Roger Federer Nationale Suisse Commercial 2010

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Roger Federer will do "Everything" to play at Indian Wells

Roger Federer, you are now for the second consecutive year not at the tournament in Dubai, your part-time home.
Roger Federer: It hurts. I like being in Dubai, like the people, the atmosphere, the tournament. When I got sick again, I had to think inevitably of Basel, my home, at my home tournament, in which I had so many years of bad luck. But I can not force anything on any account. I must take this lung infection very seriously.

When did you first realize that something is wrong?
Roger Federer: Actually, I was took it easy after the Australian Open. I wanted to come back to power, put away the strain.There’s no question of it being from strain. I trained last Tuesday and then it quickly went downhill. I got chills, fever, extreme rib pain, could not breathe normally.

You are also acting tired.
Roger Federer: Everything goes a little slower, like in slow motion. The fatigue is even still there, even if it is slowly getting better. I hope that I can put it away quickly.

The rest from competition could adversely affect the course of the next few months.
Roger Federer: I do not think so. This is not like the glandular fever of two years ago, in which the uncertainty was large. I think I’m back at the start of the Masters in Indian Wells. And when I start, I’m healthy and fit.

What have the doctors prescribed exactly and recommend that you do?
Roger Federer: The outgoing message is clear: Two weeks total ban from sport. With such a thing it is no joke. I will then, without pushing it, start to prepare seriously for Indian Wells. But as I said: A start is only possible if everything is physically in the green zone. The worst-case forecast is a break of six weeks. I must take that into account, at least.

Is the charity exhibition game at Indian Wells in danger when you play together with Pete Sampras v Agassi / Nadal for the earthquake victims in Haiti?
Roger Federer: I will do everything to ensure that we can stage it. The people of Haiti need our help urgently.

Date: 23.02.2010, Source: Blick

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Federer forced to withdraw from Dubai with lung infection

Four-time former champion Roger Federer has been forced to withdraw from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships due to a lung infection.

The Swiss superstar picked up the infection last week and has not recovered sufficiently to take his place at the $2 million ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament.

He is expected to be out of action for a further two weeks and is now scheduled to make his first appearance since capturing the Australian Open title (d. Murray) at the BNP Paribas Open, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells, in March.

"I'm hoping to be back for Indian Wells," said Federer on Sunday. "But of course there are no promises. This is something that with proper treatment will be finished.

"I've been taking it easy, relaxing as much as possible. My breathing is a bit difficult and everything feels a bit slow. I can't take any chances until I'm fit again. It could be better, it could be worse."

Czech Jan Hernych, who fell in the final round of qualifying, becomes a lucky loser in the main draw. Spaniard Tommy Robredo takes Federer's place at the top of the draw and will play Julien Benneteau of France in the first round.

Federer has a 25-3 match record in Dubai, picking up titles in 2003 (d. Novak), 2004 (d. Lopez), 2005 (d. Ljubicic) and 2007 (d. Youzhny). He was also runner-up in 2006 (l. to Nadal).

Five of the World’s Top 10, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Marin Cilic, are competing at The Aviation Club in Dubai this week.

Date: 21.02.2010, Source: ATP World Tour

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Federer, Nadal, Sampras, Agassi to 'Hit For Haiti' in Indian Wells

The BNP Paribas Open, the most attended tennis tournament in the world outside of the four major events, to be held March 8-21, 2010, will hold a “Hit For Haiti” exhibition on the evening of Friday, March 12, that will feature former BNP Paribas Open champions with a combined total of 44 Grand Slam singles titles, and is expected to raise a minimum of $1 Million for Haiti relief efforts, it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director.

Larry Ellison, who recently purchased the tournament, decided to coordinate a second Hit for Haiti exhibition after seeing the success it had at the Australian Open, where hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised for Haiti relief efforts. The event will feature 44 Grand Slam titles on the same court with Roger Federer and Pete Sampras playing Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi. The event will be broadcast live on the Tennis Channel beginning at 7:30 PM PST.

The net proceeds from ticket sales to this session will be donated to the American Red Cross for their relief efforts in Haiti. Fans will also be able to donate to the relief effort through text messages and on-site contributions throughout the evening and event. In addition to these fund-raising efforts, Ellison will make a personal donation to this very special cause.

