Federer v del Potro in US Open Final; Fed on Serena

…. wah .. I deserve to be #1 woman’s player …. wah ….

September 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pm

Hey Roger, were you fined when you smashed that racquet on the ground in Cincinatti this year? Don’t try to act like you are an angel now. It’s on youtube.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Nadal had no answer to Del Potro’s power strokes, but Federer does. I still expect the match to be competitive, but it is Federer’s to lose.

I have to say though, that was a demolition today, and I can’t see Nadal ever beating DP again on a court like this. He had Nadal trying everything, and redlining his game from the very beginning and still coming up short. Very short. He doesn’t have the tools to beat Del Potro anymore, unless DP makes lots of errors and then falls apart mentally.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:56 pm

KCH Says:

“Hey Roger, were you fined when you smashed that racquet on the ground in Cincinatti this year? Don’t try to act like you are an angel now. It’s on youtube.”

He didn’t draw controversy. Since he became #1, he’s never been given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. He conducts himself like a champion on the court. He doesn’t abuse people. So he broke one racket in how many years?

I don’t know if he got fined or not, but if he avoided it, it’s because he didn’t draw attention to himself controversially such as by berating an official. Had Serena not done that, they likely would have let her off for the racket. It was because she crossed the line that an investigation was put on her.

If you’re trying to compare his racket break with Serena’s episode, it doesn’t even come close.

September 13th, 2009 at 10:59 pm

Come to think of it, I’ve seen many of Fed’s matches and I don’t recall the last time he was ever given a CV warning. Djok and Nadal get it for time violations, nothing else. They don’t break rackets either, or abuse linespeople.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

I really don’t care what Federer has to say on much of anything. I really hope Del Po brings his A+++++ game tomorrow. I think he deserves a slam.

I love Rafa. Always the gentlemen….

September 13th, 2009 at 11:13 pm

The line Serena crossed, imo, was in her “threatening” of the lines-woman. Plenty of players lose their tempers, smash a racquet now and again, yell at an ump, at themselves, and/or at their box, while sometimes cursing in the process. For that, they might lose a point, get a warning, or get a code violation, depending, I guess on the severity and even the ump.

However, the way Serena went over to that lineswoman and pointed her racquet towards her while simultaneously verbally threatening her, that was too much and deserving of the fine and disqualification from the match.

It would’ve been nice if Serena had offered an apology to the lines-woman, who, whether one thinks good or bad, was only doing her job. In her press conference Serena seemed evasive. The apology is a good move, but might’ve been slightly more effusive in its expression of regret.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

It was clear that Rafa was hurting, he didn’t even try for any flat serves just spinning them in. When healthy he’s able to get service winners or aces but with his injury he was just looking to start the points with his serve.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:32 pm

I wish Rafa could have made the match more competitive, but I think his abdominal injury took its toll. I know Rafa’s serve and it was obvious that he couldn’t serve well. Now that it has been confirmed that Rafa’s injury is an abdominal tear, I am not sure that he should have played at all. But there was no way Rafa would ever do that. I would like to think that the match would have been more competitive. I am still happy with him regaining the #2 ranking and getting to the semis again this year. Rafa will be back, that’s for sure.

I give full credit to Del Potro for playing brilliant tennis. He was all over Rafa and seemed to anticipate everything he was going to do. He never let up and dictated play all through the match. He certainly proved that he is ready to be in the final of a grand slam match and perhaps win. Good luck to him!

I see that some are already deciding that Rafa has no hope against Del Potro. They seem to forget that Rafa had a terrible loss to Tsonga at the 2008 AO, but he has played him since then and won. Rafa has a way of figuring out other players and making adjustments. Rafa never, ever makes excuses for his losses and I was so proud of him for giving credit to Del Potro. Only after that did he disclose the seriousness of his injury. But I already knew that it was bad. I have watched Rafa too long not to know when something is terribly wrong. But I admire him so much for being able to state that on this day, Del Potro played better and beat him, fair and square.

Maybe Serena could take some lessons from Rafa. Maybe Rafa should have thrown his racket or cursed out a linesman as he was getting trounced. Not only did he keep his composure, but he actually gave an on court interview. Then he went over to the fans and autographed their tennis balls. Now that is a champion. A class act all the way! Rafa hates to lose, but at least he can take it like a man and manage to keep his poise and dignity.

Anyone can be gracious when winning, but you really see the full measure of a person when they have to deal with losing. Not for one minute will Rafa think he can’t beat Del Potro ever again. On this day Del Potro played his best tennis to win. But Rafa has beaten him before this year and he will beat him again. Of that I have absolutely no doubt.

I am grateful to Rafa for reminding me why I am such a devoted fan of his and for reminding all of us how to handle adversity like a true sportsman.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm

Hey KCH – Big difference between breaking a racket and threatening people with bodily harm while waving a tennis racket at them.

Serena wins this one, no contest!

September 13th, 2009 at 11:40 pm

I think Del Potro has a real chance tomm.

He pushed Fed to 5 sets on slow red clay at the FO. For a time he was over powering Federer until he got tired.

On the fast hard court his game is even more effective. The points are quicker and he won’t tire so easily. Del Potro is a fast learner. Federer may have beaten him at the AO easily this year but make no mistake, he will be ready for Federer in the finals.

I think people are in for a big surprise. I’m picking Del Potro and that means he will win.

September 13th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

i’m looking forward to this final. if delpo wins good for him; and if fed wins good for him. it’s been a great US Open.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:14 am

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: I hope to stay calm tomorrow and enjoy the moment, but it could be difficult for me, because I’ve never played a Grand Slam final.

But I have the game to win tomorrow. I just want to be focused with my tennis and try to beat Roger.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:22 am

Whenever Fed gets a first time finalist (and he has had quite a number of them), he always benefits from their inexperience.

