Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Madrid

The guy is really suffering..he never withdraw from a big tournament before..let alone (since I started to follow him)any tournament. wish him all the best in his recovery..

May 8th, 2010 at 9:44 am

Noooooooooooooooooooooo!

Novak! so sorry that this has happened. Get well soon.

May 8th, 2010 at 9:44 am

The points! The points!

May 8th, 2010 at 10:01 am

I agree ben, Djoko have lost a lot of points since IW this year. He did very well on clay last year except RG ofcourse..so he is been losing even more. His problems at the moment does not help either, Nadal is now very close to regain his # 2 ranking.

But he still has a chance to be seeded # 2 at RG. now Nadal has to win madrid I think.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:10 am

After skipping Barcelona, Nadal better win Madrid for the sake of his countrymen. And also for the sake of all those who don’t look forward to a potential Nadal-Fed SF at RG ;-)

May 8th, 2010 at 10:17 am

for nadal fans wanting a return to no.1 it’s better for nadal to be seeded 3 at RG so he has a chance to take out fed in the semis and thus take away more points from fed.

djoker would have to be the most frustrating player to follow, outside of nalbandian.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:21 am

Clearly, he’s unwell; you’re right Kimmi – I can’t think of Djokovic withdrawing from another event, especially such an important one. Too bad. Best wishes to him!

May 8th, 2010 at 10:33 am

The Madrid draw is out.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:35 am

Novak, please get well soon.

Kimmi and Jane, Novak has retired from several events during his tennis career. I believe this will be number 7 or 8.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:37 am

Don’t worry everyone. She will be rested and healthy for the French.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:44 am

cherly, i was talking about withdrawing from a tournament before it starts not retiring in match..there is a difference there..

May 8th, 2010 at 10:44 am

nadal needs to get to the final to be no 2 for the french, anyway does anyone if nole is in danger for RG?

May 8th, 2010 at 10:46 am

NELTA, I guess with Djoko retiring, no one worries about nadal drawn on federer or djoko half. Draw must be in madrid site then coz not yet posted on ATP site..

May 8th, 2010 at 10:47 am

Kimmi, I just made my picks. Draw is out on the ATP Challenge.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:50 am

blank..you just made your picks??? that was quick, ha!

May 8th, 2010 at 10:53 am

yeah baby…draw challenge. :-)

May 8th, 2010 at 10:53 am

love you, Nole. rest, get ALL better for RG!

May 8th, 2010 at 10:55 am

guy, Agree wholeheartedly!

May 8th, 2010 at 10:56 am

No Guy,

Gulbis has been the most frustrating for me, the past two years.

GO ERNIE!

and AJDE Krajinvic!

May 8th, 2010 at 10:58 am

“djoker would have to be the most frustrating player to follow, outside of nalbandian.”

Yeah because Safin passed Djokovic the torch at Wimbledon and now Djokovic suffers from Safinitis. Safin’s spirit haunts the tour, especially Djokovic.

May 8th, 2010 at 10:58 am

conty, draw challenge..oh dear. i am scared, ha!

May 8th, 2010 at 11:01 am

“Safinitis” – highly contagious.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:03 am

it’s too scary for me atm. how long do we have?

ooooh, can mrin close out this second set?

pick volandri and giraldo? ???? but no way of telling where they land in the main draw, right?

May 8th, 2010 at 11:05 am

kimmi are you watching the semi in munich? great stuff from baggy in the first set.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:06 am

With airport closures back in Spain and Portugal, will anyone other than the Spanish gang have trouble getting there? And Fed is getting delayed at Estoril as well.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:08 am

the music at the BMW open….very funny what they pick.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:08 am

Nadal got easier draw…

Seppi–>Isner–>Tsonga–>Veradasco/sod–>fed/mur/ferrer

for fed

Moya–>wawa–>roddick/gulbis–>murray/ferrer–>nadal

May 8th, 2010 at 11:10 am

no, i am not watching the live match, just the score. let me tune in…i see cilic hit back

May 8th, 2010 at 11:11 am

Ben – lol at 10:58.

Hi conty, good luck on the challenge; I think I’ll sit this one out, but I have to try one soon.

