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Federer wins 10th Basel title

Roger Federer won his 10th Swiss Indoors Basel title, defeating Alex De Minaur 6-2, 6-2 to secure what the Swiss legend described as "an unbelievable" success at the home-town tournament.

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Federer to play 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Roger Federer will go for gold in 2020. The Swiss star confirmed that he will compete for Switzerland at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

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Federer wins 10th Halle title

Roger Federer made history in Halle, defeating David Goffin 7-6 (2), 6-1 to win a record 10th Noventi Open title. It is the first time that Federer has earned 10 crowns at one tournament.

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Federer wins fourth Miami Open title

Roger Federer produced a championship masterclass under the Florida sun, dominating reigning champ John Isner 6-1, 6-4 to win his fourth Miami title.

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Federer makes history in Dubai, wins 100th title

Roger Federer made history at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, defeating reigning Next Gen ATP Finals champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 to win his 100th tour-level title.

27.12.2009

ATP - EUROPEAN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Roger has been elected European Athlete of the Year 2009, making it his fifth overall title. The election is coordinated by the Polish Press Association (PAP), with a total of 18 news agencies participating.

The result was very clear as Roger (135 points) had plenty of room to Formula-1 world champion Jenson Button who came second (81 points). Roger had already been awarded the title during four consecutive years from 2004 until 2007. Rafael Nadal had received the award last year.

The further 2009 ranking: 3. Ole Einar Björndalen (NOR/biathlon) 73, 4. Sebastien Loeb (FRA/rallye) 56, 5. Blanka Vlasic (CRO/athletics) 51, 6. Alberto Contador (ESP/cycling) 50, 7. Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/soccer) 42, 8. Pau Gasol (ESP/basketball) 41, 9. Valentino Rossi (ITA/motorcycling) 40, 10. Andreas Thorkildsen (NOR/athletics) 36.

Roger Federer's Rolex Commercial for Wimbledon 2009 ( HD )

22.12.2009

OFF COURT - CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Dear Fans

Happy Holidays from the Federer Family!

22.12.2009

ATP - ROGER NAMED 2009 ITF WORLD CHAMPION

The ITF announced today that Roger and Serena Williams are the 2009 ITF World Champions. This is the fifth time Roger has been honoured, while Williams receives the award for the second time.

Roger Federer regained the world No. 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal after a record-breaking year which saw him complete a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros with victory over Robin Soderling in the final. He went on to surpass Pete Sampras by winning his 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon after a memorable final contest against Andy Roddick. Federer was also runner-up at the Australian Open and US Open, and helped his country retain its World Group status in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

Roger Federer said: “It is an honour for me to be named ITF World Champion for a fifth time. It was an incredible year for me both on and off the court. To win my first Roland Garros title, break the all-time Grand Slam record and regain the No. 1 ranking is amazing. It means a lot to me to finish the year again at the top.”

The ITF’s selection of its senior World Champions is based on an objective system that considers not only performances in the Grand Slam tournaments and respective tours, but also gives weight to performances in the two ITF international team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “This has been another memorable year for tennis, with some outstanding performances by our World Champions. Roger Federer has truly earned his place in the history books, while the Williams sisters remain the strongest competitors on the women’s tour.”

Download:

15.12.2009

OFF COURT - WHO'S WHO

Roger figures among the Who's Who of international celebrities in the 2010 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica. He is one of the youngest personalities to have been added this year.

The Encyclopædia Britannica is the oldest English-language encyclopaedia still in print, widely regarded as the most scholarly of encyclopaedias. Published for the first time in 1849, the Who's Who section now contains over 33'000 names of people that will stay there until their death.

Link:

11.12.2009

OFF COURT - CREDIT SUISSE SPORTS AWARDS

As 2009 is steadily coming to an end, it is time for the most important election in sports in Switzerland: the Credit Suisse Sports Awards ceremony will take place in Basel on the evening of December 12th.

Once again, Roger is among the nominees, facing competition by nine other athletes with a successful year behind them: Diego Benaglio (soccer), Fabian Cancellara (cycling, road), Dario Cologna (Nordic skiing, cross-country), Didier Cuche (Alpine skiing), Didier Défago (Alpine skiing), Daniel Hubmann (orienteering), Carlo Janka (Alpine skiing), Nino Schurter (cycling, mountainbike), Mark Streit (ice hockey).

"I am happy to have been nominated for the Credit Suisse Sports Awards again. I appreciate all the support and I would like to thank all fans for voting for me on Saturday evening", Roger said.

Eventually it is up to the Swiss TV audience to decide which athlete will take home the title (voting is only possible within Switzerland). Roger won the award 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 as an individual athlete as well as last year in the team-category together with Stanislas Wawrinka –after their victory at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Link:

07.12.2009

OFF COURT - BIRTHDAY BOOKS 2009

Roger just received his birthday book for 2009 - for his 28th birthday. It is actually a series of four books with 200 pages each, covering all sorts of aspects of Roger's life over the past 12 months.

The birthday book is an initiative by Silvy from Argentina. She coordinates the collection of content and designs the books which are then printed here in Switzerland. An entire group of fans contributed to the project with texts and images, putting together a broad collection of photos, art, media clippings, fan-reports and texts that cover an incredibly vast variety of topics from all over the world.

