|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 9, 2004 9:04:05 GMT -5
the fishheads, George??
|
|
|
Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jun 9, 2004 9:10:40 GMT -5
the fishheads, George?? Northern Germans are known as Fisheads, because they eat herring and live on the Baltic sea and the jokes that go with it.
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 9, 2004 9:16:41 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 10, 2004 9:40:23 GMT -5
GERRY WEBER OPEN Halle, Germany June 9, 2004 Federer keeps mastering the grass © Getty Images In his match against German Alexander Popp, Arnaud Clement from France rallied from 1-5 in the first set, saving one set point, to close out victory 7-6(4), 6-2 in a one hour and 36 minutes at the Gerry Weber open in Halle. 2003 Wimbledon Champion, Roger Federer eased passed Mikhail Youzhny from Russia, 6-2, 6-1. The 22-year-old Swiss hopes to extend his record on grass to 15-0 as he takes on Clement in Friday’s quarterfinals. No.3 seed Jiri Novak advanced to the quarterfinals after scoring a convincing 6-3, 6-1 victory over 22-year-old lucky loser Marco Chiudinelli. Novak, who reached the quarterfinals last year at the Gerry Weber Open (l. to Mikhail Youznhy), only lost eight games in two matches this week. In the last match of the day, Tommy Haas squandered four set points in the first set but bounced back to defeat big serving lefty Kenneth Carlsen, 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4. It is the second time in six appearances that the German player reaches the quarterfinals of the Gerry Weber Open. WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID Federer: "Today I really took advantage of my chances and I played a really good match. I think it was a tough match for him mentally. He lost a little bit of belief, which is normal. But I’m happy with the way I played more and I can definitely build on this for the next match." About playing Clement in the quarterfinals: "He doesn’t play the typical grass court game, he is more of a counter puncher and on grass that can sometimes be very difficult to play against. He has played really well here in the past so he knows how well he can play on grass. It’s going to be a very dangerous and difficult match for me." Clement: "He missed one very easy volley and a couple of other shots. It was really close at the end of the first set." About playing Federer: "It’s going to be very, very tough. I have to play my best tennis to have a chance to beat him. But I had a very good feeling on the court today so let’s see." Haas: "To have a good chance to win the first set having three set points on his serve and then to come back strong in the second and the third, it was a very nice win." "I still miss a little bit of confidence on the big shots. Sometimes I still feel like I’m not quite sure where to put the ball at the right time. I feel like I have too many option and not picking the right one. But that can only come by playing matches like this and obviously when you win a match you get to play again so that is very important." EXCLUSIVE AUDIO Tommy Haas I June 9 - d Carlsen Tommy Haas II June 9 - d Carlsen Roger Federer I June 9 - d Youzhny Roger Federer II June 9 - d Youzhny Arnaud Clement June 9 - d Popp THURSDAY PREVIEW Second round action continues Thursday at the Gerry Weber Open with the players in the bottom half of the draw battling for a place in the quarterfinals. No. 2 seed Rainer Schuettler faces Swedish up-and-comer Joachim Johansson. The 28-year-old German, who reached the final of the Tennis Masters Series event in Monte-Carlo earlier this year, is hoping to record a first career win over the young Swede, having lost their only previous meeting. Last year’s Halle finalist Nicolas Kiefer meets Jonas Bjorkman for the eleventh time in their career. The players are tied with five victories each, however the Swede won their only meeting on grass, being in Halle three years ago. Sixth seed Mardy Fish, who is debuting this year at the Gerry Weber Open, is up against Sargis Sargsian from Armenia in their first career meeting. In a battle of 20-year-old youngsters, lefty Spaniard Fernando Verdasco faces Andreas Seppi. The Italian won his first career match at ATP level on Tuesday (d. Nikolay Davydenko). Verdasco won his first career title in April in Valencia (d. Alberto Montanes in the final) and is ranked as No. 50 in the INDESIT 2004 ATP Race. www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2004/halle_wednesday.asp
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 10, 2004 9:42:18 GMT -5
Is it me or is Rogi getting a little bit tubby???
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 11, 2004 12:19:19 GMT -5
Federer into Halle semis World number one and defending champion Roger Federer advanced comfortably to the semi-finals of the Halle Open on Friday, defeating France's Arnaud Clement 6-3 7-5. The 22-year-old Swiss top seed will play number three seed Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic in Saturday's semi-final. Federer has played Novak just once before on grass, losing to the world number 19 in five sets in the first round at Wimbledon in 1999. Sixth-seeded American Mardy Fish also eased into the semi-finals on Friday with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Spain's Fernando Verdasco. Fish, ranked 23 in the world and the U.S. number three after Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi, will face number two seed Rainer Schuettler of Germany, who defeated compatriot and last year's losing finalist Nicolas Kiefer 6-3 7-6. Fish said on Friday that Federer was unbeatable at the moment if he played at the top of his game. "I hope that he (Federer) doesn't play his best because if he does then I don't think anybody can beat him," said Fish. "He was obviously playing unbelievably at Wimbledon last year and I took a set off him (in the third round) which nobody else did so maybe he remembers that," he added. In Friday's other quarter-final, Novak beat Germany's Tommy Haas 6-4 7-6. Eurosport www.eurosport.com/home/pages/V4/L0/S57/E6185/sport_Lng0_Spo57_Evt6185_Sto600454.shtmlEurosport has a new look.
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 12, 2004 14:06:39 GMT -5
Yay, Rogi into the Final again!! Easy win over Novak. Be careful of Mardy, Rog. Defend your title! HOPP, ROGI!! Wish it was Rainer instead...
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 12, 2004 14:13:03 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 13, 2004 11:38:00 GMT -5
Rogi b Fish 60 63 to take Halle and defend his title! Now Rogi has 5 titles this year, and 16 in his career. He has won on all surfaces exc indoor... GERRY WEBER OPEN Halle, Germany June 13, 2004 Federer Wins Halle, Extends Grass Streak to 17 Matches © pmk / Presseagentur Manfred Kettner INDESIT ATP 2004 Race leader Roger Federer won his second consecutive title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle after defeating Mardy Fish 6-0, 6-3 in 57 minutes on Sunday. The win marks Federer’s 16th career ATP title, his fifth crown of the season (Australian Open, Dubai, Pacific Life Open and Masters Series Hamburg) and his 12th title since the beginning of last year. The 22-year-old successfully defended an ATP title for the third time (’02, ’03 Vienna, ’03, ’04 Dubai). The 22-year-old Swiss, who didn’t lose a set or drop his serve on his way to the title, extends his winning streak on grass to 17 matches, tying the seventh position of all-time grass court winning-streak leaders. Federer won the first set against Fish in 23 minutes and the opening seven games of the final before the American got onto the scoreboard. On his way to the final the Swiss defeated Thomas Johansson, Mikhail Youzhny, Arnaud Clement and No. 3 seed Jiri Novak. Federer collects 45 INDESIT ATP 2004 Race points and €111,750. Fish, who had been out of action since mid April due to hip injury, made a successful comeback and career debut at the Gerry Weber Open by reaching his second final of the season (l. to Andy Roddick in the final of San Jose). The 22-year-old American was appearing in his second grass court final (’03 Nottingham) and was aiming for his second career title (’03 Stockholm) in his sixth career final. Fish, who served a total of 48 aces in his five singles matches at the Gerry Weber Open, picks up 31 INDESIT ATP 2004 Race Points and €65,700. www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2004/halle_sunday.aspfr.sports.yahoo.com/040613/1/223y.html
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 15, 2004 13:16:38 GMT -5
Rogi s be at Wimby today!