Cilic has evened things with Baggy, wonder who’ll come through.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:12 am

oops , my last post was on the wrong thread.

oh this decider will be tight, i imagine

May 8th, 2010 at 11:15 am

forgot to say, hello people, felow tennis junkies!

took a week off. federer match rained out. sevastova matcb rained out.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:16 am

Baghdatis is crafty. and good on clay? wow

May 8th, 2010 at 11:19 am

I was wondering what was going on in Estoril but saw Cbeast’s post about rain on the other thread. If they don’t play today could that mean having to play both a semi and final on the same day? Isn’t that what happened to Blake last year? Or the year before? And then Montanes ended up winning in the finals.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:19 am

it’s a match worth watching now, Kimmi.

baggy was too good for cilic-1st set.

marin on a roll unstoppable in 2nd

now bp for baggy in 3rd.

i think the cypriot comes through. i dunno

May 8th, 2010 at 11:23 am

i hope they ply today in estoril jane

conty, baggy has been horrible on clay, his career win-loss clay record sucks..its negative. something click to him here in munich..i am surprised but good for him.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:24 am

Cilic, I like that guy. Seems to be very sincere and hardworking. I hope he is the next big thing.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:26 am

they both face break points in this third set but manage to hold in the end..great match indeed

May 8th, 2010 at 11:37 am

yeah, blank. cilic and ernie the same age and so different.

i like both but wonder if gulbis is a “safinitis sufferer” too much partaaay’ing.

cilic’s second serve has took a beating in the 1st set. marcos stepping in so far, pounding it early….cilic looked awkaward.

but baggy is starting to miss the lines he was easily hitting winners in 1st set.

baghdatis looks like he could be little fitter. he started so fast and now in a sweat. still pressing cilic.

baggy should be in top 10. no question.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:39 am

s/b “taken a beating” not took. oh bad.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:40 am

i can’t tell who i am cheering for here.

cilic has such a beatiful game for grass and baggy is best on hc but here they have both reached a clay court semi. would be a first win on clay for either. so the commentators say

May 8th, 2010 at 11:42 am

Cilic, Ernie and Delpo are all the same age I think. Interesting to watch how their careers follow such different arcs. It’s got to be down to personality/work ethics to a degree since they’re all so talented.

I can’t pick a winner in this match.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:43 am

You must be watching Kimmi?

after this krajinovic v querrey in serbia, i think.

how much time is left to make picks for the “draw challenge?”

May 8th, 2010 at 11:44 am

jane watching too? great!

yeah i thought baggy would outsmart cilic in the end but….

May 8th, 2010 at 11:45 am

Conty, at the top of draw challenge page you should see the time. for me it says

“Make your picks before Sunday (May 9) at 5:00am ET for the Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid”

May 8th, 2010 at 11:53 am

youhzy in the munich final.

i watched the end of pp v youz and pp was playing tough. exciting win for youzy in the 2nd set. he can play picture perfect at times; that backhand, his movement, balance and tough mentally winning the important points.

baggy finding the reserve tank.

May 8th, 2010 at 11:54 am

Ben,

“Safinitis”…lol….good one!

Like I said earlier, Allergies can affect athlete, especially an aerobic one. Get well soon Nole!

May 8th, 2010 at 11:55 am

thanks kimmi….i am too enthralled with this munich semi.

i think that would be 7 am tomorrow a.m. for me.

cilic with a bp!

May 8th, 2010 at 11:56 am

uh boy. poor baggy.

cilic with a chance to serve out and be in the final…..will he choke?

May 8th, 2010 at 11:58 am

Yep, right now it looks like Cilic will prevail. If so, he’ll meet Youz in the final? This is a very good chance for Cilic to get a 3rd title this year! On the other hand, Youz has been denied this title twice already, so maybe 3rd times a charm for him.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:00 pm

Jane and Contador, Couldn’t agree more – mental focus, hardwork and discipline are the key. Among Delpo, Cilic and Gulbis – I can see why Delpo and Cilic standout. Gulbis is the one that was involved in the prostitution incident last year, right? It may not be a true representation of is ways…but just an illustration to show that if you are wayward you can only be good (because of talent) and never great.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:01 pm

NO! deuce!

marin, c’mon

baggy really can mince the cilic second serve! and still hangs in.

bp baggy. but cilic serves and ACE!

match point cilic

May 8th, 2010 at 12:04 pm

wooooot!

cilic v youhzy! final

May 8th, 2010 at 12:04 pm

So Cilic won..congrats.

Martinez sanches is suprising everyone in rome. I think she is about to win the tornament against JJ..WOW!

May 8th, 2010 at 12:08 pm

Jane:

i like all three: delpo, cilic, and gulbis.

okay, i more than like gulbis. i ride the gulbis rollercoaster and hope not to get injured or puke on the keyboard….hehehee

he plays super, uber exciting tennis or flat out ‘bombs’ in a bad way.

always, i can’t wait to see what erno brings

May 8th, 2010 at 12:13 pm

conty, yep, they’re all great in their own ways. And thank goodness for different styles and personalities or tennis would be rather dull.

Kimmi, saw that Sanchez is up a break in the second. Interesting – a new clay phenom on the lady’s side perhaps?

May 8th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

Fed and Montanes are warming up!!

May 8th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

okay, i see the score for JJ v maria. trying to get a stream.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:18 pm

terrible grunt, that sanchez has.

JJ about to break?

montanes and fed warming up? oh my stomach. feddy better win.
it would ruin my day, otherwise. yikes!

