Near Perfect Davydenko Foils Federer-Nadal Final in Doha

australian open will c whether federer can get back to winning ways. he has many points to defend in majors. davydanko has always been a dangerous player on hardcourt, but if nadal wins in final, then i have to put nadal right up there to win australian open. i am a diehard federer fan & i hope these smaller events are not an indication of the major events. i truly hope roger gets back to winning ways at the majors. i didn’t c fed-davy match. competition in general has become real intense: delpo; murray; nadal; solderling; djokovic; cilic; monfils; tsonga. roger has his plate full if he wants to win another major & 2me his best chance is at wimbledon. i hope he can win another couple of majors b4 he retires.

January 8th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

Ok. I love the Fed but it is over, baby.

Even I can smell your blood. Everyone is really, really going to go after you this year. I know I hoped for some Grand Slams but I hope you win at least one tournament. Especially since you stink at the best of three which is the only way you can stay at number one. You ain’t gonna be able to hold the grand slam points. Ouch!

This is not just a loss, this is not he is human. The knives are out!

January 8th, 2010 at 12:17 pm

Thanks Sean for picking Davydenko in this one(and jinxing him). Now Nadal will win tomorrow for sure.

January 8th, 2010 at 12:24 pm

[…] Recent News… Near Perfect Davydenko Foils Federer-Nadal Final in Doha […]

January 8th, 2010 at 12:25 pm

federer running scared of facing nadal rotf!

January 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Davy played a near perfect 1st set and a solid 2nd set.

January 8th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

Good job Tipsy!

January 8th, 2010 at 12:45 pm

I like tennis bullies, you sure live up to your name dont you?

Federer fans,

Accept Roger’s losses and rejoice in his wins. Put things into perspective. Dont mouth off against other players. That’s when people start behaving like children.

Fact: Roger had a more difficult draw in this tournament than Rafa.
Fact: roger lost to a better player today, davydenko who played brilliantly, was on fire and deserved the win. congratulations to davydenko fans out there – he was brilliant.
Fact: this tournament is a 250 point tournament.
Fact: federer got to the semi finals.
Fact: Federer will learn from this loss and move on from it and improve on his play.

Everyone will know that tournaments to Roger means slams and masters series, 2000 points and 1000 points. NOT smaller tournament. They are practise sessions for him, to gain match practice, try out new shots, enjoy and have fun. Nothing wrong with that if that is his agenda.

ThyGodistennis (shorten your name please!)says:

‘Federer is OVER!’

comments like that show ignorance and disrespect. unless of course you meant to say that Federer is OVER… his loss of this tournament? Probably. He is working out what needs to be done for improvements in his game.

I think he didnt put his all into this match. I think he was not at his best. His motivation was not as good. I expect all of that to change for the AO and for him to bring a lot more to his game.

Comments that continue to bad mouth federer belong to the bad mouthers. Not the good people on this forum.

Roger chooses when to fight. He chose not to for a number of reasons. Saving energy,davy was too good,federer keeping things up his sleeve,saving them for later,its a 250 point tournament,not on his agenda. He’s using this to get match practise. I would say exactly the same if he went through to the final and lost to rafa.It makes no difference. These guys are great to watch. Rafa needs the match practise in terms of his confidence.

Good luck to rafa, may he continue to improve and stay around in tennis for a very long time.

I hope all rafa fans and davydenko fans enjoy the final tomorrow.

May the best man win.

Federer fans, Roger will be on a plane to Australia tomorrow. Only he knows whether he will play kooyong. All the best to roger.

Federer fans. Dont worry.Federer will be back, with avengeance!

And please stop talking about retirement because he lost a 250 point tournament. You really dont know the man’s tennis, or read any of his interviews. Listen and concentrate on what he says and where his energies will lie!

I seem to recall, in 2008, werent the doubters saying the same – it’s getting boring now.

January 8th, 2010 at 12:49 pm

Federer:………………………..Davy
3 double faults………………..2 double faults
54% first serves………………78% first serves
67% first serve points won……..72% first serves
50% second serve points won…….53% secser won
30 winners…………………….24 winners
37 unforced errors……………..21 UE’s
1/3 break points won……………3/10
56 points Total………………..67 points Total

Federer needs to work on backhand, first serve ratio and reducing UE’s. He will do it.

January 8th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

The Russian got off to a fast start against Federer, breaking him in the third game when the Swiss hit two returns into the net. Ahead 2-1, Davydenko held his serve to close out the set at 6-4.

By contrast, Federer struggled with his serve.

“Yeah, he served very well, especially when he needed to. He played better,” Federer said. “I felt my arm from the cold but it is not an excuse. He served well. He made it difficult as the match went on.”

Davydenko kept up the pressure in the second set and again broke an error-prone Federer in the third game. Davydenko held his serve for the rest of the set to seal the win.

Federer heads to Melbourne for the Australian Open.

“There is nothing to worry about my arm. I will be fine,” Federer said.

January 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Dear Mr. or Ms. MadMax

I do not use cap locks and did not shout, “It’s OVER”. I said, “Ok. I love the Fed but it is over, baby.” It is a respectful tone. Not hysterical.

You give him far too much credit for choosing when to fight. He got smacked and he could not fight back. He got beat by a better player that can and will beat him in Grand Slams. I have watched Roger play and he came into 2010 with no issues. No mono, no back, and much practice. He got smoked. He barely made it to the semis.

Roger is the guy who said this year I want it all and I can win more tourn.

He can’t even beat an ill Davydenko.

Where is the passion? Down to breaks in 10 minutes. Please!

January 8th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

madmax, I thought one of the things Roger said he *wants* to do this year is win at the “smaller events”? I will see if I can find the quote/article wherein he stated that, as is contradicts this point somewhat: “Everyone will know that tournaments to Roger means slams and masters series, 2000 points and 1000 points. NOT smaller tournament. ”

In fact, I think Fed just HATES losing and it’s one of the things that makes him as successful as he has been. His ambition.

Speaking of the 2009 season, here’s what Fed said, which sort of relates to what I said above:

“”I really just had to focus on the big tournaments, the major events last year. Obviously those are the hardest ones to win, and it reflects in the tournaments I was able to win. I hardly played any smaller events.

“But if I am healthy this year I can win many more tournaments. And that could also get me more confident, more momentum, and even more things could also become possible – even though last year was fantastic.””

So maybe it’s not that he wants to focus on smaller events, but it does sound like he wants to win more events, so this loss would be a disappointment I’d imagine.

January 8th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Federer is in no way washed up. Any suggestion of such is nonsense. At age 28 he knows the Majors are what matter most, and it’s in that setting he’ll fire his best stuff. Come the AO he will be ready, just like Nadal. Do NOT be surprised if we get the same AO Final as last year.

Federer’s using a new racquet these days so it’ll take some getting used to. He’s planning his later career in just the right way. More guys day in and day out can take him down than they could in his hey day, but when you have to win that 3rd set from him, only Nadal has proven he also has what it takes to do that consistently. Djokovic did once, Del Potro did once. But let me see them do that again. Federer’s own motivation will determine how far he gets and what else he takes with him. Most of it will center on his daughters. Just how much time is he REALLY willing to spend away from them? If he’s OK with that it will be mano y mano on the court as it was before they came into his life. If he starts to think about them more, that motivation will suffer, and so will his game. And a match like this, with his girls now born, is the kind of match that could have him thinking – “eh..do I REALLY want to leave my guts out on the court, again?” He’s going to wise up and realize what happens on the court is probably not the be-all end-all it was when he was young & hungry at 23. It happens to everybody. Question is when, and will, it happen to him?

My gut says that when the big prizes are on the line, he still has at least two years of being one of two or three to beat to win those.

January 8th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

way to put a nice spin on it mad max but I have to disagree. “Fact: Federer will learn from this loss and move on from it and improve on his play.” what will he learn from this? that a guy he used to own has now beat him twice in a row. I think maybe roger has lost a half step since 2007. somebody in a previous thread on this site said that players have picked up on roger’s weakness by going to his forehand. I think this is totally wrong. Roger always protected his backhand and left his forehand sde open. the question was could you go there w/ enough force and consistency to make him pay. few could do it. Safin did it in 2005 at the AO. Safin is a titantic hitter and a great athelete for his height though. watch the fed/davy match at the AO in 2006. Davy took a set and the last two sets went to tiebreaks. in the last set tiebreak ND goes to federer’s open forehand side I think twice. Federe gets there like quicksilver and rips two amazing angled crosscourt winners. nowadays I think he is just a bit slower to cover that opening. also I think this back thing is a bit chronic. he had it at the end of 2008 and intermittently thru 2009. we will see about 2010.

January 8th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

I just hate Federer losing to Davydenko! I sincerely hope Nadal flogs Davydenko tomorrow. But it almost goes without saying- Credit to Davy for his performance today, I can’t deny that! Davy’s a very nice person, no doubt, but I didn’t like either Fed/DP or even Rafa lose to him last year. I’d again hate to see Nadal losing to Davy tomoro. So Bring On Rafael Nadal tomoro, indeed!!!!!!!!

Hey madmax: Hi and don’t worry about morons like tennis bullies, he/she’s complete nonsense. All that we can hope is that people like bullies start thinking wisely, it’s better for them!

By the way, it was nice to know that Cilic and Wawa had marched to semis at the Chennai Open. :)

Not to mention, already the field’s set for darn exciting semifinals in Brisbane too with Rod vs Berd & Step v Monf, very good indeed! :)
That said, I want Rod to breeze past Berd and then beat Monfils(I hope he’s the other finalist) to win the whole thing. Go Rod!!!

Last but not the least, all my positive vibes for Fed to do well at AO. :)

January 8th, 2010 at 2:19 pm

Its funny how polarized people are. Fed is obviously not done as a contender, but its not 2006 either. Fed made every GS final last year. Murray and Djoke made 0. So if those two are Slam contenders, let’s be honest: Fed can slip a little from his perch, and he will, but still be in the mix.

January 8th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

Fed can learn one thing from this match and that’s he’s to give his best at the slams against Davy to win. And if Fed gives his best against Davydenko at slams, then at least this year, Davy’s NO chance of beating him in a GS. But if Fed somehow fails to do that, then Davy’s a chance. But for Davy to beat Fed at slams this year, it’s to be Fed who’s to have a pretty bad day, there’s no hope for Davy otherwise. Some may disagree, but that doesn’t change anything.

January 8th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

I am big fed fan but c’mon, cant u see he is not so fit as he shoul be. This belly shouts: bring me to the gym man. Pitty

January 8th, 2010 at 3:06 pm

I think the press have been incredibly hard on roger with regard to this 2nd loss against Davydenko.
Sure as a federer fan we expected him to win, especially after last weeks defeat to soderling, maybe he is finding is feet its hard to tell.
I didnt see the match but words like lack of focus, failure to take BPs, casual are prevalent in most reports of the match.
Am i worried yeh of course I am, would love to see a rematch of last years final, i hope he can come good but only roger really knows where his game is at. The draw will be loaded with guys capaable of beating roger on their day,
4th round onwards will be tough. Delpo murray and cilic will all be tough propositions at Melbourne park not to mention rafa, nole, arod, soderling tsonga gonzo…. so many dangerous players out there!

January 8th, 2010 at 3:15 pm

For federer fans:

Last Updated: January 09, 2010
Search for: Weather: Melbourne 22°C – 34°C . Midday change.

