FOR MAD RAVING ROGI MANIACS!

[Doris]

Nope

[RogiFan]

Here is Doris' translation of a Swiss article from Coopzeitung:

I don't want a bodyguard
Tennis professional Roger Federer (21) about the French Open, his preferred country, popularity and why he isn't hiding

Didier Walzer
Coopzeitung: After 12 wins in a row you lost agains Mantilla in Rome. What went through your head after the game?
Roger Federer: I was very disappointed. Rome is one of the biggest tournaments of the year, a win would have brought me a big step ahead - I had the chance, but luck obviously was not on my side.

CZ: What did you do after the match, to get your forces together for the first round in Hamburg?
RF: I went for a casual dinner together with my girfriend Mirka Vavrinec, who plays professional tennis too, my coach and friends. That was good for my morale. The next day I had time for myself. I went for physiotherapy and let myself sleep a lot the night after.

CZ: The French Open starts on 26.5. - last year you were among the favorites, but lost already in the first round. How do you want to avoid such a thing this year?
RF: I will concentrate especially on the early rounds, where you have to be prepared against opponents who can't be underestimated. When I get my rhythm I can go a long way.

CZ: Is Roland Garros your most important aim this year?
RF: No, I'd like to reach the QFs in the remaining 3 Grand Slam Tournaments. I wasn't able to get any further so far. Then I'd like to qualify for the Masters Cup, where the top 8 players will face each other. It'll be held in Houston in November.

CZ: Isn't it time that you won your first Grand Slam?
RF: I don't like to put myself under too much pressure. You know how difficult it is to win such a tournament. For Roland Garros - just as an example - there are a number of favorites: Like the Australian Lleyton Hevitt, the American André Agassi, the Brasilian Gustavo Kuerten and last year's winner the Albert Costa from Spain. And there can always be a surprise winner.

CZ: Tennis specialists like French Guy Forget, captain of the French Davis Cup Team, believe that with your potential you could win such a tournament.
RF: Yes, I get a lot of compliments, almost too many - that could turn out counterproductive. One should not forget that there's very tough competition in professional tennis - so much that even the world's best in the first round of a tournament can get into trouble against a lower ranked player and may even lose.

CZ: The Swiss Davis Cup Team qualified for the semifinal in which they meet Australia away. Do the Swiss have a chance to win?
RF: Hard to say, the tie is in September - still a long time away. It depends on what form the different players will be in at that time. However, we are the outsiders. But that doesn't prevent us from believing that we have a chance. For us the situation is pretty good, as the spirit and unity in our team is very good. Plus Michel Kratochvil, who was injured during the QF tie against France in Toulouse, will be able to play again against Australia. That could be decisive.

CZ: Is it important for you to win for Switzerland?
RF: Yes, I love this land and the friendliness of its ppl. From a tourist point of view I'm fascinated by the lakes and the mountains. That's why I still live in Switzerland.

CZ: Do you have other preferred places?
RF: Yes Australia and South Africa, for example. Of the European cities I like Vienna and Rome best.
CZ: How many holidays do you have a year?
RF: I'll go abroad two to three weeks and spend as much time at home.

CZ: During the last two years you reached the top in professional tennis. What have you learned during this time?
RF: I know myself much better. I worked very hard on the physics - that's why I also got stronger mentally and don't get nervous that easily anymore. And therefore don't waste as much energy. In short, I grew up.

CZ: Did you stay down-to-earth despite being famous and rich?
RF: I think yes. Thanks to the ppl close to me and to my education. Besides I don't understand why being famous should change your character.

CZ: Do you have a bodyguard?
RF: Why should I? I don't hide either. When Iwant to eat pizza in a busy restaurant I don't hesitate a second - even when I know that a lot of fans will recognize me.

CZ: And the groupies leave you alone?
RF: When you assume that they are sleeping outside my hotel room then this is just a rumor. At the time when it was less professional in tennis it might have been like this. These days the players concentrate 100% on the sport - already because of the large sum of money that can be earned. They don't have time left over to spend with groupies.