May 8th, 2010 at 12:22 pm

JJ breaks back…

May 8th, 2010 at 12:23 pm

The stream was working great for the Cilic/Baggy match. Now the same stream is showing Fed, never had to click on anything. The problem is tens of thousands more people are probably trying to watch this match so now I keep losing the connection. Thanks fellow Fedtards.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:28 pm

having the same trouble NELTA.

but not sure i want to watch, anyway. fed shanking already and his first serve has to start firing!

uhhhhhg.

“fellow fedtards” lol

May 8th, 2010 at 12:31 pm

Sanchez breaks back and wins – congrats to her. This must be her biggest title, yes? Fed almost dug himself out of a hole there but he’s been a bit vulnerable in his early service games at this event.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Fed is back to doing what he has of late learned to do best. Mess it up early and make it difficult for yourself. The next part is – miss all the break chances. I am just getting frustrated with this…can’t help but wonder how long it’s going to take for this stuff to catch up to him (and get him) in slams.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

The stream is too inconsistent to watch and the way Fed is playing it’s probably not worth it as you mentioned Conty.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:35 pm

caught the last minute in rome. i don’t watch too much WTA, jane.

but wanted to see latvian anastasia sevastova play on center court in estoril today. i suppose there won’t be a stream on her match if she’s moved to another court. dunno.

i have a tough time watching RF these days. i miss the federer ponytail years : (

May 8th, 2010 at 12:39 pm

My stream is pretty good…but I may soon stop watching.

I am fed up with the Fed.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:39 pm

All going according to plan. Montanes 4-1 up and ready to serve.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Woot, Roger…

May 8th, 2010 at 12:41 pm

nope. can’t watch federer match, even if stream comes back, NELTA.

will go have some fun bracket picking for madrid, i think.

hoping i get a good stream on the krajinovic match- in an hour .

May 8th, 2010 at 12:41 pm

Fed’s in a bit of trouble early here. Montanes has won this event, so he’s no slouch. Don’t give up blank. It’s best of 3 and Fed can come back. I remember once, I think it was at this event, Fed came back from a deep deficit in the 2nd or 3rd set.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:43 pm

And this guy is supposed to defend the French Open in less than a month…

May 8th, 2010 at 12:43 pm

Thanks for the encouragement Jane.

The problem is this is consistently how he play these days, including the slams. Luck for him, stamina or mental strength or the weakness of his opponents he’s been able to come through most of the time in the slam events…not so lucky at the Masters.

I wish he just has more focus when down or up break points.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Ben, I think it’s just a matter of time. If Fed keeps playing like this, I don’t see him going all the way at the FO especially if he comes across good clay courters. This has gotta catch up to him soon.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:47 pm

sweet maria sanchez. it was confusing seeing her on the podium. i thought JJ was playing a different sanchez.

congrats to this one.

jane- best of 5, i’d be more hopeful but….i’ll go watch some youtube circa 2004 or his masters cup win in 2003, the pnytailed fed, for my federer fix today. : )

May 8th, 2010 at 12:50 pm

When did the Montanes forehand become bigger than Federer’s?

May 8th, 2010 at 12:52 pm

What’s with all these blow out sets Federer keeps losing? The GOAT can’t hold serve anymore.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:54 pm

okay, that hurts. i can’t stand to read about montanes forehand bigger than federer’s. oh god no.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:55 pm

Surprising first set. But it ain’t over till it’s over. Montanes’ serve percentage is dropping which could help Roger.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:56 pm

And has a break point conversion rate of less than 10%

May 8th, 2010 at 12:56 pm

I’m guessing this is because of age but Federer’s movement sucks. He’s slow getting to balls, even though it should be easier on clay. He’s not killing himself to get to every shot, which kind of makes sense. And it seems like he just wants to hit a winner as quickly as he can so as to avoid having to run around some more.

May 8th, 2010 at 12:57 pm

Kimmi: „But he still has a chance to be seeded # 2 at RG. now Nadal has to win madrid I think.“

Wow! Really? Big deal for Rafa! ;-)

May 8th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

Meanwhile, Federer is moving like a cow on the ice. Utterly slow, and with poor timing on both FH and especially BH. Unless he switches to some „magic“ gear, this won’t end pretty…

Btw, is there some decent streaming showing this match? The one I watch (ustream live on atdhe.net) is close to terrible :-(

May 8th, 2010 at 1:00 pm

I am not sure if age is what is responsible for his crap play since AO. Irrespective of what he says, I just think he is not as motivated as before and that makes a huge difference.

