Federer Tries To Join Del Potro, Berdych In Rotterdam SFs; Roddick Tests Ankle In San Jose

Who is the top ranked player that already has 1000 ATP matches under his belt, has a walkover, but then goes go ahead and plays an exho for the fans during a tournament when he could gave just relaxed with the wifey and kids? Must love the game, and the fans.

Roger Federer of course. The model of Class.

February 17th, 2012 at 12:48 pm

@skeezer:

I was expecting you would write: “The model of Modesty”…

:-)

February 17th, 2012 at 12:55 pm

Bodo, masterpiece:

http://blogs.tennis.com/tennisworld/2012/02/by-pete-bodo-researchers-at-the-center-for-disease-investigation-cdi-in-atlanta-ga-believe-theyve-identified-a-new-and.html

February 17th, 2012 at 1:03 pm

but then goes go ahead and plays an exho for the fans during a tournament when he could gave just relaxed with the wifey and kids? Must love the game, and the fans.
—
No, he loves the appearance money.
He wants to get some points before the French Open.

Nothing to do with class. Just desperation.

Remember, if you live in a cave, everything is dark. You have to come outside once in a while.

February 17th, 2012 at 1:19 pm

Bodo, masterpiece:
—
English is not my first language, no? I think Bodo is making fun of me, no?

Atleast he recognizes my humility. that part is good.

February 17th, 2012 at 1:22 pm

@ HR

Maybe he is making fun of your “humility”. Far from a “masterpiece” though. There are many fanatics of other players whose behavior could be termed a “syndrome”. The extremists idolizing the egg lover these days could put some of the Roger and Rafa fanatics to shame. The arrogant one had many fanatics in his prime.

EVERYBODY loves appearance money or any money. Didn’t your humble highness and the egg lover fly off to play an exho in Columbia right in the middle of a hectic season? Playing for points is a legitimate activity. The important thing is to not sacrifice your health in order to garner money and points.

February 17th, 2012 at 1:56 pm

The Djoker has always been the only model of “modesty”, “class”, “grace” and “sportsmanship” in a tennis world full of players who thump their chests, rip their shirts, roar like an animal, take dubious MTOs, retire when they could continue, waste a lot of time, celebrate their wins obnoxiously, indulge in gamesmanship of all kinds on the court and indulge in immature, immoral, unethical and silly behavior off the court. AJDE NOLE!

February 17th, 2012 at 2:21 pm

Humble Rafa, I doubt there was any appearance money to play the fill-in exo.

Rogerafa, you have to give Djoker a little credit for stopping with the dubious MTOs and match retirements in the last year.

February 17th, 2012 at 4:49 pm

So it’ll be Davydenko. At first Gasquet was leading 3-0 in set one, but went on to lose that lead and the match, sigh, Reeshard.

February 17th, 2012 at 5:12 pm

mat4, nice read, thanks:)

February 17th, 2012 at 7:00 pm

@jane,

Is the bracket buster winning again? I don’t believe it!!!

February 17th, 2012 at 7:07 pm

Me too, skeezer, but he does! And in quite a style. I watched the 2nd set, it was smth like vintage Kolya. Will have a match tomorrow, should think.

February 17th, 2012 at 7:15 pm

smth like vintage Kolya.
—
Let’s call him by his original name..Playstation

February 17th, 2012 at 10:56 pm

So far, Istomin is all over Roddick’s second serve: Roddick’s won only 31% of his second serve points. Meanwhile he’s not been able to make a dent, yet, on Istomin’s second serve. That so far is the difference in this match.

Harrison won easily and Raonic got by Anderson in two as well.

February 17th, 2012 at 11:10 pm

I hope Roger will win his second Rotterdam title in fine fashion. The fact is that this is Indoors gives an advantage to Roger. His only obstacle can come in the form of Del Potro in the finals. But he should still come through is my feeling.

February 18th, 2012 at 1:10 am

In San Jose it’s Benneteau versus Raonic in one semi and Istomin versus Harrison in the other. I would love to see Raonic and Harrison play again. Harrison won their last match at Indian Wells, but it was a tight three-setter. I think it could make for another good final/match should the two meet. But they have to get there first of course.