Baghdatis
Gonzalez
Djokovic
Murray
Soderling

Out of these 5 guys, only Baghdatis was able to win a set against Roger. The rest got creamed in straights. Del Potro might just get overwhelmed by the occasion and join the list. Federer knows how to dismantle explosive players like DP and Soderling (he has a perfect record against both).

Unlike Nadal, he’s not going to let DP dictate play. He’ll be the one on offensive, which is something Nadal tried to do but couldn’t because it wasn’t his strength. His A game was completely ineffective, yet he didn’t have good enough volleying skills to try coming in, and whenever he tried being aggressive, he hit lots of errors. It was sad to see what a pushover he was. This is the worst defeat he’s ever taken, which was previously the one Tsonga gave him.

Federer is a better player though. I expect sets to go 6-4, 7-5 or 7-6, but he shouldn’t lose. He has a psychological edge being 6-0 against DP, and this is his 22nd final I think, so plenty of experience. Much will depend on DP’s mental fortitude to deal with the occasion. He will need it.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:26 am

I think Federer was holding back on his explosiveness today, and played just enough to win. He’s changed his tactics since ’08 AO, and only plays to keep the match within his grasp but not really pushing for an outright demolition of his opponent, ala Sampras. If need be, Federer will raise his game tomorrow and give himself a good cushion thereby keeping DelPotro at arm’s length, and thus preventing him from placing his hands around the trophy. However, only time will tell …..

September 14th, 2009 at 12:43 am

ROGER FEDERER: i’m feeling fine physically and mentally. I’m not worried about that for tomorrow.

But we had a great match in Paris, I thought, which was very close. It’s going to be interesting to see how things turn out this time…

Then in Madrid, and especially in Paris, you could feel like he was just improving every month. Every month he was getting better. He was hitting his serves better, from the baseline he was getting more confident. He knows much more now today what he needs to do on the tennis court.

Whereas maybe in the beginning, because he’s so tall, he needs to figure out his game. And I think he did that in the last six months now. I don’t know what’s going to happen this time, because, again, Paris was clay. This is faster hardcourt. But he’s got, you know, the all‑court game. I think it’s going to be interesting, I think…
I’m sure Del Potro is going to give me a run for my money.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:44 am

This is a new Del Po I’m seeing. He has consistently gotten better these past few months. His outing at Wimbledon left a lot to be desired, but I’ve been watching him this tournament and the way he absolutely dismantled my man Rafa, leaves me to thing that tomorrow might be a close one. I’m not watching though…the tournament has been ruined for me. But I hope Del Po wins.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:55 am

i am it – interesting quote from Federer in this sense: he obviously enjoys the challenge of figuring out the game of a new and dangerous rival. This gives added spice to winning….

I agree with those who say Fed will need to be very sharp to hold off Delpo. This is an amazingly mature young man for 20 years old and he will not, I think, suffer unduly from nerves. Well, shortly all will be revealed…

September 14th, 2009 at 1:03 am

after the AO win last year Bernard Tomic won the US Open junior boys’ singles title earlier today. if you have not heard of this Australian kid, you will be hearing a lot of him in the near future as he is considered as the next Hewitt and even bigger. this was his last match as a junior.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:22 am

In 04 Federer was in a class of his own.

In 05 & 06, Nadal joined his distinguised ranks.

In 07, it was Djokovic who made the ‘Big 2’ a ‘Big 3’.

In 08, Murray made it a Big 4.

So a question then. If Del Potro wins the Open, will people regard him as a member of an elite group of 5? Where would that leave Murray in the pecking order (I presume DP would still be ranked #5)? Him being the only one not to win a Slam of course.. Would DP be worthy of inclusion in an elite group even if he loses?

September 14th, 2009 at 1:23 am

Nadal is really a good sportsman and great champ and he has class, even we all know that why he is beaten. And he will not be playing Davis Cup for Spain. While Federina stayed in the hotel for a few days to sleep his mono off. lol He will be crushing Del Potro in the final. That guy is a good player, but definitely luck was with him yesterday.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:23 am

i am it Says:

“after the AO win last year Bernard Tomic won the US Open junior boys’ singles title earlier today. if you have not heard of this Australian kid, you will be hearing a lot of him in the near future as he is considered as the next Hewitt and even bigger. this was his last match as a junior.”

Yeah the guy almost got banned from competition for walking out on a match though.. And his dad is a controversial guy, not well liked by TA. He could be good, but Australians said the same thing about Todd Reid and Chris Guccione, and look how they turned out. Then there’s Brydan Klein who I think got in trouble for racism.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:25 am

Rick Says:

Nadal is really a good sportsman and great champ and he has class, even we all know that why he is beaten. And he will not be playing Davis Cup for Spain. While Federina stayed in the hotel for a few days to sleep his mono off. lol He will be crushing Del Potro in the final. That guy is a good player, but definitely luck was with him yesterday.
—————-

I love the mono comment..ha.
It did seem like he had mono for an entire year.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:27 am

Rick Says:
Nadal is really a good sportsman and great champ and he has class, even we all know that why he is beaten.

Thanks Rick for clearing the air with the Rafa fans. Sorry, but there is always an excuse when Rafa loses from his fans. He has class, he never complains if he has an injury. Only his fans. I been warning for many months now with many posts that Rafa’s game is prone to injury and will have a short career. For those students of the game who have seen his movement and strokes in slow mo they no what I mean. Too violent, too hard on the body.

Another note: He has said since Wimbledon he will not play unless he he 100+ percent. He CHOSE to play, didn’t have to, got beat by a better player. Give Del Potro his due credit. DP just gave Rafa an old fashion beat down. Rafa didn’t complain about his stomach bothering him has he was working hi way into the semi’s. Everyone else did.

