Fantastic Federer Snuffs Out Djokovic, Faces Murray In Wimbledon Final; Who’s The Pick?

by Sean Randall | July 6th, 2012, 7:57 pm
  • 156 Comments

I said before the match that Roger Federer’s only chance of beating Novak Djokovic today in the Wimbledon semifinals was to serve big, and that’s exactly what he did. In a somewhat stunning display, Federer dominated Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to a record-breaking 8th career Wimbledon final. But the work isn’t done.

“I didn’t break down crying and fell to my knees and thought the tournament is over and I achieved everything I ever wanted,” Federer joked. “I know it’s been a great tournament, but we’ll assess that once the tournament is over. Right now I want to try to play the best possible final I can.”

Played at a brisk pace and under the roof because of the morning rains, Federer and Djokovic split the first two sets in under an hour. There were few rallies or enthralling points early on; just a serve and a few strokes thereafter, if that.


Djokovic came out of the blocks looking a little nervous. Federer his usual composed and focused.

The intrigue and quality finally heightened in the third when both guys began to settle in to what would become a power struggle. And some of the points they produced were breathtaking. But all the while it was Federer who was having the easier service games than Djokovic, and finally that paid off.

After missing earlier chances, Federer capitalized on Djokovic’s 4-5 service game with an overhead winner bringing the throngs of Federer fans to their collective feet.

With Federer up two sets to one, Djokovic’s appeared to lay down. The defending champ came out sluggish in his very first service game of the fourth and Federer promptly broke. Roger had a rocky final service game but managed to close it out giving him one his best wins this decade, maybe second only to his 2010 Australian Open title.

Full credit to Federer who simply outplayed Djokovic in every respect. At 30 it’s remarkable he has the ability to do it against a 25-year-old Djokovic who should be in his prime. Honestly, I didn’t think that level still existed. I just didn’t. Maybe the roof helped, maybe Djokovic woke up on the wrong side of the bed as John McEnroe suggested, but bottom line Federer served well and executed. Incredible.

“It’s always nice beating someone like Novak, who has done so well here last year, the last couple years,” said Federer. “We’ve never played on grass. It was obviously a big occasion. These matches only help my confidence. I hope I can use it then for the finals.”

For Novak, I just have to wonder where his belief was, because he never showed any. He looked like a guy playing in his first Slam semifinal. Not someone who had dominated the circuit the last year. Dominated Federer. Has he already regressed? Has the limelight taken that desire that quickly? Is the edge gone? I guess so.

“I expected more from myself,” said Djokovic who hasn’t won a title since Miami. “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.”

Djokovic also revealed he wasn’t “wasn’t feeling great” the last few days. But really, he looked fine Wednesday against Mayer, right?

Federer is now just three sets from a seventh Wimbledon title, a 17th Grand Slam and a return to the No. 1.

And in the final there will be no Rafael Nadal, a nemisis of his in previous Major. It will be Andy Murray.

Murray advanced to his first Wimbledon final after a convincing four set win over JW Tsonga. Murray dominated early before a hiccup in the third. And then the fourth finally swung in Murray’s favor. In all a very strong perfomance from Murray and a rather listless one from Tsonga, at least early on.

“I started the match really well, served really well,” Murray said. “One loose game at the start of the third set and he came back into it. He was hitting some unbelievable passing shots, volleys. I did well to hang in there in the end because he started to play really well.”

And now with Murray, the first Brit to reach the Wimbledon final in 74 years, the fun really begins.

“Yes, there is a lot of pressure and stress around this time of year,” Murray said. “I don’t feel it when I’m on the practice court [or] when I’m just kind of walking around. I try not to think about that stuff. But in the back of my mind it’s obviously there.”

Andy’s right, there no getting away from pressure. In what is arguably the biggest final played at Wimbledon recent history, it’s Andy Murray carrying his country against perhaps the greatest grass court player ever Roger Federer on Sunday.

So who’ll win the final?

Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray
Murray leads this head-to-head 8-7 but they’ve only played once in the last 18 months, that a convincing win by Federer over Andy in the Dubai finals earlier this year.

Of course the showdowns that matter were the two whippings Federer put on Murray in the Slams finals at the 2008 US Open and 2010 Australian Opens. Federer straight-setted Murray in both and honestly I think there’s a good chance that happens again on Sunday.

With Nadal out, Murray did take that next step reaching the final. But unfortunately he’ll have to beat Federer to get that elusive maiden Slam. Having Roger in title match will only brighten the spotlight on the match and ramp up the pressure, and I just don’t think Murray can handle it.

“It’s a great challenge, one where I’m probably not expected to win the match, but one that, you know, if I play well, I’m capable of winning,” Murray said. “If you look at his record here over the past 10 years or so, yeah, it’s been incredible. So the pressure that I would be feeling if it was against somebody else I guess it would be different. But there will be less on me on Sunday because of who he is.”

Andy’s playing well enough to win, no doubt, and he’s beaten Roger on many occasions before. But this isn’t Toronto or Shanghai or Indian Wells, this is the bloody final of the biggest tennis tournament of the world, played in Murray’s backyard. And Federer’s won it six times, Murray nil.

There could be more “heat” on Murray this match than any other player in the Open Era. Think about that. The entire success-starved country of Great Britain will be behind Murray come Sunday.

Australia’s had their champions. France won with Yannick Noah in the 80s. Not England. Nothing.

Murray’s coach, Ivan Lendl, doesn’t help because he hasn’t won Wimbledon either – although Federer coach Paul Annacone has led Federer to zero Slams since joining the team. So for me it comes down to the player, the moment and really Federer’s serve.

If the back holds up and he serves like he did today, Roger will win. If he doesn’t serve well he might lose. That’s the match: The Federer serve. And really this could easily go Murray’s way especially if Roger plays like crap. But because Roger’s proven, as he did today, that time and time again he can win the big one, I have to take him. And until Andy wins his first, I have to go against him.
The pick: Federer in four


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156 Comments for Fantastic Federer Snuffs Out Djokovic, Faces Murray In Wimbledon Final; Who’s The Pick?

Kimmi Says:

Sean please stop jinxing!!
I say let the best win. I would love for fed to win another major after a two year drought but how amazing if murray wins..hoe we have a great match.


green900 Says:

No sean! You just said murray will win now indirectly!


Lisa Says:

Its a final where you begin to miss Nadal…..

Federer should be playing Nadal in the final here…..’That would be epic!’


Lisa Says:

But congretulations to Murray for making it to the final……One of my favourate players…..

Am happy for both Murray and Federrer…:)


Joel Says:

Either way, it’s going to be a hell of a thing for tennis. First Brit to even show up to a final at Wimbledon since 1936. I’d be entertained with either result, but I am really hoping Federer comes through, recaptures #1, ties and then passes Sampras for weeks at #1, ties Sampras for Wimbledon championships, and becomes the undisputed greatest of all time. The crowd is going to be heavily in favor of Murray, but I don’t think he can bring anything to the table to beat Federer.

The Rock, Paper, Scissors analogy to Nadal vs Djokovic vs Federer was solidified a quite a bit today. Federer had Djokovic on the ropes at the US Open, but it just didn’t work out. In grand slam tournaments, Federer > Djokovic, Djokovic > Nadal, Nadal > Federer.


Brando Says:

@Lisa:

i would have LOVED a fedal!

i might be biased- actually i’m completely biased- BUT i think rafa is the ONLY player who stands a chance against fed, in this form, on a grasscourt.

BUT he isn’t here :-(

NONETHELESS, andy is and i have to probably agree with sean and say he’s right- it’s FEDS TO LOSE basically!

Roger is the outstanding grass court player out of the two, he has the experience, just be novak convincingly etc etc.

BASICALLY EVERYTHING points to fed- so what has andy got going for him?

Hope and possibly destiny. IF you really think about it, rafa was the roadblock for andy at wimby and yet he lost in round 2- NO ONE saw that coming. Then with his draw everyone talked about how he would cope facing raonic, del potro- YET he ended up not playing them.

So who knows, maybe it is his time…………..


Brando Says:

@Joel:

I DISAGREE. i think either one can beat any of the other.

BAR say rafa at the FO, there really isn’t a safe result imo.


Michael Says:

There were many posters like Nirmal/Nims who were not giving a whiff of a chance to Roger in his match against Novak. They said that Roger might lose badly as he did against Nadal at the Rolland Garros. Many critics like Sean here also counted Roger out. But what they all forgot was that it was Grass court where Roger is a different animal together. Now, congratulations to Roger for reaching his record shattering 8th Wimbledon final. It now seems whenever this guy wins a match, he is setting records. That is the greatness of Roger.


Lisa Says:

@Brando

No doubt….Nadal would be more of a fiece and dangerous opponent then what Djokovic was to Federer in their match….


gannu Says:

FO sean..u jinxed feddy bear big time ;-)


Michael Says:

But all said and done, is Roger playing his best Grass Court Tennis ? I am sure it is not. He is still capable of playing much better Tennis. Who knows, it might happen on that Super Sunday.


Brando Says:

@Michael:

‘Is Roger playing his best Grass Court Tennis ? I am sure it is not’

I THINK HE IS.

set 1 and 2 in this match was VERY AVERAGE tennis. Both were serving really well, the returner usually did not have a look in, and the points were usually short. Just ONE BREAK by each determined that set.

