Forbes Celebrity 100

Roger has once again made it into Forbes magazine’s most powerful celebrities list. He is ranked 29th in this year's edition of the "Forbes Celebrity 100", the annual ranking of the most powerful celebrities in movies, television, sports and publishing. Factors that are taken into account are income, Google hits, press clips and magazine covers.

Oprah Winfrey heads the list with Beyonce Knowles in second place. Roger lies inbetween LeBron James and Brad Pitt.

Date: 29.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer in quarters in Wimbledon

Roger has reached the quarterfinals in Wimbledon by easily defeating Jürgen Melzer (ATP 16) 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 in today's match on Centre Court. The one-sided victory in just one hour and 24 minutes secures Roger his 25th consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final appearance.

Roger, who had never faced Melzer at senior level before, produced his full array of wonderful touches and rock-solid serving on Centre Court in sharp contrast to his stuttering performances in the opening two rounds.

Roger dropped his opening service game but that was about the only slip-up from our champ from the rest of the match. Another break followed soon after as Roger took advantage of some hesitant play from the Austrian. He secured an early break of serve in the third and Melzer failed to fashion even a solitary chance of his own as the defending champion breezed into the quarter finals.

Roger: "It was always going to be a tough match against Jürgen. The start of the match was vital. I was aggressive right from the start. Every chance he was going to get, he was going to hit the ball and come forward as well. You want to counter that and play aggressive yourself. I was able to do that very well today. I got the early break but he broke back but I was in my rhythm".

“I think this is a wonderful day for the fans,” said Federer. “I always say for fans the best days are like quarter-final day or last 16s, because then you usually have the big names but you still have enough matches to go look at".

“Crowds are wonderful here. Obviously I know every corner of this Centre Court, so I don't obviously get too over-excited about a match like this. It was great to have two days off but that doesn't make the difference if you are going to win the tournament."

Roger will either face Tomas Berdych (ATP 13), or Germany's unseeded Daniel Brands (ATP 98) in the last eight.

Date: 28.06.2010, Source: RF Official & AP

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Game, Set, Match,.. Federer

Defending champion Roger has cruised into the fourth round of Wimbledon with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 victory over France’s Arnaud Clement.

After two decidedly unlike performances so far this campaign the Swiss maestro hit the ground running from the off against a man who had beaten him in both their previous grand slam meetings. Roger made only 11 unforced errors and broke the French world number 86 in the opening game and reeled off the first two sets in little over an hour, and settled it after 95 minutes when the Frenchman netted.

“Right off the bat I got the early break,” said Federer. “Same thing in the second set. From then on, it was a race to the finish line. It was a good and solid match for me, clean, hardly any errors, good on the offensive.  I'm very happy with my game right now.”

Federer and Melzer will meet for the first time. “We know each other very well, back from the juniors,” said Federer. “We played doubles back at the Orange Bowl probably like in '97 or '96.

“It's funny because I've practiced with him, [I] chat with him every day in the locker rooms. But he's one of the guys I never faced. We tend to have similar schedules, but we never met. I'll definitely be in for a tough match. He's improved again. He's making a move. My job is to try to stop that a little bit.”

The Swiss who is aiming for his 17th Grand Slam title and seventh at the All England Club, will play Jürgen Melzer on Monday.

Date: 25.06.2010, Source: RF Official & ATP

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Roger reaches 3rd round

Roger advanced to the third round by beating qualifier Ilija Bozoljac 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (5). The six-time champion had a slightly easier time than in his opening match, when he overcame a two-set deficit. But he had trouble putting Bozoljac away, converting only three of 13 break-point chances. Roger, playing on unfamiliar territory on Court One, managed to avoid being broken throughout the match and eventually prevailed in two hours and 46 minutes.

“I wish they were straight sets, obviously," Roger said. "But as long as you're moving on, especially at Wimbledon, I'm a happy man." "He played really well," Federer said. "I served well at key moments and I'm very happy with the way I got through. It could have gone five, so I'm happy."

