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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Sept 12, 2004 6:38:57 GMT -5
i loved reading Tim Henman's interview, he has so much respect for his Swiss friend.  i enjoyed this: Sure, if you take Roddick's serve and Agassi's returns and my volleys and Hewitt's speed and tenacity, then you've probably got a good chance against Federer (laughter). That's a lot of people involved in, you know, one player. |
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Post by Doris on Sept 12, 2004 11:53:31 GMT -5
Yes that was a good one - well let's hope Hewitt doesn't combine them all in todays final.....
Hoooopppppp Roger!!
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Post by RogiFan on Sept 12, 2004 12:31:35 GMT -5
Hewitt w Tim's volleys? nah... Thank you, Lord Timbledon!! Nice to see he and Rogi get along... |
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Post by RogiFan on Sept 12, 2004 19:56:57 GMT -5
    Awesome Federer takes title Roger Federer produced an outstanding performance to beat Lleyton Hewitt and win his first US Open title. The world number one was at times unplayable and withstood a Hewitt fightback to win 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-0. Hewitt came into the final on a 16-match winning streak but Federer took control with a stunning first love set. Hewitt battled superbly in the second but faltered in the tie-break, and Federer powered through the third for his fourth Grand Slam title. Federer becomes the first man in history to win his first four Grand Slam finals, and the first man since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three Grand Slams in a year, following victories in Australia and at Wimbledon. "I'm very happy, I still can't believe what I've done this year," said Federer. "It's always very important to play well in the finals, in the matches that count, and to win the first set 6-0 was a perfect start." It's an incredible effort what he's done Lleyton Hewitt Federer had beaten Hewitt on his way to taking both those titles but the Australian had looked stronger than ever in New York, reaching the final without dropping a set. A tight match had been expected but Federer came out in blistering form, dominating with his forehand and racing through the opening set in 18 minutes. Another break followed at the start of the second set and a rout looked on the cards, until Hewitt finally got off the mark in game nine. The Australian is the best fighter in the game and saved three set points on his way to breaking back at 5-5, but Federer regained the initiative early in the tie-break and never looked back. Hewitt had nothing left in the third and dropped serve three times, as Federer claimed another landmark win in his already remarkable career. "It's an incredible effort what he's done, to win three Grand Slams out of four," said Hewitt afterwards. "With the depth in men's tennis the way it is, I don't think people realise how hard it is." The next goal for Federer must be to complete a Grand Slam in 2005, but he is not ready to contemplate that feat quite yet. "I don't know if I can play any better," he said. "I'm very tired right now and I don't even want to think about four out of four. "It's all about partying and relaxing right now." Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/tennis/3648700.stmPublished: 2004/09/12 22:39:05 GMT © BBC MMIV Federer saves best 'til last at U.S. Open Top seed Roger Federer confirmed himself as the player of 2004, with his third major championship, at the U.S. Open on Sunday, emulating Swede Mats Wilander's feat of 1988, in a 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 demolition of fourth seed Lleyton Hewitt, the 2001 winner, over one hour and 51 minutes. RE-LIVE US OPEN: Federer v Hewitt The Swiss was close to perfection as he raced through the first set, losing only five points in 18 minutes, with journalists quick to recall Jimmy Connor's 6-1 6-0 6-1 victory over Ken Rosewall in the 1974 final. Hewitt won his first game on 30-minutes, before forcing his way back into the match, winning three successive games from 3-5 in the second set, including three set points. However, 23-year-old Federer recovered and took the tie-break from the Australian's grasp, shattering the crowds expectation of a close fight. A relaxed Federer then lifted his game again in the third set and closed out on his second championship point to become the first player in tennis history to triumph in their first four major finals. Asked if he could play any better, the Swiss said. "That's all I have got. "It's always very important to play really well in the finals, the matches that count the most. To win the first set 6-0 was a perfect start. It helped me get into the second and third sets and to get through in the end. "I still can't believe what I've done this year, to win three grand slams out of four is so great and to win the U.S. Open is incredible." Federer, who also lifted the 2003 Wimbledon crown, has won four out of the last six majors, the best performance since Pete Sampras won four of five between 1993-94. Eurosport - James Buddell - 12/09/04 www.eurosport.com/
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Post by RogiFan on Sept 12, 2004 19:58:56 GMT -5