HOWEVER, set 3 and 4 was of a VERY HIGH LEVEL. By then both had settled into the match, their nerves eased and they both were eager for the win.

In these 2 sets novak really went for it, and YET fed was able to go toe-to-toe with him, stay with him in the long rallies, be more aggressive and YET not lose the accuracy of his shots. And also serve ridiculously well!

fed, imo, was DEFINATELY at his best in set 3 and 4.

For example, in set 4 after he broke novak, he KNEW nole would come at him- YET he didn’t even offer him a single oppurtunity since he served back to back love games UNDER GREAT PRESSURE- that was definately peak federer stuff!

What about the low UE count when he was being continously agressive throughout- ridiculous stuff by fed!

sorry, BUT fed is very ready for the final, since he was playing amazing stuff from set 3 onwards imo!


Lisa Says:

Dont think Federer really aged at all….

All that changed really for Fed is;

1) The different contrast to how his game has evolved over the years….

2) His oppenents just got better as players….

Having said that, the game could have easily went the other way….Djokovic winning…. it was a few points especially in the 3rd and 4th set that decided the match….

As I said, Age was ‘not an issue’ for Fed…..that’s mainly because of the way he generally plays his game (swift, grace, glide like ability,….)


metan Says:

@brando, I agree with you, andy has been destined for sunday final, once in a life time, without rafa, his path is clear,,,,but actually it is for Roger too, imo,,,,
Anyway, I’ll put my money for Murray,,,,,,he deserves it after so many years trying.

Alison, congrats to you , your nation and special for Murray, it was sooo tense in 4 sets,,


Kimberly Says:

well off topic again but great news!

Free agent Ray Allen is going to sign with the Miami Heat. WooHooo!!!!!


Andrew Miller Says:

I think the match is going five sets – if it goes down to the wire, I think Federer will eek it out. I also think it will be quite a war. If it’s a four-set only affair, I”ll take Murray – he loves shorter matches!

In the Serena-ARad final, I take Serena on experience. I’d like ARad to win her first slam, but I don’t see it against Serena on the best surface.


Rose Says:

The press is saying that if Andy Murray made it to the finals he would be “one of them” otherwise he would be a Scot. I think they have it all wrong. All of Britain will be Scot’s when Mr. Murray plays the finals.


Michael Says:

Brando,

Yeah the level of Roger in Set 3 and 4 was high. But he was also helped a bit by an uncharacteristically erratic Novak I would say who was not playing to his high level. In set 4, Novak escaped a total demolition by lucky intervention of net cord when Roger was up 15-40. Else, the score would have been 6-1 in the fourth. All said and done, I have seen more brilliant Tennis from Roger on Grass Courts and he is capable of much higher level. Who knows, may be the finals will be the place where he has preserved his best.


Michael Says:

The stakes are very high for both Roger and Murray in that Super Sunday. For Roger, it will be his seventh Wimbledon equalling Sampras and in the process he becomes the new World No.1. It will also be his 17th major and he might also overtake Sampras streak of 286 weeks as World No.1. On the other hand for Murray, this is his fourth final and it is the first time in Wimbledon. Having drastically failed in the three other major finals where was felled in straight sets, this is crucial for Murray. If he fails to win here, then he may never. So the pressure is high for both and the question is who handles it best. Roger has the experience, quality and finesse to finish the job. Only a terrific brilliance from Murray can stop Roger. If Roger is serving well, he is winning the match.


Ray Says:

You are kidding yourself if you think this is Roger’s best grass court game. He has lost some zing on his serve and it isn’t as reliable as it was. It still is pretty darn good!

Definitely Roger has aged – he’s not superman, though he does a good impersonation! His serve, forehand and movement are below the other-wordly standards he set in 2004-7 – his prime!

However, federer uses his tennis smarts and reserves of experience nowadays. Obviously that means the haters can have their field day : like nk and his croonies did the last 10days.

I think murray has a bigger chance than people are giving him. The critical thing is for Murray to believe that he has this chance. Federer is inconsistent these days, he also has his own pressure of equalling sampras’ 7 titles and getting the no.1

I am sure lendl with his vast experience will try to drill this into murray’s head. Ironically, the man who failed to win Wimbledon even once could help Great Britain find their 1st wimbledon champ in three-quarters of a century!

Roger has again proved he is the GOAT of tennis and the greatest Grass court player ever to any clowns questioning that!

May the best player win the final. Murray’s best shot is to take the final to 5 sets and exploit roger’s achilles’ heel = 5th set.

Trivia :

Federer has never lost a GS final outside clay more than once.

In all those 3 finals, opponent needed 5 sets to take down federer!

Federer is a mind boggling 15/18 in non-FO GS finals.

Yes, that is even better than sampras’ 14/18. and in the other 4 sampras lost in straight sets in 2 of those and in 4 sets in the other two!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I think this match is really a tough pick. Murray has the game to beat Roger and showed it many teams except on GS. Definitely he is a better player so far in this tournament compared to his level at AO 10, when he lost to Roger in final.

He is doing the right things now which we expect from a slam contender than what he was doing before. But still Tsonga had good oppurtunites in the 4th set. I thought he freaked out a bit in the 4th set, not sure why. But first 2 sets, Murray played supreme. If that Murray shows up, I would give him a higher chance.

Roger still has trouble in his FH side. I’m not sure if Murray has noted down, Roger has been really poor on his running FH. Neither he could defend nor attack from much from that side. He had two many UFE, which Novak could not take advantage of. Even if Rogers serve drops by another 3-5% he is in big trouble.

I believe it would be 51-49 For Roger.


Humble Rafa Says:

I saw an incredible thing with my own eyes. I saw the Arrogant One hit ten drive backhands in a row without missing. Shocked to say the least.


skeezer Says:

Sean,

Re; Novak

tennisfansince76 mentioned on the other thread was a good analogy overall with the state of Novak “Heavy is the Crown”.

Re; Fed ….what is amazing is imo don’t think he is the great mover on the court he once was. But his adaptation of it all is evident, he still is contending for titles.

Tomorrow; Murray…..Heavy is being a Brit conteding at Wimby. If he doesn’t let the weight of all that get to him, it will be a tough match, but agree Fed can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and he may never see it again. He’s gotta pull through. Go Fed!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

There were many posters like Nirmal/Nims who were not giving a whiff of a chance to Roger in his match against Novak.

Michael, yeah it’s true. I did not give Roger a chance in this match. Just that Roger’s greatness came through. Hats off to the man.

I’m happy he went and won the match by sheer genius than Novak’s poor play. He had the match in his racquet right through except 2nd set.


skeezer Says:

Another thing to consider. Leading up to Wimby, what has Murray accomplished this past year? How well overall has he been playing? How well has Fed?


Michael Says:

Skeezer,

So far this year except for Wimbledon, Murray’s performance has not been upto expectations. Whereas Roger is on a roll. I do not know how much this will have a bearing on Sunday ???


skeezer Says:

Michael,

Well I would LIKE to feel it has some meaning, but we’ll see ;)

HR re:@12:34, yes commented on that earlier, hard to believe, no? Hehe…


Djokowins Says:

Federer was extremely lucky to get an indoor slam where he can just drive that BH without worrying about the variation in bounce and spin.

It looks he will be lucky again in the finals too. 90% chance of rain.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Roger still has trouble in his FH side. I’m not sure if Murray has noted down, Roger has been really poor on his running FH. Neither he could defend nor attack from much from that side. He had two many UFE, which Novak could not take advantage of. Even if Rogers serve drops by another 3-5% he is in big trouble.

This is one side of the story. What happens if Murray’s service level drops. So far in this tournament his serve percentage has been very good which is very much unlike Murray and he also served aces at crucial moments especially against Ferrer when he would have been in a big hole had he not saved that tie break when Ferrer was leading 5-2. What if that kind of service level fails on Sunday or his serve percentage drops it would be suicidal for Murray.


Michael Says:

Djokowins,

This is crazy. Many commentators said closed roof favour Novak more than Roger. Now it seems it is the other way around.


skeezer Says:

Djokoloses

Ahhh i remember u the Fed hater sayin he is old and needs to go bye bye. Now you add “lucky” to his win over ur fav. Sour grapes. Yep, all those 16 Slams…lucky guy. LMAO.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Well 51-49 for Roger. That is a very small edge.

It will all boil down as to who handles the pressure situation well. I think Murray would be in a situation similar to the one Lendl was when he faced Mcenroe in that French Open 1984 when the latter was leading two sets to love and was up a break in the third when he let out his temper and thereby let off the match. Albeit Lendl won due to a big help from Mcenroe. If he had lost that match, he may never have won another major. Murray is in a similar situation on Sunday and he needs Roger to help him. If Roger serves doesn’t click and he makes more UE count, Murray will make a match of it. Else, Murray will falter and that very badly.


Margot Says:

Busy entreating the tennis gods for a fine day and the roof to stay open. Not much to ask for in July is it? *eye roll.*


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael, I noted this in my post itself.

“If that Murray shows up, I would give him a higher chance.”

So yeah, depends on the quality of the players definitely. But the one difference his, the quality of Murray now is such that if he plays at high level he can beat Roger. But 2 years back at AO 10, no matter what level he played Roger would have trumped him. Tactically and technically Murray was not ready before. But now he is ready on both the front, except he needs to execute.