CZ: Do you still have, despite the enormous pressure because of the high prize money, the pleasure to play the game?
RF: Yes, that belongs to the basics, that's the only way I can get motivated. To play in packed stadiums is just fantastic. Also the training never has bored me even though I wish I sometimes had a bit more spare time. At the end of my career I will have enough time - the career of a tennis professional is very short. I started to play tennis because I liked the sport not because I was hoping to get rich doing it.

CZ: But money is still important to you?
RF: Of course it's a wonderful encore, even when I'm not a megalomaniac and never bought anything crazy. Money gives you security. Nowadays I'd like to know how much I'm earning and how much I'm spending. Before I was never really interested in it.

CZ: The economy crisis has hit Switzerland pretty hard. Do you feel anything of it?
RF: Also professional tennis is touched very hard. There are less sponsors and the spectators think twice about attending a tennis match.

hmmm I think this is quite a funny ending for an interview maybe the one in the printed magazine is longer Mrs. B. might have it...

original source www.coopzeitung.ch/

VIEL DANKE, Doris!!

[Doris]

You are welcome

[ILR]

Thanks for article

[Vera]

Tennis: In shadow of greatness
23.05.2003

With the tag "the new Pete Sampras" hanging round his neck, Roger Federer might be expected to begin his collection of grand slam titles at Wimbledon.

Ever since finishing 1998 as the world junior No 1, he has attracted comparisons with the American winner of a record 14 Grand Slam crowns.

But while the verdant lawns of the All England Club suit the stylish Swiss well - he ended seven-time champion Sampras' 31-match winning streak there in 2001 - Federer is primed to vaunt his versatility on a very different stage.

A red-hot start to the year has vaulted Federer into a French Open seeding of fifth and a place as one of the favourites for the second grand slam of the season, which starts on Monday.

Victory on the clay of Munich in April was his third title of the year but his first on clay, following wins in Marseille and Dubai.

Importantly, though, it boosted his sometimes fragile confidence on a surface better suited to more patient players.

"Clay is not my favourite surface and I'm surprised to be playing so well after just a few weeks of training," Federer said after winning the Munich event without losing a set.

"I never expected this, it's amazing," he said. "To play so well on clay gives me confidence for this season. I know I can win tournaments on clay and that winning Hamburg (in 2002) wasn't a coincidence."

That victory in Hamburg last year at the Masters Series event prompted observers to rate the youngster a good outside bet for the French title 12 months ago.

He had just thrashed the mighty Marat Safin 6-1 6-3 6-4 in his first Masters Series final at the Rothenbaum club and looked in great form.

Eight days later, though, he was on his way home from the French capital, the victim of a surprisingly inspired performance by Morocco's Hicham Arazi and the heavy going on a rain-sodden court.

This year, however, his progress has been more measured than meteoric.

A week after bagging the Munich title he marched into the final of the Rome Masters with victories over claycourt specialists Tommy Robredo and Juan Carlos Ferrero only to lose in the final to another Spaniard, Felix Mantilla.

"Never again," Federer muttered after allowing Mantilla to win 14 out of 17 break points to clinch the match.

Switzerland will hope he has learnt a harsh lesson that could prove decisive in Paris.

Certainly in Davis Cup action Federer has proved himself a most resilient character; he's unbeaten this year in the teams competition as the Swiss look forward to a semifinal against Australia in September.

Australian captain John Fitzgerald is certainly a fan.

"Federer ... I would say he's the best player that we will have come up against in my three years," he said.

"He's either ranked three or four at the moment but I think he's much better than that.

"He's a great player and I think he's a player who, when he wins his first major, he'll win three or four, maybe five.

"And he has a game which can win on every surface, which is unusual. There are not many guys around that you could say could win at any major - any of the four - but he's one of them."

Federer's easy action and ability to hit virtually any shot on every surface make him an outstanding talent. He now must prove he has the grit to win a grand slam event.

Source: New Zealand Herald

[RogiFan]

Vera, thanks for that article!! I watched some hilites fr Juanqui/Carlos TMC match -- also a bit of the final... I know it was tough to watch but he truly was playing out of his mind! So sharp! Like Rogi in the SF... just too bad Lleyton had to stop them both! It w have been incredible if it had been Juanqui/Rogi final!! Maybe this year!!

