Roger Federer wins Swiss duel

Roger cruised past fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-2 today to book a spot in the quarter finals.

"I could have lost a set against Alejandro Falla in the second round and today against Stan and after this, you never know," said Roger. "So I am happy with what's happened. I'm playing well, serving well and moving well. I hope it continues like this."

In rather stormy conditions, Roger dominated the match from the start. His ground strokes were unerringly accurate and his serve metronomic. It seemed only complacency could stop our champ after the first set. But the second set proved to be a bit of a struggle as Roger dropped service in the first game. But he came right back and continued his superb tie-break record to end the set and move two sets up. Roger raced into an early lead in the third set and experienced no further problems at all from there.

Roger's win booked him a place in the last eight where a clash with Robin Soderling (ATP 12) on Tuesday.

Date: 30.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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700th singles win !

Roger eased into the fourth round of the French Open with a 6-4 6-0 6-4 win over German qualifier Julian Reister today, earning his 700th singles victory!

"With my own form, I'm very happy. I'm ready to mix up my game playing aggressive," said Federer. "I'm not sure today if I had to face break points. "I'm getting very few breaks, and that's obviously always a good thing looking ahead." It was Roger's 700th career singles wins on the ATP Tour, making him only the 10th player ever, and only active pro, to have won 700 or more singles matches.

Reister managed to keep up with Roger's pace in the first set, especially as Roger was unable to convert the first seven break points he had. Once Roger broke for a 5-4 lead in the first set it was plain sailing for number one seed. Roger raced through the second set in just 18 minutes, completing a 'bagle'. It took one more break in the third set before Roger wrapped up the match after 93 minutes with a regulation forehand.

In the round of the last eight, Roger will meet either Stanislas Wawrinka or Fabio Fognini (ATP 92). Should Wawrinka make it through, Sunday's match would be the first meeting between two Swiss players at a Grand Slam tournament in the last ten years.

Date: 29.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Mercedes Benz Announces Global Partnership with Roger

Mercedes-Benz today announced a multi platform global marketing partnership with the 16-time Grand Slam Champion and world’s number one tennis player, Roger Federer.

The multi year deal will cover the use of his image, personal appearances and product placement in a partnership that makes Roger Federer the latest Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador.

The agreement coincides with the start of the Mercedes-Benz sponsorship of the US Tennis Open Championship, beginning in August. Since the beginning of 2008, Federer has served as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz China.

Mercedes-Benz has used tennis as a marketing platform for more than 15 years and this partnership looks to extend the brands visibility throughout the sport.

“I am delighted that we are adding Roger Federer to the Mercedes-Benz family of sports and celebrity ambassadors on a global level. When it comes to tennis, he is without doubt one of the greatest of all time and he truly has become a global icon..,” said Stephen Cannon, Vice President Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. “We are looking forward to working with Roger on a number of initiatives. Much like our own brand, Roger has an impressive and unrivalled history but the best is still yet to come,” he added.

About Mercedes-Benz USA Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

Link:

• Mercedes Benz

Date: 27.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roland Garros 2010 Karaoke

Date: 27.05.2010, Source: YouTube

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Roger Federer closes in on milestones

Roger endured a first tense set and two rain delays today before making it through to the second round of the French Open in Paris today. He defeated Alejandro Falla of Colombia 7-6(4), 6-2 and 6-4. Defending champion Roger Federer is one victory away from recording the 700th tour-level match win and the 150th clay-court win of his career after he reached the Roland Garros third round.

Roger did not play his best tennis during the opening set, dropping his serve at 5-5. But as they say 'it is not a break until you hold your own serve' - our champ went on to Break Falla right away, taking the set into a tie-breaker where he scored four brilliant winners to secure the set. Roger then moved up 2-1 before rain interrupted play for 15 minutes. He looked unfazed as he came back on court to win the second set despite still struggling with his first serve. Showers interrupted play a second time for about an hour after Falla won the first game of the third set. Roger broke with a winning forehand return in the third game and closed out the match at love on his serve.

"I thought the first set was good, actually, from both sides," said Federer. "I think he really pushed me to come up with something special, which I couldn't do in the first set. I definitely got a little bit lucky to get out of that one.

