Wimbledon Men’s SF Open Thread: Federer v. Djokovic, Murray v. Tsonga

by Staff | July 6th, 2012, 7:07 am
  • 476 Comments

The Wimbledon men’s semifinal are on tap Friday from Wimbledon. The big names returning are defending champion Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and British hope Andy Murray.

The weather is forecasted for rain but with the new Center Court roof play will get underway, rain or shine, at 1pm local time in London.

NOTES
Federer is bidding to become the first man in history to reach 8 Wimbledon finals.


Murray is bidding to avoid becoming just the 2nd man in the Open Era to lose his first 4 Wimbledon semifinals. Tim Henman is the only man to have lost his first 4 semifinals here in 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002.

Djokovic is looking to become just the 3rd man in the Open Era to reach 5 consecutive Grand Slam finals – only Federer and Rafael Nadal have reached 5 or more consecutive Grand Slam finals.

Tsonga is aiming to become the 2nd Frenchman in the Open Era to reach multiple Grand Slam finals, after Cedric Pioline, who reached the final at the 1993 US Open and 1997 Wimbledon.

There is guaranteed to be a first-time Wimbledon finalist on Sunday as neither Andy Murray or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has ever made the last 2 here.

Three of the semifinalists are already grass court titleists – Tsonga is the only one not to have won a title on grass before. Federer has won more grass court titles than the other 3 players combined.

All of the semifinalists have dropped at least one set en route to the last 4: Djokovic has dropped the fewest games (47); Murray and Tsonga have dropped the most (76 games each).

Djokovic has spent the least time on court (9 hours 42 minutes); Murray has spent the longest time on court (14:02).

NO. 1 NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) v NO. 3 ROGER FEDERER (SUI)
Head-to-head: Federer leads 14-12
A first grass court meeting for the 2 players, who have now completed a set of Grand Slam encounters. The only other players Federer has met at all 4 majors are Juan Martin del Potro, Nicolas Kiefer and David Nalbandian. The only player Djokovic has also met at all 4 majors is Rafael Nadal.

If Djokovic wins today he is guaranteed to remain No. 1 when the ATP Rankings are released on Monday 9th July. If Federer wins today and goes on to claim his 7th Wimbledon title he will regain the top spot.

This is Djokovic and Federer’s 11th Grand Slam encounter, putting them in 1st place for the most matches played at majors.

Top seed and defending champion DJOKOVIC is bidding to become the first man to retain the Wimbledon title since today’s opponent in 2007.

Djokovic is bidding to reach his 5th consecutive Grand Slam final. Today’s opponent holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam final appearances having reached 10 back-to-back finals from 2005 Wimbledon through the 2007 US Open.

Djokovic is bidding to reach his second final here and his 9th Grand Slam final overall. His record in his 15 previous Grand Slam semifinals is as follows.

Djokovic has reached his 9th consecutive Grand Slam semifinal which puts him in 4th place for the most consecutive Grand Slam semifinal appearances. The last time he failed to reach the semifinals at a Grand Slam was when he lost to Tomas Berdych as No. 3 seed in the quarterfinals at 2010 Roland Garros.

6-time Wimbledon champion FEDERER is bidding to set a new record by reaching his 8th Wimbledon final. He is currently in joint-1st place with Boris Becker, Arthur Gore and Pete Sampras for most Wimbledon final appearances.

Federer is also looking to reach his 24th Grand Slam final, and extend the all-time record that he took sole ownership of at 2009 Wimbledon. Federer has a 23-8 win-loss record in Grand Slam semifinals.

Federer is bidding to equal William Renshaw and Pete Sampras’s record of 7 Wimbledon titles by winning his 17th Grand Slam title overall. Federer’s 6 victories in the final here were over Mark Philippoussis (2003), Andy Roddick (2004-05, 2009) and Rafael Nadal (2006-07).

By reaching his 32nd Grand Slam semifinal Federer has overtaken Jimmy Connors and now holds the record for the most Grand Slam semifinal appearances

NO. 4 ANDY MURRAY (GBR) v NO. 5 JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA)
Head-to-head: Murray leads 5-1
Murray is on a 4-match winning streak against Tsonga and has won both their previous Tour-level matches on grass, most recently in the 2011 Queen’s final on his way to his 17th singles title. Tsonga won their first ever meeting, which came on grass at the Nottingham Challenger in 2004.

For the 4th consecutive year, MURRAY is attempting to become the first British man to reach the Wimbledon final since Henry “Bunny” Austin in 1938 and in the process end a run of 11 losses for British men in the Wimbledon semifinals since Austin’s victory.

Since the Challenge Round* was abolished in 1922, only two British men, Austin and Fred Perry, have reached the Wimbledon final. Perry won all 3 of his finals in 1934, 1935 and 1936 to be crowned Wimbledon champion.

Murray is now attempting to reach his 4th Grand Slam final and is the only British man in the Open Era to reach multiple Grand Slam finals. He has failed to win a set in any of his 3 previous finals: the 2008 US Open (l. Roger Federer 62 75 62), the 2010 Australian Open (l. Federer 63 64 76) and the 2011 Australian Open (l. Novak Djokovic 64 62 63).

Murray is one of only 4 men in the Open Era to have lost in their first 3 (or more) Grand Slam finals. Ivan Lendl lost in 4 Grand Slam finals at 1981 Roland Garros, the 1982 and 1983 US Opens, and the 1983 Australian Open before winning his first Grand Slam title at 1984 Roland Garros. Agassi lost in the 1990 and 1991 Roland Garros finals, and the 1990 US Open final before winning his first title at 1992 Wimbledon. Ivanisevic lost in the 1992, 1994 and 1998 Wimbledon finals before he was crowned 2001 Wimbledon champion.

TSONGA is bidding to become just the 2nd Frenchman to reach the Wimbledon final in the Open Era after Cedric Pioline in 1997. A Frenchman has never won the title here in the Open Era. The last Frenchman to win the title here was Yvon Petra in 1946.

If Tsonga reaches the final today he will become just the 2nd Frenchman to reach multiple Grand Slam finals in the Open Era after Cedric Pioline. Pioline finished as runner-up at the 1993 US Open and at 1997 Wimbledon.

If Tsonga wins today he will overtake David Ferrer and equal his career-high ranking at No. 5 in the ATP Rankings when they are released on Monday 9 July.

By reaching his 4th Grand Slam semifinal Tsonga has equalled the Open Era record for most Grand Slam semifinal appearances by a Frenchman. 3 Frenchman have reached 4 Grand Slam semifinals in the Open Era – Sebastien Grosjean, Henri Leconte and Cedric Pioline.

(Data from the ITF)


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476 Comments for Wimbledon Men’s SF Open Thread: Federer v. Djokovic, Murray v. Tsonga

Gannu Says:

Come on Feddy bear,…Will support till the very end…Madmax, Skeez, kimmi, huh, daniel , sienna and countless other fed fans – all ready to support our man!! Dont want any heart attacks Fed..can take it now ;-) Come on Djoker…you have plenty of yrs left…u can give one to the old man ;-)


Gannu Says:

so the roof is closed…dont know who will it favour more?????


dari Says:

T minus 20 minutes!

ROGER YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Cheers fed fans!


tfouto Says:

Gannu, if it was a hard court indoors, Federer for sure. But grass indoors i dont know…

Federer won the last 2 wtf totally easy, i guess without loosing a set…


Gannu Says:

cheers dari…tfouto…agree that roger is good indoors..but fed said that he wanted the roof open in wimby…dont know how that helps them as it could be windy etc if its open…Anyways hope fed pulls this through somehow…


tfouto Says:

Gannu one thing for sure. Indoors grass a very non-typic scenario. Somewhat strange to players… And i think Federer is the best player adapting to adversities imho. Maybe it can be a factor that can help equilibrate the game today.


Gannu Says:

whatever – roof open closed, windy not windy etc…Just want Fedex to win this entire wimny..aftewards i willnot ask anything from God abt federer or even if fed retires i will be damn happy because he would have stamped his legacy…and silecned everyone in the world…come on feddy bear


metan Says:

@gannu, I can help you to cheer up, don’t be a begger,wk wk


alison Says:

WOW Great to see Kylie Minogue in the crowd for the Roger/Nole match,wonder who shes cheering for?


Gannu Says:

metan watch ur language…u crackpot…even we can stoop down…It was said in jest and i hope morons like u can understand that…


Daniel Says:

Go FED!!!!!
Missed work with a “meeting” excuse:)


Daniel Says:

Djoko served 3 seconds and Fed couldn’t return 2 of them.


metan Says:

@Alison, Kyle is for nole , single! Have plenty of chance for dating


alison Says:

Metan she cheers for Rafa when hes playing too.


alison Says:

Metan Kylie cheering on the single guys and leaving the married ones alone,girl has good standards lol.


Daniel Says:

Short points so far


Daniel Says:

Djoko hitting the lines. 2 in a row!


Colin Says:

Interesting bit of trivia: the umpire is Anne Keothavong’s brother.


metan Says:

@gannu, why did you get mad, don’t you know Roger is super rich, money and fans, and slam, ? why did you ask nole to give him, you have to fight to show it, ,,,you are one of narrow minded Roger fan, he doesn’t deserve to have fan like you!


alison Says:

Metan from what i can gather though Rogers a fan of Kylie and loves her music.


Daniel Says:

Well, Fed missed a few shots already on Djoko’s serve, but Fed serving is sublime so far. Maybe Djoko will need a set to adapt to Fed serve on grass as he is not able to return so far. Fed is returning a lot of Djoko’s serve.


metan Says:

@alison, precisely! Well, I will cheer for Roger, he is my second idol.


Daniel Says:

30-0 and Fed wins 4 points in a row.


Daniel Says:

Djoko should try to just block the serve. He is hitting hard and missing a lot deep balls. Maybe he doesn’t want to give Fed the edge on the point and is trying to find the range in his return. But he can’t play Fed who is having a high first percentage smacking all returns.


alison Says:

Metan all my emotional investment will go into the next match,im just enjoying this one from a neutral point of view,Rogers playing great so far,although i feel Nole will only continue to get better the longer the match goes on,Roger needs this 1st set i feel.


Daniel Says:

Fed serving for the first set. 2 aces. None of his service games Djoko reach 30


Daniel Says:

Wow, 6-3 in 24 minutes. Federer style!


alison Says:

Very solid 1st set from Roger,can he keep this up though,Nole will go up another level surely.


metan Says:

@ keep it as Murray needs it badly, I will cheer him, too, I like him , he is the one without slam in the big four,


Dave Says:

Novak is a bit tight, like this year against Nadal and last year st Fed at French Open. The tension is affecting his movement/


senthil Says:

Just for Fed haters!!!!

@31 year old smoking World no.1 in Grass court. Just imgaine, 2006 -2007 – Current form Djokovic will be toast in 6-2 6-2 6-4 straight sets :)

Just do it GOAT !!