Though Murray convinced me this tournament that his level has gone up, but mostly he has been able to keep it for 2 sets so far. Against Ferrer he sort of showed this level from 3rd set. 2nd set was on Ferrer’s hand, he could not get it done. Against Tsonga he had a great level in first 2 sets. From 3rd set his level did drop. 4th set was on Tsonga’s hand. He freaked out at the end of 4th set for no reason.

Novak does not have a slice but Murray has a great slice which is a very effective shot on grass. On his best day Murray is a bad matchup for Roger compared to Novak.

So I think the problem for him would be taking that 3rd set from Roger. He needs bit of help from Roger on that. If Roger can stay very firm he can deny him that 3rd set.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

However, federer uses his tennis smarts and reserves of experience nowadays. Obviously that means the haters can have their field day : like nk and his croonies did the last 10days.

Ray, yeah it took Roger 10 slams to use his tennis smarts and reserves to reach the finals. LOL

What was the tennis smart in 2010 and 11 quarters. Where was the smart in 11 and 12 AO and French.

Ofcourse you win some and lose some. Roger lost more than he won in recent past at big stages.

Credit to the master he is capable of doing this.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Murray is in a similar situation on Sunday and he needs Roger to help him.

Michael, I agree. He has this help both from Ferrer and Tsonga. I have posted the same above. Not sure if Roger would give him that extra chance. But Roger had given it to Novak and Rafa before. So we cannot say Roger has never done that. Against Murray so far he has been supreme in Majors. But that could change now. Maybe it goes to 5 and Roger edges out this time too.


Michael Says:

So yeah, depends on the quality of the players definitely. But the one difference his, the quality of Murray now is such that if he plays at high level he can beat Roger. But 2 years back at AO 10, no matter what level he played Roger would have trumped him. Tactically and technically Murray was not ready before. But now he is ready on both the front, except he needs to execute.

Irrespective of how well Murray plays, if Roger plays the level that he is known to on Grass, Murray has very less chance of making it.

Though Murray convinced me this tournament that his level has gone up, but mostly he has been able to keep it for 2 sets so far. Against Ferrer he sort of showed this level from 3rd set. 2nd set was on Ferrer’s hand, he could not get it done. Against Tsonga he had a great level in first 2 sets. From 3rd set his level did drop. 4th set was on Tsonga’s hand. He freaked out at the end of 4th set for no reason.

That is the problem. He may not win that third set. I hope Roger may not help him like Tsonga did spraying the balls all over and netting them.

Novak does not have a slice but Murray has a great slice which is a very effective shot on grass. On his best day Murray is a bad matchup for Roger compared to Novak

According to you, it seems Roger cannot play against Nadal, Novak and Murray. All the three appears to be a bad match up for him.

So I think the problem for him would be taking that 3rd set from Roger. He needs bit of help from Roger on that. If Roger can stay very firm he can deny him that 3rd set.

I am very clear. Murray badly needs Roger to help him like Mcenroe did to Nadal at Rolland Garros. Will Roger oblige him like Mcenroe ??? Time will tell.


Michael Says:

Michael, I agree. He has this help both from Ferrer and Tsonga. I have posted the same above. Not sure if Roger would give him that extra chance. But Roger had given it to Novak and Rafa before. So we cannot say Roger has never done that. Against Murray so far he has been supreme in Majors. But that could change now. Maybe it goes to 5 and Roger edges out this time too.

Ofcourse the margins are different and anything can happen in Tennis. I am not ruling anything out. Regarding’s Roger’s submission to Novak and Rafa before, yes it happened, but did it happen on Grass court ? Let us take 2010 and 2011 when Roger lost to Berdych and Tsonga. In 2010, he was suffering from a bad back and in 2011, he was playing his best Tennis before he lost to Tsonga leading two sets to love when Tsonga produced that magical Tennis to outwit him. But all these happened in the quarters. In the finals, it is only Nadal who outwitted him playing his best in 2008 and that too 9-7 in the fifth. Therefore Roger in the finals especially in Wimbledon is too hot to handle. Above all for a player like Murray who has not won a major before and is under tremendous pressure. I feel that Tsonga would have had a better chance against Roger than Murray. If Murray needs to win, Roger should help him greatly by playing a crappy match. It can well happen, but chances are slim.


Ray Says:

right Nirma! the true Federer Fan! LOL!

Go ahead and jump on the murray bandwagon like all the other rafa fans!

rafa fans are the kiss of death in this wimbledon. they cheered for rafa – got knocked out in 2nd round to a nobody!

then they cheered for novak and dude could not even put up a fight against a 31 year old!

now they are bent on f$%king up any chances that murray has!

if rafa fans had a brain they would see this and support federer! Sean gave you a big hint by trying to jinx federer in the final and still you dumb@$$3s cant get it!

Leave murray alone! the guy has too much going against him already with a success-starved country piling up pressure on him that no tennis star ever faced! he doesnt want you devil-worshippers to bring even more bad karma LOL!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

According to you, it seems Roger cannot play against Nadal, Novak and Murray. All the three appears to be a bad match up for him.

Yeah, true. Not that he cannot win against them. Just look at the H2H with these 3 against Roger. It’s pretty close. Compare this to his H2H against any other player. You can see the difference.

Ofcourse there are certain factors why I say this. It’s not because they are much better players than Roger, but more because of current conditions and age factor.

Matches are not in Roger’s hands completely anymore as was before. Though people keep saying this, but looking at last 10 GS, it does not prove to be correct. Occasionally he is having some great days, but that is getting much lesser than before.


Ray Says:

michael :

stop talking to yourself! it is not an habit which reflects good on a person! LOL!


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Matches are not in Roger’s hands completely anymore as was before. Though people keep saying this, but looking at last 10 GS, it does not prove to be correct. Occasionally he is having some great days, but that is getting much lesser than before.

Still this year, Roger has a better record than any other player including Nadal, Novak or Murray. He has the most number of wins with less losses overall. And you still say his great days are getting much less than before. I do not know which statistic is helping you to say this. Nevertheless, this is grass court and Roger knows this may be his last chance at the Premier event and he would not want to let this go. He will give his very best and if he does that, Murray has no chance whatsoever.


Michael Says:

Ray,

I was ony responding to Nirmal.Why you kindle me ????


Ray Says:

michael, i was kidding.

you addressed one of your posts to yourself.

buy yourself some sense of humour!


Lisa Says:

Sundays Final winner will be the player who Serves the best on the day….


Michael Says:

Ray, Humour. Yes I have lot of it. No need to buy that. Nevertheless thanks mate.


Michael Says:

Lisa,

More than that I would say it would be the one who handles the pressure situation very well.


metan Says:

Andy has whole nation for him but it aint enough, so we are backed him to make it possible from impossible.

Bad karma will turn around when you make idol as deity


Lisa Says:

@Michael

Yes you are right….but ‘First Serve’ will prove the ‘key’ to every other departments functioning well for both players….


Margot Says:

U guys are forgetting that Andy has a positive h2h against Fed. Yes, I know, I know, awful, awful record against Fed in slams, but at least Andy knows victory is possible.
Agree, the serve is the key for both players. However, Andy’s mentality seems to be so much improved at Wimbledon. Only one minor wobble against Tsonga, then back to business. I don’t think that’ll be such an issue here as people are making out. Hope not anyway.
Third time lucky! Go Andy!


Lesco Says:

If the match is played at the same pace as the first semi, then Murray will lose. To beat Federer, he must slow it down to a grinding halt and take 45 minutes for a 6-3 set and consistently hit to his backhand wing. It won’t make for good viewing though.


the mind reels Says:

H2H or not, I don’t give Murray a huge chance in the finals on Sunday unless he can get his first-serve percentage up above 65%, something he’s been able to do in only 2 of 6 rounds so far this tournament. He doesn’t have a particularly great second serve, which I think Federer will be keen to feast on if it’s delivered poorly.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Still this year, Roger has a better record than any other player including Nadal, Novak or Murray. He has the most number of wins with less losses overall. And you still say his great days are getting much less than before

Michael, my rating on Roger is based on GS record. I though for past 10 slams his record is much less than Novak and Rafa. I understand Roger has been great in 3-setters. He has been good on GS too, but came short when facing the Top 2.

I’m not saying his great days are less, it’s the stats which tell me. Look at the number of times Roger had been to GS finals for past 2 years.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Still this year, Roger has a better record than any other player including Nadal, Novak or Murray. He has the most number of wins with less losses overall. And you still say his great days are getting much less than before

Michael, my rating on Roger is based on GS record. I though for past 10 slams his record is much less than Novak and Rafa. I understand Roger has been great in 3-setters. He has been good on GS too, but came short when facing the Top 2.

I’m not saying his great days are less, it’s the stats which tell me. Look at the number of times Roger had been to GS finals for past 2 years.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

right Nirma! the true Federer Fan! LOL!

Go ahead and jump on the murray bandwagon like all the other rafa fans!

Ray, I’m not hyping Murray. I give him less chance than Roger to win the title. Is that what you call hyping. You want me to abuse Murray to prove I’m a Roger fan, like you do against Rafa. I just can’t do that.