"I think he played tough. I mean, both times when I played him before I had much more control from the baseline. But he was able to today to take the ball early and guide it into wherever he wanted to play it to. I thought it was impressive what he was able to do today."

Roger's opponent in round three will either be Germany's Julian Reister (ATP 165) or Belgium's Olivier Rochus (ATP 62). Roger has never played Reister before and boasts a 7-0 head-to-head statistic against Rochus.

Date: 26.05.2010, Source: RF Official & ATP

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Nike World Cup TV Spot

Roger Federer and Rooney Table Tennis:

A new Nike World Cup TV Spot has been released. It features Nike's stable of superstar footballers like Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Fabio Cannavaro, Landon Donovan and Cristiano Ronaldo. The short film is directed by Alejandro Inarritu ("21 Grams" and "Babel") and contains a cameo from Roger. Enjoy!

Date: 26.05.2010

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Roger Federer opens with ease

Roger began his defence of the title at the French Open with a comfortable 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over Peter Luczak (ATP 71) today.

"It's always important coming back as defending champion trying to get off to a good start," Roger said. "It was like a perfect match to get off the French Open campaign, really."

Our champ rarely looked troubled on court Philippe Chatrier as he wrapped up the first set and secured breaks in the fourth and sixth games of the second as his opponent was less and less able to hold up the pace. Two more breaks followed in the fifth and seventh games of the third set.

Roger delighted the crowd with a last razor-sharp backhand to wrap up the match after 1h 48. This is only the second time in nine years that Roger arrived in Paris without a title during the clay season. But he showed no signs of vulnerability at all today.

Next up for Roger is Columbia's Alejandro Falla.

Roger happy to see Football World Cup in South Africa:

With a South African mother and his foundation supporting disadvantaged children in the country, Roger Federer is thrilled to see the World Cup being staged in South Africa next month.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion, who played Monday at the French Open, said he hoped the country would benefit from the tournament.

“When I first heard that they had won the right to host the tournament, I was delighted,” Federer said. “I really know the country, the people are great and the landscapes are among the most beautiful in the world.”
Federer’s foundation, which was launched seven years ago, supports education, sports and leisure activities in the poorest African countries.

“Hopefully (the World Cup) will be good for the future of this country after living through hard times in the past,” the top-ranked Federer said.

The 28-year-old Swiss great is glad to see his country make it to the finals after a shaky qualifying campaign. Switzerland blew a two-goal lead in Israel and then was embarrassed 2-1 at home to 152nd-ranked Luxembourg, before going on an eight-match unbeaten run to win its group.

“I’m happy Switzerland went through because at one point, it was unsure it was going to qualify,” Federer said.

Date: 24.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer's Facebook Message Paris 2010

Facebook Videos posted by Roger Federer from French Open, Paris.

Date: 23.05.2010

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Roger Federer 2010 Roland Garros Nike Outfit

Date: 22.05.2010

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I missed you, Roger tells Rafa

Roger Federer is looking forward to facing his great rival for the French Open crown a year after Rafael Nadal missed their rendezvous in the final.

With usual contenders Nikolay Davydenko of Russia and Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro having pulled out injured, the road looks clearer for another Roger versus Rafa classic.

“It is hard to pick anybody to say if Roger and Rafa are not going to win who else will it be,” Federer, wearing a blue polo shirt and looking calm, told reporters on Friday.

“We’ll see how we play. I hope we can play again in the future, because a year away from each other was maybe a bit long,” he added.

“I think anywhere we play is special”, said Federer.

“It’s always a big match regardless of where it is, how it is. It’s one of the great rivalries in sports right now, and obviously in our game the biggest one.”

Neither was keen to jump the gun and anticipate a fourth final showdown on the Paris clay, although the temptation was greater for Federer who made the draw at Roland Garros.

“When you’re sitting in that room, you feel like, ah, if only I could have picked maybe (…) Oh, no. You don’t even want to start thinking that way,” he said with a smile.

“It was a bit nerve-wrecking in some ways. But I’m used to pressure situations, so it was moderate. It was fine.”

The pressure will get stronger by the day for the defending champion, who could meet France’s Gael Monfils in the fourth round before a possible quarter-final clash with Swede Robin Soderling who he beat in last year’s final.