"People maybe got a little bit spoiled and thought the early rounds are not even a competition any more," Federer said. "It just shows how deep the men's game is at the moment. People think they're all scared of me. I always think they actually play better matches against me because they have nothing to lose."

"As we know, we have no draws in tennis, so there will be a loser," Federer said. "But I guess in this match, both will be winners because this is just absolutely amazing." the Swiss admitted.

Roger will play Arnaud Clement in his third match in Wimbledon.

Date: 24.06.2010, Source: RF Official & AP

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Roger Federer survives shock

Six-time champion Roger came back from the brink of a dramatic first-round exit at Wimbledon on Monday, recovering from two sets down to beat Colombia's Alejandro Falla 5-7, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-0.

Roger who is bidding for a record-equalling seventh men’s singles title, was staring down the barrel as the south American world number 60 served for the match at 5-4 in the fourth set after producing a spellbinding display of baseline power and volleying guile.

But the Swiss top seed, who also recovered from 4-4 0-40 on his serve in the third set, finally found his game after being made to look second best for much of the match before a disbelieving Centre Court crowd. He wrapped up the fourth set tiebreak 7-1 and ran through in double quick time.

He admitted that he had been very fortunate to avoid going out against an inspired opponent. "I definitely got a bit lucky today, this is a match I should have lost and he played incredible" said Roger right after the match.

His next opponent will be Serbia's Ilija Bozoljac (ATP 152).

Date: 21.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer has record on his mind

Wimbledon champion Roger Federer will step on to Centre Court on Monday (1200 GMT) to face Colombia’s Alejandro Falla with the prospect of a record-equalling seventh men’s title on his mind.

Asked if he had been thinking about Pete Sampras’s modern-era record at the grasscourt grand slam, Federer said: “Well, maybe, obviously a little bit because I’m aware of the great things he achieved, being one title away from it.

“But then again, you have to break it down and make it simple for yourself, trying to win the first round, being here, trying to defend the title before everything.”

The Swiss top seed plays Falla for the third time in consecutive tournaments, having beaten him at the French Open and Halle.

Date: 21.06.2010, Source: Reuters

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Roger Federer relaxed and raring to go

Defending men's singles champion Roger Federer says he is fit, healthy and confident ahead of the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, but that he expects another mighty battle to keep his hands on the trophy he has won six times in the past seven years.

The top seed and 16-time Grand Slam champion will begin his title defence against Colombian world No.65 Alejandro Falla in the opening match on Centre Court at 1pm on Monday and insists he is happy with his game despite some disappointing results since winning the Australian Open in January. 

"I definitely think every time I play I'll have a chance to win here, there's no doubt."

"It hurt. It was disappointing," the Swiss said of early defeats at ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells, Miami and Rome in the spring, "but I think I found my game again in Madrid. Played well there in Paris. In Halle I think the performances were good. That's why I'm confident for Wimbledon now."

Federer has a chance to equal Pete Sampras' record tally of seven Wimbledon men's singles titles this year and believes the way his game is suited to grass will provide another boost to his confidence. "Since I came here as a junior and since I beat Pete here in 2001 and I won my first Wimbledon here in 2003, I definitely think every time I play I'll have a chance to win here, there's no doubt," he said. "But we all know how hard it is to win Grand Slam titles. But I think with the experience I have on this surface, the experience can pull me through many matches actually maybe I would be struggling with [at other venues]."

"I felt like what I saw was the old classic Rafa on clay hardly losing sets and matches. That's what we got from him. That's why it's going to be incredibly hard to beat him here at Wimbledon."

Federer arrives at The Championships as world No.2 after Spain's Rafael Nadal moved above him in the ATP World Tour singles rankings in early June and the Swiss admits that his Spanish friend and rival looks back to his best. Twelve months ago injury denied Nadal the chance to defend the Wimbledon title the left-hander won in 2008 and Federer says it's great to see him return to SW19 fit and healthy.