You need to look at my post on preview of semis. I have been saying the same thing about Murray for his last 2 matches. I told Michael, Murray has better chance against Tsonga, when he thought Tsonga has better chance to reach finals. The hype did not jinx Murray. So not sure how it will jinx him against Roger. The guy is playing some good tennis, for me the best tennis of the tournament. He has an advantage of H2H against Roger, though not in slams. But he was not this player in his previous slams.

Old Murray may comeback again in the finals, no guarantee. But I give him chance against Roger, though he is not the favourite. For me it would be Roger the favourite, but only by a small margin.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

I tipped Tsonga provided he played well. But he played like a crap and lost. Anybody would have beaten Tsonga playing the way he did. He only woke up in the third set and by that time it was late. In the fourth, the Tsonga of the 1st and 2nd returned yet again.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Nothing against your prediction Michael. Tsonga had a genuine chance in the 4th set. We never know what would have happened in the 5th set, with all the pressure on Murray. That’s why

I mentioned the point to Ray just to let him know that I have been positive on Murray even before his semis victory.

Whatever we predict is based on past matches and their form going into the match. But every match is different and though most of the results do stick to form, we do have few where days execution changes the outcome.


Lisa Says:

If I were Murray right now….

I’d watch a replay of what Jullien Berneittu did to Federer in that 3rd round match….

Jullien was ‘very agressive’ against Federer….he traded bigger and better blows against every shot Federer made in any rallies….

Eventually it got to a point Federer was affected ‘Physcologically’….where he knew….’He could Not Win Any Point Going Into Rallies with Jullien….’

Thus….Federer had no choice but had to relay on his ‘First Serve’ (His Savior) to get him through that match….

Murray will both have to be ‘very agressive and serve well’….


metan Says:

Special for Alison,

Preparation for sunday battle :

1. Tissue paper one box
2. Bloody Mary or whatever you prefer one bottle
3. Nice sofa
4. At break point, put your hand on your chest and say all is well, all is well, all is well

Last one, info cc security, not allowed ms. Kylie to be there as her nanana, nanana, I can’t get you out of my head, so powerful, whom she cheer up is ended up loss


madmax Says:

head to heads are irrelevant. both men go into the match on sn equal footing talent wise. having watched both men play yesterday andy has the more power and i think is more battle hardened but does this mean battle weary? he will be so xcited tomorrow and if he does win i dont think any fed fan would be unhappy for andys maiden slam. i think the pressure will be the same for both. federer needs to start aggressive and i hope hr cn maintain his focus to win and play with his sublime genius. it wont be sn easy match. sean you never picked federer to win this so stick to your prediction. rooting for fed all the way! what a truly historic occasion for both players.


madmax Says:

hope he can keep focused for the whole of the match. goodness! the pressure will be enormous! because fed has been there many more times doesnt mean he will be less nervous. hope he can bring his first serve to play and be happy with his game as well as the back being kept at bay. fed is such an icon; wud be wonderful if he cud win in straight sets but i am xpecting a battle. federer will always be the greatest and despite ppul like nick b saying if he wins tmrw he wil be the greatest ever; he already is.why is it that with fed others alwys put asterisks against his name? wonder if there wil be anyif murray does it becos he didnt hv rafa in the final. its such a lame argument in my view.


contemperory Says:

I am reminded of 2009 USO final. Fed was playing awesome and defeated Djokovic pretty convincingly in the SF. Then came Del potro like a tsunami and took away the title. We all were rooting for Fed and at the end we were shocked. That was 3 years back.

Murray also could also play a “Del potro 2009″tomorrow and defeat Fed. Personally I want Fed to win but its just a 50-50 due to many reasons as people have pointed out above. Fed’s back, not able to be 100% supreme throughout a match, Murray getting more ready this time, etc. The only thing I can surely say is Fed cannot be defeated in 3 straight sets, a prediction which was different for the Djoko-Fed match where people even predicted a straight set loss for Fed.

Irrespective of what happens tomorrow, congrats to both of them, esp Fed to win despite all the odds.


Joe W Says:

At the start of the Roger-Novak match, Radio Wimby provided an interesting statistic and perhaps lesser known record for Roger. He has the best indoor court record of any player – I believe it is 279 wins. The next closest player is Ivan Ljubicic with 170 wins (numbers from memory). Its strange to consider AELTC/Centre Court an indoor court. But then again, its strange to consider the O2 a tennis venue.


Polo Says:

I’m still uneasy about Federer’s chance to win tomorrow. Murray has beaten him several times before and can do it again. I like Roger to win but I don’t want Andy M to lose either. Whoever wins, will feel bittersweet. If I can be sure that Murray will a major in another time, would go all out for Federer without any hesitation.


Andrew Miller Says:

Serena pulling a shock and awe campaign to go up 2-0 on Radwanska, playing a perfect match thus far.

As much as Serena the favorite, would like to see Radwanska hang in there, weather the storm, try to make a match. Hard to feel confidant to see every trick you got thrown back at you, much like playing Federer in 2006 or so. It will be hard to stay with Serena if Serena maintains this level – not sure if Serena can or will do it, she seems to have expended a lot of energy in the first 2 games.

As of this minute this seems like a little bit of a blowout. But I hope it changes and turns into a match!


Tennis Fan Says:

Federer has the best overall percentage over all playing surfaces of any of the top three players he also best handles windy conditions better than all players. … and He’s 30 … and soon to be #1 again. He’s amazing.


dc Says:

@Humble Rafa Says:

I saw an incredible thing with my own eyes. I saw the Arrogant One hit ten drive backhands in a row without missing. Shocked to say the least.
————————————————

Most People generally see with their own eyes. It was incredible that you were able to do it also. Now you will appreciate Federer more.


skeezer Says:

Polo,

He’s going to have to keep his stellar serve going, and take it to Murray when he can with his FH. No shankopotomus games. Same game plan he did against Nole, but mix it up more. Murray has to hold up with the tremendous pressure he is going to have, I think Lendl will help him with that. Seems like he has already in this tourny. As a Fed fan, I am counting on Feds experience, Go Fed!


Margot Says:

H2h’s may or may not matter, but the point I was making is that Andy must have a little more confidence going into a match against Roger, than say Youzny.


conty Says:

Margot, it’s a British weekend so far in the Tour de France. ‘Wiggo,’
aka, Bradley Wiggins, pulled on the yellow jersey today after his teammate, a South African, Christopher Froome, beat Cadel Evens up the 1st climbing stage of the TDF. Team Sky fans are ecstatic to have a possible TDF winning team. Wiggo, long bushy sideburns, beanpole looks like a real nerd, but he’s grown on me.

anyway, maybe a lucky omen ; )


jane Says:

the mind reels “He doesn’t have a particularly great second serve” – one of the more striking things about Andy’s Wimbledon runs for me this year is how well his second serve has been clicking – he was won an incredible amount of points behind that second serve.

Versus Tsonga 64%
Versus Ferrer (a great returner) 59%
Versus Cilic 71%
Versus Baggy 65%
Versus Karlovic 67%
Versus Davy 75%

These numbers are striking! The lowest is 59%, which is still a great number, and it was against one of the top returners in the ATP. In the past, I agree this was an area in Andy’s game that could be exploited, but he seems to have been working on it with Lendl and to me he seems to have done a wonderful job.


Brando Says:

@jane: excellent point made there! The 2nd serve has always been andy’s Achilles heel in big matches- seems like he has got a handle on that! For me, the match depends on andy’s tactics- WHETHER he goes for it or not! IF he is aggressive then he can win, BUT if he’s passive, tries to contain roger, play the cat and mouse game then he’ll end up disappointed. He who DARES wins- andy needs to realise that the KEY reason for his 3 slam losses- aside from facing obvious quality players- is that from his side he never really went for the win. He absolutely has to on Sunday!


jane Says:

Thanks Brando. Hope he does :)

conty, I don’t follow cycling but my hubby does, and he is depressed about the crash and Ryder’s injuries, which caused him to pull out and focus on getting better for the Olympics. :/


conty Says:

Oh jane, it was a terrible crash yesterday – knocked out Ryder and 3 other Grand Tour contenders were badly injured; plus injured at least 20 riders still riding bandaged and one with still trying to ride with a broke wrist.

I think Ryder broke his tibia. Bikes and bodies were flying everywhere and landed in a mangled mass.


Krishna Says:

@jamie: Who does the astrologer predict will win the Men’s final at Wimbledon?


jane Says:

conty, yep, that’s what my husband was saying; he said it was one of the most awful crashes he has ever seen! Too bad. :(


conty Says:

“broken wrist” not broke wrist.

anyway here are the top ten Tennis-x Bracketeers if Federer wins:

#1 The Mind Reels
#2 conty
#3 and #4 tie ( they must play a tie breaker) Kimmi and Daniel
#5 Eric
#6 Her Highness the most Loyal, Madmax
#7 Skeezer the Great
#8 Atom ( who here is Atom?) aka Vinod2vin the great atp 1000 bracketeer
#9 Dave, the famous Scribe
#10 The legend, Tennis Vagabond


racquet Says:

One of the reasons I have so much respect and affection for Rafa:

RAFA SENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO HIS FRIEND ANDY MURRAY

“It is the late evening in Sardinia where I am having a small holiday and I have had a call saying that Andy Murray has reached the final of Wimbledon. I did not see the match, but I can only begin to imagine the emotions he must have been feeling. For Andy this is an amazing achievement. It is the home tournament. To be in the final, to be playing against the best in history in Roger Federer, he has been fighting for this for a long time and now it has happened. I am very happy for him.”

http://tinyurl.com/d4blm4j


Brando Says:

@racquet:

THANKS for that racquet- it’s so AWESOME to see that rafa is very happy for andy.