“Fourteen days down the road and six matches for each of (us) to get into the final. (It) is not my priority to play Rafa,” said Federer.

Date: 21.05.2010, Source: Reuters

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French Open draw

The men's draw for the 2010 French Open has just been released. Roger will meet Australia's Peter Luczak (ATP 71) in his opening match. It will be the first time the two players meet.

Roger leads a quarter that features quite a few strong players such as Gaël Monfils, Marin Cilic, Ernests Gulbis or Robin Söderling - last year's finalist. But he can still be rather happy with the draw as most other clay specialists next to Rafael Nadal - David Ferrer, Juan Carlos Ferrero or Fernando Verdasco - can be found on the other half of the draw. Roger could meet Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or Andy Murray in the semis after that.

Link:

• Men's Singles Draw

Date: 21.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Credit Suisse quiz

Credit Suisse, Roger's banking partner, has launched a competition just in time for Roland Garros. Try your luck in the Credit Suisse quiz now and you could be the lucky winner of one of ten exclusive prizes such as a signed racket!

All you need to do is answer a few simple questions such as: What was the name of the tennis club that Roger Federer joined when he was eight years old? In which year did Roger Federer first succeed in making it past the opening round of the French Open?

The deadline for entries is Sunday, June 6, 2010. Good Luck!

Link:

• Credit Suisse Quiz 
• Roger and Credit Suisse

Date: 21.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Guinot Mary Cohr Masters

Roger absolved his last match before starting at the second Grand Slam of the year, the French Open, next week. He defeated Germany's Rainer Schüttler 4-6, 6-3, 10-5 at the Guinot Mary Cohr Masters in Rueil-Malmaison today.

Roger is the only player of his group (team Mary Cohr) to have scored a victory so far - four of six matches have been played.

Link:

• Guinot Mary Cohr Masters Gallery

Date: 20.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland

Roger has donated a complete outfit from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing to the Olympic Museum. It is now on display there together with other equipment used by successful athletes over the years.

Roger made a huge dream come true in Beijing, winning his first Olympic gold medal in the men's doubles tennis tournament alongside Stanislas Wawrinka.

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, houses permanent and temporary exhibits relating to sport and the Olympic movement. With more than 10'000 pieces, the museum is the largest archive of Olympic Games in the world and one of Lausanne's prime tourist draws attracting more than 250'000 visitors each year.

Link:

• Olympic Museum Website
• Gallery of photos of the articles on display

Date: 20.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer practicing in Paris, Roland Garros 2010

Roger Federer is back in Paris! The reigning French Open champion and world No.1 had a full day's practice on Wednesday, having a hit-out on Philippe Chatrier court followed by another one away from prying eyes on No.2 court. The Swiss maestro enjoyed a few rallies with Croat Ivan Ljubicic, who is back to full fitness. 2008 women's winner Ana Ivanovic was also practising in the stadium on Wednesday, as was fellow Serb Novak Djokovic. The Williams sisters were also out on the courts, but Venus had to cut short her early-morning session to have the base of her back massaged. Father Richard was in attendance and had that trademark wry smile of his, which would seem to suggest that there was nothing to concern the elder of his two tennis-playing daughters in terms of fitness.

Having fun in practice:

Date: 20.05.2010

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Mutua Madrilena MASTERS - Webnews

Federer, Nadal braced for French Open showdown (AFP)

Roger Federer shrugged off his Madrid Masters final defeat against Rafael Nadal and insisted it's all to play for at the French Open where he is the defending champion. "The claycourt season will not be judged here, but in Paris," said the world number one after his 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) loss to his great Spanish rival in Sunday's final. "We will see what happens in three weeks. I feel I'm ready for Paris. I felt a major improvement in my game compared to last week when I came here from Estoril."

Federer is also looking at the bigger picture. "After seven months on hard courts it's tough to dominate. In my clay losses (Ernests Gulbis in the Rome second round and Alberto Montanes in the Estoril semi-finals) I still played well," he said. "They were good for me, but I gained lots of confidence this week. Considering where I was a week ago, I've made lots of progress.