Maybe few more embarrassing losses (some at slams) may do the the trick and get him back on track.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

„And this guy is supposed to defend the French Open in less than a month…“

As crazy as it may sound, he is, Ben! ;-)

May 8th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

You could try here Skorocel:

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

May 8th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

Federer wins an extended rally? Surprise, surprise.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:03 pm

for live stream register to bet360.com It’s free

May 8th, 2010 at 1:03 pm

Only way Fed can win a break point is if the opponent double faults. It’s not sarcastic but really true.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

not watching the fed match.

i agree with Blank @ 1:01 pm, from what i have watched of federer since AO.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:07 pm

Fed should’ve got that break chance there. He needs to get control of this second set. Montanes held him off that time anyhow.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:08 pm

maybe dropping out of the top ten will revive him ( federer )

May 8th, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Contador, that’s too harsh don’t you think? :-)

May 8th, 2010 at 1:10 pm

I love how Federer’s drop shot becomes amazing on clay.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:11 pm

yeah, it’s harsh. shoud have said , “top five.”

satisfied if he wins a set these days.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

jane: Thanks for the link, but unfortunately for me, it’s of no help… The picture still looks grainy :-(

May 8th, 2010 at 1:13 pm

The second set is better from Fed’s end.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:14 pm

oh nooooooooooooooooooooooo!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

Aaah! Fed really should’ve made that volley at 3-2 40/30!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

I didn’t realize these two played as recently as the Australian Open. I hope Montanes offers some insight into how he played two completely different Federer’s in the span of a few months.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:15 pm

how can he be so terrible after playing so well in AO..c’moon Roger..get yourself going.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Fed is younger. Montanes will be 30 this year.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

meanwhile in estoril on a back court somewhere, teenage latvian sensation, anastasia sevastova, who was supposed be on center court, is dusting her opponent.

really wanted to see her play. first time. go latvian tennis! ; )

May 8th, 2010 at 1:17 pm

I posted another link Skorocel but it must be in moderation. Try channelsurfing . net

Have to go watch son swim so will miss end of this and Sam vs. Krajinovic. Enjoy all – hope Fed comes back.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:19 pm

montanes is 30?!

ouch.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

Ben: “I love how Federer’s drop shot becomes amazing on clay.”

Well, that’s about the only shot that’s been working for him today – which only illustrates how big he’s struggling…

May 8th, 2010 at 1:20 pm

just awful from Federer right now.

What to do at times like these – Jane – I remember you said you clean furiously? That’s what I am about to do.

Contador, nice to see you after such a long time.

C’moon the fedexpress! Get those bloody feet moving!

WHAT is going on?

May 8th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

http://www.justin.tv/livescorehunter15#r=n6R2Gcg~

did anyone try this link, it seem to be good

May 8th, 2010 at 1:21 pm

Montanes is playing good – real good –

good shot from fed to make it 40:30, but really, is it too late for him to step it up?

I can’t bear this. He makes it look such hard work. Will he give up? He needs the practise!!!

BP to Montanes.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

lovely to see you too madmax. i cannot watching federer live anymore.

not that he won’t always be my favorite tennis superstar, the most beautiful tennis, madmax.

but gotta admit, since AO….dismal, very.

how did he win that last slam?

May 8th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

No BP – sorry people. My mistake.

Fed up 5:4, but it’s NOT pretty.

http://www.fromsport.com is the stream i am watching skorocel, it’s a little bit grainy, but not as bad as the other – good luck.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:25 pm

“watch federer” not “watching.”

May 8th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

Luckily for Fed, he didn’t miss a similar volley at 4-4 30/30… Not over yet!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:26 pm

does roger actually want to win? He HAS to break NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now Roger! Now!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:27 pm

everybody plays federer backhand like every shot

May 8th, 2010 at 1:28 pm

This is just a terrible match! straight into the net. thatta boy roge!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:28 pm

not over yet but the “old” federer would have finished off montanes by now. instead, montanes makes it 5 all 2nd set and ….no comment.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:29 pm

put us out of our pain.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

madmax, for Roger to break…these days sadly the opponent has to double fault or crap in the pants.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:30 pm

shank, shank, shank, ridiculously fantastic volley, shank, shank, shank.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

Haha, the dropper!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

some great volley like old fed and then follows up with bad bad FH error..but still hanging on

May 8th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

that was harsh, Blank. LOL

May 8th, 2010 at 1:32 pm

oh man, not the coming of a tie breaker. sick

May 8th, 2010 at 1:33 pm

madmax and jane: I’m probably watching the same stream as you do. Not exactly HDTV, but still better than nothing ;-)

May 8th, 2010 at 1:33 pm

just get it over and done with roge – and I mean – seriously, SERIOUSLY think about either playing the BEST that you can EVERY single match – or just give up in the first round so that we can come to terms much earlier with our loss.

I remember Federer saying that he shouldnt ever get to a tiebreak. He did that with Clement, tie break and came through and it looks as if it is heading this way with Montanes.

