s my seventh straight. At the end of the day, you have to let the racquet do the talking…I hope I can play another good match.”

July 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm

I hate (most) fed fans. I can’t wait until Nadal comes back healthy and attacks Federer’s backhand until he cries again just so these bandwagoners would go back to wherever they came from.

July 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm

Blah,

I hate the name blah.

Blah!
Blah!!
Blah!!!

July 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm

first post from you- “congratulationis roddick, you’ve just guaranteed federer’s 15th slam win.” Since then everyone of your post in your thread has been something like- lolz Roddick you beat Murray so what fedz is just going to crush you hahaha.

I don’t hate your name, you probably have posted under many other names anyway; it’s just you I hate. =|

July 3rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm

blah,

I’ve only posted under the Cindy Brady name. I don’t troll and I don’t have a need to create other names to get my messages across.

BTW…How long did it take for you think up such an imaginative name like “blah”?

July 3rd, 2009 at 9:44 pm

Tennis Freak Says: “T-bebe, Are you laughing at me or at Roddick? I am confused.” I am confused too. Which of my posts are you referring to? The one about your 2:59pm post?

July 3rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm

Von, congratulations! Don’t worry too much of what some of these people were saying. Murray has all the weapons to beat Roddick too but at the end he still lost to Roddick no matter what people had said before the match. They are not like Decepticon vs Autobot where we can always know the end result. They’re human beings. So, don’t worry be happy :)

b.t.w. good luck for both!

July 3rd, 2009 at 10:03 pm

T-bebe,
Your post is right here in this thread, about 12 posts up.

July 3rd, 2009 at 10:10 pm

TF – I replied to you on the other thread. Our posts were crossing in cyberspace.

July 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm

Von this is the same stuff Djok got when he won the AO. LOL
Fed was sick, Tsonga was no good, etc.
Just enjoy the win.

July 3rd, 2009 at 11:23 pm

tennisbebe, here it is at about 1:15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQS-U0kD4N4

July 3rd, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Thanks Vared. I see what you mean, hard to describe. Seems he was finally able to take a moment and let it sink in.
“Von this is the same stuff Djok got when he won the AO. LOL Fed was sick, Tsonga was no good, etc.” Ha, I was thinking of the same thing.

July 3rd, 2009 at 11:46 pm

Von/Jane: your about to miss your reserved seats on the love train. We have posters of your boys on the wall, cold beverages, and we’ll be traveling at speeds that blow us thru the weeds and cow pies that you two have been stepping in today.

Vared: good scoop on dinara. I think she is quite the physical specimen already so perhaps the former djoko coach is a zen master and is retained more for these skills than just training. Gil reyes, Andre’s trainer was most responsible for resurecting andre’s career that culminated in a FO title, no matter how loud gilbert toots his horn. Anyway, like her brother, they are some rather obvious “wiring” issues. Speaking of retro tennis and the ascension the old hats, how about the ladies? Its almost, not quite, but almost 2002 again with the sistas blowing thru their draws; especially on grass and the hard courts. You think men’s tennis boring?
Without a fit maria and the retirement of ju ju, there’s not a lot of obstacles to the nadal and federer sisters.

Can I get my palm read here while I’m at it too? Better yet, can one of you experts here provide me with an advanced copy of Tuesday’s financial times? How about an invite to the nadal’s house for dinner? I want to be there when rafa is told when he is returning to work before he himself has figured that out.

OK – any American who is not savoring arod’s win today should not be partaking in July 4th festivities. How can you critisize this guy? He works his tail off to eliminate the biggest horse’s ass and most over rated person on the tour. Murray’s the best hard court player on tour?? Give me a break. His on court antics won’t play well in queens either. We have a term for the murrays of the world in NYC: jerkoff. Fed would have beat murray (don’t call me tim henman) in straight sets, so I for one wasn’t rooting for arod solely on h2h. Murray hasn’t accomplished anything of lasting importance, especially over fed.