Roger received the books straight from the printers last week: "This is a very special present. The collection is a precious album as it contains a whole series of articles, images and creative content that I have never seen before. Such a lot of people from so many countries have worked on this project - thank you very much to Silvy and all of you! It is great fun to see my life from so many different angles; it will be an amazing book to be looking back at one day."


Please note that these books are a personal present for Roger and are not for sale or available in any other way.

Link:

02.12.2009

OFF COURT - USSA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

It is that time again – the United States Sports Academy is looking for the Athlete of the Year 2009. They honour the accomplishments of men and women in sports around the world. The election runs from now until Christmas Eve (December 24).

But of course, Roger once again faces strong competition:

Craig Alexander (triathlon); Usain Bolt (running); Drew Brees (football); Kobe Bryant, (basketball); Angel Cabrera (golf); Santonio Holmes (football); LeBron James (basketball); Jimmie Johnson (auto racing); Manny Pacquiao (boxing); Albert Pujols, (baseball) and Tiger Woods (golf).

If you want to vote for Roger, please follow this link. After not making it last year, it is now time to capture the title!

Link:
USSA Athlete of the Year

28.11.2009

ATP - ROGER STUNNED BY DAVYDENKO

Roger suffered a 2-6, 6-4, 5-7 defeat to Nikolay Davydenko in today's semi-final at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Roger had never lost against the Russian in their 12 previous matches. But number 13 proved unlucky for our champ today. After having won the title at the Finals four times in five attempts between 2003 and 2007, his quest was stopped in the semi-final this year.

Davydenko produced a strong performance, taking a fast lead in the first set, breaking Roger's serve twice in the first five games, as Roger struggled to find his best form. But our number one recovered in the second set to level the match and take it into a decider. Tied at 5-5 in the final set, the Russian managed to hold Roger's high level and scored a break in the very last moment. Roger came close in the last game when he fought back to 30:30 from 0:30, but Davydenko eventually battled through his final service game to win the match.

27.11.2009

ATP - ROGER JUST MAKES IT THROUGH!

Roger had to face a second consecutive defeat by Juan Martin Del Potro today, but has nevertheless qualified for the semi-finals at the World Tour Finals in London! Our champ lost 2-6, 7-6(5) and 3-6.

There was quite some confusion regarding the tournament regulations today, but it was eventually clear that Roger needed to win just one set in order to book a spot in the semis. Del Potro served excellently and also showed a strong display, especially in the starting phase. Roger battled to stay in the match and waited until the very last moment to make it to the next round as he fought back from a mini-break back in the tie-break to eventually convert the first set-point he had.

In the end, all came down to one game, with Roger winning the group and Del Potro pipping Andy Murray courtesy of his 45 games won to 43 lost, while the Scot's record read 44-43!

25.11.2009

ATP - ROGER CROWNED 2009 ATP WORLD TOUR CHAMPION

London, United Kingdom – Swiss superstar Roger Federer has been crowned ATP World Tour Champion for the fifth time, after becoming just the second player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings to regain the year-end No. 1 ranking.

With five year-end No. 1 finishes, Federer ties Jimmy Connors’ mark and now stands just one back of Pete Sampras on the list of all-time ATP World Tour Champions. Sampras finished as the No. 1 player six straight years, from 1993-98.

Federer clinched the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion title by beating Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals tonight. Federer and rival Rafael Nadal, the 2008 ATP World Tour Champion, had entered the prestigious circuit finale at The O2 in London locked in a two-man battle to conclude the season atop the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings.

“It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,” said Federer. “It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.”

The 28-year-old Swiss held the World No. 1 ranking for a record 237 straight weeks from 2 February, 2004, to 17 August, 2008, before Nadal ended his streak. Federer reclaimed the top rankings spot on 6 July, 2009, after winning a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon.

Federer now joins Ivan Lendl as the only players to have held, lost and regained the ATP World Tour Champion title in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings (since 1973). Lendl held the year-end No. 1 South African Airways ATP Ranking from 1985-87 and finished second behind Mats Wilander in 1988 before reclaiming the top spot at the end of 1989.

Federer began his return to the top in mid-May at the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open, where he snapped a seven-month title drought by avenging his Australian Open defeat against Nadal. He followed with history-making performances in his next two tournaments. He became the sixth man to achieve a career Grand Slam with victory over Robin Soderling in the Roland Garros final, and then prevailed against Andy Roddick at Wimbledon to eclipse Pete Sampras’ record of 14 majors won.

After celebrating the birth of twin daughters with wife Mirka in July, he returned to the courts the following month to win his fourth title of the season at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati. He then became the first player in history to reach the finals at all four Grand Slams in the same year on three occasions, completing his 2009 campaign at the majors with a runner-up finish to Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open.

Federer is pursuing his fifth circuit finale title this week at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He won successive titles in 2003-04 when the tournament was held in Houston and reclaimed the title in 2006-07 in Shanghai.