Rogi's already preparing in Paris, as he said he would... good boy, Rog!

[Vera]

RF.

I watched that TMC final again today, not the whole thing. I've watched that final a few times now but I can't really watch the last set, too painful. Just occured to me that Lleyton stopped my faves in the final 2 years in a roll. The year before, I was cheering for Seb and last year for Juanqui. Now, I think I'm starting to hold some grudges against Lleyton, if he does it again this year, I'll cross him out of my cheer For list and put him next to Pandy .

Rogi is better than Pete, at least he won't chicken out on Roland Garros like Pete does ;D .

[Doris]

Federer vs. Horna in first round.
Hmmmm an other of these southamerican claycourters.

But hey Roger you'll have everything to beat him, just do it!!

Gooo Roger gooo!!!

[RogiFan]

ROGI!



Federer: "I've put 2002 behind me"
By Georges Homsi
Friday, May 23, 2003

Roger Federer is one of the pre-tournament favourites at this year's French Open, even more so now that the draw has been announced. The Swiss star has yet to fulfil his potential in a Grand Slam event though, most notably at Roland-Garros where he crashed out to Hicham Arazi last year. We caught up with him courtside and found him in relaxed form, unconcerned about last year's disappointment and relishing the challenge ahead.

What have you been up to since your defeat to Philippoussis in Hamburg last week?
I went home and took it easy for a few days. Then I started training, beginning with fitness work on Tuesday, before picking up my racket again on Wednesday. I came to Paris on Thursday, so this is my third day of practice. I need a bit of time to get used to the balls here; they're a bit soft and tend to fly off the racket a bit. But I'm getting there.

Were you tired in Hamburg after your exertions over the previous two and a half weeks (winning in Munich and getting to the final in Rome)?
No, not really. I thought I would be, because after Rome I was really tired. I only got in one day's rest while I was travelling to Hamburg. But I won my first two matches against Max (Mirnyi) and Sargsian easily so I had time to recover.

Aren't you a bit surprised by your performances on clay?
No, not surprised. I must admit I didn't think I'd feel so good quite so quickly. When you start out you don't know what to expect. To win a tournament was great, and I carried it on to get to the final of the next one.

You're up against Luis Horna in your first match at Roland-Garros. How will you approach that one?
It's going to be tough. He makes you hit a lot of balls so you have to be patient and adopt the right strategy. I played him in the first round in Miami, and it was a hard match, even if I won in two sets. On clay he might be even harder to beat.

I imagine you'll be wanting to make up for the disappointment of Roland Garros 2002…
No - you know I wasn't hugely disappointed last year. Arazi is a tough guy to play and maybe I was a bit tired after winning in Hamburg. Losing to Ancic in the first round at Wimbledon was much more disappointing because I played badly and employed the wrong tactics. Arazi performed superbly and deserved to win. Having said that, I hope to fare better this time around.
www.rolandgarros.com/en_FR/news/articles/20030523192353aa1b8ba8ca2dfadd00256d2f005f765f.html

[RogiFan]

ATP INSIDER May 23, 2003

Get Set For Roland Garros
Giving you an inside look into the ATP this week
UP FRONT...
...

TIME FOR THE FEDERER-EXPRESS?…With an ATP-best 38-8 record in 2003 and lying in second spot behind ATP Champions Race leader ANDRE AGASSI, ROGER FEDERER is in prime position to mount a challenge for his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. The Swiss star, who reached the quarterfinals in Paris in 2001, will be hoping to erase the memory of his first round loss to Hicham Arazi 12 months ago with a good performance over the next two weeks. The 21-year-old from Basel went on a 10-0 run at the beginning of his clay court campaign, winning his third title of the year in Munich without dropping a set and reaching the final at the Telecom Italia Masters in Rome (l. to Mantilla). Having already won hard court titles in Marseille and Dubai, only Agassi has won more trophies this season with four. Federer is seeded a personal-best No. 5.