FED fans had to live through the “Mono” year excuse so all is fair in love and war.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:40 am

Mindy,

Have you noticed the variety of players that are starting to beat Rafa and figure out his game? Or are his fans going to continue to play the injured card. And is that going to be part of his game in the future, battling injuries due to his type of play?
Really, what is it( his game )? Muscles, a buggy whip forehand and great movement. He is getting beaten on faster courts flatter ball striking and better location of serves. DP, Murray, Joke, Fed, etc….there will be more. Why? His game is one dimensional. It’s big, it’s huge, but his variety compared to some of the other top players is very, very weak. So he can overpower everyone. But when the top players figure it out, and there are, what is or can he do to change his game accordingly. Let the debate begin…..

September 14th, 2009 at 1:50 am

Yeah, Rafa is a real class act. Ever notice right after a close match or a loss, his camp leaks “injury” reports?

Now, the knees, which just a short time ago were going to leave him crippled, are now healed. Miracle!

Now, it’s the abdominal pull that has bothered him for a month.
http://www.digibet.info/topnewsgbtease/00_20090913221840_Nadal_set_for_Spanish_tests_on_abdominal_probl.php

He may sure that was out in the press asap after today’s loss. Sore loser.

Why is that when one player is slammed for his nonsense, people only comment by comparing him to another player?

The reasons that most players use to break gamesmanship rules can be traced back to the fans.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:52 am

Giner: The point is Roger was not fined for smashing a racket. From what I can remember, he was not docked 15 points.

Shouldn’t be looking for fair play in this sport or is everyone too hung up on sticking up for a player? Most should just admit they could care less about tennis and sportmanship and just enjoy looking at what passes for male eyecandy.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:55 am

On a happier note, I thought it was cool that DelPotro was watching the other men’s semi today. He has an excellent chance to beat Federer. It should be a fun competitive match.

September 14th, 2009 at 2:00 am

Mary Says:
Giner: The point is Roger was not fined for smashing a racket. From what I can remember, he was not docked 15 points.

Right XXXX on! Let’s review every televised Tennis Tourney this past year and see out of the top ten players who hasn’t thrown there racket down with the intention of breaking hit because they were mad. Such a none issue in the sport nowadays. Now saying you going to tell a linesman your going to ” put this tennis ball down your throat”, uh, that is a threat to hurt someone else, not throwing a racket at the payment out of frustration. A BIG difference

September 14th, 2009 at 2:01 am

Mary,

On even a happier note,
It ain’t gonna happen. I like DP, but FED is looking at top form. i thought Joke played well, FED is looking better than ever

September 14th, 2009 at 2:04 am

Federer is a superb player, he deserves his every victory he’s got, and I hope he wins tomorrow.
But Nadal is always a class act. Please don’t say that he’s making injury excuses for his losses..
He’s a real excellent player, just that his game is more aggressive than most.
I don’t understand why some people just can’t respect both of them like they respect each other?

September 14th, 2009 at 2:11 am

Mary: “Shouldn’t be looking for fair play in this sport or is everyone too hung up on sticking up for a player? Most should just admit they could care less about tennis and sportmanship and just enjoy looking at what passes for male eyecandy.’

There’s nothing called ‘fair play’ nowadays in by some fans. One one hand, we see people condemn a player for mumbling to himself, and on the other hand we see the same fans sweeping that action by their faves under the rug. anyway, who said life was fair?

September 14th, 2009 at 2:12 am

Oh yeah, asian woman threatened by the big black woman. Everyone would think she shot the woman. Come on y’all. Sharapova cursed at umpire not once but twice in two different matches. Roddick goes on tirades continuously. Serena has been wronged sooo many times. Safin, Gonzalez, beating racquets over and over and over. Just like y’all to give everyone else a pass. Henin in the French lying through her teeth, that russian woman denying being hit by the ball, audience members yelling insults. She snapped. It’s call living in the USA while Black. It should be a medical diagnosis (post-traumatic stress disorder). Yeah I said it. Take one step in her shoes. You won’t believe what hit you.

September 14th, 2009 at 2:37 am

ShayHay, Rick: You guys doctors?? It can take a whole year – longer even; remember Ancic? – to completely recover from the fatigue mono causes.

Skeezer: Hey, c’mon, there are some of us Rafa fans who don’t do that, you know? :) This one, for one, believes the only difference a fully fit Rafa would’ve made was a closer scoreline in the 3 sets. DelPo had his number – has had it for a while now.

Mary: Wow! Some people just read what they want to into things, don’t they? I suggest you read Rafa’s interview – even with the broken English, he couldn’t be clearer. He didn’t mention it before, not because he was keeping it as a handy “excuse” for losing, but because he was in competition – obviously you do not want to let on to your opponents that you’re injured. And how many times has he said in that interview Del Potro beat me, because he was playing better. Yes, I was injured but he beat me. Yes, I didn’t play my game, but he beat me. I am not making any excuses, he beat me. How many times and in how many ways does he have to say it? My guess is, not enough – the haters will continue to hate.

KCH, Mary: Disclaimer first: I am a Serena fan. I think women’s tennis would be sorely depleted if she were to be suspended. BUT. To say the reprimands she has got / may still get have anything to do with her sex or colour is just plain disgusting. Other players – Roddick, Sharapova, Murray, etc etc – rant and rave and smash racquets, sure. They do not threaten bodily harm – they do not threaten to shove f____ balls down people’s f____ throats. And please don’t tell me Oh, she didn’t mean it, she wasn’t really going to do it. Of course she wasn’t; but it was still inexcusable. You really think a male player or a white player would not have been similarly dealt with??