Roger Federer, top of the pops
Leo Schlink From: Herald Sun January 09, 2010 12:00AM
Roger Federer is determined to win in Melbourne. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
HE makes and breaks records, has reigned over tennis’s hit parade for the best part of a decade and is considered the greatest of all time.

But Roger Federer’s taste for success remains undiminished and he has no intention of relinquishing his No. 1 position just yet.

PERFECTION is Roger Federer’s signature.

Records are Federer’s calling cards.

Aesthetics and numbers, the most unlikely bedfellows, swirl around Federer in rare synchronicity.

John McEnroe says the Swiss is the most beautiful player he has ever seen.

Pat Cash says the world No. 1 is freakish, “possibly super-human”.

Jimmy Connors says Federer stands alone in a generation of baselining automatons.

“In an era of specialists, you’re either a claycourt specialist, a grasscourt specialist or a hardcourt specialist — or you’re Roger Federer,” Connors said.

By virtue of a benchmark French Open victory, Federer is now one of only six men to have won all four major titles – Don Budge, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roy Emerson and Fred Perry are the others.

No man in history has won as many grand slam titles as Federer’s 15. He is 28 years old and unscarred by injury – remarkable testimony to an unheralded ruggedness.

Yet even after the victory in Paris, which removed the last sliver of doubt over Federer’s worthiness to be included in debates over the sport’s greatest players, the naysayers continue to quibble.

In the rush to anoint Federer’s permanent successor as world No. 1, qualities such as durability, toughness and fitness are lost.

Since his Wimbledon victory in 2003, Federer has been the sport’s measuring stick, with only Rafael Nadal able to constantly trouble the Swiss.

Tellingly, Nadal considers Federer the sport’s finest player, despite his own 13-7 record against him, usurping him as world No. 1 and Wimbledon champion and beating the Swiss to Olympic Games singles gold.

It is the ultimate judgment. And timely. Federer was supposedly washed up before the start of last season, yet no one has since come even close to approaching his metronomic consistency in grand slams.

Federer responded to the barbed whispers by almost winning the Grand Slam, bookending the season with five-set Australian Open and US Open defeats either side of French Open and Wimbledon victories.

Scarily, Federer did all of that while awaiting, then adjusting to, the arrival of twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva on July 24.

Refreshed by a short off-season break, Federer says he has the scope to take his game to unprecedented heights.

“I think I can definitely, if my body allows me, win many more tournaments than (the four) I did last year,” Federer said.

“I really just had to focus on the big tournaments, the major events last year. Obviously those are the hardest ones to win, and it reflects in the tournaments I was able to win. I hardly played any smaller events.

“But if I am healthy this year I can win many more tournaments. And that could also get me more confident, more momentum, and even more things could also become possible – even though last year was fantastic.”

Another under-rated aspect of Federer’s arsenal is his athleticism.

His economical and point-shortening style means Federer has had few of the injuries that trouble Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt.

“It’s just important to listen to your signals,” Federer said.

“I think that is also one thing I did really well when I became No. 1 in the world. I had all the things going for me and huge opportunities, to go and chase money or tournaments around the world (and) I said, ‘I’m not going to do it’. I said, ‘I am going to look at the big picture’ and it’s been paying off – so I’m very happy with my decisions over the years.”

The International Tennis Federation’s poster boy, Federer has not pleased the sport’s ruling body by opting out of Davis Cup.

For the famously ambitious Federer, personal goals are his prime motivation.

“I would like to stay No. 1 in the world. It’s an obvious goal, there are no secrets about that, because going from No. 2 to No. 1 was hard work,” he said.

“And not an easy thing to do, especially with Rafa playing so well, and with other guys around.

“That was a major accomplishment for me and I would like to stay there as long as possible. And try to finish 2010 as world No. 1.”

Federer regained the top spot after Nadal succumbed to injury at the French and the Swiss claimed an epic Wimbledon final against Andy Roddick.

The grand slam year started with a marathon loss to Nadal at Melbourne Park.

It would finish with an almost identical defeat at the hands of Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro at the US Open in New York.

Federer had won the previous five US Opens.

Typical of the way Federer’s near flawlessness is not sufficient for some, among the first questions he faced at the post-match media conference was this pearler: “How disappointing is this, not to get to No. 6?”

Federer hardly batted an eyelid.

“Five was great, four was great, too. Six would have been a dream, too,” he said.

“Can’t have them all. I’ve had an amazing summer and a great run.

“I’m not too disappointed just because I thought I played another wonderful tournament. Had chances to win, but couldn’t take them. It was unfortunate.”

Federer’s first grand slam final victory came against Mark Philippoussis at the All England Club in 2003.

His multitude of major triumphs are so crammed with unforgettable peaks, his reign is blurred by brilliance.

Yet Federer’s encyclopaedic recall means he understood exactly how Del Potro felt in New York four months ago.

“I think the first major is always a big deal,” he said.

“Best feeling on the planet after all the hard work you put in.

“Especially nice when it comes when you’re quite young because it comes kind of unexpected for him as well even though he put himself in a good opportunity and position.

“But it’s great. It was good to see him being so happy and emotional about it.”

Federer’s desire remains unsated.

He has won 37 of his past 40 matches at Melbourne Park, hoisting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in 2004, 2006 and 2007.

He was beaten in the 2005 semi-final by eventual champion Marat Safin after holding match points. He lost to Novak Djokovic, also the eventual champion, in 2008 when suffering mononucleosis.

Reflecting on 2009, Federer makes it clear grand slam success – and plenty of it – is the only thing that matters.

“I hope I can keep it up because I’m playing great tennis right now,” he said.

“I’m confident and I think I’m hitting a good ball.

“I had a great (2009) season. Looking how deep the game is right now. To finish on top for me is phenomenal. I finished No. 1 in the world. So I don’t have many regrets.”

Nor should he. Federer remains the flag-bearer for the sport, apparently immune to controversy and intemperate displays.

It wasn’t always that way. Federer found the transition from junior to senior level difficult. If not for the influence of his former coach Peter Carter, it would have been much tougher.

The problem for most players is that they do not have enough options or variety in their games. Federer had too many. At length, he became more circumspect while retaining the flair that prompted McEnroe’s praise.

His early forays at the Australian Open, and grand slam tennis in general, produced modest results.

Federer lost twice in as many years to Frenchman Arnaud Clement, a Melbourne Park finalist, a supremely fit baseliner – and best remembered in the locker-room for his admission that Celine Dion was his favourite musician.

Federer’s graduation, when it took hold, was outwardly meteoric.

A year after being given a lesson in the value of doggedness by Argentine David Nalbandian, Federer surged past two of his old nemeses, Hewitt and Nalbandian, to flog Safin in the 2004 final.

The evolution continues.

Federer learnt the art of winning in defeat. None cut so deep as the loss to Hewitt in the 2003 Davis Cup semi-final when the Australian warrior came back from the brink to prevail after trailing by two sets to love.

It takes a certain intelligence and bravery to review and be self-critical. Federer did that and tapped into some of Hewitt’s ruthlessness.

The Adelaide baseliner, who won seven of the pair’s first nine matches, has not won in 14 subsequent matches against Federer.

When Federer steps out at Melbourne Park next week in practice, there will be only one thing on his mind — victory.

He will be oblivious to assessments that his days of domination are over.

He will focus, as ever, on his core business – winning seven best-of-five set matches in succession.

Federer will do so with the ultimate advantage of knowing that in his time at the top only a handful of players have been able to stop him.

And while the debate rages about how much things have changed at the top, the facts speak for themselves.

Federer is the world No. 1, the top seed and the tournament favourite – and he remains the man to beat.

FED BY THE NUMBERS

AGE: 28

HEIGHT: 1.85m

WEIGHT: 85kg

RANKING: 1

CAREER PRIZEMONEY: $US53,362,068

GRAND SLAM SINGLES TITLES: 15

Six Wimbledon, five US Open, three Australian Open, one French Open

GRAND SLAM FINAL DEFEATS: 6

Three French Open, one Wimbledon, one Australian Open, one US Open

CAREER SINGLES TITLES: 61

Olympic Games gold medallist: Doubles in Beijing in 2008 with Stanislas Wawrinka

CAREER WIN-LOSS: 678-161

COACH: None

RECORDS:

237 Most weeks in successon at world No. 1 (264 overall, second to Pete Sampras’s 286)

15 Most grand slam singles titles by a man

21 Most grand slam singles finals by a man

10 Consecutive grand slam finals

22 Grand slam semi-finals, or better, in a row

January 8th, 2010 at 3:48 pm

Jane,

thanks so much for posting that snippet above – but I want to respectfully disagree with you, if I may?

This bit here:

“But if I am healthy this year I can win many more tournaments. And that could also get me more confident, more momentum, and even more things could also become possible – even though last year was fantastic.”

says that fed wants to win many more tournaments – by this, I take it to mean more of the masters events. on his homepage a few months ago, he made it very clear that the smaller tournaments were not his focus anymore, he uses them to practise his game, etc., if he wins, great, if he doesnt, he said something along these lines : “I forget it within an hour that I leave the court”.

So, I really think the exhibition in Abu Dhabi and Doha, will not be a massive burden for him. Remember he lost to Murray in the semi finals last year in Doha, and then went on to reach the final of the AO.

But for any of you out there who want to criticise me in terms of my support for federer, I really dont care. If Roger loses, he loses. Whoever he played that beat him, played better than him on the day. He will always be the greatest tennis player to me – ever.

And Roger does still want to win, and he has improved his game. No one can expect to play the same they did 3 years ago in 2006 – roger doesnt need to run all over the court all of the time. Things change. His game has changed and for all of the comments made that his step is a little slower, etc. Roger Federer is just as fit, trains just as hard, and still reaches the finals where they matter the most. That cannot be argued with – 2009 – you know the score.

ThyGodisTennis Says:
Dear Mr. or Ms. MadMax. I am a ‘Miss’ if you must know. And I suppose you are a jerk? No need to be rude.

tennisfansince76 Says:
way to put a nice spin on it mad max but I have to disagree. “Fact: Federer will learn from this loss and move on from it and improve on his play.” what will he learn from this? that a guy he used to own has now beat him twice in a row. I think maybe roger has lost a half step since 2007. somebody in a previous thread on this site said that players have picked up on roger’s weakness by going to his forehand.

Motivation – tennisfan- is the issue with Federer – in particular with the masters, or slams – he decides which one he wants to slug his guts out for. He has said endless times that he wants to win, but i believe his focus is on the bigger events. Who knows really? Only him? but why should I doubt this as a fed fan.

Of course I would like Federer to win everything, but then he gets burned out, and what’s the point? I’d rather him save the best for the slams – and I just have to believe and trust in his game, the way i always have.

I am not stupid enough to think that Federer is going to never be beaten, of course he will be beaten, law of averages. Davydenko was hungrier than fed today and played better because he had more passion in his shots, federer wasn’t that motivated to my mind. He played Okay.

Nothing spectacular.

To think that Federer would not learn from this loss or go to the practise courts and get Luthri or Stefan to analyse his game and figure out where he went wrong, shows you have no faith in the man.

That’s your belief. It isnt mine.

I would love it for Federer to win every slam next year, but it is so hard now, players are coming through, are young and hungry, fed still is, but he has to play a different game. That is why I think he is still very much the one to beat. We shall see and I shall enjoy the journey as I always have.