How about those down and out newly weds who the experts had quickly swept under the carpet earlier this season? I’d say marriage is agreeing with them (hell, who wouldn’t get along with brooklyn “double decker” or Mirka for that matter)?

I’m super happy for arod. I’m a fed homer, but if anyone is going to beat, I would be glad that’s arod.

July 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm

vared: “Von this is the same stuff Djok got when he won the AO. LOL”

I’m acutely aware of the viciousness of some Fed fans, and their wishy-washy, flip-flop fanhood. Some of them went off after he was losing. During Dubai when Roddick took a stance, and federer didn’t, many said they think Roddick was a better human being than Federer. And, surprise, surprise, when Fed won Madrid, I saw those same posters backing him. Then after the FO, well even Cindy Brady jumped ship from Nadal to Federer. sheesh.

July 3rd, 2009 at 11:49 pm

Joe: Thank you for your kind words toward Roddick. Love your wit.

July 3rd, 2009 at 11:55 pm

Ezorra: Thank you. I’m so sorry about Rafa and miss him so very much at Wimby. I’m sure some of the Fed idolizers would have been shaking in their shoes had Nadal remained in the tournament — it seems like they’ve found their mouths and their way back to the Fed kingdom. I hope they enjoy the ride because nothing lasts forever. sheesh.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:00 am

Joe – save my seat, please. Cool beverages and no cow patties is my kind of ride!

July 4th, 2009 at 12:10 am

Tennis Freak: “This is a weak and brief article, inadequate to recognize fully how well Roddick played, how much growth under Stefanki he displayed, and how big this victory for his career and American tennis means. Plus, this piece, in the manner of Hewitt, writes off A-Rod completely.”

Totally lacking in analytical depth and is an insult to the bloggers who post here. Surely, a better written article with some respect for its readers is not too much to ask. I wonder if the writer is British and is suffering from the pangs of disappointment.

A happy fourth of July to you! And, to all Americans enjoy your day, you’ve earned it!!!!!! Now maybe the Bryans and the Williams sisters can make this is truly remarkable Fourth of July.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:12 am

Headlines for tomorrow’s papers:

Roddick clears Mount Murray ;renames it henman hill

Roddick summits mount murray;becomes king of the hill

Federer closes the border, restricts centre court visits to every thrid sunday starting in late june

After another loss to federer, Haas requests asylum in scotland’s newest tennis academy. Flees back to bradenton two days later under tommy bahama seudo.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:14 am

Joe: You are way too funny! Seems like your bedrest has enhaced your homourous side. Thanks for the laughs, it’s needed. LOL.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:21 am

jane: “Roddick has never been past the R16 in the FO, he’s never won a Europoean clay court title (someone correct me if I am mistaken).”

Andy won Poelten in ’03 (?). I suppose by now I don’t give a hoot for stats, but I think ’03 is correct.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:27 am

Btw we should also give roddick credit for surviving the UK health care system. I heard he had to wait 10 days after the queens final to get his sprained ankle examined. Just kidding. Happy fourth of july, or as the british say “good riddance day” to all. I will be spending it watching the fireworks in DC on PBS.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:28 am

Just to clarify my earlier point on the william’s sister’s remergence, I surely did not mean to minimize elena’s effort in the semi final vs serena yesterday. That good have easily gone either way. Elena has quitely been playing the best tennis of her career this year and the best out of the brat pack russian ladies, excluding perhaps svetlana.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:39 am

Joe: enjoy your fourth of july too. I enjoy watching the PBS Fourth of July specials. I get so emotional that I cry, yeah, I do cry.

July 4th, 2009 at 12:41 am

Oh my god I am positively thrilled for Andy Roddick! Nobody not even me or any of his fans gave him much of a chance of beating Murry but he did it and I am so proud of him!- Wow wow WOW!!!

Congratulations to all of Roddick’s dear loyal fans here. We have waited a long time for a great moment like this haven’t we? Let us pray for good things to come his way this Sunday nobody has earned it or deserves it more.

July 4th, 2009 at 1:55 am

jane: what on earth’s a “cow pattie?” It sounds like something you step on!