|
|
|
Post by ILR on Jun 15, 2004 13:22:42 GMT -5
I know Im a bit late :red: But anothet title I have added to my sig, yay! ;D I'll e mail you soon RF, I've been busy still
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 15, 2004 13:37:09 GMT -5
I know Im a bit late But anothet title I have added to my sig, yay! ;D I'll e mail you soon RF, I've been busy still Cool, ILR! Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 18, 2004 9:04:40 GMT -5
GO, ROGI!!!! PRO GAME: Wimbledon Preview: Greener Grass Federer proves that style and variety can still be a winning combination.Tennis at the All England Club has long been considered about as artful as a rock fight. But this year, thanks to the versatility of the world’s new No. 1s, Roger Federer and Justine Henin-Hardenne, the grass-court game should shine with a rich, deep glow. By Peter Bodo From the July 2004 issue of TENNIS Magazine Note: Since this article was published, the following players have withdrawn from Wimbledon: Justine Henin-Hardenne, Kim Clijsters, Gaston Gaudio and Andre Agassi, among others. I remember my first Wimbledon, when I was a junior in 1998. From the first day, I loved it. I was thinking, “This is Wimbledon. I made it to Wimbledon. It’s the greatest.” Now I can watch all the other players. Now I can play on the courts I’ve seen all my life on TV. I can play on the same courts where all the stars warm up, and have even played some of their early round matches. Then came my first match. I was so nervous, at first I hit every serve into the net. I remember thinking, “This can’t be! I’m not this bad, I don’t serve so bad. Something is wrong.” So I went up to the umpire--you have to imagine, this is at Wimbledon--and I said, “Excuse me, sir, can you please check the net? I think it is too high.” And I would never think the net is too high if that wasn’t the case. Not at Wimbledon! The umpire comes down from the chair. He checks the net very carefully. He looks at me and says, “The net is correct.” That’s when I realized I was just so nervous because this was Wimbledon. Roger Federer sat back when he finished telling this story at Indian Wells this spring. His elastic features broke into a wide grin, and he laughed so hard his eyes vanished into slits. Since that day at Wimbledon, he has continued to accumulate memories of the All England Club, albeit of a different kind: Shortly after that episode, the Swiss prodigy won the junior title there. Then, in 2001, he leapt, nearly life-sized, onto the back page of London’s tabloids with a ripping fourth-round upset of defending champion Pete Sampras. And last July, Federer produced the appropriate, if delayed, encore--he won the whole thing. As he girds to defend his title, it’s clear that Wimbledon has been very good to Roger Federer. But he has also been very good to Wimbledon. Emerging as a contender at a time when many complained that the men’s game, particularly on grass, was degenerating into a dull serving contest (as the British tabs once put it, Szzzzzzzampras wins), Federer has demonstrated that there remains room in the game--even on grass--for finesse, versatility, and strategic subtlety. What’s more, Federer appears to be an alluring Pied Piper, leading to the top of the game a parade of otherwise disparate players who have one thing in common: None of them plays the kind of booming, crude game that was thought, not long ago, to be the future of men’s tennis. (excerpt from Tennis Magazine) www.tennis.com/Progame/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=70850&itype=1296&iCategoryID=290 ILR, Sue thanks you for the message!! She'll be at Wimby on Sunday hoping to get a ticket for Centre Ct on Mon to see Rogi!! Another friend has already seen Rogi, dressed in white w flowing hair and cap, looking tanned and lovely!!
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 20, 2004 12:07:15 GMT -5
For ROGI!!! GO, ROGI!!! I'll be getting your R1 match on CC tomorrow live at 8am... Defend your title!!
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 20, 2004 12:41:05 GMT -5
Federer sees room at the top for Tim Champion's idea of a perfect final embraces Henman - but Roddick and Hewitt may beg to differ By Ronald Atkin 20 June 2004 Received wisdom from the bookmakers is that only four men are in with a serious chance of winning Wimbledon: the defending champion and world No 1, Roger Federer, who has been installed as the clear favourite, followed by Andy Roddick, Tim Henman and the 2002 winner, Lleyton Hewitt. Henman thinks otherwise and, bearing in mind that David Nalbandian baselined his way to the 2002 final against another baseliner in Hewitt, expands his personal list of contenders to nine, since the courts and balls were made slower and heavier respectively. Perhaps so, but Wimbledon traditionally goes to the bold as well as talented individual and Federer, the bold lad who won it so brilliantly last summer, was nice enough to confide the other day that him versus Henman would be his idea of the perfect final. Tim's, too, you can bet. Henman's thoughts on his prospects are outlined opposite, but Federer's opinion of our hero is interesting. "Because [Henman] has made it so many times to the semis and quarters, anything is possible. I admire his attitude on and off the court, and I have the feeling that at last he knows his potential and that is why he has become a better player. I understood this early in my career, maybe him a little bit later." And what would such a final be like, Roger? "I wouldn't call it a nightmare, but a nice experience to play him on Centre Court. But it doesn't make it any easier, because you always have the feeling he is going to take more risks because he is meant to be there." Having lost in four sets to Henman in the quarter-finals three years ago, Federer knows of what he speaks. After what he confesses was a moment of disbelief when he won 12 months ago, Federer has quickly adapted to the changed life that being Wimbledon champion entails. "I wanted to play it low- key at first and pretend everything was still the same. But I have to say it is a different life, much more busy, especially since I also became No 1. I am well known wherever I go, it's a different life whether you like it or not. "There is a downside to it, not being able to see enough of my family, but there are so many good things, I meet so many people, I can play in the most beautiful stadiums, I can do what I love." So, then, what are the chances of Federer going on doing what he loves from the privileged status of Wimbledon's top man? He is optimistic: "My game is good, I am happy the way I am playing right now. It is going to be more mental than anything and hopefully I won't have to live through something like last year, the back spasm I suffered. Physically I am fit, mentally I think I am fine too, but until I am on court I won't know. But I feel better than last year because I know what I am capable of. "My dream would be to defend this title. But if that doesn't work I can always come back and win it a second time. I am still very young [he is 22] and will have many more chances. Obviously I go into every match now with the feeling that players are trying harder to beat me because I am No 1 and Wimbledon champion. But in a way I have felt like this all my life, I have always felt hunted by everybody, so this is not a new situation." Most obviously in the hunt is Andy Roddick, he of the monster serve and mighty ambition. The American 21-year-old marches into Wimbledon in the peak of grass-court form, having retained his Stella Artois title at Queen's Club a week ago. Federer also has a grass title in his pocket, having won again at Halle in some comfort, and the Swiss also has something of more importance up his sleeve - the fashion in which he demolished Roddick in the semi-finals a year ago. Roddick has not forgotten that mauling, though he is not the sort to have suffered sleepless nights over it. In turn he possesses the mighty weapon of a serve that keeps upping the world speed record, and three times at Queen's he clocked a new mark of 153 miles an hour. The American charmingly insists he regards such moments as just one point won, and that if he could hold serve by delivering the ball underarm he would do so, a nice thought in these biff-bang times. He, too, is a much improved performer following a full year under the guidance of Brad Gilbert, and will be hoping to take up the cause of the United States at Wimbledon where Pete Sampras left off in 2000. Henman's list of those to treat with suspicion and respect will include known performers on grass such as Sjeng Schalken, Jonas Bjorkman and his personal bête noire, Sébastien Grosjean, the acrobats of the court like Paradorn Srichaphan, and as-yet unproven battle cruisers such as Marat Safin, if he is fully fit. As for Henman, finding himself seeded fifth behind the Argentinian pair, Guillermo Coria and Nalbandian - until the latter's withdrawal yesterday due to a rib injury - must have come as a surprise after the benevolent way he has been regarded in the past by those who make such decisions at the All England Club. But he has come well out of the draw, avoiding Federer's half and finding himself with easy matches in prospect until a possible clash with Mark Philippoussis in the fourth round. The absence of Nalbandian certainly helps, and then, if all pans out as expected, it would be Roddick for a place in the final. Roddick, remember, is one of the big names Henman defeated on his way to taking the Masters Series title of Paris last November. So we are not talking mission impossible here, especially in view of Tim's current mile-high confidence. Hewitt, also safely in the other half of the draw, is the sort of pest Henman has never been able to shake off or overcome, which is further good news for the sole serious British interest. Hewitt is a firm believer in the "four serious contenders" theory and, being a realistic sort of chap, he has included himself in the quartet. Having plummeted from a two-year reign at No 1 to end last year with a ranking of 17, Hewitt has scrapped his way back into the top 10, though he of all people ought not to be discounting no-hopers wielding a broadsword. The memory is still fresh of the Centre Court scene last year, with Hewitt staring high into the sky and forcing a smile to congratulate the 6ft 10in Ivo Karlovic on ending his ambitions of retaining the title before tea on the opening day. That sort of thing couldn't possibly happen this time round to Federer against Britain's Alex Bogdanovich, could it? THE LEADING EIGHT MEN AND WOMEN Men's seeds 1 Roger Federer (Switz) Holder has complete game. Forget his three first-round defeats at SW19; remember straight-sets title romp. Championships played: 5. Best result: winner 2004. 