 Gamewatch: Federer v Hewitt Result: Federer 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 Hewitt All the action as Roger Federer beats Lleyton Hewitt in the final of the US Open. Third set Federer 6-0 Hewitt Federer completes the win in style with another break, taking the match with a forehand winner and falling to the floor at the moment of victory. Federer 5-0 Hewitt Federer lets Hewitt back into the game from 40-15 with a double fault taking it to deuce, but the world number one holds with a forehand and an ace. Federer 4-0 Hewitt Federer is unlucky to lose his first break point of the game because of a bad line call, and the second slips away when he is forced into an error, but the Swiss star converts at the third opportunity to take what must be an unassailable lead. Federer 3-0 Hewitt Hewitt now looks unable to stop Federer, who closes in on victory with a love service game. Federer 2-0 Hewitt The match seems to have reverted to the pattern of the opening set, with Federer controlling the rallies and forcing errors on his way to what could be a decisive break of serve. Federer 1-0 Hewitt Federer looks to have completely recovered from his second-set wobble and holds serve to love. Second set Federer 7-6 (7-3) Hewitt Federer wins the opening rally with a forehand and seems to take confidence from that, racing 4-0 ahead. The pressure is back on when he changes ends at 4-2 but Federer finds a big serve and goes on to take the set as Hewitt makes two backhand errors. Federer 6-6 Hewitt Federer gathers himself by finding a couple of first serves to force a tie-break, but it is Hewitt who has the momentum. Federer 5-6 Hewitt Hewitt is the man in control now as Federer makes more and more unforced errors. The Australian is in typical fist-pumping mode as he holds with a big serve. Federer 5-5 Hewitt The longest and most dramatic game of the match sees Hewitt save three set points and force his way back on to level terms by converting his fifth break point. force two break points at 30-40 but Federer gather himself impressively and attacks the net, winning the point with a forehand volley. The Aussie does not give up, however, and forces another but Federer forces the error with a big forehand and Federer 5-4 Hewitt Hewitt forces Federer to serve out the set and the Swiss player's level of play has definitely dropped in the last few games. Federer 5-3 Hewitt Hewitt wastes a golden opportunity to level as he battles to break point and dominates the rally, before missing with a backhand with the court wide open. Again, Federer does not give up a second chance as he hits two aces. Federer 4-3 Hewitt The missed opportunity in the last game appears to affect Hewitt and he quickly falls to 0-40, but the former champion is not one to throw in the towel and he fights back with five straight points to keep the set alive. Federer 4-2 Hewitt For the first time in the match, Federer loses focus for a moment and allows Hewitt to fashion his first break point. The crowd is expectant as a comeback seems on the cards, but Federer simply fires down three aces to hold. Federer 3-2 Hewitt Slowly but surely Hewitt is gaining some sort of foothold in the match but he is still under extreme pressure from Federer, who fights back to deuce before the Aussie takes the game. Federer 3-1 Hewitt Federer looks to be increasing the power on his serve and Hewitt cannot respond, although he pumps himself up by querying a line call. Federer 2-1 Hewitt To the delight of the Flushing Meadows' crowd - and Hewitt's relief - the Aussie finally gets on the board with a backhand winner down the line, but Federer makes him work for every point. Federer 2-0 Hewitt The quality just keeps getting better from Federer, who ignores one of the worst line calls of the last two weeks to produce a stunning backhand and a lunging volley for his seventh straight game. Federer 1-0 Hewitt There is some hope for Hewitt as he gets to 30-30, and the New York crowd certainly wants him to get off the mark, but Federer slams the door with some more power hitting and it's another break. First set Federer 6-0 Hewitt Federer wraps up a perfect set of tennis in just 18 minutes and Hewitt is heading for an embarrassing defeat unless something changes dramatically. The first love set in a men's US Open final for over 100 years. Federer 5-0 Hewitt Even Federer can rarely have played better than this - he takes another break with a flawless rally, finished off with a forehand winner down the line. Federer 4-0 Hewitt The world number one is totally dominant, controlling play with the power and depth of his forehand, and Hewitt has no answer as he loses another game to love. Federer 3-0 Hewitt Hewitt is doing his best to hang on in the face of some awesome Federer play but the Swiss forces another break point, and again Hewitt is forced into a double fault. Federer 2-0 Hewitt Federer hits an ace on his first service point and more heavy forehands leave Hewitt struggling behind the baseline. Federer 1-0 Hewitt Hewitt opens the match on serve and gets an immediate shock as Federer begins in blistering fashion, hitting three forehand winners before the Aussie double faults to give up the break. Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/tennis/3650418.stmPublished: 2004/09/12 20:27:40 GMT © BBC MMIV
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Post by RogiFan on Sept 12, 2004 20:02:04 GMT -5
 www.usopen.orgCONGRATULATIONS, ROGI, on your 3rd slam of 2004 and your 4th slam title! A big to you on setting a new record of winning your 4 first slams in a row in the open era!!! |
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Post by RogiFan on Sept 15, 2004 15:32:09 GMT -5
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Post by ILR on Sept 16, 2004 12:46:39 GMT -5
 Ahhh....Im back. Had computer probs galore!  All is sorted now. Anyway, Im here to leave my congratulations for Rogi!! Bit late I know, but I've only been able to get online today. I just have one thing to say: WOW. I stayed up for this and everybody at college knew Id be watching so asked me what the score was and I was very happy to tell them ;D It was just amazing!!! |
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Post by RogiFan on Sept 16, 2004 13:06:39 GMT -5
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Post by ILR on Sept 16, 2004 13:09:20 GMT -5
Good thinking RF ;D
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Sept 21, 2004 12:04:16 GMT -5
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Post by RogiFan on Oct 2, 2004 20:38:07 GMT -5
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Post by Doris on Oct 3, 2004 8:35:14 GMT -5
He heard you RF and did a great job in bageling him!!
