Federer Beats Down Murray, British Hopes, for 7th Wimbledon Title

by Staff | July 8th, 2012, 1:17 pm
  • 499 Comments

Roger Federer brought his “A” game, as did British hope Andy Murray.

In the end it was the 30-year-old Swiss who proved the most resilient, winning his seventh Wimbledon title 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, tying the seven titles of Pete Sampras and the Open Era record at the All England Club.

Rain forced a delay of the match in game three of the third set as the roof was closed on center court.


Throughout the first two sets both players flowed through their service games with only a break here and there separating the two. After Federer clinched the third set, the physical match started showing its toll on Murray, who grimaced through some lower body pain after taking numerous tumbles on the grass. At one point a 26-point, almost 20-minute game took some of the wind out of both players.

With the win Federer again rises to No. 1 on the ATP Rankings, a feat few predicted after the Swiss fell to No. 3 and his the 30-year mark behind youngsters Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

It was the first-ever grasscourt meeting between the two, and evened their career head-to-head series at 8-8. Federer also improved to 3-0 over Murray in Grand Slam meetings.

Federer joined Sampras (Wimbledon) and Rafael Nadal (French Open) as the only players in the Open Era to win seven titles at a Grand Slam event. It was the 17th Slam title for the Swiss.

The Swiss broke into tears in his chair after match point after the players embraced at the net.

Murray was looking to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936. British men are 0-8 in Slam finals since then. Like his coach Ivan Lendl, Murray is now the second man in Open Era history to lose his first four Slam finals he has appeared in.


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499 Comments for Federer Beats Down Murray, British Hopes, for 7th Wimbledon Title

csebig Says:

Congratulation!!!!! :-))))))))))))


Sienna Says:

Incredible. Murray asked athe question and Roger Federer aka TMF answered. Grit and brilliance got the win.


csebig Says:

7th, 17th, 285 th, and of course 1st


Eric Says:

Jesus Andy is all class. This must be horrible for him.


El Flaco Says:

Fed made the headline link on Drudge which is the most trafficked link on the internet.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Can Roger overtake Sampras weeks record for No 1 now or does he only tie before Olympics?


squirrel Says:

Im so ecstatic about Fed’s win!but i gotta say,i know who ill be rooting for come USO aside from Fed,it’s definitely gonna be Andy Murray!just love his determination throughout the match and especially his speech.first time i felt his heart as a tennis player and im a fan now!


dari Says:

Congratulations to Roger.

I am very happy for him, the old guy.

MURRAY- i didnt think I would be so upset if he pulled off then win, but its Murray at Wimbledon on the other side and I am almost speechless. He came out blazing, he fought and it was still not enough. KEEP GOING MURRAY! you are closer and your sweet day will come! You will be a grand slam champ!!!!!!!

*******************
Roger- he really showed them, didn’t he!
SEVENTEEN OUTRAGEOUS!
He has worked tremendously hard the last nine months and all of it for this incredible achievement.

YOU GUYS- He’s gonna be no. 1 tomorrow!!!! Cheers fed fans

Murray Fans- how sweet its gonna be when he gets his first. Let’s Go Murray US open!


AP Says:

Wow, Federer achieves the impossible….Thank You Roger for inspiring us all with your performance.

Awesome, Amazing…no words can define how well he played today. He will always be the person who will today be remembered as the person who redefined tennis.

Roger Federer – Return of the King (7 times Wimbledon Champion) http://bit.ly/NQTim5


Rahul Says:

Roger kept us waiting but it was worth it… What a perfect day to end a great weekend. Still believe Murray needs a weapon if he wants to win a slam, but was really nice to see how much this all means to him.


steve-o Says:

Yay Roger!! Grand Slam #17!


steve-o Says:

Commiserations to Murray. He played better than he ever has in a major final. If he keeps this level up he will get there.


Daniel Says:

Nirmal, Fed already ties with 286 untill Monday 16th and unless Djoko enter a small tourney surprise this week to get it back, he will hold at least till beginning of Olympics, which means he has 3 safe weeks leaving him in minimum 288. Sampras has 286.

If Olympics Djoko doesn’t gain more points them him. He will hold to Montreal, which Djoko is defendin champion and Fed lost round of 16. If Fe wins one match in Canada he holds for a week longer. Basically unless catastrophy happens, he will be #1 seed in US Open, barring Djoko or Nadal not winning Olympics and the 2 masters.


Maso Says:

Amazing win for Federer. Breaking Pete Sampras’ weeks at #1 record is definitely a huge record and pushing the Grand Slam record to 17 titles is absolutely amazing.

I do feel bad for Andy now, I hope Lendl will know what to tell him to keep him on track as he knows exactly what Murray is going through right now. Andy sure as hell deserves to win some slams. Maybe his time will come at the US Open, hope so for him and all his fans.


Sienna Says:

Roger is already tied from tomorrow on and olympics are weeks away so freebee weeks for Roger as he can take a holiday getting this record that sets him definately on to the GOAT’s throne.

The doubters have been shut down although they are probably twisting and turning their tailes on the tennis X. Right Nirmal?


Lulu Iberica Says:

Congratulations to Fed fans! I’ve got to admit I never thought he’d get back to #1, but he did it in grand style!

Murray fans, I’m sorry! I haven’t been a fan of Murray at all, but this final was so emotional and I was hoping it would at least go to 5 sets. Murray played well though, and showed positive emotion throughout most of the match. If it hadn’t been TMF across the net he might have won it. He really is getting closer.


Kimberly Says:

OMG roger federer fan will not finish last place in the bracket challenge, lol.


Kimberly Says:

And Jamie’s psychic has been eerily correct as of late


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Daniel, in fact I think Fed will have a fairly hefty cushion going into the Olympics. The olympics are a lot of points (1000? anyone?) but unless Fed loses before semis I would think he’ll be #1 into the hardcourts, and Nole has a title and a finals to defend in those 2 Masters. So Fed may have a large enough lead for the USO that he doesn’t need to win it to stay #1 (and he “only” has semifinal points to defend there).
There is a very good chance he will end the year #1, even if he doesn’t win Olympics or USO.


Tennis Fan Says:

Not just so happy Federer is back at #1 .. but the way he did it was just awe inspiring.

Greatest champion of all time. No doubt.


blank Says:

TV,
Olympics is 500 points.


blank Says:

Sorry 750 points. Here is the info from ATP site.

Men’s Singles
Gold Medal 750
Silver Medal 450
Bronze Medal 340
Loser 3rd/4th 270
Quarterfinals 135
Round of 16 70
Round of 32 35
1st round 5


Mark Says:

@ TV. “in fact I think Fed will have a fairly hefty cushion going into the Olympics” . Not hefty, just 85 pts over djoker.


Noogie Says:

Lulu what does TMF mean


Eric Says:

No, here is the ranking breakdown for Olympics points:

Men’s Singles
Gold Medal 750
Silver Medal 450
Bronze Medal 340
Loser 3rd/4th 270
Quarterfinals 135
Round of 16 70
Round of 32 35
1st round 5


Nudel Says:

Murray could not keep the pressure on Fed in the 4th set.
A guy like Nadal would have kept pushing him til the end. But even the BBC commentators gave up before it was over.

I’m convinced Federer would have put up much more of a fight if Murray had won the 3rd.

The guy still lacks believe in himself.


Eric Says:

Haha, sorry, got beaten to it.

TV, did you mean the USO, not the Olympics (re: point cushion)?


Basil Says:

What a sweet history Rogers, congratulation as you retake your rightful NO 1 position


Kimmi Says:

TMF – The Mighty Fed


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Mark. are you sure? I’d understood it would be close to 500 but I had read it in an article somewhere and have no idea of the calculations behind it.


alok Says:

Congrats to Rog and fellow Fed fans.

This win will sut up the media , e.g., Roger Federer has not won a GS for over 2 years. The haters used that information whenever they felt like taking a dig at Rog and his fans.


Tennislover Says:

Commiserations to Margot, Colin, Racquet and any other genuine Andy fan here. It was incredibly tough for Andy and probably tougher for you guys who always support him no matter what. Andy had a fantastic Wimby and he came through a tough draw in a very impressive fashion. I can’t even imagine the pressure he must be feeling at Wimby. I hope and pray that he comes out of this stronger than ever and he doesn’t have to look beyond ITT/ITL to find inspiration. Victory will be that much sweeter when it eventually comes, hopefully, at the USO itself.


WTF Says:

Andy Murray has learned well from his coach. Perhaps too well. Unfortunately he learned all the wrong things: such as how to lose your first four slam finals.

Lendl ended up playing in 19 slam finals (it’s pretty difficult to lose all 19). But I think that is too big an ask for Andy.


Eric Says:

I think Murray can beat anyone the way he was playing today. Fed was just a little bit better: like any close match, a few points here and there decided it. That 20-minute game in the third set was an important pivot. Anyway, would not be surprised to see Andy finally winning a slam in the next year – maybe at USO, maybe AO, quite possibly Wimbledon next year.


Daniel Says:

Wimbledon proves again to be the tourning point in last season. All ranking exchanges in #1 position happen after Wimby and with the Wimbledon champion.

2008 Nadal won Wimby and became #1 a few weeks later
2009 Fed won Wimby and became #1 a day after
2011 Djoko won Wimby and became #1 the day after
2012 Fed won Wimby abd becames #1 tomorrow.

The sole exception was 2010. But the Wimby Champion finished Year End #1 since Kuerten in 2001


Kimberly Says:

I don’t think one can have a heart if they don’t feel a little bad for Andy Murray. Although not too bad. The guy is a four time GS finalist most who dedicate their whole life to tennis will never ever play a quarterfinal.


Humble Rafa Says:

Congratulations to the Arrogant One.

At this point, I have to accept that reasonably good players, with a good draw, luck and sitting midgets along the way, will win Grand slams.

After getting Rosol’ed out of Cow Pasture Championship, I have been spending time with my best friend, Mr. Injury. It’s been a while I since I spent any time with him. It’s going well. The nuts are being tightened on my knee. In no time, I will be running around like a rabbit.

I am good at defending grass court tournament ever few years. Olympics will be my 2nd such defense.


Sienna Says:

Noogie Says:
Lulu what does TMF mean

Kimmi Says:
TMF – The Mighty Fed

Gus gas TMF is used to define his greatest period in his tennis life.

Years 2004, 2005 and 2006 are his TMF years.

2007 is just as good slamwise but he had a few more losses in that year so his winning % was not above 90%.
So it falls a bit out of order with the other 3 years. Hence no TMF year. I guess 2 or more slams, winnings above 90% for the whole yea , and 10 or more atp titles counts as a TMF year.

Many believe it is not possible to make 2012 into a TMF year but today can certainly be used as a steppingstone for yet another TMF year.

Djokovic had his TMF year in 2011, Nadal never had a year where he was so dominant like TMF.


alison Says:

Congrats to all Fed fans Skeezer,Dave,Madmax,and especially Swiss Maestro and Ajet,(who seems to have vanished of the face of the earth,Ajet if your reading,i miss your fair and wise posts),Roger was amazing and was a worthy winner,and those who wrote him off have been left with egg on their faces,sorry to Margot,Jane,Colin,Raquet etc,Murrays my second fav player after Rafa,and i have no words to say other than heartbroken(sigh).


Sienna Says:

am good at defending grass court tournament ever few years. Olympics will be my 2nd such defense.

I gues it is impossible for Nadal to everdefend a nonclay title.


Mark Says:

TV. If we are talking about ranking points, yes I am sure. Am not talking about the race. The ranking pts determine the ranking positions. I will break it down – Fed had 9435 pts before Wimbledon. He gains 2000 pts for the win minus 360 pts which is 1640 + 9435 = 11075. ND will have 11000 pts. So he will have a cushion of just 75 pts, not the 85 I mentioned earlier.


Courtside Says:

0-4 in slams, like his boss. But he’s learning great things from him like beaning people in the head and nuts.


Kimmi Says:

sienna – i thought TMF was only used for fed, i didn’t know you could use it to all other players who has their best years.


Eric Says:

So Federer now has 3990 points to defend for the rest of the season; Djokovic has 4160, and Nadal just 2065, if I did the math right. (Murray has 3660.)


WTF Says:

“The sole exception was 2010. But the Wimby Champion finished Year End #1 since Kuerten in 2001”

Andy Roddick finished #1 in 2003.


Huh Says:

will, determination and belief are the 3 greatest things. so long as muzza or anyone else for that matter have these, they’ve a chance to win in their lives. no reason to count out muzza! he’s definitely capable of winning slams, and he’ll do it only if he’s determined and willing to. its that simple!

greatest success was never easy for anyone, nor it’d be for muzza! but so long as he is there to fight for it, he’s a genuine and undeniable chance of winning slams! and this is a fact!


alison Says:

2012 is an interesting year tennis wise 3 slams 3 different winners,Novak winning the AO,Rafa winning the FO,Roger winning Wimbledon,USO will we have a new champion??? or a player thats won it before,Roger,Andy,Rafa,Nole,Delpo???hmm Jamies pyschic has been quite accurate of late.


Huh Says:

now a little bragging:

forget about the so-called big three coz 17>11+5 ;)

thus, there just one roger federer and then there’s everybody else! ;)


Sienna Says:

I just inveted a new tennis term to define a remarcable achivement. I guess.

I know he is still playing but a TMF year will be a fit acknowledgement off what Fed has achieved and what a single player is doing in a tennis year. Like Djoker last year.


Eric Says:

OH man, Lleyton Hewitt is playing the Olympics : could be interesting. (Or maybe he really just is finished now.)


Sienna Says:

Kimmi Says:
sienna – i thought TMF was only used for fed, i didn’t know you could use it to all other players who has their best years.

July 8th, 2012 at 2:53 pm

Of course if other players have a TMF year it needs to be just as succesful.

Win % >90
more then 10 atp titles
2 or more slams

I gues not many are gonna getit done.


Mark Says:

@ Eric. I think you have got Nadal’s figures wrong. I make it 2980 pts to defend.


Mark Says:

Eric. Sorry Nadal 1980 pts.


alison Says:

It was a good match,but not what i would call a classic,i wanted to see a 5 set thriller,with two players pushing each other to the very limits,like the Roger/Rafa,Roger/Roddick classics we had in 2008,2009,1st 2 sets were very competitive but the next two sets after that Andy seemed to fall apart,a bit of an anti climax IMO.


skeezer Says:

Roger Federer – Return of the King and new #1 player of the world.

Never thought I see Fed bring back the game he had in 04-07. And he didn’t, he brought back better game. Amazing stuff today with major records at stake. At 30, Fed still winning slams with Rafa/Nole in there prime.


alison Says:

BTW have to say how adorable Roger and Mirkas twin daughters are,so cute.


Eric Says:

Mark, I think it’s 2065. He should now have 8905 points (after Wimbledon), I think, of which 6840 are from the season to date (according to http://live-tennis.eu/race). Difference is 2065.

Which means Nadal could perhaps pick up a decent number of new points (if he manages to do very well at the USO again). He didn’t play the Paris Masters last year, for example.

Anyway, I don’t know where I am going with this. Rafa hasn’t usually done that fantastic in the post-Wimbledon season, so it’s not like he’s likely to gain too many points. And I’m not about to pencil him into the USO final, either. (Although I won’t be surprised if he makes it.)


skeezer Says:

I saved this pst awhile back from our holy physic,

—————-

“jamie Says:
madmax:

Federer will win plenty of mickey mouse titles but no slams in 2012.

You heard it here first.

December 31st, 2011 at 11:58 am”

——————

Now can we get rid of this BS?


alison Says:

Skeezer congrats to Roger goes without saying,you must be delighted.


Eric Says:

This is kind of a funny little story:

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/56391/nadal-in-a-deli-federer-in-an-indian-resto

I guess chicken tikka masala is what fuels that serve…


skeezer Says:

Thanks alison!

Overwhelmed at the moment. Murray will have more chances but Fed is on the clock. So happy he put more cement in is Status as GOAT.

Still reading through all the posts. …..


alison Says:

Skeezer is the oirishman gonna go out and celebrate with a pint of Guiness tonight lol,i bet you will have one hell of a hangover in the morning LMAO.


tennisfansince76 Says:

@Kimberly so true. for many players a GS final would be a dream. just making it to the final weekend is a great accomplishment when you look at it.


dc Says:

@Humble Rafa Says:

Congratulations to the Arrogant One.

At this point, I have to accept that reasonably good players, with a good draw, luck and sitting midgets along the way, will win Grand slams.
————————————————–
Tumble Rafa – why are you making comments regarding Rafas FO win here.This thread is for discussion about the Wimby final.


Ben Pronin Says:

With Federer winning, I’m relaxed enough to reflect. Federer fans are kind of like Federer in that they expect perfection from the guy. I’m sure I speak for plenty of us when I say that I wish he had never lost in a slam final and had beaten Nadal at the French and Djokovic at the US Open and on and on. However, Federer is still the most accomplished male player ever. And he’s still making these monumental achievements AFTER going through so many setbacks, so many struggles, and so many tough losses. And he’s still back where he belongs, number 1 with the Wimbledon title.

I think, in retrospect, that having these blemishes really strengthen the golden moments that much more. And it really makes Federer that much greater. (The same can definitely be said for Nadal and even Djokovic, but not to the extent of Federer).


skeezer Says:

After just watching the ceremony was absolutely gutted for Murray. Hope he uses this as a positive stepping stone towards a Slam. I also hope the crying complaint by ignorant posters now gets put out to pasture. Lendl has been great for Murrays game, hope he keeps it up. Fed just found his A game today, and would have beaten anybody today. Indoors rules! :)


skeezer Says:

@Ben

Yes ,yes, and yes.


Sienna Says:

Last year Fed was asked abouthis goals and how many slams he would want to end up with when his career is over.

20 was the answer he gave. Wow I believe when this man says that it is a goal to achioeve 20 slams. Then he will have a fair shot at it.

Wouldnt that be remarkable.


Daniel Says:

Jamie’s psych said the US Open will be Fedal and Olympics between Fed and Murray, as they had the best charts.

Remember Jamie posting that Nadal will have a similar chart to what he had when he won US Open, AO and Rg last 2 years. I will follow his psych posts, the genuine ones, and not his (anti-Fed) predicitons.


metan Says:

Congratulation to Roger and all his fans skeezer, michael, Lisa, sienna, n so onnnnnn

Roger is king of grass now


Sienna Says:

Nadal is not gonna reach US open final. That is virtualy impossible the way he is playing on the faster courts.

He has lost quite a bit of speed since his victory in NY. I dont believe he can do that again. Maybe AU Open but not in NewYork.

Btw talking about Nadal and Djoker what would they be thinking??

They must be cussing and swearing all evening thinking how the heck did this happen?
Roger Federer back to #1 in the world.


Daniel Says:

Another important detail, last year Fed was losing to much to Nadal and Djoko, I believe he ended 1-3 agaisnt each of them. I remember posting that he didn`t eed to beat them all the time, but try to make even for the year, and have one sporadic win when it matter most.

This year he is 1-1 against Nadal and avoid playing Nadal on caly, which never happen before (all seasons he lost a clay match to Nadal).
He is 1-2 agaisnt Djoko, with the most important one, the first on Grass, in Wimbledon (the match who had #1 at stakes) and, is 2-0 agaisnt Murray, being 4-3 agaisnt fellow Top #4, with victory agasint all of them.

Djokovic is 4-4 (2 over Fed, 1 over Murray and 1 over Nadal, losing 3 to Nadal and 1 to Fed)

Nadal is 4-3 (3 over Djoko, 1 over Fed, lost 1 to Djoko, 1 to Murray and 1 to Fed)

So, they are basically very balanced and that’s why the year will be so competitive for the #1 spot.


metan Says:

@ mark-, thanks for the link,
Those sweet words, can’t wait to see rafa, duhhhhh


skeezer Says:

dc

Missed ur post. That was a good one ;)


Sienna Says:

Daniel
Fed takes the momentum into the Olympics. I think he is favorite. His back gets a few weeks rest and then he can go all out with that one. After olympics he enters his strongest part of the year.


marrisv Says:

Daniel – nadal and Murray did not play this year. Nadal pulled out of the miami match


Sienna Says:

I havent seen Nirmal very much after Fed’s victory. He tried to maintain his cover on the match thread, but he just is feeling the pain of the 17 th slam to much to keep commenting.


Sienna Says:

Some people gave Fed 5% chance prior 2nd round to reach #1.

Well they would better try their luck in a casino because whow if Fed onloy had 5% chance then it certainly came out that way.

Try the roulette next time.


Brando Says:

Finally managed to get out of my slumber after the match.

FED FANS:

CONGRATULATIONS TO FED and his AWESOME FANS- skeez, madmax, daniel, gannu, huh, dave etc- ALL THE ONES WHO ALWAYS BELIEVED IN HIM WHEN THINGS LOOKED TOUGH IN THE LAST 2 YEARS- THIS IS TRULY YOUR MOMENT!

Fed deservedly won the title and the no.1- he worked so hard and suffered so much (USO SF 10′,11′) and YET still believed he could do it- TRULY DESERVING!

Also at the age of 30- shows class is permanent and form is temporary- age has GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!

I doubted he could do it, like many others, BUT im happy for him and the knowledge now that he is good enough to be at the top for a few more years in contention with the others!

the GAME DOESN’T WANT TO LOSE ITS SPECIAL PLAYERS- FED IS DEFINATELY ONE OF THEM!


Brando Says:

As for andy:

im so damn proud of him! as a brit i see him as the best contemporary athlete we have- a genuine treasure!

his loss hurt WAY MORE than when rafa lost to soda at FO- YET i was soo pleased to see that finally the public has seen his heart, his passion for the game!

this reaction by RUSSELL CROWE sums up my thoughts on andy:

“Federer, all hail, seventh Wimbledon championship. Andy Murray, you are a champion in my eyes, one day mate it will be you.” – actor Russell Crowe.