2 Andy Roddick (US) Fastest serve in the world (153mph); is also contender for scruffiest beard. Proven winner on grass. Record: 3; semi-finals 2003. 3 Guillermo Coria (Arg, below) Clay specialist yet to win a match at Wimbledon; a baffling seeding. Record: 2; 1st round 2001, '03. 5 Tim Henman (GB) This year? The draw has been kind, but Roddick looms in the semis. Record: 11; semis 1998, '99, 2001, '02 6 Juan Carlos Ferrero (Sp) Former world No 1's form is spotty after chickenpox earlier in year. Record: 3; 4th round 2003. 7 Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) Live wire back on track after dismal 2003, when he lost in first round. Record: 5; winner 2002. 8 Rainer Schüttler (Ger) Compulsive shirt-changer, but unlikely to clean up from baseline. Record: 6; 4th round 2003. 9 Carlos Moya (Sp) Clay-courter making first appearance since 2001. Don't expect fireworks. Record: 6; 2nd rd, 1997, '98, '99, '01. Women's seeds 1 Serena Williams (US) Going for hat-trick. This year's Belgian-free zone will help, but eight-month lay-off in past year won't. Record: 5; winner 2002, '03. 2 Anastasia Myskina (Rus) Won French Open, but less confident on grass. A screamer on court, who swears by (and at) her coach. Record: 4; 4th round 2003. 3 Venus Williams (US) Not the force she was. Don't bank on a Williams sisters' final this time. Record: 7; winner 2000, '01. 4 Amélie Mauresmo (Fr) Has the attacking power to win, but confidence is perennial problem. Record: 4; semi-finals 2002. 5 Lindsay Davenport (US) Hard hitter, but most mobile thing about her these days is her phone. Record: 10; winner 1999. 6 Elena Dementieva (Rus) Poor serve a problem against the best, but thrashed Mauresmo in Paris. Record: 5; 4th round 2002, '03. 7 Jennifer Capriati (US) Youngest seed here 14 years ago, at 27 is survivor with a fighter's chance. Record: 10; semi-finals 1991, 2001. 8 Svetlana Kuznetsova (Rus) Yet another rapid Russian; has risen from world No 30 to No 9 this year. Record: 2; quarter-finals 2003. sport.independent.co.uk/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 21, 2004 9:32:15 GMT -5
Rogi beat Bogdanovic 63 63 60! R1 Wimby! No problems for Federer (Filed: 22/06/2004) Roger Federer has made the perfect start to the defence of his Wimbledon title by beating Britain's Alex Bogdanovic in straight sets. On top: Roger Federer Federer, the top seed and world number one, was an overwhelming favourite against his opponent, ranked 295th in the world, and was in ominous form on Centre Court. He dropped just four points on his serve in taking the first set 6-3 in 27 minutes. Bogdanovic, who received a wild card into the event, held his opening service game and saved a break point in the next with a 120mph ace, but then double-faulted to gift Federer the vital break. Bogdanovic, 20, then saved one set point on his own serve in the eighth game, but Federer served out for the set despite a rare double fault. Federer broke serve in the opening game of the second set to open up a 3-1 lead. To his credit Bogdanovic refused to buckle and forced two break points in the fifth game, but hit a backhand return long and missed a simple forehand volley to let Federer off the hook. That was the wake-up call the champion needed and he broke Bogdanovic again to take the second set 6-3 and take complete command of the match. Federer was simply a class above the Briton, able to raise his game whenever necessary to get the job done with the minimum of fuss. Three more breaks of serve saw him breeze through the third set 6-0 and complete his 40th win of the year in just 80 minutes. Lleyton Hewitt has beaten Austrian Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. www.telegraph.co.uk/Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004 4pm update -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federer puts Bogdanovic in his place Champion cruises through in straight sets Staff and agencies Monday June 21, 2004 The Guardian Latest news... Seventh seed Lleyton Hewitt was in ominous form as he easily beat Austria's Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-4, 6-2. The Australian, champion in 2002, showed he has overcome an injury-plagued few months to be a force to be reckoned with in the next two weeks. Earlier, tournament favourite Roger Federer opened the defence of his title with a comfortable win, cruising past Briton Alex Bogdanovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-0. The Swiss top seed, unbeaten on grass in 17 matches, was relatively untroubled by 20-year-old wild card Bogdanovic on Centre Court, dropping just four points on his serve in the first set. Bogdanovic had two break points in the second set, but failed to capitalise and Federer wrapped up the match in double-quick time in the third set. Men's singles, first round: Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) bt Jurgen Melzer (Aut) 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 Roger Federer (Swi) bt Alex Bogdanovic (Gbr) 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 Fernando Verdasco (Spa) bt Glenn Weiner (USA) 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004 sport.guardian.co.uk/Federer sees off Bogdanovic By Piers Newbery BBC Sport at Wimbledon Defending champion Roger Federer began his Wimbledon title defence with victory over Britain's Alex Bogdanovic. The world number one came through 6-3 6-3 6-0 and goes on to face either Julian Knowle or Alejandro Falla. Federer dictated the pace throughout, breaking in game four and twice in the second set. Bogdanovic had his moments but Federer was always in charge, sealing victory in one hour 20 minutes as the rain began to fall again. Now I know how it feels to get back here and I'm looking forward to the next one Roger Federer Lleyton Hewitt suffered the embarrassment of losing as defending champion in last year's opening Centre Court match, but there was never any danger of Federer following suit. "It was important to get a good start and after that I could see he couldn't hurt me on my own serve," said Federer afterwards. "Before the match I tried to stay calm and just enjoy it. I only thought about last year when I walked out on court. "Now I know how it feels to get back here and I'm looking forward to the next one." Play got under way on time at 1300 BST despite an early shower that had disrupted play on the outside courts. Bogdanovic looked relaxed despite making his Centre Court debut, but Federer's quality was clear from the opening moments. The first break came when Bogdanovic served a double fault at 1-2 and, although the Briton saved two set points at 3-5, Federer served out comfortably. When another break followed at the start of the second set Bogdanovic looked in danger of collapsing. But the Briton battled back and narrowly missed levelling the set when Federer saved two break points at 3-2 up in the second. However, with Federer equally comfortable from the baseline and the net, and increasingly able to read Bogdanovic's left-handed serve, the result was never really in doubt. Another Bogdanovic double-fault handed Federer the second set and he raced through the third in just 19 minutes to complete an impressive win. Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 22, 2004 14:02:43 GMT -5
Go ROGI v. Falla!! The hero of all Switzerland and Juliette the cow By David Law 21 June 2004 Over the past 12 months, Roger Federer seems to have garnered almost as many headlines for the cow he received as a congratulatory present from his countrymen as he did for actually winning Wimbledon itself. It is hardly surprising. Anyone who witnessed the 800kg milking cow - Juliette - walk out into the Roy Emerson Arena (the centre court at the Suisse Open in Gstaad) to greet the new Wimbledon champion just two days after his triumph, will probably never forget it. "I thought I would just walk on court, salute the crowd, maybe say a few words, and then walk off again," said Federer, who had made his professional debut as a wild card at the same tournament six years earlier. "Then suddenly, out of nowhere, along she came!" Since then, the Swiss star has barely attended a post-match press conference without someone asking him about his cow, whether or not he had brought her with him, and was she planning to start a family any time soon. "Look, the guy had just won Wimbledon, so whatever we gave him would seem silly, so we gave him a cow," said the Gstaad vice-tournament director, Claudio Hermenjat, clearly amused at the furore their choice of gift had provoked. Not that Federer was complaining. "It's nice to have a cow," he said. "It's such a quiet animal, and so big." Useful too. Juliette now lives in the hills above Gstaad, and Federer receives cheese from her on a regular basis. He has milked her twice, she has already given birth to a calf, and her public appeal continues to grow. "Juliette is huge - everyone wants a piece of her now," confirms Hermenjat. "We have these pictures on our website that are free-of-charge for the media, and photographers have downloaded them, claimed that they own them, and sold them." "I went on the internet and searched Juliette and Federer one day, and there was an article in an Indian newspaper about them. Roy Emerson was even getting calls from Australia with people asking what a cow was doing on his court." So, what will they give him if he successfully defends his title? Hermenjat insists they have no plans, but Federer is already preparing himself. "They will think of something," he said with a grin. sport.independent.co.uk/tennis/story.jsp?story=533444This is LONDON 14/06/04 - Wimbledon section Edberg: Federer can rule for years As modest and unassuming a player as you could find, Roger Federer would never dream of comparing himself to Wimbledon legends Pete Sampras and Stefan Edberg. After all, between them they have tasted victory at the All England Club nine times, Sampras claming seven victories and Edberg two. Federer, of course, has just one to his name so far and still admits to thinking of the illustrious duo as childhood idols rather than fellow Grand Slam winners. But Edberg is more than happy to give Federer the praise he deserves, and is willing to put him in some elevated company. "I think you can put myself, Sampras and Federer in the same mould," said Edberg, who faced Boris Becker in three consecutive Wimbledon finals from 1988, twice beating his great rival. "We play, not exactly the same, but we do play similar. We all pretty much have got the goods. We sort of move well on the court and play similar with serve-and-volley. "I was there. Maybe Sampras took over from me and now Federer will take over from Sampras." Andy Roddick ended 2003 as world number one thanks to his US Open victory, but Federer has since reclaimed