Djokovic Saves 3 MPs, Meets Federer in Basel; Murray Seeks Valencia Title

by Sean Randall | November 7th, 2009, 11:24 pm
  • 179 Comments

Tomorrow we have arguably the best and most intriguing single matchup in tennis since the US Open with Roger Federer defending his turf, his title in Basel against Novak Djokovic. ADHEREL

Federer has been his usual self all week crushing all foes – granted his draw has been nothing sort of cush, but what else would you expect from an event that’s basically his own!

Meanwhile, after dishing a double bagel to Jan Hernych, Djokovic has struggled in three set wins over Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals and then today he escaped Radek Stepanek’s worm dance by saving three matchpoints in the second set to win 6-7, 7-5, 6-2.


For some reason anytime Djokovic plays three sets his health and fitness comes into question in the following round. After consecutive three-setters, I really hope he’s 100% fit Sunday because he’ll need to be against Federer.

“He’s come through some tough ones against Wawrinka and against Stepanek today,” said Federer. “He showed some grit and I’m sure he’s going to try to do that again tomorrow. I hope I get off to a good start. I’ve been playing well this week, I haven’t been broken yet. I hope I can keep that run going and to get my fourth title here in Basel would be a real dream again.”

Head-to-head, Federer has owned Novak defeating the Serb in nine of 13 career meetings plus he’s won five straight sets in their last two meetings this year. Djokovic did beat Federer in that memorable racquet-smashing encounter in Miami and again on the clay in Rome so the two have split their four 2009 clashes. But Federer should prevail here in straight sets. He’s just playing better tennis and I don’t think he’ll lose in Switzerland.

“Like yesterday, I wasn’t the better player on the court,” remarked Djokovic. “My opponent today was playing quite good tennis and I still wasn’t managing to find my rhythm in some returns. But, yet again, I found a way through and won another match, which is definitely a big success for me, reaching another final. I’ll be motivated tomorrow and hoping that I can get another title.”

Valencia features its own marquee final with Andy Murray going up against the suddenly hot Mikhail Youzhny (the Russian’s lost one matchpoint in his last four events!). Both players are coming off tough three-set semifinals from today. Murray needed to go the distance to oust Fernando Verdasco while Youhzny ended Nikolay Davydenko’s run.

“I’m very happy to be in a final after coming off a long break and I’ll try to recover and do well tomorrow,” Murray said. “Youzhny played well against Davydenko. He’s been on a good run at the end of the year after not starting so well. He’ll be back in the Top 20 after this week so I’ll obviously have to play well to beat him.”

The two finalists played just once before back in 2007 St. Petersburg and Murray won that in a third set tiebreak. I like the Scot to win much more comfortably this time around.


You Might Like:
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Federer v Dimitrov, Nadal v Coric In Basel; Murray, Ferrer Alive In Valencia
Federer Begins Bid For Sixth Basel Title Monday, Murray Withdraws; Ferrer, Tsonga In Valencia Where Ferrero Set To Retire

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179 Comments for Djokovic Saves 3 MPs, Meets Federer in Basel; Murray Seeks Valencia Title

margot Says:

sean: like your prediction! Andy in 2 then? Not yet playing his best but here’s hoping..
jane: saw Djko match, tennis is truly a game played in the head. How’s your hair BTW? Restored? How interesting you Canadians spell grey the American way.
i am it: if only the rules of the club were observed, you would never see another tantrum from me!
Here’s to a good tennis day folks! Go Andy, Go Djko!


madmax Says:

This is going to be an interesting match Sean! Federer all the way!

Duro, I hope you are on this forum for more than 5 minutes and listen to your orders from I am it!
Cheers everyone!


madmax Says:

Hi margot! Looks like we are all around at different times, but got up early sunday morning from UK, to see if anyone was around – i love reading your comments too Margot! You and Jane seem to be the ‘experts’ on this forum. Who will you be supporting today?


madmax Says:

(in terms of the Basel match?) sorry-i take it you are a murray fan for the valencia title!


Kimmi Says:

Nestor/Zim demolish the Bryan brothers 6 2, 6 3. WoooooooW ! Congrats Nestor and Zim.


Duro Says:

Maxi, I’m barely alive… All my blood is in my stomach. I hate this pre-match feeling….


huh Says:

Hi all of you! When would the match start? I’m nearly 6.5 hrs ahead of G.M.T.(being in Myanmar) and roughly 11.5 hrs ahead of the U.S. time.


Duro Says:

i am it, just to check in… Nervous like hell, but I can’t violate the probation. Jane, Sar, huh, Maxi, enjoy the finals! The winner? Nole, of course. Ooooops, lapsus linguae.


contador Says:

they are getting their warm-up now, huh. 7:15 am my time


contador Says:

oops, match started…..must be a time delay from there to here


i am it Says:

keep faith, folks, miracles happen. Duro, hold your nerve. margo, occasional tantrums are good.

Dj. already made 2 UEs in the first game. 2 second serve. Roger made a couple of errors.
1st Service game: Fed loses 1 point; Dj holds in love.
Good start from both.


i am it Says:

Hi Huh, you are in old Burma? interesting. the match has started, into the 4th game now. Roger is serving great.
up until now, Dj is looking not as bad as he did yesterday.


Kimmi Says:

Both players are hitting the ball pretty well..its even at the moment.

ridiculous half volley from the fed


contador Says:

i am it:

if i had a nerve, maybe i could hold it!!


Skorocel Says:

Kimmi: Agree. That was certainly the shot of the tournament from Fed!


