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Post by RogiFan on Apr 11, 2004 10:03:42 GMT -5
Tennis: le point de l'espoir pour la Suisse LAUSANNE - Roger Federer n'a pas failli. Le Bâlois a égalisé à 2-2 dans le quart de finale qui oppose la Suisse à la France à Malley. Il a battu en trois sets, 6-2 7-5 6-4, Arnaud Clément. Le match décisif opposera Michel Kratochvil à Nicolas Escudé. 15:51 11.04.04 Face au no 1 français, Roger Federer fut, une fois encore, irrésistible. Comme vendredi face à Escudé, le Bâlois n'a pas concédé une seule fois son engagement. Et face de l'un des meilleurs relanceurs du circuit, il n'a pas dû sauver une seule balle de break lors de ses quinze jeux de service. Cette statistique vaut tous les discours. Roger Federer a dominé cette rencontre, qui pouvait être celle de tous les dangers pour lui, de la tête et des épaules. Il a tout de suite pris le large au score en enlevant les quatre premiers jeux de la rencontre. Dans le deuxième set, la réplique de Clément fut excellente. Mais à 5-5, le Françait concédait un break sur un jeu "blanc". Federer prenait ensuite d'entrée de jeu le service de Clément pour s'imposer après 2h 15'de match. Le no 1 mondial a remporté dimanche son vingt-cinquième match de l'année, son dix-neuvième simple de Coupe Davis. Depuis sa défaite contre Nicolas Escudé à Neuchâtel, Roger Federer présente un bilan remarquable dans ses simples en Coupe Davis: 14 matches gagnés sur 15 et 44 sets remportés sur les 48 qu'il a disputés. Comme à Arnhem l'an dernier, où il avait battu le Néerlandais Martin Verkerk dans le simple décisif, Michel Kratochvil doit désormais conclure. Le Bernois ne part pas favori devant Nicolas Escudé, qu'il n'a encore jamais rencontré à ce jour. A la recherche d'une victoire sur le circuit en 2004, il aborde cette rencontre sans aucun repère. www.lematin.ch/nwmatinhome/nwmatinheadsport.html?newsaction=detailcateg&idnews=ats.ch%3A20040411%3Abrg501&newscateg=2&newssubcateg=0&newsnb=&status= :banana2:
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Post by RogiFan on Apr 11, 2004 10:10:29 GMT -5
11 Apr 2004 - Centre Intercommunal de Glace de Malley, Prilly, Lausanne, SUI - Chris Bowers - SUI v FRA Related Audio Federer Takes It To The Wire The brilliance of Roger Federer has seen the Switzerland v France quarterfinal in Lausanne go to a live fifth rubber, just as the quarterfinal between these two nations in Neuchâtel did three years ago. Federer, who shoulders so much of the burden of Swiss hopes, was outstanding against Arnaud Clément, France's stand-in No. 1 (in the absence of Sébastien Grosjean), beating him 62 75 64 to send most of the 7000 Swiss fans in the Centre Intercommunal de Malley into raptures. It means the destination of the tie rests with two fragile players who are struggling to find the form of their best days: France's Nicolas Escudé who beat George Bastl 86 in the fifth set to see France through three years ago, and Michel Kratochvil, whose ranking has slipped from his best of 35 to a current 197. Whatever happens this weekend, those watching can say they saw Roger Federer at his best. Despite admitting to a little stiffness and feeling tired after his seven hours 13 minutes on court this weekend, he was outstanding in the first set, deliberately keeping the points short with a mixture of crunching groundstrokes and delicate slices that brought Clément out of his comfort zone on the baseline to the net. Federer should have won the first set more quickly than he did. He broke in the first and third games, and after 23 minutes had two set points at 5-1. But Clément was starting to get into it, and it took the Swiss five set points and 31 minutes to take it 6-2. Clément likes to change his shirt every set, and he played the second in Swiss colours of bright red. And that proved his best set, as Federer abandoned some of his mixing and got into some baseline slugging. At 5-4, Clément was in a strong position to level the match, but Federer held for 5-5, the Frenchman then played a horrible game, gifting his serve to Federer to love on four errors, and a netted forehand from Clément gave Switzerland the second set. The break the World No. 1 gained in the opening game of the third set came from a return to his mixing-it-up tactics. He sliced a couple of returns short, following them into the net, and left Clément in unaccustomed territory. Had Federer converted a break point he had at 4-2 the match would have been a procession, but Clement won a superb point to save it, and give himself a chance. Yet he made no impression on Federer's last two service games, the Swiss sealing victory in two hours 14 minutes. "It was one of my best Davis Cup matches," he said. "Obviously I hope we'll win, but whatever happens, I feel very satisfied about this weekend, I'm very proud to have put in a good performance in Switzerland as No. 1. There was a lot of pressure on my shoulders, I'm tired now, I've done my best, and hopefully it will be enough." Clément said: "He played the important points very well. At times he played fantastic tennis, but he wasn't unbeatable. I didn't play a perfect match. I didn't play badly, in fact I played a good match, but against the world No. 1 with the confidence he has, it wasn't enough to beat him." Federer said he hadn't given Kratochvil any tips for playing Escudé. "I gave him some tips about playing Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinal last year," he said, "but I think Micha had too much going round in his head, so I'll just leave him to do what he can." www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=12886
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Post by RogiFan on May 2, 2004 19:59:02 GMT -5
FORZA, ROGI!!! FORZA, ROGI ed YVES!!
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Post by RogiFan on May 3, 2004 15:09:37 GMT -5
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Post by RogiFan on May 3, 2004 15:15:51 GMT -5
Forgot to say woo hoo Rogi finally got his #1 trophy in the centre court of the Foro Italico today!! [ 03/05/2004 ] L'Atp World No.1 a Roger Federer Roger Federer è stato premiato sul campo Centrale poco prima della sfida tra l'inglese Tim Henman ed il tedesco Florian Mayer. Il 22enne elvetico, diventato numero uno lo scorso febbraio, ha ricevuto a Roma dalle mani di Nicola Pietrangeli ("Federer gioca un tennis d'altri tempi"), dal presidente Atp e Direttore per l'Europa Horst Klosterkemper e da Fabio D'Angelantonio di Indesit, l'Atp World No. 1 Trophy che reca incisi i nomi di tutti i "number one". Il trofeo, realizzato dalla Waterford Crystal, viene assegnato sempre nel corso di un torneo importante e quest'anno è toccato al Telecom Italia Masters di Roma. "Per me è stato la realizzazione di un sogno diventare numero uno - ha detto l'elvetico - Ringrazio Roma e gli organizzatori". Federer è il 24esimo numero uno da quando esiste il ranking ed il primo svizzero di sempre re del tennis mondiale. www.telecomitaliamasters.com/TelecomMaster/articles.detail.jsp?articleId=106&language=1See Hackie's post in the Roma thread for inglese!
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Post by RogiFan on May 5, 2004 9:42:31 GMT -5
Nice one, Rogi... losing to Costa in the 2nd rd... BAD, BAD ROGI! Smarten up for Hamburg, pls...