...

source www.atptennis.com/

[Sue]

Hi RF!
I came to post the * I've put 2002 behind me* article ..but I see you beat me to it!!
Hope everyone is well and looking forward to our boy performing brilliantly at RG!
Only four weeks to Wimbledon....sorry to keep mentioning it ..but I'm SO excited!
GO ROGER!!!!!!!!!

[Lily]

I can't believe all the articles on Rogi! I must have read about 7 or 8 of them and its not even Wimby time! Seems like they're writing more on him than Juanqui, Guga, AA, and Costa. But they're really good articles and even tho they all mention last year, they're v hopeful this time.

wow, I was watching some of that MC final too. wierd. and my fave point of the match...Juanqui serving at 3-4 in the 5th. He was gonna win that point no matter what! and he motioned to his heart and Pmac said, yes, you got the heart! I loved that! and then serving out the game w 2 aces and Hewitt just looking at him. loved that too. but just like Rogi/Hewitt, I cant watch the end...too painful.

[RogiFan]

700 Prozent in zwei Wochen
Heinz Günthardts Anlagetipp: Investieren Sie beim French Open in Federer

«Erste Priorität hat das Abnehmen»
powerd by swissdox.ch

Es hat sich herumgesprochen: Geld verdienen ohne zu arbeiten ist in den letzten Jahren schwierig geworden. Die Börse krebst bereits im vierten Jahr rückwärts; Staatspapiere werfen kaum noch etwas ab, und beim Dollar kann man auch nicht mehr ohne weiteres sagen: «A buck is a buck.»

Hier nun der Anlagetipp für schnell Entschlossene mit erhöhtem Risikoappetit, wie es so schön im Bankenjargon heisst: Verdienen Sie 700 Prozent in zwei Wochen. Allerdings wird das Papier an keiner Börse gehandelt, sondern bei Buchmachern wie William Hill in London. Dafür ist das Unternehmen, das dem Papier zu Grunde liegt, äusserst transparent - keine Kursmanipulation möglich. Gewinnt Roger Federer Roland Garros, werden von William Hill für jeden eingesetzten Franken direkt nach dem Final acht ausbezahlt.
Wenn er in Form ist, vermischen sich die verschiedensten Spielsysteme
Sofort kaufen, meinen die Bullen. Genauso gut könnte man das Geld zum Fenster hinauswerfen, sagen die Bären. Die Bullen weisen auf das unglaubliche Talent des Schweizers hin. Keiner liebkose die Bälle wie Roger Federer. Fast scheine es, als habe er eine besondere Beziehung zu ihnen. Er wickle sie ein, streichle sie, hämmere sie, immer würden die Bälle artig gehorchen. Wenn er in Form sei, vermischten sich die verschiedensten Spielsysteme zu einem neuen Original. Poesie in Bewegung.

Und Roger Federer ist in Form. Niemand hat auf der Tour in diesem Jahr mehr Matches gewonnen als er. Im Davis-Cup war er eine Klasse für sich, so auch in Marseille, Dubai und München.

Alles schön und gut, meinen die Bären. Aber schliesslich sei Roland Garros kein Wettbewerb im Gedichteaufsagen. Die Kunst sei, am Ende oben auf dem Treppchen zu stehen. Und das Wichtigste hier sei nicht wie, sondern egal wie. Dazu brauche man keine goldene - sondern eine eiserne Hand. So wie einst Ivan Lendl. Oder wie Lleyton Hewitt, die Nummer 1 der aktuellen Weltrangliste, bereits mit 20 Jahren US-Open- und mit 21 Jahren Wimbledon-Sieger. Ausserdem hätten die letzten Slams gezeigt, dass die spezielle Atmosphäre dieser Turniere dem Schweizer nicht behagen würde. Auch sei der Druck auf ihm heute wesentlich grösser als noch im letzten Jahr, als er noch unbeschwerter an die Aufgabe herangehen konnte.