ATP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONS (since 1973)

Year Player
2009 Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2008 Rafael Nadal (Spain)
2007 Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2006 Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2005 Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2004 Roger Federer (Switzerland)
2003 Andy Roddick (U.S.)
2002 Lleyton Hewitt (Australia)
2001 Lleyton Hewitt (Australia)
2000 Gustavo Kuerten (Brazil)
1999 Andre Agassi (U.S.)
1998 Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1997 Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1996 Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1995 Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1994 Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1993 Pete Sampras (U.S.)
1992 Jim Courier (U.S.)
1991 Stefan Edberg (Sweden)
1990 Stefan Edberg (Sweden)
1989 Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1988 Mats Wilander (Sweden)
1987 Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1986 Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1985 Ivan Lendl (Czech Republic)
1984 John McEnroe (U.S.)
1983 John McEnroe (U.S.)
1982 John McEnroe (U.S.)
1981 John McEnroe (U.S.)
1980 Bjorn Borg (Sweden)
1979 Bjorn Borg (Sweden)
1978 Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1977 Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1976 Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1975 Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1974 Jimmy Connors (U.S.)
1973 Ilie Nastase (Romania)

25.11.2009

ATP - ROGER TO END YEAR AS WORLD NO. 1!

It took Roger a moment to get going today, but when his engine was warm he showed a fantastic performance, defeating Andy Murray at the ATP World Tour Finals 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.

"It was a great atmosphere and I thought I played a great match," said Roger. "Andy was playing really well in that first set, I couldn't read his first serve and he made it very hard. When you are behind against the top players it's very difficult and I was a bit worried because I've lost so many three setters against him. But I picked up my game and when he dropped a bit, I took advantage. It's given me real confidence for my next match."

Murray's weapon in the first set was clearly his serve, which proved just a bit too strong for Roger. But our champ kept his cool, waiting for his chance and then peaked when it mattered, winning the last six games in series!

Roger has not booked his semi-final spot quite yet, but is of course very close to doing so. But what is certain is that Roger will once again end the year as the world's number one player! His victory today earned him enough points to keep Nadal at a distance. Roger is only the third player in history - after Jimmy Connors (5) and Pete Sampras (6) - to start the new season at the top of the ranking.

23.11.2009


ATP - WILSON'S 2010 TECHNOLOGY

Wilson is proud to be racket of choice to the greatest player of all time, Roger Federer.

22.11.2009

ATP - ROGER FIGHTS BACK IN STYLE

It took Roger just under two hours on the opening night at the ATP World Tour Finals to defeat Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.

Roger did not find his rhythm in the starting phase of the match. He opened with a double fault and did not win a single point in his opening game. He had trouble coping with Verdasco's sliced serves at first. But Roger committed a lot less unforced errors in the second set and he finally had break-points himself at the very end of the second set - which he made use of straight away. He then carried on the Federer-way: taking the next five games and finally the match in masterly style.

Roger will play his next match on Tuesday against Andy Murray who won his opening match against del Potro.

18.11.2009

ATP - A CHALLENGING DRAW

Roger will compete against Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro and Fernando Verdasco in Group A at the ATP World Tour Finals - not an easy draw!

Roger has won three of the nine encounters with Murray. He beat Verdasco in all their three matches so far and defeated Del Potro in six of their seven meetings (he lost to the Argentinian in this year's US Open final).

Roger can meet Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in the semifinal of the World Tour Finals starting in London coming Monday.

16.11.2009

OFF COURT - CREDIT SUISSE AND ROGER FEDERER ENTER LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

Credit Suisse today announced a long-term partnership agreement with Roger Federer. The world’s top tennis player, Roger Federer has won 15 Grand Slam titles and 61 singles tournaments. In an exclusive video interview, Roger Federer discusses the importance of teamwork in his sport and what drives him to achieve excellence.

As part of the partnership agreement, Credit Suisse will make a significant annual contribution to the Roger Federer Foundation, which is dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and to promoting education, sports and play, particularly in Africa. This commitment underscores the importance of corporate citizenship to both Roger Federer and to Credit Suisse.

Brady Dougan, Chief Executive Officer of Credit Suisse Group, said: “Credit Suisse is delighted and proud to be associating ourselves closely with Roger Federer – one of the greatest tennis players of all time, known and admired worldwide. Our decision to enter into a long-term partnership is driven by the fact that Roger represents the values that we embrace as a bank. He has a passion for excellence and is a great player. He has achieved this through a combination of hard work and determination. He brings all of his talent to bear in his play and raises the level of his game to meet the challenge in even the most trying of circumstances. At the same time he sets an example for responsible conduct both on and off the court. We also particularly share his passion for giving back to the community through his sponsoring of educational initiatives and look forward to supporting his charitable foundation.”

Roger Federer said: "I am excited about this opportunity to act as a global ambassador for Credit Suisse. They have been an important and trusted banking partner with me for a long time and I admire their passion for excellence. I also value Credit Suisse's substantial support for my foundation. I look forward to our ongoing partnership and helping make a contribution to the bank's continued success."

Link:

11.11.2009

ATP - ROGER OUT EARLY IN PARIS

Roger had to accept an early defeat in Paris against Julien Benneteau at the BNP Paribas Masters today: 6-3, 6-7(4), 4-6.