February 18th, 2012 at 1:49 am

Michael, if Roger makes it through to final, what he should do, even I like Delpo, I don’t think Delpo can beat Roger, not yet. There is more chance that Davydenko can surprise Roger but not Delpo.

February 18th, 2012 at 1:54 am

Wog boy, I am watching a replay of Davydenko v Gasquet right now. Federer was pressured by Niemenen, but I don’t get the feeling this Kolya I am watching will win, but I agree with you about him being more dangerous than del Potro right now.

What about del Potro’s chances vs Berdych? I didn’t get to see their matches this week.

February 18th, 2012 at 2:02 am

Carlo, I didn’t see any of the matches this week ;( but I am going for Delpo, probably in two sets, I hope so.

February 18th, 2012 at 2:06 am

I hope you are right! Delpo is my man when Murray isn’t playing.

Looking at scores from their matches this week, it’s tough to tell, really. Delpo trounced Troiki but there must have been something wrong with Vic going down 6=0, 6-1 ; Berdych’s run to the semi was made easier by Baghdatis retiring early 1st set.

My head says Berdych gets it but I want Delpo to win.

February 18th, 2012 at 2:16 am

Almagro would be a safe pick I think to win tomorrow over Albert Ramos and go on to defend his title; although Bellucci has should get by Volandri and would have home court advantage going into the final.

Bellucci tends to choke in those situations :/

February 18th, 2012 at 2:23 am

It looks like Raonic will play Harrison in the semis Jane. Sad to see Roddick lose to Istomin; it looks the end is near for his career. It would be nice to see him muster one last run at Wimbledon, maybe how Ivanisevic did in 2001.

February 18th, 2012 at 2:25 am

Changing my mind on Kolya, Wog Boy.

Gasquet contributed to his win…a lot. DF on key points and not even attempting to get to some shots. Richard didn’t look like fighting in the 2nd set.

I think Federer wins the semi.

February 18th, 2012 at 2:28 am

Del Potro and Berdych looks like it will be a ball bashing fest. Good thing tennis balls don’t have feelings.

February 18th, 2012 at 2:29 am

I’m psyched for del Potro v Berdych bstevens!

Raonic v Harrison, too!

February 18th, 2012 at 2:36 am

bstevens, I must’ve looked at the draw incorrectly then; too bad, as I think that’d’ve made a good final. Either way, the match happens.

February 18th, 2012 at 3:04 am

I think Berdych en Delpo will be good match to watch – i’m voting for delpo

February 18th, 2012 at 3:58 am

i think you can make a case for any of the players to win the title,although i doubt davey can get past roger,even so i hope he can give roger a good game,i agree that the delpo and berd game looks the most open match,hopefully delpo will come through that one,i believe it will go a long way to building up his confidence and status as one of the top guys,im predicting a roger and delpo final,however we will see.

February 18th, 2012 at 6:25 am

Good morning, tennis!
Rooting for delpo in the big boys match, and he is already up a break 2-0

February 18th, 2012 at 8:24 am

Delpo!

That is some heavy hitting – Delpo getting the best of Berdych but I woke up to Berdych complaining loudly to the ump about something, dari. Did you hear what it was?

February 18th, 2012 at 9:16 am

lol, this looks like the Delpo that won US Open :D

February 18th, 2012 at 9:19 am

Too hot to handle.

February 18th, 2012 at 9:20 am

Aggressive serving! Ace on 2nd serve…

Delpo killing it. 5-0 delpo 2nd set!

February 18th, 2012 at 9:25 am

Berdych fighting to not get bagel’d makes it 5-1

Delpo serving for match. come on, don’t stop now!

February 18th, 2012 at 9:28 am

Beautiful from Delpo, just fantastic serving, confidence, forehand, backhand…that’s what I’m talking about. Vamos!!

6-3, 6-1 WINS

February 18th, 2012 at 9:30 am

great win for delpo,hopefully he can go on and build up some momentum,maybe just maybe he has that belief again that he can go on and make some noise with the other top guys,it will probably be fed who he faces in the final,and no offence fed fans it would be terrific news if he were to take the title,so i will root for delpo this time,just this once promise as i think he needs it more,roger has nothing left to prove anymore anyway,its all gravy now.