Huh, lovely to see you and to see Jane tonight. Take care both.

January 8th, 2010 at 4:07 pm

Dear madmax:

That was one of the best posts on Federer to ever be posted here since I came. JUST A PERFECT READING… Thanks for this post, many many many thanks for this post!

January 8th, 2010 at 4:12 pm

Guess Fed was toast to moment Sean decided to curse him proclaiming he’ll keep the year end no1. Why he does this things and destorys players rather then let them fight it out is anyones guess :P Maybe he gets paid for voodoo. I just wish he’d shut up and do it in private, so we can have tournament in which everything is open.

Anyway, it does looks like the Federer time is coming up. This is the first year since 2003 in which i’m wondering if he’ll win a slam. I was sure he’d win one at least in all the previous, even after the early 2008 write off. Now…he’s not as good, others are not scared and maybe have improved a bit.

However i look at it, he was lucky last year. Every time i saw him win againt a top player year i kinda feel he lucked in, rather than, he really deserved this.

Hopefully he gets one more slam and doesn’t get stuck on only one more than Sampras. That would feel a bit unfinished. I’d sign for 17 right now.

An oh yea, Nadal will win RG this year. A lighter claycourt schedule and it doesn’t matter how painfull the knees are, as long as he’s fresh. 50% Nadal still by far the best dirtballer.

January 8th, 2010 at 4:14 pm

I mean the one u posted at 3.48.

January 8th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

madmax, you make a lot of sense, and I respect the way you support Roger so ardently! Besides which, you know WAY more about where his head is at than I do. I may have misinterpreted that snippet I posted. I agree with you that it’s best to just rejoice in the wins of our faves and not get too caught up in the blips. And anyhow, it’s not like Fed played badly today! It was just one break in each set. It was a good match. Actually, when he fought so hard to get the break to start the second set, and then he got broken, it reminded me of how often that happens in matches to many of the players. Fed’s not going anywhere for a while. As Tennis Vagabond puts it; there is no reason for people to be so polarized about it – the truth is probably somewhere in the middle, and even if Fed slips or has slipped a little, he’ll still be in the mix.

January 8th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

I figure Federer will have a year more like 2003 or 2008 this year. He did lose in the semis at this event last year as well.

January 8th, 2010 at 4:27 pm

I know Ben and Sean wrote outlooks on 2010 and maybe I should do the same, but my basic thought is Federer’s grasp on #1 going into 2010 is the most fragile since Roddick entered 2004 at #1. I think Roger can and will win some big matches and prizes during 2010; I just don’t see a year like 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2007 coming his way.

January 8th, 2010 at 4:48 pm

Madmax:

Especially for you, I suggest don’t change yourself! You’re really good! :) And it indeed is the ned of the hour to defend Fed from uncalled for attack/criticism. Many here are truly good posters, with as less hypocrisy/animosity/illogicality, and, at the same time, as much honesty, knowledge, objectivity, kindness, sensitivity, sensibilty, dignity and understanding as humanely possible; the greatest examples of which are Mrs.Jane, Mrs.Margot, the erstwhile DD(now Ben), Voicemail, SG, Ezorra, Daniel, Kimo, Duro, Twocents, MMT, Skorocel etc. and many more. These’re the people who make the conversation interesting and constructive.

But there’re also few like bullies, Rick and Co. who’re totally obnoxious, ignorant and with an anti-Fed stance. Against them, you have to stand your ground without giving a dam* as to what they think about and how and why they attack Fed. All you need to do is to treat them the same way they treat you. That’s what I learned here. Now it’s ur time. Be very much yourself and give your opinions freely and fearlessly. That’s how it works, i guess, here and elsewhere, in these torrid and troubled times. Love the posts or hate them, but don’t ignore them(if you’ve time at ur disposal).

January 8th, 2010 at 4:57 pm

MM: Is it possible for you to post part of an article or just a link to an article?

January 8th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Of course Giner, Grendel , Colin and Von etc are also very good ones, insightful ones, but sadly, they have cut down on their visits to tennis-x.

January 8th, 2010 at 5:03 pm

And Kimmi too is a very nice and kind poster. Sar, FoT etc are also goodies.

January 8th, 2010 at 5:05 pm

Where’s RickAllStop by the way?
Will he fly to see NadalAllStop beatin Davy tomoro? And is bullies joining him ? ;)

January 8th, 2010 at 5:08 pm

Mary,

I’m so sorry. I posted the full article primarily for Huh, to save him/her going to find the link – of course – I’ll do that in future.

Of course, you didnt have to read it if it bored you/upset you? you could have just scrolled through it or ignored it? right? but you have a point, it did go on a bit, right? you see, it is because there is sooooo much to say about federer!

Cheers Mary.

Huh,

you are really sweet and lovely.

January 8th, 2010 at 5:56 pm

tennisfansince76 said: „way to put a nice spin on it mad max but I have to disagree. “Fact: Federer will learn from this loss and move on from it and improve on his play.” what will he learn from this? that a guy he used to own has now beat him twice in a row.“

LOL :-)

January 8th, 2010 at 6:09 pm

madmax said: „Fact: Roger had a more difficult draw in this tournament than Rafa.“

Why “more difficult”? Because he had to play Davydenko – a guy whom he owned in their previous 12 meetings? ;-)

„I think he didnt put his all into this match. I think he was not at his best.“

Who cares if he was at his best or not? Davy played superbly in the crucial points (especially in that last game of the 1st set, where he came back from a 0-30 deficit), and that’s all what matters. In the past, he used to CHOKE in such situations, but today (and also in London) he DIDN’T. Get used to it.

January 8th, 2010 at 6:12 pm

I actually feel he has become a bit too safe in his play,his shots are have a lot of topspin on them that to me says someone who isn’t sure of his own game.

You have to see where roger puts his shots now days he always used to go for the lines but now most of his shots are pretty much down the middle like he is afraid he is going to miss,i remember watching him blow blake off the court at the us open,i mean his shots were powerful but really care free he really went for it,you just don’t see that now but i guess he doesn’t have the consistency to do that.

But what i hate about roger is that arrogance he puts out in the conferences but you put him on court against nadal and he goes back to his own and plays like a baby.

But i also hate when he tries to go toe to toe with del potro forehand when we all know roger games is about how cleverly he beats people.

I don’t know how he is going to keep people away from that awful backhand of his in his prime he could run around it a lot more as he was younger and fitter than now but to do it now he would really tire him up so better put in the extra work on the training ground to really stop people from harassing on that side.

January 8th, 2010 at 6:20 pm

madmax: Btw, do we need to read what has already been written for xy times? What about writing some biography about Fed and then copying and pasting it here, so that we can all see what a superhuman this guy from Switzerland is? Pleeeeaaase, get real! What’s happened has happened, now is now. NONE of those numbers will help Fed on the court, neither will they stop Nadal or Davydenko from beating him. He lost fair and square today, so please deal with it rather than to come up with all those consolatory facts & figures…

January 8th, 2010 at 6:21 pm

Madmax, you love federer, love him and love him. You have faith in him keep it up. He makes me very nervous as I feel now every match he plays he will lose. I need to have faith. I did not see the match but I have read in some forums that his backhand was leaking.

Is he going to play Kooyong?

I hope he bounce back in AO but I have to say Davydenko is playing very well, if he can serve like what Sean says (in the first set the Russian actually connected on 100% (27 of 27!) of his first serves ), he must have been on the zone. I like Davydenko..he has suffered a lot of defeats from the Fed. It’s probably his year for pay back. I shall cheer for him tomorrow, I hope he wins.

January 8th, 2010 at 6:36 pm

Ok, so, this is just unbelievable. This was Fed’s first official loss of the season and everyone’s going crazy. Really? Fed’s done? Fed’s still great? Fed’s god? Fed’s the devil? Fed sucks? Fed can do no wrong? For the love of all that is tennis, relax people! Davydenko made 100% of first serves in the first set! Who the hell can beat that? Even the greatest returners Agassi and Connors would have probably lost that set.

Unfortunately I don’t remember who said this but someone here said that if Murray and Djokovic can be considered slam contenders with 0 finals last year, then Federer must surely be considered a contender until he starts losing before the second week of slams on a consistent basis.

Fed’s lost to Davydenko twice in a row and all of the sudden he’s done? How come Nadal isn’t done then? Nadal can’t be counted out but Fed can? That’s just disrespectful to both Davy and Fed. Davy’s plenty a good player and deserves credit for his wins. What if he beats Nadal tomorrow? Is that the nail in the coffin of Nadal’s illustrious career? I certainly hope not and I very much doubt it.

The one problem is that Fed has lost some sting on his shots. He’s moving quite well, to be honest, but he’s not generating the power he used to.

Madmax wouldn’t have to defend Fed with facts and figures if people would stop writing him off at every faulty step. It’s true, those numbers mean nothing on a given day, but they still matter when you’re trying to write of one of the greatest player’s of all time. Fed’s numbers are meaningless when he’s in the middle of a match, but they’re important when looking at what the future might hold for him. He’s resilient, ambitious, and he’s gonna fight till the end before he loses his edge completely.

January 8th, 2010 at 6:44 pm

Guys, let’s try and keep things in perspective here. Last year, Roger was even worse than he is now then he ended up reaching the AO final. From February to May he was lost in the woods, then won three out of his next four tournaments (RG, Wimbledon, Cincy).

It’s too early to count Roger out. It’s only January 8th guys. Just sit back and relaaaaax.

January 8th, 2010 at 7:08 pm

You forgot madrid but i feel that even last year people were still a bit scared something i don’t see now with the way roddick,daydenko,del potro,soderling have all been putting great matches in front of him and he has needed them to choke than him actually beating them wich is not good for roger.

January 8th, 2010 at 7:30 pm

zinaldo, thanks for reminding me of Madrid. :)

Look, Davy’s matches with Roger have always been close, so it was only a matter of time before he would beat Roger. It’s only natural. That’s why it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm.

January 8th, 2010 at 7:41 pm

Anybody watching Monfils/Stepanek, looking to be a very good match..Go Monfils

January 8th, 2010 at 8:27 pm

Yes – remember their match in Paris was also very good. I believe Step won this event last year and la Monf is very hungry. Good match up of attacking and retrieving.

January 8th, 2010 at 8:34 pm

Sloppy sloppy sloppy game from la monf…he gave that one away. C’mon wake up.

January 8th, 2010 at 8:38 pm

WOW! Stepanek is running every ball..he really loves to play this tourney. He won last year.

January 8th, 2010 at 8:42 pm

Yes, I mentioned that he won this last year; he played great tennis to end the season last year too. So do you know who plays in the semis at Chennai – is it Cilic vs. Tipsy and Wawa vs. Sela? Or? Must go check the draw.

Sheesh so much for gael force… he’s blowing a little limply today, mind you the worm is in form.

sar – did you notice Tipsy is also winning at doubles in Chennai?

January 8th, 2010 at 8:47 pm

aha jane..just like that. 2 breaks for Stepanek 6-2..cannot believe it..this match started very competative.

Monfils needs to wake up here..

January 8th, 2010 at 8:47 pm

have not followed chennai..I think you are right with the matches. Its hard to follow the time in these tourney. I just started to figure out brisbane, auckland and dona. Chennai and Hopman cup have no idea.