Andy has consistently mentioned rafa as his favourite player, and seems that rafa really likes andy also as a player and a person.

GLAD to see that he’s pleased for andy- and ALSO that in the same article he speaks highly of fed.

CANNOT UNDERSTAND how some people can hate the guy despite this- unbeleievable!


conty Says:

Top Ten Tennis-x Wimbledon ATP Bracketeers if Andy Murray wins:

#1 Dari ! wow, what if Andy wins? might regret not putting a little $ $$ on that bracket!!

#2 grandmajoan. colinO7 must have inspired that bracket.
#3 sweetpatrick
#4 jane’s Murray bracket
#5 conty (conty’s loser bracket wild card)
#6 The Mind Reels
#7 Kimberly
#8 jane’s Djookovic bracket
#9 Kimmi and Daniel’s (brackets tied again)
#10 Brando


conty Says:

actually, to be fair, since Kimmi and Daniel tie at #3, in the Federer winning scenario…..

#10 after TV, should be: Kimberly. and thanks again to her for organizing the Bracket games and uploading the pictures and artwork!


scineram Says:

First englishman in Wimbledon final in ages, Marray displays great sportsmanship giving up a minibreak after touching the net with his racquet.

They still won the tiebreak, 2 sets to 1 for them in front of an at least 85% house. They really want a home champion. An unseeded one at that, who defeated the Bryans in the semis.


dari Says:

raquet, i just saw that on Twitter I thibk, very kind of rafa, i think he has a soft spot for andy, not on court obviously ;)


Gordo Says:

Here’s a thought to ponder…

When they are 30 years and 11 months old will Nadal or Djokovic still be reaching Grand Slam finals?

Tomorrow I may pose the question again, replacing the word “reaching” with “winning.”


scineram Says:

THEY DID IT! JONATHAN MARRAY FIRST BRITISH MAN TO WIN WIMBLEDON SINCE 1960.

Teaming up with Nielsen 1 month ago they beat now 3 time losing finalists Tecau & Lindstedt.


madmax Says:

A great piece from SI

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120706/roger-federer-wimbledon-2012/index.html

and another from Sampras

http://espn.go.com/tennis/wimbledon12/story/_/id/8136757/wimbledon-2012-pete-sampras-says-used-roger-federer-breaking-records.

Margot Says:
H2h’s may or may not matter, but the point I was making is that Andy must have a little more confidence going into a match against Roger, than say Youzny.

July 7th, 2012 at 12:06 pm

Quite so Margot.

And pretty obvious don’t you think? He had plenty of that yesterday. If he does win, I will be happy for Andy as it will be his first, but hoping that Roge can pull the win, of course.

Love the build up. Hope that some of the swiss fans will be there will their cow bells and swiss flags. I had mine yesterday waving like a mad thing but I didn’t care.


conty Says:

ah, i’m not so convinced of the sincerity of that Nadal message to Andy.

I mean did he send such a note to “friend” Djokovic upon making his 1st Wimbledon final? they are supposed to be such good friends too. Maybe Rafa did send a congratulatory “go bro” note to Novak when Novak reached the final of Wimbledon?? Did he?

also, it’s more plausible that, that message was PR encouraged, generated, and written, “good luck to Andy, hope you beat Roger like i did.” That is more the real PR playing out there, imo. Intentionally making it public and not done in private? i don’t buy it. I could be wrong but that is how it comes off to me.

the part about, “sorry i beat you” is over the top – that’s what’s changes my mind from , “aw sweet”, to “oh PR, uncle toni/team nadal”

Even if Alberto Contador, whom is seen as a likable person amongst the peloton, sent a message to Frank or Andy Schleck (rumored that they are friends), i’d have to doubt the veracity of the message, especially if say, Lance Armstrong was contending FTW. But to gold medal cyclist, Samuel Sanchez, Contador’s true good friend; that would be different. they ride on different teams but help each other on the road, which is criticized, but they do it anyway.

here it is:

Rafa Nadal, last seen losing in the second round to Lukas Rosol, has not forgotten about Wimbledon. He appears on the front page of The Times sports supplement this morning to pass on his congratulations to his friend Andy Murray: “It is the late evening in Sardinia where I am having a small holiday and I have had a call saying that Andy Murray has reached the final of Wimbledon. I did not see the match, but I can only begin to imagine the emotions he must have been feeling. For Andy this is an amazing achievement. It is the home tournament. To be in the final, to be playing against the best in history in Roger Federer, he has been fighting for this for a long time and now it has happened. I am very happy for him. To be in so many Wimbledon semi-finals and not be in the final – I am sorry that it was me who beat him on the last couple of occasions – is disappointing for him, but I knew that the chance would come again and that if it did come, he would take it.”

article continues…by journo:

“In The Daily Mail, Martin Samuel celebrates Murray’s roots: “Do you know the most wonderful thing about Andy Murray? He’s Scottish. Now a lot of people don’t agree with that. They think Murray’s monotone brogue, his roots, his loyalties, are absolutely the worst of him. They think it makes him dour and chippy and they are convinced by this myth that he hates the English. They drink it all in and then they hate him back, because they genuinely believe he is as small-minded and petty as they are. And they do not understand, and never will understand, that it is precisely Murray’s otherness, his uniqueness, his outsider status, that has taken him to where he will be tomorrow: the men’s singles final at Wimbledon.”

i’ll be happy for either Murray or Federer for different reasons. Probably watching I’ll feel like I did watching Delpo at US Open 2009….wanting Andy to win more.

but that message to Murray in the Daily Mail is OTT.


conty Says:

I meant Nadal message on the front page of The Times sport page is OTT, no what Daily Mail wrote about Murray.


skeezer Says:

Good stuff conty,
I thought the same thing. It was cool to give Andy some props. Where was the message to Rog congratulating him in his 7th Wimby final? Why would Rafa care either way?
So much for the bromance.


racquet Says:

@conty

I don’t think it’s OTT at all and quite sincere. Andy and Rafa are quite close, they hang out a lot (together with Juan Monaco). It goes back to childhood & the spanish tennis academy. To my knowledge Rafa and Nole don’t hang out at all.

And I don’t get your reasoning about Rafa sending public congrats to Nole for reaching his 1st Wimby final when HE is going to be the opponent.


Sienna Says:

8th final actually.

And the stating that he lost so many finals against me! the great matador.

What a dushbag. (Is that the right word)
a


Brando Says:

@Conty:

sorry to do this conty BUT- give the guy a break.

‘I mean did he send such a note to “friend” Djokovic upon making his 1st Wimbledon final?’

what sort of point is that? Lol, to send a note over to the guy who has spanked him 4 in a row and now he faces him in the final and he’s supposed to send him a good luck note!

‘ To nole, good luck in the final, make it 5 in a row and watch me be happy for you. xxx rafa’

LMFAO! COME ON NOW!

‘i’m not so convinced of the sincerity of that Nadal message to Andy.’

i think that’s what it boils down to here really- you YOURSELF are not convinced by it’s sincerity for your own reasons- which is fine and cool.

Personally, though i think it is sincere. Rafa and andy are GENUINE friends, and maybe this was orchestrated by the PR, press but it DOES NOT INVALIDATE the good wish that rafa expresses for andy.

I think it is a SINCERE WISH, regardless of how it was expressed!


trufan Says:

Tomorrow’s match is on Fed’s racket. If he plays the way he played against Djoke, he wins.

Tsonga gave Murray TOO many easy points. Hopefully Fed won’t.

I do hope Murray completes the third leg of the Murray slam – losing each slam final without ever winning one – I don’t believe anyone has accomplished that, ever, but Murray has the ability to pull it off. He is 25, so in a year or two, he is going downhill too, so he can do it.

As for Fed, 3 sets stand between him and immortality.


racquet Says:

This ‘PR stunt’ theory is bogus too. Every year during Wimbledon Rafa writes a blog for The Times. The paper made this blog entry front page and the Wimbledon website cut & pasted it. Gotta love the cynicism.


Sienna Says:

The crowning ceremony will take place tomorrow People!

Is the Pistol in London>
I hope he is and he can witness the completion of the tranformation.

The old King and the new king.

The puppets are left with the crumbs.


trufan Says:

Even with the slower grass, the low bounce helps Fed. it allows him to “drive” his backhand, and he hits his forehand topspin pretty well even if the ball is around his knees. Other players these days are more used to balls around their shoulders.

Murray’s best surface is hard courts – so hopefully, fed’s immense grass experience should help. Murray has also put a lot of miles in the last two weeks – the Ferrer match must have taken something out of him – tough long rallies for 4 sets. Fed has had easy and short matches – even the bennetteau match was not that long, and points were shorter. So he should be fresh. Except for his back, perhaps!


conty Says:

Well Skeezer, we’ve seen this before. Of course, Andy is British/Scottish, the sports journo’s are going to draw attention to Andy Murray. I think Tennis relatively bigger in the UK than in the US, but giving kudos to Murray from Nadal would play out as assist to bring attention to the Wimbledon Final. Andy in the white hat, Federer in the black hat; usual stuff really. And that’s their point: to bring out the support for Murray; quite understandable.