IT WILL BE!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18763753


Skorocel Says:

Well, I’ve thought that that lone loss to Soderling at FO 2010 (and the subsequent fall from the top spot in the rankings) would hurt Roger big time, but luckily it would NOT! One of the very few important records which was missing in his resume is finally home! Make that 287 weeks and counting…

On top of that, 7th Wimby crown and 17th slam win overall… Well, life is good, isn’t it? Even though (and I’m sure even the most hardcore Fed fan would concur) he had to face almost ridiculous opposition till the semis (especially compared to Murray!), there he had to make his own luck by beating the red hot favourite Djoker & in the finals one of only 2 active players who (prior to this tournament) had a winning H2H against him. Not bad for a soon to be 31-year old I’d say…

P.S. A BIG commiseration to Murray! The guy had tremendous pressure on his shoulders & it was once again too much for him to handle, but hey, tomorrow’s another day! There’s still the USO left in 2012, so may this finally be his time to shine… I certainly wouldn’t be against it!


Gordo Says:

And the lyrics to my favourite terrible song (grand Slam Man) again ring true:

“Roger Federer, you’re getting better-er
Every time I see you play
Roger Federer, that’s what I said-er-er
You’re gonna win it anyway

He’s from Switzerland, he’s a wunderkind
But don’t get in his way
You know he’s hopin’ to win the Open
He’s got the opportunity

Roger Federer, you’re a predator
He’ll attack you from the start
Roger Federer, you’re a shred-er-er
He will tear you right apart”

2 points –

1) Remember as long as Fed is #1 there is a 50/50 chance Nole and Rafa will meet each other in upcoming semi-finals, should they make it that far. That has got to help Fed’s chances at staying at the top, and

2) Will Djokovic and Nadal be winning Slam Finals when they are approaching 31 years of age?


Dave Says:

Murray did so well, hope he builds on this. He might have won the final against anyone else today. As the three-times champion Boris Becker said after the match: “There is no shame in losing to Roger Federer.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/08/wimbledon-roger-federer-andy-murray


tennisfansince76 Says:

@Ben Pronin you nailed it. last year after USO someone here on tennisx posted a link to an article in i think it was new york magazine last year at USO time made the observation that when you root for Federer you are not even really rooting for a man but rather a platonic ideal of tennis. we Federer fans do not want human fallibility. we want an inhuman perfection which Federer at his seems to attain.


tennisfansince76 Says:

“at his best”


Dave Says:

Thanks much Alison and Brando.


Dave Says:

Federer beat not just Andy Murray — but Roger also beat Ivan Lendl, who surely had been thinking of how to beat Federer for years.

The greatest Grand Master of Tennis is back! There can be no doubt now that Roger Federer is the Greatest Of All Time, having achieved — in this ‘golden era’ of young great players and high-quality players in their prime (Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Del Potro, etc) — the World No. 1 ranking, Wimbledon, World Tour Finals year-end championship, the most titles (8) and the best win-loss record (72-9) over the past 52 weeks.

– World No. 1: record 289 total weeks (guaranteed since Djokovic is not playing until the Olympics), record 237 consecutive weeks, and 5 Year-End World No. 1

– Record 17 grand slam titles from record 24 finals, record 32 semifinals and record 244 match wins. Roger is only player to win at least 54 matches at all four grand slam tournaments.

– Record (tied) 7 total Wimbledon titles from record 8 finals. Federer is the only player in the open era to win 7 total titles and at least 5 consecutive titles at the same Grand Slam championship. And he did it at Wimbledon is the most prestigious Grand Slam title, currently and across entire competitive tennis history.

– Record 6 Year-End Championships

– 75 total titles from 106 finals.

– Record 4 consecutive World Sportsman Of The Year awards.

Federer is definitely the GOATP of Grass — he is the Greatest of the ATP era on Grass: record (tied) 7 total Wimbledon titles, record (tied) 5 consecutive Wimbledon titles, record 8 Wimbledon finals, record 12 grass court titles from 15 finals, second-best Wimbledon win-loss record (66-7, 90.4%), best grass court win-loss record (112-16, 87.5%), best match winning streak on grass (65). Note: It is premature to anoint Federer the greatest of all time on grass, as Boris Becker suggests. Before the ATP era, 3 of the 4 slams were on grass so Roy Emerson and Bill Tilden won 10 slams on grass, Rod Laver won 9 slams on grass, Fred Perry won 7 slams on grass. As well, these and other pre-ATP era players probably won more than 12 total grass court titles because there were many more grass court tournaments.

British newspaper:
“so Federer proved the critics wrong once more. The Swiss has not had to endure the physical problems faced by Williams, but in the past few years he has been written off with every “failure” to win a grand slam. The feeling was that with the advancement of age he was now just a little vulnerable over five sets, that his endurance could be tested and even exploited by the younger guns.

That may well be the case but Federer showed that he is as good, in some ways even better, than he was when he was able to mop up three grand slam titles in 2004, 2006 and 2007. His forehand may not be as devastating as it was, but his serve remains criminally under-rated, his movement is still near-perfect and when he is on, he makes the game look simple, which it really isn’t.

Having equalled the record of seven Wimbledon titles held by William Renshaw and Pete Sampras, around a century apart, there is little doubt that he is the greatest player of all time… at present Federer is head and shoulders clear of the rest.

With Nadal and then Novak Djokovic last year winning three of the four grand slam titles, returning to the world No 1 spot is a phenomenal achievement. To get there he has increased his schedule, but more importantly he has performed when it matters. The No1 ranking may change a couple more times this year but Federer has now equalled Sampras’s record of 286 weeks at the top and will overtake him a week tomorrow.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2012/jul/08/roger-federer-wimbledon-andy-murray


skeezer Says:

Dave,

Chest bump, High five and BOOYAH!


skeezer Says:

Bodo and Tignor’s reaction to the Final. As expected, Tignor’s seem disinterested. I liked Bodo’s take;

From Fed;

“This year I guess I decided in the bigger matches to take it more to my opponent instead of waiting a bit more for the mistakes,” he said. “Yeah, this is I guess how you want to win Wimbledon, is by going after your shots, believing you can do it, and that’s what I was able to do today.”

Totally makes sense. So glad he is steering away from chipping a return every time…

http://blogs.tennis.com/tennisworld/2012/07/big-enough.html
http://blogs.tennis.com/racquet_reaction/2012/07/wimbledon-federer-d-murray.html


Kimberly Says:

Dave, Skeezer, Madmax, kimmi, Daniel, gannu, huh, and all hardcore fed fans congrats!

Margot, I thought Murray was great and very touching. And believe it or not felt for Judy, must have been tough to watch and she was very classy.


andrea Says:

well, congrats to both roger and andy. andy’s speech was heartbreaking, but it was nice to all that emotion. maybe the press will leave him alone after this one?

roger seemed as if he didn’t know what to feel after he won. he looked somehow befuddled.

watching some of those points, you really do have to marvel at how roger still manages to move around the court like that.

great final.


Possum Says:

To those who have longed claimed that Fed will never win another slam, will never regain #1, is past his best…how’s the egg smeared all over your face taste?


Eric Says:

nice Dave, although I’m not sure anyone underrates Fed’s serve.


steve-o Says:

Lendl cannot give Murray what he needs to beat Federer when Federer is in this kind of form. It’s not because he’s a bad coach or because he doesn’t understand tennis, or because Murray is a bad pupil or a bad player or lacks heart or will or desire, or all of the silly Monday-morning quarterbacking sort of criticism that will inevitably be directed at him.

No one can match Federer’s ability to attack with lightning speed, open the court, and finish the point, and to employ all his variety. At his best, he erases the distinction between thought and action; they become one.

He is like a painter painting a masterpiece. Each ball is perfectly placed, exactly in its one right spot and no other, in such a way that the opponent cannot possibly get to it. Against that, what can a mere tennis player, even a great one, do?

Like Muhammad Ali, Federer is the greatest, who makes a sweet science of tennis, and none can do it like him.

Just as there was only one Michelangelo, and no one could teach any of Michelangelo’s contemporaries how to paint like him.

The only way guys like Nadal and Djokovic can beat Federer is through impenetrable defense, prolonging every point and retrieving every attempt at a winner until Federer’s human brain makes a mistake.

Essentially, they force Federer to play against a brick wall, and even Federer will have a lot of trouble hitting through a brick wall. Although as we saw on Friday, sometimes he can manage that impossible task, because he is that good.


dari Says:

Roger’s movement was amazing, Andrea, especially after Major concerns with it in the third round against Malisse

Vivier really musts rubbed him right ;)

Kimberly, Dwayne wade made a sweet tweet to Andy, too, with all the heat players backing him, he’s gotta move up on your faves list, no? ;)

Btw, and I’m not meaning to call you out, but I’m left off of everyone’s ” hardcore fed fans list” on the posts here. In my circle I am considered a total fed freak!


Gordo Says:

As far as Federer staying #1 – if he matches what Djokovic does at the upcoming Olympics he will retain #1 going into the North American hardcourt season, where Djokovic has a ton to defend up until the US Open. After that it is Roger who will have to be on top of his game as he has the most points to defend until the end of the year.

But short term – on Monday here will be the rankings –

#1 Roger Federer – 11,075 points
#2 Novak Djokovic – 11,000 points
#3 Rafael Nadal – 8,905 points
#4 Andy Murray – 7,460 points

Removing their accumulated points for the next 3 tournaments they will all play in – Canada, Cincinnati and the US OPEN, this will give us a base upon which the 4 guys at the top can only add points to. It looks like this –

Federer – 10,085 points
Nadal – 7,515 points
Djokovic – 7,400 points
Murray – 5,730 points

So Fed has a shot at being # 1 through the summer, as long as he has a decent Olympics. Even without a decent Olympics he can easily regain #1 over the following 3 tournaments.


Eric Says:

Gordo, spot on. Fed might lose the top spot for a couple weeks after the Olympics but realistically should then get it back after Cincy and/or Montreal (or Toronto, wherever it is this year… I think Toronto actually). USO and WTF will, obviously, be key to how the year-end ranking plays out.


Michael Says:

My hearty congratulations to Roger for his 7th Wimbledon title and his 17th major. And him doing this at his age at this competition is just amazing and I am at loss of words to explain his feat. I am wondering what is the remarkable attribute of Roger. Is it his genius, flamboyance, elegance, flexibility or grace ? I think it is his fitness level that is the most remarkable attribute of this genius which every player should aspire for. What an amazing fitness at his age. When Murray seemed very tired at the end of the third set, Roger looked like that he was just beginning the match. Now he has achieved more with this win – the indisputable GOAT title, 7 Wimbledon equalling Sampras, World No.1, most number of weeks as World No.1. I am just spell bound by his achievements.


Michael Says:

My heartfelt sympathies to this guy named Murray. He played very well I thought especially in the first and second sets. But the genius and flashes of brilliance of Roger consumed this guy. It was nerve wrecking to see this guy cry when speaking at the Presentation ceremony. This man simply deserves a major title very soon. I hope that this loss does not demoralise him and motivate him more. He should just see at Roger and live by example. Roger had such great losses in 2010 & 2011 at the majors, but he came back and showed what he is. Murray must emulate him and I hope to see him win a major soon, probably the US Open.


Michael Says:

I thought Roger didn’t play as well in this match as he did against Novak. There were just flashes of brilliance at crucial points and that was enough for Murray. Roger is capable of playing much better.


Michael Says:

Dave – Amazing statistics of Roger. Thanks for sharing it.


Joe W Says:

Order has been restored. Serena and Roger are Wimbledon champs again in the same year. Is there two individual players who are more important to their sport right now? How commercially viable has the WTA been with Venus near the end and Serena MIA for long periods of time? Two 30 year olds getting it done.

I haven’t seen Murray play that much this year but this was by far the best tennis he has ever played in a GS final. The match was much closer than what the title of this blog suggest. A couple of points here and there and we would be discussing a 5th set, where anything goes. Bringing Lendl to the team has already begun to pay dividends. Murray is much stronger emotionally and his 2nd serve, FH, and tactics have improved significantly. That was no lip service from Roger. Andy is the real deal. He would wipe the floor with Tim Henman in his prime. Peoples of the British and Irish Isles should feel optimistic. As an American, I’d take Andy over any American junior, Pro, whatever (what a travesty). I would also rank Andy ahead of Nadal at #3 for USO. Toss up between Roger and Novak for #1.

So happy for Roger. He puts so much of himself into this sport. He earned #1 ranking by putting in the hard yards and maintaining a consistent level of play throughout the tour calendar year. Can’t wait until the Open. I hoping that one day he makes a stop in DC.

With a 3 set format on grass, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Olympic champ is someone outside of the ATP top 4. We will most likely have to read about in the USA as I bet tennis won’t get a whole lot of coverage.

Have a great week


Polo Says:

30 years old and to be able to be ranked number one in the world, tie the record for most Wimbledon wins, tie the record for most weeks at number one (which he will surely pass in another week’s time) is beyond amazing! Great, great, great. Roger just made it easier for his fans to debate for his cause as the greatest ever.


st4r5 Says:

TMF = The Most Fantastic
GOAT = God Of Awesome Tennis

Roger Federer is both TMF and GOAT hahahaha, this is to hurt Fed’s haters…


st4r5 Says:

I wonder if the name Andy is a password to activate Fed’s brain to work overdrive? It seems he can easily beat anyone named Andy.


El Flaco Says:

Watching the replay on TC and someone mentioned that Fed is 32-1 indoors since 2010. That doesn’t bode well for any of his opponents when they close the roof at Wimbledon.


the mind reels Says:

Apologies if this is repetitive of what others have already said, but Olympic tennis begin on July 28th and will finish on Sunday, August 5th. That means that, at a minimum, Federer will hold the #1 ranking until Monday, August 6th, which is 4 weeks from tomorrow, so add another 4 weeks to his total tally, bringing it to 289 non-consecutive weeks.

Monday, August 6th, begins the Rogers Cup in Toronto, where Djokovic is defending 1,000 points, and Federer is defending the 90 points from his 3rd round loss to Tsonga. Without certainly, it seems very likely that Federer will hold the #1 spot at least until Cincinnati begins on August 12th.


dc Says:

@st4r5 Says:

TMF = The Most Fantastic
GOAT = God Of Awesome Tennis

Roger Federer is both TMF and GOAT hahahaha, this is to hurt Fed’s haters…
————————————————-

this is absured – no true tennis fan or a logically thinking human being can be a Fed hater.


Eric Says:

the mind reels,
Well if Federer is still no. 1 when Toronto begins (i.e., following the Olympics, i.e., IFF he does better than Nole there) there is no mathematical way for him to lose the ranking to Nole after Toronto either, as Novak can’t gain any new points and Roger will have a lead of more than 90 points if he has any lead at all, after Olympic points.


dc Says:

What a great final. One of the rare occasions where the looser did not give an injury or illness or the “court is green” kind of excuse.


st4r5 Says:

@dc, yes agree with you, unfortunately, sometimes we come across a lot of “no true tennis fans”… Anyway, we are happy that Fed wins now, and we are also okay when he doesn’t make it, we all know what he has contributed to the tennis world.

We all cherish him while he lasts, the writing of history


Polo Says:

Roger will probably try even harder next year. I am sure he wants to be the sole record holder for Wimbledon titles. It seems to be a realistic goal.


st4r5 Says:

I hope next year when he is approahing 32, he still has a body that helps him move well… I don’t even dare to imagine TMF being killed by less skillful player just because he is no longer fit


skeezer Says:

@dc…9:48 lol yes…. over at the nadline@Rafa.TT they are still whining “blue! blue! blue! over injury! injury! injury! LMAO…..


RZ Says:

So sad for Murray but he put in a great effort and gave it his all. Much better finals performance from him than we’d seen. I agree that he’s getting closer and I really hope he wins one soon. It’d be great if he won the US Open, so that each member of the Big 4 would have one slam this year.

As for Federer, need I say more than GOAT?


Tennis Vagabond Says:

It was great to see Fed’s net game return, his stats were incredible. This had been missing all tournament, and he beat Novak by serving and playing amazing otherwise. If he can keep the net play at such a high level it will give him a much better chance against a more in-form Nole next time, or Rafa. The variety today from both players was outstanding.


Brando Says:

yes fed is probably fav going into the USO now- this should boost his confidence no end.

the others? well the lack of a roof should DEFINATELY aid them- i’m sure novak and andy will be pleased with that fact after the SF and F!

IF i were a betting man, right now i’d put money on a fed v nole final!


Possum Says:

Cracks me up reading these posts. Some of your guys take ‘tragic’ to another level. Head to heads over certain periods, points required to be defended over x period, points to be won, what player x did in June of 97, where he buys his sandwiches in NYC, what side he dresses…etc etc.

Too much free time?


Gannu Says:

brando..thanks a million for all those kind words ;-)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

The doubters have been shut down although they are probably twisting and turning their tailes on the tennis X. Right Nirmal?

Sienna, Twist and turns are part of tennis. Why are you so concerned?

Roger has again proved that he can win GS when Rafa is not around. I’m not really surprised.


Brando Says:

@Nirmal Kumar:

‘Roger has again proved that he can win GS when Rafa is not around. I’m not really surprised.’

IF you really ARE A FED FAN- then you are the weirdest one i have EVER come to know of.

I haven’t seen a SINGLE ‘whoo fed won’, ‘finally a slam’, ‘yess- im so happy’ or ‘im so glad i am going to run down the street naked- f!ck the law, fed won wimby baby!’ etc kind of post!

BUT, IF you are a fed fan- then it’s really nice to see that you recognise rafa as a tough foe of his.

this rafa fan is pleased to see that! :-)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Daniel, thanks for the point break. Looks like Roger will hold No 1 till Olympics. I don’t think Novak will add any new tournament before Olympics. If he cared that much, probably he would have played Halle or Queens before Wimbledon. But we never know what his team decides.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Brando, This is what I said immediately after Murray lost the match point.

He has done it. For me, the greatest achievement in open era tennis.

But I just can’t loose my perspective. I have greatest respect for Roger, but as a Roger fan I still want him to beat Rafa in a GS. It still hurts me that Roger has never beaten Rafa in a GS for past 5 years. We can’t give Rafa was not there excuse anymore, as he has been there in the finals many times in the last 2 years.


Brando Says:

@nirmal: COOL! I think rafa fans, in general, would LOVE to have fedal at ANY slam! Would have loved it at wimby- roof or no roof, it’s a 5 set match! Next chance is olympics- hope to have a fedal final there! Curious to see how rafa would fare against an in form fed who beat muzza and nole on grass this year!


Daniel Says:

Another trivia, since Madrid became clay, the winner of madrid, wins Wimbledon, Fed 2009, Nadal 2010, Djoko 2011 and Fed 2012. Bizarre coincidence.

Will see it next week.

Nirmal, Fed has a 80% chance I think to be #1 prior US Open, unless he doesn’t play and/or, either Nadal or Djokovic wins 2 out of 3 of Olympics, Canada and Cincy. And this means Fed may face Nadal in the semis or Nadal and Djoko will be in the same half of a Slam. But at least one thing is almost sure in the US Open, Fed won’t be in Djoko’s side after 4 straight years.

This will make US Open more interesting as well.


Daniel Says:

Is Olympics final best of 3 or best of 5? Can’t remember last time, but I think is best of 5.


Daniel Says:

Nirmal is right, the moment Nadal loses before semis in Slam, Fed confidence grow and he capitalize. Wimby 2009, AO 2010 and Wimby 2012. All Slams Nadal lost before semis, or did not play. The exception is 2011. But his odds are higher.

Hope we still have a Fedal in US Open, semis or final, we got 2 match ups on Wimbledon that never happened and 1 in RG as well, Djokal. US Open is the one missing.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Roger has again proved that he can win GS when Rafa is not around. I’m not really surprised.

Who asked Rafa to lose in the second round to a little known Rosol. When he is not fit to even beat a journeyman like Rosol, how do you expect him to come to even the quarters. This is just outrageaous and shows your animosity towards Roger.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

First you say that Roger is done up in majors. Next when he wins it, you say Rafa is not around when he well played and lost in the second round pathetically to a little known Rasol. I do not know what you have next ?????????


Michael Says:

Daniel,

I think it is best of 3 till the finals. In finals, it is five sets.


Michael Says:

Metan,

Thanks.


Brando Says:

@daniel: yes, the rafa fan in me LONGS to see a fedal at USO! Preferably in a final would be awesome! We have had a fedal final at AO, RG, WIMBY- JUST USO is missing! Would LOVE to see what rafa can do against the goat at flushing meadows! One thing would be for sure- there is no roof on hand!:-)


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Daniel, I think Olympics is best of 5 in finals.

I think more than Rafa and Roger, Murray needs to do something meaningful in Olympics, to keep his momentum. He should not fade away for some periods after this loss. I may even put him as favourite along with Roger.

Andy played the best tennis of the tournament from the 4th round. He was the better player in the first 2 sets of the final. He had the 2nd set in his racquet, till Roger found that moment of insipiration tennis. But Andy gave that moment to Roger rather than Roger taking it.


dc Says:

@Brando Says:

@Nirmal Kumar:

‘Roger has again proved that he can win GS when Rafa is not around. I’m not really surprised.’
—————————————————-
Agree with you – actually no one is really surprised that Rafa is not around. Its not red clay.


dc Says:

@Nirmal Kumar Says:
He had the 2nd set in his racquet, till Roger found that moment of insipiration tennis. But Andy gave that moment to Roger rather than Roger taking it.
————————————————-
You say Roger found the moment. If he found it, how did Andy give it to him – Are you on grass!!


Michael Says:

Daniel,

Nirmal is right, the moment Nadal loses before semis in Slam, Fed confidence grow and he capitalize. Wimby 2009, AO 2010 and Wimby 2012. All Slams Nadal lost before semis, or did not play. The exception is 2011. But his odds are higher.

This is a flippy argument. Wimbledon 2009 was the only tournament where Nadal did not play due to his knee problem. He well played both in AO 2010 and Wimbledon 2012 and lost. It is futile to imagine that a player who was not fit enough to even reach the third round in Wimbledon 2012 or the semis in 2010 would have gone on to win the tournament. Nadal was beaten convincingly in 2012 by Rosol and I would say he was lucky to extend it to five sets and may be in Australian Open 2010, he had an injury problem. But that is no excuse. As a player you are expected to be fit and perfect and that is the trademark of a Champion.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael, I’m not sure if you have seen all my posts before. I always maintained that Roger cannot get through both Novak and Rafa to win a Slam. I remember many times I have posted that Roger has a slam in him, but his path needs to be opened up a bit like Wimbledon.