"I'm happy he's back," the top seed said. "I want him to play every tournament. I felt like what I saw was the old classic Rafa on clay hardly losing sets and matches. That's what we got from him. That's why it's going to be incredibly hard to beat him here at Wimbledon."

Federer also puts Great Britain's Andy Murray up there as a title contender despite the world No.4's recent patchy form. "I think regardless of what happened between here and the Australian Open, Andy is one of the big favourites for this tournament. You have to maybe ignore a little bit what happened in between [Australia and now] and remember the last time you played a best‑of‑five-set match. This is when he was very tough. I think that's why maybe it favours the big guys. Andy's obviously one of them."

While fine-tuning his Wimbledon preparations over the past few days, Federer said he'd also found time to enjoy the World Cup - particularly his country's shock 1-0 defeat of Nadal's Spain in the opening group matches.

Ironically, Federer's first round contest against Falla on Monday clashes with Switzerland's second match of the tournament against Chile which kicks off at 3pm BST, but he reassured his army of fans that he'll try to keep his mind on his tennis. "You think I'll just like leave the court at 3 o'clock? That's not going to happen quite yet," he joked. "Maybe I can install a little screen on Centre Court on the change of ends!"

Date: 20.06.2010, Source: Wimbledon

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Wimbledon 2010: Pete Sampras tips Roger Federer to win 10 Wimbledon titles

"I think Roger is going to put together a number that's going to take a long time to beat, it's going to be a big, big number," the American said in an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph.

"I dominated Wimbledon for a long period of time and now Roger is dominating Wimbledon. I think he can win eight Wimbledon titles, and nine's definitely possible too; that would put him in 'Martina Land', level with Martina Navratilova on her nine women's titles. Roger could win 10 Wimbledon titles. I think that's possible, though it could be a stretch."

If Federer can win this Wimbledon, and then retain his title for a further three years, he would only be 31 when he reaches double digits. Ten isn't impossible. "Every time he plays at Wimbledon, he's going to contend for that trophy," said Sampras.

It was just 10 years ago, at the 2000 Championships, that Sampras won his seventh Wimbledon. Yet, if anyone imagines that Sampras wants Federer to lose, and for Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray or Andy Roddick or anyone else to win the title, they would have it all wrong.

"Would I want my Wimbledon record to stand forever? Did I think it would be safe for a while? Absolutely. But if someone is possibly going to equal and then break my record, I'm pleased that it's Roger. I don't mind him doing it," Sampras said.

"People think that I must be against him, that I really don't want him to win any more Wimbledon titles, but that's not the way it is. I don't root against people."

Sampras had imagined that his Wimbledon record was as safe as the Swiss bank vault where Federer probably keeps all his gold. "I never thought that someone would come along so quickly and threaten my record," he said.

Though Federer has not won a title at any level since he won his 16th grand slam at January's Australian Open, put him back in his Wimbledon whites and on to the greensward, and he should be back at his best again.

Five of Federer's six Wimbledon trophies came in a golden stretch between 2003 and 2007, and in 2008 he lost an exceptional final to Nadal. The Majorcan, who missed last year's Championships through injury, is back at the All England Club, and whatever happens over the next fortnight he will remain as the world No 1.

When Federer won Wimbledon last summer, by beating Roddick in a final that took so long that there was growing concern that Federer's heavily pregnant wife would go into labour on Centre Court, Sampras was watching from the Royal Box.

Sampras turned up a bit late, said hello to Federer by giving him a thumbs up as he found his seat. Federer took the fifth set 16-14 to become the first man to win 15 slams, taking him one past Sampras' 14. On a day that Sampras described as "great for tennis", he called Federer "a legend, an icon and a stud".

"When he beat me here in 2001, that was probably when he showed that he can play on grass. Grass is a hard surface as everything can turn on a dime. But he's got the perfect temperament for grass. He's so calm and controlled, there aren't any great emotional highs and lows for him, and that's the best way to approach it.

"Last year, Roddick was serving so well, but Roger stayed as cool as a cucumber, and that was so important," Sampras said.