top spot with a brilliant Australian Open triumph in January. The 22-year-old lost just two sets throughout the fortnight, and demolished 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero and a rejuvenated Marat Safin in straight sets in the semi-final and final respectively. He has since enhanced his reputation as an all-round talent with victory on clay in the Masters Series event in Hamburg, Guillermo Coria among five clay-court specialists dispatched on the way and Lleyton Hewitt hammered 6-0 6-4 in the semi-finals. No wonder then that Edberg feels Federer has the skills to ultimately negate the raw power of Roddick in the long term. "I think Roddick has the ability, especially since he's working with Brad Gilbert as his coach, to stay near the top," added Edberg. "But I think Federer has the greatest game of all the young guys. It's a matter of if he wants to work hard enough and has enough motivation and has the mental discipline. "If he does, then I think he has the game to stay at the top for years." Mental discipline certainly holds the key when it comes to sustained success for Federer, whose talent has been apparent since he won the Wimbledon junior singles and doubles titles in 1998, and was unsurprisingly ranked number one junior in the world. It took until 2001 for him to claim his first senior title and it was not until he won three more tournaments the following year that consistency began to be allied to natural ability. Doubts remain about his temperament when things are not going his way, and his decision to part company with coach Peter Lundgren in December last year and go it alone raised plenty of eyebrows. How long he carries on without a full-time coach remains to be seen, but Edberg added: "I quite like the way Roger Federer is playing the game. He's playing some great tennis. "He's got all the shots and I think he's going to be a great player going forward if he can just get things right between the ears, because that's sometimes the toughest part. "But he's got the goods, there's no question he's got the game." Find this story at www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/wimbledon/articles/11332943?version=1©2004 Associated New Media
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 22, 2004 14:03:36 GMT -5
;D R. Federer Interview Monday, June 21, 2004 Roger Federer R. Federer Interview Monday, June 21, 2004 ROGER FEDERER THE MODERATOR: First question for Roger, please. Q. Do you think you're more comfortable on grass even than your cow Juliette? ROGER FEDERER: I don't think so. She should be more comfortable because she spends more time on it, so... Q. It's been said that for a defending champion, the first match coming back to that Slam is always one of the toughest because there's always a case of possible nerves, playing that first match, getting by it. Do you have a system or some sort of mental attitude you use to get ready for that first match? ROGER FEDERER: Important is to get a good start, you know, because once you're leading, you can relax more, you can play either more consistent or you can even go for more. That makes you feel good, you know, for the rest of the match. That's a little bit what happened to me, it was important to get that good start. After that, I saw he really couldn't hurt me on my own serve. This is really when I could just play consistent. That was enough. Before the match, I was just really trying to stay calm as much as I could, and basically enjoy it out there. Q. So you actually consciously thought about how to approach this first match? ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, yeah, definitely. I mean, I spend, you know, times on Centre Court doing interviews. At the same time, you know, I'm trying to imagine myself also, before I'm going to bed, playing on a Centre Court with a lot of people, you know, in a tough situation also. I'm just trying to also create the worst‑case scenario in my head. Q. What was the worst‑case scenario? ROGER FEDERER: Well, being down, losing. Other guy on fire, and me nothing to do about it. But, you know, luckily for me, it didn't happen today. So now I know how it feels again to be back here. Really looking forward for the next one. Q. Most people would try and visualize the most positive thing happening. ROGER FEDERER: I do, too, visualize me playing well and playing good shots. I do both sides because if I don't do on the other side, too, I'm suddenly in that scenario, then I have a problem, because I don't know how to get out of it. Q. Which is a more powerful vision, the positive or the negative? ROGER FEDERER: Obviously, positive, because I'm playing so well right now. You know, I don't have much doubt in my game. This is why I'm very positive going into matches these days. Q. You have a nice mix of serve and volley and staying back on both first and second serves. You came in a number of times on second serve today. Do you reckon that's something you want to use if you make it all the way to the final or will it depend on who your opponent is for each of those matches? ROGER FEDERER: Well, today I have to say I played a little more safe. I didn't want to start serve and volleying first and second serve like I did two years ago when I lost first round. I told myself, I'm playing well from the baseline, I don't have to exaggerate it by coming to the net. So I really just played it when I felt it was the right time to do it. But I hope in the long run I will serve and volley a little more often than I did today. Q. This guy you played today is reckoned to be an example of a British player with quite a lot of potential, who should be ranked higher than where he is. Did you see much potential from the other side of the net today? ROGER FEDERER: I did see, yeah. He definitely hits the ball well. You know, it's also a very difficult situation for him, as well, to play against me on Centre Court. On grass, I don't know what his favorite surface is, but he plays mostly from the baseline. So it's tough to say. You know, the match went very quickly. But I definitely see also potential because he's got a good hand, you know. He's got an all‑around game. He just needs to work, you know, on his conditional strength and the mental will follow the more matches he will play. He needs experience, so... Q. Is it important for you to have someone or even yourself keep an eye on Tim Henman, Andy Roddick, the players that you could possibly face down the road in this tournament? ROGER FEDERER: No, not really. They're too far away in the draw really to send out scouts to see how they play, because I know them. But, you know, as the tournament goes on, if I would make it to quarters or semis, obviously I start looking at their matches. But just now I just basically, if I watch their match, it's more to enjoy than to study the way they are playing. Q. And you have your spies right to go? ROGER FEDERER: I don't have spies here. I'm the only spy around. Q. As you rightly said, the match went very quickly. How could you tell he needs to work on his physical conditions, given the fact you were out there for less than an hour and a half? ROGER FEDERER: It's not speaking about endurance, it's speaking more about the explosive and just, you know, the volume of the body. I think he still can improve that, which I had to still work on over the last three or four years. You feel sometimes behind your serve, you could have a little more, or when he's in defense in the corners. This is when good condition helps you out. There he's maybe playing a little bit too much with his hand, but this is normal because he has a good hand and he gets out of it with that. But in the long run, he has to maybe work a little more. I don't know. Don't take that to serious. Q. How is the grass? ROGER FEDERER: The grass was nice. It was a little bit slippery, like you said. No, it's perfect. The lines are perfectly white. You know, they're not a little used and stuff. When they go on the lines, it's difficult, because the ball really stops. But I have to say it really felt really nice. Q. Was there a moment when you thought about last year, being back out there playing a match? ROGER FEDERER: The moment I walked on court really. After that, I was in the groove and I was just focused on the match itself. Q. I know you sometimes watch videotapes of matches. Have you been rerunning the tapes last year as preparation? ROGER FEDERER: Not as a preparation. I did it more last year, just for enjoyment, you know, to get the sensation once more, the goosebumps and all this. But I didn't use them here for a motivator. I didn't need that this year. Q. Do you agree with me you have quite an easy draw this year? ROGER FEDERER: Oh, I don't know. Maybe if you look at the first two, you know, I play qualifiers and wildcards which, you know, some can consider as good draws. After that, you know, I see potential dangerous players around in the third, fourth, you know, and so on. It's a good draw for a seed, I would say, because there's not this big dangerous player in the first two rounds, and this is when I myself can find the rhythm for the tournament. Then I get stronger and better. I wouldn't consider it a bad or a good draw. It's all right, you know. Q. You said before the match you didn't quite know what to expect. We know what you said as far as how he can improve his game. Was there any point during the match you were surprised by him at all? ROGER FEDERER: I thought he was going to use his forehand a little bit more. But when I saw how good his backhand was, you know, I wasn't surprised anymore. But nothing really surprised me too much, you know, except maybe that he was using his slice more than I thought. I thought he would serve a little more to my forehand because I was having problems there to return that serve. But other than that, that's what I heard around, that's what I also saw a little bit of his game. So I knew kind of in a way what to expect. Q. I know you know Martina. She wins 6‑Love, 6‑1. ROGER FEDERER: I saw during the match. Q. Were you surprised? ROGER FEDERER: Well, obviously surprised, but it's nice. I saw the first four or five games. There I thought, the poor opponent was so nervous. But, you know, Martina played smart and she plays so different than anybody else, so it's tough to beat her on grass. Q. Do you look forward to playing here when you're 47? ROGER FEDERER: We'll see, huh? Maybe I'm coming back. Stop now, save the energy, come back at 47 (smiling). No, we'll see. I can't tell you. www.wimbledon.org/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 24, 2004 9:16:24 GMT -5
Darned rain delay... Rogi v. Falla at 61 62 30 Hope it doesn't last too long so our guys can finish their matches TODAY cos they'll have to play Fri as well. GO, ROGI!!!!!