I have to stop feeling sick when I watch Federer play. I would like to just switch on the laptop and feel alive and happy to watch him, but right now – have to keep smiling – keep the faith –

horrid Fed. Just horrid. How many unforced errors: 41 UNFORCED ERRORS! He’s just not interested. He doesn’t care. I feel it.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:34 pm

skorocel, did you try this stream..seem to be good

http://www.justin.tv/livescorehunter15#r=n6R2Gcg~

May 8th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

Be aggressive! hit SHORT balls! Stop getting into the long rallies!

Can you believe that from Fed! Horrible. Just Horrible.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

I guess this breaker will finally put Roger out of his misery… That 1st point was simply HORRIBLE!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:36 pm

guy just said,

“untypical federer show today”. can’t believe it.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Montanes is passionate about his tennis. He deserves to win today. Federer is a joke today.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Kimmi: Yeah, I tried it. The same grainy picture as before :-(

May 8th, 2010 at 1:39 pm

I swear it’s the T-shirt. When I don’t like Fed’s T-shirt, it all goes wrong.

I prefer the polo shirt.

Change the shirt for Madrid and for RG Fed!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:40 pm

Wow. The magic Federer produces when he actually runs to get a few extra balls.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Montanes throwing Fed a lifeline there. I can see Fed wants to try to win the points…but doesn’t look like he mentally has it to win those.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

madmax, i had high hopes for roger in estoril. feeling sorry for myself and all fellow fedtards.

on the bright side, krajinovic next. i fear he will get crushed by sam though.

madmax stick around. keep your spirits up!

oh i thought fedpain was over…..sheesh

the dreaded tie breaker.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

This is the slowest clay I have ever watch.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:41 pm

5 straight points and then 2 crap points. Woot, Roger…

May 8th, 2010 at 1:42 pm

barf.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

contador, these days when fed is 5:2 or 5:3 up, it means nothing. He throws points away because the passion isnt there. This is what I miss in every single game!

I may actually NOT watch madrid this year NOR RG.

Unbearable.

Error ridden match. Truly astonishing, hugely disappointing.

World No.1! been spoilt as a fan, mustn’t get greedy.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Match point.

C’mon Montanes. Just do it. put us out of our misery.

Great.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

LMAO. 50 UEs. Fed is 2-2 on clay this year.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Fed is out of Estroil…

May 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

lost

May 8th, 2010 at 1:44 pm

This is not surprising. Just plain sad.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Priceless.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Well, after some close losses, this is by far his worst defeat this year. 5-2 in a tiebreak and he lost 5 stragiht points, this is just ridiculous form him.

He has to win Madrid beating Nadal otherwise his confidence will be crap going into RG. He is not playing good on clay at all, and everybody is exposing his backhand even more.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:46 pm

It will be fitting if all this culminates with an early loss at the FO. If Fed doesn’t wake up even then,…I don’t know…I have run out of imagination!

May 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

it’s not funny. this is federer gone down to montanes.

madmax- i hear you. but i have other favorites. i love watching tennis but not federer these days.

cheers

May 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

Daniel: “This is the slowest clay I have ever watch.”

Yeah, but it was “slowest” for both Federer and Montanes…

May 8th, 2010 at 1:47 pm

Daniel, To beat Nadal at Madrid he has to reach the finals. I don’t think that’s going to happen.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:48 pm

exactly conty, I love watching tennis too and lots of other faves are there…

fed is lost confidence and is killing him right now..what can he do..he just keeps losing.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:50 pm

not picking federer past the 1st round. madrid

May 8th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

I know what is going on.

Volcanic Ash. Closed all airports in Northern Spain, this gives Rog a day to catch a boat and sail across to Madrid. (NO planes allowed in air space).

This was UGLY. Montanes deserved to win. Old man of tennis at 31 years of age! Good for him! There is hope for Fed, who is a mere 28 years old. But seriously, can I watch him play like this?

It’s unbelievable. Since the AO, he hasnt cared about his clay season. I am not sure he is THAT bothered about FO to be honest, he has it now. Where is the passion left to win? he has won everything, and when you win and win all the time, and have everything, you become complacent with your craft.

I think of Agassi, after I read “OPEN”, how he went through a malaise, and then met Gil Reynes who turned him around and at the age of 35, that passion was STILL there.

Okay Roge. Here’s the deal. You want to play until your 35 years old? You have just under 7 years to play. If you SERIOUSLY want to play until this age, then damn well work for it!

Stop with the crappy, shoddy, tennis. It isn’t clever, it isn’t funny. It’s down right shocking.

It’s a shocker! Shocking.

Madrid? Be lucky to get to the QF’s. Roger doesn’t care THAT much any more. Anyone can see that.

Okay, the conditions in Estoril were poor. Very slow, heavy atmosphere, ball not flying through the air, but hey. Montanes dealt with it.

Why not Federer?

May 8th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

Daniel: “He has to win Madrid beating Nadal otherwise his confidence will be crap going into RG. He is not playing good on clay at all, and everybody is exposing his backhand even more.”