Roger had not dropped a set against Benneteau in their two previous meetings. He raced to the first set today, showing tennis on a high level. But the second set turned out to be less one-sided and Roger even fell back rather clearly in the tie-break. Our champ seemed a little irritated and had to save three break points early in the decider but Benetteau took advantage at the fourth attempt to edge a lead he then did not lose, finishing the match in just about two hours.

In Roger's seven visits of the tournament, his best performances remain three quarter-final rounds.

11.11.2009

ATP - ROGER AIMS FOR SECOND PARIS VICTORY THIS YEAR

After Roger's triumph at the French Open in June, he has returned to Paris this week in the quest for a second title in the French capital this year. André Agassi is the only player to have achieved this feat in 1999. Roger would tie the American's record of 17 Masters 1000 victories should he win the tournament.

Roger will start the BNP Parisbas Masters with his second round match today against France's Julien Benneteau (ATP 49). He could then meet Gaël Monfils or Stanislas Wawrinka in the following round. The quarters could mean a clash between Roger and Spain's Fernando Verdasco and Andy Murray or Juan Martin del Potro could be waiting in the semis.

Roger advanced to the quarter finals last year, but had to pull out of the tournament before playing the round due to a stiff back.

Link:
BNP Paribas Masters

09.11.2009

ATP - THANK YOU!

Dear Fans

Last week in Basel was an interesting and also intensive one. It was great to spend some time in my home town together with my family and enjoy what the city has to offer. It is, of course, a pity that I was not able to defend my title at the Swiss Indoors.

There were various things happening next to the tennis tournament. I was able to meet up with my friends and family, I hadn’t seen a lot of them for quite some time. It’s great that so many were able to make their way to Basel.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to give something back to others: I met children and also participated in an event organised by my official fan club, fans4roger. The children had a special day in Basel, arranged by an institution called “wonderlamp”. It was their greatest wish to meet me in person. My fan club arranged for 100 fans to attend one of my training sessions on Center Court, followed by a meet and greet.

It is always fascinating to see so many happy, beaming faces. It shows me just how far I am able to reach out through my sport. I would like to thank all of you for your interest, your support and the joy you show throughout the entire year. My fan club was also present with their banners during the matches on Center Court once again and the whole atmosphere at the tournament was terrific. I would like to express my gratitude for all that.

I am looking forward to the end of the season, especially of course the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Yours, Roger

Links:
fans4roger
Aktion Wunderlampe

09.11.2009

ATP - DAVIDOFF SWISS INDOORS - WEBNEWS

In His Hometown Tournament, Federer Loses to Djokovic (New York Times)


Top-ranked Roger Federer lost his hometown tournament in Basel, Switzerland, on Sunday, falling to Novak Djokovic of Serbia, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, in the Swiss Indoors final.

Djokovic, seeded second, earned his fourth tournament win of the season by ending Federer’s run of three straight titles at the tournament.

“It’s disappointing to lose at home in the finals, no doubt,” Federer said. “I thought I missed plenty of opportunities. I’m not looking for excuses. He played tough and he played well when he had to, and saved a ton of break points that were crucial.”

Djokovic takes Swiss Indoor crown (BBC Sport)

Federer was bidding to win the event for a fourth-successive year, but fell away in the decider as Djokovic won his fourth title of the year. The Serb took a tight first set before Federer recovered from a break to level, but the Swiss paid for failing to take chances in the third set.

Djokovic stuns Federer in Swiss final (CNN International)

Novak Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the final of the Swiss Indoors tournament on Sunday to end the world No. 1's bid for a fourth successive title at his home event.

Their fifth meeting of the year went with serve until the ninth game, when the Serbian broke Federer and then saved four break points before converting his sixth set-point in a 20-minute 10th game.

Federer loses to Djokovic in Swiss Indoors final (The Associated Press)

"It's disappointing to lose at home in the finals, no doubt," Federer said. "I thought I missed plenty of opportunities. I'm not looking for excuses. He played tough and he played well when he had to, and saved a ton of break points that were crucial."

08.11.2009

ATP - ROGER LOSES TOUGH FIGHT IN BASEL

Novak Djokovic ended Roger's run of three straight titles at the Swiss Indoors in Basel. Even an enthusiastic Basel crowd did not manage to push Roger to victory today; he eventually lost 4-6, 6-4, 2-6 in the final.

"I thought I missed plenty of opportunities. I'm not looking for excuses. He played tough and he played well when he had to, and saved a ton of break points that were crucial," Roger said. He is now 59-9 this year after losing only his third match since May.

The first set ended in a thrilling last game, when Roger earned himself a total of five break points in a game that lasted 24 minutes. In the second set, our champ spectacularly came back from one break down to win the set, the crowd stamping and clapping in joy. But unfortunately Roger could not keep up the great run and saw himself fall back to 0-4 in the deciding set. Djokovic closed out the victory after Roger could not profit from three break points.

Roger will now travel on to Paris, where he will compete in the BNP Paribas Masters this coming week.

07.11.2009

ATP - ROGER VS. DJOKOVIC IN BASEL FINAL

Sunday's final at the Swiss Indoors in Basel will be disputed between the two top-seeds: Roger and Novak Djokovic.