January 8th, 2010 at 8:50 pm

Wasn’t it Stepanek over Roddick in the finals here last year? Interesting: I wonder if it’ll be a repeat or what. Monfils is just not in it. He’s too inconsistent.

I did check the draw and Tipsy and Cilic play in the Chennai semi – that could be a good one.

January 8th, 2010 at 8:54 pm

thats it for Monfils..what is he doing..he is gone south completely. He is not there at all..excuse me la monf

January 8th, 2010 at 8:55 pm

It was Stepanek over verdasco last year. Roddick played in Dona, lost to Murray in the final

January 8th, 2010 at 8:56 pm

Ah, that makes sense Kimmi; I remember the two Andys in that final. But yep, what is UP with Monfils? That said, Steps is playing HOT sizzling tennis – did you see that last passing shot for the break. Phew.

January 8th, 2010 at 9:01 pm

Yeah, i saw that, step is pumped up. he is the one who wants it more here.

January 8th, 2010 at 9:04 pm

aha..monfils says Aleez after winning the 1 game in the 2nd set..ha ha

January 8th, 2010 at 9:10 pm

hmmm..Step play well but Monfils could definetly do better than this. What a poor perfomance from him. Another final for Stepanek

January 8th, 2010 at 9:14 pm

Good lord quite the rout – Sean, you really should never pick “your man” Monfils if you want him to win now and then. : ) Does this mean Roddick won’t win either. I’d be shocked if Berdych beat Roddick. This win by Step isn’t shocking but I definitely thought it’d be a better match.

January 8th, 2010 at 9:14 pm

Berdych with a good start here 3-0

January 8th, 2010 at 9:51 pm

Now 4-love for Berdych. Is this going to be the season of expect the unexpected? Or is Sean’s jinx working? Or will Andy come back? My I am surprised. Roddick is serving much better, more consistent first serves in, but Tomas has been anticipating so well the first few games. It’s still early goings though, so this match is still anyone’s.

January 8th, 2010 at 9:58 pm

Berdych is on the roll, he breaks again and then he holds 5-0

January 8th, 2010 at 10:00 pm

Sean’s jinx working? ha ha LOL. I start to believe it.

berdych everything he touches goes in and Roddick too many errors at the meoment.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:02 pm

yanina wickmayer doing very well against pannetta at the moment. The girl has some promise..

berdy to serve for the set

January 8th, 2010 at 10:06 pm

Looks like Roddick woke up! He’s on the board & trying for the break. But the bird is trying to close out a great set. Looks like whatever happens, the match is heating up.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:10 pm

Yeah we have the match now..

January 8th, 2010 at 10:16 pm

Berdych at only 42% first serves in; I would think Roddick will take advantage. Plus Berdych does tend to hit more errors as a match goes on. We’ll see. I haven’t seen Berd play this determinedly in a while, though he’s often kept it close against the top guys. I think Roddick will get the break here.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:20 pm

Berdych is missing some easy points here..Roddick gets breaks points but not converting.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:24 pm

FINALLY..Roddick 2-0

January 8th, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Yep – Roddick finally gets it. I knew Berdych would ultimately have to pay for getting so few first serves in – he’s down to 39%!! Meanwhile Andy is still above 70%. That could swing the match in his favor. I almost think if Berdych was serving well, this match would be over by now.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:26 pm

Great short balls or drop shots? from Roddick to bring Berdy to the net. That was a close game..liked the lobs from berdy. Great match so far.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:34 pm

How many over heard is berdy missing…

January 8th, 2010 at 10:35 pm

Definitely a see-saw match; all the momentum has swung to Roddick. I am inclined to think Andy will come back now, as he is just generally more mentally tough and experienced.

What d’ya think Kimmi? Berdy or A-Rod to meet the worm? As far as metaphors go, Bird eating the worm would work really well, but alas, I still think Roddick will play Steps.

Yes, this is an interesting match – far more interesting than the La Monf / Worm one, since at least Roddick has rebounded somewhat here!

January 8th, 2010 at 10:38 pm

I don’t know jane, Roddick has a good record against berdy, 3-2 so I will go with him. We all know how berdy can go hot and cold (Gulbis material)But my heart says Berdych.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:43 pm

berdy eating the worm. LOL :)

January 8th, 2010 at 10:44 pm

Roddick that backhand down the line…magnificent

January 8th, 2010 at 10:46 pm

Berdy is bringing his serve percentage back up so that bodes well for at least a competitive 3rd set, but yeah, my brain says Roddick will prevail in a 3rd set.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:49 pm

Yeah baby..we have the decider. I think Roddick will get this too.

January 8th, 2010 at 10:59 pm

Murray/Robredo is going at the moment. I will switch between two matches. have not seen Murray this year..this is great

January 8th, 2010 at 11:01 pm

I see Murray with his new ADIDAS gear..different but not bad at all.

January 8th, 2010 at 11:05 pm

Where are you finding Hopman Cup coverage Kimmi?? I assume Murray is cruising? :)

January 8th, 2010 at 11:05 pm

http://www.fromsport.com/c-4.html

January 8th, 2010 at 11:16 pm

jane. fromsport.com

If I sent the attatchment my post is awaiting moderation

January 8th, 2010 at 11:18 pm

sar – did you notice Tipsy is also winning at doubles in Chennai?

Yes, I just want him to win a tournament. Just one stinking tournament then I’ll be happy.

January 8th, 2010 at 11:19 pm

Does anyone know if Fed is playing Kooyong or not? He said he would announce soon for the last slot.

January 8th, 2010 at 11:22 pm

WOW WOW Murray looks good with those forehands and backhands maybe because of weaker opponents..don’t know but He is G-O-O-D

January 8th, 2010 at 11:27 pm

sar..don’t know if Fed is playing Kooyong. I hope he relax and play AO next

January 8th, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Yep: saw that last passing shot by Murray Kimmi; it was a pretty great get. He’s cruising.

Berdych is definitely no good at net! Roddick is smart to keep bringing him in as he keeps missing his volleys.

sar – yes it would be nice to see Tipsy winning a tournament. I am a little torn as I wouldn’t mind seeing Cilic defend his title either. But I want either Tipsy or Cilic to win.

January 8th, 2010 at 11:32 pm

Roddick got the break; well, Berdych helped with his usual errors. But that’s the way it goes. Those who are stronger mentally come through.

It’s painful sometimes to watch players with so much potential – e.g., Gasquet, Berdych, Monfils – continually struggle largely because of inconsistency and/or mental weakness.

But as soon as Roddick woke up I knew he’d win; should be a good final between him and Step!

January 8th, 2010 at 11:42 pm

jane..yap.you saud it. Roddick broke and serving for the match now.

January 8th, 2010 at 11:44 pm

WTA draw sydney

http://www.sonyericssonwtatour.com/SEWTATour-Archive/posting/2010/702/MDS.pdf

January 8th, 2010 at 11:44 pm

Yeah game set match roddick…We have step/Roddick final tomorrow

January 8th, 2010 at 11:45 pm

Robredo is playing much better in the 2nd set. game on now

January 8th, 2010 at 11:47 pm

Robredo came back and takes the 2nd set..bummer. Go murray

January 9th, 2010 at 12:11 am

Yep, I am a little suprised by that Kimmi, especially on a hard court. But Roberdo is no slouch; he can play well at times. I hope Murray holds it together in this third set. BTW, I actually don’t mind Murray’s adidas, but not too sure about the yellow under the arms. Like the blue and while though. Looks like Andy’s first serve has gone on walkabout just now… yikes.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:16 am

I’m psyched for the Roddick/Sexy Time final tomorrow.

I’ve been watching the Hoffman Cup this week and have enjoyed watching Laura Robson’s play.

Kimmi: Murray’s getting the Grumpy Scott look to him now. Robredo has a habit of coming out of nowhere.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:17 am

Murray broken in the third..cmoon

January 9th, 2010 at 12:18 am

Mary you’re too funny! You really have a thing for the worm hey? Well he was hot tonight. I am excited about that final too.

Agree with you on Robson – haven’t seen her this week, but have enjoyed watching her in the past.

At least Murray’s new white shirt with blue armpits is better. He’s digging in for the break back just now.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:27 am

mary..grampy scott..be nice. He needs to break back here or Robredo will run away with it. Robredo hits the FH as hard as he could. Murray is allowing him to run around the FH like that..cmooon

January 9th, 2010 at 12:30 am

Jane: I do have a thing for him!Any guy with that worm nickname is fine with me. Also, on the tennis front, he plays with such intensity. I love it.
I liked Roddick clapping for Berdych’s(sp.) shots.

Is Murray aware that mixed doubles is played next if he loses?
Great save by Robredo.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:33 am

I am waiting to see Nole in Tacchini. He just arrived in Melbourne and said he had been in Dubai practicing with Todd Martin.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:36 am

mary, so they still have a chance to win in doubles if Murray loses here..that means laura won the singles match ? he should thank Laura for winning the ladies match. Its not over until the old lady sings..

January 9th, 2010 at 12:37 am

Kimmi: Grumpy, not “Grampy”:>.

Yes, they will play mixed doubles right after this match. So, hopefully the Brits will win.
Well, it won’t be over until the 15-year-old girl wins it for them!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:39 am

Okay there is no doubt that Roberdo is playing well here. He is dictating, and he’s serving well too. It looks like this is his to win. I am surprised though. Lots of errors from Murray.

Who’s the girl with the mustache in his box?

January 9th, 2010 at 12:39 am

ROBREDOOOOOOOO WINS …Grumpy..OK mary..still..be nice

January 9th, 2010 at 12:42 am

Jane: Um, that’s the Spanish female player. My god she does have one!

Tennis Channel must have one heck of delay if Robredo already won!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:46 am

Mary – yes, I noticed Andy R clapping for a Berdych winner or two. Good for him. Well, as for the worm, I love watching his tennis too. He’s like a throw back.

Is that Carla Suárez Navarro with the mustache? I didn’t recognize her.

Well good to hear the Brits can still win it – come on little Laura. Time to shoulder the burden. :)

January 9th, 2010 at 12:48 am

“Is that Carla Suárez Navarro with the mustache?”
No.It’s her brother Maria-Jose Martinez Sanchez.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:52 am

Good on you maxi :) Fed is far from done :) forget abt these jackasses. they have had very little 2 cheer since fed started dominating tennis. they r just miserable creatures. you keep cheering the fed, maxi :)

Voicemale :

didn’t think i will say this, but good post :)

Ben & Dan:

waiting for ur next post.

Sean :

You r almost overtaking me as the jinxy Sphinx. :)

January 9th, 2010 at 2:20 am

Wow lotsa posts on the fed… Atleast he still has the masses talking :)
This is going to be one massive exciting year in tennis!!!

January 9th, 2010 at 3:26 am

Skorocel’s post above:

Stop being selective with you cut and paste from my post Skorocel. I know what I mean, when I write a post and I said davy deserved to win against federer – he was amazing. Just because you have lost faith in federer, stop bringing everyone down with you. What a fairweather tennis non-fan you are – you need to grow up.

I find it incredible that when rafa loses 8 out of 9 tournaments last year, (and we are not even 2 weeks into 2010), no one says anything.

Federer loses 250 tournament, didnt play badly, just didnt have his “A” game with him, all of a sudden, it’s the usual, “that’s it” Federer is in trouble. YOU get real.