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Post by RogiFan on Oct 13, 2004 21:43:30 GMT -5
TMS MADRID next week, so... VAMOS, ROGI!!!  Wish I was there...
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Post by RogiFan on Oct 15, 2004 20:56:59 GMT -5
 So much for Madrid, poor tournament... Rogi's goal, as always, is to win Basel! So... HOPP, ROGI for Basel!! Then skip Paris, who cares about it anyway... Then get ready for Houston [yuk... Gaudio better show up and Marat better make it too... the more non-Amers the better... ] ;D
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Post by RogiFan on Oct 24, 2004 10:55:31 GMT -5
HOPP, ROGI in Basel!! Cheer for him for me, guys! I might be able to catch the tourney on TV if I'm lucky... Have fun, Mrs. B. and Doris! Say hi to Rogi for us! ;D
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Post by Doris on Oct 24, 2004 13:10:30 GMT -5
I do my best Goo for it Roger!! |
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Post by RogiFan on Oct 25, 2004 21:07:06 GMT -5
British Eurosport -- maybe I can see Basel!! HOPP, ROGI!!!!!
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Post by RogiFan on Oct 26, 2004 10:49:31 GMT -5
 Rogi out of Basel w muscle tear in thigh fr practice this morning... Out of Paris also and will try to play Houston... Be careful, Rogi, take care of that thigh first... who cares about points! Too too sad...
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 7, 2004 12:21:55 GMT -5
Go, ROGI in the TMC Houston!!!!! I miss you so much... 
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 12, 2004 13:42:54 GMT -5
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Post by Doris on Nov 13, 2004 5:52:48 GMT -5
Good luck in Houston Roger!!
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 18, 2004 21:21:55 GMT -5
Phew Rogi finally won his match v. Carlos -- 63 36 63! He needed the trainer... I knew there was sth wrong as he and Carlos both played as if they were someone else on the court... esp in the 2nd set that Carlos won... poor ROGI! Take care of yourself and don't push it! Rather Rogi lose in the SF than make the F and lose... Lleyton will have a crucial match v. Gaston... if he loses, then Carlos moves to 2nd place! Not happy w the hippo today... he and Tim blew their chances v. Pandy... not even a set off the guy... VAMOS, ROGI!!!!
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 20, 2004 20:05:38 GMT -5
22:14 Federer climbs into a short Safin second serve, returning a winner down the line for BREAK POINT... Safin muellers a ball out of court and FEDERER has his BREAK... 3-4... a jog and fist pump to his chair... 22:11 Safin begins to lose his concentration and Federer reacts, taking the first two points on the Russian's serve... 22:10 Federer holds having saved two break points for 2-4... dark clouds are gathering above...! 22:09 SECOND BREAK POINT for SAFIN... Federer comes out with a big wide first serve (124mph) which is unreturned... deuce! 22:09 BREAK POINT for SAFIN... Federer serving at 30-40... Safin shanks a backhand out and screams as it lands in the front row behind the court... deuce! 22:08 STATISTIC: Unforced Errors - Federer 15 (10 this set); Safin 16 (six this set) 22:04 What a difference one break of serve makes, Safin closes out for his third love service game and extends his lead to 4-1... 22:01 Federer closes out to 30 with his fourth ACE of the match to keep on to Safin's coat-tails... 22:01 Federer is beginning to miss easy shots now, dropping his racket in disgust at a couple of stray volleys falling long, the balance of power in this game is definately shifting... 21:58 Safin confirms the break of serving extending the lead to 3-0 with a hold to love... growing in confidence all the time, Federer begins to shake his head... 21:56 BREAK POINT for SAFIN, his first of the match... could this be the turning point? Federer serving at 30-40... a second delivery kicked wide into the backhand... short rally ended with a backhand winner from Safin... SAFIN 2-0 21:51 What a relief! Safin closes out on game point number six after the longest game of the match... 1-0 21:51 SECOND BREAK POINT for FEDERER... the Swiss anticipates well and comes to the net, to volley a forehand... OUT! Federer lets out a scream! DEUCE! 21:49 The Russian sets up his fifth game point so well, but nets a forehand drop shot... Safin is trying simply too hard against Federer, at the top of his game this afternoon... 21:48 Safin kicks the air in disgust, another backhand lands long of the baseline giving FEDERER BREAK POINT... ACE... Safin's first of the match and deuce! 21:43 Safin is struggling to keep his emotions in check, the Russian serving at 30-30, Federer looking for the break! 21:39 DOUBLE SET POINT for FEDERER... the Swiss closes out with an unreturned serve for the FIRST SET 6-3 in exactly 30 minutes... even though Safin lost the set, he will be more competitive in the second set! 21:36 Federer doesn't eanr a SET POINT but goes mightily close to closing out the set on the Safin serve... the 24-year-old Muscovite is forced into hitting deep serves and groundstrokes to close out for 3-5 and keep in touch, if only slightly... 