2010 French Open Preview - Roger Federer the second favorite (Crunch Sports)

The 2010 French Open is six days away as it starts on May 23rd and continues until June 6th. It takes place from Paris, France at the Roland Garros tennis center and it is the second Grand Slam of tennis in the calendar year, the only one that is played on clay. As a clay court event many players who are adept at hard court tennis or grass are not considered to be serious factors to win the French Open.

2nd favorite: Roger Federer of Switzerland

Roger Federer was drifting in the futures market for the 2010 French Open up until his finals appearance in Madrid (l. to Nadal). Recent losses on clay to Ernests Gulbis and Albert Montanes had made some skeptical of Federer's form. However he appears to be poised to make a deep run at Roland Garros although it is difficult to see him defeating Nadal should they meet.

Federer is the top ranked player on tour although there are French Open scenarios that would see Nadal retake top spot. As the defending champion from last year Federer must be considered a favorite and regardless of short term form he appears to elevate his tennis in Grand Slams. Roger Federer has made 4 French Open finals but only won one of them (2009 d. Soderling).

Federer is the current holder of 3 Slams however and can never be counted out as no one has taken down more Grand Slams, careerwise, than Fed.

Federer dominates ATP rankings (The Hindu)

Rafael Nadal’s victory over Roger Federer in Sunday’s Madrid Masters 1000 final sees the Spaniard move up one place to second in the latest men’s tennis rankings issued on Monday by the ATP. The Swiss star Federer continues to lead with 10,030 points followed by Nadal on 6,880. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic drops to third in an otherwise unchanged top 10.

Federer, Nadal differ on French Open importance (Reuters Canada)

Roger Federer shrugged off his Madrid Open final defeat by Rafa Nadal as irrelevant, saying his claycourt season would be defined by his run at the French Open. Unsurprisingly, his victorious rival begged to differ. "Rafa's and my clay court seasons are decided at the French Open, and not before," the 28-year-old Federer said. "It's unfortunately -- or fortunately -- like that. If we win all the tournaments like Rafa now and then go out in the first round of the French, everything will be questioned."

Federer displayed his customary sang froid after losing Sunday's final, saying he was pleased with his overall form ahead of the French Open, which begins next Sunday. "I think under the circumstances I played well today but he comes up with some incredible stuff," the 16-times grand slam winner said. "He's Rafa Nadal after all and he's playing with huge confidence and an incredible game from the baseline and it's never easy to penetrate through that."

Date: 17.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Last Preparation

Roger will make use of the last week left before the French Open to get the last bit of fine-tuning done.

He will participate in the Guinot Mary Cohr Masters, held at the Paris Golf & Country Club in Rueil-Malmaison (20 km outside of Paris), on clay together with other players such as Andy Murray, Andy Roddick or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The field consists of a total of twelve top-players who were invited to the event and will compete in two teams.

Roger’s only appearance is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. against Germany’s Rainer Schüttler.

Date: 17.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Madrid 2010: Roger Federer Final interview

Date: 17.05.2010

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Roger Federer defeated in final

Roger was unable to defend his Madrid title today. In a remake of last year's final, Roger was defeated in straight sets 4-6, 6-7(5) by Rafael Nadal this time.

Both players dropped serve early in the first set before Nadal broke to lead 4-3 and went on to bring the set home, even though Roger had quite a few chances of swinging it around. In the second set, Nadal claimed a tightly contested tiebreaker after two breaks of serve each. All in all, Roger even scored one more point than Rafa (46:45), but was not at his best during the critical phases of the match, simply committing too many errors.

“Rafa’s and my clay court seasons are decided at the French Open, and not before,” the 28-year-old Federer said.

“It’s unfortunately—or fortunately—like that. If we win all the tournaments like Rafa now and then go out in the first round of the French, everything will be questioned.”

“I think under the circumstances I played well today but he comes up with some incredible stuff,” the 16-times grand slam winner said.

“I’ve played more beautiful match points than this one,” a smiling Federer said at a news conference.

“That’s what happens, we’re on clay after all. I decided to take a chance and it didn’t pay off.

“He was obviously coming in to the match with loads of confidence having done so well on clay this season so it was always going to be tough.”

But our champ certainly showed that he is more than ready for the French Open which starts May 23.