Roger brought home a 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory in the semis today, defeating his long-time friend Marco Chiudinelli from Switzerland. Roger had to battle during a few phases of the match; Chiudinelli even saw an excellent opportunity to win the first set. But our champ had the perfect weapon once again in the most critical moment, whacking a perfect backhand past Chiudinelli who had approached the net.

Roger will play Novak Djokovic in tomorrow's final. Roger leads the head-to-head 9:4.

06.11.2009

ATP - ROGER SOARS INTO SEMIS

Roger played a terrific match today to defeat Evgeny Korolev 6-3, 6-2 in just 55 minutes.

The Russian qualifier demonstrated why he made it through to the quarter finals in Basel and also had several break-balls, but Roger simply played too well. Our champ broke his opponent to 4-2 in the first and 3-2 as well as 5-2 in the second set.

The crowd in Basel is in for a special showdown on Saturday: Roger will play against another player from Basel, his long-time friend and junior training colleague Marco Chiudinelli. Chiudinelli clearly beat France's Richard Gasquet 6-1, 6-3 and will be playing the first semi-final at an ATP tournament of his career.

04.11.2009

ATP - ROGER ENTERS NEXT ROUND WITH EASE

Roger defeated Italy's Andreas Seppi 6-3, 6-3 at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors in Basel today.

"It was a bit tougher than my first match, but I was able to raise my game at a few crucial moments and that was the difference," Roger said after today's victory. "I recuperated and worked a bit to get in shape and can play maybe this season in good health, which wasn't the case last year - especially for the Masters."
He did not have his serve broken today, saving the only two break points Seppi had. Our champ trailed 3-2 in the second set before reeling off the final four games.

Next up, in the quarter final, is the winner of the match between Jeremy Chardy and Evgeny Korolev. Due to the change of the tournament schedule in Basel this is the first year that Roger gets to rest on Thursday. He might attend his favourite's soccer club - FC Basel, just across the road from the tennis venue - Europe League match against CSKA Sofia on the evening of his day off.

03.11.2009

ATP - ROGER AND MARCO DEFEATED IN THE DOUBLES

Roger and Marco Chiudinelli, both in the second round of the singles competition in Basel, teamed up for their first doubles in many years today. The two both grew up in the area of Basel and had worked as ball-boys at the Swiss Indoors many years back.

They faced Pakistan’s Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his American doubles partner James Cerritani. Unfortunately our two locals did not really manage to find their rhythm and lost 4-6, 3-6. They certainly entertained the crowd and produced moments of brilliance, but their opponents proved too strong in the end.

Roger will play Italy's Andreas Seppi tomorrow at 8 p.m. (local time).

02.11.2009

ATP - A SOLID START IN BASEL

Roger's first match after a long break was a strong one. He defeated Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4 in Basel today.

Roger was asked if his 7-0 head-to-head lead did not make a match like this clear right from the start. But our champ pointed out that as a junior he only rarely had a chance against the Belgian. That was also the reason why he asked Rochus if he would team up with him for the doubles in Wimbledon - and they went straight on to become the junior champs!

It was also thanks to his serve that Roger dominated today's match. He broke his opponent to take a 4-2 lead in the first set and one more break to 3-2 in the second was enough to then go on and seal the victory.

Roger will meet Andreas Seppi (ATP 38) in the next round on Wednesday. Roger leads the head-to-head 5:0 and has never dropped a set against the Italian.

Roger has also decided to enter the doubles competition in Basel. He will play alongside Marco Chiudinelli - the two had worked as ball-boys together during two years at the Swiss Indoors many years ago!

02.11.2009

ATP - ROGER'S 2010 SCHEDULE

Roger's tournament schedule for 2010 is out: he is planning to play a total of 18 tournaments coming year, plus hopefully the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The 2010 schedule is as follows: Capitala World Tennis Championship, Abu Dhabi
Qatar Exxonmobil Open, Doha
Australian Open, Melbourne
Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, Dubai
BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells
Sony Ericsson Open, Miami
Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Rome
Estoril Open, Estoril
Mutua Madrileña Masters, Madrid
Roland Garros, Paris
Gerry Weber Open, Halle
Wimbledon, London
Rogers Cup, Toronto
Western & Southern Financial Group Masters, Cincinnati
U.S. Open, New York
Shanghai ATP Masters 1000, Shanghai
Davidoff Swiss Indoors, Basel
BNP Paribas Masters, Paris
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, London

31.10.2009

ATP - A GOOD DRAW FOR BASEL

Roger can be pleased with today's draw for the Swiss Indoors in Basel - his hometown.

Our champ will meet a qualifyer in the first round before later meeting Andreas Seppi (ITA) or Stéphane Bohli (SUI). James Blake (USA/7) and Fernando Gonzalez (CHI/3) are the highest seeds on Roger's side of the draw.

Roger has been staying in Basel for a few days already in order to prepare for his first tournament after not having competed for several weeks. The town is bustling with activity as the annual fun-fair is being held at the same time as the Swiss Indoors.