July 4th, 2009 at 2:06 am

Thanks for correcting me Von; my point in that post still stands,which is that Roddick deserves some kudos for his recent matches against Fed and his huge win today.

Happy 4th of July tomorrow to you USA folks!

(margot: answered you on the other thread, but basically you’re right.)

July 4th, 2009 at 2:26 am

Nothing personal, this is my stand against the H2H being the FINAL determining factor, as I was when Murray was still in the tournament. I stood against the H2H when Fed and Murray played the USO final last year. I stood against the H2H when Rafa played against Fed in 2006, when Rafa had 6-1 against Fed at that time. It IS NOT an absolute factor; it COULD be a factor, and it does not determine the outcome in absolute terms.

So, tone down.

“If Fed wins, it won’t be only because he has better H2H against Roddick. I am sure he will play better against the much improved Roddick and claim the title by outplaying the worthiest opponent of the tournament, not for any other reasons. So, the H2H placard will only undermine the final, the opponent’s worthiness, and Fed’s win (if he wins).”

Beautifully put by Tennis Freak!

July 4th, 2009 at 3:27 am

jane and Von,

You simply don’t understand what being a fan of one person or one team means, but you have to understand that most people aren’t like you. They do have favorites and they do defend them when they lose.

Part of the reason Fed’s fan weren’t as vocal as they are right now is that we didn’t want to be on the defensive most of time. It’s exhausting. Moreover, We always thoourgh Fed’s losses wherever they were this year, were basically due to him playing badly than his opponents playing great. The racquet smashing incident was a great example such a match. Fed won the first set then for no apparent reason started spraying errors off his forehand all over. It wasn’t due to Djokovic raising his level. Fed’s dipped, a lot. His matches against Murray were like that too.

For the record, I do think that Cindy_Brady is not a real Fed fan. She says things sometimes that no real Fed fan would ever say.

And Von, please don’t say that we exhibit “wishy-washy, flip-flop fanhood.” Just because we stopped posting as much when Fed was losiing is natural thing. In the meantime, we never stopped loving him and supporting him and cheering for him.

Von and Jane: How much you post is not a measure of your fanhood. I admire how much you defend Andy when he loses. Honestly, I don’t know how you do it, how you have the energy and the dedication to do it. I couldn’t. When Fed loses I don’t feel like posting anything, coz I’m gonna be an easy target. That’s just how it goes.

Like I mentioned before, zola who is the ultimate Rafa fan has be awefully silent lately. Do I think his support of Rafa is wishy-washy? Not at all. I know that right now he’s praying for Rafa to come back better than he ever was. He’s a dedicated fan. I will not question his fanhood just because he’s not posting as much.

July 4th, 2009 at 3:30 am

And for the reoord, at the start of the tournament I said that the only one in Murray’s half who had the game to trouble Murray is Roddick, if in fact he was able to exacute such a game come the semi. He was.

July 4th, 2009 at 3:35 am

Btw, I don’t think Sampras will go to the final. It won’t be prudent of him to be there when Federer is playing an American.

July 4th, 2009 at 3:38 am

I am NOT a Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, or Roddick fan!

I am a tennis fan. I call situations the way I see them without rose colored glasses like some posters in here.

I’ve seen players come and go. This crop of players will be replaced by a new breed 10 years down the road. No need to get your panties in a twist over any single player.

When Laver played, He was the GOAT
When Borg and McEnroe played, they were the GOAT
When Sampras played he was the GOAT

Now Federer and Nadal are the new flavor of the month GOATs.

I’ll just enjoy the matches objectively without prejudice. Except when Safina is playing. Good Grief!

July 4th, 2009 at 5:42 am

Kimo: „His matches against Murray were like that too.“

Yeah, Murray playing an „out-of-shape Fed“ no less than 6 times certainly must be only a coincidence, isn’t it?

July 4th, 2009 at 7:31 am

Skorocel, his last four matches was definitely against an out-of-shape Fed.