Kimmi Says:

Djokovic lost only ONE point on serve so far.


i am it Says:

Dj’s going to the net as often as he can. also, he will try to attack Roger’s backhand. Dj is serving a little better today. hope he keeps it that way. another love game from Dj.

Roger will try to employ speed and return on the rise and overwhelm Dj.

so far both are holding their grounds: 3-3.


contador Says:

3 aces from fed; no df’s so far


i am it Says:

Dj gave Roger a free point on a line call. he continues to exhibit nice gesture.


Kimmi Says:

c’moooon Fed, 3 UE for nothing


Kimmi Says:

And Djoko breaks…aaaarg


Duro Says:

Oh boy…


contador Says:

just when i admire no double faults, he does it. sheesh


i am it Says:

Easy hold from both, 4-4. both have committed 1 double fault so far.
1st time in the 9th game, Dj gets double break point, courtesy to Fed’s error. and fed’s forehand gets clipped into the net and goes out.
Dj draws First Blood to lead 5-4 and will be serving for the set.


Skorocel Says:

Fed should’ve made that pass at 0-30…


Kimmi Says:

Just missed that BH down the line on breakpoint


Kimmi Says:

missed a FH now..Cmoon fed


Kimmi Says:

he he he ..Djoko is giving fed a lot of life lines..C’moon Fed


Kimmi Says:

Finally the FH went in..C’moon Rogi


Kimmi Says:

why why why..that FH…c,moooon


madmax Says:

duro-i know how you feel. feeling sick right now. since i got up. but this should be a good match, no pushover for either player, that is why the top two of the tourny are playing!

thanks for running commentary here Kimmi – i cant get live streaming so am depending on you guys!


Kimmi Says:

what a second serve from Djoko


madmax Says:

c’mon the fed! keep working! game on!


Skorocel Says:

Federer finally puts himself out of his FH misery with, well, another FH error… First set to Djoker!


Skorocel Says:

Kimmi: Yep, that 2nd serve was a lifesaver for Djoker – especially when you consider how poorly he served in that crucial last game…


Kimmi Says:

Finally Djoko bags the set..how many setpoint/breakpoint from both..Fed FH was leaking a lot..the FH cost him the match imo…

Djoko call for trainer..lower back problem.

Hope for fed to come alive here.


i am it Says:

Two easy errors give Fed 0-30 (50% chance to break). Fed throws an easy FH wide. 15-30. 2nd serve. Dj goes from corner to corner. another long from Fed, 30-30. Fed’s backhand clips the net after the longest rally of the match.
Set point.
Dj throws forehand long. Deuce.
Dj misses an easy backhand slice volley at the net.
Break point for Fed.
Fed throws BH wide. Deuce.
2nd serve. 2nd Double fault. Fed gets another BP.
Fed throws an easy FH in the net as he tries to go too much wide. Deuce.
Dj plays next point great. Set point 2.
Dj throws FH wide. a wild mishit. Deuce.
2nd serve. Fed throws another easy FH in the net from well inside the court.
Set point 3.
Dj misses another easy FH long. Deuce.
2nd serve. Fed misses another forehand into the net as he tries to change direction.
Set point 5.
Dj’s forehand clips the net and flies long. Deuce. Fed shanks an easy FH into the net.
Set point 6. Fed deuces with forehand.
Nice rally from both. great shots. Dj plays smart.
7th Set Point. Dj misses an easy one at the net. Deuce. Roger plays great volley after a short rally.
Break point for Fed. Fed throws FH wide after a nice rally.
Deuce. 2nd serve. Dj’s BH slice goes into the net.
5th Break point for Fed.
2nd serve. Gutsy down the T Ace. Deuce.
Dj throws an easy BH long.
6th Break point for Fed.
Great FH deep into the corner gives Dj deuce. Fed throws another FH long.
8th Set point for Dj.
2nd serve. Finally that slice into the corner and move to the net draws error from Fed. Dj wins the 1st set after crazy ups and down.


Duro Says:

Maxi, I’m shivering… Very close to throw up…


Kimmi Says:

FH error again..another break for Djoko. Federer c’mooon..what is going on !!


Skorocel Says:

Again, Fed misses an supereasy FH and gives Djoker the break. As the things look now, this is certainly Djoker’s match to lose…


i am it Says:

double break point for Dj in the 2nd set opening game. Dj messes it up out of desperation, with that drop volley. 30-40. Fed shanks another FH into the net.
Dj breaks. Fantastic tennis, so far.

Where are you, j.?


madmax Says:

I am it – thank you so much! i feel tense just reading what you have written! oh my god! sounds great match – whatever – fed has got his work cut out! c’moon – the fed! go roger go!

Skorocel – thank you am going to try it now! xx

Duro. I know. Novak is playing great!
c’moon! federer! get working!

I am joining you duro on the throwing up feeling!


Kimmi Says:

so desperate for federer to come back here but I don’t see it..C’mooon


madmax Says:

fed is too nervous!


madmax Says:

Kimmi! keep believing. he been here before! this is novak’s match to lose, but we are talking about federer here! He just putting too much pressure on himself! he should play free!


i am it Says:

And Dj consolidates his break. 2-0. and it is deuce in the 3rd game, but Fed holds. 1-2. it is looking good for the Serb’s chances.


Kimmi Says:

Roger gave a big YEEEAAAH..he still think he can win this..c’mooon


Skorocel Says:

Uff, Novak really should’ve made that ball at 40 all! Not over yet…


i am it Says:

Skorocel, i agree. but Fed had a nice reflex there.

madmax, Skoro is a certified Fed fan with a critical eye. there you go, you have plenty of friends here.