My skepticism comes from reading the Nadal message itself to Andy published in The Times sports supplement. That’s a typical, dig up some sentimentality from Nadal and put it front and center, thing.

Really, I doubt there will be a lack of cheering for Andy on center court tomorrow.


conty Says:

Brando, i said, what i wrote is in my opinion. It is my reaction. I stand by it. This Nadal the nicest guy in the world thing wears on me. I don’t hate Nadal, it the PR around him. His blog was fresh and cute in 2008. At this point it’s OLD, to me.


conty Says:

My point about sending the note to Djokovic is what it is. Novak and Nadal are hyped to be such good buds. Did Nadal Blog to Djokovic last year congratulating him for making his 1st Wimbledon final? Nadal, Djokovic’s true bud, should have said something about Nole making the final. He could have said but “as to the win, i hope it’s me, love , Rafa.

Because Nadal is touted as the great sportsman he is, being spanked 4 times prior shouldn’t make a difference, if he is the saint his fans think he is. I don’t buy it. I don’t hate Nadal. I just think he’s programmed and prompted to write stuff now. In the beginning of his blogs back in 2008, it was more genuine to me.

Yeah, I’m now a skeptic after enough stunts team Nadal pull. Not blaming Rafa himself.


conty Says:

should have addressed above comments to racquet too. It’s an opinion i write. doesn’t mean you must agree. glad there are differing opinions. we are cool, i hope. just felt like writing my reaction.


jane Says:

I sure hope Andy gets loads of support tomorrow!

racquet, yeah I am not sure how much Nole and Rafa hang out (what denotes hanging out? :) ), but they’ve play soccer and have gone golfing in between matches occasionally.

http://www.onthegotennis.com/home/novak-djokovic-and-rafael-nadal-play-soccer-at-the-bnp-parib.html

Andy, Nole and Rafa are all the same age, basically, and have known each other for years. I’m sure they feel some camaraderie because of that and because they’ve all been right at the top of the game for a number of years now.


Wog boy Says:

The life of all those top players has been so much organized and PR and PC controled due to amount of the money they are accumulating (making) not for themself but others, that if they are honest and spontaneous they look silly and out of place, the reason I got invested so much in Nole (first time in my life if you believe it) was exactly that, he was himself coming from the country and backround that wasn’t suppose to have best in the world. That wasn’t accepted really well around developed part of tennis world so he had to change according to his PR advisers, I am calling that and hope you will understand it right way ” he lost his virginity” but still I consider him and Andy the least calculated out of top4, because that is not in their nature, far more naive out of top 4. Maybe that is the reason inside me that picks the players like Murray, Delpo, Isner, Ljubicic, Raonic…. To follow and cheer for.

I saw last night on TV video from Dunblane Pub during Andy’s match with Tsonga, those Scots were craying at the end of the match, I was tuched …. Andy do it for them, for those ordinary people who maybe don’t know much about tennis but they love you for who you are, their Andy Murray from small town somewhere in proud Scotland.
Go Andy, all the way. I will be cheering….and drinking for you today and tonight. Cheers


Lulu Iberica Says:

conty,
I was never under the impression that Rafa and Nole were friends. That is all just press BS. Before Super Novak emerged they used to be complimentary to each other and a bit cheesy about it, IMO. After Nole started whooping Rafa, I will admit Rafa was sometimes less than friendly. I don’t think Rafa is a saint, but there seems to be genuine good feeling between him and Murray so I think the sentiments expressed in the note were sincere.


Lulu Iberica Says:

OMG! Insane point in the women’s dubs final! Venus fell on her butt and still managed to win the point!


Kimberly Says:

Rafa and Andy have a play station thing going with Juan Monaco and Andy physio Danny. They do hang out. I’m sure Rafa could text him if he wanted to. Does sound somewhat like a PR stunt but not to be blamed on rafa.


Lulu Iberica Says:

I wonder if any of the current top players will one day write a candid autobiography like Agassi’s. I really loved reading his catty comments about some of his rivals.


Lulu Iberica Says:

Yay! Congrats to Venus and Serena on winning the womens’ doubles! I’m especially happy for Venus. Hope they can repeat this performance at the Olympics!


Krishna Says:

@trufan: “I do hope Murray completes the third leg of the Murray slam – losing each slam final without ever winning one – I don’t believe anyone has accomplished that, ever, but Murray has the ability to pull it off.”
___
LOL too funny :) hope Fed wins too.


conty Says:

lulu, i agree very much with Wog boy, quite simply.

most cheesy: nadal PR machine. Rafa’s blogs used to be cute, innocent, and genuine, imo. Now so much is canned

Federer is what he is. I see how he could be seen as arrogant and OTT. Also appreciate when he let’s out the truth he feels, which seems to be yes, i am special ect. and he’s played his own games with Murray, intentionally or not in the press.

Alonb with Wog boy’s thoughts – Murray and Djokovic seem the most real to me. But Djokovic did have to tone down his natural entertainer style of 2007. Delpo, definitely has become less real. The fact he said nothing about his knee in the FO vs Federer is evidence that he’s following politically correct protocol. I tend to like the more real reactions of lower ranked players. #1’s and top players are coached, must rehearse, and subject to image control.

The hype in The Times is natural. Certainly a US player in the US Open is hyped! (As it is anywhere.) L’Equipe, I try to read to dig up more on the French players, same with Spanish news, especially for Contador. The US media bash Contador relentlessly.


conty Says:

along not “Alonb” lol….


Wog boy Says:

Lulu Iberica,

I respect and love Agassi for exactly that reason, for beeing brave to face his demons and fight them off and not beeing scared to tell that to the world but even more respect for Steffy for beeing by his side and giving him 101% support, he wouldn’t be able to do it without her, They looked so nice and so much in love at Wimbledon. For what I heard they are doing great things with their foundation for underprivileged kids, if I am right that is in Chicago?


Lulu Iberica Says:

conty,
I’m sure you and Wog Boy are correct. Anyway, Murray’s “realness” is one reason I’m sure he and Rafa have a bit of camaraderie, as Andy has often been highly complimentary of Rafa. Plus, Andy is a very likable guy, so I’m sure that Rafa really does wish him the best! (Especially as Murray is playing Rafa’s all-time greatest rival!) I don’t expect anyone in such a prominent public position to be totally candid, and the PR doesn’t bother me.

As for Roger, his comments used to irk me, but now they just crack me up.

By the way, who are you backing in the Tour with Contador out? My husband follows cycling and he likes Andy Schleck, so his fave is absent too.


jane Says:

Yes, PR machines are OTT these days. I’d imagine that Nike has a lot of say because imagine the amount of money that company has invested in Fedal! It’s the same with celebrities and the red carpet. They all have “stylists” so they wear the “right” thing – designers send the clothes to stylists who tell the celebs what to wear. No more choosing for themselves and potentially making a so-called faux pas like in the old days when it was actually FUN to see how people would turn out. In the media driven world – including tennis – things are too controlled now and politically correct. If a player even mentions he has a cold – well he had better be chastised for that! Sigh.

Wog Boy, I know what you mean about Scotland – and it’s such a small and lovely place; I have driven all throughout that country as my husband’s maternal family are 100% Scots. Anyhow, it would be wonderful to see Andy win his first slam for them, those people in the pubs, and the ones on Murray hill. I know probably it’s more likely that Fed will win #17. Still, I am hoping for the underdog, for David over Goliath. You never know – it can happen sometimes. :)


Lulu Iberica Says:

Wog boy,
Agassi’s school is in Las Vegas, his hometown. I too really respect him and Steffi.

Ok, I really ought to focus on something besides tennis until 9 AM EST tomorrow!


Margot Says:

And big congratulations to Jonnie Marray and partner as they win Wimbledon doubles. A wild card pair who’ve hardly played together.
Brilliant player who gave up playing singles because of injury.
First Brit to win in the doubles for about 70 years.
Am now gonna try some of this psychic stuff ..it’s an omen I tell you….;)


jane Says:

All that said, I do feel like Rafa truly does feel some happiness for Andy M and the message has a warmth to it w.r.t. Andy. On many occasions both Rafa and Nole have said to journalists that Andy should have and will win a slam so I think they believe in his quality as a player. Just when Nole was in Scotland before Wimbledon he said all the locals were asking when Andy would win a slam and Nole told them “very soon.” Maybe he was right? ;)


conty Says:

Oh Lulu, you follow cycling?! It’s 120 F here today ( exaggerating a little) but makes it tough for me to ride. I like it a lot cooler!!

Frank Schleck is riding but Andy has a back injury. The Schleck brothers…the joke is that they have one brain and must ride together to be successful. Some truth there…they must be on the same team and ride the same races. Frank probably won’t podium without Andy. Andy is the more talented.