Daniel Says:

Damm, Djoko found his range on the return!


Gannu Says:

and federer’s slopiness starts and he serves a poor game… just cant hold it at all these days for consecutive sets…disgusted


Van orten Says:

Clearly dropping level for no reason fed!


Daniel Says:

Fed better hold his serve and stop the bleeding. Wait for another Djoko lapse.


Ben Pronin Says:

Gannu, you need to relax with the hyperbole. Perfect first set for Federer but you couldn’t have possibly expected Djokovic to just fade away. Game on!


Daniel Says:

Gannu, we know Fed wouldn’t be winning sevice games 40-0 or 40-15 agains Djoko serving alone. And Djoko returned great and hit the line in 2 points.


Van orten Says:

Running forehand ???


Ben Pronin Says:

Man, Djokovic is returning unbelievably. I thought it was just against Nadal that he could feast, but even against Federer here on grass. Wow.


Fedalovic Says:

Gotta respect Djoker – applauds the good shots of his opponents, finally finding his feet and keeping up his depth of shot. Fed having a good serving match so far, bar the first game of 2nd set. Go Fed!


Daniel Says:

Now put all returns on court, specially second serves.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

On the returns and baseline play, the match looks more like a Heavy weight vs Light weight.


Ben Pronin Says:

Nothing lightweight about that backhand!


Daniel Says:

Nirmal please, you and Brando were expecing an easy 3 sets to Djoko, not the first time you’ve bein proven qeong this tourney. Same bla bla Nadal is garantes to the final. No wonder you only showed up whend Djoko broke Fed!


Ben Pronin Says:

Incredibly stupid volley. No idea what Djokovic was going for. But man Djokovic is hitting the ball so deep it’s amazing. The returns and the ground strokes.


Daniel Says:

Yes Ben, he painted the baseline more than 5 times dor sure. Fed almost stop play during pne point to challenge. He os oing for it.


Ben Pronin Says:

Federer hits a semi lucky but great return on the first point, and dumps an easy second serve return in the bottom of the net. I’m not going to say this set is over, because it’s not, but Federer needs to return better than that. Djokovic has only broken Federer once but his returns send a message. Federer needs to do the same.

Djokovic hitting his forehand unbelievably well.


Daniel Says:

Good challenge by Djoko. This is confidance, when he hit the ball he felt in.
Fed needs to hold to force Djoko serve the second set.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Daniel, I just got in late to see the match. I believe it was a masterclass from Roger in the 1st set.

I still think it would be 3 easy sets from now on for Novak. Novak is just toying with Roger now on returns and baseline. It’s not my mistake that Novak is playing supreme. I just wish the match played in outdoors. These conditions favour Novak too much.


Daniel Says:

One thing Normal said before is true, Djoko sometimes goes to Fed forehand on second serves to have Fed guessing.


victor Says:

roger’s movement sucks in this match
novak is playing unbelievable
hard times ahead for fed fans


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger needs to come in more. He just can’t stand at baseline anymore. He needs to put pressure on Novak, else this could be over pretty quickly.


Ben Pronin Says:

Nirmal, why do indoor conditions favor Novak? I think it helps them both equally at this point.


Daniel Says:

It is still grass. I expect 1 tiereak minimum.


Daniel Says:

Damm line judge.


Ben Pronin Says:

So far they each had a weird service game that let the other guy break. If they can avoid that for the duration of the match, even, we could be in for a long 5 setter. Because quite frankly, both guys are holding fairly routinely. This third set should be really interesting.


victor Says:

novak ijs playing supreme
fed wake up man


Daniel Says:

Agree Ben, that’s why I think we may get a tiebreak on third, which will add more drama. Or who will have another bad service game. Grass allows no time to recover.


Maso Says:

Agreed with Ben. They both played once poorly on their serve and it led to a break but other than that, it’s been fairly even. Roger’s shaky early on in the third on serve, though.


Ben Pronin Says:

“Grass allows no time to recover.”

Gotta give these 2 some credit for that, too. Notice how when they got those breaks, they stepped on the guys throat immediately. Makes Federer’s early second set letdown that much more disappointing.

They’re both just lasering their forehands. It’s like whoever can blast it a little harder just a little sooner will win. Unbelievable stuff.


Daniel Says:

I swear I was thinking: go on and serve and volley second serve!


Ben Pronin Says:

Can’t miss returns like that!! Oh Federer, smh.


Daniel Says:

Fed just can’t miss a forehand on BP midle court. He just can’t!!!


Ben Pronin Says:

Stupid forehand from Federer. Ugly start to the set for both guys actually. Too many dumb errors.


Maso Says:

AAAAAAH, what a forehand miss on break point! Damnit, Roger, focus!


TampaFl Says:

that slice miss and the forehand could cost him the 17th wimbledon


racquet Says:

That dropshot was so bad, as was the response to it.


Daniel Says:

Sometimes I think Fed doesn’t want to lose the POSE when chasing drop shots. This one was awfull by Djoko and he didn’t arrive fast enough to smack the ball, let deop too much.


Daniel Says:

He was one forehand from being 3-0


victor Says:

fed is playing well now so did novak
anyone can win this match now


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Just missed the 3rd set so far. Nice to see Roger keeping up with Novak. Some nice rallies now.


TampaFl Says:

It is gonna hurt more if he plays well and looses…..surely will put a dent in his confidence for future slams…


Nirmal Kumar Says:

BP for Roger. This is huge. The set is in his raquet now.


TampaFl Says:

Well here is the chance …..break point


TampaFl Says:

crazy rally……


Nirmal Kumar Says:

What a stupid mistake by Roger. He had the point in his racquet by some extraordinary defense.


Maso Says:

WHAT A RALLY! Unfortunate that Roger couldn’t capitalize on it…


Daniel Says:

My god. Some forehand he missed in the other BP, te exact same place. After an spectacular point.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Why did Roger did not comein after hitting such an angle BH. It’s ridiculous.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger got to sense this moment. Novak is clearly tentative. Just chip and charge buddy.


Gannu Says:

shit…heart attack…i am done watching this misery……cant take it ne longer…


TampaFl Says:

Alright – go for it Roger….


Nirmal Kumar Says:

What a point by Roger. Genius is an understatement for this guys tennis.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

This is poor by Roger. He is tiring himself. It’s not good when is going to serve next.


Van orten Says:

This set is on Roger s racquet!


Maso Says:

Novak held strong, unfortunate for Roger. Hope he can hold on to his serve now.


victor Says:

both are playing extraordinary tennis
just amazing


metan Says:

Come on Roger, you can make it, so tense!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

This is Roger at his very best. If he loses this set, it would be a pity.


Mark Says:

Anybody’s match


Maso Says:

The level is certainly picking up as the match goes. I hope Roger’s missed BP opportunities won’t come back to haunt him. Not that I terribly mind Novak winning, he’s one of my favorite players, but Roger is not gonna have so many opportunities to win Wimbledon anymore, I feel.


TampaFl Says:

Cricket Goat – Sachin Tendulkar – is watching tennis Goat


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger still cannot hit the FH from his right corner.


Daniel Says:

The level is insane! Fed should have broken already. Djoko had no BP so far. If it goes to a tiebreak, I hope Fed wins it.


Maso Says:

Oh no…


Daniel Says:

Fed better hold here and try to broke one more time


Maso Says:

Well played, Roger, good serving when you needed it! Startin’ to smell like a 3rd set tie break…


Daniel Says:

Fed needs to broke to start serving first the 4th. Hope Djoko misses a few first serves.


victor Says:

roger should go for the break now


Polo Says:

Djokovic will win this. I keep thinking that just like in many of Federer’s recent matches, he tends to fold towards the end.


Daniel Says:

This is IT. Djoko misses a smash, low moral shot. Go FED


TampaFl Says:

Do it now Roger……


Daniel Says:

YEAHHHHHHHHHHH


Maso Says:

HOLY CRAP, YES, GO ROGER!!!!!!


metan Says:

Go Roger, fight to the last


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger..the master.


TampaFl Says:

Whoooo hoooo….


Polo Says:

Now I’m really nervous.


Daniel Says:

Batle for number one in most epic fashion!


victor Says:

this is just amazing
roger at his grass court best
what a high level of set but my god roger
take that novak


Van orten Says:

Well deservedddd!,,,,


Dave Says:

The Mighty Federer has awoken. Now, he had better stay awake for a few more games.


Daniel Says:

Fed needs this in 4, if it goes to a fifth all advantage will be on Djoko’s side. He won last 2 5 sets match, even though it was 7-5.

Fed needs to hold his serve from the get go, no lapse in concentration in the beggining of the set and keep pressuring Djoko. If they hold serve, Fed will have the upper hand when the sets gets close to the end, same as now.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I don’t care what happens now. He may go on to lose this match, which is fine. But he has again proves that when he is at his best, there is no equal to him


Polo Says:

Needs one more set. Don’t fade!!!


tfouto Says:

YEAH!!! GO FED!!! C’mon 1 more please!


Daniel Says:

I hope he didn’t piss his MOJO off:)


conty Says:

5 set thriller in the making right now. excellent tennis match!!

fast paced ; high level


Nirmal Kumar Says:

It’s good that Roger is serving first. He needs to take advantage now and hold the game and break Novak. He is vulnerable now and may not be so for too long.


Polo Says:

Hope Fed holds the first service game.


Dave Says:

consolidate your serve, roger


Polo Says:

Stay ahead Fed!!!


TampaFl Says:

Dave is also as nervous as we all are…..:)


Daniel Says:

Yes, he holds!

Now Djoko having the pressure after facing BO in his last 2 games and being broken to lose the set.

Fed needs to go all out.


Maso Says:

All right, Roger gets that initial crucial hold. Now he can put the pressure in the 4th.


Maso Says:

Roger’s in a good zone right now, whereas Novak is a bit off. If Roger can take advantage right here right now and break early… it could be the match.


Kimberly Says:

OMG


Daniel Says:

This is IT #3:)

0-40. Djoko indeed vulnerable.


Daniel Says:

Djoko and this fast pace shots there only he (and Fed) can do, amazing!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger breaks.


Daniel Says:

Tense mistake by Djoko, he is feeling it.

If he doesn’t calm down and kind of get desperate, this set can get over quick.


Kimberly Says:

wow


Humble Rafa Says:

It’s like your worst dream came true. The Arrogant One is converting break points. WTF?


sub023 Says:

SO disappointed I can’t watch this match. The level of intensity sounds amazing.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger should not let it loose now and hope to hold his game. He got to be putting his foot down and try to take one more break. ofcourse he needs to hold now first.


tfouto Says:

C’mon. Keep focus. Dont let the level go down…


Nirmal Kumar Says:

What a body serve from Roger at 30-30.


dc Says:

Humble Rafa Says:

It’s like your worst dream came true. The Arrogant One is converting break points. WTF?
————————————————–

I thought you would have changed your name to Tumble Rafa


victor Says:

3-0

this is what real roger federer is
just amazing stuff

sets on hand now


Dave Says:

Like the Benneteau match, Federer seems to need at least two sets to get used to these indoor conditions.