“When I saw the first Hit for Haiti event in Australia, I was very moved by the players coming together, on the eve of an important tournament, for such a worthy cause,” said Ellison. “I wanted to bring together an exceptional group of players, with an unprecedented amount of Grand Slam titles, at the BNP Paribas Open. Our goal is to leave a memorable impression on fans, while raising a substantial amount of money that will directly impact the needs of people in Haiti.”

In addition to the exhibition, the evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Salute to Heroes ceremony, where the tournament will recognize veterans, military personnel, police, firemen and women, and Red Cross volunteers on Stadium Court for their efforts in the community and around the world. The ceremony and tennis exhibition will be followed by one main draw match.

For more information about the BNP Paribas Open, or to purchase tickets and travel packages, visit www.bnpparibasopen.org, call 800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or visit the box office, 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA, 92210.

Date: 18.02.2010, Source: Indian Wells

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Roger honoured by peers and fans

Roger was formally recognised for his triumphant return to the top spot in men’s tennis on Wednesday, as the 2009 ATP World Tour Awards were announced.

The 28-year-old superstar collected Player of the Year, Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award and ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite presented by RICOH honours. Federer was Player of the Year for the fifth time after finishing as the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion and his fellow players selected him for the sportsmanship award for a record sixth consecutive year, surpassing Edberg, who was a five-time recipient over eight years. In a poll of fans, Federer was voted ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite for the seventh straight season.

“I am very proud of these recognitions,” said Federer. “It was a great achievement to once again finish the season at No. 1, especially in a year that was so special for me off the court with my marriage and birth of my daughters. It is also very humbling to be awarded the sportsmanship award again by my fellow ATP players, many of whom I have known for a long time. Additionally, I would like to thank my fans for voting me as the Fans’ Favourite. I always try to exhibit fair play and be a good sport, and it is the fans that inspire me to play this wonderful game.”

ATP World Tour Doubles Team of the Year Bob and Mike Bryan were also announced as the ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourite for the fifth straight year. Former ATP World Tour pro MaliVai Washington, a winner of four career ATP World Tour titles and a finalist at Wimbledon, won the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award for his charitable efforts.

Player of the Year (based on year-end South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings)
Roger Federer: The Swiss native finished as ATP World Tour Champion for the fifth time in six years, highlighted by Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. He became the sixth man in the history of the sport to win all four Grand Slam titles during his career and the all-time leader with the most Grand Slam singles titles by winning his 15th Slam crown at Wimbledon, surpassing Pete Sampras. He became the second player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings (since 1973) to finish No. 1 after losing it for a season. Ivan Lendl accomplished the feat in 1989.

Fellow Swiss and Roger's doubles partner at the Swiss Indoors in Basel last year, Marco Chiudinelli, received the Comeback Player of the Year Award (voted by ATP players).

Date: 17.02.2010, Source: ATP World Tour

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Federer says he has more drive than Nadal

World number one Roger Federer thinks he has more drive than rival Rafael Nadal and will make keeping the top ranking his main goal, despite speculation that he could land a rare calendar grand slam.

Talk of the 28-year-old emulating Rod Laver by sweeping all four grand slam titles this year has got louder since he won his 16th grand slam at the Australian Open last month.

“I’ll try, that’s for sure,” Federer said in an interview with Reuters. “But it’s not even number one on my to-do list. I’ll just try to defend my number one position.”

Federer said Nadal, who has been troubled with knee injuries, would be his biggest threat this year but that the Spaniard did not have the ambition to be number one.

“The first moment when I became number one in the world was six years ago now and it was a magical moment in my career,” Federer said. “It was pretty special and I always wanted to get back there.”

“Some people have that drive more than others who’ve been number one. Rafa doesn’t seem like he cares as much for number one, or he doesn’t show it.”

BIGGEST THREAT

Despite casting doubt on Nadal’s motivation, the Swiss still sees him as his biggest threat. Injury forced the world number three out of the Australian Open.

“He had a good start to the season,” Federer said. “What he’s going through is very similar to what I went through last year. Just because you don’t win a major they start picking on you. I’m convinced he will come back shortly.”

The other players who could upset his shot at the grand slam this year were Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro and Nikolay Davydenko, Federer said, adding that he thought Briton Murray had “got Nadal’s number a little bit”.

“Davydenko has made his point and it will be interesting to see how long he can last because he’s playing a lot of matches and he’s not used to maybe winning that much,” Federer said. “Players want to beat him even more now.”

Federer was speaking to Reuters on a trip to Ethiopia to visit a school funded by his charity.