He had the most ideal conditions for him He had Rafa cleared from his path. I always believed Roger can play till 33-35 years at high level, but can be beat Rafa and Novak consistently? I doubt.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

dc,

Murray gave to him because he did not break Roger when he had BP chances. I don’t think it was just one BP oppurtunities. He had many. That’s what I meant by he gave to Roger. He should have closed the set 6-4, instead he was serving to stay in the set at 5-6.

Roger knew at that point that Murray had better chance in Tie break. He played a great game. No doubt. But if you ask me the set should have not gone to 5-6, it should have been closed at 6-4 by Murray.


dc Says:

@ Nirmal Kumar
What you say is true but the other question is –
Can Nadal defeat Nole & Fed consistently?
When has Nadal defeated Nole 2 and Fed to win a GS??


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

I always maintained that Roger cannot get through both Novak and Rafa to win a Slam. I remember many times I have posted that Roger has a slam in him, but his path needs to be opened up a bit like Wimbledon.

If he can beat both Novak and Murray (a much improved player on Grass) back-to-back, why can’t he beat Nadal too who he recently destroyed at Indian Wells ????? The same logic applies to Nadal too. Can he beat Roger and Novak, back-to-back ? Has he done it in the past ???


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael,

You are right. Nadal was not there. But Roger was not there more times than Rafa for past 2 years.

But this is a time to rejoice Roger’s success. I think we should stop the argument of Roger and Rafa and just enjoy what Roger did.

I never really wanted to bring in Rafa, since this is Roger’s moment. I had to respond to a stupid poster to let know Roger still had unfinished business, but there are different moments to talk about it.

I posted that, for me, this is the greatest achievement in tennis in open era. It’s amazing what Roger has done. This is not an effort of one tournament, this is an effort for past one year. Let’s celebrate than debate on Rafa. Anyway he was no there and it’s mistake. Let’s credit Roger for what he has done, which I thought was not possible.


dc Says:

@ Nirmal Kumar
– in fact, when has Nadal defeated Nole 2 & Fed to even win a clay tournament??

Since Nole 2 arrived, Out of the trio of Fed, Nole 2 and Nadal, Fed (at 2001 WTF) and Nole at AO 12 have defeated the other two in the same tournament on their way to Victory.

Nadal is the only one who hasn’t done it and is evident in his number 3 ranking.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Roger knew at that point that Murray had better chance in Tie break. He played a great game. No doubt. But if you ask me the set should have not gone to 5-6, it should have been closed at 6-4 by Murray.

If there are ifs and bufs, Salt will taste like Sugar. You are talking about that second set 15-40 when Roger was serving at 2-all. Yes he was in a hole there. But it was not due to Murray’s winners, it was actually Roger was making UEs to land him in such a soup. I would say at love 15, Roger was unlucky when a ball which landed on the line was called out and the point replayed when Murray won it. Like these there are many hits and misses. You cannot just see one side of it. Please accept that the best player of the day won and do not give excuses for the defeat.


Brando Says:

Roger federer’s last 4 SLAM wins and rafa results in them : 1-FO 09′: SHOCK rafa 4th round loss, 2- WIMBY 09′: DID NOT PLAY due to tendinitis injury post FO loss, 3-AO 10′: RETIRED in qtrs, 4- WIMBY 12′: SHOCK RD 2 loss!


Michael Says:

It is Novak and Del Potro who have beaten both Roger and Nadal back-to-back and I have so much respect for him for their achievemen.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

dc,

My argument is not that Rafa is a better player than Roger. I have never ever said that. I always maintained that Roger is beyond these guys, no matter what their stats are at the end of their careers.

But I personally believe Roger has unfinished business of beating Nadal in a GS. It would be ultimate if he can do it at French, but I would be happy if he can do it in any slam.

For me, Roger needs to get it done.


skeezer Says:

nK,

Your posts border phsychotic,,along with your other anti fed stuff. Why does he need to beat Rafa and Nole in the same tourney? Do you know how difficult it is for Rafa and Nole to do the same? Pfffft!

Murray “gave it to him” so typical of your posts about Fed.

How about this, Fed 17 Slams and world #1…. Oh wait… Its cause Murray, Nole and Rafa or somene , something else in the air “gifted it to him”! Silly stuff…u can never just say Fed is GOAT, cause your a covert hater and are inable to admit the facts. ur colors ae easy to see?..move on….


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Roger has already beaten Nadal in two Wimbledon – 2006 and 2007. There is nothing need to be proved that he cannot beat Nadal in slams.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael,

I never said Roger was not the best player. He was the best player at the end of the match. Period.

But at the stage of 5-5 in 2nd set, Murray was better player. We never know, Roger could have turned it around in 5. I’m not discrediting Roger.

I maintained through my comments during the 3rd and 4th set, that Roger is being untouchable. I though they were the two best sets he played in any of his GS finals.

I’m not saying about Murray because Roger won. This is my comment when the score was 5-5 in the 2nd set.

“Roger needs this set. It will put huge pressure back on Andy. He can turn it around and his game may comeback once he has one set in his bag. But based on the pattern of this set, it looks like Andy has a better advantage to take this set. He is playing superb.”


Brando Says:

Roger DOES NOT NEED to beat rafa or nole to add validity to a slam win! Lmao, that’s a stupid notion! A wins a win- this is fed moment, he earnt it!


dc Says:

@Nirmal – i would like to see Nadal defeat Nole 2 and Fed in the same tournament and win it.

For me, Nadal needs to get it done.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

skeeer,

He does not need to beat both of them. I said I thought it would be impossible for him to do that. No one should take anything away from what Roger has achieved. It would be the most foolish thing to do.

But for me as Roger fan, I still want Roger to beat Rafa in a GS. He has been loosing too many of late, which I think he can turn it around, but I would like to see it soon. As simple as that.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

But at the stage of 5-5 in 2nd set, Murray was better player. We never know, Roger could have turned it around in 5. I’m not discrediting Roger.

I agree to your point there. Till then Murray was getting the better of Roger in rallies and he was the better player. But Roger just produced magical Tennis when he was up 6-5 in the second set to shock Murray and his camp. Thereafter, he could not be stopped. It was all his way and how he wanted it. Murray can do nothing about it. All said and done, Murray played one of his best matches I would say and Roger was not at his best (according to me). Still he could not beat him. It just shows how good is Roger on Grass !!!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Brando, you are right. This is Roger’s moment. Rafa has lost, as simple as that.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael, as you could see in my comment during the match, I always thought second set was key to Roger, and he would get his game back. He did.

As overall match, this may not be his best. But his last 2 sets, for me was of highest quality. But different people see the same match differently.


Michael Says:

Let us all appreciate the tremendous feat of Roger who is dominating the young guys at 31 and he is incredibly No.1 yet again. Let us not find any holes in that. It is a shame to those young guys who are being dominated by Roger that they cannot beat a 31 year old.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Yes second set was key and vital. Murray was a little bit unlucky. But that is sport. Roger was very unlucky when he lose with those match points against Novak twice at the US Open and also to Tsonga when he was two sets to love. So, he deserves that luck for sure.


Brando Says:

Look guys FORGET rafa, nole, delpo, the boogieman etc- fed won his 1st slam in OVER 2 YEARS! ENJOY IT! And nirmal IF your a fed fan, then enjoy it also and leave rafa out of it!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael,

It’s true Roger did beat Rafa many years ago. But he has taken more losses of late.

I would be really surprised if any of his fans would not like to see Roger beat Rafa in a slam or they think it is not important for Roger to do it? People may not want to shout it out, because one may fear it would put a slight negative to Roger’s legacy. But for me I don’t think like that. If Roger never beat Rafa again, I think he would be fine. No one can take his record.

I’m just confident of Roger’s legacy, I don’t fear letting know what Roger still needs to do. If anyone thinks I’m trying to bring down Roger, needs to understand that I’m a confident Roger fan.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Brando..ses my post July 9th, 2012 at 12:30 am

That’s exactly my point. This is Roger’s moment.


skeezer Says:

NK,

I thought it was impossible…..uh? You are splitting hairs again!

You don’t get it. He doesn’t need to beat your fav. Rafa (and others) need to better his stand alone records against the field of players everyone has to play. Apparently, either you don’t understand tennis or you have a personal vendetta that Feds accomplishments don’ t mean squat without beating one man. Well tell your fav he has to start winning alot more against Nole.

Fed earned the victory fair and square over a very inspirational player of Murray, plus fighting a biased great crowd and the nerves knowing #1 and adding a Slam to his all time count. Unbelievable.


skeezer Says:

Brando@12:52

Thanks Brando ok I am done and out….good night:)


Margot Says:

Congrats to Roger and thanx to all who sent commiserations and have made such nice positive comments about Andy and his struggle. I can’t imagine what it is like to suffer from yet another GS defeat and recover, but I hope he does.
But “Roger beats down Murray” surely only the most insufferable of Roger fans would write that? For two sets Andy was toe to toe with Roger, often outplaying him, and then the rains came down and the roof went up and the rest, as they say, is history.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

would be really surprised if any of his fans would not like to see Roger beat Rafa in a slam or they think it is not important for Roger to do it? People may not want to shout it out, because one may fear it would put a slight negative to Roger’s legacy. But for me I don’t think like that. If Roger never beat Rafa again, I think he would be fine. No one can take his record.

I’m just confident of Roger’s legacy, I don’t fear letting know what Roger still needs to do. If anyone thinks I’m trying to bring down Roger, needs to understand that I’m a confident

There is no point in hanging on to the Roger Vs Nadal rivalry. Roger is already 31 years old and he is not at his best. But it is incredible that he is still being able to dominate the tour. Just look at the overall record of him during this year. He has already won a big major, two Masters and two 500 ATP tournaments. That is a tremendous feat for any player and more so for a veteran. I know that he may not be as consistent as he was when he was in his hey day. Therefore, it would be pointless to expect a match between Roger Vs Nadal in a major as nothing is going to be proved. Even if Nadal beats Roger, it would be that he beat a veteran when he was in his prime. So, it is better to get out of that argument as Roger’s best years have passed and he is now in the twilight of his career. Just enjoy the moments and magic he produces at his age and his domination of the young guys in such a physical sport. Just appreciate his fitness levels which is a matter of jealousy to the young lot.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

skeeer, I find your last comment to be more emotional than right.
How can any poster in this forum take away Roger’s record or credit. It’s already done. Let’s not bother about it

I mentioned very clearly that what Roger did is the greatest achievement in open era tennis. What more credit can be given to Roger’s success.


Michael Says:

Margot,

Roger beat Andy in the second set when the roof was open. The roof was closed at 1-2 in the third set.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael,

This is what I posted to you before. Not sure if you saw it.

“I posted that, for me, this is the greatest achievement in tennis in open era. It’s amazing what Roger has done. This is not an effort of one tournament, this is an effort for past one year. Let’s celebrate than debate on Rafa. Anyway he was no there and it’s mistake. Let’s credit Roger for what he has done, which I thought was not possible.”


Margot Says:

And? One set all.Who knows?


Michael Says:

Margot,

Yes. Anything would have happened and that is Tennis. Murray was a little bit unlucky. But in the end what counts is victory. All these ifs and bufs will not carry any meaning. But it is good to be discussed.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

I posted that, for me, this is the greatest achievement in tennis in open era. It’s amazing what Roger has done. This is not an effort of one tournament, this is an effort for past one year. Let’s celebrate than debate on Rafa. Anyway he was no there and it’s mistake. Let’s credit Roger for what he has done, which I thought was not possible.”

Thanks !!!!!


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael,

Whatever you may say that Roger is old or veteran, he has shown that he can play his best tennis against Novak and Murray. So the old argument may not hold much.

Roger may not be his best on all the matches, but still he can get to play his best when required. He can show it against Rafa too, if he can shot it against Novak or Murray.

This is Roger’s moment. Let’s debate about Rafa during USO.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Margot,

You can be a proud Murray fan. He played the best tennis coming into the Finals. He was better player in the 1st 2 sets. Roger played clutch in the 2nd set not great. That’s the benefit of being a GS champion. He showed us there, right in the 2nd set. I don’t think anyone else would have taken that 2nd set from Murray.

No matter the result, Murray has shown that he is a true GS contender now than before.

My only wish is that he should take it forward at Olympics. He cannot lose the momentum. He needs to show he has the mental strength to come back from this loss. I think Olympics may say more about Murray than Wimbledon.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Well if Nadal can be beaten by a little known Rosol, why not Roger, the GREATEST ????


st4r5 Says:

These conversations are useless… Fed is GOAT (full stop). It will be like that until someone comes in the future and has what he has, beauty, genius, humility, honesty, elegance, record number of slams, record number of matches won, record number of finals and semifinals, the list goes on and on and on…..

Rafael Nadal? He will be known for his mighty and undying effort to chase after Fed, but he is never in the same league with TMF, Fed is clearly of a different cut, very special one, made by the Gods as a gift to the mortals in these times of great economic crisis so that for a while we can forget what is happening in the world.


st4r5 Says:

by the way, it takes Nadal of 5 years younger to trouble Fed, I believe if they were of the same age, Nadal would probably be reduced to mediocre perfomance compared with him.


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Well if Nadal can be beaten by a little known Rosol, why not Roger, the GREATEST ????

Exactly Michael, but why not Roger show us. That’s what I’m looking forward to.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

He has already shown that before in majors :-

2006 and 2007 – At the Premier event.

One in four with a bagle in the first set and the next in five sets with a 6-2 victory in the fifth.

Has he got anything left to prove ???


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

Well if Nadal can be beaten seven times consecutively by Novak and that too three times in majors, what is special in him that he should be beaten in order for Roger to prove his greatness ????


Rahul Says:

@Nirmal

I dont understand the point of your post at all. As a Federer fan I can understand how badly we want Roger to beat Rafa atleast once at Roland Garros. But at Wimbledon? He’s already done it twice inspite of Nadal being a really bad match up. Now you say its not satisfying enough because he should do it against Rafa who got upset in the 2nd rd?

Never mind the fact that Roger beat Nole (you didnt give him a chance here as well so you should know better than most what an accomplishment that was); and then followed it up with another win against another member of the “top 4”. Never mind that he did it at a point his game is at its decline and the others are in the prime stages of their careers. Never mind that this win gives him a better year than his two biggest rivals.


Nims Says:

Michael, It don’t think Roger’s greatness is in line if he does not beat Nadal. I don’t think so. I’m not sure if you have read my post before. No one can take Roger’s greatness away.

But look, Roger has not beaten Nadal in a surface outside grass in majors. He has done it twice at Wimbledon. But at HC where he is supposed to be a better player, he lost to him twice. In clay, we know he lost many many times.

Rafa has beaten Roger on all surfaces, not just on clay. Roger needs to do it atleast on 2 surfaces.

With Novak, yeah Novak did beat him. But Nadal has beaten him everywhere, grass, clay and hc. It’s neutral. I’m not sure same can be said of Roger against Nadal.

Has he got anything left to prove ???

No, Roger does not have anything to prove anymore. But that does not mean he has unfinished business of beating Nadal, maybe one more time on grass or hc. If he does not do it, nothing is going to be changed. Roger is definitely a better player.


Dave Says:

Thanks skeezer, kimberly, michael, eric. And skeeze: Chest bump, High five and BOOYAH back at you! Ouch, dizzy now :)

Coach Nick Bollettieri: Now you can see why Roger is my all-time No 1. Yesterday afternoon on Centre Court, Roger Federer showed why he is the greatest player in the history of the game.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/nick-bollettieri-now-you-can-see-why-roger-is-my-alltime-no1-7923508.html


Nims Says:

Rahul,

I just posted my points above to Michael’s response. Roger did beat Nadal on grass. But what about HC. He lost twice. He lost to Nadal many times in clay at FO. So the losses are much much more than the wins. Is it 7-2 or something, i’m not maintaining the stats. It does not look good to me.

I remember Roger say in one of his interviews after he beat Pete’s record, that H2H is one of the records he would like to correct going forward.

It would make the game more exciting, if Roger can challenge Nadal and beat him when they meet. I thought in AO, it was some of the best tennis Roger played, but still ended up in the losing end. It’s not a old Roger being beaten by young Nadal. Infact Nadal was already demoralised by no wins outside Clay and Roger was coming back from one of his best indoor seasons.

Never mind the fact that Roger beat Nole (you didnt give him a chance here as well so you should know better than most what an accomplishment that was); and then followed it up with another win against another member of the “top 4″.

Right, I posted immediately after the match that this is the greatest achievement in open era IMO. Why do you think I’m not accepting Roger’s success. It’s unbelievable and something I never thought he could achieve.

Never mind that this win gives him a better year than his two biggest rivals.

Yes, that’s why he is No 1. He has the most titles. And looking from the start of the year, he is even with NAdal and Novak in the slams. All have 1 each.


Dave Says:

Chief Sports Writer, London Telegraph: Only one winner when talent confronts genius. This wasn’t another gallant British failure but an explainable defeat to the greatest of all champions. Roger Federer’s genius trumps Andy Murray’s talent on day British tennis regained its pride. Talent does what it can. Genius does what it must. But the collision between the two can still grip you by the heart when good ends up weeping and great returns to the top of the sporting world.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/9385587/Wimbledon-2012-Roger-Federers-genius-trumps-Andy-Murrays-talent-on-day-British-tennis-regained-its-pride.html


Nims Says:

I think so far, the majors have been won by the surface specialist. Novak won AO, which he has been better from 2008, FO won by Rafa and Wimbledon by Roger. Will think trend continue for USO. If yes, they who is the better player on USO now.. is it Novak or Roger or Rafa. Pretty confusing, since based on total titles on USO, Roger beats hand down. But last 2 years Rafa has been very successful so it Novak or Murray?

I think this USO would be the most open . And if Roger stays healthy though US HC season, maybe he has an slight edge.


victor Says:

fed has nothing to prove now
he outplayed the best player in today’s era (novak djokovic) ,outplayed andy murray (who was clearly in his best form) ,what more he has to prove now
don’t put nadal into that picture ,that poor fella can’t even beat rosol .
roger is a true GOAT and he has proved it again

he is a living legend
hail the king


Dave Says:

Chief Sports Writer for The Independent and British Sports Journalist of the Year 2011: History wasn’t against him. Unfortunately, Federer was… Murray did perform with much competitive honour and more than passing brilliance against Roger Federer – by common consent, the greatest player in the history of tennis.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/james-lawton-history-wasnt-against-him-unfortunately-federer-was-7923530.html

——

How the stars saw Murray-Federer unfold:

Tiger Woods: “Hats off to Murray for a great fight. But we saw why Fed is the #GOAT.”

Lee Westwood: “Well played andy but roger federer! Wow that was some tennis!”

Rio Ferdinand: “Well done @andy_murray no disgrace losing to the best that ever played tennis…”

Michael Owen: “Great final. Murray can hold his head high. Beaten by a legend.”

Boris Becker: “[Andy Murray] lost to a better player today. Most successful tennis player of all time and there’s no shame in losing to Roger Federer.”

Tim Henman: “Federer’s ball striking and timing was immaculate. I don’t think Federer plays as consistently as he did a couple of years ago, but when he plays his best tennis he is the best.”

Sepp Blatter: “Congratulations to Roger Federer. A record-equalling seventh #Wimbledon victory. Pushed all the way by Murray.”

Russell Crowe: “Federer, all hail, 7th Wimbledon championship. Andy Murray, you are a champion in my eyes, one day mate it will be you.”

Richard Krajicek: “Murray brought his A game but it wasn’t enough. He had chances but the momentum of the match changed.”

Pat Cash: “I don’t think anyone can be called the greatest of all time but it is amazing that Federer is back at No 1. He has gone back to the drawing board. It is starting to click now and he is more aggressive. As long as he stays fit he is almost unstoppable.”

Sir Chris Hoy: “Hard luck to Andy Murray. He’ll get there eventually and it’ll be all the sweeter when he does.”

Sachin Tendulkar: “With all the pressure and expectations Andy did a fabulous job. Well done Andy!!”

Rory McIlroy: “@andy_murray did himself, his family and his nation proud today. Played like a champ. His time will come for sure!”


Lisa Says:

Honestly….I think Federer is GOAT….

But can he be better then GOAT??

There is one scenerio to achieve that….but very unlikely for Federer to achieve….

That is;

Not only must he win French Open….he must beat Nadal in FO Final….period….


Sienna Says:

Nirmal Kumar Says:
The doubters have been shut down although they are probably twisting and turning their tailes on the tennis X. Right Nirmal?

Sienna, Twist and turns are part of tennis. Why are you so concerned?

Roger has again proved that he can win GS when Rafa is not around. I’m not really surprised.

July 8th, 2012 at 11:23 pm

You really are something.
You must be the biggest Rafatard in all the world. Unbelievable the way you glide through these threads and try to dminish even now the greatness of Roger.

Nadal only was able to beat Roger in the slams because Roger was able to reachthe finals against Rafa when he was in final. WHen Roger is on his A game and gets a shot against Rafa he will take it withthes %.

US Open >80%
Wimbledon >65%
AU Open >50%
Garros >20%


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

But look, Roger has not beaten Nadal in a surface outside grass in majors. He has done it twice at Wimbledon. But at HC where he is supposed to be a better player, he lost to him twice. In clay, we know he lost many many times.

Rafa has beaten Roger on all surfaces, not just on clay. Roger needs to do it atleast on 2 surfaces.