21:29 The masterclass continues, Safin just isn't able to guess the direction of the Federer serve... the Swiss closes out to love for 5-2... at the changeover he pulls out a dry headband... 21:27 Safin rushes to his chair for a freshly strung racket... will this change his fortunes? 21:26 Safin closes out to love for 2-4, keeping Federer behind the baseline and chasing balls into the corners... 21:23 The Madrid and Paris Masters champion is proving to be much more competitive now, but can't break the Federer serve despite having an easy forehand at 15-30... the Swiss closes out to 30 for 4-1 21:19 Safin continues his gameplan of attacking the net and closes out to 15 much to the crowds relief... 1-3 21:15 Steady on Roger! The Swiss wins his 11 successive point for 3-0, closing out with a second ACE... Safin is playing aggressively, coming to the net, but Federer is simply too good! 21:13 TRIPLE BREAK POINT for FEDERER... Safin is passed at the net for the three points... the Russian serving at 0-40... Safin shanks a baclhand out of court... FEDERER BREAKS 2-0! 21:11 The Swiss closes out the opening game of the match to 15... no problems 21:08 Roger Federer, the Wimbledon, Australian and U.S. Open winner in 2004, kick-offs proceedings, play! 21:04 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS IN THE BRITISH EUROSPORT STUDIO: Peter Fleming answered questions from England, Germany, Spain and Italy! He believes Andre Agassi will rank in the second tier of major champions, when he calls time on his career! 21:04 HEAD-TO-HEAD: Roger Federer leads Marat Safin in their career series 5-1, with two meeting coming in 2004... obviously, the Australian Open final, the Swiss won 7-6 6-4 6-2 and Dubai second round, Federer winning 7-6 7-6! 21:01 Federer and Safin begin their five-minute warm-up in their seventh career meeting... 20:59 Roger Federer, the winner of ten titles this season, leads out Marat Safin onto the Gallery Furtniture centre court at the Westside Tennis Club...
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 20, 2004 20:06:16 GMT -5
22:58 Thank you for joining eurosport.com/co.uk for live scoring and comments of the Masters Cup semi-finals... please re-join the website for the title match at 22:30cet on Sunday, when Roger Federer takes on Lleyton Hewitt! 22:57 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK 18-18: The players go for a drink at the change of ends for a sixth time; Safin to serve, DOUBLE FAULT, the Russian drops his racket 18-19; MATCH POINT #8 for FEDERER; Federer to serve, Safin in control but overcooks a forehand! GAME SET MATCH ROGER FEDERER 6-3 7-6 (20-18)! What a second set, what a tie-break! The Swiss marches into the final, where he'll play Lleyton Hewitt of Australia! 22:54 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK 15-15: Federer to serve, ACE 16-15; MATCH POINT for FEDERER; Safin to serve, deserving a bit of luck... first delivery out, second deep... long rally... Federer nets a forehand 16-16; Safin to serve, ACE at 130mph, 17-16; SET POINT for SAFIN... 22-minutes gone in the breaker; Federer to serve, Safin nets a routine, and it really is routine backhand! 17-17; Federer to serve, Safin nets a backhand 18-17; MATCH POINT for FEDERER #7; Safin to serve, Federer nets a forehand 18-18; the pair change ends... 22:50 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK 12-12: Safin to serve, unreturned 13-12; SET POINT for SAFIN; Federer to serve, unreturned at 127mph 13-13; Federer to serve, Safin forces the forehand error off a backhand 13-14; SET POINT for SAFIN; Safin to serve, he takes a lot off the second delivery and then hits a forehand wide 14-14; Federer to serve, forehand error 14-15; SET POINT for SAFIN; Federer to serve, backhand winner down the line 15-15... the pair change ends... AGAIN! 22:46 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK 9-9: Federer to serve, Safin returns a backhand out off a long rally 10-9; A THIRD MATCH POINT FOR FEDERER; Safin to serve, he cleans the line with a forehand (surely it was wide - IT WAS two inches out) 10-10; Safin survives no over-rule; Safin to serve, backhand error 10-11; MATCH POINT #4 FOR FEDERER; the Swiss to serve, he roles a backhand wide 11-11; Federer to serve, Safin shanks a forehand crosscourt having been in control, 12-11; MATCH POINT #5; Safin to serve, the Russian hits a backhand out, but DRAMA, it's been over-ruled by the chair umpire, 12-12!!! 22:42 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK 6-6: Safin to serve, unreturned 7-6; SET POINT for SAFIN; Federer to serve, relying on his second serve, Safin nets a forehand approach despite lots of time, 7-7; Federer to serve, unreturned 8-7; SECOND MATCH POINT for FEDERER; Safin to serve, ACE #5, 8-8; Safin to serve, unreturned 9-8; SECOND SET POINT for SAFIN; Federer to serve, Safin fizzes a forehand return out 9-9; the crowd groan; the players change ends for a third time... 22:38 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK 3-3: Federer to serve, forehand winner with Safin approaching the net 4-3; Safin to serve, Federer misses a forehand down the line, big chance! 