“Every season is different or special,” he said. “Last year was the most emotional, the most special. Losing in Australia, coming back, winning Paris, Wimbledon, getting married, going through pregnancy, having the babies.”

When asked if this season was going to be his best yet, Federer smiled: “Well, it’s certainly on the right track.”

Date: 15.02.2010, Source: Reuters

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Last call for fan's favourite vote!

Last chance to be part of the ATP World Tour 2009 Awards. Each year, the fans are asked to make their choice for their favourite singles player and doubles team. Simply follow the link below and choose your favourites.

On 18 February 2010, the ATP will announce the winners of the 2009 ATP World Tour Awards.

Link: ATP Fan's Favourite

Date: 15.02.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger nominated for Laureus Award

Roger is in the running to take his fifth sportsman of the year title after being named on the shortlist for the Laureus Sports Awards this week.

The awards, to be held on March 10, recognize achievements in 2009 - a year in which our champion surpassed Pete Sampras for the most tennis grand slam singles titles by winning his sixth Wimbledon crown, as well as capturing his first French Open title.

Roger won the Laureus award for four straight years until Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt took it out last year. Bolt is on the shortlist again for his three golds at the athletics World Championships. Ethiopian athlete Kenesisa Bekele became the first man to win the 5,000 and 10,000 metres double at that World Championships and was also shortlisted. Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador, who won his second Tour de France in three years, was also among the contenders, along with Barcelona and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi, who won the FIFA World Player of the Year, plus Italy’s Valentino Rossi, who claimed his seventh Moto GP title.

Link: Laureus World Sports Awards

Date: 13.02.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger makes an emotional visit to Ethiopia

World number one Roger Federer sends the ball spinning into the net.

His opponent, Ethiopian teenager, Jirata Demksa, smiles and prays the Swiss is having an off day.

But Federer just pauses and, taking a deep breath, serves a blistering ace.

The 17-year-old, realising he’s beaten, simply shrugs.

“He’s the best tennis player ever,” he says. “I am just lucky we played ping-pong.”

Jirata says he will never forget taking two points from Federer in an impromptu game of table tennis at a school the tennis ace funds in the poor country.

For Federer, this week’s visit to Ethiopia was one that moved him to tears.

“When I arrived at the school and all of the children were singing, it was very emotional,” Federer told Reuters.

“They sang, `Roger, our Father’ to me. I didn’t really understand it at the beginning but I still had tears in my eyes.”

Federer, limbering up for an attempt to win all four grand slams in a calendar year having already claimed the Australian Open title, was taking some time out to visit Ethiopia—one of the countries his charitable organisation works in.

The Roger Federer Foundation, founded in 2003, spends $1 million a year on education in Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, Mali, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

MOTHER’S INSPIRATION

“My Mum being from South Africa is obviously the inspiration behind the foundation,” Federer said, as local kids screamed `Number one!’ behind him.

“I went there on vacation a lot when I was younger. So we started with a project in South Africa and, as I got older and got more money, I wanted to expand.”

Eating a lunch of traditional injera—a sort of spongy pancake—with the students at one of two schools he pays for in the country, Federer was peppered with questions. Most of the children wanted to know if he had any of his own.

His seven-month old twin girls, Myla and Charlene, could eventually take over the charity Federer wants to continue long after he stops playing, he said.

“I definitely want to show them that this world exists as well,” Federer said, gesturing at the tin-roofed classrooms around him.

“There’s no way around it for them because I’ll be travelling. It will be a very exciting ten years for me because I’ll be trying to educate and help them and show them all these things.”

Ethiopia is the world’s seventh largest recipient of foreign aid, receiving more than $1.94 billion in 2006, according to the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

About 12 million of the Horn of Africa country’s people are reliant on foreign food aid to survive.

As multi-millionaire Federer drove through the streets of the capital Addis Ababa, four street kids caught a glimpse of him through the window of his coach.

Leaping to their feet, they ran after the bus.

“Federer! Federer! We love you! We love you!” they shouted.

SURPRISE RECOGNITION

For Federer, who has won 16 grand slam titles, the level of recognition in one of the world’s poorest and most remote countries, more known for athletics than tennis, was a surprise.

“It’s my first time here so I didn’t expect this,” he said. “I always think I should have been to a country before people know me. I forget about the television.”

Local girl Nihlaa Omar, stretching before racing against the tennis maestro in a 1km fun run, said she had seen him on television in a nearby town.