Maso Says:

Gotta keep the pressure on, now. One break has been enough so far, but Novak has this ability to play amazingly well when his back’s against the wall.


Daniel Says:

So far, Fed only faced BP in 2 service games. The one he was broken in the second set, even saving 1 BP first, and serving 4-4 in the third.

Djoko faceb BP in 5 service games (1 in first set, 3 in third set – got broken in the last and in his lone 4set service game), got broken 3 times and survived 2 other games. Fed is protecting his games better, even with Djoko’s stellar return.

Tha is the key to this match. Yesterday I pointed out that Djoko would get broken, but depending on how well Fed could protect his service game will be vital for his chance of winning.


conty Says:

this is not over. federer has to serve so well to win. Djokovic has to hope for a dip, a loss of focus, federer mind wandering and not making those 1st serves. stats are very close.


dc Says:

THe battle between the King & the Emperor is on..Emperor leads 2-1 and is certainly in the zone now. He should win the 4th set or else hes in trouble.


st4r5 Says:

Amazing shot from Fed, forehand cross court!


Daniel Says:

INNNNN


st4r5 Says:

Continued by two bad forehand cross court


Daniel Says:

Fed needs to hold. Djoko will breath better now and as we all no, won’t fade. If he find those amazing returns he can trouble Fed.

Drama games from now on!


st4r5 Says:

Good serving by Fed 4-1


metan Says:

Come on Roger closed this set


victor Says:

amazing serving by roger
when was the last time roger serve that good


st4r5 Says:

Reading from Fed’s facial indication, he will not lose this time, the focus, concentration, mind and will are all there, he will win


Daniel Says:

Amazing the differnece that a good serving day and a grass court made. If it was clay or AO, Djoko probably would be winning. But this is grass, this is Roger turf, the opportunity was just to big for him to not embrace.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Typical Novak. Looking dejected. Roger needs to be double careful now. He can’t let this get to him.


Ben Pronin Says:

Djokovic going away mentally, physically, spiritually… Number 17 oh so close!


Daniel Says:

This is IT #4! 0-40, virtual match point


st4r5 Says:

Fed like this is dangerous for everyone


Maso Says:

Those are pretty much 3 match points… GO ROG!


tenisbebe Says:

Jane, Jane where art thou??


Daniel Says:

Damm it, Djoko saved 3 BP. Not liking this, could be a momentum shift!


Maso Says:

What tremendous cojones from Novak on triple break points!


Daniel Says:

Better if Fed didn’t even had this chances. Hope he hold his serve next


st4r5 Says:

Wow what a forehand by Fed


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Guys, relax. Whenever Novak shows this type of body language, i’m pretty much scared. He just lets loose from here.

This is pivotal stage of the match. Roger needs to go for the kill. He got fooled at USO. But here he should not look at Novak. Just go for the kill.


st4r5 Says:

Djoker holds


tenisbebe Says:

This looks like the Djoker of years passed. Strange, the shots he’s missing…


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger is still in advantage with poor FH play in his right. Imagine what this guy can do if he had that shot going, which he used to during his best years.

Two FH errors in to end the game.

Key moment of the match now. Roger needs to hit his best serves now.


conty Says:

Nole needed that 1st serve. We’ve seen Nole come back from this. it’s only one break for Fed. you all know Nole is going to fight hard to break here.


Kimberly Says:

huge game here to see if roger can hold


Daniel Says:

2 more games. HOLDDDDDD!!!!!!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

One more hold for Roger, but don’t wait. Just break.


st4r5 Says:

Fed holds, it is obvious, he won’t lose his focus this time


Maso Says:

74% points won for Roger off of his own 2nd serve. That’s pretty scary.


Daniel Says:

Yeah!!! 1 more game. Hope he breaks, serving for the match will always be tense, even for a great service display by Fed all match, bar 1 game.


st4r5 Says:

Fed is determined and Djokovic has no chance, he will either lose the match on his game or when Fed holds the next one.


Daniel Says:

OMG, Fed was 2 points away…


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Why not go for a I-O FH. Why does Roger go for FH -FH exchanges.


Maso Says:

Fed is still 2 points away!


st4r5 Says:

Not bad Djokovic


st4r5 Says:

Now Fed will hold and win the match, you heard it first here!


Maso Says:

All right, the moment of truth.


tenisbebe Says:

Let’s go! Do it now Roger.


dc Says:

Fed serving for the match!!
Come on & ON & ON & ON


Daniel Says:

This is IT #5, I hope is the last one. Serving for imortality!


TampaFl Says:

Serving for GOATHOOD too


Humble Rafa Says:

Anyone nervous? LOL


Daniel Says:

OMG, will the tennis God’s abandon Fed now. Reallt, was that necessary?!


Daniel Says:

Fed not serving great, 3 second serves. Time to crack an ace


TampaFl Says:

Yes nervous for RAFA :)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

No first serves yet from Roger.

Roger..get two Aces buddy.


st4r5 Says:

I am not nervous, Fed will win


Daniel Says:

Drama, drama, drama


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Roger is nervous. He is getting tight, he need not be. Just focus on body serve Roger.


Daniel Says:

Tennis gods are really playing with fed this game.


st4r5 Says:

One more point


Daniel Says:

Mott…. Fuc…. challenger


Nirmal Kumar Says:

MP for Roger.


TampaFl Says:

wow……moment of truth


st4r5 Says:

Fed wins


Maso Says:

BODY SERVE! YYYEEESSSS ROOOOGGGEEERRRR!!!!!


TampaFl Says:

and he wins


Daniel Says:

YYYYEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH


st4r5 Says:

You heard first from st4r5


st4r5 Says:

I knew it


tfouto Says:

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Done it. Hats of to the Master.

Roger beat Novak when Novak is at his prime, playing his best tennis. This is ridiculous. The best tennis of the year.

This is not like FO final where Novak came flat. Roger did this absolutely with his racquet. He did not let Novak play his game. He just choked him ala 2006.

Note: Roger played probably 85% of his prime tennis today. Still looked so dominant.


Kimberly Says:

happy for Federer


Daniel Says:

Eric, where are you?

Remember, Djoko always loses first time he meets Fed in a Slam, he may get him next year. Fed mantian his perfect 8-0 record in Wimby semis.

Sorry guys, but no way in hell he will lose Sunday final. 17th Grand Slam title, 7th Wimby, #1 ranking record, which he can keeo at least right after US Open.


st4r5 Says:

Fed is GOAT!


conty Says:

OMG. I can’t believe it. i was thinking this was Djokovic’s title. My Bracket, oh no. poor jane….commiserations to all Nole fans.

Congrats to Fed Fans. I may have to keep my promise and perma-ban myself if Feddy reaches #1.


Kimberly Says:

jamie’s psychic was right about this match lol, maybe i should stop laughing at all the BS astrological predictions


Wog boy Says:

Congrats to Fedfans.
Federer at his best, Federer from FO 2011. He took it to Nole and won.


Dave Says:

31 year old Federer beats No. 1 Djokovic in his prime and almost guarantees loss of the No. 1 ranking. Rhw Mighty Federer appeared an silences his critics. This match cements Federer’s place in history, regardless of what happens on Sunday. Poor Novak was probably too tight from having to defend the No. 1 ranking. Kudos for Djokovic for taking his loss like a champion. He’ll be back, and Djokovic fans should be proud.


Mark Says:

Well dun Fed!


Maso Says:

Federer, Wimbledon is now yours to win!!! It’s going to be a tough final whether it’s Murray or Tsonga (who gave Federer a tough loss last year at Wimbly), but I feel if Fed can keep on producing this tennis on this surface, no one can stop him.


dc Says:

what a match and what a win by Fed..
Not the best match between them due in the start due to the tension, however the 3rd & 4th sets were of high quality.

Come on Fed – one more win and you will be where you truly belong.


skeezer Says:

ROGAH!!

Maestro!!

To the cool Nole fans, he is the future of Tennis. He will have many more Slams.

Madmax…….soooo envious. Such a great match!


Humble Rafa Says:

My local news is reporting that some people are having trouble entering and exiting building because their head has grown so big.


victor Says:

this the real roger federer
i am so happy for him ,amazing


dari Says:

HAPPY FOR YOU, ROG!!! GO ON!

Unfortunately novak level dropped and it wasn’t an incredible match, but the third set was great.

Hope novak fans don’t take it too hard, you guys are a great bunch on here.

now, LET’S GO MURRAY!!!!


Sienna Says:

YESSS told ya so. TMF came throughin the third and fourth set. He totally shut the Serb out. This is a great day for tennis and Roger has now got the chance to make it back to the top of the tennis world. HE DESRVES IT MORE THEN ANYBODY.


Daniel Says:

Too much on the line. I hope is Tsonga. Murray losing Wimby to Fed again will be terrible.

But even so, who ever wins this tourney will e great, Fed, Murray or Tsonga. Somehow the sense of breaking the Djoko-Nadal duopoly is giving an extra spice to this tourney.

Djoko has 1 last chance in US Open to win multiple Slam for 2 seasons in a row, something only Fed was able to do.

The naisayers has to swallow big.
A lot of people was saying Fed will never be # 1 again and laughing at Dave when he had the balls to say this end of last year and begging of this.
Now the ranking is in Fed[s racquet. There is a reason he is being called the GOAT since he had 9 Slams and today he just prove it. He is one of a kind!


Dave Says:

Humble Rafa, I didn’t realize that fishing in Mallorca can grow your head


Brando Says:

CONGRATULATIONS TO FED- WHAT A PERFORMANCE!

ALSO TO HIS AWESOME FANS- the ones who STILL BELIEVE IN him when others doubt, and i include myself in the doubters (nothing against rog just thought maybe his best was behind him-what do i know?) thats SKEEZER, MADMAX, DAVE, GANNU etc- all the GENUINE FANS of his!

ENJOY IT GUYS- im pleased for your man and you! ;-)


Maso Says:

Agreed, skeezer, there’s no doubt in my mind that Novak will go into double digits with his slams. Federer doesn’t have many slams left in him, but Wimbly 2012 might just be one of them. Certainly looking good so far.


skeezer Says:

HR,

u’d better check whats betwen your legs, it just shrunk.


Kimberly Says:

feel oddly happy for Federer even though he is not my fav by a long shot as we all know and VERY happy for Madmax who is at this match! What a treat for her! Not only to watch the match but to have your fav play like that when you are there live. I can only imagine the moment for her when Fed hit that overhead to go up 2 sets to 1 for a fan being there.


st4r5 Says:

Humble Rafa Says:
My local news is reporting that some people are having trouble entering and exiting building because their head has grown so big.

Hahaha very funny!


Brando Says:

NOVAK FANS:

Commiserations to classy nole fans jane, wog boy, bojana etc.