4-4; Safin to serve, the Russian comes to the net on too short a ball and Federer has all the option... he passes with a forehand 4-5; Federer to serve, the Swiss nets a backhand 5-5; Federer to serve, not hitting enough first deliveries into court, long second rally ended by Federer with a forehand crosscourt 6-5; MATCH POINT FEDERER; Safin to serve, Federer shanks a moonballed forehand out 6-6... the pair change ends 22:33 SECOND SET TIE-BREAK: Safin to serve, return winner for Federer 0-1; Federer to serve, he hits a lob out 1-1; Federer to serve, Safin hits a running forehand out 2-1; Safin to serve, unreturned 2-2; Safin goes for his towel before serving; Safin to serve, the Russian misses a backhand pass by a whisker down the line and launches a ball into orbit 2-3; Federer to serve, Safin smash winner having controlled the point... the pair change ends at 3-3... 22:30 Safin has yet to win a tie-break against Federer in four attempts... Federer tie-break record for 2004, 20-50; Safin 24-26 22:30 Safin starts the Federer service game brightly winning the first point with a forehand return winner crosscourt 0-15... Federer makes a mistake on the backhand 0-30... but the Swiss comes back with an excellent slices smash from mid-court 15-30; Safin shanks a forehand then contemplates smashing his racket to hundred of pieces... he resists... 30-30... Federer ACES 40-30... Federer closes out for a second set tie-break with an unreturned serve... 6-6 22:25 A quickfire service hold to love for Safin, his most aggressive of the match for 6-5... the Russian will be hoping to make an impact on Federer's serve next up... 22:24 Federer gets lucky with a couple of bad bounces - the players have complained this week of the poor surface - and holds to love for 5-5... 22:21 With a couple of stops at the back of the court via the towel, Safin plays to his pace and not Federer's... the Russian closes out to 30 for 5-4, with Federer close to breaking with two forced errors... 22:17 Federer returns the pressure to Safin with a service hold to love for 4-4... how the balance of power shifts 22:17 It's all going wrong for Safin now, his forehand has gone off and surely a racket is going to be broken soon... www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story.asp?ID=105314&hubName=tennis |
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 20, 2004 20:07:01 GMT -5
Federer closes in on 11th title for 2004 Defending champion Roger Federer won through to Sunday's final at the Masters Cup with a 6-3 7-6 (20-18) win over Marat Safin. The Swiss did well to remain calm on his fifth match point at 12-11in the tie-break, when the umpire wrongly over-ruled a stray Safin backhand in the Russian's favour. The one hour, 51-minute victory at the Westside Tennis Club ensured Federer will meet Lleyton Hewitt, the two-time Masters champion, for a sixth time this season. The Australian has lost all five meetings and will be hoping to erase any memories he has of the straight sets demolition in the U.S. Open final in September. Federer started the second semi-final of the day in Houston with a flourish, breaking Safin in the opening game. Any inside information, Federer's former coach Peter Lundgren passed on to Safin prior to the match proved insufficient as the Swiss closed out the first set 6-3 in 30 minutes. However, 24-year-old Safin proved a different player in the second set, following an opening service hold on his sixth game point. The Muscovite began to find his groundstroke game and led Federer 4-1, before the Swiss rallied back to prove his absence from the tour - due to a left thigh injury - hadn't dimmed his appetite. Safin tried his best to break the 23-year-old, remembering that he hadn't won any of their previous four tie-breaks in six meetings. But the Swiss remained composed and recovered from five set points for Safin in the tie-break and eventually closed out on his eighth match point, when the Russian sent his return long. Federer's competitive edge ensured a 21st tie-break victory from 26 in 2004 and 22nd successive victory over a top ten player. Eurosport - J - 20/11/2004
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 20, 2004 20:07:45 GMT -5
Hewitt sets up Federer showdown Lleyton Hewitt booked his place in the final of the ATP Masters Cup in Houston after blowing Andy Roddick off court. The Australian, seeking his third Masters Cup title in four years, was in commanding form as he cruised past his rival 6-3 6-2. Federer won a thrilling second-set tie-break 20-18 - the longest in singles history - to beat Marat Safin 6-3 7-6. The final will give Hewitt a chance for revenge over his Swiss rival for five defeats in their meetings this season. Hewitt's cause was massively helped by 25 unforced errors from Roddick to enable the Australian to win the last 20 points of the game. Twice a former champion, Hewitt was delighted with his performance against the powerful Roddick, who has served over 1,000 aces this season. "As soon as the bell rang I was up for it, ready to play my best tennis," he said. "I just felt like I was on his serve right from the start and made it hard for him to dictate play. I didn't step up - not a lot went right Andy Roddick "It's not going to be easy [in the final]. Roger is playing extremely well. Against the best players in the world, especially Roger, you have to be able to take him right at the moment. I