“We know he’s as famous as our famous runners like Kenenisa Bekele,” she said referring to the twice Olympic 10,000 metres champion. “But I think Ethiopians can beat him at running.”

Federer, who was to run against the school’s best athletes, agreed saying: “I’m in a lot of trouble”.

The race kicked off, with the Swiss immediately humbled as the Ethiopian children, who live at high altitude, overtook him en masse, a goat leading the field for the first 500 metres. Federer finished near the back of the field.

“I’ve always had massive respect for long distance sports,” he said. “The terrain was so dangerous and they ran barefoot. It was impressive to say the least.”

The children, too, were confused by a man more used to split-second exertion.

“How old are you?” one girl said. Super-fit Federer, 28, asked her to guess.

“I don’t know about white people,” she said, shyly. “45?"

Date: 12.02.2010, Source: Reuters

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Roger receives first stamp

Roger was handed the first official copy of the Austrian special edition stamp. He received it from representatives of the Austrian Post in Zurich. The stamp pictures Roger on his way to winning the French Open 2009.

Link:
Photo Gallery

Date: 12.02.2010, Source: RF Official

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McEnroe says Federer is best men’s player ever

John McEnroe thinks Roger Federer is the best men’s tennis player of all time.

McEnroe, also considered one of the game’s greats, said Tuesday he ranks the Swiss star ahead of Rod Laver, the only man to win all four Grand Slam events in one year, and seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras.

Promoting an ATP Champions Tour event in Zurich, McEnroe said Laver was his idol and Sampras was the greatest grass-court player ever. But the American left-hander said Federer, who has won a record 16 Grand Slam titles, was the greatest of all.

McEnroe said Federer’s ability to average two Grand Slam titles a year was “phenomenally consistent and amazing.”

Date: 09.02.2010, Source: AP

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AN AUSTRIAN STAMP FOR ROGER

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

The 65-centime stamp shows Roger winning the French Open 2009 (the photo was taken by Paul Zimmer), accompanied by the text "Best Tennis Player of the World". It has been designed by renowned Austrian stamp artist Renate Gruber.

This limited edition of only 300,000 stamps will be available on February 8th, 2010. The timing could not have been better after Roger's triumph in Australia, winning his 16th Grand-Slam title.

Further honouring Roger, the Austrian Postal Service is launching a silver edition, too. The «Roger Federer-Numiphilum Collection» has a size of 20x26 mm and is 0.1 mm thick. This special edition costs 15.99 Euros, only 2,000 of the stamps are available at selected shops of the Austrian Postal Service.

Link: Austrian Postal Service

Date: 04.02.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger ties with Connors

Roger's 16th grand slam title has secured him some space at the top of the ATP world ranking. Quite a few changes have occurred directly behind him, though: Novak Djokovic (2) and Andy Murray (3) have moved up, Rafael Nadal has fallen to fourth place.

Roger reached 268 weeks as number one of the ATP ranking today and has thus leveled Jimmy Connors' best mark. Ahead of him lie only two further players: Ivan Lendl (270) and Pete Sampras (286). And our champ certainly is on track to breaking these records, too!

1. Pete Sampras (USA) : 286
2. Ivan Lendl (CZE/USA) : 270
3. Jimmy Connors (USA) and Roger Federer (SUI) : 268
5. John McEnroe (USA) : 170
6. Björn Borg (SWE) : 109
7. Andre Agassi (USA) : 101
8. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) : 80
9. Stefan Edberg (SWE) : 72
10. Jim Courier (USA) : 58

Date: 01.02.2010, Source: RF Official

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Australian Open - webnews

Prince put in his place as Federer touches the sky (Sydney Morning Herald)

THE king isn't dead, far from it. Roger Federer has many heirs apparent, and they will be long lived, but they are as yet merely crown princes. Andy Murray was kept in his place last night as Federer beat him in classy but straight sets in the Australian Open final. This was Federer's fourth Australian title, won against four different pretenders, and his 16th major championship, extending his record. But for Murray and the kingdom he represents, the waiting and yearning go on.

At the presentation, Murray bit on his lip and blinked back a tear, but for the second time on the night was helpless to hold back a flood. ''I can cry like Roger; it's just a shame I can't play like him,'' he said. Federer, well-practised, was ever the gracious winner. "Andy, you're too good a player not to win a grand slam," he said. "So don't worry about it." Then, more ominously, he added: "I think I played some of the best tennis of my life these last two weeks." This reign is far from finished.