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Post by RogiFan on May 5, 2004 14:18:00 GMT -5
I fell a little better now having watched the match. Just got this fr MTF, don't know the original source URL: Practice will make perfect for faltering Federer - from channelnewsasia ROME : World number one Roger Federer believes practice will make perfect following his shock second round exit at the Rome Masters. Federer, the number one seed, took the first set against Spaniard Albert Costa, only to lose 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to the 2002 French Open champion on Wednesday. Playing in his first clay court match of the year and with Roland Garros less than three weeks away, Federer said it was time to go back to the drawing board to iron out the mistakes that cost him a place in the last 16 at the Foro Italico. "I'm not happy with my serve, my return and sometimes my forehand - even though that is my biggest weapon," said the Swiss 22-year-old, the Australian Open champion. "Very simply, I have to go on the practice courts. Because I haven't been playing well in practice, I haven't performed well in matches. "The only thing that will bring my confidence back is to practice. Hopefully I will be ready for the French Open later this month, because so far I am not really happy with my game." Federer refused to blame his rusty performance on the three week break he took following Switzerland's Davis Cup quarter-final against France. "Everybody has been talking about me taking time off, but I think people are being too dramatic about this defeat," said the reigning Wimbledon champion. "I cannot change anything but this is not a disaster, because I know how tough the clay court season is for me. "This was an open match. Albert is a very good player and I think we should respect his game a little more." Federer was upset at being whistled by sections of the Rome crowd after his poor showing against clay court specialist Costa. "It shows a lack of respect because I ran for every ball for over two hours, and I myself am disappointed that I lost," he said. "You know, I didn't get any applause, nothing. All I can say is I always give 100 per cent and it's a pity to see such reactions." www.menstennisforums.com/showthread.php?p=519133#post519133
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Post by RogiFan on May 10, 2004 10:00:14 GMT -5
ATP MASTERS HAMBURG May 10, 2004 Federer Chases Second ATP Masters Hamburg Title © Getty Images Roger Federer begins his campaign for a second ATP Masters Hamburg title and fourth of the season against Argentine Gaston Gaudio. Federer, the current INDESIT ATP 2004 Race leader, has won titles at the Australian Open, Dubai and Indian Wells – his second ATP Masters Series shield. He captured his first here at the Rothenbaum in 2002, when he defeated Marat Safin in the final. Federer has a 26-3 record so far this year, and is 3-1 on clay. Gaudio is playing in Hamburg for the fourth time and advanced to the semifinals last year (l. to eventual champion Coria in three sets). The 25-year-old from Buenos Aires reached the final in Barcelona two weeks ago (l. to Robredo) and the quarterfinals in Vina del Mar in February (l. to Sanchez). Federer has won both of their previous meetings - on clay in Gstaad and on hard courts at the ATP Masters Montreal, both in 2003. Federer is seeded to meet No. 13 Fernando Gonzalez in the third round, with a potential quarterfinal against No. 7 seed Carlos Moya, who captured his third title of the season at the Telecom Italia Masters last week. It was Moya’s third ATP Masters Series shield (1998 Monte-Carlo, 2002 Cincinnati) and his first on clay in six years. Moya currently leads the ATP circuit in match-wins with a 33-7 win-loss record and is in second position in the INDESIT ATP 2004 Race behind Federer. The Spaniard, who has a 7-8 record in Hamburg with his best performance coming in 1999 when he reached the semifinals, has not progressed beyond the second round in four visits since. He meets fellow Spaniard David Sanchez in the first round in what will be their fourth meeting this year and fifth overall. Sanchez won their first encounter at Roland Garros in 2001, but Moya has won all three meetings this year in Buenos Aires, Acapulco and the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami. Moya has won titles this year in Chennai, Acapulco and Rome, as well as reaching finals in Sydney and Buenos Aires. Also in the top half of the draw, American Vincent Spadea takes on Germany’s Tommy Haas. Haas is making his seventh consecutive appearance in his hometown tournament, having reached the semifinals in 1997 and quarterfinals two years later. The 26-year-old, who missed the entire 2003 season due to a shoulder injury, captured his first title after his comeback in Houston on red clay last month (d. Roddick in final). Spadea captured his first ATP title in Scottsdale earlier this year and reached the quarterfinals in Rome. Marat Safin, the two-time finalist in Hamburg in 2000 and ’02, has a 12-4 record in the tournament and begins his campaign for the title against No. 8 seed Sebastien Grosjean. Safin, a finalist this year at the Australian Open and Estoril, also reached the semifinals at the Tennis Masters Monte-Carlo last month (l. to eventual champion Coria). Safin, who currently stands in fifth position in the INDESIT ATP 2004 Race, has won five of his seven meetings against Grosjean, although this is their first clash since the 2002 Davis Cup final in Paris, where Safin won in straight sets in the fourth rubber as Russia claimed the Cup. In the bottom half of the draw, defending champion Guillermo Coria makes his first appearance on the ATP circuit since winning his second ATP Masters Series shield in Monte-Carlo last month. The Argentine has won his last 26 matches on clay dating back to his semifinal loss to Martin Verkerk at Roland Garros last year. Coria, who defeated countryman Agustin Calleri in last year’s final, is 23-5 this year (11-0 on clay) and has won titles so far in Buenos Aires (d. Moya) and Monte-Carlo (d. Schuettler). Coria is a perfect 6-0 in Hamburg, and meets qualifier Nicolas Almagro in the first round. He is seeded to meet No. 16 Tommy Robredo, the Barcelona champion, in the third round and could face fellow Argentine David Nalbandian, the No. 6 seed, in the quarterfinals. Coria defeated Nalbandian en route to the Monte-Carlo title, while Nalbandian reached the final at the Telecom Italia Masters last week. 1st Federer, R. 386 2nd Moya, C. 309 3rd Roddick, A. 267 4th Coria, G. 238 5th Safin, M. 236 6th Henman, T. 171 7th Agassi, A. 165 8th Nalbandian, D. 161 9th Hewitt, L. 151 10th Hrbaty, D. 145 www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2004/hamburg_preview.aspFederer faces tough start World number one Roger Federer faces a tough first-round match against Gaston Gaudio in the Hamburg Masters starting on Monday. Sunday's draw for the last major men's event before the French Open starting on May 24 paired the Swiss all-court player against the Argentine baseliner, a semi-finalist in the northern German city last year. NEWS: Ferrero pulls out of Hamburg Masters Federer, who made his breakthrough in Hamburg when he won the title two years ago, returns seeking a morale boost before the Paris Grand Slam. "I believe I have the game to beat anybody but it will not be easy against Gaudio," said Federer, who lost to Spain's Albert Costa in the second round of this week's Rome Masters. The Wimbledon champion heads a draw featuring most the world's top players. Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero, who had missed Rome because of fitness worries, pulled out on Sunday with a wrist injury in another setback to his preparations for his French Open title defence. Americans Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick are two other high-profile players also missing in Hamburg. Argentine Guillermo Coria will return from an injury break to enter the 2.4 million euros event, the fifth in the nine-strong showcase series. Coria, who won his first Masters Series title in Hamburg last year, is seeded second and will start against a qualifier. Spain's Carlos Moya, who won the Rome title on Sunday by crushing Argentina's David Nalbandian in the final, is seeded seventh and will open his campaign against compatriot David Sanchez. All German eyes will be on Rainer Schuettler, the fourth seed, and Tommy Haas, who is staging a comeback after recovering from a career-threatening shoulder injury. Schuettler plays compatriot and training partner Lars Burgsmueller in the first round. Haas takes on American Vince Spadea. Reuters - 09/05/2004 www.eurosport.com/home/pages/V3/L0/S57/E6180/sport_Lng0_Spo57_Evt6180_Sto586145.shtmlHOPP, ROGI!!!!
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Post by RogiFan on May 11, 2004 15:50:00 GMT -5
Rogi passed the first-rd hurdle vs. his old friend Gaudio but it was tough 61 57 64! Now for Nico Lapentti. HOPP, ROGI!!! World number one Roger Federer opened his Hamburg Masters campaign by struggling past tough Argentine baseliner Gaston Gaudio 6-1 5-7 6-4 on Tuesday. Tim Henman and Lleyton Hewitt are both through, but David Nalbandian and Rainer Schuettler are out. The 22-year-old Swiss, who lost in the second round last week in Rome, survived a tricky first-round match with flashes of brilliance and plenty of determination. "I knew he was very good player and the conditions were tough with a heavy court and a lot of bad bounces but I hit the ball pretty well," Federer said. "Those matches help a lot," he added. "This is good for my confidence for the rest of the tournament." The Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, warming up for the French Open starting on May 24, needed just 28 minutes to take the first set, which he wrapped up with a forehand winner. Gaudio, a semi-finalist here last year, woke up to open a 4-1 lead in the second set. Federer fought back to level at 5-5 but lost the set when he was broken in its final game. The decisive set was tight until the Swiss all-court player, who made his breakthrough by winning in Hamburg two years ago, broke Gaudio in the ninth game to serve for the match. Federer won his service game to love, sealing victory in just under two hours with an ace on his first match point. SCHUETTLER OUT Local hope Rainer Schuettler, the fourth seed, made an early exit, losing in three sets to fellow German Lars Burgsmueller. Schuettler's friend and training partner, Burgsmueller won 6-4 6-7 6-4 after an exciting battle that thrilled a 9,000 crowd for over three hours. Former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian, the sixth seed, also went out. Spaniard David Ferrer crushed him 6-2 6-3 and has now beaten the Argentine three times in as many meetings. Britain's Tim Henman braved stomach pain and awful weather to beat Italian qualifier Andreas Seppi 7-5 1-6 6-3. Henman, seeded fifth but not a claycourt specialist, had to take glucose tablets before the match because he was feeling unwell and faced a spirited challenge from Seppi. The 29-year-old Briton was not granted the comfort of Hamburg's roof covered centre court and had to play on an outside court under persistent drizzle in the northern German port city. "The conditions were really difficult but I found a way to play some pretty good tennis in the end," he said. "It was a tough challenge mentally and I'm glad it's over. Tomorrow will be another day." HEWITT BATTERS BJORKMAN Australian former world number one Lleyton Hewitt was back to his 'do or die' form when he clobbered Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman 6-0 7-6 (7-5). Hewitt, seeded 17th in the claycourt tournament, was in a class of his own in the first set, which he took in 22 minutes with an acrobatic backhand volley on set point. The second set was tight and both players held serve until a tiebreak which Hewitt took 7-5. A service winner earned the former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion a match point and Bjorkman hit his backhand wide. "I played really well in the first set and dictated play from the start," said Hewitt, who goes on to meet local favourite Tommy Haas. "I didn't feel I played badly at all in the second set. Jonas just picked up his game." Eurosport - 11/05/2004 www.eurosport.com/BTW, Moya was watching Rogi's match...