haven't been able to do that all year." Hewitt broke for 3-2 in the second set and strolled to victory, Roddick lamenting: "Plain and simple, I didn't play well and he took his chances when he had them. "I didn't step up. You have to make things happen against Lleyton to beat him and I didn't do that. Not a lot went right." In the second semi-final, Federer showed the sort of form that has carried him to three Grand Slam titles and 10 tournament wins this season to round off the first set in just 30 minutes. Safin did his best to keep in the contest and broke in game two of the second set, only for Federer to hit back in the seventh. The set looked destined for a tie-break and neither player looked willing to capitulate. However, Safin was eventually ousted on Federer's eighth break-point opportunity. "The last few times things have been going my way," said Federer. "I hope I can again play at that level tomorrow." Of his win over Safin, he added: "That tiebreak was very special. I've never played a tiebreak like that, not even in practice." Story from BBC SPORT: news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/tennis/4029337.stmPublished: 2004/11/20 22:20:37 GMT © BBC MMIV
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 20, 2004 20:08:46 GMT -5
Federer Closes on Houston Title Defense Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt will square off for the sixth time this season Sunday as they meet for the title at the Tennis Masters Cup. Both players battled past semifinal opponents in straight sets, with Federer providing the day's drama quotient with his 6-3, 7-6 (18) win over Marat Safin, obtained on an eighth match point. The one hour, 47-minute struggle was filled with plot twists, as Safin failed on six set point chances which would have taken it into a deciding third. It tied the record for the longest tie-break ever played since the concept began in 1970. Hewitt stayed out of the history books with his straightforward hammering of out-of-sorts Andy Roddick 6-3, 6-2. But he did win the last 20 points of the match. Federer carries a 5-0 winning record this season over Hewitt into the pair's best-of-five clash at the Westside Tennis Club, with three of their four meetings coming at the Grand Slam level and their most recent in the round-robin competition in Houston this week, which Federer won in straight sets. The Swiss will be riding a 16-match winning streak after defeating Safin, with Federer's last loss coming against Czech teenager Tomas Berdych in the second round of the Athens Olympics Games. Federer improved to 73-6 on the season, with ten titles – the most since Thomas Muster won 12 in 1995. After two editions of the year-end event in Houston, Federer has yet to lose a match here and boasts a 12-1 career record at the circuit finale. The Swiss moved comfortably through the first set against Safin, winner of back-to-back Masters Cup titles this autumn, with Federer losing only five points on his serve. But the tone changed in the second as Safin took a 4-1 lead through a break of the world No. 1 in the second game. Federer got it back in the seventh game to eventually lead to the record-setting tiebreaker. Federer now leads Safin 6-1 with the Russian's only victory coming in 2002 in Moscow. The flawless Federer stands 22-0 against Top 10 opponents dating back to Houston last year and has won his past 12 tournament finals. "That tiebreaker was very special. I've never played such a tiebreaker in a match, even in a practice. It was really fun, it just went back and forth," Federer said.. "The level of play was very high as well. It wasn't like we were giving each other all those points. We were pushing each other to the limits. The tiebreaker was special, but I thought also the whole match was also a great one. The jovial Swiss joked: "I prefer a straight-sets crushing, but this is fine, too. I walked off the court feeling good about myself, about my performance. Hopefully, this will be the same again tomorrow." Federer expects another battle against Hewitt. "I expect him to play better than he did in the round robin. That (one) was already quite close, so I'm really looking forward to a hard contest. "I know what I got to expect going ahead into a match with Lleyton. It's going to be very hard, with long rallies and tiring. But after this, I can rest, so I can give it all I have tomorrow." Safin said: "I was disappointed to lose but I was going for too much, I was nervous," said the Russian "It was Federer across the net and you have to do something special. "I was a little bit nervous, but that's normal. I was risking a bit too much, I was getting impatient. It's better to wait for your chances against him and then kill the ball." - Bill Scott Tie-Break Equals Longest Recorded Roger Federer’s 6-3, 7-6(20-18) semifinal victory over Marat Safin on Saturday put the world No. 1 into the Tennis Masters Cup title match for the second year in a row. The second set tie-break was the longest in Masters tournament history going back to 1970 and the longest in men’s tennis since the first round of the 1993 US Open match between Goran Ivanisevic and Daniel Nestor. Ivanisevic won 6-4, 7-6(7-5), 7-6(20-18). The only other time a 20-18 singles tie-break took place came in the first round of Wimbledon in 1973 as Premjit Lall of India defeated Bjorn Borg 6-3, 6-4, 9-8 (20-18). Federer, who saved six set points, won the 26 minute and 38 second tie-break on his eighth match point. - Greg Sharko www.masters-cup.com/news/2004/day8.2.asp