September 14th, 2009 at 4:07 am

Wow.. Fed vs DelPo shud be great final. Delpo literally man-handled Rafa today and Rafa’s game was playing into DelPo’s hands.. most of the balls were in his hitting zone. Djok was little unlucky today plus he dint play the big points well enough. Fed raised his level when he needed to, especially that curling overhead smash and that amazing shot between the legs to get to his match point (sharp contrast to a similar 0-30 point played yesterday in women’s semis)

I liked Delpo’s chances against Fed, but the match goes to 5th set, i fancy Fed pulling through cuz it still doesnt look like Delpo can hold himself physically for 5-sets .. as he himself agrees. Plus, there will be lots of variation in pace by Fed to upset Delpo’s rhythm. If looked closely, Delpotro hits very flat shots from both the wings giving him very less margin for errors. Fed’s low slice should be more effective against him on these courts than what it was at Roland Garros. Notheless, i believe this match would go to atleast a 4-setter cuz both of them are playing amazing.

Another factor is the wind. If its too windy, it will play in Fed’s favour cuz he has more experience in these conditions and Delpo’s timing would get affected.. as it did against Cilic.

Even though i am a Fed fan, i would not be disappointed to see Delpo lifting the trophy tomo, cuz he does deserve it.. and he surely will be considered in the BIG-5 in the same breath as Murray and Djoker (regardless of whether he wins tomo or not) And this will put even more pressure of Murray to get his 1st GS.

Also, he doesnt sound arrogant and is very down to earth… very likable personality

September 14th, 2009 at 7:06 am

I dont know if people have noticed but federer is starting to slide to a few balls on hard courts which he never used to do. I thought it was only done on clay n should be avoided on hard courts because of more chances for injury eventhough some hard court specialists like nole use it all the time.Is this movement proven to be more effective than the other one?

September 14th, 2009 at 8:39 am

Gina,

You wrote, “I can’t see Nadal ever beating DP again on a court like this.”

I kinda felt the same way when Tsonga demolished Nadal at the Aussie Open semi where he won seven games the whole match.

Yet he came back and has beaten Tsonga twice since.

Actually, I still kinda surprise how the Fed beat Del Porto at the FO earlier this year when he was up two sets. He seemed to tire at that match.

Let see how DP plays in the final. If he plays like he did against Nadal, then I think we can see the 20 year has finally ‘developed’ enough to become a star in his own name.

September 14th, 2009 at 8:45 am

Anyone could see that Nadal’s serve was hampered by the abdominal injury. There is nothing wrong in pointing this out. It is a delicate issue, though, as to when explanation, or just report, slides into excuse. This will always be the case, whoever’s concerned. So you have to try to make an honest judgement, and recognise that any such judgement must be provisional anyway.

I actually felt after the first set and three quarters or so that Nadal was still in with a shot despite the score line. How much I was influenced in this by Nadal’s reputation as opposed to what was in front of my eyes, I’m not sure. But before dismissing Nadal’s chances against Delpo on hard for the future, I want to see the Nadal serve functioning properly.

That said, I think the comparisons with Tsonga are misleading. Personally, I wasn’t a bit surprised when Nadal turned the tables with Tsonga.

Tsonga’s performance in the AO was essentially inspirational. Almost by definition, it would have been surprising to see a repeat. Delpo, on the other hand, is a very cool customer who delivers the goods, in his own quietly spectacular way, time and time again.

He is certainly favourite against Nadal on hard for the time being. I look forward to seeing Delpot challenging Nadal on clay. I feel he has a bigger chance than anyone.

Not only do I agree with Tejuz that it is now “the big 5”, I suspect by next Spring it will be “the big 3”, with demotions for Murray and Djokovic.

September 14th, 2009 at 9:29 am

Mary Says:

Giner: The point is Roger was not fined for smashing a racket. From what I can remember, he was not docked 15 points.

Fed did receive a code violation for the racket break thus was fined acoording the ITF ruling.
I never heard or read he didn’t have to pay the fine…

September 14th, 2009 at 9:41 am

Of course, nothing is written in stone. I should have thought Federer has – at the very most – another year at the top. (Which is not to say he will not be able to indulge in “spoiling” activities; I look forward to him winning a slam with a ranking number 21, say..)

Murray and Djokovic may develop and become the top 2, who knows…..

September 14th, 2009 at 9:47 am

I agree with Grendel about the Tsonga comparison. Tsonga came out of nowhere to beat Nadal. Del Potro has been gradually improving, and that’s most clear in his H2H against nadal. First a tough 3 set win that showed he’s improving. Then he consolidated that win with a straight set win a couple weeks ago. Now he’s demolished Nadal on a big stage for the first time. I’m sure Nadal will get some wins over Del Potro in the future, but I get the feeling the big Argentine isn’t done improving. Nadal’s added about as much as he can to his game, so whether he’ll be able to “figure out” Del Potro is questionable. There’s not a lot to figure out. Slice low and move him around, try to wear him out before he blows you off the court. But execution is a lot harder than strategizing.

I don’t agree about the Big 5 become the Big 3, though. I think Djokovic is gonna get his act together and start fighting harder. And Murray will figure things out eventually, you know, when he learns how to play tennis maybe. What about Roddick, though? Don’t we have a Big 6? Roddick’s the first player to take Fed to 5 in a slam final besides Nadal. I think he’s a contender for all the majors except the French.

Win or lose, Del Potro has made his mark. However, if he wins, that’ll put a big asterik on Murray’s name. He’ll be the only one in the top 6 without a slam. And he’s been atleast one of the top 2 favorites heading into 3 of the 4 slams this year. Tsk tsk. If only he knew how to play tennis.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:04 am

Of course, this business of “making excuses” is not limited to injuries. Serena Williams made this comment following her defeat by Clijsters: ““Today was a tough day, I didn’t play my best. I felt I had more errors today then all my matches combined.”