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Post by RogiFan on May 12, 2004 21:33:21 GMT -5
HOPP, ROGI vs. Gonzalez!! Nice quick match vs. Nico 63 63!! You won for your sis and your Mom!!
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Post by RogiFan on May 13, 2004 14:35:30 GMT -5
ROGI d Gonzalez 75 61!! Into the QFs vs. Moya now [but I won't get to see this fantastic match -- their first meeting on clay]. I love them both but I'll cheer for Rogi!! HOPP, ROGI!!! World number one Roger Federer cruised through to the quarter-finals of the Hamburg Masters with a convincing 7-5 6-1 victory over Chilean baseliner Fernando Gonzalez on Thursday. The Hamburg Masters Series is LIVE NOW! Top seed Federer, who made his career breakthrough when he won the Hamburg title two years ago, stepped up a gear after a tight first set to oust Gonzalez, the 13th seed, in the last major men's event before the French Open starts on May 24. Gonzalez showed character by fighting back from 5-2 down in the first set of the third round match to level the set at 5-5 but Swiss Federer broke him again two games later to take the set in 47 minutes. The Australian Open and Wimbledon champion was in a class of his own in the second set and underlined his determination by winning the final game to love, Gonzalez bowing out after 73 minutes by netting a backhand on match point. Federer, strongly suggesting here that he could shine at the French Open, will face a Spaniard in the next round, either Carlos Moya or Fernando Verdasco. www.eurosport.com/
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Post by RogiFan on May 13, 2004 14:59:06 GMT -5
;D Federer reaches last eight World number one Roger Federer eased into the quarter-finals of the Hamburg Masters with a 7-5 6-1 victory over Fernando Gonzalez. But Marat Safin's erratic form continued as the former world number one bowed out 6-4 6-4 to unheralded Austrian Jurgen Melzer. Second seed Guillermo Coria extended his clay-court winning streak to 29 by beating Tommy Robredo 7-6 (7-2) 6-4. Seventh seed Carlos Moya had a huge scare before making the last eight. The Spaniard, who won last week's Italian Masters, was a break down in the third set against compatriot Fernando Verdasco. Moya finally prevailed 6-4 3-6 6-4 and will now play Federer. Andrei Pavel, conqueror of Tim Henman in the second round, also went out, losing 4-6 6-4 6-3 to Ivan Ljubicic. Federer threw away a 5-2 lead and wasted seven set points before finally clinching the first set against Gonzalez. The Swiss star then raced through the second for victory. I didn't really feel like playing tennis today Marat Safin Safin, who has hit patchy form since his Australian Open final appearance, made many unforced errors and was warned for racquet abuse. It is the first time 22-year-old Melzer has reached the quarter-finals of a Masters Series event. He will face Australian Lleyton Hewitt, who beat Brazilian Flavio Saretta 6-4 2-6 6-4. "I didn't really feel like playing tennis today," said Safin. "I had no motivation. I didn't want to be on court. I'm not a morning person." Others to book their last eight places were David Ferrer and Mikhail Youzhny. Ferrer beat former French Open champion Albert Costa 5-7 6-4 6-3 while Youzhny defeated Florian Mayer 6-0 7-6 (7-4). Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport2/hi/tennis/3711269.stmPublished: 2004/05/13 15:33:44 GMT © BBC MMIV news.bbc.co.uk/
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Post by RogiFan on May 13, 2004 15:16:50 GMT -5
Hamburg, 13 May 2004 Press Conference with ROGER FEDERER Federer – Gonzalez 7:5, 6:1 Q: It was a tight first set, but you got on top better and better. Is that the right picture that is emerging? FEDERER: I thought I really played well all match long today and he played a good game to come back. He takes a lot of risks. You have to take it in you own hands and that’s what I did. I doublefaulted at 0:15 which is not the right move. But, he also played a great first set. I had my chances earlier to close it out, but he hung in there. And in the end I needed luck to win it. I still thought I was the better player in the first set because I hit some great forehands and played more aggressive than he did. Q: Is he a disconcerting player or a player who puts you under pressure because he controls the outcome of the rallies? FEDERER: If he wants he really can take it away from you so that you have no control. But, I think that is also not his game plan because that is too risky. Nobody in the world plays this way to take risk on every shot. For me it’s a matter just to play balls where he cannot finish the point, where I know I will always reach him and when he comes to the net, I can pass him. It has a lot to do with tactics against him. If you play good shots and you play them to the wrong spot, he will hit a winner. So the way you play your balls is very important. Q: Over the last 2, 3 days all the old timing is coming back. Do you get that feel as well? FEDERER: Yes, especially on the return. I think I am returning better and better. My backhand up the line is slowly really coming. My forehand is working and also my serve. Everything has moved up a gear and that’s nice to see because I had many problems in the last few weeks. Q: You don’t seem at all to have any problems with the shots. FEDERER: I’m o.k. for the moment (laughs). I had problems in the past with the balls. I remember in 2002, I had a lot of problems to spin to ball. I really had to almost change my game and try to play flat. But that was two years ago. Over a year now, I haven’t had these problems. Obviously the ball tends to fly differently. Hamburg and Rome are totally different. I understand some players because I had a problem too in the past. But I can work the ball well here. So, it should be o.k. for everybody. Q: Does the fact that you play so well now against established very good clay court players help in the head in the way you play against Lapentti and now Gonzalez? FEDERER: Yes, I really beat three good clay court players. You have to play well to beat them. They are not going to give it to you because they make you hit a lot of balls. I’m happy that I showed some patience and struck the ball well from the baseline. It’s not enough just to serve well on clay. Q: When you play well on clay court, is there a transfer to other surfaces? FEDERER: Not really. I don’t look at it this way. I look at every surface in a different way. For me it’s easier to come from fast to slow than from slow to fast, because the return seems very difficult. Your back swing is way bigger because the ball is supposed to come slower. If you have a quick court, you can’t run around as much as you want. All these kind of things totally mix up the tactic. Q: You are one of the few players left speaking German. You are the favourite now here in Hamburg. Do you enjoy this role? FEDERER: Yes, definitely. I enjoy to be the star, the magnet for the audience. I think I have a couple of fans here in Hamburg since I won the tournament two years ago. This year I’m playing very good tennis again. Who knows what will happen. Q: One possibility would be to win the tournament again. FEDERER: Yes, a nice possibility. But we are far from that. The opponents will get tougher. Especially if Moya wins, that will be a real test, I will have to show how good I am on clay. But of course I like to remember how nice it was in 2002. Q: Is it especially challenging to compete with the specialists? FEDERER: Yes, in the locker room nearly everybody speaks Spanish. I’m not Spanish and I don’t speak it either (laughs). It’s a tough tournament, but I’m good enough to beat all these people. I know that. I showed that to myself after the last two matches. Therefore I’m looking forward to every match. It doesn’t matter whom I will play on clay. As long as my level is alright. I consider myself to be a clay court specialist as well, otherwise I wouldn’t have won tournaments like Munich and Hamburg and the finals in Rome and the Davis Cup matches. I know how good I am. Q: But this sort of confidence wasn’t always there. FEDERER: Yes, it was missing. At the beginning of my career I lost the first 11 matches. Something was missing. I had a lot to do with the mental aspect, because you can’t hit a serve on clay and that’s it. You have to play more from the baseline. My hand was shaking too much then. I had to get used to it. But all of a sudden I managed the breakthrough. Q: Would you say you cope with the court and the conditions? FEDERER: I got used to it. Last week in Rome it was also really slow. All the