July 4th, 2009 at 8:58 am

Kimo,
“Wishy-washy” is not the right characterization of those fans who hide in their holes if their favs lose a match or are in slump, and there may not be even a different level of determination when you prefer to keep quite in pain. Sure, there are a number of ways of expressing support for your favorites.
But those are brave hearts who do not leave the battle field and fight even when their players have lost and have been in the losing side.
———————–
Ref: “When Fed loses I don’t feel like posting anything, coz I’m gonna be an easy target.”
They don’t target you, except a few fools, they target Fed.
Actually, the club does not need you when he is winning because we don’t have to defend anything, and there are many around here. We need you more when he loses. We need more permanent recruits for those hard times. Are you in or out?

July 4th, 2009 at 10:45 am

As a huge Federer fan I do expect him to win tomorrow.

That being said, I wish to deliver props to Andy Roddick, who I believe is the best player on grass never to have won Wimbledon.

His dedication and return to his ‘A’ game has been something to watch, and he fully deserved to win in something of a pressure-cooker situation. Despite having more unforced errors and fewer winners than Murray, he found a way, mostly with that incredible serve.

So congratulations, Andy – best of luck for giving it your all tomorrow. As everyone knows, Federer straight setted Karlovic and so he will fare better against your serve than did Murray, but if you can pull it off and find a way to win 3 sets off of Federer then you will be a more than worthy champion and I will further applaud you.

Ironically, for 4 years prior to this year’s French Open, Nadal was the reason Federer – the second best player on clay – could not win that tournament. Now Roddick – the second-best player on grass – gets to try once again against his own nemesis – Federer.

A comment I wish to make regarding posts in here. There are people who call themselves decades-long fans of tennis that claim if Roddick wins tomorrow it will rank up there with Soderling taking out Rafa at the French Open this year.

Really? What about…

In the 1989 French Open, Michael Chang – still the youngest to ever win that tournament – defeated much heavier favourites Lendl and Edberg, the latter in that remarkable 5-set final.

At Wimbledon in 2002 George Bastl shocked Pete Sampras. Another Swiss, Bastl was a lucky loser after failing to qualify for SW19, and was ranked 145 in the world when he took on Sampras, who had won 7 times and no one gave Bastl an iota of a chance.

At the 1976 Australian Open Mark Edmondson won the tournament, defeating defending champion John Newcombe in the final. The lowest ranked Grand Slam winner ever, he was the number 212th top player in the world.

Yes, Roddick beating Fed will be an upset, but nowhere as remarkable as these, which all – IMO – challenger Soderling d Nadal.

I also think Ashe beating Connors at the US Open ranks up there as well.

###

Let’s hope for a killer match.

###

July 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am

“Let’s hope for a killer match.” Yeah, that would be the best case scenario, Gordo. I think we all want to see a competitive final.

Re: the upsets – I think I posed that question to Cindy_Brady and others, because people were already assuming Fed will win based on past results. But given Roddick’s excellent grass pedigree, of course, it makes sense that it would be up there with some of those you mentioned. The question was intended to spark further thought, that’s all.

July 4th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

type – s/b “wouldn’t” be up there in 1:37 post

July 4th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Kimo,

Von and I do have favorites, and we defend them and cheer them on rather vigorously. However, we’ve both watched tennis for a long time; speaking for myself, for about 30 yrs (since the late 70s). Thus, we know that favorites come and go, but tennis stays. So speaking personally again, I am a tennis fan foremost and secondly am drawn to various players through various eras for whom I root- often there are 4-6 guys, or more even, whom I’d be happy to see win an event.

When one loses, then I don’t stop watching tennis or disappear into the woodwork because I like the sport itself so much. For example, there have been many thrilling matches throughout the tournament: Haas/Cilic, Querrey/Cilic, Murray/Wawrinka, Roddick/Hewitt (as you can see, I have a penchant for 5 setters). But if I was concerned about only one player I may’ve missed them, if that player wasn’t playing. Zola, for instance (who is female b.t.w.), will have missed these matches if indeed she’s not watching because Rafa’s sidelined. And to me anyhow, that’s too bad. I hope she is still watching and enjoying the tennis.