Kimmi,

relaxation techniques and breathing helps at times when federer is caught on the back foot, so to speak. But I’ll never lose faith in him. The game of course has changed and is changing, but the one thing that makes me feel positive, EVERYTIME is that federer is prepared to change with it – I really believe that he is the best one to judge his game, he knows what he has to do, and if he is able to execute that on the day, then he will win. He wont lose sleep over losing a 250 tournament.

The AO is the benchmark for fed for this year, he has got his “practise” in and the rest now is up to him. And for anyone to say that his mental strength is just not there, really – and I mean, REALLY – does NOT know the federer game.

January 9th, 2010 at 3:46 am

So Andy went walkabout again, did he? Just when my hopes were starting to rise! Bah!

January 9th, 2010 at 4:16 am

Appaarently the twit went and got massively sunburnt day b4 cos he practised WITHOUT a shirt. He’s ginger for goodness sakes, does he really need mum around all the time??

January 9th, 2010 at 4:18 am

“Skorocel Says:
tennisfansince76 said: „way to put a nice spin on it mad max but I have to disagree. “Fact: Federer will learn from this loss and move on from it and improve on his play.” what will he learn from this? that a guy he used to own has now beat him twice in a row.“

LOL :-)”

Skoro, I don’t know what makes you laugh so much when someone opines about Fed having not much to learn from his loss to Davy, despite your claims of being a Fed fan! Oh dear!

“”Skorocel Says:
madmax said: „Fact: Roger had a more difficult draw in this tournament than Rafa.“

Why “more difficult”? Because he had to play Davydenko – a guy whom he owned in their previous 12 meetings? ;-)””

Oh sure, it’s only you, the realisitic one, who would say something like this. ;)

Obviously, only a real one like you can assume that it’s easier somehow for Fed to have to beat Davy than it’s for Rafa to beat Troicki in the semis, notwithstanding that fact that Davy can play really really great from time to time and he’s proved himself to be levels ahead of Rafa’s opponent Troicki. And Rafa also faced Steve darcis in QF, whom many don’t know while Federer faced Gulbis, who’s again often referred to by many as having great potential. People who think Gulbis has much more ability than Steve Darcis and can be far more dangerous, when his game his on, are also, I suppose unreal in your opinion, geez!!
How unreal indeed for madmax to mention that Rafa had an easier draw than Fed in the Qatar Open?? ;)

You further say:

“Who cares if he was at his best or not? Davy played superbly in the crucial points (especially in that last game of the 1st set, where he came back from a 0-30 deficit), and that’s all what matters. In the past, he used to CHOKE in such situations, but today (and also in London) he DIDN’T. Get used to it.”

So again a real observation from you here about Davy choking so much often in the past against Fed. But my question is have you ever noticed (putting your Pete’s mentally way tougher than Fed misconceptions aside) that in the past, Fed’s win has often at least as much as, if not more, to do with him often being mentally focussed, strong and unfaltering rather than his opponents choking away all the time? Although needless to say, this has changed of late coz of Fed somehow not being able to hold his concentration for longer stretches of time, this combined with the fact that some players these days are as unrelenting as we’ve ever seen them. All have got used to this since 2008 start, may be you haven’t, that’s why your needless suggestion to madmax and others to get used to it.

Ok Skorocel,

All this aside, U NEED TO FOLLOW UR OWN ADVICE instaed of accusing madmax and others of being unreal, coz, you’re many times making quiet unreal claims, which may get too difficult for you yourself to believe, e.g., your one outrageous claim that Pete’s way tougher mentally than Fed, as if you know actually about their menatal strength by delving deep into their minds; and also like you once claimed that it wouldn’t matter much, re. Fed’s legacy even if he wins Wimbledon 8,9, 10……1000000 times!!!! All that Fed needs is to right his H2H with Rafa & Muzza to be established as the greatest. Winning Wimby more times than Pete has won’t make any difference? Are you kidding me???!!! May be that’s possible only in your real(or may I say reel?) world! ;)

One more example of your being truly ‘real’ is also that you allege time and again that the fans keep bringing on stats to try to prove their point re. Fed, while I have seen you bring up the H2H thing of Rafa-Fed and other similar stuff umpteen times, much often than any ‘unreal’ Fed fan! And the latest example of your clinging on to stats is that you yourself brought up the point that Fed has beaten Davy 12 times. You yourself resort to one stat to dismiss another stat. Oh, but it’s your reality then , I guess! So much for being against presentation of stats by Fed fans!!!

Skoro dear, the only thing that I can request you for now is: GET REAL !

January 9th, 2010 at 5:24 am

Cheer up Maxi,

No need to be worried about ‘real’ and H2H guys like Skorocel. He’s sometimes more vacillation than anything else. The only thing he does is hardly say anything positive about Fed, but going out of his way to proclaim Nadal’s greatness and defend him when he’s being attacked by any supposedly unreal Fed fan/fanatic, despite making tall claims of being real and a really objective Fed fan! Feel strange about the guy, thou he’s entitled to what he thinks and posts. Let him carry on.

Maxi:
However, you love Fed so much and are so passionate about him that I really can’t help falling in love with you and your faith in Roger Federer! :D

January 9th, 2010 at 5:43 am

“Ben Pronin Says:
Ok, so, this is just unbelievable. This was Fed’s first official loss of the season and everyone’s going crazy. Really? Fed’s done? Fed’s still great? Fed’s god? Fed’s the devil? Fed sucks? Fed can do no wrong? For the love of all that is tennis, relax people! Davydenko made 100% of first serves in the first set! Who the hell can beat that? Even the greatest returners Agassi and Connors would have probably lost that set.

Unfortunately I don’t remember who said this but someone here said that if Murray and Djokovic can be considered slam contenders with 0 finals last year, then Federer must surely be considered a contender until he starts losing before the second week of slams on a consistent basis.

Fed’s lost to Davydenko twice in a row and all of the sudden he’s done? How come Nadal isn’t done then? Nadal can’t be counted out but Fed can? That’s just disrespectful to both Davy and Fed. Davy’s plenty a good player and deserves credit for his wins. What if he beats Nadal tomorrow? Is that the nail in the coffin of Nadal’s illustrious career? I certainly hope not and I very much doubt it.

The one problem is that Fed has lost some sting on his shots. He’s moving quite well, to be honest, but he’s not generating the power he used to.

Madmax wouldn’t have to defend Fed with facts and figures if people would stop writing him off at every faulty step. It’s true, those numbers mean nothing on a given day, but they still matter when you’re trying to write of one of the greatest player’s of all time. Fed’s numbers are meaningless when he’s in the middle of a match, but they’re important when looking at what the future might hold for him. He’s resilient, ambitious, and he’s gonna fight till the end before he loses his edge completely.”

All that I can say is that this is a typically GREAT post, particularly the last para is very meningful. However, it’s noteworthy that each word of this post is justified, valuable and praiseworthy. Thank God, someone defended madmax’s stance here.

January 9th, 2010 at 5:48 am

THANK YOU BEN PRONIN!

January 9th, 2010 at 5:50 am

Both the egregiously pathetic homo Federer and equally pathetic flammer Nadal (are they lovers?!) are washed up and will finish 2010 ranked somewhere between 4 and 7. Also, all you posters out here are queer and have no lives. You all, no doubt, live in your mother’s basement, and fantasize about wearing Federer’s or Nadal’s shorts over your heads while you kiss their proverbial arses! You are such losers!

January 9th, 2010 at 7:18 am

I don’t read so much into this loss. It’s not like Davydenko hasn’t been close to beating Federer in the other 12 losses. Davydenko can beat anyone. He is probably the most under rated top 10 player ever. He probably will beat Nadal, as well.

Davydenko problem is his appearance. He is slight and looks like a cancer survivor. If you look past that he is one of the great tennis players of our time.

Federer is going to be just fine.

January 9th, 2010 at 9:49 am

I must admit, Nadal is so good so far 3-0

January 9th, 2010 at 10:58 am

aha another break for nadal 4-0

January 9th, 2010 at 11:07 am

nadal is playing exquisite tennis right now..it seems that the kid got his confidence back…crazy what a few weeks off can do to your game. davy looks lost on the court.

January 9th, 2010 at 11:09 am

Yep – Rafa’s very aggressive today! It’s difficult to think Rafa won’t defend his AO title when he’s playing like this, but the draw may be a factor. Anyhow, Tony and Nadal must’ve reviewed some of last year’s later matches, because Rafa is stepping up more. Also, the announcers said he’s using a new string on his racquet. He also looks strong and fit.

Mind you, this is *nothing* like the serving display we saw from Davy yesterday. Davy seems listless and is making errors he didn’t make in the semi.

January 9th, 2010 at 11:14 am

Wow – a bagel. Rafa is looking fantabulous.

January 9th, 2010 at 11:15 am

a bagel in the desert

January 9th, 2010 at 11:15 am

ahhhhh jane beat me to it

January 9th, 2010 at 11:16 am

WOW 6-0 set. That was the masterclass perfomance from Nadal. Everybody should be scared. He is back.

January 9th, 2010 at 11:16 am

yep he is playing unbelieveable tennis but again davy is not serving too well

January 9th, 2010 at 11:19 am

This is the most agressive I have ever seen Nadal play since RG 08. Davy had his chances both times 40-30 on his serve on second and foruth games and made double faults.
Nadal’s forehand is at the zone and his returns and all ball striking are very deep and powerfull. I think he is tired of no titles and secure with his body now. Definitle a favorite to defend his AO title. Very interesting and exciting now that he is really back!

January 9th, 2010 at 11:21 am

incredible but davy is not playing as bad as the score says ..he is actually toe to toe with nadal but rafa is just unstoppable today..his serve may not be as great as yesterday but again iF someone is playing so aggressive against you; your serve would also suffer. Nadal “the beast” is back

January 9th, 2010 at 11:33 am

Rafa is being very stingy today; he wants every point. The first game of the second set was a battle though. Davy showed some signs of a renaissance but at this point the title is Rafa’s.

I think Murray began 2009 with a win in the exo and then the title in Doha?

Wow!! Davy won a game!! : )

January 9th, 2010 at 11:35 am

Who cares if Fed had a tougher draw or not? He’s beaten Davydenko 12 TIMES OUT OF 13 (once again, 12 TIMES OUT OF 13), so what’s the point in saying Fed had a „tougher“ draw than Nadal? Even though Davy has beaten him the last time they played, it wasn’t like he was someone whom Fed couldn’t beat, was it? But then again, what can you expect from a Fed fanatic like madmax? Just another LAME EXCUSE to make Nadal’s eventual tournament victory look less worthy… Mind you, he’s currently creaming Davydenko. The same Davydenko who yesterday beat Fed, btw…

January 9th, 2010 at 11:36 am

Good hold for davy ..lets see if he can raise to the occasion and gives us some good old excited tennis match :)

January 9th, 2010 at 11:37 am

loving this set so far ..both players playing fantastic right now.

January 9th, 2010 at 11:46 am

Yes, Davy has upped his level in this second set. But Nadal’s hasn’t really dropped. I wonder if Davy can hold onto his break and take a set? Hmmm… Rafa is not going anywhere. He looks very determined.