Grosse Dominatoren gewannen den ersten Grand-Slam-Titel als Teenager
Stimmt. Die meisten Dominatoren der Grand Slams haben ihren ersten Titel in jungen Jahren gewonnen; Boris Becker, Mats Wilander, Björn Borg, Pete Sampras und Stefan Edberg sogar vor dem 20. Geburtstag. Das befreit. Für die anderen wird die Mauer mit jeder verpassten Chance höher. Was nicht immer negativ sein muss. Wer einige Male abprallte, aber den nötigen Ehrgeiz besitzt, der holt zusätzlichen Anlauf. Schafft er die Mauer dann endlich, trägt ihn der Extraschwung vielleicht sogar zu zusätzlichen Titeln. Wie beispielsweise Ivan Lendl. Der war über 24 Jahre alt, hatte schon 130 Profiturniere bestritten und vier Grand-Slam-Endspiele verloren, als er in einem denkwürdigen Final 1984 in Paris gegen John McEnroe endlich seinen ersten Major-Titel gewann - und das nach einem 0:2-Satzrückstand. Als er es endlich geschafft hatte, gab es kein Halten mehr: In den sechs Jahren danach gewann er sieben weitere Grand Slams. Andre Agassi war bei seinem ersten Major-Titel auch schon über 22 Jahre alt, Thomas Muster fast 28, Andres Gomez und Petr Korda beide um 30. Für die drei Letztgenannten sollte der erste allerdings auch gleich der letzte grosse Titel sein.

Wer so gut ist wie Federer, wird das Glück auf seine Seite zwingen
Und was nun? Ich sage: setzen. Roger Federer besitzt in diesem Jahr die richtige Kombination zwischen jugendlicher Unbefangenheit und professioneller Abgeklärtheit. Zwar braucht jeder auch ein bisschen Glück, um seinen ersten grossen Titel zu holen. Aber wer so gut ist wie er, wird das Glück zwingen.

Aber investieren Sie nicht gleich Haus und Hof. Denn es bleibt natürlich ein gewisses Restrisiko. Das kennen Sie aber ja bereits von Ihrem Bankier.

Heinz Günthardt (44) war jahrelang bester Tennisspieler der Schweiz und Coach von Steffi Graf. Er schreibt regelmässig für die SonntagsZeitung.


source www.sonntagszeitung.ch

HELP!

[RogiFan]

Artikel vom 25. Mai 2003 / Quelle: SonntagsBlick

«Allez Rodgeur»!
Die Fans in Paris warten auf dich
VON CÉCILE KLOTZBACH

Spezielle Atmosphäre: Roger Federer spielte vor zwei Jahren gegen Alex Corretja – vor der einmaligen Kulisse auf dem Court Central.
FOTO: SVEN THOMANN

PARIS – Zum 102. Mal: Manege frei für Roland Garros! Eine der schönsten, wenn nicht die schönste Tennis-Arena der Welt mit dem berühmten «Court Central» im Herzen von Paris.

Darauf der Kampf um Prestige, Punkte und Preisgeld von über 13 Mio. Euro – Rekordwerte, die ab morgen Tennis der Welt-Elite vom Feinsten garantieren. 14 Tage lang.
Für über 350 000 erwartete Fans am Bois de Boulogne. Und 3 Milliarden Tennis-Freunde, die in 180 Ländern aller Kontinente ihre Stars am TV verfolgen.

Die Steffi Graf auf der Tribüne erspähen wollen, wenn sie den werdenden Vater ihres zweiten Kindes, «Oldie» Andre Agassi, zum Sieg pusht. Die mitfiebern, wenn «everybody’s darling» Kim Clijsters versucht, Tennis-Domina Serena Williams zu entthronen.

Die hoffen, dass Amélie Mauresmo drei Jahre nach Mary Pierce zum siegenden Liebling der Nation wird. Oder dass ein neuer Yannick Noah 20 Jahre nach dessen French-Open-Triumph den Bann der spanischen Sandhasen bricht – vielleicht stemmt ja am Ende sogar Sébastien Grosjean den «Coupe des Mousquetaires» vor der Masse jubelnder Patrioten hoch!