July 4th, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Cindy_Brady Says:

Still haven’t answered the Xs and Os of how Roddick is going to beat Federer? In fact, no one has! Does Roddick moves better than Fed? Does Roddick have a better forehand? Does Roddick have a better back hand? Does Roddick have a better volley? Does Roddick have more variety of shot. Does Roddick have more experience? Does Roddick have a better return. Is Roddick more athletic? Is Roddick more creative? Does Roddick pass better?

———-

Murray is apparently better than Roddick in all of these things and yet he lost.

July 4th, 2009 at 2:21 pm

For all the Murray proponents:

As I had repeatedly said earlier, Murray is NOT a top grass court player. He tripped playing Roddick, his first match against a true grass courter. For all the hype about Murray – he needs to do more work. He is not good on clay, not that good on grass, he can’t be No 1 just playing a few good tournaments on hard courts. And he really has to up his play in grand slam tournaments.

Same for Djokovic.

Its still Federer and Nadal who dominate the slams. Nobody else can really match them in best of 5 play in grand slams.

Too much hype about Djokovic and Murray….

July 4th, 2009 at 3:28 pm

Fedfan, Murray played a fine match against Roddick, but yeah, he was too passive at times, even though he hit more winners in the match, and his first serve percentage was crap. Couple that with Roddick playing excellently and you have a loss. BUT, there were two tiebreaks and only one break of serve in the other two sets.

So to say “he’s not that good on grass” is silly. He is very good on grass as Wimbledon quarters then semis, and a Queen’s title attest. Roddick is just better at this point, and definitely the more experienced grass-courter.

Djokovic, meanwhile, has won a slam, and was the youngest player in the open era to reach a grand slam semi or better at all the slams.

Murray and Djokovic are not over-hyped; they are still developing and learning. Just give them more time.

And anyhow, at what age did Fed win his first slam? 23 was it? Well, Djoko and Murray just turned 22 in May this year. Rafa, as far as age goes, is the exception to the rule, but the result might be a shorter career. Or it might not – maybe he’ll be like a Becker.

July 4th, 2009 at 5:07 pm

Fedfan: „As I had repeatedly said earlier, Murray is NOT a top grass court player. He tripped playing Roddick, his first match against a true grass courter.“

Wasn’t it the same Murray who straight-setted Roddick in Wimby 2006? ;-)

July 4th, 2009 at 6:34 pm

Kimo: “Skorocel, his last four matches was definitely against an out-of-shape Fed.”

Then what the hell? I don’t care if Fed was “out of shape” or not in these matches! Such polemizing a la “had Fed been in top-form, he would’ve crushed him” is simply IRRELEVANT! Tennis (and any other sport) is not about bringing your best form. WHAT YOU’LL EVENTUALLY BRING – that’s what tennis is about! The fact is, Murray’s beaten him in 6 matches. That’s not a fluke! AND, (if we don’t count that Shanghai RR match) it wasn’t exactly as if Fed’s been playing, so to speak, with an axe in his back in these matches. He was physically just about fine, yet Murray beat him… Whether or not Fed was in his best ever form or not in these matches is just pointless!

Heck, we could then easily say that xy of Fed’s opponents didn’t play their best against the Swiss as well… But that’s not what tennis is about! Tennis (and any other sport) is about matchups. HOW MUCH will your opponent allow you (and vice-versa) – that’s what it is about! I can guarantee you that I’m a HUGE Fed fan (as others here will attest), but I’m not blind to see that Murray’s game certainly didn’t allow Fed that much in their matches thus far… In other words, the Scot knows a thing or two about beating the Swiss! What happens next, we can only guess…

July 4th, 2009 at 7:01 pm

Kimo Says: “Skorocel, his (Murray’s) last four matches was definitely against an out-of-shape Fed.” This is an idiotic statement made by someone who is excusing the losses of their favorite player with unsubstantiated claims & meaningless statements.