Fed was too strong today, and it REALLY was a matter of few points and games.

Nole did put up an excellent fight- and he will be back better, rest assured of that!


TennisFan Says:

Long live the King … #1 on the radar.


skeezer Says:

Ok Fed, win one more, get 17, #1………and retire in glory. Time for family.


WTF Says:

I expected this to be no contest for Nole. Looks like Fed at 31 still has it.

The only guy who can give him any concerns in the final is Tsonga who beat him last year. Murray just isn’t ready.

I don’t think either player will trouble him too much. If Fed can beat Djokovic, he deserves the title. In tennis there’s Djokovic, and then there’s everyone else. Anyone who beats Djokovic is the defacto champion. So my congratulations to Federer on his 17th title.

I haven’t looked at the rankings math, could he return to #1?


Daniel Says:

Sean jinxing powers returns. The only time he doesn’t miss is during French Open:)


Brando Says:

NOW- COME ON ANDY!

IF i am being very honest, murray v federer really is the ‘dream final’ most brits want at wimby!

Our best v history’s best- and hopefully a win for our ‘braveheart’ :-)


steve-o Says:

Yeah Roger! 8th Wimbledon final, at age 30. Fantastic performance!

Condolences to all Djokovic fans, he’s done incredible things and will again.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

An incredible win, a really dominant performance. In the second set Novak played some amazing tennis while ROger’s first serve went AWOL. But in the 3rd and 4th, Roger was really in control, in fact the score could have been much worse with Roger getting to deuce or break points in nearly every single Novak service game for two sets. At the same time, ROger has one big problem: his net game was terrible, and has been for the whole tournament. He was hitting volleys directly to Novak with the whole court open.

From a larger perspective, in terms of where we are right now in the pecking order, there is no doubt that we have again a Big Three, and a Trivalry.

This is already a fact. If Federer wins on Sunday we will have a lot more historical impact, a major new chapter in the Legend of Federer. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Terrific match, amazing composure, focus and determination from Federer. There is still nothing like Fed’s style on grass.


st4r5 Says:

It is hard to defeat Fed when the roof is closed, it is almost like playing indoor


TennisFan Says:

Fed age 30 beats Djok at peak age of 25 … you don’t get any younger from her Djok


Kimberly Says:

they are opening the roof for murray tsonga.

Skeezer, 10:36am post. Lol. You are starting to sound like the people on the ESPN sites. One person called Lebron a choker and someone answered your mom choke on my, uh use your imagination!

Fed will have a tough match sunday but he will definitely be the favorite. But both other players are capable of beating him. It should be an interesting Sunday regardless and for once I can enjoy stress free for the first time since RG 2011!!!! Of course I wish I could have stress desperately but since Rosol took care of that for me I will certainly enjoy a zen final which should be a great one.


Mark Says:

COME ON ANDY WIN THE WHOLE THING. THIS IS YOUR BIG CHANCE! TAKE IT!!!!


Tennis Vagabond Says:

To HR and others, you are blind to try to turn this story into something about Roger’s arrogance: so many mocked him for that “arrogance” for imagining he could win a Slam again and even return to #1.

So… was it REALLY dumb arrogance? Or was it a realistic self-belief?


Daniel Says:

Thanks Brando, that was some kind words.

Hope the tone in here keeps civil trought out the rest of the tourney. Today was strange, too much.


marrisv Says:

Congratulations to fed and his fans… Great match by him. Novak played well but the third set was crucial. He kind of seemed to lose intensity on the fourth.. Commiserations to Noel fans.. We are going to have many more interesting battles in the coming months with the top 4.

Go Murray. Murray Fed is the final that is appropriate now for wimby….


Tennis Vagabond Says:

st4: definitely I thought all week, if the rain keeps up this favours Roger: either the courts will be slippery or the roof will be closed. For sure, the conditions went in his favour this week.


Humble Rafa Says:

This match gives me a lot of motivation. I can be winning the FO at 31…


hore Says:

@Daniel

Didn’t Sampras win multiple slams from 93-95?


Mark Says:

HR. Absolutely! Bring it on! :)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I think keeping the Roof open is fair for both players. I think Tsonga have not played under the roof, but Murray had played few matches.

Though both are good indoor players, it would have been a disadvantage for Tsonga to start with, since he would have taken time to adjust to the indoor conditions.


Brando Says:

@Daniel:

No worries- enjoy it. your guy was beyond superb today!

Also wise decision to skip work today for this- as i did too ! :-)


Gannu Says:

SUPER HAPPY…DANIEL, MADMAX, SKEEZ, KIMMI, SIENNA, ETC AND ALL OTHER FED FANS… HOPE OUR MAN TAKES THE 7TH WIMBY AND BECOMES WORLD NO 1


conty Says:

Come ON ANDY!!!!!!!!!!


metan Says:

Good job Roger, pf,,,,,


Brando Says:

actually that is a VITAL DETAIL: the INDOOR CONDITIONS!

Fed is too good indoors, and i think whoever wins todays needs to face roger in outdoor conditions since indoor, equals fed win!

How ironic is it though that the sun is out now as i write this? lol!


TJ Says:

who should Fed hope to play in the finals? Who do you think he has a better chance to beat?


Mark Says:

TV. 10.47. Not so fast. It hasn’t happened yet! One more match to go!!


Brando Says:

@TJ:

NO DOUBT- he would want tsonga! Forget last last years loss to jo!

With andy he’ll have the crowd favouring andy ( today it favoured him), he’s got more GS final experience, better grass player, andy’s got a good h2h against roger etc.

So definately he would want jo.


metan Says:

Humble Rafa, lol


Daniel Says:

Hore,

None won multiple Slams in the following season after winning 3 Slams the previous seasons. What Fed did in 2004-05 and than 06-07. For example Nadal won 3 in 2010, but 1 in 11′. Djoko won 3 last year and so far 1. If he wins US Open he will match this Federer achievement. All the other greats of the past who won 3 in a season fail to deliver the next season.


Gannu Says:

HR…that was just one of the best comments u ever made… i have started liking u a lot…hahhahahha…u really are a crown in this tenis-x posters because of the entertainment that u provide ;-)

Humble Rafa Says:
This match gives me a lot of motivation. I can be winning the FO at 31…


Sienna Says:

Yes indoor condition shows just the true definition of tennis. The best man always wins and luck is out of the question. So in a way Branda you are absolutely right.
Indor suites Fed more just because he is truly the best tennis player in the world.

Thank you again for showing us thos insights with profound knowledge of the game.


st4r5 Says:

Fed relies on his natural talents, hence on his senses, indoor conditions give him extra focus that he needs, he simply senses the game better…


TJ Says:

@Brando are you sure? I just want Fed to win SOOOO bad. Hope Murray and Tsonga go 5 LONG a$$ sets. LOL!!!


Sonja Says:

Hi everyone!

I’ve read your comments sometimes on these articles, and there’s one person I think named Jamie who is in touch with an Argentine psychic?

I think that’s quite amazing. The fact that he said the stars would align for Roger/Rafa and after February Novak would not do as great as he did before. That’s really “weird” but at the same time cool.

I didn’t think Roger would win this match but he proved me wrong, even though I wanted him to win. Really an amazing effort!


Daniel Says:

The lucky we all mention vefore for Fed to get another Slam is there. He only needed to face one out of Djoko-Nadal. And Nadal, and DelPo are the only players to have beat Fed in a Slam final. The elements are favouring him as well.


dari Says:

good call, kimberly, MADMAX helped bring it home for fed!

Big high five to all the fed fans!

Half my dream final has come true, but the closer it gets to getting what i asked for it is scary how big both the devastation and triumph could be in a fed murray final, that is soooo high stakes!

Will still cheer murray, lets go!


Brando Says:

actually 2 things in the federer match were very telling to me:

1- INDOOR CONDITIONS: I think no one really stands a chance against fed indoors, especially when he serves as well as he did today. I think in indoors novak, like others, is probably not the fav v fed.

2- CROWD SUPPORT: how NOTICEABLE was it that the crowd were pro federer? I’m sure over 90% of the crowd were in his favour! They would applaud loudly when fed wins the point, groan loadly when he would lose a point, and ONLY sportingly applaud novak when he would hit a winner!

i think this was CRUCIAL since at times it felt like novak did not want to be there, imo.

The crowd support, imo, is VITAL for an entertainer like novak and today i was really surprised at how little he got from the crowd.


Sienna Says:

It is not the matter of Fed wanting Murray or Tsonga. It is the matter of who is the best in this surface. And that would be Tsonga.

I believe the forecast I gave was a Fed Tsonga final. Im already half way there.

Nirmal Kumar are you OK? You must be devestated and angry but you keep a goog performance. Anyways nothing you have said has come to be even remotely close to the truth. You were absolutely wrong on every little detail you gave us. And you used about 600 comments

LMAO


jamie Says:

Fed won? I was busy….


jamie Says:

Mente Perfecta was right. Dang, how good are these astrologers?


jamie Says:

I never thought Fed would win. These astrologers know their sh*t…


Sienna Says:

@ Branda

You are right. Indor suits Fed teh best because he is the best tennis player in the world.

And he is supported more then Djokovic because people just love him more. I think they even chear himon against Murray should he reach the final.

So again you are right. But wtf does it mean. You clearly are focussing on the worondg thing if this is what is telling you for a slame semi result? Do you evenknow anything of the game of tennis?


Brando Says:

AWESOME POINT- love the variety already here!


azrael Says:

was rooting for federer today….he won,i was happy…but then he said this..

“People were like, ‘how are we going to survive a
Wimbledon final without you?'” -Roger Federer on public
panic after past losses.

What a douchey thing to say…facepalm


Brando Says:

andy looks calm and cool on court- nice sign!


Sienna Says:

TMF delivered today and he is in his 24 th slamfinal?

WOw that most be a record;-)

Just try to take it in and really imagine what that means.

6 years he has been in all the finals of the slams. Those stats are just mindblowing.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Mark, I don’t believe I am getting ahead of myself. Federer does not have to win #1 to prove he was realistic in his goal. By getting from as far away from the top as he seemed to be, with the Rafa/Novak stranglehold, to beating the world#1 at Wimbledon and get to 1 match away from a Slam and #1, he has shown that, even if he fails, it was not arrogance, wishful thinking and lunacy as so many called it.


Sienna Says:

by the way h2h against djoker 15-12 6-5 in slams. And this victorie will give Fed the believe he needs to get the matchpoint at Us Open because he will be a #1 favorite to lift Wimbly Us Open combined.


skeezer Says:

“jamie Says:
I never thought Fed would win. These astrologers know their sh*t…”

They don’t!