practice I was doing was under these conditions. I feel pretty well. Also the coordination with sliding is easier now. I used to be a bit scared, because I fell badly once during practice. Q: Is the confidence also because you are number 1? FEDERER: Yes, I built up a lot during the last year. Self confidence is really important in tennis. You risk more, and if you risk more you it’s better if you are full of confidence. I had to work on that, but now I’m on the right track. Q: Is 9 degrees Celsius an advantage for you? FEDERER: Maybe. But I feel a bit Southern as well. I prefer the beach and warm weather. So I don’t think it will make such a difference. Hamburg, 13 May 2004 Press Conference with CARLOS MOYA Moya – Verdasco 6:4, 3:6, 6:4 Q: You missed a lot of breakpoints. What was the problem? Were you nervous or mentally tired? MOYA: I don’t think I was nervous, but he has a very good serve and he put a lot of pressure on me. He hit the forehand and backhand very hard. Still, I think I should have a better percentage on those breakpoints. Sometimes this happens. Mentally it was a very though match for me because I knew I had so many chances I didn’t take and then he was very tough in the third set. So, I had the feeling he was going to win that match. But, I kept fighting and he got tired at the end. Maybe that’s why I won. Q: How do you see his potential? MOYA: He has no limit. He was hitting the ball so hard. All that I could do was run and wait for his mistakes. He forces you to take more risk than I usually take. His serve is good. He is very complete. He hits hard and has good returns. Maybe he is still young and doesn’t have that experience. But when he gets that, he’s going to be a top player. Q: You have been playing a lot lately. How are you feeling physically and mentally? MOYA: Today, some part of the game, I was feeling a little tired, also mentally. I had so many chances, but I saw he was dominating and controlling the match. But, I kept fighting and kept putting pressure on him. I was thinking, ‘now you have to win the match’. I think he realized that he was playing perfect, but could not doing. I have one night to recover. My matches have not been very tough until now. Maybe today has been the toughest in the last 10 days. But, I’m healthy. So, I don’t think it’s going to be a problem tomorrow. Q: Is it special to play Federer? MOYA: He is the No. 1 in the world. It’s always special when you play him. I know it’s on clay, but he won here 2 years ago which I never did. I have a lot of respect for him. I will try to play well tomorrow and to beat him. The other times I played him, it was different conditions. Now, they are better, but still it’s going to be a tough match. www.root3dtb.de/live/live.htm
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Post by RogiFan on May 14, 2004 15:43:57 GMT -5
OK Rogi beat Carlos today in a lacklustre match 64 63! Hamburg, 14 May 2004 Press Conference with ROGER FEDERER Federer – Moya 6:4, 6:3 Q: Are you satisfied with your performance? FEDERER: Yes, very much. I’m very happy with the way I played. It was a good match. Similar like yesterday. I was happy the way I hit the ball. I served good which I needed to. I’m very happy and gives me confidence for the rest. Q: That’s two good performances in a row. FEDERER: Yes, I thought every match had some good things in it. The first match I really had to fight through. The second match was a little easier, but still, fresh conditions in the night and then the last two were better. But, I beat really good clay court players and that’s definitely a good test for the French Open. But I don’t really see it that way because Hamburg is too important to call it a test. Q: Do you think that the three clay court events are too closely placed ? FEDERER: Well, back to back Masteres Series are tough. Especially for Carlos for example who just came after winning Rome. That is tough. Monte Carlo seems to me a little too early in the season. That’s why I couldn’t make it there. These are the only two things. Otherwise, I think it’s not too bad. Q: You broke him at the end of the first set and then immediately in the second set. The timing was perfect. FEDERER: Yes. Also he doublefaulted on the one break point in the second set which helps. But, obviously to get a good start in the second set was most important against him. Because if you give him the lead he can run away with it. The first set I didn’t really have a chance to break him, but then I got it and it was important to take it. Q: You came forward quite a lot. We are used to seeing that. But he started to come forward a lot more. FEDERER: I think it depends on who you play. Both of us we have to attack the opponent because if you let the other guy do it, this is when you are in trouble. Because we are both very good attack and baseline players. It’s not enough to put the ball back in the court in defense. We both know that. Q: You are traveling with some of your family members this week? Is that an advantage or is it more difficult. FEDERER: They left (laughs). But, it’s nice for a change to see my mum and my sister. They come to tournaments very rarely. My sister didn’t like it too much. (laughs). She said it was quite boring. Not the game, the game was fine, but waiting all the time for her brother. For my mum, she does my management with my father. So it’s important that she’s around sometimes. Q: With the summer being so full – with the Olympics – are you still planning to play two Masters Series in America? FEDERER: I haven’t really had different thoughts. But you have to wait and see how the French Open and Wimbledon go. Because if they go well you have to consider how your body is and how you feel. But for the moment I’m definitely planning to play. Q: Whom would you prefer as an opponent in the finals? FEDERER: I don’t like to answer that because the opponents are too difficult and the people reaching the semifinals have deserved it and they have a lot of confidence. You have to be scared of everyone. I have to prepare well for tomorrow. Q: Did the open roof make a difference? FEDERER: Yes, but I could warm up there before. It wasn’t that windy today, and there was a bit of sunshine. Therefore there was a bit of a difference. Q: Hewitt is one of the opponents you are most scared off. FEDERER: I’ve never played him on clay. Therefore it would be interesting to play him on clay. It’s better for his game on hard court, especially because of his leg work. But you never know. He has showed already that he can beat very good players on clay. He could also win the French Open. Maybe not this year, but the potential is there. Q: Will you use the same tactics as today and yesterday? FEDERER: We’ll see (laughs). I’m somebody who tries to win the point with the first 3 or 4 shots. That might be an advantage for the opponent, but I don’t mind longer ralleys as well. And I will have to do that, because it’s not easy to blow somebody like Lleyton Hewitt off the court on clay. Q: Today you won against the number 2 of the Champions Race. Is that something special? FEDERER: Yes, definitely. That was in my head. Therefore I was very happy to beat him. It’s always nice to defeat your opponents directly. Q: Concerning the Olympics. There have been bomb threats, and many sportsmen are considering to call it off. FEDERER: I heard that bombs went off. I also heard that the Olympics will take place. I’m sitting here in Hamburg. What can I say. I just hope that security will be guaranteed for everybody, because it’s a dream for a lot of people. And it would be an extreme pity if it was destroyed due to such things. For me the Olympics are one of the biggest things in the world. After Sydney – it was an absolute dream for me to play there. So I will go there, it nearly doesn’t matter what will happen. Q: Do you know Melzer? FEDERER: Yes, I played him in the doubles and in the juniors. He is my age. We know each other quite well. He is from Austria, I am from Switzerland, here in Germany ... (laughs). We know each other well and we talk a lot. I’m happy that he got that far. www.root3dtb.de/live/live.htmI just hope Rogi plays better vs. Hewitt in the SF tomorrow -- it won't be easy but I can't stand the idea of Hewitt making the Final of a clay tourney esp at Rogi's expense... HOPP, ROGI!!!
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Post by RogiFan on May 15, 2004 22:36:29 GMT -5
Great win over Hewitt, Rogi, 60 64!! Played much better than he did vs. Moya. Now the REAL test... Coria in the Final. Just reclaim your title, Rogi!! HOPP, ROGI!! Looking good on the clay, Rogs!