I commented on this on another thread, trying to show that it was unjustified. Serena actually played well, but she was up against a better player on the day. This is an extremely unusual experience for Serena, and in my opinion – I tried to argue the case – she was driven into making some tentative shots which were uncharacteristic, but definitely not “errors” in the sense she claimed.

Serena Williams has often been mocked for refusing to give credit for her opponent’s victory, claiming it was due only to her own shortcomings of the day. But although this sounds “ungracious”, it is also usually true.

On this occasion, it was not true. Kim Clijsters played out of her socks, and this plainly rattled and even nonplussed Serena. She did not know what to do. This is a familiar situation for nearly all tennis players, but not for Serena – she is that good.

So almost by default, when trying to account for her loss, she fell into the old mantra: “not her good, my bad”. Familiar and comforting.

Serena has been brought up this way, and to overcome early indoctrination is beyond most of us, I would suggest. Furthermore, most great champions (I suspect) deep down believe as Serena does. They are just more tactful in public.

There is an endearing naivety to Serena Williams (she declined to read the final Harry Potter book on the grounds that it was all becoming too painful), a kind of belief in never never land where the sun is usually shining and it only rains when you want it to.

To expect calm, measured analysis from such a person is unrealistic. Oddly, it may even be undesireable. Does one really want Serena Williams to be that different?

September 14th, 2009 at 10:15 am

Fed with his drop-shots… thats something which he has worked on and improved this year. He used to get teased with drop-shots very often by Murray, Djok and Nalby early on in their H2H matches… and Fed was too proud to resort to drop-shot as means of winning a point. He even mentioned it during his interviews. I guess he realized after all that it can be used as weapon or atleast means of setting up a point. In fact he has used these to a great advantage against these very same opponents giving them a taste of their own medicine.

Murray.. i think he still has to get a little bit more aggressive than his usual style to step it up and win a grand-slam. Otherwise he is bound to falter against opponents who are super-aggressive and in-form like Verdasco, Gonzo, A-Rod and Cilic.
it will be a huge step for him to win a Grand-slam. And now.. it seems he might need to beat atleast 2 or 3 of the top-5 players successively to win a GS, which seems unlikely.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:21 am

Giner – Roger Federer received a code violation and a “racquet abuse” fine in Miami, when he smashed his racquet during his match with Djokovic, but you are right – this so pales compared to what Ms “I Should Be Number One” did.

Incidentally – if you break your racquet after the match is over you get the raquet abuse fine but there is no code violation.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:38 am

“Fed with his drop-shots… thats something which he has worked on and improved this year”.

In particular, the forehand. Am I right in saying that this is more difficult than the bh drop shot but, if you can master it, more easy to control? (does that make sense? well, I know what I mean, anyway…). How often do you see the very best tennis players doing a bh drop shot which you can see from another continent and which, by the time the opponent has caught up with it, is nicely in the hitting zone?

Roddick in the “big 6”? Well, I thought so after Wimbledon, but results since then have rendered the idea questionable, imo. We whould be in a better position to judge by the end of the Masters Cup.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:41 am

Roddick has had 4 losses since Wimbledon. 2 were to Del Potro in deep 3rd sets. Is that so bad? I mean, Del Potro is awesome. His loss to Querrey, imo, is irrelevant. I think it was mental fatigue and upsets happen. As for his loss to Isner, again, to me, all that shows is that he’s no Roger Federer. Djokovic lost in the 3rd round of the French where he was expected to go deep. Nadal lost in 4th round at the French (need I say more?). Again, upsets happen. But when Roddick is playing his best, he’s definitely one of the top guys and is incredibly hard to beat.

I totally know what you mean regarding drop shots. It sounds weird but I think it’s true, too.

September 14th, 2009 at 10:55 am

Veno: “Chair umpire Fergus Murphy did not cite Federer for a code violation, probably because he was speechless.”

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/apr/04/federer-loses-cool-semifinal/

September 14th, 2009 at 11:14 am

The world wanted to see whether it was Andy MURRAY that will break the whole Rafa/Roger spell. But in the end it was DEL POTRO will now stand a chance to so when he takes on the Swiss maestro in the final.

Hell Yeah! I’ve been waiting for this a long time and finally it has arrived to see an Argentian in a Grand Slam final.

But this match will be no easy ride for him as I still tremendous respect for Fedex. I knew those dark episode he suffered since last years lost at Wimbledon was just a temporary setback for him. Just look how he has bounced back.

For DEL POTRO to win this, he will need to do more than just repeating another prefect game plan he did in the semis against the Matador from Spain. I won’t be expecting another epic battle just like the one we witness in last years Wimbledon but surely this will be great final.

So now what is your expectation in this final? What will it take for DEL POTRO to finally lift his cursed against Fedex?

September 14th, 2009 at 11:22 am

Can someone hire the little miss sunshine, line judge, to call Federer for a foot fault on a second serve at a late and critical stage in one his matches to see how he would react? Too bad it wasn’t at Wimbeldon this year against Roddick; can you image that?

Can someone please start an investigation into this referee and line judge based on the Sport’s Book betting lines? Can someone investigate the USTA for not allowing an over rule on the idiotic second serve foot fault?

Can anyone image what Connors or McEnroe would have done? Can anyone image what Jeff Tarango’s wife would have done?