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 21, 2004 19:15:39 GMT -5
stupid Westside Tennis Club... pls, no more TMC outdoors... this is so infuriating...  I think they started about 3 hrs late?? They started, now it's raining again... 00:30 The mass clear-up continues. The rain has stopped falling at the Westside Tennis Club, but the Gallery Furniture centre court is far from ready. However, should the final take place this evening the match may be played over the best-of-three sets. Observers are hoping for a 01:00cet start, but that looks optimistic! 00:15 The Westside Tennis Club experienced rain on the first three days of the 2004 Masters Cup, but on Sunday it brought thunder, lightning, widespread flooding just hours before the final match. The likelihood is for the best-of-five set final to be rescheduled to Monday, although the forecast calls for continuing heavy rain through Tuesday 23:45 The whole of the Masters Cup backroom staff seem to be out on the centre court now, under the floodlights, using fan blowers and squeegees to take the water of the court. There is even ball girls walking around with towels under their feet soaking up the surface water... still no nearer to starting, it's still drizzling and miserable! 23:15 Drizzle continues to fall but the court sweepers are keeping themselves occupied... BRITISH EUROSPORT PLEDGE: If the Masters Cup final between Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt is played tonight, the channel WILL cover it! 22:45 There are a few options open to the tournament directors - reduce the final to a best-of-three sets encounter; return at 11am (local time) on Monday; or thirdly, an option which doesn't bare thinking with two of the world's top players competing, split the title, ranking points and prize money! Eurosport will keep readers updated with the latest weather reports periodically... 22:30 About 20 hardy souls are under unbrellas in the stands, braving the cold and the dark skies... the court sweepers are doing a grand job, but there is simply no chance of play for at least 30-minutes at the most optomistic estimate! 22:21 Another brief shower and the hard work of the sweepers goes to waste, with very little wind in the air, this could be a frustrating afternoon and for serious European tennis fans: a very long night! 22:16 Ten tournament officials are using squeegee sweepers to clear the surface water off the court, but with drizzle continuing to fall there is just no chance of starting on time! 22:00 The Masters Cup final, between Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt, looks like being delayed as a result of a rain shower. With no tarpaulin covers at the Westside Tennis Club, and rain continuing to fall lightly, the start will be delayed! Fingers crossed, not for too long! 19:30 DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR PETER FLEMING in the British Eurosport studio? The American legend is waiting to answer your questions, so why not email him on: studio@eurosport.com 19:15 HEAD-TO-HEAD: Lleyton Hewitt leads Roger Federer 7-6 in their career series, but the Swiss has won all four of their meetings in 2004... Australian Open 4R - 4-6 6-3 6-0 6-4; Hamburg Masters SF - 6-0 6-4; Wimbledon QF - 6-1 6-7 6-0 6-4; U.S. Open F - 6-0 7-6 6-0 19:00 ROGER FEDERER: Became the first player since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three majors in a season amongst seven tour titles in Dubai, Gstaad, Bangkok, Halle, Indian Wells Masters, Hamburg Masters and Canada Masters. The Swiss had earned $4,837,547 for 2004 and a 69-6 match record with Tim Henman (Rotterdam), Rafael Nadal (Miami Masters), Albert Costa (Rome Masters), Gustavo Kuerten (Roland Garros), Dominik Hrbaty (Cincinnati Masters) and Tomas Berdych (Athens Olympics) the only players to beat him. 18:45 LLEYTON HEWITT: The 2001-02 world champion returned to form this season, with four singles titles and a match record of 65-16. The Adelaide-born reached the Australian Open fourth round; Roland Garros and Wimbledon quarter-finals; then U.S. Open final after back-to-back titles in Washington and Long Island. Hewitt won Sydney and Rotterdam titles in the year's couple of months and reached the Cincinnati Masters final. The 23-year-old had won $2,066,051 prior to the Masters Cup and ranks third. 18:30 ROGER FEDERER: "The last few times things have been going my way. I hope I can again play at that level tomorrow. But I am already quite happy. I was not quite sure how it was going to go this week because of my [thigh] injury and because I hadn't played for a long time." 18:00 The final match of the ATP tour season pits world number one Roger Federer, the winner of three major championships in 2004, against former two-time Masters Cup champion Lleyton Hewitt. The title match at the Westside Tennis Club in Houston is scheduled to start at 22:30cet with live scoring and comments available on eurosport.com/co.uk and the Eurosport TV network!