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 24, 2004 12:53:02 GMT -5
Rogi won 61 62 60! Keep going strong, Rogi! Johansson up next -- he had an easy win over Santoro. Federer Finds Awesome Form © AFP Thursday, June 24, 2004 As the champions of the past were putting on the sort of performances that have made them both great and famous - Hewitt was hustling on Centre Court while Ivanisevic was putting the No. 2 Court crowd through the emotional wringer - the present incumbent was showing just why he is the world No. 1 and why he is the favourite for the title again this year. Roger Federer was in majestic form out on Court One, sprinting into the third round with the simplest of 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 wins over Alejandro Falla of Columbia. The first set took just 17 minutes and the only surprise was that the second took a little longer - a drawn out 23 minutes - as the Swiss shredded Falla's limited defences. In all the match took just 54 minutes and the only thing to slow Federer down was a brief rain delay in the third set. By then, though, he was already 3-0 up and, nipping back to finish the job, he wrapped things up without delay, the final set timed at just 14 minutes. Falla had never been to Wimbledon before but, having come through the qualifying competition, he grabbed his chance with both hands and found his way past Julian Knowle, another qualifier, in the first round. But just in case the Colombian was getting ideas above his station, Federer was on hand to put him firmly in his place. There is an unrestrained joy in the way that Federer plays tennis. There is nothing he cannot do with a ball and racquet and he knows it. At one point he played a clean winner while running, hell for leather, towards the backstop and striking the ball with his back to the court and his opponent. Spinning round to see where this moment of inspiration had landed, he broke into the broadest of grins as the ball went cross court like a bullet and then skidded out of Falla's reach, no more than a handful of inches above the grass. His only moment of weakness came on match point - well, he did have two of them to play with - when someone from the crowd pleaded with him to 'Give him a chance, Roger'. So Federer did. He double faulted. But he was not about to do it twice and with another belting delivery, the champion was through to the third round. Federer was asked in his post-match interview, he said: “No, it was good. I had to fight hard, especially in the first set… he was playing well and I had to come up with some really good shots in the beginning to make the difference.” Of the non-tennis responsibilities of being world no. 1 tennis player, Federer said: “I make sure the image of tennis is set up the right way…I try to be an example to children, be a role model. I hope I’m doing the right things, on and off the court.” Written by Alix Ramsay Court 1 - Gentlemen's Singles - 2nd Round Roger Federer SUI (1) 6 6 6 Alejandro Falla COL 1 2 0 www.wimbledon.org/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 24, 2004 13:16:54 GMT -5
Federer crushes Falla By Nick Crowther BBC Sport at Wimbledon Defending champion Roger Federer cruised into the third round with a straight-sets win over Alejandro Falla. The top seed was a class above from the start, two backhand winners earning him a break to go 3-1 up and he broke again to win the set 6-1 in 17 minutes. Two more breaks saw him clinch the second 6-2 and, with the world number one totally in the groove, he humbled the Colombian 6-0 in the last set. Federer walked off court after just 54 minutes having lost nine games so far. "I had to fight hard in the first set and come up with some good shots, but I was very consistent," he said. Lleyton Hewitt was a comfortable 6-4 6-4 6-1 winner over Irakli Labadze of Georgia on Centre Court to reach round three. And Juan Carlos Ferrero came through a titanic struggle on Court Three, saving two match points before beating Stefan Koubek 4-6 7-5 5-7 7-6 8-6. Second seed Andy Roddick moved into round two with few problems, seeing off Taipei qualifier Yeu-Tzuoo Wang. I prepared well for this tournament and now I am confident that I can progress Guillermo Coria The American resumed the rain-delayed match leading 4-2 in windy conditions, and comfortably served out the set. With Roddick firing down 18 aces during the match, one break was all he needed in each set to secure a straightforward 6-3 7-5 6-4 victory. He will meet Austrian Alexander Peya in the second round. "The wind was swirling and I was not feeling comfortable out there but I got through it," said Roddick. "I felt there was room for improvement." Ninth seed Carlos Moya came through a tight match against Radek Stepanek 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5-7) 7-5. And third seed Guillermo Coria finally booked his place in the second round with a 6-4 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 win over South Africa's Wesley Moodie. The match began on Monday and resumed on Tuesday but Coria was left two points from victory when rain forced the players off court. The French Open finalist needed only two minutes on Thursday to complete his first ever win at Wimbledon. The Argentine will now take on Germany's Florian Mayer in the second round. Coria admitted the persistent rain delays were a new experience for him. "It has never happened to me but it was worth the wait," he said. "When I went out onto court today, I was seriously concentrated on winning those two points. I was confident in myself. "I want to improve how I play on grass and that will be good for my self-confidence." Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/tennis/3835683.stmPublished: 2004/06/24 16:43:44 GMT © BBC MMIV
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 29, 2004 7:44:17 GMT -5
Another title beckons for Swiss magician who has it all Martina Navratilova Tuesday June 29, 2004 The Guardian Every generation has its maestro and for me that's what Roger Federer has been during the last year. He's been magic to watch, partly because he makes it all look so easy and that's always a sign of a genius, to make everything you do seem effortless. He might not have been at his best against Ivo Karlovic yesterday but he still looked in complete control. Federer could be one of the greatest players of all time, without question. He's certainly got the hands and the balance to be. These days the modern rackets enable you to do far more with the ball than used to be possible - I know I'm doing things with the ball now that I wasn't able to do before. A lot of players wouldn't know what to do if you put a wooden racket in their hands, but Federer would still be a magician even with a wooden racket. He's got a very compact swing but he generates so much speed and while he doesn't look that strong, he has so much wrist action on the ball and gives it a little bit of extra spin. Other guys are playing well against him, too, and he's making them look silly. Players have no idea what's coming because he can spin the ball this way and that; he can hit the ball flat; he can serve and volley, ghost in when you're not expecting him or he can stay back. He's got it all. He's like Martina Hingis with more power and more spins. I don't know what it is about the Swiss, but they seem to produce some fantastic players. I was lucky enough to play mixed doubles with him in Hong Kong at an exhibition in January this year. When they asked me if I wanted to play doubles with Roger, I asked, "great, how much do I have to pay you?". It was a real treat because he was simply a joy to be on the court with. Then he asked me to practise with him and I got to hit for 45 minutes just one on one, which was phenomenal because I really got to feel how he hits the ball. When he hits his forehand he can hook it so that he can go cross-court or down the line, tailing away from you because of all the topspin. He can hit a forehand cross-court so that it jumps at your body, which is effective on any surface but particularly on grass because it's almost as though he's inducing a bad bounce because he makes the ball jump differently and that's what his kick-serve does as well. He's got spin on everything, he's got a heavy slice that stays low, he can float the ball so that it stays low and just dies on the court so you have to create all the pace, or he can knife it so that it skids through. On his groundstrokes he can hit it harder or can hit a cross-court ball that looks like it's going to be no problem until it suddenly takes off in the other direction after it bounces. Roger looks the part right now and I'm sensing that he is feeling inspired by coming back and defending his title at Wimbledon. It was obvious when he won last year how much it meant to him and how he feels about the place and that's important, because you really have to embrace everything about Wimbledon and grass if you want to succeed here. You could see that even when he beat Sampras in the 2001 quarter-finals. Now Pete has gone and Roger is the king - the man that everyone is trying to get close to. Because he's a great guy and such a wonderful player, everyone is saying nice things about him but it's important not to buy into the hype about you. Roger has his feet on the ground and I'm sure he's not reading a line of what is written about him. I never read anything that anyone was saying about me, at least until I was out of the singles competition. While it was going on I only ever knew what was happening when the press asked me a question. Reading about yourself can't help you because one way or another it just ends up putting more pressure on you. Of course Federer isn't the only contender here. Lleyton Hewitt it getting back to where he was and showed that yesterday by getting past Carlos Moya, who has given him trouble in the past but I don't see him beating Federer in their quarter-final. Everyone left in the draw knows that they are going to have to play a heck of a match against the world No1 and even then they will probably still lose. If he continues to play the way he has been, then I don't see anyone taking three sets off him at these championships. Of course Federer still has things to learn because no one ever knows all that there is to know about the game, but he looks to me like he feels invincible right now. He's undoubtedly the player to beat. sport.guardian.co.uk/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 29, 2004 7:45:02 GMT -5