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Post by RogiFan on May 16, 2004 14:40:39 GMT -5
Congrats, Rogi, on beating Guille 46 64 62 63!! ATP MASTER SERIES Hamburg, Germany May 16, 2004 Federer Snaps Coria Streak to Win Masters Series Hamburg © Getty Images Top seed and current INDESIT ATP 2004 Race leader Roger Federer claimed his fourth title of the year with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 victory over second seed and defending champion Guillermo Coria in the final of Masters Series Hamburg. Federer captured his second ATP Masters Series shield of the year and his second in Hamburg (2002) in 2 hours, 20 minutes, ending Coria’s 31-match winning streak on clay. The Swiss star, who has won titles already this year at the Australian Open, Dubai and the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, stretched his lead at the top of the INDESIT ATP 2004 Race to 152 points over Carlos Moya in second position. Coria, who was appearing in his third consecutive ATP Masters Series final having lost to Andy Roddick in the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami and won the Tennis Masters Monte-Carlo, moved into third position in the Race. Federer, who reached the final with victories over Gaston Gaudio, Nicolas Lapentti, No.13 seed Fernando Gonzalez, No. 7 seed Carlos Moya and former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, was playing Coria for the first time as a professional. The two had met in the final of the 1998 Orange Bowl, with Federer winning in straight sets. But Coria, who was looking to become the first man to defend the Hamburg title since Andrei Medvedev in 1995, started the final in positive fashion, breaking Federer in the opening game before taking the first set in just over half an hour. Federer, who made just 36 percent of his first serves and produced 18 unforced errors in that first set, picked things up in the second and broke Coria to take a 2-0 lead. But the Argentine, who was looking to claim his third title of the year having won in Buenos Aires as well as Monte-Carlo, immediately broke back and was on level terms until the 10th game, when Federer broke to love to capture the set. From there, Federer cut down his unforced errors and his first serve percentage increased – making 71 percent in that second set along with the first two of his six aces in the match. With two more breaks in the third set, Federer looked in total command and, having broke for the fifth time in the match at the start of the fourth set, clinched his victory with a service winner. Federer now has a 32-3 record in 2004, and is 9-1 on clay, while Coria 28-6 and 16-1 on clay. It was Coria’s first loss on the surface since last year’s semifinals at Roland Garros (l. to Verkerk). www.atptennis.com/
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Post by RogiFan on May 26, 2004 14:09:31 GMT -5
Federer nearly perfect in victory By Matt Cronin Tuesday, May 25, 2004 Top-seeded Roger Federer quickly erased the horrid memories of two first exits in 2002 and 2003 by wiping the court with Belgium's Kristof Vliegen 6-1 6-2 6-1 on Tuesday. "I really tried to focus hard on the first round and be as well prepared as I could," Federer said. "I didn’t want to put a huge amount of pressure on myself and tried to play as simple as possible. “I just wanted to play solid. I’m extremely happy to be through to the second round and still in the draw." Playing a heady, patient match and never allowing his opponent to believe for a millisecond that he could shake his confidence, Federer dominated the contest from all angles of the court. The No1 ranked was forceful from his forehand side, served efficiently and produced numerous magical bursts with his much-admired one-handed backhand. Vliegen got off to a terrible start and never found a way to threaten Federer. "Things were going very fast," Vliegen said. "I knew in advance that he was playing very well and knew it would be difficult to even win a set. Today, I was not able to find a solution. My level is not the same as his. Federer has all the shots and can count on anything because he has all the weapons to win." Last year, Federer completely fell apart in a first round loss to Moroccan veteran Hicham Arazi. But this year, he arrived at Roland Garros holding two Grand Slam titles - 2003 Wimbledon and the 2004 Australian Open - and now knows how to lock in on court. "A year ago I would come in here, think I was the favorite, think I had a good chance of winning. But since I won Grand Slams, I take each match much more seriously," he said. The 22-year-old was so pleased with his win that he often laughed and joked during his post match press conference and gave praise to Martina Navratilova for helping his game along earlier this year in Hong Kong. "I asked her to hit with me and she was very happy," Federer said. "She gave me one tip, which is top secret, and it worked." The 47-year-old Navratilova is scheduled to play her first round singles match later in the day against Argentine Gisela Dulko. Federer will play either Frenchman Thierry Ascione or German Nicolas Kiefer next and could face three-time Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten in the third round. Roger Federer Bio Kristof Vliegen Bio www.rolandgarros.com/ALLEZ, ROGI!! Take care and beat Kiwi in the 2nd rd... be wary tho!
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Post by RogiFan on May 27, 2004 13:40:35 GMT -5
Rogi managed to beat Kiwi today 63 64 76(86) despite playing well below his level, w numerous dfs, UEs and a low 1st-serve %... Kiwi pushed him and played better than Rogi in the 3rd but somehow df-ed at the crucial game in the TB... Rogi will need to summon up his best tennis to beat Guga next, who's feeling better, playing better, beloved on Chatrier, a 3-time winner w a ton of crowd support. Beware, Rogi! Federer overcomes Kiefer Top seed Roger Federer failed to hit the heights as he reached the French Open third round with a 6-3 6-4 7-6 win over Germany's Nicolas Kiefer. The world number one looked on his way to an easy victory after breaking his opponent three times in the first set. But he had to dig deep in the second set, twice battling back from a break down and closing it out with a mis-hit. Federer saved three break points at 5-5 in the third and then survived two set points as he won the tie-break 8-6. His victory set up a mouthwatering clash with three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten. The Brazilian eased through with a 6-2 6-0 6-3 victory over Belgium's Gilles Elseneer. "I am really looking forward to it. This is going to be a great match for the tournament and a great match for Guga and myself," said Federer. "We have not played each other much mainly because of injuries and also because we don't necessarily play on the same surfaces. news.bbc.co.uk/Federer overcomes Kiefer Top seed Roger Federer overcame a misfiring serve to secure a place in the third round of the French Open with a 6-3 6-4 7-6 victory over German Nicolas Kiefer on Thursday. The Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, sent down 12 double faults on centre court but Kiefer failed to take advantage. Federer admitted he would need to improve before an intriguing encounter with three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil in the last 32. "I'm happy to get through because at the beginning I was struggling with my serve. He really put me under a lot of pressure and I served a lot of double faults at the beginning," said the 22-year-old whose best performance in Paris was reaching the quarter-finals in 2001. "He took my confidence away early in the match so I was happy to get out of it. But I think I will have to play a little bit better in the next match." Kiefer, the world number 34, led Federer 3-2 in previous meetings and had plenty of opportunities on centre court but the Swiss, resplendent in royal blue, always had enough in reserve to stay in control. CARELESS VOLLEY Kiefer twice broke Federer's serve in the second set but was unable to consolidate and too often the German erred at the decisive moment. Having squandered a match point at 5-4 in the third set, Federer found himself 40-0 down on serve at 5-5 but recovered to hold and force the tiebreak. A careless forehand volley by the Swiss and a superb service return by Kiefer gave the German a 6-4 lead but he faltered fatally, double-faulting for 6-5. Federer saved the second set point with an ace and secured victory when Kiefer, trailing 7-6, double-faulted again. Although disappointed by his serving, Federer said he was pleased with other aspects of his game. "I was returning pretty good today. That is what I am happy about. "If one thing is not working then the other good parts of my game need to back it up and that's actually what happened today. "I am very pleased that I won the second set and the third set because they both could have gone his way. I know that and this is something I have to improve for the next match. I must serve better overall." It was his first victory on the Roland Garros centre court, and Federer said: "It was important to get used to the centre court because it is really, really big. The sensations out there are different." The top seed is almost certain to be back on the same court for his game with the ever-popular Kuerten. "I'm looking forward to it," Federer said. "It's a great match for the tournament and for us too. We haven't played each other very often in our careers." Eurosport - 27/05/2004 www.eurosport.com/I noticed Rogi still has that cold... he was interviewed. Cool Roger triumphs under fire By Nyree Epplett Thursday, May 27, 2004 From temperamental teenage upstart to arguably the most cool, calm and collected World No1 since Pete Sampras… Roger Federer has come full circle. On Thursday the Swiss stylist was tested, but not troubled, by Nicolas Kiefer, moving past the gritty German in straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6(6). True to form, the world No1 and top seed remained composed under fire, staving off a brave fight by the German, and triumphing in two hours, 31 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. But is hasn’t always been that way. It’s all part of an evolution that has seen the one-time volatile Swiss harness his ranting on-court rage to grow into one of the most complete tennis players the world has ever seen. It culminated in the crowning of Federer as Wimbledon singles champion last July, followed by a second Slam, Down Under, this January. Federer says the development of this mental strength has been a key factor in his recent rise up the rankings. “When I came on tour…I was still using too much energy just for all the negative thoughts I had in my head and, you know, the screaming. All this would make me very tired in an entire tournament. “And suddenly, one point in my career, I started to realize that I should take it easy, I should calm down, and I got too calm. I had no more really fire in my body. My emotions were very quiet. It was very strange for me suddenly to go from one extreme to another. “But as the time went by, you know, I really started to get the fire back, you know, could pump my fist again, and I got the solution I was always wanting. And it came only maybe one or two years ago." Harnessing the incredible speed, power and resilience that have taken him to his two Grand Slam titles, Federer shut out the German today by opening up the court and threading backhand after glorious backhand. The superb strokemaker traded blows with Kiefer from the back court, but was troubled by an inconsistent serve that brought with it 12 double faults. “I'm happy I got through because in the beginning I was struggling with my serve,” said Federer. “And, you know, it's got also something to do with his game for sure because he was taking the ball very early and playing aggressive, just was putting me under pressure.” The Swiss hit 48 winners during the duel, and coolly kept his head in fending off 12 break points. Kiefer employed a clever net-charging tactic that sporadically interrupted the top seed’s rhythm, but the German faltered in the end with a telling 26 unforced errors. He fought off a match point at 4-5, and then had the Swiss 0-40 on serve, but Federer recovered. Keifer then held a set point at 6-4 in the tiebreak but was thwarted again by the Swiss, and double faulted on match point. “I was actually returning pretty good today and this is what I was happy about,” said Federer. “That's what I always say about my game, if one thing is not working, you know, the other good part of my game needs to back it up, and that's actually what happened today. I'm very pleased that I won that second set and third set because they could have both gone his way.” Federer will meet three-time Roland Garros champ Gustavo Kuerten (28) in the third round, after the Brazilian ousted Gilles Elseneer in straight sets, also on Thursday. “Yeah, I'm looking forward because almost looks like he's not going to make it through the third round in the first round. “Now that we're both through, and I think it's a great match for the tournament and for us, too. We haven't played each other very often in our careers… it's nice to play such a great guy off and on the court at such a tournament where he already won three times.” Although admitting he was clearly one of the tournament favorites, Federer said he didn’t want to place too much of a high expectation on himself. ‘My goal was not right away when I arrived here in Paris was not to win the tournament… this next round is difficult enough just to focus on this one match and not look any further, you know. “It sounds very boring, as usual, but I can't do any different because that would be lack of respect also towards Guga.” Roger Federer Bio Nicolas Kiefer Bio www.rolandgarros.com/ALLEZ, ROGI!!