We know the valour of Rafa on Clay. He has been beaten by nobody since he came to the circuit except for Soderling. Roger did try his best at Rolland Garros and he came short against Nadal (four at the finals and one semi final). It is okay. He was beaten by the GREATEST on clay. But atleast appreciate that an aggressive player was able to reach finals consecutively at Rolland Garros which is no mean feat. As regards the two Australian Open where he was beaten. Yes, in 2009, I would say he was extremely unlucky to lose against Nadal despite being the better player throughout except for the fifth set and in 2011 too although a four setter it was a very close match too close to call. But Roger was already aged then. The problem why Roger has not able to beat consistently on other surfaces in slams is that Nadal was inconsistent in other slams except the French when Roger was in his prime. He rarely came to the finals or even semis of other majors between 2004-2007 which were peak Federer years may be except for Wimbledon and we know in Wimbledon what happened in those peak years. It was not Roger’s fault that Nadal was inconsistent. On the other hand, Roger was consistent enough to reach the Rolland Garros finals year after year. This is the prime reason for the lop sided record which happened due to the inconsistency of Nadal and ironically the consistency of Roger.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

With Novak, yeah Novak did beat him. But Nadal has beaten him everywhere, grass, clay and hc. It’s neutral. I’m not sure same can be said of Roger against Nadal

What is Nadal’s record against Novak in Hard courts the most played in Tennis circuit ? It is 5-11. That says it all as to who is a better player.


Nims Says:

But Roger was already aged then.

That’s the most lame excuse. How can a aged Roger after 6 months beat 2 of the Top 4 players and win Wimbledon. SMH.

How can we say Roger was a better player in 2009 AO. You just told there are no iffs and buts when I said Murray had second set in his racquet. But this statement contrasts your own statement. Let’s not use different standards when it comes to Roger. Let’s be fair and access.

In 2009, Nadal was coming off a gruelling 5 hr match. At 2009, there is no argument of Roger being aged. What stopped him from winning against a first time finalist at AO 09.

Let’s not give excuses. Let’s accept the fact. When it comes to Roger’s success, we don’t want to give any excuses to his opponent, we always want to agree the better player won the match, but for Roger’s failure, we have multiple excuses which are lame and invalid.


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

No, Roger does not have anything to prove anymore. But that does not mean he has unfinished business of beating Nadal, maybe one more time on grass or hc. If he does not do it, nothing is going to be changed. Roger is definitely a better player.

Yes, Roger can quit Tennis this moment holding his head high. He has been the successful male player in the history of the sport. If he has unfinished business, it is not beating Nadal, but to win the Olympics Gold and leading his country to victory in the Davis Cup. These are the two achievements that are eluding him so far.


Nims Says:

Michael, let’s stick to GS. That’s what we are talking about, the bigger stages. I believe Rafa is 1-1 against Novak.

It’s not a matter of H2H. Roger need not have better H2H against Nadal. But in his resume, he should have atleast beaten his most important Rival in 2 surfaces ie which are his best surfaces. We all claim Rafa as a clay specialist, so why can’t beat him in HC.

Talking of consistency, Rafa has been pretty consistent for past 2 years. I think the guy has reached around 8 GS finals for past 3 years. So it’s a lame excuse that Rafa was not there. He was there, just that Roger was not there. Take Rafa’s records from 2010, 2011 and 2012. Except Wimbledon, he was huge in most of the places. If you think there was no tennis played in past 3 years, it’s a pity.


Nims Says:

Olympics Gold and leading his country to victory in the Davis Cup

For me Olympics is not that great for tennis players. It happens once in 4 years and there is no consistency on surface. You need to squeeze in between tournaments. I’m not sure how much energy would be left for Roger to and play well again. For me, it’s even lesser than masters. It’s what 750 pts tournament, points don’t lie. I agree they talk about it huge, because they represent their nation. But in tennis accomplishment, I don’t think it matters much. These guys care about GS and WTF. If he wins, its OK. But not something to worry about.

Davis cup is not in Roger’s hands. Even if he gets it, it’s not his accomplishment alone.

It’s Ok to take these two, but they hardly matter. Infact I would like Roger to skip all his Davis cup ties going forward and concentrate on his game for next 2-3 years. It’s an absolute waste of his time with the kind of team he has.


Dave Says:

Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated: Roger Federer goes deeper into the GOAT stable, winning his seventh Wimbledon, his first major in more than two years, his 17th career major. He takes over the number one ranking and basically holds every Open Era record short of stolen bases, power play goals, and touchdown receptions. Two points stick out: 1) Age has done nothing to blunt his variety. If anything, it’s enabled (forced?) him to go deeper in the bag of tricks. His defeat of Andy Murray in the final doubled as a Greatest Hits album, filled with flicks and angles, drop shots and terrific pick-ups. For the last few rounds, he was as dominant as he’s ever been at Wimbledon. 2) For all the talk of Federer’s gifts and feel and general virtuosity, he showed great mental strength this event. He knows there are finite opportunities left. And, not unlike the ladies champ, used it as motivation, not a source of pressure.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120708/wimbledon-2012-wrapup/


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

That’s the most lame excuse. How can a aged Roger after 6 months beat 2 of the Top 4 players and win Wimbledon. SMH.

Yes that is phenomenal and speaks about the greatness of Roger. He can do it occasionally and not often as he is human. But in sport, especially Tennis, aging deprives you out of the consistency zone.

How can we say Roger was a better player in 2009 AO. You just told there are no iffs and buts when I said Murray had second set in his racquet. But this statement contrasts your own statement. Let’s not use different standards when it comes to Roger. Let’s be fair and access

In the same way as you said Murray was the better player in the 1st and second set yesterday, which I too agreed. Likewise, I say that Roger was the better in all the four sets at the Australian Open. Remember Roger won the two sets with a score of 6-3 and 3 whereas Nadal won through tie breaks both the sets and we know breakers are lottery which is decided by single point.


Michael Says:

In 2009, Nadal was coming off a gruelling 5 hr match. At 2009, there is no argument of Roger being aged. What stopped him from winning against a first time finalist at AO 09

Why did Roger cry at the presentation ceremony. A match he should have won, he lost despite being the better player for most part of the match and that too not serving well as he is used to.


Michael Says:

Let’s not give excuses. Let’s accept the fact. When it comes to Roger’s success, we don’t want to give any excuses to his opponent, we always want to agree the better player won the match, but for Roger’s failure, we have multiple excuses which are lame and invalid

I just told the facts. See just for example if you take 1981, Borg was the better player against Mcenroe at Wimbledon watching that match. But he lost in four sets and all were tie breakers. It is not always better players win the match. Sometimes it happens that even the undeserved can win a match in Tennis. It has happened so many times before.


contemperory Says:

Nirmal,

If this was the greatest achievement of the open era, how come you don’t rate Rafa’s 7 FO titles at par with it?


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

let’s stick to GS. That’s what we are talking about, the bigger stages. I believe Rafa is 1-1 against Novak.

Ofcourse Grand slams are important. But Tennis is not all about Grand slams alone. If that is the case, then there is no need to play other tournaments and no points need be awarded other than slams. You know Connors. He is considered as one of the Greats. Why ? Because of his 109 titles.


st4r5 Says:

No matter what people want to say Rafa this, Rafa that, the fact is, he is a lesser player than Fed. It is almost shameful even for Rafa to equal himself with Fed at this moment. Like he says many times, only people who don’t understand tennis will say that he is on par with Fed, all that he can do is to chase after Fed.

Even if Rafa could exchange what he achieved with what Fed did, I bet, he would do it without any second thought.


Michael Says:

It’s not a matter of H2H. Roger need not have better H2H against Nadal. But in his resume, he should have atleast beaten his most important Rival in 2 surfaces ie which are his best surfaces. We all claim Rafa as a clay specialist, so why can’t beat him in HC

For this I have already responded in my earlier post. And to add, Nadal reached his first final at the US Open only in 2010. Till then, he could not make it even one final there. That will tell you something.


st4r5 Says:

Fed doesn’t need to beat Rafa to prove himself as GOAT, but Rafa needs to keep on winning more slams to even be in the same conversation with HIM.


Michael Says:

Talking of consistency, Rafa has been pretty consistent for past 2 years. I think the guy has reached around 8 GS finals for past 3 years. So it’s a lame excuse that Rafa was not there. He was there, just that Roger was not there. Take Rafa’s records from 2010, 2011 and 2012. Except Wimbledon, he was huge in most of the places. If you think there was no tennis played in past 3 years, it’s a pit

Where was Rafa in the US Open finals till 2010 ??? He couldn’t manage even one final. Why ??? What is Rafa’s Australian Open record ? Just two finals. Where was he before right from 2005-2008 ??? Why couldn’t he manage to reach even one final ??

Yes Roger became inconsistent since 2010 when the age factor took its toll and moreover he had a big stumbling block in the name of Novak on his side always.


Michael Says:

Nims,

For me Olympics is not that great for tennis players. It happens once in 4 years and there is no consistency on surface…………….

It has low points, but it has pride. Nadal has won that before and it is a creditable achievement.

Davis cup is not in Roger’s hands. Even if he gets it, it’s not his accomplishment alone.

Yes.


Michael Says:

If this was the greatest achievement of the open era, how come you don’t rate Rafa’s 7 FO titles at par with it?

Only that Wimbledon has more history, prestige and pride amongst the majors although equal in points. Winning Wimbledon is every Tennis player’s dream come true.


Nims Says:

Michael, we did agree Murray was good for 2 sets, but Roger was the better player. Ulltimately the better player wins the matches. So, no excuses for Roger in 2009, whether how he lost the 5th set should not matter, neither his tears. Just because Roger cried does not justify he is a better player.

Also how can you see, just because someone lost in tiebreakers were not better player to win. Even Roger beat Novak in two tiebreakers at FO 11. Was it a lottery for 2 sets.

Roger beat Rafa in 2007 by winning 2 tie breakers. I’m not sure if Roger had broken Rafa going into the 5th set. So was Rafa the better player? Rafa had Roger 4 and 2 in two sets. Infact Rafa had BP opportunities in 5th set, before Roger had. Can we pity Rafa and say the better player lost?

Tie breakers are not just lottery. Mostly better players in the set win the tie breaker. I don’t think anyone has won more sets in Tie breakers than Roger. Should we call most of the sets Roger won as lottery?

I don’t understand what’s the point you are making about 81 match. What it has to do with Roger and Rafa.


Michael Says:

Dave, Thanks for all your references. It is just great!!!


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

We did agree Murray was good for 2 sets, but Roger was the better player. Ultimately the better player wins the matches. So, no excuses for Roger in 2009, whether how he lost the 5th set should not matter, neither his tears. Just because Roger cried does not justify he is a better player.

In the former case, Roger was the better player in all the four sets except for the fifth whereas in this case Murray was the better player in the first two and Roger the next two.


Michael Says:

Also how can you see, just because someone lost in tiebreakers were not better player to win. Even Roger beat Novak in two tiebreakers at FO 11. Was it a lottery for 2 sets

I would say any day Tie breakers are a big lottery. And that applies even if Roger or any player wins.


Nims Says:

If this was the greatest achievement of the open era, how come you don’t rate Rafa’s 7 FO titles at par with it?

contemporary,

I did not say winning Wimbledon 7th time is the greatest accomplishment. But to get back to No 1 and have 17 slams, to beat the record for most number of weeks and to do all this when everyone currently seems to agree this is the most competitive era is the greatest achievement.

There have been many stupid argument about Roger’s success on weak era. It never was. He just killed people. It was a pity.

But to comeback and do it at 31 years(few more days maybe) and get back No 1 is what makes it a bigger accomplishment. This is not achieved over a 2 week period by just winning a slam. It happened over a year, where proved now by numbers that he was the best player in the golden period of tennis as proclaimed by experts.


Mark Says:

http://ndtv.in/CricketApp st4r5. This is for you. “but Rafa needs to keep on winni g more slams to be in the same conversation with HIM”. Really?


Nims Says:

Michael, how was Roger better player when he was training 2-1 in sets? I don’t understand. Infact who wins the final set is what matters at the end. Better players win the match. That’s how it is.


Michael Says:

Roger beat Rafa in 2007 by winning 2 tie breakers. I’m not sure if Roger had broken Rafa going into the 5th set. So was Rafa the better player? Rafa had Roger 4 and 2 in two sets. Infact Rafa had BP opportunities in 5th set, before Roger had. Can we pity Rafa and say the better player lost?

If you accept that Roger was the better player at the Australian Open 2009 who still lost then I will accept this.


Nims Says:

It has low points, but it has pride. Nadal has won that before and it is a creditable achievement.

Yeah, I know Agassi did it and who else? I’m not discrediting Olympics, but it can’t even be compared to Masters. IMO.


Mark Says:

st4r5. Sorry wrong link


Nims Says:

Michael, at the end of the match, better player wins. We can analyze the matches, true and see who did what and better. But one thing is for sure, the better player wins the tennis match.


Michael Says:

Tie breakers are not just lottery. Mostly better players in the set win the tie breaker. I don’t think anyone has won more sets in Tie breakers than Roger. Should we call most of the sets Roger won as lottery?

I am not sure whether Roger has won most by tie breakers. I have to verify that claim before commenting on it. But it is usually better servers who win the tie breakers than better players.


Dave Says:

Martin Samuel, Daily Mail: “Murray lost to a master of the universe, the tennis equivalent of Pele or Ali… ‘We’re talking about one of the greatest athletes of all time here,’ said Murray. ‘We’ve got to put it in context. If that’s my best chance, well…’… Murray could not live with him, as Djokovic couldn’t in the semi-final. As an athlete he deserves comparison with the masters of the universe: Muhammad Ali or Pele. We will tell our grandchildren that we saw him; maybe Murray will, too…. To suggest that Murray has lost four Grand Slam finals because he chokes is almost beyond idiocy. He did not choke against Federer: he lost to one of sport’s few living legends.”
http://tinyurl.com/cbr2hza


Michael Says:

Nims,

I don’t understand what’s the point you are making about 81 match. What it has to do with Roger and Rafa.

Why I brought that here is because it is a most identical match similar to 2009 Australian Open where the better player lost.


Dave Says:

Simon Barnes, Chief Sports Writer The Times of London: “There was a long, lovely moment when it even seemed possible — but then the tears fell like rain and the rain fell like tears, and on the opposite side of the net there was a man playing tennis much in the way that God does when He brings His A-game.”
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/tennis/article3469520.ece


Michael Says:

Nirmal,

How was Roger better player when he was training 2-1 in sets? I don’t understand. Infact who wins the final set is what matters at the end. Better players win the match. That’s how it is.

Better players not always wins the match. There are umpteen matches I can point out where the better player lost. See Tennis is basically a sport which is decided by just one or two points here and there.


Nims Says:

Michael, we know tennis is more than GS. But the entire conversation we are having is about Roger not able to beat Nadal in a GS. I’m not saying other tournaments are not important. They are.


Sienna Says:

Again we were allowed to witness a glimpse of the soul of roger.
Down a set and under pressure losing another he digged so deep into his arsenal. At that time he gave it his all and more. That period he played from the gut. When he finally won the second set, the BBC commentator said it is like the last breath was blown out of everyone including Murray.
The match was turned right then and there.
His play in the third set at 2-3 was the 20 so minute game. Well Roger played flawess brilliant tennis. I havent seen it again but he was relentless to breack Murray who really lost the match for the second time in that game.


Nims Says:

But it is usually better servers who win the tie breakers than better players.

You will be surprised. Karlovic has a poor record in tie breakers. I saw they put in the stats for Isner too. So it always does not go that way.


Michael Says:

Nims,

We know tennis is more than GS. But the entire conversation we are having is about Roger not able to beat Nadal in a GS. I’m not saying other tournaments are not important. They are.

I have clearly given the reason for that to which you did not respond which I reproduce here :

Where was Rafa in the US Open finals till 2010 ??? He couldn’t manage even one final. Why ??? What is Rafa’s Australian Open record ? Just two finals. Where was he before right from 2005-2008 ??? Why couldn’t he manage to reach even one final ??

If Rafa had been pretty consistent in hard court slam finals from 2005-2007 when Roger was in his prime, the H2H would have been totally different than what it is today.


Nims Says:

There are umpteen matches I can point out where the better player lost.

Michael, it’s only an opinion right? Stats what defines the match and the winner is chosen based on the stats. They don’t lie.

So you mean to say all the matches Rafa won against Roger, Roger was a better player. For me it’s an excuse.


Nims Says:

What was Rafa’s age during 2005-07. What did Roger did during same Rafa age?


Michael Says:

You will be surprised. Karlovic has a poor record in tie breakers. I saw they put in the stats for Isner too. So it always does not go that way.

I am not sure about this. I need to check this one. Can anyone provide the facts as to what is their record, both Isner and Karlovic in tie breakers ? May be Dave can help in this ?? But I am pretty sure that the above two have won most of the matches through tie breakers.


Nims Says:

People keep asking the same question where was Rafa in those finals. But when Rafa was in the finals, Roger kept losing to him. You can’t expect both of them to play every finals. No point in asking the times when Rafa was not there. Over a career it evens out. In his early dominance Rafa was not in much of the finals, so is Roger when Rafa is dominating.

But then period when they were even and met in the finals, Rafa was more successful than Roger.


Nims Says:

I am not sure about this. I need to check this one.

Yeah, they had this stat during Murray’s match. Murray had a better tie breaker record than Karlovic. I think it was for the year.


Michael Says:

Nims,

What was Rafa’s age during 2005-07. What did Roger did during same Rafa age?

Rafa started very young whereas Roger started late. That is a fact. The important thing is that in the hard court slams which you are always moaning on Rafa’s record is not that good right from his entry in 2004-2012 – just 2 and 2 finals both at the Australian Open and US Open. So he is not a regular in hard court slam finals and did not have more opportunities to meet Roger when he failed to reach the finals regularly which shows his weakness in those surfaces. On the other hand, what is Roger’s record at Rolland Garros ? He made five finals and two semis.


Nims Says:

No matter what people want to say Rafa this, Rafa that, the fact is, he is a lesser player than Fed. It is almost shameful even for Rafa to equal himself with Fed at this moment.

st4r5 ,

Just few days back, Laver said Rafa is equal to Roger. Y’day in post match interview, Murray said Rafa is up there with Roger as greatest players. He called in Rafa’s name when the question was about Roger. Not sure if you call them knowledgeable on tennis. For me they are.


Nims Says:

So he is not a regular in hard court slam finals and did not have more opportunities to meet Roger when he failed to reach the finals regularly which shows his weakness in those surfaces

Michael, I always felt Roger is bit lucky that Rafa did not reach those finals. Because when they met, Rafa showed he is better in their matchups. I would not be surprised if he had beaten Roger more times if they had bet before.

But tennis is a matchup sport. I never doubt that Roger is a better tennis player than Nadal though. But in their match ups, he does come up short.


Michael Says:

Nims,

People keep asking the same question where was Rafa in those finals. But when Rafa was in the finals, Roger kept losing to him. You can’t expect both of them to play every finals. No point in asking the times when Rafa was not there. Over a career it evens out. In his early dominance Rafa was not in much of the finals, so is Roger when Rafa is dominating

Stats do not lie just as said by you.

Rafa at the US Open – just two finals
Rafa at the Australian Open – just two finals

He started his career in 2004 and till 2012 he could make only two finals at the two premier hard court surfaces which shows his inconsistency to the core.


Michael Says:

I always felt Roger is bit lucky that Rafa did not reach those finals. Because when they met, Rafa showed he is better in their matchups. I would not be surprised if he had beaten Roger more times if they had bet before

That is prejudiced opinion of the highest order. If you imagine a man who was not good enough to even reache the finals and reduced to ashes in the second round, fourth round or even the quarters will be beating the Champion if he had made it. It is quite comical when you say that.


Nims Says:

Michael,

It’s obvious Rafa is not a great player on HC. That’s why I said, why can’t Roger beat him there? That’s the premise of my entire argument.

I think in AO, he reached two finals and beat Roger once in the finals and once in semis. Why? It should have been the other way right?


Nims Says:

That is prejudiced opinion of the highest order. If you imagine a man who was not good enough to even reache the finals and reduced to ashes in the second round, fourth round or even the quarters will be beating the Champion if he had made it. It is quite comical when you say that.

Michael, I just posted above. Whenever they met, Roger came up short. So if Rafa and Roger had met, stats tells me Rafa would have won. But I agree, it’s ridiculous if the guy cannot make it. No point in giving someone credit for not being there.


st4r5 Says:

@Mark, yes Rafa needs to win more slams, I just took it from Rafa’s own words.

@Nims,
Just few days back, Laver said Rafa is equal to Roger. Y’day in post match interview, Murray said Rafa is up there with Roger as greatest players. He called in Rafa’s name when the question was about Roger. Not sure if you call them knowledgeable on tennis. For me they are.

Rod Laver did say on different occasions that Roger Federer is the greatest of all time. He did say Rafa’s name on that particular interview but as one of the greats.

Rod Laver will contradict himself if he says both Roger as the greatest (as can only be one greatest, not greatests) and Nadal as also greatest. I heard him speak many times about Roger and Rafa, he always refers Roger as the greatest and Rafa as one of great players.


st4r5 Says:

In addition, Pete Sampras also mentions many times that Roger Federer is the greatest of all time


st4r5 Says:

Another one is Andre Agassi, he mentions Roger Federer as arguably the greatest player of all time


Michael Says:

I just posted above. Whenever they met, Roger came up short. So if Rafa and Roger had met, stats tells me Rafa would have won. But I agree, it’s ridiculous if the guy cannot make it. No
point in giving someone credit for not being there

They met just twice in hard court slams. One in 2009 and the other in 2012 when Roger was past his best. Is that enough ??????? Why can’t I call that one win of Rafa as a freak ??????


st4r5 Says:

A lot of other tennis player who are still currently playing (not retired) associate Roger Federer as the greatest of all time


Michael Says:

Nims,

It’s obvious Rafa is not a great player on HC. That’s why I said, why can’t Roger beat him there? That’s the premise of my entire argument.

I have already replied to this. That one win of Rafa in 2009 Australian Open hard courts was a freak one.


Michael Says:

st4r5,

The records speak for themselves that Roger is the indisputable GOAT. You need have no doubts over that status.


st4r5 Says:

@Michael, take it easy my friend, many will try to devalue Roger Federer’s status, but the fact is and history will remember him as, the Greatest Of All Time. Of course until Rafa or Djokovic or someone else topple his slams’ record.