Kimmi Says:

Excellent drop shot..and federer breaks. game on here..hope this will get him fired up.


sar Says:

OMG just got up and saw the score.


Skorocel Says:

Finally a good FH from Fed & then some luck with the net cord give him that much needed break!


i am it Says:

from 30-30 in the 4th game.
2nd serve. Dj throws an easy BH wide.
1st break point for Fed in the 2nd set.
Wow, Fed’s FH slice volley was spectacular.
Fed breaks back 2-2. the match is still 50-50.


Skorocel Says:

i am it: Certified Fed fan? LOL :-) I’ll certainly that one down :-) But seriously, that ball at 2-0, 40 all, was Djoker’s to lose…


i am it Says:

Fed holds, not difficult service game, courtesy to Dj’s FH long, and Fed takes the lead. 3-2. the momentum is shifting.
To stay the course, Dj will have to be careful and up the level a bit.


madmax Says:

I am it – thank you – more, more, more!
Skorocel – i cannot get picture but two south african commentators – but i like your running commentary much, much better! am going to swing between the two!

I am it – thanks for the info on Skor, you are a legend!

back to the match!
c’moon fed!!!!!! GO:ROGER:GO!!!


i am it Says:

So far, this is good tennis, apart from those easy unforced errors.


madmax Says:

AWWW..ROGER! ROGER! ROGER! WAKE UP! KEEP THE MOMENTUM! I am sick with excitement! go:go:goooooo roger!


Skorocel Says:

Very well played from Djoker, that dropshot! 4 games all.


Skorocel Says:

Important hold for Fed. 5-4


Kimmi Says:

crunch time now…c’moon Fed
Murray is cruising in Valencia


madmax Says:

have lost the audio now Skor-i could scream! c’mon roger! go! do what you do best! those forehands certainly need work by the sound of it!

c’moon!!!!


Skorocel Says:

Brilliant FH from Djoker! Fed simply can’t get to 0-30 on the Serb’s serve…


madmax Says:

c’moon fed! c’moon! get the win! go go go!


madmax Says:

kimmi – this is excruciating!


Skorocel Says:

madmax: Djoker facing 2 BPs at 15-40. He’s already saved one.


Kimo Says:

Go ROGERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!


Kimmi Says:

YEEESSSSS…The Fed take the 2nd set


madmax Says:

am going to have to leave the room right now for a second-federer!


Skorocel Says:

But couldn’t save the 2nd. Fed breaks and takes the match into the 3rd set!


madmax Says:

Skorocel- i dont know who you are! but man, I love you!

go fed go!


Kimmi Says:

Too easy for Murray is valencia.

C’moon Roger…final set…


Skorocel Says:

Those 2 BPs were of course setpoints…


madmax Says:

Kimmi…..yeeessssssssssssss!


Kimmi Says:

0-30 what! federer


madmax Says:

Yeah, Skor-thanks for that- now c’moon fed-this is the time to bring on the magic!


Kimmi Says:

Nooo.break point to Djoko this early


i am it Says:

madmax, i am gonna slow down. excuse me. i am gonna focus on enjoying the good tennis a bit.

both hold easily, losing only 1 point. Fed leads 4-3.
Dj throws forehand long in a cross court rally. 30-15. another double fault from Dj, 30-30. Dj takes the next 2 points, the drop volley was spectacular. Dj holds. 4-4.
another quick service game from Fed, losing only one point. 5-4.

Dj faces break point at a critical juncture. Set point for Fed. Fed takes the 2nd set in the 1st chance. Fed simply played better here. Dj let his guard off. sloppy drop volley not crossing the net, 2nd serve, double fault gave Fed double break point, etc.


Kimo Says:

Why Roger? Whyyyy????


Kimmi Says:

FH..errrrroooooorrrrrr..give Djoko the early break


Skorocel Says:

Djoker breaks Fed in the very first game. Again, Fed misses an easy FH on the BP…


Kimo Says:

Fed’s really sluggish today. It’s too wierd.


madmax Says:

the fed fans are used to the rollercoaster ride with the fed. this is what he does. this is why we love him. this is why federer surprises us, more and more. the time to start getting your act together roger is NOW! NOW! NOW!


madmax Says:

Kimmi, have faith in the fed. if anyone can turn this around, he can.


Kimmi Says:

making too many UE today roger…C’mon 0-30 again..


Skorocel Says:

Well, with such cr.ppy FH, there’s only so much hope for Fed to win this one… The guy’s gotta win that 3rd game, else it’s over!


i am it Says:

Dj break early in the 3rd set, playing smarter tennis, constructing points, and going for winners.
And he holds. 2-0. hopefully this time he maintains it.


Kimmi Says:

excellent drop shot by djoko


Kimo Says:

What a rally!!!!


Kimmi Says:

what a rally..Fed saving the virtual matchpoint…another chance..fed very crappy today


Kimmi Says:

double break for Djoko now..the fed is gone gone gone


Kimo Says:

This match is unofficially over. Shame.


Skorocel Says:

Well, that’s it for Roger… Djoker leads 3-0.


i am it Says:

with the double break, the sun is shining bright in the Noleland, Duro.

Where the hell have you been, J.?


Kimmi Says:

And the djoko is really pumped up.. he should


Skorocel Says:

Well, at least it’s not a bagel for Fed :-)


Kimo Says:

COME ONNNNNNNN!!!!