The very best post you ever posted!


jamie Says:

Hopefully ESPN repeats the match.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

As for Novak, what’s really impressed me with him this year is that at the French and here he has really improved his offensive game. Its true he made a few bad errors today, but it shows his commitment to improvement. Reminds me of Rafa in his USO year, really changing his fame to incorporate what he felt he needed to win there.
Certainly it makes for more entertaining tennis. Well, I suppose that’s always subjective. Let me rephrase: Certainly it makes for more entertaining tennis FOR ME. I enjoyed the Novak/Rafa French match much more than their previous battles.


jamie Says:

What happened to Nole?


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Hey Sienna..no worries. I don’t think a tennis match result can devastate a person. But this one has made me ecstatic.

Yeah, technically i thought Roger cannot get it done. I accept it.

But I said a likely scenario of USO 08, where Roger having played poorly, came back and played a fantastic SF and Final. It may be a coincidence where he may end up playing Novak is Semis and Murray in Finals like he did in USO 08.


skeezer Says:

Murray came to play today. He is forcing the action when he can…a good sign for Murray fans…


jamie Says:

Gosh, who will win the final? I’m rooting for Muzza.


Lisa Says:

After that 26 stroke rally in the 3rd set….I thought Federer deserve to win from there on….

I thought….theres no doubt the tennis gods would be smiling on Federer here on….it’s just incredible!


jamie Says:

@Daniel

I don’t think Nole will win another slam in 2012.

Only Fed was able to win multiple slams after winning 3 in a season: from 2004-2005 and then from 2006-2007.


jamie Says:

Only Sampras and Federer defended Wimbledon since the 1990s.


metan Says:

Poor thing, nole won’t eat grass like last year!


Gannu Says:

dari…high five to u also…and madmax…pls buy tkts for wimbledon final even if its 20000 pounds…i will sponsor you ;-) you need to be there to wathc our man play ;-)


andrea Says:

yyyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssss!


alison Says:

Congrats to all the Fed fans,especially Skeezer,Madmax,Dave,Swiss Maestro and Ajet etc,(BTW wheres Ajet lately,hope he makes a return soon),and commies to Nole fans Jane,Wogboy,Mat4,Nina,Courbon,great match Roger really rolled back the years in this match,he would have beaten Nole with his eyes shut,with that kind of performance.


dari Says:

There is some good news, too. fed could go up a level, he played well, and.could play better

I also loved that his backhand was not a liability, just a couple high kick serves jumped up on it, besides that he hit it very well


Nina Says:

That was terribly disappointing from Nole, his worst match so far. It will take me a long time to get over it. Sad.


skeezer Says:

alison,
Thank you!

dari,

High five back!

Re: Feds BH. There was a point where (I counted ) Fed hit 10, count em, 10, backhands in a point. Nole was pounding Feds BH and Fed hung in there and ripped the last one down the line that caused a Nole error. Bliss!


Brando Says:

@Nina:

do not be disappointed in nole.

TRUTH be told fed was the first threatening player, who could play on grass, that he faced. So nole was bound to not look as good, as comprehensive as the previous rounds.

Nole played very well imo.

It’s JUST fed put on a serving masterclass- just ONE GAME he lost on serve tells the story.

Add to that the low UE from fed, the indoor element, and fed OBVIOUS talent on grass then it was bound to be a tall order for nole.

NO SHAME IN HIS LOSS AT ALL REALLY!


Sienna Says:

Nirmal this just show how little you know about those top predators. And I still mean Federer and Nadal. They still got it when they really want it. It has got very little to do with tennis but more with the power of their minds.
Last year Novak came close but he cant touch that this year.
I dont care if he won against Nadal AU Open. But mentalwise Fed is always being put down because he has such nice touch and Nadal has beaten him so many times. But I say Fed greatest strength is his mental strength.

He is just a Alpha male animal.


racquet Says:

First set to Andy. Playing very well, Tsonga a bit out of sorts. Two more sets.


alison Says:

Jamie For a change why dont you just congratulate Federer,be a little bit more dignified in defeat,when another player beats your favourite,show some dignity for a change?


skeezer Says:

@Sienna
Yes …in the mind.

Actually thought the match went like expected, except Fed was the Victor!! Fed came out fast and won the first, but Nole can start off slow, and he did. But he got fired up and took the second. The 3rd was unreal, and hard fought. It was really the difference there, and seemed to break Nole’s “belief”. Nole towards the end didn’t have the “believe” game he had last year. If he gets that mental fortitude again ( he will ) he will dominate the tour. At this level, its all so mental. Confidence is everything.


dc Says:

Humble Rafa Says:

My local news is reporting that some people are having trouble entering and exiting building because their head has grown so big.
—————————————————-
ha ha…good one Tumble Rafa…


Kimberly Says:

Jamie—the past three years the person who has won madrid won wimbledon
2009-Fed
2010-Rafa
2011-Novak
2012-Could it be.

You did post this once. Coincidence?


metan Says:

Fight Murray for first final, n you will get one slam


Nina Says:

I really hope now Murray wins Wimbledon, i will cheer for him all the way.


metan Says:

Murray clear his path, 63 first set


Mark Says:

@ Jamie. Any predictions for USO? And does us a favour don’t give us predictions when the tourney has already started but BEFORE. Thnx


TJ Says:

Looks like Fed wants to play Murray, not Tsonga. Fun to see if the crowd cheers on Fed over Murray (I BET THEY DO!!!)


Lisa Says:

I have to admit Federer was aided by the fact that Djokovic has handed some free crucial points to Fed on a silver plater….

Apart from Federer’s ‘First Serve’…..those(free handed points) were the small things that really decided the match….IMO


the mind reels Says:

I’m slowly keeping tabs on the Murray-Tsonga match, but what a great win for Federer today. I’m really pleased with the outcome.

A great tournament to all of Djokovic’s fans — he still has the Olympics, hardcourt summer, and U.S. Open to look forward to! I hope he and Federer can continue playing quality matches.

For those asking, “What happened to Nole today?” — look at the stats sheet, because he didn’t play a bad match:

* served 63% and won 71% of first serves and more than half of second serves.

* won a higher %age of net points than Federer and converted a higher percentage of break points, though the big difference here was that Federer created many more opportunities for himself (11 vs. Novak’s 3).

* +7 for Novak on winners/UE differential, but still too many UEs to win. He had 21, whereas Roger had only 10 and was otherwise +21 on his differential. Scary good stat against Novak.

Federer’s serve profile, coupled with his +/- differential, was the key difference today.


Kimberly Says:

Murray serving great!


Humble Rafa Says:

jamie Says:

Only Sampras and Federer defended Wimbledon since the 1990s.

I throw my BS flag on that. I won Wimbledon in 2008. I didn’t play 2009, obviously due to injury. Then I won in 2010. It is tecnically defending the title.

Please give me some credit. People keep saying I have never defended an non-clay court title and it gets annoying.


the mind reels Says:

Tsonga is getting eaten up on his second serves. He’ll have to win a higher percentage of those points if he wants to have a chance.


Kimberly Says:

double break chance!


metan Says:

Go Murray, make it 22


Mark Says:

@HR. I agree!!


Kimberly Says:

Fed-Murray would be an intriguing final though again. Makes me nervous even thinking about it and i don’t even care! Don’t even know who to root for!


Kimberly Says:

the Williams back in the dubs final.


Mark Says:

Tsonga is such a streaky player! Go Muzz. Lift the trophy on Sunday!!


Mark Says:

@ Kimberly. Murray of course. He deserves to win his first GS and if he does it at Wimbledon double the joy.


racquet Says:

Tsonga is making some weird and tentative decisions today. This is not the Jo Willy of 2011.


Brando Says:

@Kimberly:

‘ Don’t even know who to root for!’

MUZZA OF COURSE- who else!

Lol, nothing against fed at all BUT a 4th loss would just be soul destroying for andy.

i mean who wants to see any pro heartbroken like that? no one.

bias aside, it would be BETTER for the game IF andy were to win.

Fed has got nothing left to prove anymore at all.


Humble Rafa Says:

Mr. Lady Forehand is not choking anymore. May be this is not the right occasion. Bigger stage awaits.


Brando Says:

POST MATCH REACTION:

– FED: Roger Federer’s been talking to the press after his semi-final win over Novak Djokovic. Here’s a snippet: “I’ve played a lot of tennis lately. I’m maybe the guy with most matches played this year, so it’s not like I’ve been on the sideline. I think that helps, building confidence and momentum really. Obviously you want it to pay off in the big matches against the best of the players. It’s nice it worked today. It’s always nice beating someone like Novak, who has done so well here last year, the last couple years. I think overall the surface made the match play differently and potentially in my favour. I was able to be very aggressive, particularly once I did get into the third set where I thought we both played our very best. Now looking back, that was obviously the key to the match.”

– DJOKOVIC: Let’s quickly hear from Novak Djokovic, who lost to Roger Federer in four sets: “Look, you know, he played well. No question about it. He was the better player. In the important moments he was aggressive, you know, hitting from both sides. Obviously that’s what you expect when you play against Roger at the final four of a Grand Slam. I knew that. I expected him to be at the top level, but I expected myself, as well. You know, I needed to be very consistent in order to win this match; I wasn’t. I had ups and downs throughout the match. Unfortunately the one that lasted for, what, 15, 20 minutes, end of the third, beginning of the fourth, costed me the win today.”


racquet Says:

Andy’s serve is a dream today. Looks like Lendl’s tactic is paying off.


Nina Says:

Seems that Novak has the flu, that explains some things. Ge looked so dispirited there. But better player won, congrats fedfans. Now lets hope that Murray wins Wimbledon, this could make up a bit for Nole’s loss.


Sienna Says:

Tsonga called for the trainer. Clearly injured. Badbreack for him. Otherwise I would be 100% correct.

Murray needs a tight match if he wants to have a shot. He probably ease up a bit with a soft semi. TMF is already waiting.


dari Says:

Wog Boy, Margot
Lendl courtside smiling
https://mobile.twitter.com/TheSliceTweets/status/221272468839612416?photo=1

Murray In Control!


skeezer Says:

Cheering for Fed to win #17. BUT, no sour grapes if he loses. It would be a great tennis story for Andy to win his 1rst GS at Wimby, no doubt. He’d better get through here though….and it wouldn’t be bad if Andy lost in the final either…he has never been in a Wimby final remember….


racquet Says:

Murray leads by 2 sets. omg!


Brando Says:

jo calls for a trainer!

too late me thinks!


Ray Says:

Why so serious? Batman went all bat-gizmo on joker’s @$$!

that is for you jamie! serves you right!

commiserations to the sensible novak fans!


dari Says:

Brando, i might agree, and im terribly biased, that andy winning is.better for tennis.
Fed winning and getting back to number one is also gigantic


Sienna Says:

@ Skeezer

Mid third set Fed brought in TMF. There was a return game where he got 2 or three chances and didnot take it , but from that game on actually from a really he won he was just unbelievable. He refused to lose.


Krishna Says:

@jamie: Did your astro predict who will win Wimbledon?


Brando Says:

@Dari:

i think so too.

Fed winning and getting no.1 would be HUGE for him and the history books.

BUT andy winning would be GREATER for tennis, especially the next few years.