Date: 17.05.2010, Source: RF Official & Reuters

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Roger Federer saturday interview + Madrid 2010 finals promo

Date: 16.05.2010

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Roger and Rafa to renew epic rivalry

The Roger and Rafa show is back in town.

After a year in which the tennis world has been deprived of seeing one of its greatest ever rivalries played out on court, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal battled through their Madrid Open semi-finals on Saturday to set up a mouthwatering showdown on the clay at the Magic Box arena.

Spaniard Nadal was first into Sunday’s final when he came from a set down to beat compatriot Nicolas Almagro 4-6 6-2 6-2 and world number one Federer joined him by dispatching David Ferrer, another Spaniard, 7-5 3-6 6-3.

The last time the pair met across the net in a competitive match was in last year’s Madrid final.

Federer’s 6-4 6-4 victory 12 months ago sparked off a golden spell for the Swiss as he went on to capture an emotional first title at Roland Garros before triumphing at Wimbledon for a sixth time.

One of the keys to Roger's success today was certainly his serve - he dropped just two points on his own serve in the first set and a break in game 11 helped him secure the set in a little over 45 minutes. Ferrer broke Roger in set number two, taking the fourth game and continuing strong in order to force a decider. Roger then managed to raise the pressure in the third set and secured the vital break of serve in the eighth game. He showed a few more terrific points before closing out the match with an ace and with it a fourth Madrid final in five years.

“I think it’s exciting for tennis and for us as well that we can face off again,” a relaxed-looking Federer told a news conference.

“He’s playing really well on clay now, I’m finding my form again really nicely here in Madrid so it’s one of those finals you just never know,” the 28-year-old added.

“I was able to come up with the right plays at the right time in the final last year and I have to do something similar tomorrow to come through.”

“I knew on clay I was going to come through a tougher period and that’s what happened in the second set,” Federer said.

“He (Ferrer) doesn’t miss much, he fights like crazy and he’s really improved over the last few years.”

Sunday's final will take place earliest at 6.30 p.m. (local time). Roger and Rafa had met each other in the final in Madrid last year, the outcome then was 6-4, 6-4 in Roger's favour.

Date: 16.05.2010, Source: RF Official & Reuters

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Federer friday interview + Semifinals preview

Date: 15.05.2010

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Roger Federer books spot in semis

Roger booked his spot in the semis in Madrid today, defeating Ernests Gulbis (ATP 34) 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

It was quite a fight between the two players today, as Gulbis took an immediate service break from our champ. And with Roger simply committing too many forehand errors, the Latvian was able to hold on to the break to take a one-set lead.

The start of the second set proved no better for Roger as he once again started off by dropping his serve. Roger was not rattled, though, gaining the break back immediately and from that point in the match on, playing the tennis we love. He cruised through the set to level the match at a set a piece. He contined in just the same fashion and scored an early break in the third, giving him enough room to finally take home the match.

“I think it’s one of the toughest things in tennis if you lose against a player and you have to play against him in the next couple of weeks,” Federer said. “I was very happy with the way I was able to return and mix up the game a bit, and at the end I thought it was a really great performance.”

Roger will play ninth-seeded David Ferrer on Saturday, who beat 2008 champion Andy Murray 7-5, 6-3.

Date: 15.05.2010, Source: RF Official & AP

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Madrid 2010: Roger Federer thursday interview

Friday Preview: Federer vs Gulbis



Date: 14.05.2010

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Roger Federer shows great tennis

Roger defeated Stanislas Wawrinka in Madrid today, racing past the fellow Swiss 6-3 and 6-1.

Roger turned in an impressive performance in just one hour and nine minutes to earn his place in the quarterfinals. Today's start was everything but promising, though, as he gave away the opening game of the match as Wawrinka realised the first break. From there, however, our world No. 1 enjoyed a swift turnaround as he took the break right back and finally went on to take a one-set advantage. With momentum in hand, Roger converted an immediate break in set two with a blistering forehand return and even managed to extend his lead to 4-0, leaving plenty of room to breathe. Our champ finished with a clean 23 winners and 11 unforced errors while firing six aces against one double-fault.