Kimmi Says:

0-40 to duece…


Kimo Says:

Fed get three BPs and then blows them away with stupid UEs. It’s just not his day.


i am it Says:

i think it is safe to call the match for Dj.
Congrats to Dj fans, Duro, margo, me, and did i forget a special one called j.? congrats to you, too, j., though you’ve been suspended for a day, by a unanimous verdict of the club.


madmax Says:

Come On! Federer is not over yet!

I keep thinking though as had to leave for some air (!), that he needs any loss so that he can build for the major AO, soon..soon..soon…he cannot win everything. he has to learn from his mistakes, that forehand for starters! his serve has been pretty good though, but novak, whatever happens, deserves to win this match. fed too nervous today, reading all the commentaries and hearing a bit of the match – god, i would be keeling over if i was in basel right now.

Now come on Roger. get a grip…pllllleeezzzeeeee!


madmax Says:

duro, i cant listen anymore. If Novak is to win (likely), i want to say congrats to your guy. I feel very sick though. As Skor said, it isnt fed’s day today. too many errors all over the place. I would like to say it is unlike him, but i see this with him more and more. He needs more practise, but i am glad he took it to a third set. Fed is a fighter and will always be the best for me. I am glad he had major competition this tournament though, because novak is a fine competitor in all tournaments – federer will go away and learn from this, like he always does. and will come back better, stronger, harder!

go roger go!


i am it Says:

A special Congrats to Sar, another hardcore fan of Dj.


madmax Says:

I meant to say to ALL novak fans – you should be proud of your guy. xx


Kimmi Says:

Congrats to Novak fans…at least I got the Murray win today.

Federer too many errors and Djoko was very good today.


i am it Says:

it is official, Dj wins the match, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

Official congrats to j., Duro, Sar, Margo, and all Dj fans. It is a great day.
Commiseration to Fed fans. it simply was not his day.


jane Says:

OMG – HE DID IT!!!!!! Congrats to Nole!! : D

Congrats to Murray.

Better luck next time to Youz & Fed. Sorry to all my fave Fed fans here.


Kimo Says:

Congrats to Nole, obviously the better player today.

Fed was playing like he did when he blew a 5-1 lead in the third against Tsonga in Montreal, except this time it went on for three full sets.


Rick Says:

Sorry guys! Fed Allstop hit his best shot for his career at the US Open. It’s game over for him now! lol


Rick Says:

Attention all passengers! The next stop for this train is Warinka, Del Potro, Nadal, Murray and Gillies. lol


madmax Says:

Rick. got to say. thats a rubbish comment you just posted. The fed is the maestro. Always will be. As Kimo and Skor said, just not his day. This is tennis. He cannot win everything. No excuses. Novak has had a brilliant run, he deserved to win today. No game over for fed (even with the lol), he’ll learn from this loss and move forward, like he always does.

Go Federer!

Duro-come out, come out, wherever you are!!! enjoy the moment. I am not so happy! :(


jane Says:

Sorry i am it – just couldn’t come out of my cave this time, had to watch silently and with chewing on nails.

Margot – my hair is brilliant brunette once again. I knew Murray would win today but Novak too? I still cannot believe it. Truly am shocked. It’s a lovely day for me.

Fed fans – part of the problem, don’t you think, is that Fed had no one to test him this year in Basel, while Novak had some tough ones and so he was match ready. Plus I think Novak had lost a number of finals this year and he wanted to win one this time. I am sad for you guys but not really because Fed has 15 slams!


Kimmi Says:

Nadal is probably thinking, aha I have a good chance to end this year numero uno. And he does..


i am it Says:

Congrats to Kimmi, too. at least Murray won the title, something consolable.

Special, special congrats to j. and margo, for winning 2 titles on the same day. i don’t think this has ever happened before. What a great day, for you two !!!


Skorocel Says:

Djoker wins! Well done, Novak!


Twocents Says:

Djok: I want a revenge for that disrespectful tweener!
Fed: Ok. But comes with the pizza (for ball boys) bills.


jane Says:

Kimmi, Fed served 71% first serves in and 10 aces! He also won 44% second serves and won 46% returning Djoko’s second serves so he wasn’t playing that badly. What he didn’t do was take advantage of break point chances and made too many errors, as you already correctly pointed out.


Rick Says:

Seriously, I wish Fed Allstop plays the top 5 more often in the Grand Slams. As for the masters, how well he does. It depends on which group he is in. He would able to gets some wins if Davydenko and Roddick are his groups. Otherwise, I am not very optimisstic for his chance there! As for Nadal, I don’t think that he is the same player since his return.


Kimmi Says:

i ma it, thanks. a sad day but I am happy for Djoko. Murray was not pushed in valencia at all. Djoko is still looking good to finish number 3 even number 2 now. Congrats

Next we go to Paris. C’moon Roger and Murray.


jane Says:

Fed is being a great sport, nice to see. Also nice to see both Fed and Djoko speak more than once language, well. Love that.


margot Says:

jane!! Way to go!! Whoopee. Was torn, saw first set Djko, then hopped over to Andy…
Yes I am drooling in a very unseemly way today, here comes the future!
BTW Andy gave a tennis masterclass, on fire.


jane Says:

OMG how cute with the ball kids.

Twocents, how’d you know about the pizza. LOL.

I guess they are renovating this stadium and calling it the Roger Federer stadium in the future.


jane Says:

margot – how cool hey? Great for both Murray and Djoko, our favorites. WOOT!


Kimmi Says:

jane, 71% very good but Djoko was returning very well, Fed did not hit his spots very well. And UE from fed cost him..Djoko did not do much on those break points. Anyways, congrats jane, novak got another win from fed 5-9 H2H now. Now you have to believe Novak when he plays Fed again.