Addicted Says:

“It’s obvious Rafa is not a great player on HC. That’s why I said, why can’t Roger beat him there? That’s the premise of my entire argument.”

The explanation is simple (and Michael has provided it to you). Rafa ONLY makes it to non-clay GS finals when he is playing at his best. Federer, until 2010, made it to GS finals even when playing at his worst (hence his tremendous semi final streak). So the combination in form that they played head to head was:

Federer at his best. Nadal at his best.
Federer not at his best. Nadal at his best. (and this was most common, since Nadal only started reaching HC finals in the late 2000s when Fed was past his prime).

You never saw the “federer at his best. Nadal not at his best” matchup at a GS. As a result, it isn’t surprising that their H2H isn’t favorable to Federer.

Finally, Nadal probably has the best matchup against Federer which gives hm an edge in the H2H that it doesn’t when considering overall tennis quality.


st4r5 Says:

@Michael, hahaha our messages crossed


st4r5 Says:

@Addicted, I couldn’t agree more with you! You got it well explained.


Addicted Says:

I think Federer may surprise us in his 30s. If possible, I think his game might even get better. One thing he mentioned in his presser which is what I have been waiting to hear for years, is that now he isn’t relying solely on his genius. He is paying a lot of consideration to the statistics of his shots, still playing aggressive, but reducing the most risky shots. This bodes really well for his play going forwards, considering he would lose so many points going absolutely for the sideline, even when he had an open court.

In this era of defensive tennis, this new style will be extremely effective.


Michael Says:

St4r5,

Never mind. They give the same message which even Nims has agreed:

“But I agree, it’s ridiculous if the guy cannot make it. No point in giving someone credit for not being there”

If this is so, I do not know why is debating on this.


Michael Says:

Addicted,

As much as I have confidence in Roger, I am not sure if he can be consistent in any more hard court or clay surfaces just like Grass. Ofcourse at moments, he can produce his magical tennis. But he can never regain the pinnacle of success he had from 2004-2007 which were his best years in Tennis. He is afterall human and a superior human if I would say.


Michael Says:

Nims,

Yeah, they had this stat during Murray’s match. Murray had a better tie breaker record than Karlovic. I think it was for the year

May be for the year. What for the career ? I am sure Karlovic would have won more tie breakers in his young and prime days. He is now 34 and has lost his sting in serve.


Addicted Says:

@Michael – I think you do a slight disservice to Rafa’s incredible will power in the 2009 AO. I agree that Rafa wasn’t probably the “best” player in that tournament (setting aside for the moment my belief that the best is the guy who wins the tourney). However, Rafa was absolutely determined to win that slam. That made up for the reality that his tennis wasn’t probably the best in the tourney.

I don’t think it was a “freak” win, as much as one he absolutely willed himself into.


st4r5 Says:

By the way, what other grand slam that has roof on the stadium besides Wimbledon?


st4r5 Says:

Just got it, Australian open’s main stadium has roof! Yea…


Nirmal Kumar Says:

Michael, St4r5, Addicted

This can go on, but this is the time to celebrate Roger’s success not his failure. To concluse, this is the premise of my argument when it comes to Roger.

For me Roger has most success than any tennis player ever AND less failures than any tennis players.

What is amazing for me about Roger is not just his success, but his less failures. But some people here think that Roger does not have any failures, which I do not agree.

And of the less failures Roger has, for me the critical ones are his failures against Nadal. If Roger does not go and beat Rafa anymore, it does not change his success, Because still he is the most successful player, but by beating Rafa he can erase some of his failures which are very few currently.

Note, still for me Roger has less failures than any other tennis players.

Let’s debate on this topic again when the next tournament starts. We will just give a PAUSE to it, since it sounds bit sour to talk about Rafa when Roger is the Wimbledon champion and World No 1.


Michael Says:

Sienna,

Thanks for that tie breaker records. It seems that it is Nadal and Berdych who are currently having a better tie breaker record than others. Other players have fallen behind in the game of lottery.


Mark Says:

Nadal just posted on facebook ” Congrats Roger for your victory and also Andy for this great tournament” . Classy Rafa! I wonder did Fed congratulate Rafa on his 7th French Open victory? And BTW you fed fans , I see you are all now praying for Fed to play under a closed roof! Unbelievable! Can’t he play and win in the great outdoors? I guess even his skills are limited. Some goat!!


Michael Says:

Addicted,
I think you do a slight disservice to Rafa’s incredible will power in the 2009 AO. I agree that Rafa wasn’t probably the “best” player in that tournament (setting aside for the moment my belief that the best is the guy who wins the tourney). However, Rafa was absolutely determined to win that slam. That made up for the reality that his tennis wasn’t probably the best in the tourney.

I don’t think it was a “freak” win, as much as one he absolutely willed himself into

I never discount Nadal who is always one of the GREATS in my list. I just prick him when only somebody brings him into discussion to belittle the status of Roger. Agree, that it was Nadal’s will power which enabled him to win the Australian Open 2009. Playing a five setter the previous day and coming in to play the finals is not an easy thing to do and that too against Roger. He went on to win the match which I thought was Roger’s match to lose. And it went the way of Nadal although I thought Roger was the better player for the first four sets. It was the tremendous will power of Nadal which managed the win in the end as it was Roger who wilted in the fifth. May be the losses in 2008 had a bearing on that psychologically. But it also true that Roger and Nadal did not play in many hard court finals.


Rahul Says:

@Michael

Got to really hand it to you for showing so much patience in arguing Federer’s case for what is basically nitpicking.


Michael Says:

Mark,

Six wimbledons – did Roger win outdoors or indoors ?? 5 US Opens and one French – Were they indoors ???


Nirmal Kumar Says:

I need to leave this forum for few days till the next tournament starts. But I would like to congratulate few posters here who were amazing.

Michael – It was a pleasure debating with you. It was always dignified and you bring in lot of great points. You were great in your passion for Roger. I’m amazed at your persistence in supporting Roger even during his failures.

Dave – Though your posts are lengthy and I have to skip them many times, I’m amazed with your persistance in bringing the stats to prove that Roger can become No 1 for a long time. One of the biggest success of Roger is to have such passionate fans, and it’s been amazing how it all came true and the way you persisted with it, even when Roger was having rough times. Unbelievable. Kudos to you.

Sienna – I know we had hard discussions sometimes, but you are just hell of a Roger fan. It’s amazing how you can believe in this guy and have so much confidence. It’s amazing.

skeezer, trufan etc – you guys have been supporting Roger and it should be lot of fun now with Roger’s success. You guys trust and passion on Rogers ability is amazing.

I would have missed few other Roger’s fans. But kudos to all. As I said, for me this is the greatest achievement in the open era and time to rejoice.

We will debate more once the Olympics start.


tfouto Says:

@Mark

To congratulate someone you dont need to do it inpublic. Roger just send personal messages.

About indoor and outdoor, indoor is pure tennis. Outdoor tennis is more about elements and less about perfectionism and accuracy.

Nadal big tennis head says it all.

Cheers


Michael Says:

Rahul,

Thanks.


Michael Says:

Nirmal/Nims,

Thanks. We had a nice time debating. See you when the Olympic starts. Keep well.


tfouto Says:

@skeezer

I dont believe Psychic stuff, but i have to say his predictions since Nadal-Federer FO last year (where he begin making predictions) were always accurate. I have read the 48 page thread and its incredible the predictions he made.

The psychic never said Federer would never won another GS, it’s just Jamie childish hatred towards Federer.

The only thing that plays against the Psychic was in last wtf before the begining he said that Nadal was probably the favourite. But on SF before analysis he said that Tsonga would win against Nadal and that’s what happen, and that of course Federer would win the final. So it’s very impressive for a skeptic like me.

He said that for the US 2012 Nadal seems to be favourite and that on AO 2013 Murray has a really big chance to win. But his predictions are remarkable when comparing game by game. The much future ones are just a form like and good chances. The predictions game by game, one or two days before are the ones that are really spot on. I am really amazed at his predictions. I still think its just luck and not stars BS, but hey impressive anyway…


tfouto Says:

btw i am really, really happy that Federer won.

I am a huge Federer fan. Huge. It’s just incredible the records he made. People might think that murray had more to loose then Federer, but i am not so sure, Federer had lots of things to loose. #1, Wimbledon records, etc… Murray it’s just too good not to win in future.

I hope Murray wins in the near future.


Mark Says:

@tfouto. How do you know Roger sends personal messages? Are you his social secretary?


Mark Says:

@ Michael. Read st4r5’s posts 6.58 and 7.03


tfouto Says:

@Mark, yes i am. Do you want to send anything to Roger? I would deliver it with priority.

Roger had said that over and over on interviews. He text message Nadal on important ocasions. I dont know if he done it FO, of course.


metan Says:

@Victor, my rafa whom you called poor fela EVER STEPPED your king or goat in his own kingdom 2008, the wound was so deep and long, which left a huge scar,,,,,called EPIC ,,it’s been remembered till this very moment.


Michael Says:

Metan,

Victor, my rafa whom you called poor fela EVER STEPPED your king or goat in his own kingdom 2008, the wound was so deep and long, which left a huge scar,,,,,called EPIC ,,it’s been remembered till this very moment.

In the same way, a journey man named Soderling killed Rafa in his own backyard at the French which also left a huge scar. It was not even an epic. Just over in four sets and even one at 6-2. It is well remembered till this very moment.


st4r5 Says:

Nice debate, whatever it is, Fed will be long remembered as The Greatest Of All Time (arguably the GOAT as most put it that way), proclaimed by Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, etc… (the list goes very long),,,


Dave Says:

Chief Sports Writer, London Telegraph: “Roger Federer appears to defy time itself with his amazing grace in victory over Andy Murray. It might have been a trick of the eye but in the Royal Box, it really seemed that the great Rod Laver was welling up with emotion. Perhaps the man so often considered the yardstick for greatness in tennis was reflecting quietly on how, actually, he might have just been watching a man who has usurped him as the finest exponent of the sport in history.”
http://tinyurl.com/7ckv58e


Dave Says:

Chief Sports Writer for The Independent and British Sports Journalist of the Year 2011: “Brave Murray struggles in vain to break Federer’s magical grip on greatness. It was a brilliant final, the best since arguably the greatest of all in 2008”
http://tinyurl.com/6m75qs3


Dave Says:

Chief Sports Writer, Daily Mirror: “He had come close. He had unsettled a genius for a set and a half. But then the genius had played like a genius and it was too much.”
http://tinyurl.com/c2aohyv


Dave Says:

Simon Cambers, The Guardian: “Federer was back to his incredible best. Sometimes you just have to say, “too good”. The last two sets of the match were vintage Federer as the Swiss ripped through his repertoire to win yet another – an amazing 17th – grand slam title. Federer is the best attacking player the world has ever seen and if he gets a chance, he is going to take it. For two sets, Murray more than matched him but Federer found a way to work himself into the match in the second and it must have irked Murray to be one set all when he was arguably the better player in each set. Federer’s experience in big matches was key and he never allowed himself to stop believing that he would be able to turn it around. Murray’s time may yet come but Federer was too good on the day.”
http://tinyurl.com/6sokq4l


Mark Says:

@ Michael. Your post 7.59. And maybe that is why Soderling’s picture is hanging on the bathroom door at Roland Garros. That is a fact not a joke.


Mark Says:

@tfouto. Yes please send your idol a message from me – most arrogant sportsman on earth.


Huh Says:

hmm, nirmal kumar, lookin at fed’s performance partcularly post USO(continuin upto now with such consistency), i’m sure he’ll give you a win or more win at least vs rafa AT SLAMS n u sure gonna njoy if u really r a red fan!
U HEARD IT HERE FIRST!!!

and btw thanks to kimberly n brando for their good wishes on federer win!


tfouto Says:

@Mark

Federer thanks your kind message…


Humble Rafa Says:

Just so you know. I did not get a congratulatory message from the Arrogant One after my FO win. I sent him one after Wimbledon anyway because I am your Humble Highness.


tfouto Says:

@Humble Rafa

Federer apolosies for the inconvenience. At the time he didn’t have money on cell phone. He was expecting to win FO prize money so he could charge the phone with money.


madmax Says:

Nirmal Kumar Says:
The doubters have been shut down although they are probably twisting and turning their tailes on the tennis X. Right Nirmal?

Sienna, Twist and turns are part of tennis. Why are you so concerned?

Roger has again proved that he can win GS when Rafa is not around. I’m not really surprised.

July 8th, 2012 at 11:23 pm**********************************************

Yeah, Nirmal, I see your point. Considering Rafa hasn’t even made it to some finals and of course we know he is a clay court specialist and it’s much harder for him to reach the finals of other tournaments, but honestly do you really have to scrape the barrel to find excuses?

Nirmal, it’s so sad to me that you have to make excuses and bring rafa into this. I am not even going to go there. Michael, Skeezer and Sienna have responded exactly as I would have. Sour grapes.

Mark, you join the Nirmal club. Congratulations on the award for sour grapes of the year.

MARGOT, I just spent the morning reading the posts before I wanted to respond to you in particular.

Yesterday, I really felt for Andy. I cried with probably more than half the nation. What a speech and how difficult it must have been for him to respond to Sue Barker and to give a royal reply. I thought Andy Murray was brilliant Margot and quite simply, I thought of you.

You here as his greatest fan and I thought you must have been devastated yesterday and I felt for you. When he broke down, I don’t see how any normal, sensitive human being could not have been touched by that (apart from Mark and Nirmal).

Strip away the rampant support that we have as tennis fans here, for all our favourites and we are reduced to the human spirit and the hard work and perseverance that we respect and admire of these athletes.

It was a truly great match yesterday. And Andy Murray was brilliant Margot. He played his best tennis against Roger and Roger was put to the test.

Andy pushed him and he, for the first time, took a set off him in a grand slam final. Next time it’s his.

Can’t you sense that?

I keep reminding myself this is all a process Margot, the outcome obviously is not what you would have wanted, but you must be so proud to be a Murray fan. Should he have won yesterday, I am certain that every federer fan here would have congratualted you because it would have been the result of all his hard work and he works so very hard doesn’t he?

He must be feeling like crap this morning. But you know, he will keep going until he does win. He is just too good not too.

I was so pleased at the very end when both Roger and Andy seemed to have a moment of equality and understanding between two great adversaries.

So, I just wanted you to know that for all our disagreements and subtle innuendos, I was with you yesterday.


dc Says:

@Humble Rafa Says:

Just so you know. I did not get a congratulatory message from the Arrogant One after my FO win. I sent him one after Wimbledon anyway because I am your Humble Highness
—————————————————-
Tumble Rafa – Everyone knew Nadal would win and People had started sending Nadal messages even before he actually won. During the FO final,i noticed Nadal checking his cell phone for 20-30 seconds before he would hit a serve.


contemperory Says:

Nice to see the debates.

If Nadal wins say, another 3 FOs, 1 AO, 2 Wim and 1 USO, he will overtake Fed in the slam count.

Do you think then Nadal will be called as GOAT? He will have a total tally of 10 FOs, 4 WIM, 2 AO and 2 USOs in that case.

It is quite possible that Nadal can break the record due to his clay court brilliance.


Ray Says:

LOL @ dc!

and then rafa lost to rosol, so he could get back and reply to all these 1000s of jokers who are fans of his and had wished him on the lesser cared for dirt slam!

Nirmal and brando – I love they try to convince everyone that nirma kumar is a Federer fan. LOL!

i will show you how this works!

Ray : I am a very balanced rafa fan. I want to criticize rafa because I am his true fan! What a clown this rafa dude is, @$$ picking and all other rituals like he is a lunatic escaped from an assylum. How can he never win even a 250 tournament outside clay in more than 20months. This is why I dont consider him a great player outside clay. I donot count any of his 2wimbledon titles and uso and australian open victories. he never had to beat both federer and djokovic and murray and berdych and tsonga and Pete sampras to win those? I dont care what anyone says, but today is Roger’s day. I dont want to bring rafa here and steal roger’s thunder!

Grando : Wow! nirmal! you are the most balance fan I ever met. not only this site. not only on internet. You must be the most balanced fan ever. I hope rafa reads this criticism and does everything he can to beat all those players who you listed! It is great to have well balanced rafa fans like you Ray instead of all those clown like mark/rff/nirmal kumar! please keep posting!

Ray (saying to himself) : what a fruit this grando guy is. I should try to sell the London Bridge to him. maybe he will buy it! [evil laugh]


tfouto Says:

@contemperory

If Federer wins +1 Wimbledon, 1+ USO, +1 AO will he be called as GOAT?


contemperory Says:

tfouto, my question is purely based on the distribution of slams in the total count. If the FO wins is 10/18, it is 55.55% FO win ratio.

Is anyone considering that at all?


Ray Says:

“It is quite possible that Nadal can break the record due to his clay court brilliance.”

Right! he will win 2 more wimby and USO and AO due to his brilliance on clay! I am a believer.

Rafa will be lucky if murray/fed/djokovic and maybe even rosol or some sokol will even throw him a bone outside clay.

If you are a rafa fan, you are going to get mercilessly hammered on these internet forums till monte carlo. I am loving these non-clay tournaments. now the surfaces will get only faster! Hammer time for fed/joker/murray fans for the next 9 months!


Ray Says:

that shouldn’t matter contemperory,

sampras had 7/14 on grass and he was considered GOAT. then again Wimbledon is a much bigger tournament than RG. It is the World Cup of tennis! and ofcourse most tennis fans hate rafa! so maybe he will not be considered a Goat with that distribution!

by the way, I am a true rafa fan. I am only being harsh, so he keeps his focus on the other 3 slams and stops winning these dog-poo-worth FOs!


contemperory Says:

Wimby and AO have become slower and hence more probability for Rafa to win. He is using his clay talents basically to win them. I gave 1 USO just owing to other factors like luck/probability of Rafa being the 2010 Rafa etc.


dc Says:

@contemperory
When Rafa does win and i am sure he will, we will call him GOAT.


jamie Says:

Prediction time.

These are the psychic’s predictions:

Federer’s lucky period that he entered after RG will last exactly for 1 more month. In early August his lucky period will be over.

This means this one more month of luck for Federer could pretty much make him the fave for Olympics just like astrologically he was the fave for Wimbledon.

Nadal is astrologically the fave to win USO. He has the same planetary alignments for this USO as he had when he won:

Wimbledon 2008 and 2010
USO 2010
AO 2009
RG 2010
Olympics 2008

Murray’s first slam might come at AO 2013. He has an amazing planetary alignment at next year’s AO.

__________________

This one is not a psychic prediction but MINE:

Nole’s next slam will come at RG 2013. His Chinese calendar year from Feb 2012 to Feb 2013 is lousy and not good enough to win a slam.

Nadal will not win a slam next year since Borg, Sampras and Federer couldn’t win a slam for nine years in a row and neither will Nadal.

No male player was able to win 3 AOs in a row, Agassi and even mighty Fed couldn’t, so neither will Nole. Since he won AO the last 2 years he would be going for a third consecutive AO in 2013 and that has not been done by even Fed.

You heard it here first.


WTF Says:

dc Says:

“@ Nirmal Kumar
– in fact, when has Nadal defeated Nole 2 & Fed to even win a clay tournament??

Since Nole 2 arrived, Out of the trio of Fed, Nole 2 and Nadal, Fed (at 2001 WTF) and Nole at AO 12 have defeated the other two in the same tournament on their way to Victory.

Nadal is the only one who hasn’t done it and is evident in his number 3 ranking.”

It’s a bit hard when they (Nole 2 & Fed) are always in the same half of the draw… you can only play one of them, not both. If he could play both, he’d beat them both.


Mark Says:

Do you guys know that the French Open is the MOST DIFFICULT slam to win and that is why some of the greats have not succeeded there. @ @Contemporary. 10.50 am. That would surely silence the Rafa haters!


WTF Says:

“Nadal is the only one who hasn’t done it and is evident in his number 3 ranking.”

That’s a bit dumb considering he’s only had the number 3 ranking for 24 hours. Doing it doesn’t make you #2 or #1. And being #2 or #1 doesn’t require doing it.


Humble Rafa Says:

If Nadal wins say, another 3 FOs, 1 AO, 2 Wim and 1 USO, he will overtake Fed in the slam count.

Why complicate matters? I just want to win 7 more FOs by the time I am 33, I will be GOAT.

I will climb to greatness, I clay court slide, one as* pick at a time.

GOATness is within my reach.


green900 Says:

jamie

shut up. no one cares about ur dumb opinions. just shut up


contemperory Says:

@DC:

Somehow I don’t buy the argument. When you say GOAT, the spectrum shouldn’t be limited just to the Grand Slams. It should be extended to other stats also: Number of MS titles, winning streaks, total number of titles and most importantly, the consistency in all the courts.


contemperory Says:

@Jamie,

Per Psychic predictions, when is Fed (or will he ever) due for the next slam?


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Before Fed fans get too excited over his achieving #1 in the world, again, just remember he only did it by winning a bunch of small tournaments. And two masters. And Wimbledon. On 3 surfaces.


tfouto Says:

06.05.2012 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Madrid W 1,000 13.05.2013
08.03.2012 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells W 1,000 18.03.2013
07.11.2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris W 1,000 12.11.2012

20.11.2011 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals W 1,500 12.11.2012


Mark Says:

@Jamie. I think the psychic’s predictions make more sense than your own. Please let us know PSYCHIC’S predictions for Olympics.


Kimberly Says:

Since Nole 2 arrived, Out of the trio of Fed, Nole 2 and Nadal, Fed (at 2001 WTF) and Nole at AO 12 have defeated the other two in the same tournament on their way to Victory.

Nadal is the only one who hasn’t done it and is evident in his number 3 ranking.”

____________

What????????????????????????-when has Federer beat Nadal and Novak in a slam to win it? Since his last win v. Rafa was in 2007 in a grand slam it couldn’t have been recently.

Rafa did it in RG 2008 without losing a set. Novak actually did it in 2011 USO. In 2012 Australia, Federer played Nadal in the semi then Rafa lost to Novak in a five set final.