Roger can now aim for revenge for his loss in the second round in Rome as he plays Ernests Gulbis next. So let's hope he can keep his game just the way it was today!

Date: 14.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Madrid 2010: Roger Federer Feature

Date: 12.05.2010

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Madrid 2010: Federer tuesday interview

Date: 12.05.2010

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Federer shines in Magic Box arena

Roger successfully opened his bid for another title in Madrid today, defeating Germany's Benjamin Becker (ATP 46) 6-2, 7-6(4).

With the sliding silver roof open on Manolo Santana court at the Magic Box arena, the Swiss barely broke sweat against the German world number 46 in cloudy weather with sunny spells.

Becker mounted a mini fightback to save two match points at 6-5 down in the second set and one more in the tiebreak but sent a backhand wide on the next point to hand Federer victory.

“The moment the match started I felt great,” Federer, who won the first point of the match on his serve with a powerful smash, said at a news conference.

“I was hitting the ball fine and this centre court just feels right to me.

“I’ve obviously never lost on this court so that gives me confidence and I think that showed today in my game.”

The 28-year-old has made the final in three of the past four years, also winning in 2006, but has not claimed a title since lifting his 16th grand slam at the Australian Open in January.

His win in Madrid last year, adding to his title in 2006, was the springboard for his first Roland Garros crown and a sixth Wimbledon victory and he said he felt even better physically this year after not playing much in the past months.

“The (overall) feeling maybe last year was a little bit better but then again after today’s match I feel great,” he said.

Even if he failed to progress to the later stages in Madrid, he said he would still have plenty of time to prepare for the French Open, which starts on May 23.

“I’m going to put in some hard work and can practice with tons of other top players which is going to make me really tough for Paris,” he said.

Next up is either Leonardo Mayer (ARG) or Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI).

Date: 11.05.2010, Source: RF Offcial & Reuters

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Madrid 2010: Roger Federer preview interview

Date: 11.05.2010

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Federer hopes Madrid will provide turning point

Roger Federer is hoping the Madrid Masters will again prove to be a turning point in his season.

The top-ranked Swiss won the clay-court tournament last year after beating Rafael Nadal in the final, then went on to claim his first French Open title before adding his sixth Wimbledon crown.

That win “gave me immense confidence,” Federer said, and after a poor start to the clay season this year he’s hoping Madrid will provide a similar spark.

“Not only did I win the tournament but I beat fellow rivals,” Federer said of last year’s tournament. “I had a brutal draw—I played (Robin) Soderling here in the first round. To go on and beat (James) Blake, (Andy) Roddick, (Juan Martin) del Potro and then Rafa (Nadal), it was a great tournament for me.”

He could use a similar confidence boost this time.

Federer lost to Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in his first clay-court match of the year at the Rome Masters and was then eliminated in the Estoril Open semifinals by Albert Montanes of Spain.

However, he insisted he is not far from finding his best form.

“I’m doing the right things in practice,” he said. “I’m just lacking a bit of luck at times and I’m maybe not hitting the ball as clean as I was at the beginning of the season.”

He could run into Nadal in the final again, with the Spaniard looking nearly as invincible on clay this year as he was before knee injuries hampered him last season.

“I expected (Nadal) to come back again strong,” Federer said. “For me he was never gone, for you maybe he was. He was in the same situation I had to go through last year.”

Date: 10.05.2010, Source: AP

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Roger Federer misses final

Roger had to accept a straight-set loss to Albert Montañes today in Estoril: 2-6, 6-7(5).

Roger clearly had trouble with the surface that was slower today due to heavy rainfall that had caused a rain delay earlier. He dropped his serve three times in the first set. The second set proved to be better but he still did not manage to break the Spaniard, taking the set into a tie-breaker. Roger then raced to a 5-2 lead with two services of his own - only for his opponent to score the next five points and thus the match.

Roger will now travel to Madrid where he will compete in the ATP 1000 tournament that starts coming Monday.

Date: 08.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Second semi-final in 2010

Roger successfully continued his quest for a second Estoril Open title today, moving into the last four with a 7-6(7), 6-2 victory over Arnaud Clément.