January 9th, 2010 at 11:57 am

C’moon Davydenko…C’mooon davy

January 9th, 2010 at 12:02 pm

Hold davy Hold..we want the third set.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:04 pm

DF I saw that coming..Poor davy

January 9th, 2010 at 12:12 pm

Jane! You showed your tail again! You’re a Federer fan! :P

January 9th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

This set deserves a tie break…

January 9th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

In the first set, I think Rafa was trying to tell Davydenko that he beat him the last year. It was because he wasn’t playing well! He could only dream of beating him!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:19 pm

DENKOOOO…

January 9th, 2010 at 12:24 pm

Aha..Another DF..c’moon davy

January 9th, 2010 at 12:25 pm

This is a see-saw of a tiebreak. But Rafa will win it. He’s been the more focused player today, by far. Though Davy has had flashes of great play.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:27 pm

Federer needs to give his thanks to Davydenko for not letting him to be in the final. Remember that 2008 Roland Garros final. The ruthless Nadal jumped all over the GOAT!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:27 pm

OMG..So tense..who will come out here

January 9th, 2010 at 12:29 pm

Good Fedex didnt win against davydenko.. otherwise it wud have been one more humiliation. watever happens happens for the best

January 9th, 2010 at 12:30 pm

06 66(66)

January 9th, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Jane..not yet not yet

January 9th, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Come on Davy .. u atleast deserve this set if not the match…

January 9th, 2010 at 12:32 pm

They both play better from behind..C’moon davy give us the third set

January 9th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

I think Davydenko is not afriad of Federer these days. So it would be very difficult for Federer to beat Davy again. Seriously, I like Davy heaps better than Soderling. Who happened to be a one hit wonder. But as for Davydenko, he is a late bloomer. He had been around for awhile. He has been the Russian number 1 for awhile. But Safin stole the publicity from him. And Davy is finally getting his recognition.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Another Match point

January 9th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Its all gonna be Nadal in Aus 2010.. Poor fedex… once again will be sidelined and all the crap from the journos would begin!!!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

Davy, how many life lines Nadal giving you..Take it here

January 9th, 2010 at 12:35 pm

Ah Davy proved me wrong; I really thought Rafa would pull out the tiebreak!

Rick says “Jane! You showed your tail again! You’re a Federer fan! ”

You really are quite clueless Rick. lol! ; )

January 9th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Please Davy.. please win.. I am a diehard fan of fedex and i want you to beat the crap out of Nadal… If nadal wins then his confidence will be sky high and thats the last thing one wants to face .. A confident Nadal

January 9th, 2010 at 12:37 pm

YES..DAVY..great 2nd set. we have the decider.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:37 pm

Oh he won… Yippe… Ok just a set (lol).. seems Ndala now is the fedex of 2006 ;-)

January 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

arghhhh nadal pls win
Whos Rick that doesnt know that Jane is a Djoko fan – he must be new to this blog

January 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

i think davy is taking this tournament ..considering how close nadal was to the finish line and wasn’t able to executed. the great davy better come out playing like he did in the the past 30 minutes

January 9th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

2 match point went begging for Nadal. Now I want to see the Nadal mental strength everybody is talking about. will he be dissapointed or will he put everything behind and play like nobody business?

January 9th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Actually I think davydenko will win now

January 9th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

It is over

January 9th, 2010 at 12:42 pm

osazone4real – no kidding. And Rick thinks I really don’t like or support Rafa. You’ve been around a long while a this blog, so you know I like Nadal, and Murray, and of course, Novak!! Not to mention lots of other players. Most of all, I like tennis. And anyone who likes tennis, whether a fan of Federer’s or not, can appreciate Fed’s success and talent. : ]

Speaking of appreciating tennis, it’s almost like Davy is out-Nadaling Nadal with this surprising comeback.

Rafa needs to more first serves in!!!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

I have no idea who’ll win now, but it’s not over osazone4real. Don’t give up on Rafa of all people. He’ll keep fighting.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:47 pm

Aaaarg 2 break points..nadal is not fading..

January 9th, 2010 at 12:49 pm

VAMOS

January 9th, 2010 at 12:50 pm

I like that semi match, when Davy was making all these smashes from the net. But Fed was really helpless, could do nothing but block the ball back into play. And Davy finally finished it off with a smash. :)

January 9th, 2010 at 12:50 pm

Jane I agree with u all the way, as a diehard nadal fan i dont kid myself abt. fed as I have actually fed and nad life twice in hamburg I know fed is phenomenal player

I am not surprised by davydenko he is playing
phenomenal tennis

January 9th, 2010 at 12:52 pm

So glad it is not another Nadal and Federer final. This match is interesting!

January 9th, 2010 at 12:53 pm

I subscribed to Eurosport HD bcos of Nadal he better win

January 9th, 2010 at 12:56 pm

sar, at least Tipsy won the doubles title!

Cilic should beat Wawrinka to defend his Chennai title, but Stepanek will have a tougher time defending his against an eager Roddick. That should be a good final.

Looks like you’ll get your money’s worth osazone4real. It seems like Rafa is digging in here.

January 9th, 2010 at 12:59 pm

I love giant slayers, come on Davydenko!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:00 pm

Osazone..looks like he is winning now. Another break point..Ohh Noo

January 9th, 2010 at 1:00 pm

Its not over..its not over yet. davydenko should break this next game.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:02 pm

Kimmi not yet after the kim henin match it is not over until it is over

January 9th, 2010 at 1:03 pm

Hi margot – is it warming up over there yet? Any news on Hopman Cup mixed? I haven’t check. And yes, I’d say Murray did lose focus a bit, but his serve also went off. Maybe the sunburn was chafing against his new outfit? : ) LOL.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:04 pm

Jane the hopman cup is over spain bt britain

January 9th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Mr.Tennis, you are a typical moron, hahaha!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:08 pm

Davydenko Breeaks back…and hold..WOW WOW..can nadal answer here…

January 9th, 2010 at 1:10 pm

Yes, I just checked that out – a tight two setter. Well congrats to Spain; I admit I was cheering for Murray and Robson to win it all though. But at least they got to the finals.

Sheesh Davydenko is tough like a pitbull in this match. He has comeback from behind against Rafa. Many would’ve gone away after getting blown off the court in set 1, but Davy has stuck to Nadal like glue.

Good final after all!

I cannot pick a winner, at 4-3, in the decider…

January 9th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

And COME ON RAFAAAAAAAAA, PLEASE BEAT DAVY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

“”jane Says:

Rick says “Jane! You showed your tail again! You’re a Federer fan! ”

You really are quite clueless Rick. lol! ; )””

The best thing said in a while Mrs.Jane. I think it’s time for RickAllStop to stop his delirium, LOL! ;)

January 9th, 2010 at 1:18 pm

Vamos Rafa, please beat Davy, please! Show Davy that you’re the master.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

DAVYDENKO..Only one more game..C’moon

January 9th, 2010 at 1:22 pm

osazone4real – I have not seen Uncle Tony; is he at Doha? Who is Rafa working with, if not Tony? Mainly I’ve noticed the ladies in Rafa’s box – his mum and girlfriend cheering him on.

Gosh this is a nail-bitter! Focus here Rafa…

January 9th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

2 match point for Davy

January 9th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

I said so

January 9th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

YEAAAAAAHHHH Davydenko..back to back titles. He is definetly the man to beat. Beat federer and Nadal in the same tourny. Well deserved.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

I am so unhappy, I can’t watch the Doha Final! :(

January 9th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Oh f*#@in no!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:28 pm

Oh am sad for Rafa : (

But wow, what an effort by Davy! I really thought Rafa had him. One thing for Rafa to work on – get more first serves in. That serve let him down at the end, I think.

Davy meanwhile has become as tenacious as Rafa. He doesn’t choke anymore but stays with it. Wow. Well kudos to him, beating Rafa and Fed back to back for the first title of the year.

I wonder about Davy over 5 sets. But he certainly has a lot of experience.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

Wow, Davydenko won the last 2 torunamenbts he played besating Fed and Nadal both times.

Talking about mental strengh, never saw nobody save match points against Nadal and win the match. Remarkable, spoecially the way Nadal was playing.

AO, we have Nadalin form, Fed always a contender regardless, Davy, DelPo, Murray, Djoko and Roddick, all with real shots to emerge winner.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

Kimmi, is it for real? You and me posted on exactly the same time!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

The probability that Nadal will win AO is almost impossible, Djoko,Del Potro n a normal headed Nalby and fed will beat him, it breaks my heart well i will lay off tennis for a while now until d final of AO open sign out

January 9th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

good job davy..and well done rafa..they both played great..i like what i saw from rafa in this tournament and obviously davy becomes a true contender for AO now ..cant wait for the first slam of year to start..

January 9th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

Just realize that Davy is the only current top 10 playet to have a positive HxH with Nadal.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

Good point Daniel – and there are so many dark horses too, like Cilic, Tsonga (if the wrist is healed) and of course Verdasco and Soderling.

This is a wide open slam in many ways.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT AFTER THAT FIRST SET? (yes, am shouting!!)

Davydenko, I salute thee. HURRAY!!!!!

Truest of all true comeback Kings!

Davy for Australia!! (but only beat the Fed in finals…not before that! lol)

*somersaults & high-fives:):))

January 9th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

“Talking about mental strengh, never saw nobody save match points against Nadal and win the match. ”

Hey Daniel, don’t forget 2005 MIAMI final! Fed saved match points against Rafa in the third set and came back and won it in 5 sets.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:33 pm

Huh..maybe few seconds apart..but Yeah i am happy for davy. People should give him the credit he deserve. Not the davy we are used to see choking at important moments anymore. He has cured his demons. I hope he wins at least one slam.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

But as Jane had said previously, Murray did the same thing in Doha last year! Beating both Federina and Nadal. So he might not wins the Aussie Open. As for Jane, perhaps I had you confused with someone else. Pardon me for not nesting on fortune tellers site likes tennis-x everyday! lol Well, so this Aussie Open would be really interesting. I would had picked anyone but Fed Allstop to win the title. If Nadal gets to the final, and Darth Federer is beaten in the early round. He is really dangerous with his number 1 ranking!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

Daniel – was referring to your point in the 1:29 post about the AO being exciting.

Bye osazone4real – take heart – that match was only lost by a smidgen. Nadal did look good in this tournament, as rose says. He kept it very very close.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

jane said: “Davy meanwhile has become as tenacious as Rafa. He doesn’t choke anymore but stays with it.”

Well, can’t exactly say I agree with the first sentence, but definitely with the second! At 4 all in the 3rd and 0-30 serving, everyone would have it difficult against Nadal, but the guy just hits an excellent approach shot followed by a winning BH stopvolley, and then in the next rally a blazing baseline winner – and it’s suddenly 30 all! That certainly doesn’t look like a choke, does it?

January 9th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Well, CREDIT TO DAVYDENKO, seems like he surely played amazing. May be hats off to him, thou it hurt to see him beating Fed and Rafa back to back two times. But can he do that he slams? I don’t think so, at least for now. But again, Kudos to Davy, he must be playing like something! I know that Davy is a truly FINE player, may be as you say great player! I don’t like him for some reason thou. Yet, now that he has shown some game to fans, I must begrudgingly admit, Davy has some great shots up his sleeves, I like his net-game for some reason unknown to me. His net game is good I think. But can anyone tell me how Rafa was laying? Was he staying closer to baseline? Was he coming to net? How Davy turned the tables? I don’t think it’s east to take a bagel in the first set and then come back to win like this, must be a very tense match! Please help.