IF andy were to win then we would have 3 PLAYERS, AT THEIR PEAK, AND ALL SLAM WINNERS!

MUCH BETTER FOR THE GAME!

no disrespect to fed or his fans- but i think its an obvious one!


Kimberly Says:

It would be better for the game if Andy won but part of me feels like Fed deserves 17 for the way he has hung in there and played with grace and competed even though he wasnt winning like he was used to and Murray has all the time in the world sort of. I don’t know. Maybe a 4th loss would be too devastating to murray and it would eliminate him as a contender so murray should win?


Humble Rafa Says:

I love how Jo plays better after seeing a trainer. Trainers are like your mother. You behave yourself after seeing them. I know…


conty Says:

May the best man win, i say. All of the ones left winning would be great. But imo, Federer already has the lion’s share. Felt that way for a long time; although it would make lots of tennis fed fans happy if RF wins another GS – then maybe he’d retire in peace at the top. But Murray losing to Federer in another GS final, losing a chance right there at home, would be devastating, imo, for Andy Murray.

Rather see Tsonga win this match than Murray win the semi, only to lose again to Federer.

can tsonga win a set ?


alison Says:

Nina i completely agree about Murray,whos my second fav after Rafa,sorry about Nole dissapointing when your fav looses,was gutted when Rafa lost so early to Rosol,at least your fav made the semis,Nole will bounce back,and not long till the olympics anyway,Murrays looks good so far hope he can keep this high standard up.


Brando Says:

is ALI starting to jig and shuffle abit more here?

the raw is starting to show!


conty Says:

lol, HR on a comedic roll today :D


Brando Says:

@HR:

LMAO- CLASSIC POST!


andrea Says:

all these people counting roger out in the semi and now ‘it’s better for tennis’ if Andy wins and roger won because the roof was closed? sheesh.


Brando Says:

what was jo doing there? silly play.


El Flaco Says:

Tsonga fortunate to hold that game. He missed 5 1st serve in a row into the net in the deuce court.


the mind reels Says:

Tsonga just hit three one-handed backhands in a row when he had decent looks at the ball. I have no idea why he does that. Not smart tennis.


Brando Says:

oh- what a GORGEOUS half volley by jo there!

you got to love jo for his variety, his dare!


Brando Says:

good challenge BUT what is the umpire doing letting him challenge after so long? ridiculous


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Sienna,, It’s true that they are strong in their minds. But it’s a tennis match, Just couple of shots or errors, the match changes. But this was a match where a better player won.

Roger just played inspired tennis from 3-3 in 3rd set. He needed 6-8 games of inspiration to turn the match around. Nothing wrong with Novak’s game today.

I’m happy that you point Nadal for mental strength. It’s so true. These two are cut above the rest, though Novak is very very close to Rafa, though bit away from Roger.


alison Says:

Andrea No offence but this thread is hardly chock a block full of posters complaining about the roof been shut,or counting Roger out most posters were quite actually quite objective,so why look for an argument thats does not even exsist,as for Murray winning the title theres quite a few Brit posters on this forum that have waited a long time for a GS champion,so why shouldnt we root for Murray.


Brando Says:

@Alison:

EXCELLENT POST- as always.


El Flaco Says:

Murray learned that shot from Lendl.


Brando Says:

LMFAO- lendl is finally teaching andy some tricks!


Maso Says:

Hahahaha,that might bring Johnny Mac some memories of Lendl too!


racquet Says:

Ouch! Poor Jo Willy. 3rd set. It’s more of a match now.


the mind reels Says:

Murray has taken enough flak for his own balls popping out of his shorts all week that now he has to go and take it out on Tsonga’s…poor guy.

Well, we sort of have a match now at least, and it looks like Tsonga will still be able to father some children later.


Brando Says:

@Racquet:

‘poor jo willy’

LMAO- ain’t that the truth! :-)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Though Tsonga wins the set, having a feel that Murray would get this done in 4 if his serve stays good.

I think Murray is more dangerous opponent for Roger compared to Tsonga. Roger has seen enough of Tsonga post his Wimbledon. He knows his game. In a 5-setter, it would be tough for Tsonga to beat Roger again unless he has a very bad day.

But Roger has not met Murray often since they were caught at 3 and 4. I remember he met him at Dubai and beat him comfortably. But Murray now is playing much better tennis.

It would be a tough one for Roger if he has to face Murray, but tennis would be really exciting.


Brando Says:

LMFAO- mark petchey on air:

‘new set BUT not new balls’, lol! :-)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I don’t know if Murray’s body shot would spur Tsonga more.


Skeezer Says:

Federer will also become the first player to compete in eight Wimbledon finals, surpassing Sampras, Boris Becker and Arthur Gore.


Mark Says:

In the meantime Brits Marray/ Nielson through to mens doubles final for the first time in 52 years beating the Bryan Bros. Could this be Murray’s Wimbledon??


kriket Says:

My 2 cents.
Novak was playing sub-par, uninspired, not concentrated. Fed played better, wanted the victory more, and deserved to win.

He certainly deserved to win some more GS titles, since he almost always reaches the semis in Grand Slams. He is a great player, no doubt about it.

When Nadal or Novak don’t reach the semis, Fed is the favorite to win the title.

Also, I always considered Fed to be tougher the opponent for Novak than Nadal, all things considered.

All that being said, I cannot understand why the draw always is that Novak has to beat Fed and Nadal back to back, if they all reach the semis/finals.

Look at todays semis, it was No.1 against No.3 (who is very close to No.1), and the other pair is No.4 against Tsonga for whom I don’t even know the current rank.

It would be fair that current No.1 has the easier opponent in the semis, and if Fed and Novak were to play the final, who knows how would that have turned out.

Anyway, it’s how it is and Fed is the clear favorite in the finals, no matter whom he gets to play.

Congrats to Fed and his fans, he deserved to win another GS, even though I root for Novak, I cannot deny that.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Not a good comment by Novak. Historically he has been a good loser.

http://tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid=18658&zoneid=25


Brando Says:

@Nirmal:

THANKS- that is very UNLIKE NOVAK- usually a very sporting loser.

IF he wasn’t feeling too well recently then WHY mention it and not elaborate on the point. You have brought it up, so expand on it!

very counter intuitive and silly from a guy who usually is on the ball with these things.

IMHO, i DON’T BUY the arguement that he didn’t play well, he was sub-par etc.

He played well- just LOOK at the stats, they are very good numbers!

he JUST faced a better player on the day, who’s level on grass (and indoor) when at its BEST IS BETTER THAN THE REST!

NO EXCUSES should be made.


Mark Says:

Come on Muzz finish him already. Rest up for Sunday!


Brando Says:

what a FH from jo!


kriket Says:

I don’t get what is so unfair from Novak in that comment? He acknowledged that Fed deserved to win.

Just look at Fed’s presser from last year’s USO semi loss to Novak (about the legendary match point fh winner), and take notes about what is unfair and poor loser commentary from Federer the big gentle/sportsman no less.


Brando Says:

god i LOVE JO- what a jump!

high jump for the french at the olympics!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Yeah Brando. As you said, stats don’t go wrong often. Roger won the match by sheer brilliance and will power. Novak had nowhere to go, hence more UFE. It’s not new. It happened to Roger few times in their matches. It has happened to Novak too in his matches against Roger. It’s the pressure which makes them hit those errors.

I don’t think anyone is able to handle the role of No 1 as graceful as Roger has done it. Both Rafa and Novak have been throwing some wrong comments whenever they lost their key matches as No 1.


Brando Says:

how FUN is jo to watch?

AWESOME GUY!


conty Says:

oh NO!! okay, Tsonga is playing well today; They both are! imo, both semi’s have been great tennis. I don’t begrudge Nole for any player for saying he was under the weather or whatever; that’s sport. In a tight match-up, any little dip can make the difference. But that is life; and lucky for one unlucky for the other. He happened to mention it. Even Nadal and Federer have said similar things post-match loss. Nole doesn’t need to be perfectly pc all the time. When players are perfectly pc and overly humble, to me it sounds pretentious and rehearsed: programmed into their brain.

Come on Andy!!!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

kriket, I’m not sure if u heard Novak presser after USO. Both agreed on the same point. Novak did concur that he was lucky to hit that shot and he blindly went for it.

But i don’t think you just thrown in a open statement that you are not fine. It’s one of the most ridiculous statement after being so dominant in the tournament so far. It’s a pity.


Mark Says:

Bet Djoker will be praying very hard for Fed to lose on Sunday!


Kimberly Says:

murray playing great i think


Kimberly Says:

these guys at the top all believe they are the best. That is why they are top players. Of course it is natural to believe you werent at your best if you lost.


Brando Says:

@Nirmal:

DISAGREE about fed being a better no.1.

look they are ALL HUMAN, PRONE TO ERROR, HURT at a loss, and LIABLE to make an unwise comment.

It’s not a case of who is better or worse in this regard.

Fed’s made some stupid comments in the past, so has rafa and so has novak.

we DON’T KNOW ANY of them- so who are we to judge their character? NO ONE!

In this case, nole made an UNWISE STATEMENT.

Can i understand it? YES- he lost a match that mattered to him, was hurt, immediately afterwards he made a unwise comment when he was VULNERABLE to making a mis-step- immediately after the match!

it CAN HAPPEN TO ANY ONE OF THEM.

Fed was a good no.1, so was rafa and so IS NOLE.

PERIOD!


tennis fan Says:

@ Mark

Your comment is disgusting. Why can’t you accept that Roger was the better player on the day. You are very childish Mark. GROW UP BECAUSE YOU SOUND LIKE A CHILD BECAUSE YOUR FAVORITE ISN’T IN IT.


kriket Says:

“No question about it, Roger was the better player,” said Djokovic. “In the important moments he was aggressive, hitting from both sides. That’s what you expect when you play against him in the final four of the Grand Slams. But I expected more from myself. I needed to be very consistent to win this match, and I wasn’t. I had ups and downs throughout. Unfortunately the one that lasted for 15, 20 minutes at the end of the third and beginning of the fourth cost me the win today.

“I had a bad last couple of day,” he said. “”Last five, six days I wasn’t feeling great. But I don’t want to talk about it now. I lost the match, not for the first or last time. I lost to a great champion, somebody who has the most Grand Slams in the history of the sport. I regret that I didn’t play as well as I thought I would, but life goes on. This is sport. I have to move on.”

What is wrong with this? This is nowhere near Fed’s unfair comments after USO.

And if Nole “admitted” that fh winner was a “lucky shot”, that’s just him being humble. What was he supposed to say? “I knew I would’ve defended two match points and win the match”?

That’s just silly.

And, no matter how Murray plays today, he will choke against Federer if he gets through to the finals. That’s my opinion.