Duro Says:

In Novak we trust!!! Alleeeeez allez allez alleeeez, No1-leeeee, No1-leeeee…!!!

Thank you dearest Nole!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I’m barely alive, but happy to the sky limit…

Congratulation all, people! Thank you for your kind words!

Maxi, one hug for you to feel better. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty opportunities to hug me back in the next matches. There will be lots of these and lots of opportunities for your joy too. Love you, dear!

My Nole fans friends, what to say… I feel proud and content, but happy the most. Congrats to “infidel” Jane, devoted Sar, my friend i am it and all who support Nole.

Love is in the air…

Ajde Nole ole, ole, ole! In Novak we trust!

In the end of the 2010 number 1 in the world!

In Novak we trust!

Over and out.


i am it Says:

Dj leads Fed 3-2 in h2h this year. since 2008, they tie at 4-4.
Since 2007, i.e. the breakthrough year for Dj, Fed leads 7-5, which is not that bad, though his overall still stands at 9-5.


madmax Says:

jane – totally agree with you. Have been following federer ‘properly’ over the last 4 years – and yes. He may be disappointed today, but the motivation with federer is still there. He has won so many tournaments and what is important to him right now are the majors – though no doubt – london is important. Paris? Not so sure. He needed the match practice and novak gave him that today – if he had had some tougher matches, then it could be a different result today – but novak deserves the praise and the win!

Also with Paris being 1000 points to play, he needs to play well and ensure he is ahead of the field, otherwise there is a possibility that he could end the year no. 2. If he does, i wouldnt be too worried – i know that he will work very hard to bring his best to Australia – the record, as a fan that I am most proud of is his 22 consecutive semi final wins in a major – a record that is truly awesome. I know it has to be broken sometime, and whoever does it, will be remembered forever in tennis heaven!

I am interested as well, to see how the gap will/wont close between djoko and murray? who will end no.3/no.2 – of course the top four are all within ear shot of each other – no one is safe.

I too, see a different rafa in terms of he has lost that ‘something’, that ‘edge’, but i think again with more match practise, his confidence will return. I still love watching him. I just think that every player out there isnt frightened of federer nor nadal – that can only be a good thing for them, but also roger and rafa are being kept on their toes! Tennis is great right now. Am loving it!


Kimmi Says:

Madmax, Djoko and Murray have 370 points beween them. Its still anyones No.3 at the year end. If murray goes further than Novak in paris it could be neck and neck..London will decide.

Djoko for # 2 this year, nadal has to do really bad and Djoko do very well in both Paris and London.


Dan Martin Says:

Congrats to Nole. Congrats to Murray as well. I think Nole will be a force in 2010 (he was in 07, 08 and 09 as well), but I get the sense he will play his best tennis to date next year. I am not sure how that translates in terms of titles as the top 15 are solid and the top 6 are really strong. Watching Nole practice in Cincy gave me the impression of how talented he is and I think if talent and belief merge he will be hard to stop. From Australia-Indian Wells 2008 he was on fire, I think he can do that again for an even longer period of time if self-confidence and match tactics keep growing.


sensationalsafin Says:

Holy crap!


madmax Says:

duro,
there you are! where have you been! i hopped over to TT, and you did not take part in the match discussion over there – i can only think you were hyperventilating duro somewhere with a vodka in hand? anyway, champagne for you, my dear friend! enjoy your evening.

I am very glad that federer was respectful and sweet to novak. He gets a lot of bad press Jane, on TT for not being so. This is good.
This is a much nicer forum, with much nicer people in my view.

Thank you everyone for your running commentaries today. For some reason, the livestreaming was not working for me, so will have to sort that one out pretty darn quick!


Dan Martin Says:

Oh yeah how do the points look if we subtract last season’s Paris and Masters Cup results (the old race numbers)?


jane Says:

Kimmi, I have to say that I am sincerely shocked. To me, all the signs pointed to a Roger win as he seemed on fire this week. Add to that the fact that Djoko was struggling in his last two matches, and I could not see him having more than a 20, maybe 30% chance to win. It’s not that I don’t believe in him. I love Nole! :) But Fed is usually so great against him. Anyhow, sorry for Fed’s loss, but I am sure he’ll bounce back. There are still YEC to play!

madmax – take heart, when you are sad, just chant 15 slams, 15 slams or something. :) You’re right 100% – tennis IS GREAT right now.


madmax Says:

Kimmi,

thanks for the last post. BOY, it is THAT close! In your opinion would you say that novak is playing better than rafa? I would. (and I like rafa), but novak seems to have regained the passion that was missing earlier in the year – his racquet change now seems a very good move.


madmax Says:

am smiling jane. it is my mantra…15 slams! 15 slams! and a smile to match! I just love roger, unashamedly.


Skorocel Says:

madmax: Let Rick Allstop ramble – he’s waited for this moment since Fed lost that USO final ;-)

P.S. It maybe wasn’t Fed’s day, but that doesn’t take anything away from Novak. In sports, you either lose or win. Today, Novak won fair and square, no matter how many UEs Fed commited…


sar Says:

Happy for the win on Fed’s home turf. Commentator said it would be a big scalp. I know it’s got to be bad for Fed and this loss in Basel. I was unsure as Novak had such a tough time with Wawa and Steps. Maybe Fed needed more competiton in the early rounds coming after 50 days off. Who knows.
Jane, N&Z won too.