I pull for the italian team Liquigas. I consider it an underdog team compared to team Sky and BMC – Brit sky, US/swiss BMC.
My favorite rider in Contador’s abscence is actually Peter Sagan. Sagan isn’t really a climber yet but he’s 22, which is a baby in cycling. Peter Sagan rides the bike with passion and joy, like Contador. Both are there to make the race more exciting. They will animate a race and not ride according to plan but spontaneously. Vincenco Nibali “the shark of the strait of Messina” aka “lo squalo” is Sagan’s teammate and the General Classification liquigas contender. So…i cheer for him. And, of course Contador’s mate, Samuel Sanchez of the Basque team. Samu’s team, Euskaltel-Euskadi or the “carrots” also will make a climbing stage exciting.

Cadel Evans and Brad Wiggins, are like most TDF winners. They ride conservatively but efficiently, they are a little too boring and predictable for me. But, I think Wiggins or Cadel will win – they have the best team support to get them at least on the podium, if not win.


Margot Says:

PS the friendship/respect between Rafa and Andy seems pretty genuine to me.
Agassi sent Andy a good luck message too, so sweet :)


Huh Says:

too much on the line for both of them. especially for federer!

i would root for fed, but andy winning wimbledon would be the biggest thing to happen since big bang(or at least jesus birth)… sort of! ;)

can’t imagine the hysteria that would not just overtake britain, but also the entire world, if murray wins!!!!!!!!!

Sick FO 12 final, from history making point of view(at stake was nadal surpassin borg n nole gettin nole slam); but looking at this wimbledon final’s significance, the relevance of FO 12 final even is destroyed into submission!

SICKEST WIMBY FINAL OF MY LIFE TOMORROW!
HISTORY-MAKING OF THE UNSURPASSABLE SORT TO TAKE PLACE, BE IT BY FED OR BY MURRAY!!!


Wog boy Says:

jane,

I remember Andy on TV before AO final with Roger two years ago, they interviewed them separately , Federer was beaming with confidence making a joke about “britts not winning Wimbledon for 100 or so years” on the other side Andy looked blank, empty and I told my wife “Andy lost it” she said “but they are yet to play” I said “no, he already played and he lost it” , do I have to remind how he played two days later, jane. I blamed alot on his huge team for not preparing him properly mentaly for playing the final with Roger, I don’t see that in his eyes this time around, I could be that ITT did what was supose to do as mentor and coach and I will be more than happy to eat my words regarding ITT:)

Lulu Iberica,

Thanks, I wasn’t sure which city, because of some reason Chicago was in my head.


the mind reels Says:

@conty:

A bit late to comment, but I’d sort of given up on my bracket as soon as Berdych and Nadal crashed out. Seems I’ll somehow sneak it out if Federer can win in the AM! That’s pretty cool…thanks for crunching the rankings.

As for hype in the media, etc., as a resident of the US and A, I subscribe to Tennis magazine, which recently ran a cover feature on John Isner, proclaiming him something like the next big thing to look out for (no pun intended). On the one hand, I get it: he’s had a few nice results in the past 6-12 months or so, and people seem to take him more seriously now given some of those results and his top 15 ranking. On the other hand, the guy is no spring chicken at 27, and he’s yet to (a) win a semi-big tournament or (b) really make a splash at a major (other than setting records for longest matches ever). So, obviously, media hype is nothing new, nor is it something to be relied heavily upon. Remember when Donald Young was hailed as the next great American player? Yea…

Personally, I got a chuckle out of Nadal’s comments. “Hey, Andy — nice job on making the finals! Sorry I whooped you the couple other times you had a chance to do it. But now that I’m out you can finally have a go at it! Just gotta play the best in history…” PR-orchestrated or not, the note surely has good intentions behind it, but I wonder if it only adds to the pressure.


Huh Says:

who cares if nadal is genuine or not, it’s his right to say whatever he likes ad we’re entitled to take it the way we like! I though for one believe that the blog of rafa was written with some sincerity at least, and the very fact that he was so respectful of fed, makes me respect nadal, and i would cut him some slack here! ;)

btw hi to skeezer, conty, maxi, gannu, gordo, FoT, grendel, daniel and the rest of my fellow fed fans!


the mind reels Says:

As for my comments earlier about Murray’s second serve, in both major finals that he’s contested, Federer has served better on both deliveries, won most points on both serves, and returned better — in all cases, by not insignificant margins. Murray served 55% first serves in both the US and AO Open finals against Federer in 2008 and 2010. It’s been another two years, so here we are in 2012. Can Murray serve better than 55% first serves? He’ll have to in order to win this thing.


Kimberly Says:

Just had to help Grandmajoan write notes on the bracket site. We are at her house. She is loving the bracket biz!


conty Says:

TMR

Would have been more likely to buy the Nadal message had he left out the ‘sorry i beat you’ bit. It’s just the kind of story that gives me an, “ah this is PR sap” feeling. just an opinion.

So, as to Isner, yeah. well, It’s good for tennis in the USA to have hope. But honestly, I see more talent in Benoit Paire or young players from other countries moving up. I doubt Isner can really win a slam. I could be wrong. The one he’d most likely win = US Open where he responds to the crowd support; but, i doubt it. Sampras and Agassi days are gone for now. We wait…

gut says Andy will win, providing Federer has a bad serving day, which he is due to have. Feels like US Open 09 to me when Federer played so well to beat Soderling and put on a show beating Djokovic. Then, I remember thinking during the final that he better end this in 3 or he’ll lose to Delpo! But Delpo winning was strangely okay at the time. I’ll stop reading British news sources. Because truly, I do like Murray but don’t like the sappy hype here about our own players, or elsewhere. Bad guy, good guy is good fodder. There is more friendship with Monaco imo. and of course his Davis Cup mates. Rafa and Nole/ Rafa and Andy friendship is overcooked to me and not good for Nole/Andy beating the one they will more likely have to than Federer in the future, which is Nadal. Team Rafa plays that card often. It’s more a timely message to Federer to me and garners more support for Andy, which is understandable for the press to get it out. So, I personally don’t buy it. But if you tend to be a Murray fan, Rafa fan or somewhat anti-fed, it is aw so sweet to have that pro Murray message today. That said, I lean toward Andy getting the win but Andy imo, is due- 3rd time a charm? and I want him to finally get a GS. We’ll see. If i could do my bracket over right now I’d pick Andy. But it’s going to be over quick with Federer winning or a long battle, 4 or 5 sets, Murray perhaps prevailing. That’s my prediction…but i’d not put any money on it!


Kimberly Says:

I think its going to be a knockdown drag out battle. Federer knows the next 6 slams (five, he has no chance at RG) are his real last shot probably, he wants to get as much as possible he will not play half ass. Murray knows how hard it is just to get to the final, the last time he was this close was 18 months ago, he will not let this go easy. I am sure he has analyzed what he did wrong in the other 3 and will go out with the right attitude. The result will be great tennis and a thrilling match. I keep wavering who I want to win but i’m sure that intangible reason to indentify with one player will surface during the match and that will determine who i root for. I could be watching a match between two players i don’t even know and by the end will indenitify with one and root for him/her.


conty Says:

Oh, hello to you too, Huh. Nice to see you posting!


Brando Says:

the PR machine thing is there for a reason- these guys are worth millions, great sums of money has been invested into them- they’re pretty much public property- OF COURSE they will have a PR team that would look to protect them, their image and their own interest.

It’s the 21st century- like it or not ALL TOP ATHLETES have some sort of PR team around them! FACT!


Brando Says:

As for the whole ‘friendship thing’ and whether it’s ‘genuine’ or not- it ALL boils down to how the individual views it and whether they take a cynical viewpoint on it or not.

Personally, i think the rafa- andy friendship is GENUINE all the way.

Infact i think rafa, nole and andy get along VERY WELL with one another.

Here’s a few things about them:

1- Rafa and andy: these 2 have known each other from the time that andy was at the spanish tennis academy- since their early teens. Some BBC commentator mentioned that it was rafa who mentioned to andy at the academy of how he trains, his routines etc.

Andy has LONG MENTIONED that rafa is his favourite player and someone he see’s as the greatest. Rafa has LONG MENTIONED how he feels andy will win a slam, is a top draw player and good enough to win one.

When rafa complained about the courts at USO 11′ due to playing conditions- who was there with him? ANDY.

These have practised on various ocassions together, AS OTHERS have noted hang out together during tournies playing playstation- and GENUINELY LIKE one another.

IN FACT here is a recent story of a prank rafa played on andy:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/andymurray/9360341/Wimbledon-2012-Andy-Murray-vows-to-get-revenge-on-Rafa-Nadal.html

PR STUNT- i think not. these get along REALLY WELL!

2- Rafa and nole:

these 2 have also known each other since a very young age, they went to a football match once together in rome, even went to a broadway show and took photos backstage with the cast in USO 11′:

http://www.broadway.com/shows/mamma-mia/photos/tennis-champs-rafael-nadal-and-novak-djokovic-feel-the-abba-beat-at-mamma-mia/165067/novak-djokovic-and-rafael-nadal-at-mamma-mia-novak-djokovic-rafael-nadal-stacia-fernandez-lisa-brescia-jennifer-parry

Recently even after the FO loss- novak even posted a message to rafa- SOMETHING WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DO:

http://twitter.com/DjokerNole/

and who did rafa organise the madrid charity event with and said he would be willing to go to serbia for a return one if asked? NOVAK!

Rafa even publically apologised to novak that he couldnt make it- something he didn’t have to do.