February 18th, 2012 at 9:55 am

Solid top 10 play from Delpo, alison. It will be like deja vu tour finals 2009 for him no matter who wins the other semi ;)

That’s how I feel about Federer and winning too. Kolya has a chance. I can’t count out the Russian winning over Fed if he’s got some confidence back.
Have to like Federer in 3. But I was so wrong about Berdych winning! lol…

Whoever wins will get Delpo on a roll. ha!

February 18th, 2012 at 10:14 am

Alison, being a Roger’s fan, I also have nothing special against seeing JM as a winner – IF he is able to show his credentials in full, and Roger not so much (because if he is, too, then JM will only have to wait for even older Roger). Btw, JM has to make smth more than “some noise” (which he has already done many times, and much more)!
But first Federer has to make the final, Kolya might have other ideas…

February 18th, 2012 at 10:19 am

carlo yep daveys had a great week,and hopefully he too is gaining much needed confidence and momentum.

February 18th, 2012 at 10:21 am

The Berd had his feathers twisted in a knot about something thus the 1 lonely game for him 2nd set. I missed seeing whatever it was. No matter, it was all Delpo the 1st set too. Obviously, I’m delighted, alison – can’t help it, it’s been so long since I’ve seen Delpo serve like that – hehe… he’s a monster.

February 18th, 2012 at 10:36 am

leon when i say make some noise,what i meant was since his long term injury,i know he was a great player before then,but its taken a while to regain that 2009 form,but im pleased to say hes on the right track finally,and i agree kolya could have different ideas,but i just feel fed is the most likely winner,but life is full of surprises so you never know,it would be terrific news if he were also to make the final.

February 18th, 2012 at 10:40 am

carlo im delighted to gooo delpo.

February 18th, 2012 at 10:42 am

Just going to work, it is sunday, 5:30am ;(((
Couldn’t watch, but it sounds like very good Delpo. Carlo, didn’t I say Delpo in two sets :)))))

February 18th, 2012 at 1:41 pm

@Skeezer:

I saw you reacted on my provoc of the other day. Was certain you knew better. :-)

It made Dave wrote a few excellent posts in response. :-) Sorry I could read them till now.

I have a new idea: Roger, as an improved Ivan Lendl… Could be written seriously, no?

February 18th, 2012 at 2:11 pm

… Sorry I couldn’t read them till now…

February 18th, 2012 at 2:12 pm

Wog Boy, It seems by the look of it that Roger is not in good form in this tournament and on the other hand Del Potro is looking at his menacing best. I would like to give the edge to only Del Potro in the finals because the way Roger battled an out of form player like Davydenko. I fancy Del Potro in three in the finals. Let us see !!

February 18th, 2012 at 11:52 pm

Michael, i haven’t seen any of the matches from Rotterdam, it is only San Jose on FOXSport, I was judging by what I have seen in Sydney and Melbourne from Delpo. What I can read here from posters, it looks like Delpo raised the level of his game since then. If that is the case I am with you, what he needs is consistency and few good winns, maybe it is time to start with Rotterdam. I like him, he looks to me like nice young bloke, with manners on and of the court. I never believed in tall players but he proved me wrong. Good luck to him tomorrow, but Federer might outfox him, I will be checking on tennis-x for results.

February 19th, 2012 at 2:00 am

@mat4,

Lendl? Naw. Fed created his own game imho, with respect to a combination of past greats. Lendl never had any touch or variety, and was basically a back court grinder with a good first serve. Of trivia interest however, Lendl never became #1 in the world until he developed a solid backhand slice to add to his mundane backcourt game. And he was the model of fitness in his day.

February 19th, 2012 at 3:03 am

Skeezer, spot on about Lendl’s fitness. For that one credit goes to his parents, particulary mother.

Just watching Delpo, girls taped it for me, I couldn’t find it in program myself, yesterday…..so ebarassing :)

February 19th, 2012 at 3:41 am

embarrassing

February 19th, 2012 at 3:44 am