Maso Says:

Agreed with Brando. I’m a huge Federer fan, but I think Nadal and Novak are also great spokesmen for the sport and amazing #1s. I don’t know any of them personally and have no clue what they are really like when not on camera. However, as tennis players, all three of them deserve respect and are a credit to the sport.


conty Says:

must leave soon. i am going to miss the ending if this goes 5. Come on, Andy!!

Tsonga also wants this very much, as he should and they are both going to fight for it!! great match!

phew. murray saves a couple bp’s


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Brando, I mentioned in my initial statement when I posted the line that Novak so far had been a good looser. But he has not bee in this position yet, to lose No 1 ranking.

Novak historically known for for throwing matches with injury excuse (it may be true too), while Nadal comes with multiple excuses after his loss.

But as you said, these guys do throw in once in a while. But I still hold Roger highly in this regard. He has thrown in much less than others so far. I still remember only one match where Roger claimed injury excuse. That too in obvious circumstances.

But let’s give it a pass. It’s a debate which will never end. Novak was a very good No 1. He toned down and gave lot of respect to both Rafa and Roger though he kept beating them. That’s why I was a bit surprised today by his statement. None of his matches so far proved anyting about his injury or sickness.


Maso Says:

Wow, Ramos is a terrible chair umpire.


conty Says:

I’m full on cheering for Murray to win a GS! and with Nadal knocked out early; both these guys fighting for a rare opportunity.

just finished a bag of chips…..nervous!


dari Says:

Andrea- things have acrually been quite civil after such am upset, I am a huge federer fan and buy the argument that myrray winning first slam would be phenomenal however I know instincts may kick in on the fjnal and if Murray is there- after all it could be tsonga!- I still will be cheering harder for fed. The guy is up there in age and has lfewer opportunities than Andy.
Well we’be got to determine the other finalist yet!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

And if Nole “admitted” that fh winner was a “lucky shot”, that’s just him being humble. What was he supposed to say? “I knew I would’ve defended two match points and win the match”?

I don’t think stating obvious is humble. I think everyone who understood tennis pretty much agreed about the shot being lucky. So not sure what did Roger said which was not correct. I just don’t understand.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Looks like this match is shaping up pretty well. Hope it goes to 5th set.


Brando Says:

@Nirmal:

how you see things is strictly your perogative and your privilige.

personally rafa and novak ARE NOT INFERIOR TO ANY WORLD NO.1 in the game prior to them.

BOTH have conducted themselves the best that they could do and the good things about them have far OUTWEIGHED the bad.

which has been the same for ALL OTHER pervious no.1s!


dari Says:

I’m getting confused and nervous thinking about the two of them in the final, but murray gets out of danger!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Tsonga is throwing some good oppurtunities. After the initial breaks, the set is in his hand, but he keeps making stupid errors. He is outrallying Murray, but still going for 1-2 shot and throwing too many UFE. He has to blame himself if he goes on to lose the set and the match.


Brando Says:

andy needs to STEP UP and SEIZE the moment!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

good things about them have far OUTWEIGHED the bad.

Absolutely. It’s true.


marrisv Says:

Come on Murray


marrisv Says:

Match point….


conty Says:

MATCH POINTS MURRAY!!!!


marrisv Says:

Yesssss


dari Says:

Let’s go andy!


Maso Says:

Congratulations to Murray and his fans! It’s gonna be a hell of a final with the crowd behind Murray and Federer looking to reclaim the #1 rank.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

What a great champ Tsonga. He deserved a 5 setter. He played better in the second half of the 4th set. But looks like the shade had played it’s part in him not rallying much.


conty Says:

since 1938….last time a Brit reached a Wimbledon Final!!

so sorry for jo; love that guy.

But Yesssssssssssss Andy!!


kriket Says:

Nirmal, I think you’re clearly biased when you hold Federer to be “the most gracious loser”. It simply isn’t true. While he certainly is a great player, maybe the greatest, he also is arrogant, which he is entitled to be. But to claim him to be a gracious loser is simply untrue. How many times has he called Novak’s wins against him “an escape” etc etc. Too many times he didn’t give credit to his opponents when credit was due.

And, agreed, it’s a stupid debate, but for you to hold every Novak’s word against him, and to interprete his statements in the worst possible way is unfair. What are you, some higher moral judge? If you don’t have better things to do, that’s fine, I just think you’re wrong, and biased in this regard.


marrisv Says:

Come on muzzard…. It will be great to see him win this on sunday… I think he will.


Brando Says:

what an end to the match!


racquet Says:

OMG! He’s in tears, I’m in tears. Unbelievable.


jamie Says:

Predicted final.


the mind reels Says:

You’d think Murray just won the title…

On the one hand, it seems some emotion from him is good — this means something to him. On the other hand, I guess if I were a Murray fan, the emotion would concern me a bit, as it means he’s thinking about the occasion.

Hope it’s a good match on Sunday!


tennis fan Says:

I am sorry but I don’t want Murray to win Wimbledon,I rather Murray win US Open not Wimbledon. Too much media pressure and over hype. I would like Federer to win his 17th Grand Slam. Sorry.


Daniel Says:

The paych was right: Murray and Federer with the best charts. Let’s see if Fed will indeed win. If he does, i will start following Jaime’s psych predcition (not his) very close.

Congrats to Murray going one step further into Wimbledon final. What would I give to be in London now an stay there for 1 month!!!


tennis fan Says:

@ Jamie

What does the astrology say for the final. Who will win it?


jamie Says:

When the winner is predicted, I will post it here.

The final will be epic….


kriket Says:

Nirmal Kumar Says:

“I don’t think stating obvious is humble. I think everyone who understood tennis pretty much agreed about the shot being lucky. So not sure what did Roger said which was not correct. I just don’t understand.”

Maybe you should look up that presser on youtube, and give it another look. Maybe then you would understand.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

kriket, I mentioned in my initial statement. I said this is the first time Novak is making such a poor statement after his loss. So, yeah I hold Novak very high. But it’s obvious that he has not taken this loss well. But it happens. There is nothing much to debate on this.


Skeezer Says:

Congrats to Murray fans! See u Sunday, it’s on!


Eric Says:

I only saw parts of the third and fourth sets, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone playing quite like that. Not better than that, just quite like that — something about how he smoothly switches from one role or style of play to another. Extraordinarily tenacious, too, which was good to see.

I didn’t really see the Federer match, sadly (hey, I was sleeping, it was early here…). But I am a bit afraid for Roger after seeing how Andy played…


dc Says:

its very unfair of Nole to make such comments. He should understand that if Rosol was feeling good everyday, Rosol would be the GOAT.


conty Says:

tears of joy for muzza. but no reaction from Lendl in his box. That seems about right to me. Lendl will be cheering when Andy wins the final; no sooner. And beating Federer in a GS final on grass or hc is no small task. still work to do for Murray.


tennis fan Says:

@ jamie

I thought the final was predicted, the winner isn’t right


Brando Says:

@Eric:

i WOULD NOT be afraid for fed at all IF he plays like he did today!

TRUST ME!


jamie Says:

The winner has not been officially predicted yet, since it is very close. Very, very close.


Brando Says:

‘ He should understand that if Rosol was feeling good everyday, Rosol would be the GOAT’

LOL, so true! shows how ANYTHING is possible- and plausible!


Mark Says:

Rafa’s early exit paved the way, in a sense for Murray. Now, can he seize this opportunity to win Wimbledon? I truly hope so. He really deserves it.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I think Murray is playing the best tennis of the tournament, barring 3rd set from Roger today. Roger still not moving great on his right. He makes too many UFE on his FH while moving to his right.

Murray’s 1st serve are much more effective than Novak’s. Murray seems to be fantastic in offense in his last 3 matches. It would be a fantastic final.

Hope Roger keeps up the shots which worked today and improve on his stretch FH.


alison Says:

Yes delighted for Murray, now hopefully he can go one better and grab the title,deffinetly the best two players made the final,go Murray,now where is Margot,come out Margot.


Maso Says:

I need a time machine to get to Sunday. Can’t wait for this final!


conty Says:

okay. i can breath and leave.

will be happy for either Murray or Federer. I have trouble cheering against Federer; understanding very well this could be his last chance; but Andy might miss his only chance. There are no guarantees for anyone reaching a GS final. Andy must take this opportunity now, learn from the past and at the very least, give every ounce of himself out there. He could have won AO 2010, imo, had he been able to make the match go to a 4th and 5th set.


racquet Says:

And props to Tsonga for the way he congratulated Andy after losing. He one of the true good guys in this sport.


Eric Says:

I think tennis-x is going to have a collective heart attack on Sunday. Such an anticipated (well, wished-for, maybe not expected) final!


alison Says:

Finish the job now Murray come on,nows your chance.


Brando Says:

@racquet:

i second that view- jo: CLASS ACT, CLASSY GUY- WITH A BIG HEART!


Brando Says:

LADIES AND GENTELMEN:

This is the FIRST GS FINAL WITHOUT EITHER RAFA OR NOVAK SINCE AO 2010- OVER 2 AND A HALF YEARS!

STANDING OVATION TO RAFA AND NOLE FOR THAT STREAK!


Brando Says:

tim henman just said andy would PREFER facing roger over novak.

COMPLETELY AGREE.


Nina Says:

Novak can talk about his flu if Federer can talk about his bad back. Please stop with the double standards.


Brando Says:

WOW- fred perry turned 25 in may 1936 when he won wimby, andy murray turned 25 in may when he ………


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Brando, cheers to that, an amazing streak from those two. And who was in that AO final 2 years ago?

Great match from Murray, if he plays like that, and serves like that, Roger will have to be even better than he has been this fortnight. Murray had that aggression for long stretches ; not quite at his level against Rafa in AO 2010, but pretty great stuff.

Whats really impressive is that Murray has made the final by climbing over the 2 players who have been threatening his own spot in the top 4, Tsonga and Ferrer, who have each at times in the last year, appeared ready to move into the four hole. Not so fast, Murray has said.

Forget the Big Two, Roger said. Forget the Big Three, Murray answered.


Nina Says:

Hope Murray wins this, it would be good for tennis.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

I really like seeing the handshake between Tsonga and Murray, lot of respect and camaraderie, and it seems to me that this is the norm for Tsonga. Other than the Look at Me move, he seems like a good guy of sport.


tennis fan Says:

I don’t want Murray to win Sorry. Murray is better winning US Open. I can’t stand the hype. Sorry guys.


Brando Says:

@Nina:

‘Novak can talk about his flu if Federer can talk about his bad back. Please stop with the double standards.’

COMPLETELY AGREE. bad move by nole to mention it, BUT to argue that the other the guy is a BETTER no.1 due to this is just plain silly!


jamie Says:

@Mark

Mente Perfecta said during RG this year that Nadal is the favorite to win the USO this year because from the Olympics to the USO this year, he has during that period the same planetary alignment that he had when he won: Wimbledon 2008, Olympics 2008, Australian Open 2009, RG 2010, Wimbledon 2010 and USO 2010.


jane Says:

Oof, very hard loss to take for a Nole fan. :( But such is sport. Hope he bounces back after that and continues to do well.