Thouroughly agree with the 2nd sentence, but beating Nadal right now? With this cr.ppy BH? No way, Daniel! As much as I’ve believed he’ll find his best at FO, after seeing him today, how much he’s struggled, and especially how much practice & matches he needs to do & play on clay in order to be (just) in contention, I’d say Nadal can sleep pretty well…

May 8th, 2010 at 1:53 pm

Thanks contador. Now I have to go and revise my picks for Madrid. Now I have him losing to Nadal at the finals. Based on how this is going, that’s just wishful thinking.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:53 pm

federer is da man, though. even if he’s playing crap tennis.

doesn’t shy away from embarrassment. very gutsy, federer.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

Agassi, hah. He met Gil ages ago, though.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:55 pm

5:2 in a tiebreaker?

Helllooooooooo Mr. Federer?

This is what you do.

CLOSE.OUT.THE.MATCH. and say to yourself,

after me: I.CAN.WIN.THIS.MATCH.

Then ask yourself Why? and say to yourself:

BECAUSE.I.AM.A.GREAT.TENNIS.PLAYER.AND.WORLD.NUMBER.1.AND.I.LOVE.THE.GAME.

Roger has some missing links in this thinking right now, and in his game. It’s affecting his game. I don’t know what to think.

Ruined my day now.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:56 pm

your welcome , Blank.

reality check time.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:56 pm

Ben,

I know that. But when agassi had his “renaissance” is what I am talking about, Gil Reyes, was back at home in Los Angeles and from what the book said, Agassi called him and said he wanted to go “right back to the beginning” and start training again, PROPERLY. And that’s exactly what he did, which is why at the age of 35 he won his final slam.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:58 pm

I think that too Skorocel, it’s just that if by some miracle he doesn’t beat Nadal or play at keat well in Madrid, not even he will convince himself he can win defend RG this year.

Now with Djoko out of the picture, he is no longer a true contender for RG, crappy Fed, Murray can’t play on clay, DelPo and Davy out, this year looks like Nadal will win all his sets 6-something in RG.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

madmax, I understand your frustration. The only thing where I am not with you is “ruining the day”. It’s happened too often that I am now used to shrugging it off. Maybe that’s what Fed is also doing…getting used to losing and not caring. But you are right…we’ll hear the same soundbites from Fed at the press conference.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

I will still have federer in the final..he will kick some butt in madrid..c’moon fed. Never doubt you…

even as I write this..have my fingers crossed ofcourse.

May 8th, 2010 at 1:59 pm

Blank,

It’s not good enough from Roger, I am sorry to say. I don’t buy these “I’m not worried”, “there’s no need to panic”.

He NEEDS TO PANIC. Everyone is beating him!

This is how it goes:

Opponent to Federer (from say 30 down to 120.

I can beat Federer. I can win.

Federer says: No. You can’t. Because I am No. 1.

Oppoent beats Federer.

Federer says: “There is no need to panic”.

Opponent says: “Oh my God. This IS the biggest win of my career. If I beat fed in a 250/500/1000 masters tourny, that means I can beat Fed in a slam tournament.

Earth to Roger: Why are you filling your opponents with more confidence than EVER before:

Montanes, bagdhatis, berdych, Gulbis.

Fed’s answer:

There’s no need to panic.

PANIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 8th, 2010 at 2:03 pm

He will not be number 1 after the FO.

May 8th, 2010 at 2:05 pm

it’s okay, to pick against federer, Kimmi. shhh

that said:

C’mon ROGER! play some tennis!

May 8th, 2010 at 2:05 pm

Blank,

whatever happens, because of the unusual traditional rule at Wimbledon, each year.

Whether Roger is No. 1 after the FO or NOT, he will enter Wimby seeded No.1. No one can take that away from him. Not even Rafa.

I actually believe he will still be No. 1 after the FO, marginal though it may be, he will break Sampras’s record of 286 weeks, and will make history ONCE AGAIN.

Roger is still the best.

May 8th, 2010 at 2:12 pm

If anyone can post Fed’s interview at Estoril, that would be great. It’s probably not reported yet, but I would love to hear what Roger had to say.

Very poor from our champ, once again.

May 8th, 2010 at 2:14 pm

madmax,

This is what I posted earlier today (before this crap match) on another thread. If I were to do this now, the scenarios would be more dire:

“…
Fed: 10,340
Nadal: 6,480

Scenario 1:
Fed: Win Estoril + SF Madrid + Finals RG
–> 10,340 + 250 – 400 – 800 = 9,390
Nadal: Win Madrid + Win RG
–> 6,480 + 400 + 1,820 = 8,700

Scenario 2:
Fed: Win Estoril + SF Madrid + SF RG
–> 10,340 + 250 – 400 – 1,280 = 8,910

Scenario 3: Win Estoril + QF Madrid + QF RG
–> 10,340 – 820 – 1,640 = 8,130

So overall, looks good for Fed unless he screws it up, which he has been doing a lot lately.
…”

May 8th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

guys,

I’ve found it! Poor quality in terms of crackling microphones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnsmXtz9rVk

A very down Federer.