July 4th, 2009 at 7:52 pm

Make it 19-2 please and let’s get to the presentation ceremony. 18-2 is the worst record any former no.1 has had – ever. Roddick is just federer’s bitch – plain and simple. To ignore that is plain stupidity. Roddick might have better chances if he can ignore that number like some of his mentally-challenged fans. Unfortunately for Andy, he is a little smarter than that.

Well played Andy, but Federer is just betterer! The only player who is in Roger’s league is Nadal. Rest all are beneficiaries of the misery Nadal inflicted on Federer. Djokovic and Murray wouldnt make a dent on Fed’s game if Nadal wasn’t dealing those big psychological blows on Federer.

July 4th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

Skorrocel: “Tennis (and any other sport) is not about bringing your best form. WHAT YOU’LL EVENTUALLY BRING – that’s what tennis is about!”

It’s all about the given day. As I always say, if a player is not fit, then stay home. If he shows up, he’s fit to play, and then if he’s beaten, the other man was the better player. Our excuses for our favourites mean zilch in the record books, which does not asterisk the match and state: “Player X, was sick today, that’s why Player Z won.”

July 4th, 2009 at 9:59 pm

Whether Roddick wins or loses, I know he’ll go out there and give 100 percent, and that’s all I ask of any player. Since when does one man become the other’s bitch? This is where Federer’s winning brings out the nastiness in SOME of his fans. When he was losing all the fat mouths were quiet. It’ll happen again…. remember ….. AO ’08 – May ’09, and hope and pray it doesn’t happen again …. but it will…..

July 4th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

Von – “It’s all about the given day” Have you seen the movie “Miracle” about the 1980 US Hockey team? There is a speech coach Herb gives to the players in the locker room before the SF match vs Russia, their nemesis that basically says just that:

“Great moments… are born from great opportunity. And that’s what you have here, tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game. If we played ’em ten times, they might win nine. But not THIS game. Not TONIGHT. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight, WE are the greatest hockey team in the world. You were born to be hockey players. Every one of you. And you were meant to be here tonight. This is your time. Their time is done. It’s over. I’m sick and tired of hearing about what a great hockey team the Soviets have. Screw ’em. This is your time. Now go out there and take it.”

July 5th, 2009 at 12:41 am

If Roddick can get it together, it will change his career. He badly needs this win which would be a big boost for American tennis as well.

July 5th, 2009 at 1:39 am

Murray and djokovic are both past 22. As to when federer won his first slam? He was a few months shy of 22. Most other multiple slam winners starter earlier, much earlier, Federer was one of those who started winning slams quite late in life, relatively speaking.

So saying that we should give Murray and Djokovic more time – time is now running out for them. After 25, they are past their prime anyway. So how much time do they have? A couple of years. And Federer and Nadal are not going away in those couple of years.

I would be surprised if Djokovic wins another slam. He might go the Roddick way. I would also be surprised if Murray wins more than a couple of slams in his career.

Lets see what happens at the US Open.

Both Nadal and Murray have more points to defend than federer in the next few months (including the US Open points). So Federer has a damn good chance at finishing No 1 again this year. I hope he does.

As for Nadal not being there at Wimbledon – as someone said earlier – if you have injuries and don’t show up – that’s part of the game. Staying fit is part of the game. Its not like Nadal had some freak injury like Haas a few years ago (tripping on a ball to roll the ankle). Nadal has just worn out his knees due to the inefficient game that he plays. He doesn’t have a good enough game to last at the top for very long. That’s the truth.

And for all the people who had written off Federer first after Wimbledon last year, and next after AO this year – he currently holds 3 of the 4 slams. So eat it. 16 of 17 slam finals, 21 straight semis, 3 slams in less than 12 months. Yeah right, Federer has really gone down…

His win yesterday should really shut his critics up.

July 6th, 2009 at 11:54 am

BTW, djokovic is 10-3 and Murray is 12-3 in grand slam play this year. Not exactly a resounding performance, considering they have been around for some time now, and ranked in the top 4.

They better dial it up a couple of notches before they starting winding down the age hill in a couple of years.

July 6th, 2009 at 2:37 pm