Kimmi Says:

Madmax, Yes Novak is definelty playing better now than Nadal..nadal has been struggling since his injuries and hardcourts are not his cup of tea. I am sure he will come back..he might surprise us in Paris and London, who knows, he is gunning for that number one. Roger needs to tighten up the screws now, too rusty on those FH and BH..he needs to do well in Paris and London..or he will be caught up with rafa…hope he does that.


jane Says:

sar, I know, how great that they won as well. Like you I am still hoping Nestor gets Paris to complete his set.


Kimmi Says:

jane, nest/zim and bryans will be fighting for end of year number one. last year nest/Z got it I think..They are almost neck n’ neck now.


sensationalsafin Says:

Federer had some of the weakest competition he’s ever faced leading into a final of any kind. I’ve made this argument before that weak competition hurts Federer more than it helps. In Miami, after Fed barely beat Roddick, he said that often matches like that help him go on to win the title. That was not to be in Miami, but it did happen in Cincy. He had to come back from a set and a break down against Ferrer then played some of his best tennis in taking out Murray and Djokovic.

Djokovic, on the other hand, was extremely match tough. In this tournament he played good players and he’s already played a couple tournaments before. My concern was Djokovic folding the way he did at the USO where he was happy just to be there. I’m glad this was not the case. He just showed what I’ve been begging him to show for a while now, that ambition that got him a slam in the first place. It looks like he’s ready to step up and he’s done backing down and folding.

That 6-2 in the third bothers me regarding Federer and I’m still worried about him clinching the number 1 ranking, but I’m still glad about the overall result. I said I’d root for Djokovic as soon as Fed breaks the slam record and he just confirmed why my switch is the right one.

I find myself caring very little about Murray’s win. Until he wins a slam, he’s merely a decent player who hangs around the top 6 because he plays a lot of small tournaments (yeah that’s not exactly true but that’s the category I’m putting him in).


stu Says:

so who’s got the funk?! :D


jane Says:

sensationalsafin, I agree that part of it for Djoko is ambition, yes, which is somehow linked to confidence, but I’ve said this before; I think part of it was hiring a new trainer back in May. The dividends are evident now. He is definitely more fit. More like 2007 when he could grind out wins. And also when he had the desire to grind them out. He does seem more at peace with himself. Finally, I think surface plays a part; obviously he likes hard courts, the faster the better. But he’s great on clay too.

Like Dan says, though, even though he will want to step up now, the competition next year will be fierce at the slams and masters.


i am it Says:

Ranking points Update for the Top 4, as of today, after Paris and YEC point deduction.

Federer——-10,140
Rafa———-8,845
Djokovic——7,000 (or 7,100?)
Murray——–6,540


been there Says:

Well, as expected, quite an easy win for Murray at Valencia over Youzhny….so I gotta force myself to congratulate him. hehe.

Fed vs Djoko – Great win for Djoko…finally a win in a final over one of his main competitors. Now I want to see him go all the way in Paris masters and/or YEC & get a big win. Good showing but enough now of the 250s & 500s…next, I want a 1000+ ! Period. lol

aaw :(…feeling kinda sad for Fed to lose in Basel. I guess I’m contradicting myself ‘coz on one hand am glad Djoko won but at the same time sad for Fed. There’s always next year to regain the trophy & I suppose a finals showing isn’t all that bad. Truth be told, he did let himself down with an non-working forehand….& not converting a 0-40 points lead to regain one of the break-points in the 3rd set. *scratches head* Commiserations!


margot Says:

sensationalsafin: re Andy,you are too harsh. His time will come, too much talent not to.
madmax: you can buy a one match sub from tennis.tv if desperate in future, it costs about a fiver. PS Federer circa 2005-007 was enchanted, a god from Olympus!


sensationalsafin Says:

When Djokovic is playing his best and most fierce tennis, he can beat anyone. And it’s not like he has to win everything everywhere. He needs to win more big events than everyone else in order to be number 1. Should he win a slam or 2, make some finals and semis, win 2 or 3 Masters and have all around good results everywhere else, he’ll easily be in the running for the top spot. Federer has won only 4 events this year and he’s fairly ahead in points. That’s because he’s performed really well every where else and won the big events. Last year, Fed also won only 4 events but 3 were small and he ended up number 2. Federer has only lost before the semis twice all year. Djokovic has lost before the quarters once all year. He’s also made 9 finals but lost more than he won. If he can go 5-4 or 6-3 in finals, he’d have more points.

While I’d also like to see Djokovic take home a big title this year, this one is really big in terms of significance. It may have been a 500, but this was Federer in Basel, not Federer in Estoril or Nadal in Rotterdam. This would be like someone beating Nadal in Barcelona. It may just be a 500 but for Federer and Nadal, these particular events mean A LOT to them. Not in terms of historical significance but they are really personal. Federer has been brought to tears on several occasions in Basel. He does not like to lose there. It’s a great win for Djokovic and I’d like to see him take this confidence and win London and/or Paris. If you can beat number 1, you can beat number 2. And if you’re number 3, you can beat anyone lower than you. Let’s go Djokovic. It’s time to start Djokovic-? Era.


huh Says:

It’s pitiful, I wrote a big post and it got lost! F###!


huh Says:

So the dumbass Rick is back!


huh Says:

Come on guys, give Fed a break! What even if he lost? He tried his best, isn’t that enough?


huh Says:

Dear Mrs. Margot, congratulations on Murray’s win! But I’d like to see him win something bigger, much bigger! You understand what I say, don’t you? ;)


madmax Says:

Firstly, Jane – you are a true fan of novak and murray. I respect that.