Andy Murray falls to brilliant Roger Federer in Australian Open final (guardian.co.uk)

Andy Murray said he needed to play the best tennis of his life to beat Roger Federer in the final of the Australian Open. He didn't. And he didn't. Federer said he would win if he got in front early. He did. And he did.

Murray looked away, paused and delivered his best line of the tournament: "I can cry like Roger," he said, recalling Federer's tears when losing the final last year. "It's just a shame I can't play like him ... I'm done. Sorry." "You're too good not to win a grand slam, so don't worry about it," said Federer in response.

"He is the king, he is the master," said the court announcer at Rod Laver Arena, and who could argue? This was Federer's 16th slam.

Roger Federer Wins Australian Open (The Huffington Post)

"That was sweet," Roger Federer said to Wayne McEwan, tournament referee, shortly after subduing Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(11) in two hours and 41 minutes on Rod Laver arena last night. With the victory, Roger wins his fourth Australian Open crown and his 16th Slam title, moving his championship accomplishments into a higher stratosphere.

The man is approaching 29 and he's proving to be in superior shape against everyone else on tour. When was the last time this guy sprained an ankle? To be this age in his tennis career and not really miss any time for injuries is remarkable. I used to doubt his boasts that he could go into his mid-30s, but really he looks just as fresh now as he did at 22.

Kids and slams, life's grand for Federer (Sydney Morning Herald)

Family and slams are all that matter now for all-conquering Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer. Despite his freakish talents, Federer says it's no fluke he's been able to sustain unprecedented levels of excellence for seven amazing years. But the 16-times grand slam champion knows a new fight is only beginning as he strives to keep the next wave of younger challengers at bay.

That's why Federer celebrated his record-equalling fourth Australian Open triumph over Andy Murray on Sunday night like it may have been his last - but also why the world No.1 will lighten his tournament schedule to ensure it wasn't. Federer, 28, took immense pride in becoming the first father since Andre Agassi in 2003 to reign at Melbourne Park and says now is the time to smell the roses and appreciate all he has.
Flawless Federer secures fourth Australian title (swissinfo.ch)

Switzerland’s Roger Federer has won his fourth Australian Open championship after delivering a sterling performance against Britain’s Andy Murray. On top form, the world number one dominated the match at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11). The victory extends his record to 16 grand slam titles.
Don't worry - you'll win one (The Sun)

The Swiss genius turned in an awesome 6-3 6-4 7-6 triumph to crush Murray in yesterday's Australian Open final in Melbourne. But the world No 1 said after claiming a record-breaking 16th Slam crown: "Andy has everything you need to beat the best and win the tournaments. "The next Grand Slam is not going to get any easier for him. But his game is so good I'm convinced he will win one."

"It is a tough generation at the moment. There are many good guys. Yet Andy is strong in his mind and has the game to win a Slam." Federer admitted he was far more stretched than when he beat the battling Brit in three sets in the 2008 US Open final. He added: "This was one of my finest performances in a long time, maybe ever."

Date: 01.02.2010, Source: RF Official

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Federer fetes victory with champagne celebration

Roger Federer stayed up all night, drinking champagne with friends and returned to his hotel room as the sun rose Monday to cap the celebration of his Australian Open victory by holding one of his baby girls in his arms.

Looking remarkably refreshed after a couple of hours sleep, Federer said that winning his 16th Grand Slam victory was different from the past 15. He’s now married with six-month-old twins and everything—including his tennis— feels more meaningful.

“I’m excited about life, and there is not only tennis,” Federer said in an interview the day after defeating Andy Murray in straight sets to win his fifth Australian Open.

“Having kids and being a father now and being married enhances everything,” he said, tanned and relaxed in jeans and a gray T-shirt. “I’m such a happy person today to see how well everything is working out for me. It just makes me extremely happy, extremely relaxed and it allows me to play good tennis, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

By Federer’s own accounting he played some of the best tennis of his career in the past two weeks, particularly in the final against Murray, who dashed Britain’s hopes of winning the first men’s Grand Slam title since 1936.

And that was just the beginning of his night. Federer is a gifted and willing orator off the court and held more than two hours of news conferences in English, French and Swiss German, which lasted until 1:30 a.m. He then headed back to his hotel and was joined by an entourage of 30 or 40 people.