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Post by RogiFan on Nov 21, 2004 19:16:23 GMT -5
01:58 A lot of spectators have left the centre court arena, while some hide under umbrellas... the rain isn't coming down too hard so Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt could come back onto court inside half-an-hour... 01:57 HEWITT 40-30 2-5... Rain begins to fall and the chair umpire has called the players to their bags... they quickly walk off to the locker-room... 01:53 No matter how many balls Hewitt scrambles up through sheer determination, Federer has the answer... the Swiss closes out for 5-2 and has seemingly saved his best performance for last, just as he did against Andre Agassi in the Masters Cup final of 2003! 01:49 Just like Marat Safin yesterday afternoon, Hewitt is having to hit within inches of the lines just to win the points... he eanrs warm applause for a hold on his fifth game point... 2-4 01:48 BREAK POINT for FEDERER... Hewitt serving at 30-40, playing the aggressive game but not making the most of his volleying... first serve into the net, second to the Swiss forehand... Federer encourages Hewitt to the net, but hits a forehand long of the baseline... DEUCE! 01:46 STATISTIC: Winners - Federer 11... Hewitt 1 01:43 Federer closes out to love for 4-1 and nothing in Hewitt's game tonight seems to be worrying the Swiss en route to his 11th title for the season... 01:42 Hewitt looks unsure under-foot and appears to be mis-timing his forehand shot... on several occasions the Aussie has been caught not closing down the net enough... 01:41 Hewitt's parents watch on, wrapped in their coats looking terrible cold... their 23-year-old son closes out to love for his first game! 01:36 Federer closes out to love silencing the 50 or so Australian fans to one side of the court... 3-0! 01:35 FEDERER takes his SECOND BREAK POINT with a forehand winner off a short Hewitt slice... the world number one is off to a flyer, can the Aussie fight back? 2-0 01:32 BREAK POINT for FEDERER... the Swiss reels in three successive points for the game opportunity... Hewitt serving at 30-40... long groundstroke rally ended with a backhand error wide of the tramline by Federer... deuce! 01:29 THE MASTERS CUP FINAL is NOW LIVE across the Eurosport television network available to viewers in 18 different languages! For those that wish to listen to English commentary from Simon Reed and Jason Goodall in Houston, click on the Live Audio link on the website's homepage! 01:28 The Swiss closes out the first game to 15, hitting four out of five first serves into court... already the cheers for Hewitt have begun... 01:26 Roger Federer, the Australian, Wimbledon and U.S. championship winner, gets the Masters Cup final underway, play! 01:24 One minute has been called by the umpire, Roger Federer won the toss and elected to serve... the evening is cool and calm... 01:22 "The Eye of the Tiger" is being played over the speakers now... will this give Hewitt the motivation to beat the undisputed number one, Federer? the PA announcer sure is building this final up like a heavyweight boxing bout! 01:19 The pair begin their five-minute warm-up in their best-of-three sets title match under the floodlights... 01:18 The pair come to the net for their 14th career meeting... all 7,500 seats have been taken for this match... no spectator has left the Westside Club... 01:17 ALERT: Lleyton Hewitt leads out Roger Federer onto centre court, two hours, 45 minutes after the scheduled start time! 01:15 HEAD-TO-HEAD: Lleyton Hewitt leads Roger Federer 7-6 in their career series, but the Swiss has won all four of their meetings in 2004... Australian Open 4R - 4-6 6-3 6-0 6-4; Hamburg Masters SF - 6-0 6-4; Wimbledon QF - 6-1 6-7 6-0 6-4; U.S. Open F - 6-0 7-6 6-0 01:15 ROGER FEDERER: Became the first player since Mats Wilander in 1988 to win three majors in a season amongst seven tour titles in Dubai, Gstaad, Bangkok, Halle, Indian Wells Masters, Hamburg Masters and Canada Masters. The Swiss had earned $4,837,547 for 2004 and a 69-6 match record with Tim Henman (Rotterdam), Rafael Nadal (Miami Masters), Albert Costa (Rome Masters), Gustavo Kuerten (Roland Garros), Dominik Hrbaty (Cincinnati Masters) and Tomas Berdych (Athens Olympics) the only players to beat him. 01:15 LLEYTON HEWITT: The 2001-02 world champion returned to form this season, with four singles titles and a match record of 65-16. The Adelaide-born reached the Australian Open fourth round; Roland Garros and Wimbledon quarter-finals; then U.S. Open final after back-to-back titles in Washington and Long Island. Hewitt won Sydney and Rotterdam titles in the year's couple of months and reached the Cincinnati Masters final. The 23-year-old had won $2,066,051 prior to the Masters Cup and ranks third. 01:00 Tournament organisers have decided for the Masters Cup final between Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt to be played over three sets instead of a best-of-five encounter. The title match is scheduled to start not before 01:15cet! Stay with eurosport.com/co.uk!
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All is sorted now.
So much for Madrid, poor tournament... Rogi's goal, as always, is to win Basel!