Rick? Rick who? I cannot understand why anyone would want to knock the greatest player ever (in my view), what federer had done for tennis, leaves me speechless. I take heart from all you lovely people out there who advise me to smile/ignore/repeat-15 slams,(breath slowly),15 slams – i cannot expect federer to win every time – he has had 6 weeks off (though will be training’practising – that can never take the place of matchplay, hitting against training partners, Jessie levine/ or the dragon ball machine – but in a strange kinda way, federer lost at his beloved basel. Yes. That will hurt. He needs to experience those feelings of hurt in order to learn, to grow, to improve and I am one of those federer fans who believes that he can improve, and he will improve. I will never support another player in entirety until federer retires, which I hope will not be for another 10 years. Until then, I follow him 100%, and I admire others, rafa,novak,cilic (new to me), but roger is still the beacon, the shining star of tennis for me.

Huh, i hear what you say. I dont understand this rick person, so am not going to say anything. I take it he is a bad penny? I havent seen his name here before, so i guess you must go way back, right?

Margot, thank you so much for that – i will try it –

Novak deserved to win today, been there, he was ‘game on’, more match practice, a better player on the day – tennis is twisting and turning a lot more these days – but federer is still the best – in my eyes –

sensationalsafin, why ditch the fed after 15 slams? I could never do that! It would be like turning my back on someone. Couldnt do it!

Go fed go!!!! Learn from the experience and check out your second serves and UE’s. That was the downfall today!
Cheers everyone.


i am it Says:

madmax, i would avoid Rick. the best way to deal with a “bad penny” is to stay indifferent to him. that’s what we do. just sharing.


huh Says:

Hi madmax, don’t be disappointed, be proud for how Fed is giving his all in every match as I’m!


jane Says:

Thanks madmax, just remember to chant “15 slams”. Fed’s not going anywhere. He just had an okay or not so great day at the office, not his best. But as “been there” said, he’s still making the finals in slams and is still number 1.


madmax Says:

I’m very proud of federer, huh – most of all because 18 months ago – apart from the true federer fans – everyone wrote roger federer off as being ‘toast’. Look what happened. He may not be the federer of old where players were scared to play him, even before the first shot -BUT-he has his touches of brilliance, and i dont think he is THAT different, it is just that the others are catching him up – he has been THAT good, for THAT long. Apart from Roddick, Federer is the only other player to have been in the top 10, for almost 10 years now – that REALLY is AWESOME.


Kimmi Says:

I am it, the ranking points after paris and YEC deduction is 6190 for Djoko..not 7100 as you wrote above.

Djoko and Murray are 370 points apart..Good win for Djoko today, if he would have lost Murray would have closed the gap even further.


sensationalsafin Says:

I’m not ditching Federer entirely. I find it extremely hard to root against him. But I also find it boring to root for him. When he wins, I’ll always be happy. He can only add to his incredible legacy. But it really hit me during the Wimbledon ceremony how much it must suck for all these players to lose in slam finals. I’m so glad Del Potro beat Fed in the USO final because otherwise he would have just been another casualty in the ridiculousness that is Roger Federer. Federer has crushed so many hearts and while I like Federer, I want to see some other players celebrate their joy.


i am it Says:

Kimmi, when you try to rectify my ranking update, i would appreciate if you do the break-down and show me how, rather than copy & paste, which can be sometimes faulty and not up-to-the-minute update.
i am not saying i am right and you are wrong but would like to know how it is 6190 for Dj and how it is only 370 point differential with Murray. i would like to see the break-down from you or whoever wants to volunteer. until i am convincingly corrected, i stand by my math. thanks.


i am it Says:

Kimmi, now i know how you arrived at those numbers. You simply added 200 points (after Dj and Murray won today) to those Race Points of the table, which has already included final results. sounds fine, so i retract my post above with an apology.
but i am gonna wait until tomorrow because when i did the math from the Ranking Points, the numbers don’t quite match.


i am it Says:

actually, Kimmi, if we do the way you did, i.e. adding 200 points to the title winners’ total, Dj would have 6910, not 6190, and Murray will stand at 6540. and the difference is 370, as you said above.


margot Says:

Darling huh: thankyou. Yes, I too want much bigger for Andy and feel 2010 will be a good year, feel it in my water…besides “i am it” told me so and he is god of tennis knowledge…..
talking of whom….
i am it: when people liken Andy to a “serial killer” I do feel a teensy weensy temper tantrum coming on….


Duro Says:

“If you can beat number 1, you can beat number 2. And if you’re number 3, you can beat anyone lower than you. Let’s go Djokovic. It’s time to start Djokovic-? Era.”

Ha ha ha, way to go sensational! If only you become devastatingdjokovic I would love you the most!


jane Says:

OMG margot – who likened Andy M to a serial killer? That’s just dumb!! Andy M rocks and he will win many slams. Mark it down! :)


huh Says:

Till there’re Murray and DP and Rafa, it’s hard to think of Djokovic Era, time’s running out for Fed, so he’d be only as much danger as the above three and not more. Let’s see anyway who dares to start his era? ;)


jane Says:

How about an era where there are a few, four, or even five different slam winners? How about they share for a while? Don’t forget we still want a Wimbledon title for Roddick, or at least another slam for him would be great. Murray needs his first. Djoko and JMDP their second. And a USO for Rafa would give him a complete set. All of that would make me happy. Maybe a sweet 16 for Roger too. Or even better for him, a gold Olympic medal?.


i am it Says:

Margo, that’s an unfair characterization of murray, and your “temper tantrum” is the way to protest, or to oppose through a civil disobedience of non-violent type. i didn’t read who likened murray to serial killer, but what SS said may sound harsh to hard core murray fans, but SS is entitled to his personal opinion (“I find myself caring very little about Murray’s win…that’s the category I’m putting him in”). we may have to learn to live with it.


sensationalsafin Says:

It’s not that I’m not a fan of Murray, I’m just tired of his game. It’s predictably stellar. And I have yet to see any indication of him being a future slam champion.