Congrats to Fed’s fans – enjoy the win.

I am fully behind Andy M to win his first grand slam as he’s been my second fave for a looong while. :). I don’t want to see him lose a 4th slam final as that would be tooooo sad. Plus, imo, he has had a brutal draw here (even without Rafa, he played Davy, Karlovic, Baggy, Ferrer and Tsonga – two top tens back to back in the QFs and SFs) and has navigated it with aplomb. It doesn’t matter about number 1 either, because Nole loses lots of points and has loads more to defend, so whether or not Nole loses #1 here or not, there’s a very good chance he will lose it later. What matters is Andy’s first slam – and a huge win for Britain. COME ON ANDY! :))

“Brando Says:
WOW- fred perry turned 25 in may 1936 when he won wimby, andy murray turned 25 in may when he ………”

Not only that, but last year not one pundit picked Nole to win the title, and he did. This year not one pundit picked Andy to win the title, so…….. :) LOL, Who knows, right? But it’s fun to speculate.

Although still totally gutted over Nole. :'(


Mark Says:

Jamie. Thanks


victor Says:

tsonga,what a man you are ,i love this guy ,so gracious and entertaining player.
andy was lucky to get escape ,anyways.

i think its 50/50 in the final
andy murray is looking very sharp and will be eager to win
one bad day at the office and roger will be gone as simple as that.
i am supporting fed ,hope he will win his 17th gs ,its been a long long time guys


alison Says:

Brando yeah true however they will be back,of that im very sure,but for now im super delighted for Andy,and hopefully he will finish the job on sunday,ive only just stopped crying,cant imagine how i will feel should he win the title lol,and the old dears in my care home will be glued to the TV sunday afternoon,its also took the sting out of Rafa loosing so early lol,i can just imagine the British press on Monday morning if he wins,BTW hope Margots ok.


racquet Says:

Jane, commiserations. I know how you feel. I’ve been in your situation far more than you’ve been in mine ;) Nole definitely wasn’t 100% today but you know he’s going to bounce back – as is Rafa.


jane Says:

alison congrats on winning the WTA tennis X pool.


jane Says:

racquet, you’re sweet. Let’s just see an Andy win okay!? ;)


Courtside Says:

Brando,
Why would Murray prefer Novak over Fed?


Daniel Says:

One thing is for sure, similar as today, the first match is key for Murray if he is to have any chance of beating Federer. He is 0-9 in sets in Grand Slam final and unless he takes this monkey of his back as fast as he can, all demons can come back on court and he can fold.

Of the two, is very unlikely we will see Fed fold, the only time in a Slam final that this happen was in RG 2008 (mono year). All other GS finals he delivers, losing all non caly finals in 5 sets: Wimby 2008, AO 2009 and US Open 2009. Murray has an herculean effort in front of him specially with the pressure. He lost sets his last matches and he most likelly will to Federer. Hope he keeps his cool for us to have another Wimby classic.


Brando Says:

@Jane:

Sorry about the loss for your guy- i’m CERTAIN he will be back.

BUT as a very nice consolation, andy is in the final :-)

let’s just enjoy that fact (it shall make getting over nole’s lose alot easier- TRUST ME after rafa’s loss, just focusing on andy has HELPED big time) and ROOT HARD FOR HIM!

COME ON ANDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lulu Iberica Says:

Congratulations to Federer and his fans! I didn’t get to watch much of the Murray-Tsonga match, but Fed was great in his semi. Even as a Rafa fan, I’ve got to say a Fed-Murray final at Wimbly is terribly exciting! I hope the “old man” has one more win in him, but it would be wonderful for Murray to win, too.

Commiserations to Wog Boy and other Nole fans.


jane Says:

Brando, thanks and yep, it’s always good to just move on. I would love to see Andy win and winning at Wimbledon would be out of this world. So fingers and toes crossed.

(and yes, of course Rafa and Nole will bounce back – what an amazing slam run they were on – thanks for posting that stat).


Brando Says:

@Alison:

SO TRUE- andy has made getting over rafa’s loss ALOT easier.

Hope you and the folks at work ENJOY the match, and like the others, CONGRATS ON YOUR WTA WIN! :-)


WTF Says:

Murray will choke. He always does. Especially against Federer.

A Wimbledon final. All the pressure will be on him. Fed will taunt him again like he did at the AO a few years ago.

My prediction: Federer in 3 sets.


Brando Says:

@Jane:

that’s the spirit!:-)


jamie Says:

@Alison

Oh, if Fed wins, his daughters will finally see him win a slam. Nice.

Hope Muzza wins, he needs it more!


racquet Says:

And look who Andy got to smile, finally:

https://p.twimg.com/AxJAQs2CIAAuVXt.jpg

Never in the box though.


Sienna Says:

At the end of last year throughout th whole 2012 it has been obvious Roger was building up to this kind of tennis. It is amazing how he would beable to do so when he was not at his physical best. Otherwise the match would have been three sets. Murray even has a fighting chance but I do feel that Roger is stepping up to take what he feels is his to take. Maybe Murray winshis first set in a slam. He will get his slam in 2013. This is inevitable, but 2012 will go down in the books as a TMF year, not his best TMF year but also not his worst.


Brando Says:

@Courtside:

‘WHY would andy prefer roger to novak?’

STRICTLY IMO for the following:

1- Novak is STILL, for the time being, the world no.1- and an undisputed one at that.

2- andy has a WINNNING h2h against federer NOT nole.

3- Nole is in the PRIME of his career- fed, despite today’s win, im sure his fans would agree isn’t.

4- it’s HARDER for andy to break down nole’s game, in theory imo, as opposed to fed since nole can play andy’s game BUT is more AGGRESSIVE and has the greater firepower. He basically beats andy at his own game. Fed, on the other hand, plays a different game to andy- so naturally andy would like to face someone who is different to him.

5- Nole- this is all in general terms by the way- gives less errors, has a stronger defence, is more consistent than fed- ALL AREAS that andy usually likes to take advantage of when playing his opponent.

All in all, MAYBE it’s the rafa fan in me that feels andy would be better off facing federer than novak in the final!

one thing is for sure- fed is the fav, so it is a tough ask either way for andy!


Kimberly Says:

Jane–he has been your second fav for a long time. So not quite as good as Novak playing the final but close.

All of my lower level favs are second to third tier players, im way too attached to rafa to root for any of his serious rivals.

But we better watch out, if Murray wins this slam he will swing freely from now on and it will be some good times for tennis.

Kaiser is convinced Federer will win. I think its wide open and should be very interesting. I am predicting a 2008-2009 to the death fought match in five sets with the winner being ?????????


Lulu Iberica Says:

So Britain has Murray and Marray (men’s doubles) in the finals! Sorry to see the Bryan bros lost, but I’m counting on Venus & Serena to get #6! And for Serena to win #5 tomorrow! I heard some mention of Radwanska being slightly injured. If this is true it will be a real blowout.


Lulu Iberica Says:

Kimberly,

I agree with you about Murray being more dangerous if he wins a major. The self-interested Rafa fan in me was hoping someone like Baker or Kohlschreiber would win what might be considered a fluke slam, but since I’m resigned to Fed’s GOATness he might as well get #17 and most weeks at #1, etc. Plus I got a little teary-eyed when he beat Novak.


dari Says:

Lulu- I think they said respiratory issues with Radwanska. Last thing she needs, huh?

Kimberly, curious who your second amd third tier faves are?


alison Says:

Brando and Jane Thanks for letting me know about the WTA challenge,i had no idea,i filled out the bracket and ive not looked at it since then, me top blimey who knew,BTW Jane sorry about Nole today,im sure he and Rafa will both bounce back soon enough,great about Murray though wonder where Margot is?


Colin Says:

To the two who are saying Murray will choke in the final – I’m glad you think he will be in a winning position. Because that’s what “choking” is: being in a winning position and failing to finish the job (despite what some guy tried to say on a previous thread some time ago).


Dave Says:

Thanks Daniel, Brando and Alison. This is just a moment in time. No doubt there will be more moments in future for Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and others.


Brando Says:

@Dave:

no worries- enjoy it, your guy DESERVES his place in the final.

today he rolled back the years and SHOWED his class on grass.

It was quite a show!


Margot Says:

Congratulations to Roger and his fans on here.
Big, big hugs to Nole’s fans.
Andy, Andy, Andy. You did us fans proud and hung tough when it mattered.
He withstood the pressure of 70 odd years without a Brit in the final.That’s an achievement in itself.
Fred was 25 when he won, Ginny did it in silver jubilee year. Is this destiny, who knows.
Oh and Marray and partner put out Bryan Bros and are into men’s doubles final. First time in 60 years and possibly an even bigger shock.
The “plodder” pulled through Sean, well, well.
I just going to enjoy the moment and not think about Sunday.
Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about the whole day, is that Jamie’s psychic was right! Spooky.


WTF Says:

Colin:

Making it to the final puts you in a winning position. Or rather, in a position to win the title. If you have no problems obliterating every opponent until you reach the final, and then you just fall apart the moment it begins due to jitters and stagefright which wasn’t there the previous six matches, that’s a choke.

To call it anything else is splitting hairs.

I suspect he won’t be playing his best tennis.


alison Says:

Hi Margot soooo happy for Andy but especially for you and all his fans,i cried tears of joy for ten minutes lol,i was neutral in the 1st match,no emotional investment really in either player,i just wanted Andy in the final,cant wait till Sunday hopefully we will see a cracking final,bring it on,go Andy get your 1st GS title.


Daniel Says:

Colin, Margot, Grendel,

You coukd share some insights about the hype this days pre final in London.

Sunday is game on, may the Best man win!!


Ray Says:

federer in 4 sets @ best!

too much pressure on murray. his 1st slam will not be @ wimbledon i feel.

it is just a fascinating end to the biggest tournament in tennis.

the home boy fighting against years of history in a battle for the World Cup of tennis against the Guy who owns Wimbledon!

history will be served either way!


Kimberly Says:

Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about the whole day, is that Jamie’s psychic was right! Spooky.

____________

Totally, i couldn’t believe it. SHe is way better than Sean Randall. Maybe he should go to her site before he posts his predictions.


bstevens Says:

Lendl’s biggest job now is making sure Murray doesn’t read any press or watch any tv. He should just stay in an insulated bubble and not get bogged down my bombardment of media attention we will see in the next few days. I’m excited for what should be a fantastic Wimbledon final where, regardless of the winner, history will be made.


Daniel Says:

I also think Fed will get his seven, somehow him and Nadal are toe to toe in some records.

Nadal won RG-Wimby in 08′, Fed did the same a year later in 09′.
Fed lost # 1 Year End Rank in 08′ and recovered it in 09′, something only Lendl had done before, Nadal did the same a year later recovering in 10′.
Nadal wins 7th French Open and Fed can win a 7th Wimby a month later.


metan Says:

@mark, thanks for the link, I love it

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