Federer reaches a higher level By Sue Mott (Filed: 29/06/2004) If these two had met in a blind alley, you wouldn't have fancied Roger Federer's chances. Luckily for the defending men's singles champion, the meeting with the gigantic Croatian, Ivo Karlovic, was not over a pile of dustbins but a net on the wide open space of Wimbledon's Court No 1. Roger Federer: a combination of several past players It was an unfair fight, to be quite honest. Karlovic may be built like a professional wrestler but he has the sweet heart of a purring kitten. Federer was fearful going into this match, aware of his opponent's hugely powerful serve and his ace count this Wimbledon of 95. But the vast difference was soon exposed between the man with the all-court game (and pet cow) and the man with the bomb blast serve. "It's like he's serving from a tree," the Wimbledon veteran, Todd Martin, has been heard to observe on the peril of facing Karlovic's serve, which rains down from a height of about 13 feet. It was this thought, and not any actual strenuousness, that caused Federer's heart to beat a little more wildly than usual beneath his immaculate white shirt. "Usually your pulse goes up when you run. But against him, it's more: I hope he's not going to have a huge swing at my ball," confided Federer. "Suddenly, if I get broken, I will never see that set again." But he wasn't broken. Karlovic had two points for this rare feat in the first set when he had already been broken himself. But Federer clawed his way back into the game with a Napoleonic cry of "Allez!" and a march, if not on Moscow, at least through to the quarter-finals, where he now faces Lleyton Hewitt, who famously lost to Karlovic in the first round last year. The Swiss champion handled the Croatian with respect but no tentativeness. Karlovic may have stood at the net, apparently the width of a five-man football wall, but Federer still had the hands to pass him. Above all, the Wimbledon champion set up the 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5) victory by reading the Karlovic serve with the sixth sense that foreign goalkeepers apply to certain English penalties. There is no time to watch and react, merely explode into action and hope you have gone the right way. As the match progressed, the reading become more complex, as though suddenly being delivered in Urdo. By then, though, both players knew that Federer had won in all but the final score. Karlovic's last winning point was a match-saving ace. "It was nice," he said afterwards. "I am happy with my result here. I just wish I had played someone less good." So will everyone this Wimbledon, if Federer continues in this vein. Could he even remember when he last dropped a service game? "French, no?" he said, still smarting from the clay-court debacle in Paris when he lost in the third round to Gustavo Kuerten in straight sets. He smiled though. He has not dropped a set since. What a guy. Wimbledon can scarcely believe their luck in finding a 22-year-old champion and No 1 in the world who doesn't "eff" within range of a courtside microphone, wear a baseball cap turned adolescently backwards or turn up on the arm of Barbra Streisand. Neither his chest hair nor his bonking has become an issue. He attended a party with his girlfriend thrown by Sir Elton John. There is no greater accolade. We seem to be dealing with a player who has the pulse rate of Bjorn Borg, the smoothness of Pete Sampras, the gentlemanliness of Bunny Austin and the hairspray of Chris Evert. It is not a bad combination. He speaks three languages with tremendous adequacy and conducts press conferences in all of them. In fact, he conducts them in such earnest regularity that sometimes the men's tennis media coordinators wish he would just throw a hissy fit like the rest of them and let them get out in time for dinner. At the French Open this year, despite his painful defeat, he insisted on satisfying every request for a word with him, including an interview with Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Hicham Arazi, the Moroccan who lost to Tim Henman on Sunday, walked out on an interview in France and was fined $10,000 for the oversight. "Effing dictators," he called his tormentors. Federer is of an entirely different stamp. Conscientious off the court, devastating on it. Hewitt has no doubts going into the quarter-final which man has the finer reputation. "It is an extremely tough match. He's the best player out there at the moment. He's No 1 for a reason. I'm the underdog for sure." How this happened in a country like Switzerland, where the tennis courts must all slope alarmingly, is a mystery. It is painful to be native to a country that has searched for a Wimbledon champion for nigh on seven decades only to be trounced by the producers of the cuckoo clock. But the fact is, there is nothing to complain about. Federer is as good as it gets. His only problem, as Wimbledon 2004 now gets serious, is the easy living summer he has enjoyed so far. Hewitt is a scrapper and Andy Roddick (seeded to meet Federer in the final) is a grade A danger. Having swatted a string of opponents while virtually lying back in the Pimm's tent, you feel Federer will now have to work for his title. His nerve endings will be unused to the outing. Plus anyone who has ever been to an Elton John party knows it takes a few days to recover the full use of your eyeballs. www.telegraph.co.uk/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 29, 2004 7:45:38 GMT -5
Hewitt perfects snarl for Federer Hewitt 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 Moyá Tuesday June 29, 2004 The Guardian Lleyton Hewitt gets under his opponents' skins. No longer quite as much as he did throughout 2001 and 2002 when he won the US Open and Wimbledon titles and finished both those years as the world No1, but the yappy yard dog has begun to return to his annoying best and tomorrow he will be snapping at the ankles of Mr Cool. A Hewitt-Roger Federer quarter-final had always seemed inevitable once the draw was made, pitting the reigning champion against the 2002 winner. Hewitt had much to prove, having lost to Croatia's Ivo Karlovic in the first round last year, thereby gaining the hurtful tag of becoming the first defending Wimbledon champion in the Open era not to win a match. And this was not all. Last year he had set aside his own ambitions in a quest for the Davis Cup and duly led Australia to victory against Spain in the final. His victory of victories came in the semi-final against Switzerland when Hewitt clawed his way back from two sets and 5-3 down to defeat Federer. It was the essence of his never-say-die approach, and a nasty shock for the Swiss who, after his Wimbledon triumph, had hoped he was above such indignities. Federer swiftly put this defeat behind him just a few weeks later at the Australian Open, beating Hewitt in the fourth round and then taking the title that represents the Australian's other burning ambition. So there will be plenty of history between them and much at stake when they meet for a 12th time here. Hewitt holds a 7-4 career lead and has won their one meeting on grass in Den Bosch, although that was of no great significance. More so is that Federer has beaten him twice this year, while there has been a confidence about Federer over the past eight days that has bordered on the imperious. Certainly Hewitt will have to raise the tempo again, having frequently been stretched by Spain's Carlos Moyá yesterday before winning 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 on the Centre Court. The rip of Moyá's forehand often had Hewitt chasing lost causes and Federer is certain to be equally severe - as well as having a considerably more dangerous backhand. "I believe I can beat him," said Hewitt. "He's the best player out there at the moment, and he's No1 in the world for a reason. I'm the underdog for sure, but I believe in my ability and I've played well against him in the past." Hewitt's ability has certainly been in question over the past 18 months, a period that has seen the rapid rise of both Federer and Andy Roddick. The 23-year-old Australian had slipped to No17 in the world by the end of last year and, although he has recently returned to the lower reaches of the top 10, some still believe his two-year spell of dominance was a little fortuitous. Like Martina Hingis, whose success came between Steffi Graff and the Williams sisters, Hewitt's best moments came post Pete Sampras and pre Federer and Roddick. Now it is up to the feisty Australian to prove his doubters wrong; victory over Federer would be an excellent start. He was quickly on top against Moyá who had an internal belief that he knew the way to win against Hewitt, having beaten him five times in their previous eight competitive meetings. The Spaniard, who has his eye on the end-of-season Tennis Masters Cup in Houston, restricted to the eight best players in the world, had practised for Wimbledon with a meticulous intensity, determined to win as many matches as possible. Injury had prevented him playing for the last two years, and he had never previously progressed beyond the second round, so reaching the last 16 without dropping his serve was already a considerable achievement. However, when Hewitt broke him in the 10th game to take the first set and then rattled through the second in just over an hour, it looked like plain sailing for him . There were times when Moyá gazed at the grass with all the distaste of a bespoke tailor viewing an off-the-peg suit. In the past he might have fretted but on this occasion he became ever more determined, his variety of shots and angles gradually getting Hewitt in a stew. The Centre Court crowd may have wished to get Tim Henman on as quickly as possible, but they knew quality when they saw it and warmly applauded Moyá both for his deftness of touch and forehand passes. The fourth set might have gone either way and it needed every ounce of Hewitt's spirit and concentration to take it into a tie-break. Once there, the Australian applied the sort of unremitting pressure by which he made his name, chasing everything down and snapping back service returns of rare quality. "I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone," he said afterwards - but he is. sport.guardian.co.uk/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 30, 2004 14:45:39 GMT -5
Federer marches on By Ian Westbrook BBC Sport at Wimbledon Roger Federer won a classic contest with Lleyton Hewitt 6-1 6-7 (1-7) 6-0 6-4 to earn a place in the semi-finals. The defending champion raced through the first set and the second was at 1-1 before a rain break, which helped Hewitt summon a recovery. The 2002 champion played some spirited tennis before levelling the match, but again fell short in the third set. He broke Federer in the fourth game but the Swiss showed why he is champion by breaking back and winning the match. Fortunes changed dramatically during the match but during the first two sets and at the end of the fourth, Federer played at a level that Hewitt just could not match. "It was a great start - it was good to be ahead against him," Federer told BBC Sport. "He fought hard and there were a lot of rain breaks and I really had to fight. It's Wimbledon, youre always going to be disappointed Lleyton Hewitt "He played really well and it was tough to break him. "In the third set Lleyton didn't play his best and I was serving well. We had a tough point to break eventually and I started to play unbelievable tennis. "I've had very few matches on Centre Court which were battles and this was one of them, so it was nice to play such a tough match." Hewitt conceded that Federer had played superbly but still felt he had missed some chances. "It's Wimbledon, youre always going to be disappointed," said Hewitt. "I gave it everything I got, but I had a lot of opportunities. "In the fourth set I was the better player but have very little to show for it. "When he's confident, he's very difficult to stop. "He's the best player in the world at the moment. He's a shot-maker. He came out and was on fire right from the start." Five Live Sports Extra commentary Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/tennis/3854959.stmPublished: 2004/06/30 19:20:03 GMT © BBC MMIV Federer Fights Past Hewitt © Getty Images Wednesday, June 30, 2004 When Roger Federer is playing at his peak, no