Total nonsense post. Get it straight.


Ben Pronin Says:

I’m sure Nadal doesn’t think the French is the toughest to win.


Ben Pronin Says:

Kimberly, I agree it’s a nonsense post. But like WTF said, it’s hard for Nadal to do it since Federer and Djokovic are in the same half of the draw 90% of the time.


Sienna Says:

Tennis Vagabond Says:
Before Fed fans get too excited over his achieving #1 in the world, again, just remember he only did it by winning a bunch of small tournaments. And two masters. And Wimbledon. On 3 surfaces.

July 9th, 2012 at 11:36 am

LOL


Sienna Says:

Ben Pronin Says:
Kimberly, I agree it’s a nonsense post. But like WTF said, it’s hard for Nadal to do it since Federer and Djokovic are in the same half of the draw 90% of the time.

July 9th, 2012 at 12:01 pm

Itw Fed back to # 1the easy draw are over for the spaniard. He will have to make it the hard way from now on.


andrea Says:

it’s curious that debates over rafa’s greatness always comes up whenever fed wins and vice versa.

no one can refute rafa’s dominance on clay but their head to head, which is so often brought up as a blight on roger’s record, partially reflects the ATP’s decision to have 3 masters events on clay and none on grass. bizarrely, had roger not been so successful getting to so many clay court finals, including the FO, their head to head wouldn’t be so skewed. alas, roger was, for many years, the second best clay courter, coming up against the best clay courter.

if there had been an equal number of grass masters during the years of rogers dominance, and roger wouldn’t have made so many clay court finals, the head to head would inarguably be very different.

outside of clay, nadal has been less consistent than roger and the results validate that. that beings said, both of them are fantastic players and will always be remembered as greats, regardless of GS titles won or head to head results.


Mark Says:

Ben Pronin . 11.58 a.m. Obviously not. Hahaha


Mark Says:

The so called GOAT blows several match points in the USO semis to the same player, Nole, in two consecutive years. Perhaps he should be called the Choking Goat! Oh, forgot the Wimbledon quarters against Tsonga choking away a 2 set lead. Yeh, some Goat!!!


tfouto Says:

@Mark

get a life…


Ben Pronin Says:

Mark, in no way do those matches take away from Federer’s GOAThood.


the mind reels Says:

At least he had match points…sheesh. I went to the US Open finals last year and don’t recall Rafa having any match points.


jamie Says:

@green

The psychic was right. As usual.

It was a Fed-Murray final with Fed winning.

The psychic has predicted all the slam winners correctly for over a year now.

The psychic will continue to be right, whether you like it or not.

Bite me.


Mark Says:

@TMR. Was talking about Fed not Rafa.


jamie Says:

Why are people still comparing Nadal with Federer?

17>>>>>>11

It’s not even a discussion.

Nadal will never get to 17. Never.

The psychic said that Nadal will win more slams.

I suppose slams means 2 more.

Don’t see him winning more than 13.

He is not even in Sampras’ class.

And Sampras is not even in Fed’s class.

Fed is the best all courter ever.

Sampras was a clown on clay and Nadal is clown indoors.


Brando Says:

THANK GOD- AT LONG LOST CAN THIS NONSENSE END!

FEDERER HIMSELF HAS SAID HE IS ‘NOT THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME!’

In this article he rightly points out that it is a myth, a creation that the media and fans have cooked up as it is silly to compare different era as it is not really possible.

GLAD fed himself has put an end to this stupid GOAT talk!

also proves that those who call him ARROGANT ARE TALKING OUT OF WHERE THE SUN DOESN’T SHINE!

Here’s the link and i hope it ends the GOAT crap- as you see goats on a farm, NOT a tennis court:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18764325

Watch the VIDEO and see how he RIGHTLY points out that the players in the past used to ‘just play tennis’ now it is all RECORD CENTRED!

MASSIVE RESPECT TO FEDERER FOR THIS!


Sienna Says:

jamie Says:
@green

The psychic was right. As usual.

It was a Fed-Murray final with Fed winning.

The psychic has predicted all the slam winners correctly for over a year now.

The psychic will continue to be right, whether you like it or not.

Bite me.

July 9th, 2012 at 12:18 pm

WTF are you talking about? Leading up to Wimbly you gave us several different winners every day. And now you claim the psycho got it right. If I could give up to 4 r 5 names every slam I would be Nostrienna.


Mark Says:

@ Jamie. Who has been on the tour longer, Fed or Nadal? Fed of course so he has had a headstart.


Sienna Says:

Brando Says:
THANK GOD- AT LONG LOST CAN THIS NONSENSE END!

FEDERER HIMSELF HAS SAID HE IS ‘NOT THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME!’

In this article he rightly points out that it is a myth, a creation that the media and fans have cooked up as it is silly to compare different era as it is not really possible.

GLAD fed himself has put an end to this stupid GOAT talk!

also proves that those who call him ARROGANT ARE TALKING OUT OF WHERE THE SUN DOESN’T SHINE!

Here’s the link and i hope it ends the GOAT crap- as you see goats on a farm, NOT a tennis court:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18764325

Watch the VIDEO and see how he RIGHTLY points out that the players in the past used to ‘just play tennis’ now it is all RECORD CENTRED!

MASSIVE RESPECT TO FEDERER FOR THIS!

July 9th, 2012 at 12:33 pm

Thanks Branda.
Even more proof that he is beoyond tennis icon goathood. He is amongs the immortals like Ali, Pele, Gretzky, Jordan etc. He cannot be compared to just tennis legends anymore.


tfouto Says:

@Sienna

Actually jamie told winners out of his own mind…

The psychic dont said all this names…

Just started game by game, and was right on…

I have read the entire 48 page thread

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p48.html
and he just got right every single champion since last FO.

I think its just lucky but impressive anyhow…


Sienna Says:

Mark Says:
Do you guys know that the French Open is the MOST DIFFICULT slam to win and that is why some of the greats have not succeeded there. @ @Contemporary. 10.50 am. That would surely silence the Rafa haters!

July 9th, 2012 at 11:18 am

I will send this comment to Lendl and he can respond to you how he seems appropable.

He probably blast a bal right at youre body.


Sienna Says:

That whole psycho thing is i big money making machine. The posts are totally falsified and there is no proof that she actually made those predictions. As far as I am concerned she made about 4 or 5 of them. it is tjust magician stuff like with a card trick.

You guys believe everything.


jamie Says:

I posted the link where the predicts were done.

Fed-Murray SF was predicted.

While here people were predicting Nole-Tsonga.

Fail


jamie Says:

I posted the link where the predictions were done.

Fed-Murray final was predicted. Fed was predicted as the winner.

While here people were predicting Nole-Tsonga. With Nole winning

Fail


jamie Says:

Psychics were right.

This blog was wrong.


jamie Says:

@tfouto

They have been studying astrology for many years.


tfouto Says:

@Sienna

How are they falsified? My self have seen the posts before the games…

Its probably just lucky, or else he’s talking with players…

Besides how is money making machine… This seems a totally underground forum with not so much visibility.

Besides the psychic avatar is homer simpson…

He’s called menteperfecta with Superheroe sexy… below…

Not a very convincing psychic. Seems to me just lucky, or with a good guess, but i can prove its not faked…


tfouto Says:

@jamie

ok, but i dont believe in astrology. But i can prove that the blog is not fake. I mean they were saying those things before happen.

I think in future he will start failing…

But meanwhile i just thing we should change our talk to Jupiter and Saturn and moon instead of forehand, backhand, UE… :p


Dave Says:

Video clip: Federer’s Monday morning casual chat with the press: Roger lauds Andy Murray’s ‘heroic’ effort
http://tinyurl.com/8694j2h


Dave Says:

Simon Barnes, Chief Sports Writer, The Times of London: “Master of majors, sultan of soul… It was like old times: the master who wields beauty as if it were a razor, and Murray was overwhelmed. I have seen leopards hunt, moving as if every joint has been bathed in a gallon of oil and glowing as if lit from within: and that was Federer beneath the roof. He took control of time and place, and savaged his opponent with a remote and disinterested beauty….But there are two levels to his genius. The first comes in hitting the ball: no one has ever struck a tennis ball better, no one can do as many things with a tennis racquet. That is the wonder of it – the way that, by the end, he made Murray look not so much like an opponent as a co-conspirator, one whose sole ambition was to set off Federer’s skills. But there’s more to genius than pretty shot-making. The best man at keepy-uppy is not necessarily the best footballer. Federer’s real genius comes in using these shots in confrontation, to construct points with beauty and finesse, to use them to snare, to bamboozle, to belabour. Federer is a genius at playing shots; he is also a genius at playing matches and championships.This is his seventh Wimbledon victory among his 17 grand slam titles. I’ve seen a good few of them, and been awed by all of them. Few performers in any sport have given as much pleasure as Federer. That’s because every move he makes seems to tell us that there is more to victory than mere victory, as if the manner of winning were as important as the trophy. The decline of Tiger Woods tells us that Woods is all about victory, that beyond the hard facts of winning, there is not much about him except an old grouch haunted by his own past. But Federer shows us that sport can be played in a different way. Federer’s comparative decline has shown us that sport is something that matters to a great champion even without the comfort of constant victory. Federer showed us that sport can be something to do with the soul. For Federer, sport is worth pursuing for its own sake, for the love of hitting tennis balls, making rallies, creating points and games and matches. In recent years he has preached us a complex and absorbing sermon about the place of soul in sport. Federer, first as an unstoppable champion and then as a former champion desperately trying to play catch-up, has always played with soul. And that is why he is a champion again.”
http://tinyurl.com/6qj2ugu


John laPlante Says:

Murray could have won. He had his opportunities but he got rattled when the heat was on. Folks talk about Murray deserving to win. No one deserves to win. The guy who plays better wins. He didn’t play better. In fact, I was disappointed that he didn’t make a big fight back in the 4th set. It was almosst as if his confidence evaporated after the 3rd set and he no longer really challenged at that point. Murray’s confidence level seemed a lot higher in general than in the past but it left him in the 4th. He just may have gained the confidence he needs for a future match but really it’s his own fault for losing. Federer had the confidence and wherewithal to make big points when the pressure was high and he didn’t let down when he got outplayed the first set and a half.


Dave Says:

– Carl Bialik, Wall Street Journal: “Because of his prodigious talent, his calm demeanor in big moments and his remarkable fitness — for the second time in three days, Federer looked much fresher at the end of a match than a 25-year-old opponent who is one of the quickest men on tour — Federer doesn’t always get credit for his ability to change tactics and solve problems during matches. Murray presented a host of problems with his relentless defense, strong serving and bulletproof groundstrokes. Federer solved them. It was the fourth time in eight Wimbledon finals that he lost the first set. He won three of those matches and almost won the fourth, coming back from two sets to none down against Rafael Nadal in the 2008 final before losing at 9-7 in the fifth set… Sunday’s title, though, is Federer’s fifth major title since that loss, or as many as Djokovic has won in his career… Federer’s great form in the last two matches here suggests he is capable of winning more majors and sticking around at No. 1. ”
http://tinyurl.com/7tz2q87

Tom Perrotta, Wall Street Journal: “And now, the debate has likely ended. Federer has 17 major titles, 286 weeks at No. 1 (and counting), seven Wimbledon titles and remarkable consistency for a man who is 30, and he said he believes there is more to come. He has won 46 matches this season, second most on the tour, and his losses at majors in the last few years often have been decided by a few points. “He could be sitting on 20 Grand Slams [with] one point or a couple inches here or there,” Murray said. “He’s still playing great tennis.” For two sets in the Wimbledon final, Federer was better than great. He was the one and only Roger Federer, a man so very far above everyone else.”


madmax Says:

Mark Says:
Do you guys know that the French Open is the MOST DIFFICULT slam to win and that is why some of the greats have not succeeded there. @ @Contemporary. 10.50 am. That would surely silence the Rafa haters!

July 9th, 2012 at 11:18 am

Seriously Mark, you are so eaten up with your own jealousy of others talents, that you come up with crap left right and centre.

No one hates Rafa here. No one. They comment on his on court MTOs (like other tennis blogs) and the clutching of his backside, but no one denies he is the best on clay. So just get over yourself. In case you hadn’t noticed the clay court season is over.

Kimberley I predicted that Federer would win Wimbledon on the ATP tourneytopia, do I “win” anything? I think I said that Rafa would go out in the 3rd round. Just had a really strong feeling that Fed would win.


tfouto Says:

madmax

please keep those good strong feelings coming so Federer can win some more…


Mark Says:

@Madthing. Seriously, You are just too rude and obnoxious! Get a life man!!


Brando Says:

@Dave:

thanks for the video link.

Fed makes alot of good points regarding the match, andy, tennis history etc. An EXCELLENT CLIP.

I think HE’S RIGHT- we live in a media dominated world that needs to create heroes, idols in order to continue functioning hence it sets records to chase, makes heroes and villains etc.

Fed is correct in saying he started to play tennis PURELY to have fun and for love of the game- NOT to set or break records.

And elsewhere he’s mentioned that in the past pros used to play for the love of the game and THEY WERE NOT chasing records on the scale of today.

ANY RECORD SET WAS INCIDENTAL- NOT A PURSUIT OF SOME SORT.

I think it’s the MEDIA that has created his record hungry craze!


the mind reels Says:

Mark Says:

@TMR. Was talking about Fed not Rafa.
***

…yes, I know. So was I when I said:

“At least he [FEDERER] had match points [in the matches that you reference in your post below]…sheesh. I went to the US Open finals last year and don’t recall Rafa having any match points.”

Your comment was:

“The so called GOAT blows several match points in the USO semis to the same player, Nole, in two consecutive years. Perhaps he should be called the Choking Goat! Oh, forgot the Wimbledon quarters against Tsonga choking away a 2 set lead. Yeh, some Goat!!!”
***

I’m not sure where your confusion is. My point is that if you want to play the “I-blow-match-points” game, it would seem better, I’d think, to play someone close enough to give yourself a chance at winning the match than not even have a look at all, but that’s my personal opinion as a player myself, so take it or leave it.

I guess Federer forgot to choke yesterday…and on Friday when he played the then #1 player in the world. Rosol also forgot to choke in the 5th set against Nadal.

I bizarrely admire the passion and stubbornness of your fanaticism for Nadal, though at the same time, it’s too bad you can’t step away and appreciate the sheer quality in the men’s game and see what these guys bring to the table. You’d rather tear down others than give credit where credit is due.


Mark Says:

TMR. Hahaha. Another fanatical Fedthug!


Humble Rafa Says:

GOAThood

WOW. What a word.


Margot Says:

Madmax @10.04 Cheers for that. Still very, very sad for Andy, not for me. 3 losses in 3 Grand Slams to Fed. How can he pick himself up from that :'(
I was so proud of him at the end though, he left his heart on the court and wasn’t afraid to show his hurt and his vulnerability. A real man.


Sienna Says:

tfouto Says:
@Sienna

How are they falsified? My self have seen the posts before the games…

Its probably just lucky, or else he’s talking with players…

Besides how is money making machine… This seems a totally underground forum with not so much visibility.

Besides the psychic avatar is homer simpson…

He’s called menteperfecta with Superheroe sexy… below…

Not a very convincing psychic. Seems to me just lucky, or with a good guess, but i can prove its not faked…

July 9th, 2012 at 1:04 pm

They probably are fake you should not btoher them anymore. The fact that you are ask to donate money is proof enough.
If you know the trick it is very easy. It is just like magician tricks. You know it when they explaine it.


dc Says:

@ WTF
It’s a bit hard when they (Nole 2 & Fed) are always in the same half of the draw… you can only play one of them, not both. If he could play both, he’d beat them both.
————————————————–
Ditto for roger & anyone else – a player can only beat the person on the other side of the court.


madmax Says:

Mark Says:
@Madthing. Seriously, You are just too rude and obnoxious! Get a life man!!

July 9th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
*************************************************
Look in the mirror Mark. What do you see? All I see are your insecurities and jealousies about Federer. You just can’t take it can you? I have never seen you say one nice thing about any comment made by a Federer fan. You are full of crap.

Mark, take a leaf out of Margot’s book and act with a bit of class. If you are not sure what the word means, try look it up in the dictionary under the letter ‘F’.

Margot,

But Andy will. He just will. Think of the 7 times Rafa lost to Novak in finals. He didn’t give up. Think of the times Roger has lost to Novak when he had match point. When he was 2 sets down in the USO two years running, think of the times he has lost the finals to Rafa. Its swings and roundabouts and Andy is on the cusp. He has made further progress in the slam race. Not only has he taken a set from Roger, but also remember he has beaten rafa in the SFs at the US0 in 2008 to reach the final. The USO is coming up. He is coming good Margot. For sure.

Have faith.


jamie Says:

What’s really interesting is how the western traditional astrology and the chinese astrology have concurred this year. According to chinese astrology, all the slams played between Feb 2012 and Feb 2013 will be won by Fedal or with a small chance Murray. While the western traditional astrology predicted Nadal for FO, Federer for Wimbledon, predicts Nadal for USO and Murray for AO next year. Spooky.


jamie Says:

skeezer Says:
I saved this pst awhile back from our holy physic,

—————-

“jamie Says:
madmax:

Federer will win plenty of mickey mouse titles but no slams in 2012.

You heard it here first.

December 31st, 2011 at 11:58 am”

——————

Now can we get rid of this BS?

________________

That was according to vedic astrology which is the weakest and less reliable one.


jamie Says:

Never trust Vedic(Indian) astrology. They predicted some years ago that 2010 would be the end of Federer.

http://www.journalofastrology.com/article.php?category_id=23&article_id=304


jamie Says:

“2010 seems to be the end of his career in Chara dasa of Jaimini.”

Vedic astrology is unreliable.


dc Says:

Fed is the only player this year who has one Masters or GS titles on clay, hard court & grass – as of now he is the only one who truly deserves the #1 ranking.

Congrats to all tennis fans for such a fabulous all surface performance by Fed this year.


kriket Says:

No doubt, Roger deserved to win another GS for he’s been consistently reaching semis in almost all slams in the last cpl of years only to get to play against Nole v2.0 and/or Rafa, which proved to be a too big an obstacle for him.

So, it seems that the only way for Fed to win another GS, Nole or Rafa had to be out of the tournament before the semis, and to be indisposed, like Novak has been in this semi final match.

With all the Roger’s elite skills, his main feature is his service, and if it does not click for him, his chances to win plunge, even if he is probably the most complete player of the top three, his service, his net game, his overall skills are the most complete.

On the other hand, how many times has Fed had to play (and beat) Novak and Rafa back to back to win the slam? Not too many at least since Novak reached the top.

Novak almost always had to beat Roger and Rafa back to back in Grand Slams, apart for AO a few times (once it was Tsonga and once it was Murray in the semis).

The draw is consistently against Novak in all the tournaments. Maybe the outcome of this Wimby would have been different if Novak got to play Tsonga in the semis rather than Fed. But as he said, he felt indisposed towards the end of the tournament which was obvious to everyone who watched his game against Fed objectively. He simply wasn’t focused and didn’t seem to care too much to win, didn’t seem eager.

That’s another Roger’s quality – he’s always eager to win, no matter what, hence he deserved to win another GS sooner or later.

Novak proved many times that he’s capable of beating Roger and Rafa back to back in Grand Slams, still the draws always appear to be as to make him do and prove that time and time again.

Not to take anything from Roger, but when he gets to beat Novak and Rafa back to back to win a Grand Slam, that would be the real proof of his superiority. Otherwise, his titles are somewhat tainted compared to Rafa’s and Nole’s in the last cpl of years.

I hope Nole regains his trademark eagerness and focus, so we can get to watch real all-time classic battles on tennis courts, and enjoy some real tennis.

Roger has the undeniable quality, but his recent successes came partly due to circumstances other than his great game. Rafa being ousted by an outsider, and Novak feeling indisposed for whatever reason, psychological as it appears and not due to any physical injury.

When Rafa and Nole are at their best, Roger doesn’t stand a big chance to win a tournament, even with his undeniable skills. Now, some would attribute that to their age differences, but when he’s winning they say age doesn’t have that much of a role, and when he’s losing it’s all “older Roger against top players at their prime”.

What I mean is that age doesn’t play that much of a role, at least in Roger’s case. He’s one of those players who is almost as good as he was 5 years ago. He’s consistent. What plays a bigger role is if Novak and/or Rafa have “a bad day at the office” on a tournament, which ups Roger’s chances of winning a tournament from a mear possibility to probability.


Sam Says:

VIDEO: TENNIS CHANNEL INTERVIEWS ROGER FEDERER UNEDITTED

http://gototennis.com/2012/07/09/video-tennis-channel-interviews-roger-federer-uneditted/

Got yah!

Martina Navratilova bows to Roger at the end and apologizes for being wrong by saying Fed couldn’t get back to no1! Good for her… Now the rest on tennis-z must bow too! hahaha

Then goes on to say ”indoor grass,what is that? its not even fair” LOL!


jamie Says:

@Nudel

Murray is mentally very weak.

If he’s going to win AO 2013, according to the psychic, I bet it will be against a mug in the finals like Tsonga. No way he beats a top 3 in the finals.


dc Says:

@kriket Says:
What plays a bigger role is if Novak and/or Rafa have “a bad day at the office” on a tournament, which ups Roger’s chances of winning a tournament from a mear possibility to probability.
————————————————-
What plays a bigger Role for Rafa is whether Rosol and his likes have a bad day at office.

Nadal hasn’t one a tournament outside clay for two years. Fed is the only one to have won MS or GS championships of grass, clay and HC this year.

If Nadal & Nole are consistently having bad days at office, they are probably not that good in the first place.

The only reason why Nadal & Nole every got to number 1 for a brief period though) was because Fed started having bad days at office on a regular basis.


kriket Says:

dc, I disagree that Roger had too many “bad days at the office” since he’s consistelntly reaching the semis, and he is overall consistent in his form/fitness and eagerness to win.

That’s one of his many qualities thta make him a top player.

Having “a bad day at the office” for Rafa and Nole certainly isn’t good for them, but it happens and it’s a fact.