He keeps saying – “I hope I can raise my game, etc.”.

Well, raise it then! Do something about it, Roge!

May 8th, 2010 at 2:19 pm

Blank,

Thanks for that.

I think Roger will be okay. I don’t know what makes me say that. Could be loyalty or madness (or a bit of both).

I just can’t see how he can let something as important as Madrid/FO, escape him.

Have been trying to think of what might be going through his head when he plays these tournaments.

Firstly,

The adrenaline pump is missing. It was Montanes who was defending his title. He has made it to the Final, so we shall see.

It wasn’t a brilliant match either way.

Secondly,

Let’s see if Federer plays like A-Fed, when he has to defend Madrid. He is the defending Champ there, and so adrenaline will be pumping and then some in the reserve.

He seems lost right now.

Anyway, see his presser above and see what you think.

Thanks again for the info.

May 8th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

thanks maxi for that link..oh dear roger. He looks like he does not know what to do..

May 8th, 2010 at 2:25 pm

madmax, Thanks for the link. It is from yesterday, right?

But no matter what I am not going to believe what he says until he proves it on court.

May 8th, 2010 at 2:33 pm

No, blank. It is from today! straight after Montanes match – I think you might be in USA, so I suppose my today is your yesterday, that being the case, then yes. It’s 8pm UK time.

May 8th, 2010 at 2:55 pm

c’mon the fed! For Madrid and though, yes. one match at a time, let’s go for the title! then we’ll talk about FO! but seriously, let’s get serious!

May 8th, 2010 at 2:57 pm

The only thing i can think of (in this last half hour, which I really dont understand blank), is that Roger has hired TWO new people on his team! Fitness expert, stefan ? (who used to work full time for ATP, now Roger employs him), and full time psysio, again, who used to work for ATP, but now employee of Roge. So, I just dont get it. I dont get that these two guys who are there to make his body “better” before and after a match, would be employed except to help Roger on his way to more wins.

Apart from that. It HAS to be mental, and as federer fans, we have been here before.

So sports psyche before Madrid? what do you think?

May 8th, 2010 at 2:59 pm

I can’t spell right now. sorry.

*Psychotherapist*
*Physiotherapist*.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:02 pm

Motivation is absolutely the key now with Federer irrespective of his public pronouncements. He has achieved just about everything that he ever wanted to achieve in tennis. With two growing kids,he is maybe finding it difficult to remain as committed to the game as he once was and has a different perspective now. These could be very small things and maybe not even being done consciously but they can make a big difference in an intensely competitive sport like tennis where a slight edge makes all the difference. Last year also he was struggling but we kept hearing news that he was practicing hard. No such thing this year unless I missed something.

The crucial difference is that he has the clay slam in his bag now. I do not think he is *really* slogging to prepare for clay tournaments now. He has done well on clay in the past but he is not a natural grinder on this surface. Sometimes, you just need to keep the ball in play and wait for your opponent’s mistakes but Roger never does that. It is simply not his style and he struggles big time if he can not find his rhythm which is influenced a lot by the amount of hard work he puts in practice. The margin for error in Roger’s game is so little that it has to be meticulously fine tuned for it to be effective especially on a surface like clay where his serve won’t come to his rescue.

I don’t know how much work he has put in for this clay season but it has been awful in terms of results. In hindsight, skipping Monte Carlo probably wasn’t such a great idea. Now he runs the risk of going into RG desperately short of match-play because his draw in Madrid is not easy either.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:05 pm

madmax, I think the link is from yesterday. On the video link it says it was added on ‘May 7’ (today is May 8) and also you can hear Fed say that he is going to play Montanes in the next round and that Montanes is a tough player and has taken a set off him when they played at FO earlier and he also says he played him at the AO this year and goes on to say the score. Also he wasn’t 0-40 in the 1st game this match…so he is clearly referring to his 1st match.

When did Roger hire these new people? And, I agree with you…the problem is mental. And as much as I am mad at Roger with his crap play since AO, I am convinced he has it in him to pull it all together mentall, without any help from outside. He just needs Mirka’s support, which I am sure he will get.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm

Btw, I am in Canada.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

blank,

his two new members of his team he recruited prior to the FO. He employed Stefan to join pagnionli (spelt it wrong, I know), but pagi has been his coach for more than 10 years now and I think is in his 50’s, so roger employed the ATP fitness coach (of which there are many), you’ll be able to find out more info on RF.com.

Secondly, the Physio, again used to work for the ATP full time as one of the physio’s for ALL players, roger employed him exclusively for his team.