Roger got off to a bad start as his footwork clearly failed him. But just as we love him, he showed his mental resilience to fight back, winning the next three games to take a narrow lead. This mini-revival proved to be the turning point in the set - although Roger was never close to his best in what remained of the opener, he managed to edge past his opponent with the odd flash of brilliance. Roger then went on to take a 2-0 lead and finally picked up his rhythm at 3-1 up, hitting a series of whipped forehands that looked ominous for Clement's chances of recovery.

Roger will now play his first semi-final since January; he will face defending champion Albert Montañes (ATP 34). Roger has won all 3 encouters against the Spaniard so far.

Date: 07.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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First singles victory on clay in 2010

Roger has successfully mastered his first match of the Estoril Open, celebrating his first victory on clay this year. He defeated Germany's Björn Phau (ATP 138) 6-3, 6-4 in 83 minutes.

"It was a very important match for me today," Roger said, knowing that first rounds can be tricky. He won the Estoril crown in 2008 but skipped last year's event

Roger will now meet Arnaud Clément from France (ATP 83) in the quarter finals. Our champ has won 6 out of their 9 encounters so far.

Date: 05.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer --- Season 2009

Date: 05.05.2010

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Federer eyes Estoril Title; Ready for weeks ahead

World No. 1 Roger Federer is hoping to bounce back after losing at the Foro Italico in Rome last week, by recording his first clay-court win of the year at the Estoril Open.

“I felt good going into Rome, but after one match and intense practise I’m looking forward to the week ahead,” admitted the 2008 champion, after practising with Leonardo Tavares on Tuesday afternoon.

In the notoriously windy conditions of the Estadio Nacional, Federer joked that he “needed to visit an eye doctor [on Monday] as I got three kilograms of clay during practice [with Rui Machado].” But he sees playing in testing conditions as a challenge.

“For sure, I’d like to win the tournament again. As the only Top 10 player in the draw, I have high expectations. But first of all I’d like to record my first win on clay after losing to [Ernests] Gulbis last week.

With Roland Garros and Wimbledon on the horizeon, the Swiss superstar admitted, “We’ll see how tricky it is to defend my titles. I know my game, my mind and my body is good enough. The next few weeks will be interesting, not crucial, to see where my level is at.”

Federer, who has a 13-4 match record on the season, will contest his first match at the Estoril Open against Bjorn Phau of Germany on Wednesday. It will be broadcast live in 3D by MEO, the cable channel from Portugal Telecom, for the first time at a national event.

Date: 04.05.2010, Source: Estoril

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Federer takes Children to Estoril Open; Remembers his youth

World No. 1 Roger Federer answered questions about his life on the professional circuit from 16 lucky school children – aged between six and nine – during a 40-minute tram ride through the streets of Lisbon on Tuesday morning.

“I am very used to drive around in trams,” admitted Federer, who is looking to capture his 63rd tour-level title this week. “I used to travel to practice back in Basel on the tram in winter and with the bike in summer time. It does not feel too unusual to me.

Federer, who  lifted the 2008 title with victory over Russian Nikolay Davydenko in the final, started the journey on a 53-year-old tram at the Museu do Museu do Eléctrico in Largo do Calvário (Alcântara).

It went through Rua da Junqueira, the house of the president Cavaco Silva at Palácio de Belém, the factory of Pasteis de Belem and the Monasterio dos Jeronimos, where a second group of children from Colégio St. Julians de Carcavelos jumped on the tram.

The last stop was at Rotunda de Alges, where the group got on a bus for the Estadio Nacional, venue of the ATP World Tour 250 clay-court tennis tournament.

“I like coming to Portugal,” the Swiss superstar said. “That is why I am here again. Two years ago, I had a wonderful experience, not just because I won the tournament, but the people were very friendly, very welcoming and very happy to see me.

“Of course the city of Lisbon and Estoril is very nice and so we decided if the schedule allowed we would like to come back. This year was the right year and it is going to be another good tournament for me.”

Federer will contest his first match at the Estoril Open on Wednesday, against either qualifier Marc Lopez or Bjorn Phau of Germany. It will be broadcast live in 3D by MEO, the cable channel from Portugal Telecom, for the first time at a national event.