Kimmi Says:

I am it: The ranking update is already in the ATP site. (they call it “Year-to-date South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings”). Since your points above did not have Paris and YEC then I concluded it should be the same as the race. ATP have been updating the race everyday…which I have been following. I was wrong when I wrote 6190, it should be 6910. And 370 points is the points difference btw Djoko and Murray.


huh Says:

I certainly’d be much happier if Rafa doesn’t win the USO. H But if he wins it, I’ve to accept it.


huh Says:

The reason for it is Rafa’s Fed’s arch-rival and I would never like the idea of his main rival overtaking/matching him in terms of accomplishments and records. Call me selfish or whatever, but even if Fed somehow wins a Golden Slam(very unlikely), even then I’d not at all be happy about Rafa winning the USO coz by that he’d also have the Golden Slam like Fed. So what will be the difference between his achievements and that of Fed and why and how Fed’s accomplishments could be held more unique? This may very well be(or is) the case and so long as this is so, I’d always dread the thought of Rafa winning USO. Forgive me if you can, no problem at all if you cannot, but I am not going to even imagine of wishing a USO victory for Rafa. I’m too loyal to Fed to be this nice to his arch-rival Rafa.


huh Says:

HOWEVER—–

For me, Murray winning a slam next tear is the ‘A’ priority. I’d hate Djoko(or even DP) to win his second slam before Murray wins his first, well and truly! I cannot imagine or tolerate Fed going slamless from now on until he retires. So at least one more slam for Fed’s most most vital for me, absolutely essential, there can’t be another option here. And Roddick winning Wimbledon is certainly another of THE prorities of my tennis-fan life.


contador Says:

i finally watched the replays of basel and valencia. !@#$%!! = that was a very poor performance from federer. fed doll looked grumpy, too.

not a big deal if his days of winning most of the tournys are over. madmax, you’re right, fed fans are used to the rollercoaster after being on it nearly 2 years! he surprised us by winning rolland garos and wimby last year. then he lost in the final at the us open and today in the final in his hometown. it’s ups and downs. just happy to have him out there on tour, when he could easily retire. most of this tourny he appeared to enjoy himself but really, he had no challenge until nole.

wonder what we get next, madmax?

kudos to nole for the win. can’t really say that was his A-game, either. it was enough though; that’s what matters. he held up mentally through 3 mentally challenging matches. that’s huge!!

murray wasn’t really challenged, either. road weary verdasco and youz or alberto martin? his biggest test was against leo mayer!!

on to paris…


contador Says:

LOL huh….

spoken like a truly spoiled fed fan..( i’m one too! ) :-)

how are you doing? proud of myself here, since it’s now 2 fed finals losses and no tantrum in sight. happy, truly happy for nole.


sensationalsafin Says:

Murray will need a miracle to snatch that first slam.

I don’t understand why Federer is being overly praised just because he lost a level 500 final. This isn’t the first time he’s lost a final in Basel, either. Fed’s got no firsts left. Well, there are a few. There are a couple Masters he hasn’t won and Davis Cup and he’s never defended his FO title. But still, does he really need all that? Does it matter if he doesn’t get it? Why can’t other players win for once?

From 04-08, I was always sad when Federer lost. The only times I was ok or even happy about his losses was when they were to Safin or Djokovic. If it was Nadal, Canas, Nalbandian, Simon, or any one else, it sucked. And it’ll continue to suck. Oh and I was pretty happy when Roddick got that W in Miami. So I’ll continue to be happy if Roddick or Djokovic will beat Federer. Not a lot, though. I hope Federer gets revenge next time he plays Djokovic. I want things to go back and forth. I also would hate to see Federer start losing to every final. Same goes for Djokovic. I love seeing them win finals, not just get there. But if they lose to each other, then super. I still am begging for Djokovic to beat Murray this year. I think it’d surely be some sort of record where the top 4 players all beat each other at least once during one year.


Twocents Says:

Jane, we enjoy the best pizza price (not sure about the taste cuz it’s so subjective)here in North America. Pizza + ball boys are heavenly combination.

Awesome tennis + passing of healthcare bill, what more can one ask for a weekend? Thanksgiving.


Nina Says:

think in general tennis fans are ambivalent. They want federer to still win (because after all he’s the best player in history) but at the same time they want other players to break in and start their eras (otherwise tennis would be so boring). I know a lot of people like myself that are tired of Fed winning everything. With the impressive talent of Djoko, Nadal, Murray, Del Potro and the likes it’s only normal to root for these young players too. I love Federer, don’t get me wrong, and I still want him to do great until he retires, but I am rooting more for Djokovic now. What do you want me to say, the cute Serbian has stolen my heart. I just love the guy, on and off court, and he plays some damn great tennis and he can beat anyone as demonstrated. I still think he needs to grow up a little as he’s doing lately, keep it cool and lose the tantrums (though I enjoy them lol) and believe in himself because he truly can start the next era in tennis. All my hopes are on Djoko, he has everything to become a real champion. He would already be nº1 if he had been born in another era, easily, but he was unlucky enough to break in during the Fed/Nadal slamfest. I admire Djokovic so much and I want him to win everything next year, he has tons of fans already and he will have more once Fed is retired. He will be the driving force in 2010.

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