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Post by RogiFan on May 28, 2004 13:47:33 GMT -5
Here it is, a preview of the "match of the bleeding day": Match of the day (1): Federer v Kuerten By Benjamin Adler Friday, May 28, 2004 Saturday’s match of the day features two of the most charismatic players on the circuit, world number one Roger Federer and three-time Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten. A lot has been made of Guga’s hip trouble prior to this year’s French Open, but to be fair he hasn’t looked in any great discomfort so far this year. Quite the contrary in fact. He has been very much his old self around the court, retrieving the irretrievable, scampering and chasing like a newcomer. Unfortunately for the Brazilian, even were he back to his very best, he would have his work cut out against Federer. The undisputed world’s best player has been imperious so far, and looks physically and mentally honed to capture a third Grand Slam title to add to his Wimbledon and Australian triumphs. THE STAGE Unable to take to the court in Hamburg and Rome after hurting his sensitive hip in Barcelona, the Brazilian was understandably playing down his chances prior to the French Open. Having successfully negotiated two rounds, he is more upbeat: "I have to fight with myself, and fight the pain. But I must admit I’ve done pretty well thus far. I have surprised myself", he commented after his second win. His two successes have come in different ways. Nicolas Almagro pushed him to the edge in a five-set thriller in the first round, whereas Belgian Gilles Elseneer was dispatched with a minimum of fuss in the second. "It’s much more fun for me to think I can go far now, and play against the top seeds," confessed one of Paris’ favorite foreign sons. The problem for Kuerten lies in the fact that there are seeds, top seeds, and then there is Roger Federer. Australian Open champion at the start of the year, and a recent tournament winner in Hamburg, the Swiss is bang in form and on top of the world. Belgium’s Kristof Vliegen was crushed in the first round, and Nicolas Kiefer went the same way, even if the latter occasionally gave Roger cause for concern. But with just 227 minutes in his legs, the top seed has energy to burn, and he’ll need it against Guga, who never, ever, gives up without a fight. THE KEYS TO THE MATCH Federer would be well advised to attack Kuerten on his forehand side. "I’ll have to take a closer look at his game on video because I haven’t seen him play for a while. I know he has a very nice backhand and a powerful service. I’ll need to take the game to him, without overdoing it," says Federer. Kuerten does have a sweet backhand, but so does Federer. For the Swiss to hit top gear he also needs to be firing on the forehand side and with his service. His all-round game makes him the favourite here, but Guga’s experience on clay could tip the scales in the Brazilian’s favour. After all, you don’t get to win Roland three times without racking up a great deal of savoir faire. One thing Kuerten must do is get straight into the match, otherwise he may find, like so many before him, that Roger is out of sight before he even knows it. HEAD TO HEAD: 1-1 Paradoxically, the one win each has claimed has come on the other’s supposed favorite surface. Federer won a last 16 match 6-0 1-6 6-2 in the Hamburg ATP Masters Series in 2002, while in 2003 Kuerten took the honors 7-5 7-6 in the second round at the ATP Masters Series in Indian Wells. www.rolandgarros.com/ALLEZ, ROGI!! Too bad it's only the R3... they both deserve to win and make the 2nd week. Just hope it's a good match, no matter the outcome!
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Post by RogiFan on May 29, 2004 8:09:23 GMT -5
Thanks, Rogi, for putting me out of my misery, and now I can sleep for the rest of RG! See my comments in RG thread... congrats, Guga! Keep going! Rogi was not playing well this slam and I'm not surprised he lost to the 3-time RG champ -- this is Guga's second home, after all! Get some well-deserved rest, baby, and prepare for the really tough part of your season.
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Post by RogiFan on May 29, 2004 15:10:55 GMT -5
Day 6 - Roger Federer interview Saturday, May 29, 2004 Q. Can you analyze a little bit the match? It wasn't a great match, was it? > ROGER FEDERER: You did analyze it (smiling). Well, you know, obviously I want to know right away myself, too, why I lost, why this match was straight sets, why it was rather comfortable for Guga. Right now I don't know really because I think -- all I can say is I think he served good today and he was better. That's all I can really say because I tried everything I could, but my game was just not good enough. Q. Is it possibly a problem that you have no one to turn to right now to consult about why things aren't going well for you, you don't have a coach?> ROGER FEDERER: No, that's not the problem. Q. You seemed to have a bit of trouble with your footwork. You didn't seem very confident in your footing on the court. Can you tell us what problems you're having? > ROGER FEDERER: Slippery court. That's really all I can say. I mean, I've been playing most of my time now on rather wet courts where it's I wouldn't say easier, it's more dangerous to move on, you don't slide as long. I already felt against Kiefer that I was just late because conditions are faster when it's hot like this. I tend to slide a little bit too early, so I lose my balance, lose my, you know, coordination. Similar to what happened today. Then, you know, when I turn around my backhand, hit a forehand, I'm scared I'm going to totally fall down sometimes. Like I experienced it twice, I almost fell. This was the problem. So I lost a little bit confidence in my footwork. That is true that that was a problem for me. Up until then, since Hamburg, I've been moving very well in the clay, but today wasn't the best. Q. You didn't seem very happy with your racquet either. In fact, you didn't seem very happy at all with your game. Is that the case today? > ROGER FEDERER: Well, you know, like I said, it was very hot today, so the balls are flying, you know, very much. Ball bounces high because the court plays faster. You know the conditions are fast. I was just finding the right racquet to be able to control the ball because I was struggling with it and Guga wasn't. And that was my problem today. Q. To see you not use your best weapons today, not to be able to hit your inside-out forehand, for example, to miss so many volleys today, miss an overhead, can you explain why all those things disappeared in the same match? ROGER FEDERER: I mean, I put it down, you know, on his good performance really. That's all I can do, you know. I'm definitely not happy with the game today, but I tried. I don't know, he didn't give me too much of a chance. He wasn't missing much. A little feeling I have, too, is the balls are rather slow here. I'm not hitting many forehand winners this week at all. In Hamburg I was giving the ball unbelievable amount of spins. And here it seems like I'm doing the same, but my opponent is just there to smack it really. So this is for me a little bit of a problem this week. I could never really get ahold of the ball. Like today, I was struggling with my footwork, then I lost confidence. At the net, obviously, I missed a lot of volleys. But, you know, that can happen. So it's not a disaster. Q. Can you say something about the crowd, thousands of people shouting, "Guga, Guga"? ROGER FEDERER: Well, he deserves it. He's a fair player. He won this tournament many times. So he deserves everything, you know, what the fans give him here. He's a great guy. Yeah, it was nice to play in this crowd because it was very fair from beginning to end, and that was the most important. Q. You mentioned in your last interview about finding the right tone between being offensive and not making a lot of mistakes. It seemed like right from the beginning you didn't find that right amount of being on the attack or not making mistakes. ROGER FEDERER: Well, I was definitely serving better today, you know. But, like I said, I wasn't getting the winners I normally get on this court. It's got something to do with his game. You know, he hits the ball deep into the court and rather hard, you know. He's got a good backhand, you know, which always keeps me -- he can hold me either on the backhand or go up the line himself and play aggressive. I think my game today had a lot to do with his game. Obviously, usually, I can control these kind of matches, but today I couldn't. That's a credit to him. That's all I'm going to say. I'm not going to start saying that my backhand or my forehand or my footwork, you know, was bad. We all know it wasn't the best, but that's got something to do with my opponent. Q. After the second set, you got much more aggressive with the service return. That wasn't the way you wanted to play when you started this match. What was your thinking about the conservative game plan you came out with on his serve today in the opening sets? ROGER FEDERER: Well, the thing was