Kimmi, can you tell me something?

January 9th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

“But can he do that he slams?” asks huh.

This is what I wonder; can he keep up this fight and momentum over 5 sets? I guess he got to slam semis in the past, at the USO and FO, so if he can get that far, one would think he can get over the semis hump and possibly even win a slam. Maybe not by beating Fed and Nadal back to back, but he wouldn’t have to with the current rankings. And Davy’s H2H’s against some of the top guys are good: he’s 3-1 over JMDP; he’s 5-4 over Nadal; he’s 4-5 versus Murray; he’s 2-3 versus Djokovic; and he’s won his last couple of meetings with Fed. He’s got to feel pretty confident with that record.

And, okay he’s probably not as tenacious as Rafa, Skorocel, but he’s surely tougher than he was; his improved serve helps too. He keeps coming back and doesn’t let up.

All this combined means he could definitely be a threat at the AO.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:50 pm

Unbelievable. Davydenko showing some real resolve. Weird loss for Nadal but great win for Davy. He’s just gotta win a slam this year, just gotta.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

The biggest improvement has to be his serve. It’s what really helped him at the WTF and it was a big factor in his win over Fed the other night.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:56 pm

So is Davy the only player besides Nalby to beat Fed and Nadal in back to back tournaments? Nalby in Madrid and Paris and Davy in WTF and Doha?

I know Djoko has done it once (Montreal) as had Delpo (USO).

Murray has too right? I am just trying to figure out when/where.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:58 pm

Still that Bagel must have been tasty.

January 9th, 2010 at 1:58 pm

“Skorocel Says:
Who cares if Fed had a tougher draw or not? He’s beaten Davydenko 12 TIMES OUT OF 13 (once again, 12 TIMES OUT OF 13), so what’s the point in saying Fed had a „tougher“ draw than Nadal? Even though Davy has beaten him the last time they played, it wasn’t like he was someone whom Fed couldn’t beat, was it? But then again, what can you expect from a Fed fanatic like madmax? Just another LAME EXCUSE to make Nadal’s eventual tournament victory look less worthy… Mind you, he’s currently creaming Davydenko. The same Davydenko who yesterday beat Fed, btw…”

Oh, really Mr. real Skorocel? Who creamed whom by the way? Think twice before prematurely declaring things like ” Just another LAME EXCUSE to make Nadal’s eventual tournament victory look less worthy… “, argh!!!! The match wasn’t even over and you already declared Rafa as the winner???!!! How arrogant you really are, I today realised; not to mention shameless and mindless enough for not hesitating to not even wait for the result and crowning Rafa victorious! Sheesh!!! So much for suggesting others to be real, accusing others of being Fed fanatics and resenting others’ stats(particularly when being presented from Fed fans’ side!)! Hmm, but again, what to expect from a Sampras fanatic like you? You guys gave no other business apart from denigrating Federer’s victories in order to make Pete look magnificent (thou it is needless to say that Sampras is as much a genius as Fed has been in my personal opinion)! But that hardly gives you the licence to falsely allege people of things, which they’ve never done (in this case, you calling madmax a Fed-fanatic). Enough of your madness already, so be careful!

January 9th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

Wouldn’t it be fabulous if Davydenko won a slam? What a way to end his career.
hi jane: no, the big freeze goes on and on over Europe, more snow tomorrow and minus 20 in Scotland, apparently UK was colder than the South Pole! But also saw they had frost in Miami!
Was sad Spain won. Andy has so much talent but just seems to lack that extra bit of focus/determination. The good news is that Laura has received a wild card into AO so might qualify, it was gr8 to see her getting better and better over the week…unlike Andy LOL…..Talk to you again soon
night huh…get back to those books now…

January 9th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

Now THAT was a match!

If that is an indication of what we will be seeing this year, then OboyOboyOboy!!!

Now that Davydenko can concentrate entirely on his game and perhaps doesn’t have to think “Now I have to lose the second set or else Boris breaks my cousin’s legs” he has been playing brilliantly.

It was a great victory, tho – it isn’t often (ever?) That someone beats an in-form Nadal after dropping a 6-0 first set.

Is it just me, or is a shirtless Nadal in 2010 no longer to be mistaken for the muscle bound action hero of 2007? Hmmn.

What really makes the Australian Open a lot of fun this year, is that in order for the top 4 seeds – Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray to reach the semis, each of them will have to contend with one of Del Potro, Davydenko, Roddick or Soderling – or someone who beats one of the latter 4.

This is going to be a lot of fun.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:06 pm

Huh – I love looking back to the postings whwn someone comes back from a bagel and wins to see who was acting God-like and “safely” predicting the outcome with idiotic posts.

I see there was only one and you have outed him!

January 9th, 2010 at 2:09 pm

Jane – yes, Nalby and Davy-d are the only two to oust Fed and Rafa in back to back tourneys.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

huh..its difficult to analyse the whole match but in short davy just never gave up. Nadal was very good..very aggressive too but davydenko had answers to some of nadal shots. Angles, his double handed volleys worked well (LOL). His FH and BH down the line was leathal.

But nadal made bad mistakes in the last game..two UE to the net and davy just never look back.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

Huh and Skorocel, regarding Davy-Fed h2h, I’d like to point out that Davy’s had TONS of chances to beat Federer only to get tight towards the end. It’s really been a mental hurdle that Davydenko has been struggling to get over for a long time until now. Now that he’s done it, no one should say Davydenko is just another Fed whipping boy. He’s always troubled Fed and if he’s playing well, there’s no reason to think he was lucky or something of the sort for beating Fed. Now he’s saving match points against Nadal to beat him, clearly he’s gotten through a number of mental blocks.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:14 pm

“osazone4real Says:
The probability that Nadal will win AO is almost impossible, Djoko,Del Potro n a normal headed Nalby and fed will beat him, it breaks my heart well i will lay off tennis for a while now until d final of AO open sign out”

Be cool, osazone4real, your Rafa will win many titles and would again make you proud! Never count him out, this is one thing, I would tell you as I myself have never ever counted Rafa out. He’s too great a champion, he’d come back with a bang! IMO, this year, my guy Fed and others would have to be really careful otherwise they’d lose to Rafa at slams. I’d say Rafa’s doing his job, he’s trying his best, that’s all he can do. Your job is to support him regardless of the circumstances. I also do only one thing, completely support Federer, regardless of his form and stuff. Fed has given me so many proud moments , just like Rafa has given you. So we mustn’t complain too much. Let whatever happen, happen. But for me, it’s Allez Fed, and for you, it must be Vamos Rafa!

I’d personally watch out for Rafa at the Wimbledon and the US Open. Rafa really wants the Wimbledon, I think this year, I read him telling this to a fan on his blog on timesonline. I think he’s intent on winning it and I think he can win it and has just as much chance as a Federer or Roddick there. Rafa, Roddick and Federer are still the best on grass IMO. Rafa at RG has more chance than all others, understandably. And Rafa is also capable of winning US and/or AO. Why bet against it? I’m not betting against any guy at all and especially not against Rafa/Fed. We all know, they can do it.

Good luck to Rafa and Fed!

January 9th, 2010 at 2:16 pm

“Gordo Says:
Huh – I love looking back to the postings whwn someone comes back from a bagel and wins to see who was acting God-like and “safely” predicting the outcome with idiotic posts.

I see there was only one and you have outed him!”

HI GORDO!!!! :) :P :D
Pleasure to have you back, I’m so happy!!!!!!!
Thanks for this post to me thou, that fellow really has made me pity him.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:21 pm

Funny how I recently wrote a post about how ridiculous it is for players to blow a match after winning a bagel set. Add Nadal to the list that includes Safin, Murray and plenty of others.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:25 pm

Well I am guilty of thinking Rafa would win it after the first set, and after Rafa fought to hold in the first game of the second set, and after Rafa broke back to take the second set to a tiebreak, etc. Rafa just looked so strong to start out, and *usually* when he keeps taking back the lead like that, he ends up the winner. So I don’t think it was too far-fetched to think he’d win today.

On the other hand, any viewer could see that Davy started slowly and also that he had to fight tooth and nail to get this win, which he did do, quite fabulously.

And which supports the point Ben just made and one to which I and others alluded earlier – Davy is stronger mentally now. He believes. Was it his wife (she is a psychologist after all)? A couple of good wins? The improved serve? Vengeance for the ATP investigation? The “not trying” fine? (that one still shocks me!) Whatever it is, something has turned things around for him, and given him renewed motivation and newfound confidence, and I will be surprised if he doesn’t have a good season.

Lots of oldies but goodies still around – Stepanek in Brisbane final; Davy winning Doha; Nalby coming back. And I just read that the Magician is playing the AO!!

Has the definition of “retired” changed when I wasn’t looking? ; )

January 9th, 2010 at 2:28 pm

Before we all read a little too much into this and state that Doha is the red flag as to who is going to be favoured at the AO, let’s look at the last 10 Doha champions –

2000 – Santoro
2001 – Rios
2002 – El Aynaoui
2003 – Koubek
2004 – Escude
2005 – Federer
2006 – Federer
2007 – Ljubicic
2008 – Murray
2009 – Murray

And the corresponding AO winners –

2000 – Agassi
2001 – Agassi
2002 – Johansson
2003 – Agassi
2004 – Federer
2005 – Safin
2006 – Federer
2007 – Federer
2008 – Djokovic
2009 – Nadal

Only 1 dude won both in the same year. Davydenko will have to be razor sharp if he hopes to accomplish the same.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:31 pm

I don’t think Doha is any kind of indicator. I think Davy’s particular play against Fed and Nadal is a type of indicator. He’s showing resolve, who cares whether it’s in Doha or Sydney or the AO, showing it anywhere is the first step. He’s not the favorite to win it but he doesn’t deserve to be looked over like he so often is.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:34 pm

I like Davydenko..never dissapoint me when I have cheered for him recently. He continues where he left it off at the end of 09 season. Way to go davy..way to go.

jane: “Has the definition of “retired” changed when I wasn’t looking? ; )” LOL – he says it is not a comeback but only a one off?? LOL

I would prefer to see safin make a come back..he still has some…

January 9th, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Out of retirement? Well, he is playing again so I guess that makes it so.

Santoro can say he only wants to be able to claim that he played at majors in the 4 decades (the ’80s, the ’90s, the ’00s and the ’10s), and that this isn’t really him coming out of retirement, but if it walks like a duck and swings a racquet like a duck…

Lord help everyone if he wins a match or two! He could be the tennis equivalent of Frank Sinatra, who gave America no less than 4 farewell tours, each supposedly his last.

January 9th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

Hi Mrs.Margot! :P

Just a few more posts and then back to studies. But, I’m not too happy about GB losing to Spain either, I was totally rootin for GB. :(
But that said, I think Murray’s nothing to lose now by losing to other guys at smaller tournaments, not anything to worry about at all. All that Murray hopefully does is win a GS this very year and then, that’d alone be more than enough for him.

————————–
Hey Gordo,

Liked ur 2.06 post very much, it was very funny, lightened up my mood, made my night(no day here at Myanmar).

—————-
Thanks for your kind response KIMMI, now I know that it was actually a pretty enjoyable match, hope to download it soon from the net! By the way, I join you in congratulating Davy, well done indeed, good for him.