29.10.2009

OFF COURT - ROGER TO BECOME GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR HIS FAVORITE CHOCOLATE LINDT

Kilchberg (Switzerland), October 29, 2009 – Premium chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli is partnering with Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer in a long term deal to serve as the global brand ambassador for his favorite LINDT chocolate.


Lindt & Sprüngli is delighted with this opportunity to associate with the most successful tennis player of all time. The contract details of the agreement will not be made public.


For the first time in the company’s history dating back for more than 160 years, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group is linking its own name to that of a celebrity. The global fame of top sportsman Federer makes this partnership a highly promising opportunity for Lindt & Sprüngli to further enhance the global popularity of its premium chocolates and become still more firmly established in key global markets. With his likeable and down to earth image, Federer is the ideal brand ambassador for Lindt & Sprüngli. He uniquely embodies Lindt & Sprüngli’s fundamental values of “Swissness,” “Premiumness,” “Quality” and “Passion.” The association of these important attributes with the names of LINDT and Federer symbolizes the perfect “match” between the number 1 in premium chocolate and the number 1 in the world of tennis.

Ernst Tanner, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Lindt & Sprüngli, comments: “We are naturally delighted to be able to name Roger Federer, an exceptional and well-known Swiss icon, as our brand ambassador. Together with Roger Federer, we will become the foremost ambassadors for Swiss quality.” And Roger Federer confirms this: “I am Swiss by birth, and since my childhood, I have always been a great fan of LINDT chocolate. I am very excited to partner with the global leader in premium chocolate and I enjoy their products and am very impressed with their plans for future growth.”

Alongside the proven and successful communication concept based on the universally popular Maîtres Chocolatiers, the cooperation with Roger Federer will be used as an additional communication instrument in Lindt’s global marketing efforts.


Contact:

Lindt & Sprüngli (International) AG:
Corporate Communications

Tel: +41.44.7162-456 or -457
Mediarelations-IN@lindt.com

www.lindt.com


Roger Federer:

Tony Godsick, Senior Vice President, IMG

Tel: +1-216.522.1200, tony.godsick@imgworld.com

Geraldine Dondit, geraldine@rogerfederer.com

About Roger Federer:
Roger Federer was born in Basel, Switzerland in 1981. His professional tennis career began in 1998. He has won a record 15 grand slam titles, 61 tournaments and an Olympic Gold medal (doubles, Beijing, 2008). His success and distinctive personal style make him one of the most popular tennis players of modern times. He is currently number 1 on the ATP world-ranking list. He serves as the President of the ATP Player Council. In 2007, he was named by Time Magazine's as one of the "100 Most Influential People in World". Inspired by his mother who is from South Africa, he created the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 with its main mission to assist projects for deprived children in the continent of Africa.


About Lindt & Sprüngli
:
Founded more than 160 years ago in Zurich, Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG is a global leader in the premium chocolate business. LINDT is therefore one of the oldest Swiss traditional brands. In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt invented the “conche,” a revolutionary technique by which he made LINDT Surfin, the world’s first smooth melting chocolate. Founded on that pioneering spirit, Lindt & Sprüngli has continued to develop its know-how and the professional expertise of its Maîtres Chocolatiers.


LINDT quality chocolate is sold all over the world through 17 subsidiaries and a comprehensive network of independent distributors. The main markets are Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, Spain and other European countries, together with the USA, Canada and Australia. Lindt & Sprüngli also operates representational offices in Dubai and Hong Kong. In the course of its geographical expansion, the group of companies took over two traditional brands in 1997 and 1998: Caffarel, a prestigious Italian chocolate manufacturer and Ghirardelli, the oldest premium chocolate maker in the United States.

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG was listed on the main Swiss exchange for the first time in 1986 and established in the legal form of a holding company in 1994. The Lindt & Sprüngli group counts more than 7,000 employees and achieves sales of around 2.5 billion Swiss francs.

06.10.2009


OFF COURT - ROGER AND WILSON

This year, Roger used his Wilson [K]Six-One Tour racket to cement his place in tennis history and 2010 has the potential to be even more extraordinary.

Take a look at the new video by Wilson to get a little hint to what’s neXt from Roger and Wilson in 2010!

30.09.2009

OFF COURT - AN AUSTRIAN STAMP FOR ROGER

Austria's postal services will issue a stamp honouring Roger as the world's best tennis player.

The 65-centime stamp shows our champ winning the French Open this year (the photo was taken by Paul Zimmer), accompanied by the text "Best Tennis Player of the World". It will be designed by renowned Austrian stamp artist Renate Gruber.

The 400,000 stamps will go on sale next February. The Swiss Post had issued a special stamp featuring a photo of Roger's victory in Wimbledon in 2007.

Link :
Austrian Postal Service

25.09.2009

ATP - TOKYO AND SHANGHAI

Dear Fans

I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities in the world and the fans have been great to me over the years. After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover from a physically challenging year.

Kind regards
Roger

23.09.2009

DAVIS CUP - SPAIN - SWITZERLAND IN THE FIRST ROUND!

The draw for the Davis Cup 2010 took place in Geneva today. The result is a pretty tough one for the Swiss Team: they will play Spain in the first round on March 5.-7. next year!