one can touch him. When he is playing under pressure, he is still too strong for even the best. And when he is not playing well, he just refuses to be beaten. Federer was simply magnificent as he marched past Lleyton Hewitt 6-1, 6-7, 6-0, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. Hewitt may have raised his game by several notches now that he is back at the All England Club, and he may be the best counter puncher in the business, but he could do nothing against the defending champion. He tried, he always tries, but Federer was simply too good. The first set came and went in the twinkling of an eye - 22 minutes, if you prefer bald facts - as Federer served with aplomb and returned with authority. In between, he was lashing his forehand and planting his backhand. He could do no wrong and much as the crowd wanted their money's worth, they could only marvel at the magical powers of the champion in front of them. A rain delay at the start of the second set slowed the Swiss slightly and, returning to work under leaden skies, he started to make a few more mistakes than in those opening 22 minutes. Then again, he had only made two unforced errors in the first set so a fluffed backhand here and there was hardly going to make him panic. All in all it allowed Hewitt to keep pace with his rival until, at 5-5, the rain returned. These delays were becoming a nuisance. If Federer was aiming for perfection, the least the weather could do was try and follow suit. Both interruptions lasted around an hour and that was just long enough to disrupt the Swiss movement. Coming back for the third act of this quarter-final, Federer made a hash of the second set tiebreak - he won just one point - but that was the last error he was prepared to countenance. At the start of the third set, the champion saw his chance. Three sloppy shots from Hewitt presented Federer with a break point. This was too good to miss and, pouncing with a backhand, Roger was himself again. From taking that 2-0 lead, he took off, running away with the set and wrapping it up in 26 minutes. Back to his majestic best, not even Hewitt's swift legs could come anywhere near him, much less catch him. Hewitt, being Hewitt, was not going to give up without a fight and, launching one last assault, he ran himself ragged in pursuit of Federer's serve. He chased, he scampered and ran after lost causes until finally, he got his reward: a 4-3 lead. It was the first time Federer had been broken at The Championships since the quarter-finals last year. Hewitt's moment of celebration was not to last, though, and with a double fault in the next game, he dropped his serve to relinquish that hard earned advantage. It was the final straw and, asked to serve to stay in the match a few moments later, he threw in another double fault on match point to send Federer through. Written by Alix Ramsay
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jun 30, 2004 14:48:24 GMT -5
Hewitt humbled by fearsome Federer (Filed: 01/07/2004) Reigning Wimbledon champion Roger Federer survived a fightback from his predecessor Lleyton Hewitt amid the gathering gloom on Centre Court to book a place in Friday's semi-finals. Federer still hopes to retain the title The world number one dropped his serve for the first time in the tournament but his class told in the end as he secured a 6-1 6-7 6-0 6-4 victory in a quarter-final packed with stunning ground strokes. The 22-year-old Swiss ace got off to a flying start, producing a master class in the first set to take it 6-1 against his Australian opponent in just 22 minutes. But, as the match was twice interrupted up by the rain, Federer dropped his first set of the championships and was also broken for the first time as the 2002 champion produced a stunning comeback. Hewitt was never allowed to get into his stride in a one-sided opening set and he called for a medical time-out after collapsing 6-0 in the third set. But treatment to his right thigh appeared to do the trick as he was more like his old self for much of the fourth set as he fought for every point. The Adelaide man found his pace and accuracy with his serve, winning two service games to love, and achieved the unthinkable when he broke Federer in the seventh game to give himself a Ballbuster loves men!!1 :hearts: of hope. But he undid all the good work with a sloppy service game, double faulting for the sixth time on break point to lose his advantage. Amid the gathering gloom, the splendid quarter-final ended on a note of anti-climax when Hewitt double-faulted on match point to hand victory to the reigning champion. www.telegraph.co.uk/some people seem to think that Rogi beat Lleyt easily today but I don't think so at all -- this was definitely his toughest match, as predicted, and Rogi seemed to lose focus and be bothered by both Lleyt and the rain delays... gotta get used to it at Wimby, my dear!
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jul 1, 2004 17:25:38 GMT -5
R. Federer interview Wednesday, June 30, 2004 THE MODERATOR: Could I have the first question in English for Roger. Q. Is this one of the matches you said on TV yesterday you don't like to talk to the press because there's nothing to talk about. ROGER FEDERER: This is rather a match where we can talk about, so let's start. You know, very difficult match. You know, like I predicted before the match, it's going to be difficult. It's going to be a hard battle where I really have to run a lot. Of course, you know, the first and the third set don't really show how hard actually the battle was because in both sets I had to face early breakpoints. Who knows what's going to happen on those. Other than that, you know, I'm very happy the way I played. You know, good start to the match and difficult conditions for the second set because, I mean, rain two or three times, and that's never nice. And he came out, you know, as a strong guy at 5 All. That gave him the second set. But, you know, I really had to try to hang in there. Third and fourth were as difficult. Q. Is it very difficult for you to not think about things like when you had him two sets and a break in the Davis Cup, and he comes back? He's just one of these guys that doesn't go away. In the back of your mind, do you have a hard time putting that out and saying, "Let me finish him off"? ROGER FEDERER: You know, I never really got the chance really to think too much of what happened in Davis Cup because now we've played two times again. You know, twice I beat him. You know, the match in Australia, I was serving for the match and he almost came back on that occasion, too. And when I served for the match in Hamburg, you know, he broke me there, too. But I was up I think a double break, but I broke him to win. And this time, you know, I was down, I came back and I took the first chance. So I never really got into that scary moment, I would say. Q. How important was it to get the match out of the way tonight to give yourself a free day tomorrow? ROGER FEDERER: Well, this I wasn't too concerned about, darkness or rain or whatever. I was just hoping I would win really. If I would have to continue tomorrow, you know, that's fine. But all I really wanted was to beat him and not to go out as a loser, so... Q. He won here of course two years ago. Today he played well; you played superb. How would you rate him compared to two years ago to now? Is he back to his best? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I definitely think, you know, it was a very high standard of play today. You know, it's unfortunate we already face each other in the quarters. I mean, he lost in Queen's to Andy. Now this week against me. It's a tough grass court season for him, you know, to accept. But I've already felt since a long time that he's where he belongs, and that's at least in the Top 10 if not the Top 5 or Top 3. I mean, he didn't play many tournaments at the end of last year. He really focused on Davis Cup. And this is when he showed still how good he is. So just because his ranking dropped, doesn't matter, he'll not fight the same. Q. So he's not a player you like to see in the draw to come up against? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I wish he would be in the other sections, of course, so he would play other guys. But I've always enjoyed playing against him because since actually the first time we played each other in Juniors, you know, we were 16. I faced match point and I won. You know, that was in Switzerland. I remember Darren was on their chair. We had the Swiss coach. Ever since then, we really had some nice matches from the start. In the beginning, he was winning a lot of them, because they were all very close. And now the last three, I won them, so I'm quite happy obviously. Q. 18 aces today. Is this your best serving effort against a player this quick? Is this your best serving effort of the tournament? ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, you know, the serve alone is not enough against Lleyton because he brings back too many balls. Against Karlovic, it's a totally different match. It was important there to have good starts to the game, you know, because then you can go for more and, you know, he loses also a little bit of interest. When you're up 30 Love against Lleyton, 30 Love doesn't mean too much really. I felt like I really had to go for a lot on my serve today, I had to really hit the ball very hard to actually get an ace. Luckily for me, I served well in the important moments because I think that saved me today. Q. What stats do you look at to gauge how well you're serving, and are aces important? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I mean, aces are just for really for the stats. That doesn't sometimes always show the truth. I think first serve points won, I think that's an important stat. If I look at it, if I compare it with his first serve, and this is where I dominated him really, and that gave me a lot of free points. That allowed me to actually take more chances on the return games. Q. If you were the journalists, how would you describe Mario Ancic as a player? ROGER FEDERER: Well, he's a youngster. You know, I've experienced him on Centre Court. I lost. So it's nice to see him finally doing well. I was a little bit disappointed, you know, that he didn't make that breakthrough earlier. But great effort today. I thought he had a chance, but that he will beat Henman in straight sets also came for me as a surprise. Q. How affected were you by the first error on the second point of the third set tiebreak and can you take us through what happened? ROGER FEDERER: In the tiebreaker? Q. Yes. The second point, you hit it long. ROGER FEDERER: I hit it long on the forehand, very hard and long (smiling). What happened? Well, I already felt the pressure going into the breaker because he was playing better. You know, he actually deserved to win the set 7 5. But, you know, I got out of it once more because I served well. Well, what happened is I wanted to play to the backhand side. He just wouldn't move away. He just stands still. So I thought, "Well, if I just place it there, it's not going to be enough." So I overhit it. That obviously gave him a lot of confidence for the rest. But, you know, I was playing against the sun, and that wasn't comfortable because that didn't happen until that moment in the match. But he was the better player in the end of the second set, for sure, so he deserved it.