———————-
Mrs.Jane:

Thanks for your post re. my question. I must tell you that I find Davy to be a very nice human being who has shown real character in weathering the storm of his professional and personal life, particularly he deserves to be commended for being able to bravely face the testing times of match-fixing allegations, the best thing is he did not break down ever after such harsh situation, raher came out stronger! Shows Davy’s fighting mentality, he’s been a warrior in real life having no fear of even the ATP while suing them. Then why should he fear Fed/Rafa on playing courts? One who’s a fighter in real life is also a real figher in court. I mean, look how adversity has made Davy so much more strong?
Sincerely, Good luck to Davy as well for the year at slams. I’ve no reason to wish bad for him, that’d be petty.

———–
Ben:

Make no mistake, I know Davy’s a great player, but I like other guys more. Of course it’s not good to not like someone’s game when he’s great, but I can’t help it, so sorry! But Davy’s a really good guy, a courageous man, he’s a great individual, undeniable fact this one. Even I admit. Further, as you’ve ponted out, I also kniw that Davy’s fought Fed very well in the past and I pretty much know it. Davy’s very good, very competitive, great shot-maker, I know too. Thou I would enjoy Fed and Rafa beatinghim, either of them, I mean even Fed losing to him isn’t a shame at all IMO. I hope that’s enough for now. I appreciate your admiration for Davy’s game and ability. It’s not like I don’t admire Davy’s shots, he sometimes plays phenomenal tennis, but only thing’s I don’t root for him against FED/Rod/Hewitt/DP/Muzza/Tsonga/Nole/Soderling/Wawa/Rafa, guys like this. I’ve no problem with Davy winning against other guys thou. It’s like, “to each his own”, in my case re. Davy.

January 9th, 2010 at 3:01 pm

WOW. Add one to an already crowded list of serious contenders. I still don’t put him in the same league as the top five, simply because, not only has he never shown threat at a Slam, but his play takes SO MUCH energy, its hard to imagine him keeping this up for 2 weeks of 5 setters. Still, better a dark horse than no horse.

Rank him now with Roddick and Soderling at AO, and ahead of Tsonga or Monfils.

January 9th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

Huh, you don’t have to be sorry for not liking him. As long as you give him his well earned respect, root against him all you want. It’s like me with Nadal, I totally acknowledge how great he is, but there’s just something about him that makes him root for him if there’s absolutely no one else around.

January 9th, 2010 at 3:04 pm

S/b makes ME root for him

January 9th, 2010 at 3:06 pm

“Ben Pronin Says:
Funny how I recently wrote a post about how ridiculous it is for players to blow a match after winning a bagel set. Add Nadal to the list that includes Safin, Murray and plenty of others.”

I love this style of Ben, hahaha!!!! I really like him.

Ben, ur 2.14 post was nice where you talked regarding the misleading impression that one might gather looking at the h2h of Fed and Davy superficially, which is also the case when looking into the H2H of Fed-Rafa. The Fed-Davy matches were obviously much closer than they migh appear looking at the h2h of the two men. But some supposedly real ones who won’t ever get it go out of their way to claim as to how Fed owns Davy, it wasn’t me who was saying this, it was the ‘real’ one rather. You need to explain this to him and not me. However any of ur post directed to me is most welcome and much-awaited.

That said, when I told, it’ll be almost impossible for Davy to beat a bang-on target Fed at slam, I mean it and won’t take it back. But I must make it clear here that I have also said that if Fed has a bad day, and by that I mean, a day, when he’s even slightly lower than his current highest possible level, then Davy’s a chance for sure. That implies,even I admit that in case Fed’s level drops even slight, be it in respect of serve/FH/BH/ XYZ aspect of his game, then he might be in real trouble vs Davy at this year’s slams.I mean, why not? Daby after all can play some most brilliant tennis, when he’s in the zone. Hope I’ve clarified to u Ben.

January 9th, 2010 at 3:29 pm

“Lots of oldies but goodies still around – Stepanek in Brisbane final; Davy winning Doha; Nalby coming back. And I just read that the Magician is playing the AO!!”

Oh Mrs.Jane, you completely won me over to your side by saying this coz I’m always the one to believe that the oldies are golden indeed! :)

January 9th, 2010 at 3:31 pm

Mrs.Jane,

Thinking is pardonable, everyone did it, you and even I thought that this was Rafa’s day looking at the commentary here about the progress of the first set of the match. But I sure wanted to wait before actually jumping to any conclusion before the end of the match and that’s the reason I kept sending the +ve vibes 4 Rafa as I was totally rootin for him, but never completely assumed it as a victory for Rafa just after the first set ended, pretty much keeping in mind the sayng ‘it ain’t over till the fat lady sings”. But it’s truly foolish and outrageous to openly state here or declare someone the winner of a match even before the match is half way!!! Are you freakin kiddin me? But rest assured, you’re not guilty in any way in this respect. It’s someone else who’s done it.

January 9th, 2010 at 3:41 pm

Great to see ‘been there’ back here with a lovely n enthusiastic post about Davy! :)

January 9th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

SKOROCEL,

YOU SAID:

‘what can you expect from a Fed fanatic like madmax?’

You are a very, veerrryyyy rude poster. Why do you have to be so rude? You say some very insensitive, arrogant things about federer Skorocel which are unnecessary and untrue.

I am not a fanatic – you are. You project your fanaticism on other people when it is totally unwarranted. That is a lacking on your part.

Poor you. And then you pronounce rafa a better player and davydenko puts up the best fight ever and all of a sudden, you go quiet because you were wrong skorocel. Try to be a little more objective, conservative – and more importantly – kinder in your comments to people. You never know, you might like it?

Huh! you are a sweetheart. You really are. But like you said to me a few weeks ago, IGNORE these people. We enjoy watching Federer play and enjoy the wonderful matches we have had already in 2010. Boy, that davydenko is some player. I am so pleased for all the russian fans out there. I like davy – under rated – and I think he is a wonderful player. He has a new found confidence, good for him. This is his FIRST title at Doha in SEVEN tries. Just goes to show the “28” year olds can still rock, eh Huh?!!!!!

The match was great and it is a warning to all players – federer too – everyone wants a crack at the titles, (more seriously than ever before), it’s not just fed’s and rafa’s for the taking – Be sure that all players are going to have work hard – I cannot wait for the AO.

Bring. It. On.

Jane and Margot!

Lovely to see you both here –

Margot, it’s so cold right now – brrrrrrr!

January 9th, 2010 at 3:50 pm

Well, in a youth obsessed culture, and in a field where youth often prevails (i.e., sports), it’s great to see experience, wisdom and perseverance prevail sometimes! I like the mix of golden oldies, young guns, and even some “middle agers” all having a chance at winning. Some of the exciting matches I have seen watching tennis have been when “oldies” in tennis years fight – like the Connors run at the USO in 91 (I think it was 91?) and the rebirth by Agassi in the early-mid 2000s. These are sometimes as exciting as seeing the young guns break through. Like when Becker or Sharapova won Wimbledon at 17, or Rafa and Borg the FO (or was Borg 16?!). Anyhow, it’s all good.

We’re in for an exciting 2010.

January 9th, 2010 at 4:00 pm

madmas says…

“The match was great and it is a warning to all players – federer too – everyone wants a crack at the titles…”

That’s not entirely true. A few years ago Agassi just wanted crack.

Sorry, couldn’t let that one pass.

Have a great weekend, all!!!

January 9th, 2010 at 4:05 pm

Yes Jane, we are.

Kimmi, going back to a comment you said earlier and your “worries” about federer – i find it easier to just read his interviews after a match to see what he thinks, where he thinks his game is at – this is something I have found (just a paragraph or two – but reported in the Sydney Herald – if you want to read the whole article –

I guess the only thing I can say is, it really is up to fed – he is experienced, and only he knows how hungry he is for the title and what he will do in order to achieve it! plus – you just have to go along as positively as you can, otherwise you will end up going mad!

Here we go Kimmi: (after the match with davy, where he didnt play all that badly) –

The world No 1 admitted the need for improvement when he arrives in Australia but otherwise did not appear too concerned.

“I have to get my unforced errors down, but apart from that I moved well and I didn’t think my performance was too bad,” he said.

“Nikolay played well when he needed to play well. He got ahead and got the momentum and that helped him. Then he played the big points well and deserved to win.”

Federer, let’s bring. it. on!

As an aside Kimmi, the twins are older (coming up to 6 months), I think that federer will have complete focus and will bring a couple of slams home for the twins!

January 9th, 2010 at 4:08 pm

Oh my lovely lovely Madmax, my honey, my sweetheart, I’m so happy to see u back! :P

January 9th, 2010 at 4:21 pm

Fed’s movement is good but his shots lack their former fire power.

January 9th, 2010 at 4:36 pm

Good evening and happy new year everybody!

I’m quite happy to see Federer lose and Roddick win. Hope Andy can take the Brisbane title now.

Sorry for the Nadal fans here. -hugs-

the new tennis year starts with a bang. :)

January 9th, 2010 at 4:43 pm

madmax said: „You say some very insensitive, arrogant things about federer Skorocel which are unnecessary and untrue.“

Really? Then give me an example…

January 9th, 2010 at 4:44 pm

huh said: „Oh, really Mr. real Skorocel? Who creamed whom by the way? Think twice before prematurely declaring things like ” Just another LAME EXCUSE to make Nadal’s eventual tournament victory look less worthy… “, argh!!!! The match wasn’t even over and you already declared Rafa as the winner???!!!“

I said EVENTUAL. If you have problems understanding that word, then I’m really sorry. Anyway, can you please tell me what’s the point in saying Fed had a tougher draw than Nadal in Doha? In case you don’t remember, that’s what your fellow Fed maniac madmax wrote… Oh yeah, Fed had a tougher draw :-) He indeed had, because ONLY THEN can his loss to Davy (and his struggle against Gulbis) be „justified“ and Nadal’s final appearance (or an eventual tournament win, it doesn’t matter) belittled… LOL, how tougher? He beat Davy everytime except in London, but lost that match. He lost that match, and he lost it fair and square. Tougher draw or not, it WON’T CHANGE A BIT on the fact that he lost it, so why to even make such idiotic statements?

January 9th, 2010 at 4:47 pm

Skoro real, everybody is not like you who’d go out of his way to glorify his own guy and belittle others. Your intentions are pretty obviuos now Pete maniac Skoro.

January 9th, 2010 at 4:58 pm

Only God knows how many more humble pie at the hands of Federer will shut up the anti-Federer Roddick fans like TD?

January 9th, 2010 at 5:04 pm

Thanks Madmax on your comment @ 4.08pm. Lete see waht happens at the AO.

January 10th, 2010 at 10:19 am

Skorocel,

Federer didnt say that he had a tougher draw! Read. My. Post. Anyone could work out the seedings for the tournament and compare it to nadal’s so do your own dirty work.

My point, Skor is that you dont have to demean federer’s matchplay. You dont like him. We get it. when you start accusing posters of being fanatics because they support a player you have no respect for, that’s when it becomes rude and unnecessary. I dont like that and I dont want to engage with a poster who has nothing nice to say.

I am well aware of federer’s shortfalls and failings, I prefer to think positively and to believe in federer’s game as it is only he who can put it right.

I wish your well and whoever you support Skorocel. I am sure you are their greatest fan.

January 10th, 2010 at 11:02 am