“We stayed at the hotel, had a nice DJ, bar, restaurant, it was a good atmosphere. It was nice,” said the 28-year-old Swiss star, who is known for his discipline. “We went to have some drinks, have some dinner, celebrate the victory but more or less hang out.”

Federer’s drink of choice?

“Champagne, obviously.”

He doesn’t remember what time he went to bed.

“When’s sunrise here? Six or seven o’clock?”

One of the twins, Myla, was awake when he got back.

“That was nice,” he said, smiling. “I quickly was able to see her, even though she’s got obviously no clue what’s happened. She couldn’t care less, but I still felt it was a special moment to hold her in my hands, in my arm after what happened, and it was nice. I read the papers here in Australia and went to bed, extremely tired.”

Even after all these years as a champion, Federer says he remains energetic about tennis. He said he’s not tempted at this point to take an extended break and then comeback, as did Belgian women Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

“I don’t think that’s realistic or feasible for me. I think I’d just say maybe take a few months off but that doesn’t mean take a half a season off. I just think it’s too tough to come back after that. I don’t know, the men’s game is different I think. It’s brutal. The margins are so small.”

From the start, Federer says he has been mindful about keeping a good balance between life and work.

“I feel like I’ve always had a good distance from the game,” he said. “You don’t want to feel like you have to play tennis, because it’s something that was an opportunity, and now that I have it I want to savor it as long as I can.”

So far, juggling tennis and family has been easy. His wife, Mirka, and the twins, Myla and Charlene, travel with him and Federer says he hasn’t spent a night apart from the babies since they were born July 29.

Reflecting back to his first Australian Open win in 2004, Federer says he feels fitter now and despite aging feels free of the post-Grand Slam aches and pains he got as a younger player.

“As time goes by and I get a bit older, I start to understand my body a bit more,” he said. “I remember in the beginning here in 2004 when I won the first time I couldn’t move the next day. I was so tired.”

“It’s very different now,” Federer said. “I’m like wow, it’s over. Perfect. What’s next?”

Date: 01.02.2010, Source: AP

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Federer wins 16th major, prolongs British drought

Roger Federer experienced quite a range of emotions these past two Australian Opens. A year ago, he sobbed on court after losing a thrilling final in five sets.

Federer was all smiles Sunday after rather easily beating Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (11) for a fourth championship in Melbourne and 16th Grand Slam title overall.

“All of a sudden, it was over, and it hit me,” Federer said. “It was very much a roller-coaster.”

While Murray missed a chance to end a drought for British men at Grand Slam tournaments that stretches all the way to 1936, Federer became the first Dad to win a major singles title since 2003. He also now can aim at a true, calendar-year Grand Slam, something no man has accomplished since 1969.

“I’m over the moon winning this again,” the 28-year-old Swiss star said. “I played some of my best tennis in my life these last two weeks. It’s also very special - the first Grand Slam as a father.”

Federer had only recently discovered he was to become the father of twins when he lost the Australian Open final in five wrenching sets against rival Rafael Nadal last year, then broke down during the presentation.

This time, Federer was in control of the action pretty much throughout against Murray, and afterward, it was the 22-year-old from Scotland whose voice was breaking and who was choking back tears.

“I can cry like Roger,” Murray said. “It’s just a shame I can’t play like him.”

Compounding the emotions for Federer in Australia a year ago: He missed a chance to tie Pete Sampras’ then-record of 14 Grand Slam singles titles. But Federer didn’t have to wait long. He matched that mark a few months later at the French Open, where he also completed a career Grand Slam by winning a major on clay to go with his grass and hard-court titles. Then he regained his Wimbledon crown for major No. 15.

In his first major after his twin daughters were born, he was upset in the U.S. Open final by Juan Martin del Potro.

Now the girls are six months old, and Federer has settled into living and traveling with the family. He’ll head to the French Open in May as the defending champion for the first time. In Melbourne, where he also won titles in 2004 and 2006-07, Federer said he’d returned to his highest level.

That can’t make other players feel too good. Federer also credited the likes of Murray and Nadal for helping him lift his game. “I always knew I had it in my hand. The question is do I have it in my mind and in my legs?” he said.

“That’s something I had to work extremely hard at. “Now I feel, like, obviously I’m being pushed a great deal by the new generation coming up. They’ve made me a better player, because I think this has been one of my finest performances in a long time, or maybe forever.”