that the conditions were slower in the beginning. You know, obviously they put water on the court. As the match went on really the conditions got really, really fast, and I was just struggling on the return. I was not quite sure if I should stay in and play aggressive on the return or do it a little bit his style and really stand back and just make sure I make the first return. So, yeah, I was looking a little bit how I should return, because, you know, he was ahead, so I had to change something. That's always a bad position. Q. Which would you say is the toughest Grand Slam for you and which is the easiest one of the four? ROGER FEDERER: There is no easy one, first of all. You know, the toughest one for me obviously seems the French Open because the last three years haven't been the best for me here. You know, like matches today where I never get the grip of the match really, of the sensations. This is what's a little bit worrying for me, you know, that I didn't -- I just didn't play like I can really, and I lost. This is for me a little bit of a disappointment. I know I can play much better or do better. Just doesn't work. This is for me a disappointment, this week. For me, this one obviously seems the most difficult. Q. What in the future do you think you have to do to unlock the mystery to get that feel on a clay court? ROGER FEDERER: The problem is not the clay court. The problem is, you know, rather something to do with the conditions on center court. Because I've played well on Suzanne Lenglen, on the other courts. But the Chatrier court is really, really big, and I just haven't had enough play on it. Maybe I come here next year and play a week on this court, if I can, if the French Federation lets me. We'll see. I've been playing well in other tournaments, in Davis Cup on clay. So for me it's not the surface, it's rather maybe the court. Q. Very often you try to hit your backhand looking for down the line or cross-court looking for winner. You also hit slice. Do you think maybe that was more wise to try to keep the ball in, play tactical shots? ROGER FEDERER: I'm not going to start analyzing with you guys my match. I don't want to tell you I should have played more slice or more topspin or kick or more slice serve. I don't really care what I did. Now it's over. The tournament is over. I will come back next year and try to do better and prepare for grass. What can I do now? Start analyzing the match with the media people? I don't think it's the right thing to do right now. Q. You met Guga two times before this and beat him on the clay. Will you be able to compare something about this match today and the past against him? Was he today better than ever against you? ROGER FEDERER: What can I say? The match, you know, in Hamburg, I won the first set 6-Love. I played unbelievable tennis, and I was serving well, I was hitting my forehand incredible. You know, he got back in the match. I got a little nervous. In the third set, I got the better start. I was really playing well. I think he was coming back from injury there, too. I ran away with the lead. Two times I lost, you know, he played good matches. You know, he didn't miss much. I was really strong with his serve. I remember also in Indian Wells he was hitting a lot of service winners and aces. It was similar again today because I thought he has a great serve, especially his first serve, and he's very consistent. I cannot really read it, where it's coming. I think that's his big weapon against me. ...
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Post by RogiFan on May 29, 2004 15:19:06 GMT -5
continuation: Q. Your friend comes from Slovakia, her parents. Her mother told me you can speak some Slovak words. ROGER FEDERER: I don't, and I won't if I can't (laughter). Q. You can try. ROGER FEDERER: No. THE MODERATOR: National language questions, please. Q. Concerning this debate on the fact that you're a clay court specialist or not, the fact that Kuerten is on his best court, his best surface, did you ever think at some point in the match that you weren't going to make it? ROGER FEDERER: During the match? Q. Do you feel like you didn't belong on that court? ROGER FEDERER: No. I've done worse against Henman in Rotterdam where I had the feeling everything was going against me. This is not the feeling I had today. I felt I had a chance to win this match. Even at 6-4, 6-4, 5-4, I still felt I could win this match. You've got to believe it in such a situation, particularly in a Grand Slam. I don't think it's an illusion. I know that if I could have gone back into that match at that point and played better, I still knew I had an opportunity to win this match, and now it's too late. Q. The clay season is relatively short. Haven't you missed out on a few matches to reach the level of Kuerten today? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I do play a lot. I win a lot, I play a lot. I mean, you've got to take a bit of rest once in a while. So maybe if I played Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, every single tournament, I would have got here exhausted. That's not the best idea either. I prepared as I have prepared in the past two years. It's always gone well for me. I played well. I came here with a degree of confidence. But my opponent played better than me. He played very well. This doesn't mean that I have to change my preparation for next year. Clearly, I'm going to have to think about it because there's always room for improvement. That's what I'm going to do over the coming months, to figure out how I'm going to get prepared for next year. I mean, there's always a difference. In the Davis Cup after Miami next year it will be a different question. Q. When you saw Guga in the third round would be your opponent, did you think it would be a difficult match or did you think that he had been injured, he wasn't going to play very well? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I think anyone like Guga or Ferrero have come here to play good tennis. They're not just here for fun. They're thinking about their career. If they're injured, that's not good for their future, that's not good for their career. So when you see that they're playing, obviously I was expecting a difficult match. But I had to concentrate on my first and second round because they have created difficulties for me in the past. It's true that when I saw he had so many difficulties getting in the first round, I thought that at least he was having problems, and that gave me a bit more confidence because I was even more afraid of Guga to begin with. But he was stronger than I thought today. www.rolandgarros.com/ I just hope that Rogi doesn't think he can never win RG... he seems v disappointed in his short-lived run, even a tiny bit bitter in his interview [but then they w have to ask him some stupid Qs]. He was gracious anyway and acknowledged the superiority of Guga on RG centre court clay. See Rogi, consistency is extremely important. And Guga DOES have a beautiful BH. In fact, Guga was born to play tennis -- HE's the magician, not Santoro or Coria -- his tennis is v natural -- he doesn't have to think about it nor work too hard at it -- it simply flows off his racquet, as if the racquet were an extension of his arm. Guga and Larri had a solid plan v. Rogi and it worked, probably better than he imagined. Chatrier is truly Guga's home, where his heart is and where the public adore him... and this helps, of course. But as Sjengster said "In fact it must have been the best performance I've seen from him since 2001". He must have been inspired -- and inspiration yields fantastical results! Guga definitely is THE most beloved of all players at RG; he even attempts to speak French, as faulty as it is, but he made the effort [that's the only thing I thought Juanqui s have done last yr -- at least said Merci beaucoup! Alex's French is pretty good, so is Arantxa's -- the French really appreciate it -- another reason I w love to see Rogi win RG one day]. I think now Rogi didn't have the belief that he could win this slam, fr the beginning. Perhaps next yr he can turn that around, and focus more on a strategy for higher success on the clay -- play Barcelona also -- one of THE toughest clay tourneys w most of the top players [Spanish and Argies esp] -- that w be a real test for Rogi, imo.
Anyway, sadly this is the end for Rogi in Paris... a shame... but he never really looked that comfortable... I think he still has some jitters on Chatrier [and it doesn't help when the journalists keep harping on about it... ]. Well he's won 1 match there so far... he needs more experience to truly quell his fears.
Time to regroup and rest, then on to the green stuff... Rogi didn't look too happy on SUI news today...
This loss is disappointing cos Rogi really wanted to make some inroads at RG; not so sad that he lost to Guga tho; sad cos he lost so early when Hewitt, Henman, Lopez get further [even Gaudio altho he's done OK here before -- before Juanqui stopped him ]. Rogi's losses to Costa in Roma and Nadal in Miami don't bother me SO much but his loss to Henman in Rotterdam does... oh well.