So there is plenty there to suggest that these two get along VERY WELL, and there is no real issue!

3- Nole and andy: these ALSO get along very well- i don’t their is any doubt about that.

all in all, i think novak summed it up best in this article where he mentions ‘ that sometimes he goes to dinner with rafa or andy’ BUT it is tough since they are his main rivals:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/tennis/article-1389547/Novak-Djokovic-I-mates-Andy-Murray-Rafael-Nadal-fighting-place-history.html

PS: this YEAR in IW rafa, nole and andy’s team- along with others- did play football/soccer together- i doubt that was A PR STUNT EITHER! LOL!


Brando Says:

apologies for the long and double posting! (its awaiting moderation)


Brando Says:

EXCELLENT ANALYSIS of final- how murray should appraoch the final:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18757672


jane Says:

^ Brando, Murray is the tournament leader in second serve points won! Whoa, I knew his numbers were up but I didn’t know that, thanks for the link. :) Btw, have you seen “Moonrise Kingdom”? I loved it but I love Wes Anderson films.


jamie Says:

Astrologically there is a slight advantage in favor of Federer for the final, according to the psychic.

Apparently both are pretty much close astrologically for the final.

But Federer has a small advantage.

Murray looks astrologically as the favorite to win
Australia 2013 though.


jamie Says:

Wimbledon 2012: Federer(Swan song?).

USO 2012: Nadal(Will have to wait until 2014 to win another slam again after that?).

AO 2013: Murray(Nobody has won 3 AOs in a row, neither Fed nor Agassi could. So that pretty much screws up Nole’s chances and also his Chinese calendar year is lousy from Feb 2012 to Feb 2013).

FO 2013: This one I’m going to guess Nole? because nobody wins slams for 9 years in a row. Borg, Sampras and Mr. Slam King Federer couldn’t so that means neither will Nadal….. and after Nadal, Nole is the best on clay on tour.


Brando Says:

@Jane:

No worries, im happy with that stat too :-)

Re ‘moonrise kingdom’ no i missed it. Saw the trailer, cast looks solid (was it? murray + norton- that would have been interesting) BUT the story didn’t seem appealing to me. and UNFORTUNATELY i haven’t really taken to wes anderson.

BUT he definately has his own style, and Martin Scorsese picked him out as the scorsese of this generation- so for sure he’s talented! (my brothers actually love his films)

Last film i saw was ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ and i LOVED IT. lemmon and pacino were on fire- and the dialogue was awesome!

‘Coffee is for closer’s only’ LOL!


jane Says:

Yes, love GGR, they play is a great read too – as you say, the dialogue! And Lemmon is so special but will always love him best in drag in Some Like it Hot.


jane Says:

*the play


Brando Says:

@Jane:

Yes the dialogue is absolutely awesome! alot of profanity? Yes, BUT for that world it seemed to fit in.

I loved the way jack and al rounded on spacey’s character- the manner in which they ripped his character to shreads was just EPIC! he had it coming to him i thought!

Lemmon- i confess i only saw him in the apartment (love that film) prior to this, and this reminded me of how significant a talent he was.

Need to watch ‘some like it hot’ asap!

are there any films you are looking forward to this year?

maybe nole in ‘Expendables 2’? :-)


Brando Says:

ONE THING that sean hasn’t mentioned, and i didn’t really see others mention, BUT what about the role the roof might play in this?

weather reports suggest rain, and if it is INDOOR CONDTIONS then it must be ADVANTAGE FED!

i think this could be CRUCUIAL- since if most of the match is indoors then fed would be favoured big time by this- as he showed in SF, indoors the guy can turn it on, big time!


jamie Says:

Fed’s winning.

End of discussion.


Krishna Says:

thanks jamie! :) Has the psychic predicted who will win the Olympics?


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Looks like most of tennis.com experts predict Roger.

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/features.aspx?articleid=18686&zoneid=9


David Says:

For those interested in an astrological perspective, both Federer and Murray have two extremely auspicious transit right now, Jupiter and Venus both almost exactly conjunct their Midheaven. The Midheaven is all about career and vocation. Jupiter tends to bring good luck, positivity, and success to whatever it touches. Venus brings harmony, pleasant feelings, happiness. Interestingly, Novak Djokovic had these same exact transits — Venus and Jupiter on his Midheaven — at the same time last year (and we all know what happened). At the start of the year, seeing that Federer had Jupiter conjunct Midheaven this summer, I predicted he may well win Wimbledon and/or the Olympic Games. However I didn’t know until just now that Murray has the same transits!

There can only be one winner, obviously. I predict a great match, with both of them playing at their best, bringing honor to themselves regardless of the result. Murray will show up to play this time. Still, as a Federer fan, I pick him in 5.


Dave Says:

The same four tennis.com “experts” had all picked Nadal at the start of Wimbledon, lol.

A British journalist eats humble pie: “A look of anger flashed across Andy Murray’s face on Friday night when somebody had the temerity in his press conference to imply that Roger Federer was “near the end of the road”. “Who says that?” he snapped. “Who are these people? Journalists?” The word was spat out almost in disgust, but he had a point. I stand guilty as charged. Two years ago, having watched Tomas Berdych deny him a place in the final for the first time since 2002, I suggested time was running out for the Wimbledon legend. “The constant ticking of the biological clock is a relentlessly unkind sound in tennis,” I wrote. “For any player to be in denial of that – especially a Swiss one – is just plain cuckoo.” Time, I suggested, would tell. And boy, have I been told. His passion – and belief, more importantly – never diminished. He continued to put in the hard hours, convinced there would be one more occasion at least when his illustrious rivals were not on their game. Then he still wanted to be able to pounce. If Federer wins today, exactly a month ahead of his 31st birthday, he will be the second-oldest men’s champion of the Open era behind Arthur Ashe, in 1975. Moreover, victory would mean that when the rankings list is updated on Monday, he will be back on top of the world. Not bad for a has-been.”
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/331561


Dave Says:

For Federer fans — British newspaper on the Federer-Djokovic match.
http://tinyurl.com/bsqowdo


Dave Says:

For Federer fans — British newspaper on the Federer-Djokovic match.
http://tinyurl.com/bsqowdo


madmax Says:

Huh Says:
who cares if nadal is genuine or not, it’s his right to say whatever he likes ad we’re entitled to take it the way we like! I though for one believe that the blog of rafa was written with some sincerity at least, and the very fact that he was so respectful of fed, makes me respect nadal, and i would cut him some slack here! ;)

btw hi to skeezer, conty, maxi, gannu, gordo, FoT, grendel, daniel and the rest of my fellow fed fans!

July 7th, 2012 at 6:51 pm

Welcome back Huh! Where have you been hiding?

Conty,

A lot of schmiel in British newspapers right now and remember, they ALL support Murray and so it follows that EVERYONE in UK supports M. Not so, as you know.

As for rafa, I see where you are coming from but really, who knows? I think it is still the fact that Rafa was knocked out in the second round, people are still reeling but honestly, it could have been anyone of the top ten on that day. It was an incredible turn of events. No one could have predicted that with rafa.

The PR machine. I see your angle. I don’t see why it needed to be made public so I agree with you on that score. Why did it go to press? To promote the rafa PR machine. He could have sent a note, a phone call to Andy. But he may not have known anything about it – being written about in the press I mean. We will never know.

We all get so wrapped in what the press say, me included.

I read some shocking stuff yesterday coming from the mail, talking about Federer’s mind games with some really snidey remarks. That’s the worth of some papers. But, I have to remember that they are all pro-murray, so it makes sense. Skim over it.

I am sure there will be a mighty roar for the mighty fed today and it won’t just be coming from my sofa room!

All around the world people will be supporting him.

I can’t wait.


Mark Says:

This will be the most tearful Wimbledon final ever. Pain and ecstasy! The big question is who deserves it more. There are arguments for and against both players. IMO Murray deserves it more no Brit having won Wimbledon for what 76 years or so and having had the good luck to actually reach the final without Rafa (unfortunately) standing in his way, he should seize this opportunity with everything he has and win. Fed on the other hand just wants to add to his collection and match Sampras. A bit greedy IMO. So, the bottom line – ANDY deserves it more. Go Andy!!


Huh Says:

hey maxi:

you clearly know how much i love muzza! but looking at what’s at stake for fed, it’s the highest that ever was or ever could be!

thus, i’ve no option but to support fed this time!
so along with you i say:

GO FED!!! :D

And looking at the way murray’s been playing off late, he too will have his chances, even if he lost today. somehow, i feel andy’s sure gonna win slam some day; and i’d love to see that too! so let it be another day, beating someone else than fed! today, my support is totally for fed!

but that said, i want a great final and not a stupid blow out! let the best man win, and EARN IT!

ALLEZ FEDERER!!!


Mark Says:

GO ANDY!! Trounce the old greedy man!!!


Ray Says:

Irrespective of whoever wins, the LOSER will be the submissive-uncle-slave from mallorca!

Come on Fedray, let’s have a top 3 without the @$$ picker!


Mark Says:

There is no Nadal to kick the old boy’s @SS so please Andy you do it instead!!


Mark Says:

Sorry Andy Murray and fans but today will be the only day you will ever have my support.


Joe W Says:

Mark, as Clint Eastwood once said “deserve’s got nothing to do with it”

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