Roger is not able to decide yet whether he will be able to take part in the rubber. One thing is certain though: the draw is terrific for all fans, but an extremely hard one for the team. Spain won the Davis Cup in 2008 and was runner up this year. The last time the two nations played each other was in Geneva in 2007, the guests defeating our team 3:1. It has to be said, though, that nor Roger, Stanislas Wawrinka or Rafael Nadal participated in that round.

The other draws are: France - Germany, Sweden - Argentina, Russia - India, Croatia - Ecuador, Chile - Israel.

20.09.2009

DAVIS CUP - ROGER SECURES SWITZERLAND'S DAVIS CUP SPOT

Roger secured Switzerland's spot in the Davis Cup World Group for 2010 with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory over Italy's Potito Starace (ATP 91) today.

Conditions were rather difficult and almost even dangerous as the clay was wet from the past days. Roger nevertheless looked comfortable back on clay, coping well with light drizzle in the first set and a long rain delay at 4-0 in the second. After the delay, Roger came out to display some great and entertaining tennis, finishing off the match after 1:43 hours.

With the 3:2 win over Italy Switzerland will play in the World Group of next year's Davis Cup. The draw for the matches will take place in Geneva this coming Wednesday. Switzerland is bound to meet a strong nation in the first round as they are unseeded. They last time they passed the first round was 2003 (semi-finals) and 2004 (quarter-finals). Since then, Roger was never able to participate in the round played in spring.

19.09.2009

DAVIS CUP - SWITZERLAND LOSES THE DOUBLES

Marco Chiudinelli and Stanislas Wawrinka were not able to score the third point for Switzerland in the doubles against Simone Bolelli/Potito Starace today as they were defeated 2-6, 4-6, 6-7(3).

Switzerland lead was thus reduced to 2:1. Roger will play the third singes match tomorrow and try to secure Switzerland's spot in the World Group.

18.09.2009

DAVIS CUP - SWITZERLAND TAKES A 2-0 LEAD

It took Roger exactly 100 minutes to secure a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 win over Simone Bolelli (ATP 64) today. He scored the second point for the Swiss team after Stanislas Wawrinka won against Andreas Seppi (ATP 59) 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

Roger said he felt tired before the match after having come directly from the US Open, but it rarely showed. He did have to save a few break-points but never really got into danger.

The doubles match tomorrow could already be the deciding one in the Davis Cup World Group playoff against Italy in Genoa. The plan is that Roger joins forces with Stan for the match against Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace. If the Swiss team wins the playoff they will retain their place in the World Group but if Italy stage a comeback they will replace the Swiss in the top tier of the competition.

18.09.2009


OFF COURT - WILSON TRIBUTE VIDEO CONTEST

To celebrate Roger's triumph of owning the most Grand Slams in tennis history, Wilson asked fans to pay tribute to the all time-great in the Roger Federer Tribute Video Contest.


There was a great response with thousands participating. Wilson is proud to announce the winner of the Roger Federer autographed Wilson [K]Six-One Tour racket is Celine Lostracco from Texas.

It was a family event as Celine submitted a video of her brother Paul’s artwork and the music was created by Celine’s son Patrick. Paul Lefebvre said of his original Roger Federer paintings, “Roger Federer’s artistry, natural elegance on and off the court was my inspiration. His sense of sportsmanship, fair play, genuine kindness and generosity on all levels is what I admire most in a champion.” When asked about the video, Celine said, “Our family loves tennis and I thought it would be great to share Paul’s art that pays tribute to our favorite player, Roger!”

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. Congratulations to Celine Lostracco!!

17.09.2009

DAVIS CUP - ROGER TO PLAY 3 MATCHES VS ITALY IN DAVIS CUP

Roger will be in action each day as Switzerland faces Italy in the Davis Cup playoffs in Genoa. Teaming up with our champ are Stanislas Wawrinka, Michael Lammer and Marco Chiudinelli. Stan will open the rubber against Andreas Seppi on Friday. Having arrived yesterday, Roger will play his first match against Simone Bolelli after that. The two Swiss Olympic champions - Roger and Stan - will then challenge Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace tomorrow, before Roger is scheduled to play Andreas Seppi on Sunday followed by the last match between Simone Bolelli and Stanislas Wawrinka.


Schedule of play:

Friday
Andreas Seppi vs. Stanislas Wawrinka
Simone Bolelli vs. Roger

Saturday
Fabio Fognini / Potito Starace vs. Roger / Stanislas Wawrinka

Sunday
Andreas Seppi vs. Roger
Simone Bolelli vs. Stanislas Wawrinka

15.09.2009

ATP - US OPEN 2009 - WEBNEWS

Federer stunned by del Potro in US Open final (Forbes)


Normally so cool, so consistent, so in control of his emotions and his matches, Roger Federer let the U.S. Open championship slip from his grasp.

Two points from victory against inexperienced, unheralded Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina, two points from a sixth consecutive title at Flushing Meadows and a record-extending 16th Grand Slam overall, Federer, quite simply, fell apart Monday.