It was obvious that Novak wasn’t all that eager to win against Roger in their semis match. Whatever the reason for Novak indisposition, it was obvious. It’s not an excuse, it’s a fact, certainly not to his advantage, but rather to the advantage of his opponents.


Leila Says:

@kriket Novak lost because fed was better plain simple. Yes novak wasn’t on his A game but the same can be said about fed in a lot of the loses he suffered against djoko.


kriket Says:

You could say that Roger’s “bad day at the office” is when his 1st serve doesn’t work, and that’s about it when it comes to him.


Sienna Says:

Kriket.
Youre making a fool of yourself.

Roger doesnt need to defeat only Djoker and or Nadal. Because they are no longer reaching the latter stages of slams/ Nadal esecially will not reach the semis of US Open. Just like Wimbly 2012 he will probably check out before the semis.
His game is declining at a high velocity. Last year he was only able to reach finals an this year on the faster surfaces he is not even top 5 material.
Rafa needsto win another non clay slam to be called a legend of the game of tennis and he needs also to add weeks #1.

That is with the standard Fed in july 2012 has imposed on the men’s tour not an easy task. I believe that Nadal is not capable of dealing with this kind of tennis. He has yet to prove to us that he can win a set on these faster courts. He will loose more and more against lower ranked opponents who blow him of the court.

Novak is having a slumb on his own. I think he will come through but not anymore in 2012. He will need to become fresh and fit again to defend his AU Open which is hios best chance on another major. US Open is for Fed and right after him Murray, Del Potro.

So instead of talking about the fact that Fed needs to beat Djokovic and Nadal back to back in a major they will probably find it difficult to put their body and mind in such a position to win slams again.


tfouto Says:

kriket

“What I mean is that age doesn’t play that much of a role, at least in Roger’s case. He’s one of those players who is almost as good as he was 5 years ago.”

Are you serious???

If Federer can produce this level of tennis doesn’t mean that if he had 24 years old he wasn’t fitter, stronger, faster.

This only means that’s he’s really good. He’s that good. He can outshine Novak and Nadal from time to time when they are on their prime. Just because he can do it, it doesn’t mean its the same thing. That’s a logic way to weak…

Federer indoors is way favorite against Nadal and Djokovic. Hardcourt indoors, grass indoors. Whatever…

His time is so perfect that when it comes to pure tennis and not elements like wind and humidity there’s no match to Federer, even with age difference. If Federer had 5 years less, Federer advantage should be bigger…


kriket Says:

Sienna, if I’m “making a fool of myself” for stating the obvious, then I guess I’m a fool.

tfouto, according to you Grand Slams are not #real tennis” for they are all played in open/outdoor courts. Really?


kriket Says:

*”pure tennis”


Leila Says:

Novak lost cause fed was just better.So what if novak wasn’t on his A game, their are countless times fed wasn’t either when he lost to novak ex. Rome or at the FO.


dc Says:

Many people are claiming here that now Fed should do this and do that like beat Nole & Nadal etc.

Lets remember, Fed is the ONLY player this year to win MS OR GS tournaments on all three surfaces.

Also , at age 31, he is beaten two great players to get the #1 ranking back.

He has nothing more to prove.He has completed his painting.


Huh Says:

this was actually a fed at his 75-80% for the most parts at wimby, yet nole and murray couldn’t stretch him to even a 5th set! fed’s focus, his sting, his speed and his reflexes were much more in his peak. he even used to keep ”elements” under his control, at least in a tennis match in the sense of not allowin his game to get affected by it! and it’s a testimony of fed’s perseverance and dogged champion determination that despite not being at his peak, he still wills his way to victories in slams and other important tournaments!

otherwise i’ve always believed that not even nadal can stop fed anywhere except FO, if is the real TMF!


Huh Says:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/18764325

ROGER FEDERER:THE HUMBLE CHAMPION who graciously says that he’s not the greatest ever. we could all learn a thing or two from him about being humble and respectful to the past generation and not braggin about ourseleves even if we do something good. roger shows through this interview how important it is to stay grounded despite success, as thats what prevents man from being complacent and strive harder each time, and success kisses your feet that way…

HATS OFF TO THE LEGENDARY FEDERER!!!

And what impresses me most is that fed still cries and falls o the ground on huge wins, which means he cares a lot for winning the greatest honours even now, and would probably do so until he hangs up his racquet! and knowing who fed is, if he holds a racquet and is willing to play, it means he also wantys to win; and if federer really want badly to win, that means HE WILL WIN.

I’ve always thought fed will stop at 17 slams even though I always wanted him to win 18 slams. but llokin at the childlike interest, emotions, tears, excitement and enthusiasm of fed, it makes me wonder that he may win even an 18th slam(or may be more)! i won’t be surprised if he does so!

that’s some scary love for game shown by fed in the form of the emotions that he lets out on his wins even now, despite sitting at the top of tennis history in a hell lot of ways!

—————————–

now talkin of rafa, those who think he’s done and dusted if he cant win any more slam this year, i would say WAKE UP!!! rafa can win anytime and anywhere! we all know it! and that goddamn FO he can win even when he’s 31, and WHY NOT! Rafa too is a beast of tennis with unrelenting determination and hunger and fighting spirit!!!

if anything, to me rafa still seems the worthiest rival and successor of fed.


Cbeast Says:

VIDEO: TENNIS CHANNEL INTERVIEWS ROGER FEDERER UNEDITTED

http://gototennis.com/2012/07/09/video-tennis-channel-interviews-roger-federer-uneditted/

Got yah!

Martina Navratilova bows to Roger at the end and apologizes for being wrong by saying Fed couldn’t get back to no1! Good for her… Now the rest on tennis-x must bow too! hahaha

Then goes on to say ”indoor grass,what is that? its not even fair” LOL!


Huh Says:

I would definitely want fed and rafa and nole and muzza to play as long as they can and have some memorable success and all of them should retire happy men. :)

I want 3 more slams for fed, 4-5 more for rafa, 5 more for nole and at least 4 for murray and 3 more for delpo. that’d be the ideal thing if it happens within next 6 years!


TheSadTruth Says:

Everyone who wrote(not thought)that Federer wouldn’t get back to no.1 or win another Grand Slam should be forced to upload a video of themselves bowing
(like Navratilova) but on all fours, to a Poster or Pic of the Master.

This is the only way to beg for forgiveness to the Tennis Gods.

Martina Navratilova knows it and so should you!


Cbeast Says:

TheSadTruth Says: Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Everyone who wrote(not thought)that Federer wouldn’t get back to no.1 or win another Grand Slam should be forced to upload a video of themselves bowing
(like Navratilova) but on all fours, to a Poster or Pic of the Master.

This is the only way to beg for forgiveness to the Tennis Gods.

Martina Navratilova knows it and so should you!


Cbeast Says:

Everyone who wrote(not thought)that Federer wouldn’t get back to no.1 or win another Grand Slam should be forced to upload a video of themselves bowing
(like Navratilova) but on all fours, to a Poster or Pic of the Master.

This is the only way to beg for forgiveness to the Tennis Gods.

Martina Navratilova knows it and so should you!


Sienna Says:

huh
so they are winning all tjw slams the next 5 to 6 years?
I believethat there will be others along Fed ofcourse, to win slams within 5 years.


tfouto Says:

I am a huge Federer fan, but i wonder if in the end Federer and Nadal wont have the same GS trophies.

I think in a sense it would be great. Not a GOAT, but a GOAT rilvary…

But in the end, i think that Federer is right. There is no GOAT. Tennis evolves. Everyone is important. Everyone is an inspiration for the other…


Sienna Says:

huh
i like youre verbal fire for giving rafa a fihting chance at Gold USOpen or WTF.
But I dont think Rafa is a serious contendor for the remaining 3 prices. Those tourneys are to quick for him. His winning days on fastcourts are already a few years ago.


Huh Says:

kriket:

novak has NEVER beaten a A-Federer. at least rafa has beaten A-Fed at RG many times and was close to beating TMF on non-clay ONCE at WIM 07(federer of wim 08 was an impostor who could’ve lost in straight sets had the rain not bintervened). so beating a crippled fed is also super-tainted in the case of nadal and nole, even moreso than a crippled fed not being able to beat a prime nadal/nole(but at least fed has beaten a beast like rafa at wimby 07 and defeated prime nole twice at RG 11 and WIM 12).


tfouto Says:

Sienna, i am not so sure…

Nadal is a good player on USO. He played superbly on USO2010. If Djokovic is having a bad day or not in so-form, Nadal can win against him… And against Federer well. Nadal has the mental advantage…

Every top 4 player can win every GS. Of course there are some obvious favourites to some GS like Nadal FO. But really any top4 can win any GS.

I think its to early to anyone make futurology. The game changes so quickly that its just talky talk…


Huh Says:

sienna:

you may be right. but i’d never count out rafa at any slam until last day.


tfouto Says:

Huh,

just look at AO 2012. Nadal loose to Djoko by a hair.

Djoko was on the edge to Murray. If Murray went to the final, Nadal would be favourite.

I think that everytime a GS is over, people just start to make crazy assumptions. All sorts of them. Federer is over. Nadal is over except clay. Murray never win a GS. Djoko is going to be #1 for years, etc…

Then on the next GS the other play wins, and the assumptions are also crazy but opposite.


the mind reels Says:

@tfouto: Nadal has never met Federer — in-form or not — at the US Open, so it would be interesting to see that match. It won’t happen this year until at least the semifinals, and if Nadal draws Djokovic’s half, then I think he’d have a real tough time winning the title. Certainly not impossible, but very tough, as he’d likely have to go through Djokovic and then Federer (or Federer’s conqueror).

Federer is still one of the toughest customers around at the US Open, having lost only 3 matches in Flushing Meadows in the past 8 years to two guys who were playing exceptional hardcourt tennis at the time. In each case, he had very good looks at winning the match. Given his current form, assuming it stays, I see him playing well at the US Open, too.


tfouto Says:

I guess that form change to quickly… Nadal was playing really good on FO and just failed miserably on grass. I think until US Federer form might change.

Last year, Federer played great on French, almost everybody said he was favourite to Wimbledon. He lost to Tsonga on quarters. Everybody said Federer is over, is out form. He played great on second half of the year.

I think that Nadal is always favourite against Federer except on indoors and grass. The mind factor and the Nadal game just dont suit Federer well.


alison Says:

Tfouto that post is spot on,sometimes posters get swayed by their hatred of a player,so its always great to hear posters remaining objective,the future cannot be determined by the past,things can go one way or another,not just one way or the predictable way,and a players form can also change in an instant.


tfouto Says:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/punter-lands-huge-bet-beyond-grave-140716858.html

“Nicholas Newlife was so blown away by the 21-year-old Federer’s brilliance in winning Wimbledon for the first time in 2003 that he went out and put a vast bet on the Swiss superstar to tie Pete Sampras’s record of seven titles.

The Oxfordshire man placed a £1,500 bet at odds of 66/1 with bookmaker William Hill – but sadly he died three years ago before getting the chance to see his prediction come true.”

2003 Predictability -> 66/1 Federer wont win 7 grass Wimbledon titles :)


Skorocel Says:

„What is amazing for me about Roger is not just his success, but his less failures. But some people here think that Roger does not have any failures, which I do not agree. And of the less failures Roger has, for me the critical ones are his failures against Nadal. If Roger does not go and beat Rafa anymore, it does not change his success, Because still he is the most successful player, but by beating Rafa he can erase some of his failures which are very few currently.“

Very nicely said, Nirmal Kumar.


Sienna Says:

tfouto you may add US Open. that is perhaps an even better surface for fed to beat Rafa.


Skorocel Says:

jamie: „Sampras was a clown on clay and Nadal is clown indoors.“

Too bad there aren’t any slams indoors, so that he (Nadal) can show his „clownishness“ on an even bigger stage, right? Or wait, perhaps there’s one? ;-)


tfouto Says:

they might put a roof on french right? :)


tfouto Says:

Sienna. Might be, might not. I dunno now.


Poor man Says:

Off topic

I just finished watching USO ’05 final for the nth time and still makes me wonder why Roger can’t bring that kind of game back. I mean if Agassi can play like a beast at 35, why can’t he?

If Roger won’t win USO this year, I just wish someone other than Nadal and Djokovic would take it instead.


Kimberly Says:

Margot, agree, super class to show you tried and cared. I think the fans really respected it too.


Wog boy Says:

“Novak has never beaten A-Federer” can be said only by blind Federer worshiper, are you telling me that at USO2010, AO2011, USO2011, FO2012 not to mention lower ranking tournaments Federer was never with his A-Game. Sorry i have to say that you probably just woke up after prolonged two years sleep, so my advice is check the news and what the people whose opinion matters said about Nole un last 18 months.
Federer won becouse he was the best player at Wimbledon, fullstop.
If somebody doesnt’t produce his best game, unless he is injured, the reason is usually his oponent who is outplaying him. Can’t you enjoy long awaiting win of your man without having a dig at the other players.
Nole is here to stay, get used, this lost as hard as it is to take came at the right time.
Next tournament, please!


dari Says:

That’s insane wog boy, whoever wrote that

TMR – congrats on winning the bracket challenge!


Kimberly Says:

One of the lamest days in sports of the calendar year. One of two days only of the year where there is no baseball football basketball or hockey and Wimbledon is over. Wed is the other. Baseball isn’t doing it for me this year but maybe it’s because the marlins are sucking. Missing basketball badly. And Rafa. And football. At least the Olympics will provide some diversion. We actually have to watch movies some nights now. Although watching the home run derby tonight, silly


Humble Rafa Says:

Too bad there aren’t any slams indoors, so that he (Nadal) can show his „clownishness“ on an even bigger stage, right? Or wait, perhaps there’s one? ;-)

Please shut up. The only reason I don’t play well indoors is because I am hurt at that time of the year. My body parts are all complaining. If we had indoors in January, I will be kicking the rear of the Arrogant One.


Courtside Says:

Because they are no longer reaching the latter stages of slams/

Sienna,
Since when? I believe Djokovic reached the RG final a couple of months ago.


Skorocel Says:

@Humble Rafa: You didn’t get my point. What I was trying to say is that it’s still better to lose on a non-slam surface (like Nadal to Fed at YEC) than to be whitewashed 1, 3 and 0 in a slam final (like Fed was by Nadal at FO 2008). I guess Ben Pronin once mentioned this, and I have to say he’s 100 % right.


st4r5 Says:

For your information this is not my word:

Woods tweeted Federer after the final, but Federer didn’t need to resort to social media to find that out. Woods had already sent him a personal message. “Hats off to Murray for a great fight. But we saw why Fed is the GOAT,” tweeted Woods, using the short form for ‘greatest of all time’.

Another one says that Fed is THE GOAT


Michael Says:

When Roger himself has said that he is not the GREATEST, then it puts an full stop to the debate. There is no title as the GREATEST. It is fit only for debates. But to me personally, he will always be the GREATEST Tennis has seen. It is an individual opinion which will change only when another player convinces me that he is superior to Roger both in terms of record, consistency as well as overall play.


Michael Says:

Wog Boy,

Novak has all my respects as a player. He is the only one who has been able to loosen the Roger/Nadal stranglehold on Slams. I am sure this will continue and Novak is set to scale greater heights as he is in his prime years. Now is the time for hard court seasan which is Novak’s most preferred surface. We can surely expect the best from him.


Ray Says:

what is the news with the AP rafa? are his knees shot for good? did his fu$kin ugly game finally take it’s toll?

i hope rafa takes my criticism positively. all said, I am rafa’s true fan, just like nirma kumar is a true federer fan.

i am sure brando will vouch for us!


Sienna Says:

Courtside Says:
Because they are no longer reaching the latter stages of slams/

Sienna,
Since when? I believe Djokovic reached the RG final a couple of months ago.

July 9th, 2012 at 11:32 pm

I meant both of them and Garros is not the next slam up. US Open plays as fast as Wimbledon.

There is really no need for a player to beat Nadal and DJokovic back to back to win a slam and thus to proof his greatness. winning slams is proving greatness on itself.

But I hope Nadal finally will beable to reachthe stage where he meets Federer.
It will be good for the h2h if they meet a lot of times the next few months.

Maybe olympic, US Open, one of the masters and WTF.

SO 18-15 is really not that far out of reach for end of year h2h FEDAL. Then we are talking about a whole different ballgame.


Ray Says:

okovic might cover up his lack of experience on grass against a guy like rafa, but against federer, there is no escaping. It is the moment of truth and djokovic failed.

ofcourse ignorant djokovic fans like you will claim that djokovic never got his A game in all those 15 matches he lost to Roger! yeah right!

novak has some terribly ignorant tennis fans i have ever seen. mostly I guess they root for him because they are serbian! they kind of alienate non-serbians from becoming his fans. but for such douchebags, novak might have been much more popular than that cheater nadal!


Wog boy Says:

Michael,

Nole himself said numerous times that if it wasn’t for Federer and Nadal he wouldn’t be the player he is today, they been pushing each other to dig deaper, to push harder, to run faster and that is the beauty of this tennis era that we are in. Grendel posted once why he, sort of, expected for Nole to have this kind of season so far and it was really good post in Grendel manner. If someone thinks it is bad year so far then I will be happy if every year is like this. One GS, one final GS, one SF, one master, two masters finals. Problem was last year when he he raised the bar and now every loss comes as Greek tragedy to some of us his fans.
I don’t have dubt, as you said, that that Nole is going to go one level up again. I was watching Federer this Wimbledon and he was right in his interview, he changed his game and cought Nole by surprise, he knew exactly there is only one way to play on the grass in order to beat Nole and he did it. If Federer can change his game and adjust for new Nole I don’t see a reason why one 25 year old, very smart and competitive player eager to win cannot do it. He has everything in his mind and body to improve the quality of his game and reach new heights. As you said he managed to do that in the era of probably two best players ever and there why he cannot keep doing it.
At the end I am quite happy to accept teasing each other about our favorites the way we do it in the other sports with friends who are cheering different clubs as I was doing with my friend back in the old country when we were going to watch football and basketball and after match we would end up in restoran drinking, eating and giving hard time to ones whose club lost. That is quite OK, but I am not ready to insult and use rude words for the other posters and their players what is happening here on tennis-x, so I might do “conty-carlo” and give it a break, not tha you are going to miss me:)
Cheers


Wog boy Says:

Ray,

Who did you refer at in your last post, if it was me, can you tell me please when did I say that Nole never produced his A-game in his 15 losses against Federer, I was refering to post that said exactly opposite, that Roger NEVER produced his A-game in his losses against Nole.
That’s all folks, thanks for having me:)


Michael Says:

Nice post Wog Boy. You are a true Novak fan. What I like about you unlike some other posters is that you never degrade the other top players even when provoked. You just stick to Novak and his performance. That is great.

I too share your optimism about Novak and his future. He is only going to get better. I am sure he may end up with atleast 12 majors at the end of his career.


Mark Says:

@ Rahttp://twitter.com/search?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.justjared.com%2F2012%2F07%2F10%2Frafael-nadal-shirtless-sardinia-vacation%2Fy. @ Ray


Sienna Says:

Wow the tennisworld is looking good when youre a Fedfan. I really see TMF upping the stakes and going for gold within a few weeks.

All he has to do is take some time off and he will be in tiptop shape.


mrmilbury Says:

The ATP ranking is there for one reason: Federer is,actually, the best player in the world. And he is there because he won Wimbledon and because he was able to defeat the Djoker. Not because Nadal And Nole has lost in the second round And even in he has lost in the semifinal the point assigned where at his side like has happened in the past in the WTA where Safina was the number one without winning a Slam.
He deserve to be there because actually he is playing the best tennis season of the world.


addicted Says:

Do the guys who think Roger needed to beat Nadal realize how ridiculous the following sounds:

“The guy beat the #1 and #4 ranked players to win Wimbledon is not really the Wimbledon champ because he did not play the guy who got ousted in the 2nd round by the 100th seed”.


madmax Says:

Mark, Your comment was:

“The so called GOAT blows several match points in the USO semis to the same player, Nole, in two consecutive years. Perhaps he should be called the Choking Goat! Oh, forgot the Wimbledon quarters against Tsonga choking away a 2 set lead. Yeh, some Goat!!!”

That’s right Mark and he comes back like a true champion, just like Murray will come back too. And how anyone can call Tsonga what you have, shows you are not a tennis fan, just someone who likes to use names as you have a limited vocabulary.

Not only that, posting pictures of rafa topless? You are on the wrong thread and in the wrong job.

addicted, I do think that the ousting of rafa was a fluke. That could have happened to any one of the top four players. And it goes to show that it was a wonder boy moment for just one day. The next round Rosol was out. Probably still overwhelmed by his phenomenal performance.


Sienna Says:

And besides all of thos goo darguments. Remember some of the records from Fed.

He has 33 consecutive quarterfinale appearances in slam. At one point he had of course his famous record of 23 semis.

It is concecutive people. So the 33 1/4 streak is already over 8 years. How is he losing to guys ranked 100 in round 2.

It is of course not that bad that a great player like Nadal will be outplayed from time to time by any player ranked outside top 20 in a slam in the early rounds. But it just is not happening to Roger. He is the ultimate that he can withstand all those opponents time and time again.


st4r5 Says:

This is not my words, it is Rod Laver’s.

Greatest … Rod Laver has thrown his weight behind the claim Roger Federer is the best player ever. Source: AAP
Australian tennis legend Rod Laver has proclaimed Roger Federer as the greatest player of all time.

“Roger Federer certainly is my claim to be the best of all time if there is such a thing,” said the 73-year-old Australian.

“Roger’s got all the shots, his anticipation is unbelievable, his timing off the ground strokes with his shots, his single-handed backhand is one of the best there is.


st4r5 Says:

Roger of course will not declare himself the GOAT, the declaration has to be done by other people. If he said it himself he would be arrogant, but we all know how a humble champion he is


st4r5 Says:

This is what Andy Murray said:

Murray declared the Swiss maestro now deserved to rank alongside Pele and Muhammad Ali as “one of the greatest athletes of all time”.

The following are my words:
Pele greatest on soccer, Muhammad Ali on boxing and the Swiss Maestro on tennis.