"There's an aura about Roger on a grass court and he's got the whole package. He doesn't have any weaknesses and there's nothing out there to scare him, and he loves being out there on Centre Court.

"When he stays back, he's awesome and if he feels as though he needs to come in to the net, he will come in," Sampras observed. "I'm so impressed by his consistency."

When Federer celebrated last summer's victory by putting on a tracksuit which was embroidered with a golden '15', it wasn't to everyone's taste. Sampras, though, said that his friend, who starts official proceedings against Colombia’s Alejandro Falla on Monday afternoon on Centre Court, isn't playing tennis "for the ego trip".

"Knowing Roger, he's not the sort of person who will walk down the street hoping that people will be pointing and saying, 'that's the greatest tennis player of all time'. Yes, he likes winning Wimbledon titles, but this isn't about his ego.

"He lets his racket do the talking. He loves his tennis. He's a humble, under-stated man," said Sampras.

Their 'bro-mance' began in the spring of 2007 when Federer took up Sampras' invitation to pop around to his house in Los Angeles and play some tennis on the court in his back garden. In the autumn of that year, the pair went on a lucrative mini-tour of exhibition matches across Asia.

"We got to know each other pretty well in Asia – there was a connection. We developed a great friendship. We keep in touch, and we talk about tennis we talk and about life. Our personalities are quite similar; we're both quite dry, quite reserved," said Sampras.

"Roger is also a bit of a prankster. That's a side of Roger that people don't really see. He's a classy guy, a great champion."

The King of SW19:
2003: v Mark Philipoussis
Federer, 21, produces a near-faultless display to claim his first grand-slam title.

2004: v Andy Roddick
For the second year in succession, Federer is brought to tears after winning Wimbledon, digging deep to come from behind.

2005: v Andy Roddick
Federer completes a hat-trick of titles, labelling his performance “flawless” and the best in his life.

2006: v Rafael Nadal
Federer takes his winning streak on grass to 48 matches: 6-0, 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 for a fourth Wimbledon crown.

2007: v Rafael Nadal
One of the greatest Wimbledon finals. Federer saved four break points in the fifth set before equalling Bjorn Borg’s record of five straight titles at SW19.

2009: v Andy Roddick
Another epic: Federer broke serve just the once, in the 77th game of a 77-game Wimbledon men’s final – the longest in its history. Federer served 50 aces. 

Date: 20.06.2010, Source: Telegraph

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Roger Federer Wimbledon 2010 practicing

For more photos: Wimbledon 2010 photo gallery

Date: 19.06.2010

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Roger Federer's Wimbledon 2010 Rolex Commercial

Roger Federer's new Rolex Commercial for Wimbledon 2010 in HD.

Date: 18.06.2010, Source: YouTube

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Wimbledon's draw

Roger will play Columbia's Alejandro Falla (ATP 65) in the first round in Wimbledon. The Swiss leads the head-to-head 4:0. Roger hasn't lost a set in four previous matches with Falla, including a 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 rout at Wimbledon in 2004 and 6-1, 6-2 win on grass in Halle, Germany, last week. If Roger beats him again, he will play the winner of the match Ilija Bozoljac (Serbia, ATP 153) or Nicolas Massu (Chile, ATP 98).

The defending champion and top-seeded was drawn in the same top half with last year's finalist Andy Roddick (ATP 7), Novak Djokovic (ATP 3) and former champion Lleyton Hewitt (ATP 26), as well as Stanislas Wawrinka (ATP 23), Tomas Berdych (ATP 13) and Nikolay Davydenko (ATP 5) which are possible rivals in quarter-finals.

Link:

• Wimbledon 2010 Draw

Date: 18.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger gets No. 1 seeding for Wimbledon

Roger has been seeded No. 1 for Wimbledon ahead of Rafael Nadal. The six-time Wimbledon champion, received the top seeding even though Rafael Nadal recently supplanted him as No. 1 in the ATP world rankings. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam which does not strictly follow the ATP world rankings when deciding the seedlings, taking into account performances in grass court tournaments before making their decision.