September 14th, 2009 at 11:36 am

Another thing about the fh drop shot – that’s essentially a fh slice. Th bh slice can be a drop shot or a defensive “long” shot, or a very aggressive, skimming sort of shot. Why does this not seem to be possible with the fh slice? I mean, the only time you ever see a fh slice (apart from as drop shot) is if the player is caught out of position, and he makes a kind of desperate lunge. Looks funny, too. This is strange. Is there any intrinsic (like the geography of the body) reason why the fh slice can’t have the variety of the bh slice?

September 14th, 2009 at 11:47 am

LMAO thetennisguy. ROFL!!! That’s hilarious. Jeff Tarango and his slapping wife. LMAO.

Everyone agreed that Serena reacting made sense and that it was a ridiculous call. It was her words and actions in the reaction that makes her the bad guy. Foot faults in general are ridiculous. But berating a tiny asian woman is just uncalled for. Of course she’s gonna get scared and piss herself. That’s why she squealed. But Serena could have just yelled lots of curses instead of threatening to kill a tiny asian woman.

I can’t see Federer threatening a tiny asian woman the way Serena did, but I can see McEnroe doing it. Although I doubt anyone would say “I would kill you.” That was a bit much.

September 14th, 2009 at 11:50 am

A forehand slice can have even more variety than a backhand slice. Think about how much more variety a forehand can have than a backhand in general. Slicing isn’t different. The one thing is that when you hit a backhand slice in a rally, it’s easier since the arm you’re hitting with is in front so you can use your body weight to hit into the shot. With a forehand slice, you gotta use your arm more than anything else. But when it comes to putting crazy spins on the ball, nothing works better than a fh slice.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:00 pm

Thanks Mary,

In my recollection he got the CV after the next point was played but I guess I remembered wrong. Thanks for clearing that up.

Bad ump-ing then. Should have given the CV right after the crowd stopped booing him…

September 14th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

some players play the fh slice as a squash stroke. Fed is one of them. No body can be used because they are stretching and it’s a last resort.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:36 pm

Everything relating to tennis is already game over on Fed’s eyes. He is now like a ghost who can get out and in as he desires. He is without pressure anymore and is 100% relaxed. Although he is 28, his game is so smooth and fluent, he can beat anyone he wants. I really don’t think anyone can beat a pressure free Federer, if he is hungry enough, he can beat Del Potro in straight sets tomorrow.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:38 pm

Veno: No prob. My issue is with tennis not being consistent. If the tennis overlords came out and said, “From now on any racket smash, time violations, bogus injury timeouts, will be dealt with by docking you 15 points and fining you– no questions asked,” I wouldn’t have an issue with this.
It’s the inconsistency causing linespeople to screw up the calls and players’ overreactions.

Anyway… I’m not so sure Federer is playing 100% pressure free just yet. It’s nice to have a slam without the “15” hanging over it. I wonder if it takes pressure off of some of the other players like DelPotro having to stop Federer.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

What I’d like to know is: If all rules are followed, what does ‘class act’ have to do with winning & losing? i.e. playing tennis?

If a player loses & quickly walks out of the stadium, she/he is dubbed ungracious.

If a player wins & celebrates = arrogant. heavens forbid a tennis player dare celebrates like Bolt does whenever he wins or breaks a record.

If crowds boo & cheer in tennis = rowdy, classless etc….& here I was thinking they’ve paid own dollars, euros & pounds to be entertained.

I love tennis but this whole ‘humble’ ‘gracious’ ‘classy’ business is a bit too much. It is a sport like any other & so long as rules are being followed, no need of suppressing raw emotions which make sports fun to watch.

September 14th, 2009 at 12:56 pm

“some players play the fh slice as a squash stroke. Fed is one of them.” Yes, I’d forgotten the squash shot, used in extremity (Gonzo uses it a lot). Did Fed invent it? I have this feeling only he was using it a couple of years ago, but that may be wrong.

Th bh slice can be used as an extremely aggressive approach shot, for instance, and noone does this more beautifully than Federer (I notice that Roddick is now accomplished at it – he never used to be). But if Sens Safin is right about fh having more variety than bh, INCLUDING slice, then such a stroke should be available on the fh side. It isn’t, is it? Although oddly, that hot dog Fed did yesterday – which was so superior, imo, than all the ones jane gave links for – had a wonderful very fast curving slice on it.

So there you are. If you want to do an aggressive forehand slice, wait till the hot dog apportunity arises. Agreed?

September 14th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

Ok I just saw an awesome stat. Isner still is number 1 on the most aces hit list with 80. But Federer and Del Potro are tied for 2nd with 74 each. How sick is that!?!?

September 14th, 2009 at 1:40 pm

“What I’d like to know is: If all rules are followed, what does ‘class act’ have to do with winning & losing? i.e. playing tennis?

If a player loses & quickly walks out of the stadium, she/he is dubbed ungracious.”

Yes, I see Ty and Brady were condemning Roddick for forgetting to wave to the crowd after his loss to Isner. If I remember correctly, Federer forgot to shake the ump’s hand after one of his losses. Unfortunately, some things are remembered and some are forgotten selectively.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Nadal has been hitting the ball too short since his knees started really getting to him before the French Open. IMO that’s why Soderling was able to beat him on clay. He’s a big guy who doesn’t mind the spin and the short ball just sat up right in his strike zone. Same thing for Del Potro a few weeks ago when he beat Nadal and in this match. Nadal will get the depth back when he’s got full confidence in his body again and it won’t be as easy for a guy like Del Potro to constantly attack like he was able to. But Nadal is still playing quite well and Del Potro played a flawless match. Even with Nadal’s depth back Del Potro would be very difficult to beat whe he plays like he did yesterday. Today should be a really good match but Federer’s ball doesn’t sit up as nice for Del Potro as Nadal’s does and he’ll come to the net a lot more so the matchup shouldn’t work as well for Del Potro. If he keeps playing like he has been all summer he’s at least got a shot but I give the edge to Federer.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:50 pm

The tennisguy said: “Can someone hire the little miss sunshine, line judge, to call Federer for a foot fault on a second serve at a late and critical stage in one his matches to see how he would react?”