Paris setzt besondere Emotionen frei: Nirgendwo unterscheidet das Publikum so sehr zwischen Held und Anti-Held, jubelt so frenetisch, urteilt so hart. Wie feierten die Pariser den dreimaligen Sieger Gustavo Kuerten, als er ihnen ein riesiges Herz in den roten Sand zeichnete! Wie buhten sie 1999 Martina Hingis aus, als sie die Courtseite wechselte, um einen Abdruck zu kontrollieren – ein bis heute unverziehener «faux pas»!

Auch dieses Jahr sind Tausende kritischer Augen auf einen Schweizer gerichtet: «Rodgeur» Federer, wie man ihn hier mit französischem Akzent nennt.
Als Favorit gehandelt, weil er das französische Daviscup-Team eliminierte. Als Aussenseiter, weil er es letztes Jahr nicht über die erste Runde schaffte...

source www.sonntagsblick.ch

what ARE they saying about Rogi?!

more articles posted in RG03 articles thread!

[Lily]

Doris Help!

RF, you have gone completely article mad! I was just over in the RG thread (i think i'm now dizzy) so many picks, predictions and previews!

okay, theres a chance we'll get to see Rogi. I wonder if Serena will have a bagel kind of match or an Emily Loitt type. It s be Pmac and Cliffy, like last year, and they'll want to see Rogi themselves which w help us out. But then ESPN is so full of idiots, they might screw things up. Lets hope not!

[RogiFan]

Yeah, I'm dizzy too, Lily! Rogi said that he feels v good, he's been practising seriously and he's rested -- everything's OK!

OK, ROGI... fingers crossed for Monday's 1st rd. I hope we get to see him! It's live so we'll see. Do you get evening coverage all week too? We don't at all -- evening is for taped matches? Is it always AA or Serena or the like so people can watch after work?? Trying to figure out ESPN's strategy here!

ALLEZ, ROGI!

[Lee]

Good luck Rogi on his first round match against Horna. Rogi needs to be careful as Horna is a very good clay court player and when he's on, he is a very dangerous opponent on clay.

[Doris]

Hi all

Well it's more ore less a general overview of the RG.

They mention the public who loves or hates a player and they nowhere else show it that clear.

As for Roger that hes among the favorites too.

And that maybe Seb will hold the trophy at the end 20 years after Noah.


Sorry guys right now I don't have that much spare time to translate all the articles. I'll give my best. but right now I'm hurring to the next restaurant and ask them to switch on the TV so I might have a small chance to see Roger...... ..... all depends on what Eurosport is showing...


Alllleeezzzzz Roger gooo for it!!

[ILR]

Hi Guys

good luck to Rogi today ;D ;D

I am going to get coverage of his match right after the El Aynaoui and Dupuis one. So lets hope this one is a short one

GO ROGI

[ILR]

Rogi is 3-0 down??!! Come on Rogi!

[ILR]

hmm my scoreboard is at 3-2 now. Come on Rogi

[ILR]

4-3 now ;D

and Im talking to myself!

[Lily]

ROGI!!!! WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!

ok, now its 3-3....

[ILR]

Oh Hi Doris

are you watching?

[Lily]

i'm here ILR

are you watching this?

[ILR]

Hi Lily

no, not yet. My coverage of Rogi starts at the end of El Anyaoui and Dupuis. So come on Younes! He is already 2 sets up and 2-1. Hopefully it wont be too long now!

[Lily]

its 5-6 Rogi to serve....get it to a tb, Rogi!!!

wheres RF?

[Doris]

Darn Roger was serving for the set at 5:4 but got broke!!

He's now up in the TB 4:3

Come on Roger fight fight fight!!

Unfortunately they were showing Schüttler on TV when they turned it on for me. So I eat quickly my lunch which I've already ordered and came back here....

.... allleeezzzz Roger!!!!

[Doris]

Roger had set point but Horna was serving now 6:6

still on Horna's serve come on Roger it's time for a mini break!!

but no it's set point Horna Roger serving...

..... Hold Roger hold you just have to!!

[ILR]

omg Rogi missed an easy volley and lost the set!!