He railed at the chair umpire. His legs grew weary. His double-faults mounted. He could not figure out a way to stop the 6-foot-6 del Potro from pounding forehand after forehand past him. In a result as surprising for who lost as how it happened, del Potro came back to win his first Grand Slam title by upsetting Federer 3-6, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.


Federer’s U.S. Open Streak Ends in Emotional Loss to Del Potro (Bloomberg.com)

Roger Federer was rolling toward his record-tying sixth consecutive U.S. Open championship when a line challenge got in the way.

“I got off to a pretty good start, and had things under control as well in the second set,” Federer said. “I think that one cost me the match eventually. But I had many chances before that to make the difference. So it was tough luck today, but I thought Juan Martin played great. I thought he hung in there and gave himself chances, and in the end was the better man.”


Del Potro beats Federer in US Open final (Belfast Telegraph)


Roger Federer's five-year reign as US Open champion has come to an end following a four-hour battle with Juan Martin del Potro last night.

The two men shared the first four sets, but the world number one began to flag in the decider.

Federer was typically gracious in defeat, saying he had a great tournament, but del Potro was the best competitor.


Del Potro leaves Federer in daze with US Open win (Washington Post)


Roger Federer sat in his sideline chair, listening to the music, gazing into the distance - the glassy-eyed look of a defeated man.

Shocked.

The owner of the most Grand Slam titles in history - maybe the best player of all time - finally lost at the U.S. Open, but not to Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick or even Andy Murray.


Juan Martin del Potro puts thrilling end to Roger Federer’s US Open reign (Times Online)


For Federer, it was a remarkable end to an incredible year that began with him unable to stem the tears at the Australian Open when he lost an epic five-set battle to Nadal. His first French Open triumph changed everything and, when he won Wimbledon, he broke the record of wins in grand-slam tournaments set by Pete Sampras. Win No 16 was agonisingly close but Del Potro snatched it away from him with a brilliant performance.

15.09.2009

ATP - ROGER HAS TO PASS ON HIS US OPEN CROWN

Roger was not able to extend his collection of Grand Slam titles to 16 today. He was defeated by Juan Martin del Potro in the final of the U.S. Open 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-7(5), 2-6.

In warm but slightly windy conditions, Roger started perfectly. At 5-4 and 30-0 in the second set, he was just two points away from a two sets to love lead. But the Argentinian suddenly stepped it up and after getting back to 30-30, he ripped a brilliant forehand pass down the line to set up a break point. The ball was initially called wide but always looked good with the naked eye and Hawk-Eye agreed as Del Potro won the challenge. Roger did not agree at all as he had seen the ball land next to the line. Roger started having more and more problems with his service and wasn't able to use this weapon in critical moments, cumulating a total of 11 double faults. Del Potro played a strong match, probably returning better than the players that had challenged Roger in the previous rounds. Del Potro was allowed a challenge after both players were near their seats in the third set, much to Roger's dislike. Our champ came out firing after that, but unfortunately wasn't able to keep it up. After claiming the third set, del Potro won a tiebreaker in the fourth and broke Roger in the second game of the fifth set.

14.09.2009

ATP - MONDAY'S FINAL: ROGER
VS. DEL POTRO

Roger will face Juan Martin del Potro in Monday's US Open final after beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-5.

It is the third year running that Roger has beaten Djokovic in New York as he is now only one last step away from his sixth consecutive title! No one has won six U.S. titles in a row since Bill Tilden in the 1920s and no player has captured three Slams in a row in the same year since Rod Laver's 1969 Grand Slam sweep.

The most amazing moment of the semi-final was clearly Roger's forehand hit between the legs which he swatted past an amazed Djokovic into the empty part of the court. "I practice them a lot actually but they never work," Roger said. "That's why I guess it was the greatest shot I ever hit in my life." Having seen a TV replay himself, he commented "That's unbelievable!" His magical shot brought up a match point for Roger. Novak Djokovic did have his chances throughout the match, but was unable to seize them. So Roger took advantage and made everyting clear after 2 hours 34 minutes.

Monday's final will bring Roger's seventh career meeting with Del Potro, our champ having won their previous six meetings.

10.09.2009

ATP - 22ND MAJOR SEMI-FINAL IN SERIES!

Roger defeated Robin Söderling 6-0, 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(6) this night to reach the semi-finals of the US Open. He will now meet Novak Djokovic.

The victory brought Roger to his 22nd (!) consecutive semifinal at a major tournament, which more than doubles the previous mark of 10 set by Ivan Lendl. “It’s probably one of the greatest records,” Roger said on court, “for me, anyway, in my personal career.”

Roger set off a firework to start off, wrapping up the first two sets with ease in just 59 minutes. Söderling struggled with Roger's perfect display and the gusting conditions. In the third set, the Swede hung in there, eventually challenging Roger to a tie-break. Roger quickly moved to 4-0, only for Söderling to suddenly came alive, getting back to 5-5 and finally even taking the set.
Söderling was not going away and he held his game together sufficiently to take the fourth set into a tie-break as well. He had another set-point but then lost two crucial points, handing Roger the victory just after midnight.

Roger will now play Novak Djokovic (ATP 4) in the semi-final on Saturday - the remake of last year's semi-final at the US Open. Roger leads the head-to-head 8:4.