November 2009 ~ Roger Federer The Champ

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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.

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

1 comment

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.