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jul 1, 2004 17:26:17 GMT -5
Q. Did you think that the rain helped him? Because the first set, the way it was going, you were just steamrolling. Did you think that the break helped him more than you, and you took a little longer to come back? ROGER FEDERER: It's difficult. You know, we were very even, I thought, up until 5 All. Then when he came back, you know, I wouldn't say he changed some things, but I couldn't play at the same level like I was playing before. I was maybe not going for enough, especially from the baseline. I got into these long backhand cross court rallies where, you know, he's more consistent, I feel. And that, you know, kind of broke my confidence. And he really started to get into it. Instead of me hitting the forehand winners up the line, he was doing it. So the whole momentum changed really, and he took advantage of it. But the important thing was I showed a reaction in the beginning of the third where I was lucky enough to be down a break again, and then it was a great point actually to make that break, you know, kind of gave the momentum back to me and I really took advantage of it. Q. Next up an extremely fast, very clever young Frenchman. How do you deal with him? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I'm really looking forward to that match because we've played very seldom on the tour, maybe twice or so. Once only? Three? Q. Three. ROGER FEDERER: In Sydney I remember I lost to him in three sets. Where else did I play him? I don't remember. Well, actually I was supposed to play him twice in Davis Cup and he was injured. So it's nice to play him. I think he's been going through the draw quite comfortable. And he's, like you said, a very tricky player to player against. He returns well. His first serve is very good and he moves well. And this is a dangerous combination. He has a lot of weapons. He was already here in the past and he won in Nottingham once on grass, so he really knows and plays well on grass, so it will be a difficult match. Q. Lleyton was saying in terms of competing, it's one of the holes in your game that you've really filled in over the last two years or so, that in the past maybe you would have gone away in certain matches, but that really mentally you're competing much better. Is that something you consciously did or is it just a matter of experience and time? ROGER FEDERER: Well, you know, a lot of things together really. I also feel, you know, what Lleyton says, I also feel the same thing. You know, matches before, like if I take an example, I think in 2000 when I played him in Davis Cup, it was one set all, he won the third set tiebreaker, I lost 6 1 in the fourth. Those are the kind of matches I wouldn't say happen to me regularly, because knowing he was so strong, I knew it was very difficult to come back. I would completely change my game, and it would backfire. So now, because I have, you know, much more experience, I'm more confident, I know that I'm I have a solid base now also on the conditioning side and mental side. So for me things have really changed, and I look at tennis very different now than I used to. And I think what Lleyton is saying is correct because I also feel this way. Q. Pete Sampras was on TV the other day and he was saying that when he looked very calm and cool, actually he was very nervous inside, and nobody really knew. Is it the same for you? To us you look very calm, serene. Inside are you boiling? ROGER FEDERER: You know, breakpoints, the pulse always goes up, that is a fact. Obviously on some, you know, you feel like very good. If you get broken, you know, that happens. But I have to say all in all I'm very quiet, very calm also from the inside. Already before the match, you know, I was not I was always almost worried about myself because I was so calm already going into the match. I was surprised. You know, even after rain breaks I was not, "Okay, it's 1 All, it's 5 All." I really hadn't didn't have a problem of being very nervous out there today. You know, pulse does go up when you have long rallies and then you have to face tough moments in the game. But I feel like obviously now the way it's going, you know, I don't have any reason to be too nervous. Q. It was sort of like a hard court match almost. You were both staying back so much. Would you have liked to have gone in more? Is that out of respect for Lleyton? ROGER FEDERER: I would like to, but then I think I would lose because he's just too consistent on the return. His passing shots are just incredible. I don't remember having any easy volleys today, doesn't matter what position. He always makes you play a volley underneath the net. Just unbelievable effort from his side. Every time I play him I'm amazed actually how he gets the ball back. It's not just he gets the ball back, maybe he plays it high, keeps it low. I think that is the secret to his game. Now I also understand a little bit why, you know, Henman loses against him, because he's such a great returner and great passing shot player. Q. This is an international, global game. The inevitability is that you and Andy are going to be around for quite some number of years. That means to sell tennis, Andy needs to become better known in Europe and you in the United States. Can you see yourself during the hard court season going on the Jay Leno or David Letterman show? Would you be amusing and entertaining or not? ROGER FEDERER: Well, I guess we have to help each other out, you know, by playing each other more often, playing well, and consistent. Yeah, you know, I could imagine going to certain shows. But, you know, my English is not as good as Americans or English, so I would have to maybe face tougher questions, I don't know. It would be more difficult to show my humor. But, you know, I think it would also be interesting to see how that feels for a change. www.wimbledon.org/
|
|
|
Post by RogiFan on Jul 1, 2004 17:31:14 GMT -5
Stylish encounter could be a classic By Andrew Baker (Filed: 02/07/2004) Head to head Some very attractive tennis in prospect here, as two of the most stylish players in the world come head-to-head for the first time on a grass court. Roger Federer, as world No 1, top seed and defending champion, is the overwhelming favourite, but Sebastien Grosjean is a proud man and will not want to surrender without giving his best efforts. Grosjean has actually won two of the pair's three meetings, but the trio of matches all took place in 2001. The Frenchman won on the hard court of Sydney and the clay of Monte Carlo, sandwiching a victory for Federer on a hard court in Rotterdam. But three years is an age in tennis, and in the time Federer has improved beyond measure while Grosjean has improved bit by bit. However, the 26-year-old from Marseilles is an attractive player, who despite his nationality and fondness for slice shots is remarkably effective on grass courts. He reached the semi-final here last year (losing to Mark Philippoussis) and has reached consecutive finals at Queen's in the last two years. Grosjean reckons that the low bounce of a grass court renders his slice even more effective, particularly on the serve that swerves wide. The evidence is there for all to see: like the thunderbolt-wielding Andy Roddick, Grosjean has yet to drop a set this year in The Championships. He is playing as well as he ever has, and while he respects Federer's skills, Grosjean goes into the match with the freedom of the underdog. "He's the best player on the tour, for sure," he said. "Especially on grass, where he hasn't lost a match since last year. But against him, I have nothing to lose. Now we are in the semi-finals, everything can happen. I have to try to play aggressive and to enjoy the match on the court." Admirable sentiments, but Federer's opponents this year at Wimbledon have found the experience anything but enjoyable. Veteran observers reckon that the 22-year-old Swiss player is on the verge of true greatness here, with one comparing his performance in the first set of his quarter-final against Lleyton Hewitt with Rod Laver at his best. High praise. But it is impossible to ignore the excellence of Federer's play. He is starting to look invincible on this surface, having run up a winning streak of 22 matches on grass. He has improved and, worryingly for his opponents, is still improving. "I'm more confident," he said. "I have a solid base on the conditioning side and the mental side. So for me things have really changed, and I look at tennis now in a different way." For all his confidence, Federer will not underestimate his opponent. "He's a tricky player to play against," he said. "He returns well. His first serve is good and he moves well. He has a lot of weapons and he plays well on grass. It will be a difficult match." If both men play to the top of their form then this could be an example of the best of modern-era grasscourt tennis, which combines the power of the serve-volleyers with the confidence and shot-making ability of back-of-the-court ralliers. Both Federer and Grosjean have the ability to mix their tactics and will cover every blade of grass in pursuit of victory. Head to Head ROGER FEDERER (Swi) SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN (Fra) 22 Age 26 6ft 1in Height 5ft 9ins 12st 7lbs Weight 10st 7lbs 1 (1) Seeding (world ranking) 10 (13) $9,888,913 Career money $5,915,246 2 Grand slams 0 0 Grand slam runners-up 0 16 ATP Tour titles 3 Winner (2003) Best previous Wimbledon Semi-final (2003) 130 mph Fastest serve at W’don 2004 133 mph 48 Aces 51 8 Double faults 51 2 Head-to-head record 1 2001: Monte Carlo Qtr-final, Grosjean 6-4, 6-3. 2001: Rotterdam R16, Federer 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. 2001: Sydney Qtr-final, Grosjean 7-5 6-4.
Results so far Federer Grosjean A Bogdanovic (GB) 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 1st rd T Ascione (Fra) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 A Falla (Colombia) 6-1 6-2 6-0 2nd rd G Carraz (France) 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 T Johansson (Sweden) 6-3 6-4 6-3 3rd rd J-M Gambill (US) 7-6 ,7-3, 6-2 I Karlovic (Croatia) 6-3 7-6 7-6 4th rd R Ginepri (US) 6-2, 6-2 ,7-6 L Hewitt (Australia) 6-1, 6-7 (1/7), 6-0, 6-4 Qtr-final F Mayer (Germany) 7-5, 6-4, 6-2 www.telegraph.co.uk/
|
|
|
Post by Doris on Jul 3, 2004 8:35:47 GMT -5
Thanks for all the reports
|
|