Date: 04.05.2010, Source: Estoril

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Fans flock to Federer practise

World No. 1 Roger Federer's first practise session at the Estoril Open Monday saw hundreds of tennis fans scramble for the best positions among the hedge rows surrounding Court 13.

The World No. 1, who was escorted to the court by six security guards, trained with Portuguese No. 1 Rui Machado in windy conditions.
"Since I had practised with Roger before, two years ago here, this time I wasn't caught off-guard by his demanding style," said Machado. "We practised around 80 minutes, we didn't do anything too specific, it was just a normal pre-tournament practice. Conditions were tough, it was really windy.

"We talked a little bit; Roger asked me how many [ATP] Challengers and [ITF] Futures we had in Portugal. He also asked, 'Where do we usually play Davis Cup matches here in Portugal?' I told him we are going to play the next tie here at the Centralito. He said, 'It's a beautiful court."

A tournament record 53,888 spectators attended the Estadio Nacional in 2008, when the Swiss superstar beat Russian Nikolay Davydenko in the final.

Date: 03.05.2010, Source: Estoril

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Estoril Open

Roger is back in action at the ATP 250 Series tournament in Estoril this week. After a first round bye he will either meet Germany's Björn Phau (ATP 138) or a qualifyer. Roger has been defeated by Phau in the past - dating back to 1999 when Roger was 18 years old, though (in the first round in Washington).

Roger could meet Juan Ignacio Chela (ATP 54) in the quarter finals. Roger defeated the Argentinian in all of their four previous matches, the last time being four years back in Rome on clay. A semi-final against Albert Montañes (ATP 34) is possible after that: Roger has never lost in their three encounters so far.

Date: 03.05.2010, Source: RF Official

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Federer looks to repeat feats of clay

Has the Swiss maestro done the hard part? Did his victory in 2009 change the established order of things? After losing four times in a row to Rafael Nadal on the Paris clay, Roger Federer must have thought that he was cursed, but he finally got his hands on the legendary Coupe des Mousquetaires at the 11th attempt.

His detractors will say that Federer only won thanks to Nadal's unbelievable defeat to Robin Söderling in the round of 16 which shocked the tennis world. To hear the reigning champion talk about it however, 2009 was a turning point, and not just in terms of his own personal trophy cabinet.

The win banished all doubts in the Swiss champion's mind about his ability to win at Roland Garros. "For one of the first times I'm going to get there with a smile on my face and be able to say to myself: 'you'll be OK, you've already won here'," said the Basle native during a press conference in Miami back in March. "I'll be doing everything in my power to retain my title. In previous years I put myself under real pressure, but this time it will be different. I'll be able to concentrate on my tennis and enjoy my stay, which wasn't always the case in the past."

Federer's frank admission is also a warning shot fired in the direction of his rivals. It is true that the Swiss legend took a good while to come to terms with the red clay courts at the French Open, particularly Philippe Chatrier (centre) court, where he lost three finals in a row between 2006 – 2008. While Rafael Nadal was certainly a formidable opponent, Federer's quest for the one Grand Slam title which consistently eluded him sat heavy on his shoulders.

That weight was lifted last year, and the world No. 1 will approach the 2010 tournament in a different frame of mind. Now that he is free at last of this burden, perhaps Federer is dreaming of an ideal scenario where he exorcises his demons against Rafa in the final. He may have settled the score with Roland Garros, but he still has some unfinished business with the Majorcan clay-court supremo.

Having swept all before him down under in Melbourne, Federer is thus the only player who can achieve the legendary calendar Grand Slam this year, and if he manages to retain his Paris title, then he will be half way there and the media frenzy will go into overdrive. Whatever happens in the mean time at the tournaments in Rome and Madrid, Roger will come to Paris as the favourite. Unless of course Rafa can prove that he is back to his best. And then, anything can happen…

Date: 02.05.2010, Source: Roland Garros

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Roger Federer loses doubles

Roger and Yves Allegro were defeated in their quarter finals in the doubles today. They lost 4-6, 4-6 against America’s John Isner and Sam Querrey, bringing an end to Roger’s appearance in Rome. He doesn’t have much time to prepare, though, as the next tournament is right on the doorstep: the Estoril Open in Portugal starts coming Monday.

Date: 30.04.2010, Source: RF Official

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