That lineswoman was just doing her job – she called a foot-fault when she saw one, which she is required to do.

“Can someone investigate the USTA for not allowing an over rule on the idiotic second serve foot fault?”

There is no rule preventing an umpire from overruling a foot-fault – the same rule applies to that as to any line call – if the umpire observes a clear error, they MUST overrule. She didn’t, so she didn’t.

“Can anyone image what Connors or McEnroe would have done? Can anyone image what Jeff Tarango’s wife would have done?”

Both Connors and McEnroe have been defaulted in their careers – McEnroe once from the 1990 Australian Open. In 1987, he went as far as a game penalty in a 2nd round match against Slobodan Zivojinovic. Connors was defaulted in the semi-final of the Lipton International (precursor of the Miami Masters) when it was a 2-week, best of 5, grand slam formatted tournament. Caroline Wozniacki was defaulted from the US Open juniors in 2006 for verbal abuse. Xavier Malisse was defaulted from the NASDAQ-100 in 2005 for verbally abusing a lineswoman.

All this excuse making and shifting of attention away from Serena’s responsibility for her own actions is a sad commentary on sports and our society. In her first apology, she explains that she’s very passionate – does this mean other plaers who do not behave as she does are less passionate? I don’t think so.

She has since issued a more appropriate apology and I’m glad she did. She’s not the devil – she simply misbehaved terribly and rather than fess up she made excuses both in her statement and in her press conference. Many of her supporters are doing the same here and I feel it’s not on.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Von, Roddick actually apologized about walking off so quickly. And he said he didn’t do it on purpose, he was just caught up in the moment and just wanted to get off the court. He lost an extremely close match when he should’ve been winning atleast 2 more matches after that one. As much as players like Roddick appreciate the fans, they’re playing for themselves first and foremost. Roddick walking off the court wasn’t rude or anything, it was perfectly understandable and I would’ve clapped in my chair if he would have managed to give an interview or sign some autographs before leaving.

I think Federer didn’t shake the ump’s hands in the Miami loss to Djoker. Also understandable but a little more disrespectful because that should be muscle memory, I don’t think that’s as easy to forget.

September 14th, 2009 at 1:59 pm

SS: “Von, Roddick actually apologized about walking off so quickly. And he said he didn’t do it on purpose, he was just caught up in the moment and just wanted to get off the court. He lost an extremely close match when he should’ve been winning at least 2 more matches after that one. As much as players like Roddick appreciate the fans, they’re playing for themselves first and foremost. Roddick walking off the court wasn’t rude or anything, it was perfectly understandable and I would’ve clapped in my chair if he would have managed to give an interview or sign some autographs before leaving.”

I know this, but TY and Brady made it out to be a big issue as though it was the end of the world. Brady hates Roddick and stops at nothing to put him down. I don’t know about Ty’s problem though, but I suppose he does not like Roddick also if he found it necessary to bring up that incident even though it was totally unrelated to the on-gong discussions at the time he mentioned it. Where did that come from?

September 14th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

BOTTOM LINE: NADAL GOT HIS ASS HANDED TO HIM…..HE WAS NOT HURT, AND HAD NO ABDOMINAL INJURY…….HE WAS NOT HURT AT WIMBELDON EITHER……..THERE IS NO ABDOMIAL STRAIN, AND THERE IS NO KNEE PAIN…..HE GOT BEAT BY FEDERER IN MADRID AND FELT HIS CONFIDENCE STARTING TO SLIP, AND THAN THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENED AND HE LOST TO SODERLING AT THE FRENCH OPEN…….HE WAS BLOWN OFF THE COURT IN THAT MATCH JSU LIKE YESTERDAY WITH DELPOTRO……NADAL ACTS LIKE HE IS MENTALLY TOUGH BUT WHEN THINGS GO BAD HE CRUMBLES…….NADAL HAD A GREAT 2008 FOR HIS STANDARDS BECAUSE HE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF FEDERER’S ILLNESS AFTER DOMINATING THE SPORT FOR 6 YEARS…….I ALSO READ YESTERDAY THAT NADAL IS GOING TO LOSE CREDIBILITY WITH HIS PEERS AND THE MEDIA BECAUSE OF HIS EXCUSES…..THEY ARE GOING TO TURN HIM INTO A JOKE…….I AM A NADAL FAN SO IT PAINS ME TO RIGHT THESE THINGS BUT I AM SICK TO DEATH OF THE NADAL CAMP AN THERE MIND GAMES……UNCLE TONI NEEDS TO KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT BECAUSE NOT ONLY CAN YOU NOT UNDERSTAND A FRICCKIN THING HE SAYS BUT HE CONSTANTLY BELITTLES HIS NEPHEW MAKING HIM LOOK LIKE A BABY……AND I FOR ONE AM STARTING TO THINK HEIS JUST THAT!…..SO LET US MOVE ON FROM THIS NADAL CRAP AND TALK ABOUT THE TWO BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD……AND MARK MY WORDS (THEY ARE THE TWO BEST IN THE WORLD)!

September 14th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

Del Po and Fed are the 2 best?
Fed yeah, but Del Po? He’s great, but he’s only 5 in the world.

It pains you to right? these things? I’m confused.