So, you know Blank, roger is serious about his progress, his health and fitness and this is what I dont understand. If he missed ONE day of practise, he seriously jeopardises his chances. It looks like he goes into Madrid with no mental edge, no major match practise and a ton of confidence to bring back to the brim.

Thanks for the input on the match – sorry to Kimmi – I thought it related to Montanes. Will go on the trail again!

May 8th, 2010 at 3:30 pm

madmax, Here you go. Fed’s quotes after this match. Now I am alarmed at the attitude. He’s showing too much complacency. I don’t like this quote in particular: “…”I’m not worried, the French (Open) is still too far away,…” How is it too far away? Did he mean the USO or next year’s FO?

http://sport.malaysia.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4076478

May 8th, 2010 at 3:33 pm

no worries madmax. And thanks to blank. I think he knows what to do. Coming to AO they have only one tournament to prepare but still he does very well there…wimbledon too. So i have faith in roger…lets hope he can turn it around. Madrid will be the key.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

Thanks for the info madmax.

Now here is what bothers me. The attitude. Fed used to say that he is nervous before every big match. And every successful sportsperson, including Fed, agrees that pre-match nervousness/jitters is actually a good thing. That shows you care and want to do well. And that’s exactly what is missing from Fed’s tone now. This self-denial, lack of nervousness over the results. He says he wants to win the big ones and Masters. How has he fared in the masters since Cincinnati last year? So contradictory. I just hope he gets his act together very soon. If it takes ‘more tanking’ to do in the next few months, so be it…I just hate seeing him play like this all the time. Like I keep saying…he can claim his ‘Grand Slams only matter’defense too much. And he has this incredible streak going now…he is going to lose one day soon. But I just hope it’s when someone beats him in a tough 5 setter as opposed to Fed beating himself.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

blank,

thank you for that. much appreciated. I am not going to get alarmed right now. He clearly thinks that between now and 23rd May, he can turn things around.

Whether or not he takes Madrid seriously, we shall have to wait and see. But I really think any more losses early on (though Estoril, was SFs,), I think will dent his confidence going into FO. He knows what is at stake, so I am keeping calm right now.

Blank,

I will post that article on TT, there are a couple of guys over there that would be interested, but will state that you posted it, as I wont take credit for that.

Thanks and have a great evening/day.

maxi.xoxoxo

May 8th, 2010 at 3:44 pm

I just re-read what I posted. At times what I said didn’t make sense, well…I attribute that to the frustration in seeing how things are going.

May 8th, 2010 at 3:45 pm

blank,

have a nice evening. i have to switch off from the woes of federer right now. otherwise i might cry. i dont want to do that right now, as I am an optimist through and through (believe it or not). Have been reading lots of comments on many forums right now, and somehow, I feel that Federer is reading them too! Hope it kicks his butt somewhat, but I still love him, always will.

May 8th, 2010 at 4:06 pm

madmax, Don’t worry. Fed WILL pull it together soon. If not at Madrid or FO, soon after. He will not let Wim slip away.

Good night!

May 8th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

Madmax post @ May 8th, 2010 at 1:51 pm,

“Exactly”! You tell em Maxi! ;).

May 9th, 2010 at 12:31 am

Nole, you will be missed next week, that’s for sure. :( Get well soon. Your fans love you. :)

Maxi and other Fed fans, don’t worry that much. Estoril is 250 event. Yes, Fed is not playing good for some time now, but lets wait and see what will happen in Madrid and FO. He’ll be motivated so he’ll give his best there, I have no doubts. If he plays like crap again…then, you should be worried.

May 9th, 2010 at 1:16 am

loserrrrrrrrrrrrrr he knew he wont win anyway

May 9th, 2010 at 8:30 am

deepanshu, very constructive comment, indeed.

According to todays Serbian press, Nole run some medical tests in Belgrade and they showed that besides severe allergic reaction to dust and pollen of American ragweed he has bronchitis and inflammation of all respiratory devices. :/

Nole says: “An allergy is present for a long time. This year, I have the strongest allergic reaction in my life and beside that I have other health problems. I can say it’s not an injury and the problem is temporary. For how long it will be present depends on the rest that is needed in this health situation.”

Miljan, his phisio, says it was like he was suffocating at the end of long rallies and that they tried everything and nothing helped…Hm.

Here is the link and if anyone is interested in whole article (it is in Serbian):

http://pressonline.rs/sr/vesti/sport/story/116463/Nole+odustao+i+od+Madrida%2C+uz+alergiju+ima+i+bronhitis.html

I’ve found video from his press conference after match with Fognini (in Serbian, also). He can barely breathe…THANK GOD he withdrew from Madrid.

May 9th, 2010 at 11:15 am

Nole *ran* some medical..
Miljan, his *physio*… ;)

May 9th, 2010 at 11:57 am