Federer had joked in an on-court interview after his semifinal win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to set up the final with Murray that Britain had been searching for a male Grand Slam champion for about 150,000 years.

Murray advanced with a quarterfinal win over Nadal, who retired in the third set with a knee injury that will sideline him for four months, and a semifinal victory over Croatia’s Marin Cilic.

On Sunday, Federer said he was just kidding around with his comments about the British wait.

“It’s not an easy thing to do to win your first Grand Slam … It’s just a tough thing,” Federer said, adding for Murray: “His game is so good, I’m convinced he’ll win one. “He’s extremely strong in his mind. I feel he’s got the game to do it, it’s just a matter of when."

Federer was in his 22nd Grand Slam final - 18 of the last 19.

Murray made history just by reaching his second Grand Slam final, the first British man to reach two major finals in the Open era, which began in 1968.

He lost his previous final to Federer, too, in straight sets at the 2008 U.S. Open.

Murray said he had chances in the first and third sets to put more pressure on Federer, but wasn’t given any room to take the next step. Now he’ll take a break, and rethink his strategy after moving to No. 3 in the rankings.

“I got great support back home the last couple of weeks. Sorry I couldn’t do it for you tonight but … He was a lot better than me tonight,” Murray said. “Hopefully, one time I can come back and win here.”

Murray still holds a 6-5 advantage over Federer in career head-to-heads - one of only four players who can boast of an edge - but has lost the last three.

Federer broke Murray’s serve twice in the opening set and once in the second. Federer rallied from 5-2 down in the third, breaking Murray when he served to push the match into a fourth set. In the tiebreaker, Federer saved five set points, and wasted two match points, before he converted his third. It was all over in 2 hours, 41 minutes. For Murray, it was all over too quickly.

For Federer, it was celebrations as usual with close friends and family - although now he needs to make sure not to wake the babies.

Date: 31.01.2010, Source: AP

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News 2010 - February

• 01.02.2010 - Federer fetes victory with champagne celebration
• 01.02.2010 - Australian open - webnews
• 01.02.2010 - Roger ties with connors
• 04.02.2010 - An Austrian stamp for Roger
• 09.02.2010 - McEnroe says Federer is best men's player ever
• 12.02.2010 - Roger receives first stamp
• 12.02.2010 - Roger makes an emotional visit to Ethiopia
• 13.02.2010 - Roger nominated for Laureus Award
• 15.02.2010 - Last call for fan's favourite vote!
• 15.02.2010 - Federer says he has more drive than Nadal
• 17.02.2010 - Roger honoured by peers and fans
• 18.02.2010 - Federer, Nadal, Sampras, Agassi to 'Hit For Haiti' in Indian Wells
• 21.02.2010 - Federer forced to withdraw from Dubai with lung infection
• 23.02.2010 - Roger Federer will do "Everything" to play at Indian Wells
• 26.02.2010 - Roger Federer Nationale Suisse Commercial 2010
• 28.02.2010 - Roger Federer's recovery info

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News 2010

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November 
• December

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16th Grand Slam title!

Roger showed a terrifc display against Andy Murray today, capturing his 4th Australian Open and 16th grand slam title 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(11).

"I'm over the moon at winning again. I think I played some of my best tennis again of my life these last two weeks," Roger said during the award ceremony. "So this obviously a very special moment sharing this with you guys. You get the best out of me."

Roger needed just two hours and 41 minutes to join Andre Agassi as the only man to capture four titles at the Australian Open (Agassi was also the last father to win a grand slam title - in Melbourne 2003). With a total of 16 grand slam titles, Roger is now two clear of Pete Sampras on the all-time grand-slam leaderboard. He will clearly remain on the number one spot for quite a few weeks to come!

It was clear right from the start that today's match would turn out a hard fight. Roger scored an early break, but had to accept his opponent breaking straight back. It was a tight moment from there, but Roger grabbed a decisive second break in the eighth game with a forehand winner before comfortably serving out the first set. The second set was clearly in Roger's hand, never giving away the lead he secured with a break. When Roger's intensity dropped slightly in the third set, Murray looked on the way of coming back. The Scotsman did not face a break point until he was serving to take the match into a fourth set, when Roger finally hit back with a break. Murray squandered five set points in the tension-filled breaker, and, opportunities lost for the Scot, Roger finally finished his tiring foe off on his third match point when the fifth seed netted a backhand.

Date: 31.01.2010, Source: RF Official

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