September 14th, 2009 at 2:28 pm

WHAT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?……I AM A NADAL FAN BUT ALL THIS TALK ABOUT HIM BEING IN FEDERERS LEAUGE IS A JOKE!……I REFUSE TO SAY MY PLAYER I THE BEST JUST BECAUSE I DO NOT LIKE ANOTHER PLAYER……AND THE REASON I AM UPSET TO SAY THE LEAST IS BECAUSE MY FAVORITE PLAYER OFFERS UP AN EXCUSE EVERY TIME HE LOSES AND THAT IS GETTING REDICULOUS…..HE IS BEING MADE FUN OF BY FEDERER FANS AND ALSO MAKES US NADAL FANS LOOK BAD……EVERY TIME HE LOSES WE HAVE TO DEFEND HIS LOSS WITH AN EXCUSE BECAUSE NO ONE WANTS TO EXCEPT THAT HE IS NOT THE PLAYER FEDERER IS AND NEVER WILL BE……WELL, I AM NOT DOING IT ANYMORE…..NADAL AND HIS CAMP ARE A BUNCH OF EXCUSE MAKING PEOPLE AND I WILL CALL THEM OUTON IT EVERY TIME FROM NOW ON…….SKIPPING WIMBELDON WAS UNEXCEPTABLE……HE MISSED IT BECAUSE HE KNEW FEDERER WAS AFTER HIS SCALP AND SO HE PUT HIS TAIL BETWEEN HIS LEGS AND RAN AWAY……THAT IS NOT THE SIGN OF A CHAMPION AND SOMETHING FEDERER WILL NEVER EVER DO……HE HAS MADE 22 STRAIGHT SEMIFINALS OF GRANDSLAMS AND MY MAN CANNOT EVEN PLAY THE DAMN TOURNAMENT…….IS THAT ENOUGH IMFORMATION FOR YOU OR DO YOU NEED SOME MORE BECAUSE I AM GETTING OVER NADAL AS WE SPEAK AND WILL NO LONGER CALL HIM MY FAVORITE PLAYER……..!

September 14th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

…what about him being 13-7 and 5-2 in slam finals?

September 14th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

Oh, what an idiot I am! I’ve just been watching replay of the semis (and b.t.w.Sportsfan, there is no doubt at all that Nadal’s serve was impaired; most people seem to think delpo wld have won anyway, but certainly Nadal is carrying an injury) and I saw Federer do exactly what I have been moaning about, an aggressive fh slice – this was towards end of 3rd set, but I recall him doing one or two earlier.

Because you don’t see it that often, I can’t precisely visualise it, though it is instantly recognizeable. The ball is more or less directly in front of the player rather than somewhat to either side, and so the slice of the racket is left and right rather than up and down the diagonal. Sorry to seasoned players for my ignorance, but one interesting point emerges – it doesn’t seem to be a shot often employed, though I have certainly seen Federer use it quite a bit. But may be that just suggests I am more attentive when Federer is playing.

September 14th, 2009 at 3:30 pm

The forehand slice is frowned upon. You’re supposed to hit your forehand, not slice it like a b*tch. That’s the way tennis is now. Forehand slicing is something you do on the practice court when you’re messing around.

September 14th, 2009 at 3:47 pm

What???? Exactly who frowns on the forehand slice? It is one of the best defensive shots in tennis.

Congratulations Roger for that profanity laced US Open final. You crack me up. My kids were watching and their eyes got as big as saucers- then we all fell out laughing. You really told that chair umpire!!

September 14th, 2009 at 11:04 pm

OK, Juan, let’s see what you’ve got…not sure I’m crazy about him, but maybe he can prove me wrong in this Open…Wow, that is just too awful, what’s wrong with this world. She probably and defiantly had a future and it’s all taken away…

September 15th, 2009 at 4:15 pm

A little late on the band wagon here, but boy am I glad that it wasn’t another Federer – Nadal final. It’s almost boring to watch. What was exciting was the last 3 sets of the final. DelPo really gave it to Fed.
Oh and about the Serena thing, jeez, Serena, you sure are some great “idol” for younger players. Bite your tongue next time, whiner.

September 15th, 2009 at 11:36 pm

Dickenbergs poor performance at US FINAL Prize presentation ceremony.When,Champion Martin De Potro,wanted to speak in spanish to his home country fans in Agentina, Dickenberg’s answer was, “he is short of time”. But later on he did give the mike to DEl Potro. He humiliated the Champion.

September 17th, 2009 at 9:05 am

It was nice to see Federrer not cry when he lost US Finals and hence, Del Potro could celeberate his victory

September 17th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

Giner Says:

Nadal had no answer to Del Potro’s power strokes, …He doesn’t have the tools to beat Del Potro anymore

Del Potro has pretty much all of the attributes of a Nadal slayer…he is tall, has a two handed-backhand, has a large wingspan, and hits a flat deep ball. Nadal’s forehands, which bounce high and curl away on the backhand side, and which do all kinds of damage against Federer’s backhand, were cheesecake for Del Potro.

September 22nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm

Lenny Says:

KCH, Mary: Disclaimer first: I am a Serena fan. I think women’s tennis would be sorely depleted if she were to be suspended. BUT. To say the reprimands she has got / may still get have anything to do with her sex or colour is just plain disgusting. Other players – Roddick, Sharapova, Murray, etc etc – rant and rave and smash racquets, sure. They do not threaten bodily harm – they do not threaten to shove f____ balls down people’s f____ throats. And please don’t tell me Oh, she didn’t mean it, she wasn’t really going to do it. Of course she wasn’t; but it was still inexcusable. You really think a male player or a white player would not have been similarly dealt with??

Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff6_UTPDO9s

And take note of the fact that Roddick was not even given a code violation for his behavior.
If he were in court he would have been cited for contempt of court. Were his actions as agregious as Williams’?…no…but still in terms of setting a precedent he should of received some kind of penalty.

September 22nd, 2009 at 3:56 pm