Michael Says:

st4r5,

Roger’s name will be forever engraved in Tennis history amongst the pantheon of the GREATEST. Roger’s unmatched 17th career major and return to the No.1 ranking one month shy of his 31st birthday is the strawberries and cream on top of an already unparalleled career. I am not sure about other records, they may or may not be broken. But certain that his record 33 consecutive grand slam quarter-finals – and 30 semis out of the past 33 – may well stand the test of time. This record is just unbelievable and shows his consistency over a longer period of time. Tennis cannot be played without mentioning the name of Roger and he has acquired immortality. As long as there is Tennis, there will be Roger. He lives as an inspiration to the aspiring younger lot of players. The likes of Nadal, Novak and Murray are his creation. He made them better with the competition he gave them. He is the undisputed KING OF TENNIS. There is no point in stressing that time and again lest it becomes repetitive.


st4r5 Says:

@michael, thanks mate….


Mark Says:

@st4r5. Your post July10 6 28 am. In quoting Rod Laver you very conveniently omitted the rest of the article. Here it is : “But at the same time, I look at Rafael Nadal and what he’s done to win seven French Open titles and Wimbledon. Being able to play with somewhat of a suspect knee, his way of motoring around the court and tracking shots down is quite uncanny. They’re very close. Are they great champions and do they have equal abilities? I’d say “yes”, they’re pretty much equal”.


Mark Says:

@Madthing. That picture was for Ray who was making tender enquiries about Rafa. Tell him Rafa is vacationing in Sardinia and having a jolly good time. Tell him also that Rafa still has all his limbs intact.


Michael Says:

Mark,

Are they great champions and do they have equal abilities? I’d say “yes”, they’re pretty much equal

I do not know on what basis Laver said this. If it is in terms of play, then many might not agree with him as Roger is more versatile and has more shot making abilities than Nadal who is mostly a defensive player. But if it is in terms of records, at this moment, Roger is cut above the rest and that includes even Nadal.


alison Says:

All gets rather silly really Rogers the best ever,Rafas one of the best ever,both are amazing players,both have broken records,that no ones ever likely to surpass,theres enough room for both players,and thats what makes the sport so great,both bring out the best in each other,and in the grand sceme of things what the hell does it matter anyway,just enjoy the tennis while they are both still playing,for goodness sake.


Mark Says:

@ Ray. The above just for you. Am trying to keep you up to date with Rafa ‘s movements.


jamie Says:

@Poor man

Federer will not win the USO this year.

The lucky period he entered after RG will be over in a month.

He already had his Sampras 2002 moment only that it happened at Wimbledon 2012 which is the first slam Fed won during his career just like USO was Pete’s maiden slam. Full circle for both.

As a matter of fact, many players won their first and last slam at the same venue.


Michael Says:

Predictions of Jamie – I would say it is useless and it just shows his jealousy on the achievements of Roger. Such dire predictions were even made before by many critics that Roger will not win any more slam. But he made them shut up after this majestic performance at Wimbledon. Roger is Roger. Dire astrological predictions cannot tame him. He is brilliant.


alison Says:

^Thought Pete won his last slam at the USO,or am i mistaken^.


Mark Says:

@Jamie. Who is going to win USO?


Mark Says:

@Jamie. And who will win Olympics?


Michael Says:

Alison,

Yes you are right and Jamie is trying to bring a parallel to that with Roger’s career. Since US Open was the first and last slam of Sampras, so will be Wimbledon for Roger.


jamie Says:

I said during RG that Fed would enter a lucky period after the FO, which will last until early August. Basically the grass season. Fitting. This does not mean he won’t win stuff like masters series and maybe wtf, he probably will, but he won’t win another slam this year.

I would love to see Nole win the USO, the AO/USO double is VERY rare though. In the open era only in 1973 was John Newcombe able to win this double. It is very rare.

The psychic thinks Nadal will win the USO, I hope the psychic is wrong. The FO/USO double was done by Vilas in 1977, Lendl in 1986 and 1987 and by Agassi in 1999.

I’m talking doubles and not trebles of slams here btw.


Sienna Says:

Michael says:

The likes of Nadal, Novak and Murray are his creation. He made them better with the competition he gave them. He is the undisputed KING OF TENNIS. There is no point in stressing that time and again lest it becomes repetitive.

That’s it. They often claim Roger played in a weak era without Nadal or Djokovic… How can he ever? He was the one making Nadal and Djoker. He kept Nadal on sideline in his shade for almost 4 years. Nadal saw the immense talent and determination


green900 Says:

Jamie SHUT UP. No one cares about ur stupid astrology. Just shut up and stop annoying people with your nonsense. When will you get the message?


alison Says:

Michael Jamies predictions used to annoy me,but i now take them with a pinch of salt,and i have never bought the idea that never has means never will either,i try to be as fair and as objective as possible,and believe things can go both ways,just like when people keep telling Rafa fans repeatedly he will never win a WTF,i believe as long as they play theres a possibility that anything can happen,things get rather irritating as a fan to be completely written off,do you see what i mean?


jamie Says:

green

bite me! LOL


jamie Says:

BTW green, in case you haven’t noticed, there are some people who ask me for predictions by the psychic here. Mark, Krishna, boss, metfan, etc.

Just because you don’t like them doesn’t mean others don’t.

Bite me, betch.

LOL.


Poor man Says:

OMG Jamie I’m so impressed with your predictions and your logical analysis of players coming full circle!

Want to hear mine?

AO 2012 is Nole’s last slam after winning his first in 2008 and no one wins it 3 times in a row, even Federer. FO 2012 is also Nadal’s last because it was his first in 2005 and no one wins a GS 8 times! Many players weren’t able to do that.

Now for the USO, Roddick or Hewitt will win it. It’s long overdue. I mean, they too need to come full circle right before they hang their racquets?


jamie Says:

Edit: metan

LOL.


jamie Says:

The Argie psychic has only given a preview for USO 2012 and AO 2013.

For the USO 2012 the prediction is Nadal as the winner and for the AO 2013 the prediction is Murray as the winner.

Hopefully the psychic is wrong and Nole wins the next 2 slams.


jamie Says:

@poor man

The Argie psychic said Nadal and Djoko will win more slams.

Also the Argie psychic said some months ago that Federer would win 1 more slam either in 2012 or in 2013. Since Federer already won that slam I suppose he won’t win more. Who knows.


Brando Says:

RAFA CONGRATULATES FED ON WIMBY WIN AND NO.1:

http://www.livetennisguide.com/2012/07/10/rafael-nadal-congratulate-roger-federer/

Also congratulates murray for his effort at wimby!

YET the haters want to knock the guy!


Nina Says:

Congrats Fed fans, what an impressive achievement by your man! I knew Roger still had it in him to win more slams, he’s shown why he’s considered the best ever. I’m sad for Novak losing his first rank, but I’m sure he’ll bounce back. And poor Murray I hope he can win a slam someday! But today is Roger’s day, he deserves all the praise he gets, astonishing what he has done. I don’t think we will ever see someone like him again, so enjoy it while it lasts. :)


tfouto Says:

jamie

psyschic didn’t say Federer wont win anymore slams…

i dont remember saying that Djokovic will win more. He didn’t say anything of that. Besides i dont believe in stars…

If someone born at the same day and around the hour of Federer, and decided to play tennis would be as good as him?


green900 Says:

Jamie

Thats all you can say ‘bite me’ and ‘betch’. You’re worse than a 5 year old.


Nina Says:

And Ray please leave this forum, you’re a troll and we don’t want rabid haters here. Thanks.


jamie Says:

green is sore.


jamie Says:

tfouto

I will search that thread and post the links here


jamie Says:

Nadal

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p45.html

menteperfecta
Superheroe sexy…

Fecha de Ingreso: Sep 2009
Mensajes: 1.723
Agradecimientos:: 3.669
Agradecido 1.831 Veces en 924 Posts
Nominado 22 veces en 13 Posts
Premios del Post del Mes: 0
Poder: 97

Álbumes de Fotos de este Miembro
Tiempo en línea: 4 Semanas 22 horas 48 minutos 13 segundos

Re: Rafa – Nadal
Cita:
Empezado por aven
U mentioned JJOO- please clarify what is that!
Olympic Games.

Cita:
Empezado por aven
Also what do you analyse abt Rafa’s long term prospects, Is he gonna win some more slams & is his career at a decline as many ppl claim to be?
I think that to win more GS in his career.

Cita:
Empezado por aven
Is there anyway I can email you? I cant seem to find the email if its here..sorry!!
My mail? menteperfecta * h o t m a i l . c o m

Cita:
Empezado por aven

Gracias!!
De nada ; )
__________________
Neo:-¿Por que Me duelen los ojos?
Morpheus:-Porque nunca antes los habias usado.

Matrix


jamie Says:

Empezado por aven

Also what do you analyse abt Rafa’s long term prospects, Is he gonna win some more slams & is his career at a decline as many ppl claim to be?

This is what mente perfecta said:
======================================

I think that to win more GS in his career.


jamie Says:

Mente Perfecta thinks Nadal will win more GS(Grandslams) in his career.


jamie Says:

Nadal will get revenge at USO

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p44.html

menteperfecta
Superheroe sexy…

Fecha de Ingreso: Sep 2009
Mensajes: 1.723
Agradecimientos:: 3.669
Agradecido 1.831 Veces en 924 Posts
Nominado 22 veces en 13 Posts
Premios del Post del Mes: 0
Poder: 97

Álbumes de Fotos de este Miembro
Tiempo en línea: 4 Semanas 22 horas 48 minutos 13 segundos

Re: Final Federer – Nadal (Roland Garros 2011)
Chau Rafa….la revancha vendra en el US Open ; )
__________________
Neo:-¿Por que Me duelen los ojos?
Morpheus:-Porque nunca antes los habias usado.

Matrix


alison Says:

Brando Thanks for that link about Rafa,yeah he has his moments when he says and does some stupid things,but no one can deny this is pure class from Rafa,congratulating both Roger on winning wimbledon,But also Andy on a fantastic tourney,as for Rafa im just looking forward to seeing him back playing again it seems such a long time ago now,just hope he can put up a good deffence for his Gold Medal,vamos Rafa.


jamie Says:

Federer

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p15.html

FranzuaDubal is the other psychic who is really good.

FranzuaDubal
Gran Colaborador

Me gusta la solar de Roger.
Creo que es muy posible que vuelva a levantar un grande.
Si no es en 2012, puede ser en 2013.

Pero al menos 1 grand slam mas va a ganar, de aqui a 2013.

2013 va a ser un gran año para Roger.

Saludos
________________


jamie Says:

Nole

FranzuaDubal

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p16.html

Nole va a seguir a gran nivel hasta 2013.
Ya que Jupiter transitara su MC y despues sobre su Sol, y despues sobre su Mercurio.

Actually here is the entire prediction

Nole va a seguir a gran nivel hasta 2013.
Ya que Jupiter transitara su MC y despues sobre su Sol, y despues sobre su Mercurio.

Y Roger, en esta rev solar, Venus (benefico en I) le cae sobre el Mercurio radical (reg de asc y mc, tenis) por eso pienso que en 2012 podrá ganar algun grand slam ó los JJOO.

Ademas en 2013 ya Jupiter transitara su MC, con lo cual seguro va a seguir ganando cosas importantes.

Y a Nadal lo veo muy complicado. En la solar que arranca en 2012 tiene a Saturno retrogrado en cuadratura partil a Marte natal… asique va a estar muy complicado con su nivel y lesiones que le afecten, hasta mitad de 2013.


jamie Says:

Murray

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p47.html

FranzuaDubal before Wimbledon final:

Será la hora de Murray ? O será en Australia ?

Le voy a Roger el domingo…


jamie Says:

http://foro.astrodestino.com.ar/showthread.php/final-federer-nadal-roland-garros-2011-10326p48.html

menteperfecta before Wimbledon final

En cuanto a Murray, si no se le da aca(Wimbledon), con esa promesa Sol-jupíter solar tiene altas chances en Australia 2013. Donde jupiter estara volviendo a mercurio natal y donde las cuspides fijas de Melbourne con sus progresiones son mucho mas favorables.


jamie Says:

My revised prediction (slams)

Federer 17 or 18

Nadal 13 or 14

Djokovic 10 or 12


Mark Says:

@ Brando. Yesterday I posted ” Nadal just posted on facebook “Congrats Roger for your victory and also Andy for this great tournament””. I received a response from @tfouto at 7.20 a.m. “Mark to congratulate someone you don’t need to do it in public. Roger just send personal messages”. You just can’t stop the haters!


steve-o Says:

It’s not really about proving anything to anyone at this point; he’s long past that. It’s about doing what he was born to do: play tennis.

You ask why Federer plays. Why did Michelangelo paint? Why did Mozart make music? Why do the birds sing?

Don’t ask why. Just relax and enjoy it.


jamie Says:

Edit

Djokovic 10-12


tfouto Says:

lol

Mark your entire post was:

Mark Says:
Nadal just posted on facebook ” Congrats Roger for your victory and also Andy for this great tournament” . Classy Rafa! I wonder did Fed congratulate Rafa on his 7th French Open victory? And BTW you fed fans , I see you are all now praying for Fed to play under a closed roof! Unbelievable! Can’t he play and win in the great outdoors? I guess even his skills are limited. Some goat!!~

I was answering to your: “Classy Rafa! I wonder did Fed congratulate Rafa on his 7th French Open victory?”


Brando Says:

@Mark:

Don’t bother with it. IF people think rafa- or anyone else for that matter- is just a fraud, a douchebag or whatever else- THEY WILL NEVER BE CONVINCED OTHERWISE regardless of the evidence that points otherwise.

Just ignore them- they are here to vent there hate, so let them!

Root hard for rafa, and respect the others when they win- BEST THING TO DO!


tfouto Says:

@Brando…

I respect Nadal. It’s not a fraud.

The fraud here is Mark. He’s just manipulate posts, and likes do diminish oponents victories.

Maybe Mark thinks Federer is a fraud.


st4r5 Says:

@Mark, regarding Rod Laver’s quote, yes he did say that Rafa was close, but close is not equal the same. Roger is the best ever (according to Rod Laver).

To me Roger Federer is the GOAT, Rafa and Djokovic are in the same class as great players. Me putting Rafa and Djokovic as great players don’t mean I hate them, in fact, I like them too.


st4r5 Says:

As a Fed fan, I like to honour Rafa and Djokovic as great players, and I even do it when Fed just won a grand slam. I don’t think Rafa or Djokovic fans will honour Fed when their icons just win a grand slam….


tfouto Says:

@st4r5 not true…

Nina, Kimberley are classy among others… It’s not about fans of one or other. It’s about people. There all kind of people everywhere.


st4r5 Says:

Well Rafa is close, he is only about 6 grand slams away from Roger. I want to see if Rafa or Novak can chase up Roger, when one of them surpasses him, then the one surpasses him, will be called the GOAT and Fed will reduced to one of the greats only.


contemperory Says:

Just by winning more grand slams one doesn’t become the GOAT, if there is some title like that. Lots of other factors also need to be considered (consistency, winning streaks, no.1 rank streak, all-court game, other records etc). I have mentioned that before and that’s what I think the right way is. If one wins 12 FOs out of 18 he can only be called as the GCOAT (greatest Claycourter).


Sienna Says:

Jamie I can read a little bit of spanish and you are the biggest fraud in TT.

You have posted links leading up to theslams with different winners and different articles.
Why are you so in to thos falsified data you posting AFTER the slam is done?


Sienna Says:

not on tt but on tennis x


jamie Says:

@Sienna

There are different astrologer all over the internet. And there are different forums all over the internet. You spaz.


jamie Says:

@st4r5

Nole and Nadal won’t reach Fed because the Swiss won his first 10 or so slams in a weak era.

Nole and Nadal are close in age and have taken slams from each other.

There is nobody from Fed’s age, born in the early 80s that is an all time great. So Fed had it easy with a bunch of mugs born in the early 80s, his generation.

Nadal and Nole are all time greats from the same generation.

Fed had no all time greats born in the early 80s taking slams away from him.


Margot Says:

Wog boy, know just how u feel. Take care :)


st4r5 Says:

@Jamie, please don’t embarrass Rafa and Novak with your lame excuses for not being able to get what Fed got due to weak era.


Michael Says:

Alison,

I got your point. No one can predict the future. Things will happen as they happen. But you cannot dismiss what is already there before you. You can only frame your arguments based on that. As you said, it is too early to dismiss Nadal not winning the World Tour Finals. He is only 26 and I see still 2 years of good Tennis left in him. He may or may not do it. But that doesn’t anyway diminish his stature as a Tennis GREAT.


Michael Says:

Jamie,

You always moan about the weak era.

But do you know these so-called young guns like Novak, Murray and even Nadal have very tight records against the veterans namely Davydenko, Roddick and even Ferrer. So much about the weak era that you stress time and again.


Michael Says:

st4r5,

Just surpassing Roger in slam count may not enough. It should be evenly distributed. You cannot win 11 French opens, 2 Wimbledons, 2 US an 2 Australians to claim that you are the GREATEST. Roger has many more records like the Final, semi and quarter streak which are eternal. I do not think these young guns can win the World Tour Finals (2nd most important tournament in Tennis) six times.


nadalista Says:

Quite agree with @michael Jluly 11th, 2012 at 12:22 am……….1 French Open Slam is not enough either, distribution should be even across all Slams.


Ray Says:

clowns and more clowns! that is all rafa seems to get as fans!

He’s definitely the GOAT of having mor0ns as fans!


Nina Says:

I don’t think anyone will ever surpass Federer, it’s virtually impossible. Even though Nadal matched his number of slams (which is probable) he still wouldn’t be there in my opinion, with all my respect for Nadal who I like more than Federer. Roger is the Goat not only because of his achievements that are vast, but because of his enormous consistency over the years reaching pretty much all semifinals or finals, and also for his style of game which is highly regarded. While I laugh when I hear expressions like “the swiss maestro” or the “almighty Fed”, it’s still true. HOWEVER, that doesn’t take anything from Nadal who is ALREADY an ALL-TIME GREAT and who has won the heart of millions and millions of fans who prefer his heart and courage than Federer’s elegance or grace. And then there is also a legion of fans like me who think Nole will be an ALL-TIME GREAT as well and who identify with him and his beautiful game and beautiful personality over Roger or Rafa. We are just lucky to have all these all time greats playing at the same time and dominating the tour for so long, with also Murray tagging along who I rightly think will win multiple slams in the near future. Let’s celebrate and stop the absurd tard wards!

PD. Also, Ray, your insults only make you look less rational and smart. It’s very easy to take it on the other fans or players and just gloat endlessly, but that doesn’t make you a good poster to talk to. That’s called trolling and has no place in this forum.


Nina Says:

I meant “even if Nadal could match his number of slams”!! Why is there no edit button???


Michael Says:

Nadalista,

Quite agree with @michael Jluly 11th, 2012 at 12:22 am……….1 French Open Slam is not enough either, distribution should be even across all Slams.

He won atleast one French. There are players like Sampras who did not even enter the finals of French and yet were enshrined as GOAT. But Roger won one and made five finals and two semis. He was pretty consistent even over there. It is just that Nadal spoiled his show.


Ray Says:

Jamie :

look at it another way – if federer was in their generation, nole wouldn’t have any wimbledon and rafa wouldn’t have any slam outside clay.

hewitt and roddick might have ended with 5 or 6 slams – same as rafa and nole.

it cuts both ways, but with a mo-fo like you, i wouldn’t expect you to get it.


nadalista Says:

Michael;

Thank you……….I heard you twice the first time.


Mark Says:

I really pity poor Fed with fans like @ Ray.


Nina Says:

Me too, Mark. :)
Unfortunately internet forums attract this kind of people who hide behind their anonymity and are not capable of being civil or acknowledging anything.


courtside Says:

Jamie
Kirkman picks Novak to win USO

Novak already won the USO AO double


jamie Says:

@courtside

The Argie psychic picks Nadal to win the USO.

So who knows.


Sienna Says:

jamie Says:
@Sienna

There are different astrologer all over the internet. And there are different forums all over the internet. You spaz.

July 10th, 2012 at 1:32 pm

You said James. ANd they all throw in ther e2 pence sooner or later one hit a good one. They probably are linked together or somehow. All of this is just a money grabbing machine.


madmax Says:

Michael Says:
When Roger himself has said that he is not the GREATEST, then it puts an full stop to the debate. There is no title as the GREATEST. It is fit only for debates. But to me personally, he will always be the GREATEST Tennis has seen. It is an individual opinion which will change only when another player convinces me that he is superior to Roger both in terms of record, consistency as well as overall play.

July 10th, 2012 at 12:43 am

Michael, do you honestly think that Federer is going to say “I am the greatest?”. No way he would say that. It is for us to deliberate who we think is the gretest. I think that Federer is the greatest ever. I think that that rafa is the greatest ever on clay. I think that Nole is a great player who could become even greater and had the greatest year ever.


Nina Says:

They are all really really GREAT, that is the only fact. lol
Enjoy them while it lasts.


Michael Says:

Madmax,

do you honestly think that Federer is going to say “I am the greatest?”. No way he would say that. It is for us to deliberate who we think is the gretest. I think that Federer is the greatest ever. I think that that rafa is the greatest ever on clay. I think that Nole is a great player who could become even greater and had the greatest year ever.

To deliberate. Yeah, that is what we are doing. But Roger has been quite candid enough to deny that he is the GREATEST and he also adds that it is difficult to compare eras. He also says that he plays Tennis not for records but just for the love of it. It just shows how much attachment this man has towards the sport. I remember Roger once said that he will be playing Tennis even if there is no such great money involved in this sport. I would say he is devoted to Tennis and it is his religion.

That said, I totally agree with you.

Roger = GOAT
Nadal = GOAT on clay and one of the All Time Great
and
Novak = Potentially a All Time Great player

This trivaly has taken Tennis to Great heights and the Sport has immensely benefited.


Steve 27 Says:

Graff is the GOAT

4 AO
5 UO
6 FO
7 W
Superb!

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