Next stop: HALLE.
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Post by RogiFan on Jun 7, 2004 11:19:13 GMT -5
HOPP, Rogi!! Hope you have a good run in Halle this week, in singles and in doubles w Yves! www.gerryweber-open.de
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Post by RogiFan on Jun 8, 2004 8:22:57 GMT -5
Rogi beat T Johansson 63 62!! OK, one down, 4 to go!! ;D He's wearing navy blue btw. Don't know about that colour on Rogi... I prefer the red.
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Post by RogiFan on Jun 8, 2004 14:24:50 GMT -5
Montag, 07.06.2004 The past twelve months: Everything has gone wonderful this year. I have won very important tournaments for me. It will be one of the biggest challenges of my career to stay undefeated at both grass court tournaments again - but I think it is possible. Everyting started here so I have a lot of confidence. I gained my confidence for Wimbledon here in Halle – this was the break-through. Everything happened so quicky, I won one tournament after the other, you almost got used to it. You´ve got so little time to reflect and celebrate. And all of a sudden you´re sitting again in Wimbledon and Halle and have to defend your titles. The time was very intense and I have learned a lot. All the media hype now is a new dimension. Last year I came very early and didn´t talk to the press. Last year´s semi-final at Halle was one of my best matches on grass and it gave me so much confidence for Wimbledon. The draw at the GERRY WEBER OPEN 2004: There are many dangerous players in the draw - Kiefer is always dangerous and my first-round opponent Johansson, although he hasn´t played much, will be a tough battle. Loosing early at the French Open and preparing for Wimbledon: It was quite easy to get over the loss in Paris although I was even more of a favourite than I was last year. Kuerten played extremely well, I never found my rhythm. I need to change my game but couldn´t, so it was easy to forget about it. This tournament is great and as is Wimbledon. The grass court season: The tough thing about grass is that the season is so short and can be over very quicky. If you´ve pepared well and make a first round exit at Wimbledon, you have to wait one more year again and everything is over. I think I can reach the level of play last from last year. I obviously feel better this year because I have gained so much experience and played so many important matches since. I even feel good in practice which is a bit of a surprise so I got the feeling I can repeat both. It is possible to win both I don´t feel its impossibel to win both but it was a huge surprise last year. This is a great prep tournament and I again came here very early to prepape well. The early exit at Paris will help me for sure now I tend to forget the French Open quickly and I´m really looking forward to the grass court season I am sitting here very happy. Grass is one of my favourite surfaces but if I lose in the first round it´s not my favourite surface any more. His visit to Wimbledon in December: It was very good to come back to Wimbledon before the tournament because I left it in such a hurry. I was running to the Champions Dinner and doing all the media so I could barely sit down with my friends and family and enjoy the win. I was nice to go back in December and see everything quit – no nets, no lines, no stands. I could reflect what I have achieved. Whom he fears in Wimbledon: Henman is probably the biggest rival. He is a great player and he has beaten me many times in the past. His game is made for grass. He now showed it on other surfaces, too, which I knew but the experts didn´t. He has improved over the last years, especially his serve and his mental game. But there are other players – Hewitt, Nalbandian, Roddick. www.gerryweber-open.de/1157.php[this was before Johansson... and he's wearing the same blue as at RG]
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Post by RogiFan on Jun 8, 2004 14:25:47 GMT -5
Dienstag, 08.06.2004 At the beginning you had some problems to start the engine, afterwards full speed? I started the match serving from the sunny side of the court. I would have had the chance to get used to it in the warm-up but it didn’t fold. Then I came a little bit under pressure and lost confidence for some moments. For sure, that was not an ideal beginning of the grass court season. Of course, that worried me a little bit. The first game was over too fast, I was afraid he wouldn’t let me into the set again. But the start was quite unimportant, my reaction was important. And I was able to rebreak him immediately and to serve the match out in the end. I’m really happy with this start and feel very good, already in practice I enjoyed playing on grass again. The grass court season can be over so fast in a few moments. I’m happy that this didn’t happen. There were also some great shots in the match, great for the people and fortunately in most cases for me, too. Which shots were your best today? Well, my service and my volleys were really ok, but nevertheless I have to improve them. Especially my return was not ideal today. All in all I should serve and volley more often. Johansson played very defensive, he put all the pressure on me. Ok, I can do it from baseline, but it would be much easier to serve and volley in these matches. You got applause and ovations by the spectators after several rallies. Does it motivate you? Of course, it does. Yes, there were very nice points. The crowd was perfect, but this is easy to say, because all these nice points were won by myself. Naturally you enjoy the crowd’s ovations. Besides, I got the tennis-magazine-award afterwards for something like the most pleasant player. That makes my day completely wonderful. Let’s talk about the conditions. Is the court different compared to last year? Not really, perhaps it is a bit harder. At the beginning of the week the Centre Court is always more slippery than the outside courts because it gets less sunlight. But nevertheless it’s a good court. There were not so many bad bounces today. Your next opponent Mikhail Youzhny. How good do you know him? Quit good. Last year I beat him in the semis, it was a tough match. I have to take care. But it’s good, to play against him next round. For sure, that will be an interesting match. www.gerryweber-open.de/1175.php
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Post by RogiFan on Jun 8, 2004 14:28:43 GMT -5
"tennis-magazin" ehrt Federer mit Westphal-Award Der Weltranglisten-Erste Roger Federer (Schweiz) ist am Dienstag bei den GERRY WEBER OPEN vom "tennis-magazin" mit dem "Michael Westphal-Award" ausgezeichnet worden. Die Ehrung nahmen nach dem Erstrundenspiel des Schweizers gegen Thomas Johansson (Schweden) der Chefredakteur des Magazins, Thomas Kosinski, und Turnierdirektor Ralf Weber auf dem Center Court vor. Dienstag, 08.06.2004 "Ich freue mich sehr über diesen Award, da er von den Fans vergeben wird", sagte der 22-jährige Basler, der sich ausdrücklich ausbedungen hatte, die Trophäe bei den GERRY WEBER OPEN verliehen zu bekommen. Bei dem Turnier hatte Federers Aufstieg in die Weltspitze im vergangenen Jahr mit seinem ersten Sieg auf Rasen begonnen. (Foto: pmk) Das "tennis-magazin" würdigte mit dem Preis zum zweiten Mal die Tennis-Persönlichkeit des Jahres. Welche Kandidaten für den deutschen "Tennis-Oscar" in Frage kommen, bestimmt regelmässig eine Jury, der u.a. Boris Becker, Ex Fed Cup-Chef Klaus Hofsäss, Niki Pilic, Ion Tiriac, DTB-Chef Georg von Waldenfels, Michael Stich und Jürgen Westphal, der Vater des 1991 verstorbenen Michael Westphal, angehören. Die endgültige Entscheidung liegt dann in den Händen der Leser. Im vergangenen Jahr war die Auszeichnung an Rainer Schüttler gegangen. Bei dem aktuellen Votum entschied sich eine deutliche Mehrheit der "tennis-magazin"-Leser für Federer, die gegenwärtig alles überragende Nummer eins der Tennisprofis. "Der Sieg in Wimbledon und der WM-Titel von Houston haben dabei eine große Rolle gespielt", sagte Chefredakteur Kosinski, "allerdings hat auch Federers Persönlichkeit den Ausschlag gegeben: Er ist trotz seiner Erfolge mit beiden Füßen auf dem Boden geblieben." Turnierdirektor Ralf Weber war mehr als erfreut, dass Federer sich den Award in HalleWestfalen verleihen ließ: "Das zeigt, wie sehr er diesem Turnier verbunden ist." www.gerryweber-open.de/1172.phpwish I understood this... not in Eng!
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LCeh
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by LCeh on Jun 8, 2004 23:03:46 GMT -5
Thanks a lot for the constant RogiFan. Come on Roger, raise your level! You have a tough match tomorrow.
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Post by RogiFan on Jun 9, 2004 8:57:11 GMT -5
Yay, Rogi beat Misha easily 62 61!!! HOPP, ROGI v. Clement! Yves was commentating apparently .
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jun 9, 2004 9:00:58 GMT -5
Yay, Rogi beat Misha easily 62 61!!! HOPP, ROGI v. Clement! Yves was commentating apparently . Yves was doing a very good job as commentator, had to done his Swiss German so the fisheads could understand him.
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