Roger has the chance to win Wimbledon for the seventh time and can therefore draw level with record holders William Renshaw (winner: 1881-1886, 1889) and Pete Sampras (winner: 1993-1995, 1997-2000), each with seven victories in Wimbledon. This would be his 17th Grand Slam victory.

The draw will take place on Friday.

Date: 16.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer's Wimbledon 2010 Outfits

Wimbledon 2010: 21.06.2010 - 04.07.2010

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Wilson BLX Feel More 1 with Roger Federer

Roger Federer believes that how you feel is as important as how he feels. As a player. And as a person.
He understands the impact each shot has on your psyche and how it influences the manner in which you play each subsequent shot. He knows your need for direct and positive feedback.

So he recommends the new Wilson BLX. He wants you to feel more of the ball. And feel more for the game.
Wilson, Feel More

Date: 14.06.2010, Source: YouTube

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Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt at Gerry Weber Open Fashion Night

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Roger defeated by Hewitt

Roger had to accept a 6-3, 7-6(4), 4-6 defeat against Lleyton Hewitt today.

Roger showed a strong start in Halle today. He took a 40-0 lead on Hewitt's serve during the second set, but did not manage to use the chance given. From that point on he was no longer able to score on the important points, eventually losing the final in three sets. "We've known each other for years and once played doubles together in Wimbledon and I always looked up to him," Roger said going into the match. "It is something special to play against him."

Roger had not lost a match at Halle since 2002, winning the title five times, and had beaten Hewitt in their last 15 showdowns. But he simply committed too many unforced errors today. Nevertheless, Roger profited from an entire week of preparation on grass and is ready for Wimbledon starting in a week.

Federer said he remained confident ahead of Wimbledon, which starts June 21.

“I was unfortunate not to come through today, but the loss here does not worry me in any way,” said Federer, the six-time Wimbledon champion. “I thought it was a good tournament for me. I have got to ensure I draw the right conclusions for Wimbledon.”

“Roger is a great player and a great champion and every time you step on court against him, you are the underdog on every surface,” Hewitt said. “(But) it doesn’t matter how big a favorite you are. He still only has two arms and two legs.”

Federer will return to Switzerland for a few days before going after a seventh title at Wimbledon.

Date: 13.06.2010, Source: RF Official and AP

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Gerry Weber Open 2010 Finals Preview

No one has won more titles or more matches on grass than Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt among active players, so the final of this year’s Gerry Weber Open features the two most accomplished grass court players on the ATP World Tour.

Hewitt is playing in Halle for the first time in his career and now tries to improve to 7-0 lifetime in grass court finals as he takes on Federer; but the Swiss native has been phenomenal on the lawns of Halle, having been perfect here since 2003 (winning the title that year and again in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008). He will go for his 30th straight match win here as he takes on Hewitt.

Federer has also won 76 of his last 77 matches on grass, the only blemish since 2003 being his famous five-set finals loss to Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final.

Although Federer-Hewitt is one of the deepest rivalries among the ATP World Tour’s elite, Federer has won their last 15 meetings and leads 17-7 overall, 3-1 on grass.

Federer’s Halle service games won streak was snapped at 78 straight games held until the opening game of his semi-final match against Philipp Petzschner, when he was broken. The streak was over an eight match span in Halle.

WHAT’S AT STAKEWinner   €113,600 and 250 South African Airways 2010 ATP Ranking points
Runner-up  € 59,900 and 150 South African Airways 2010 ATP Ranking points

FINALS HISTORY
Federer 88th career final……has a 62-25 record… 11-1 in grass finals, 10-1 in finals in Germany
Hewitt  42nd career final…...has a 27-14 record….6-0 in grass finals, 0-1 in finals in Germany

FEDERER & HEWITT: TWO MOST SUCCESSFUL ACTIVE GRASS COURT PLAYERSFederer and Hewitt are the leaders among active players for titles and match wins on grass courts:

Grass Court Title Leaders   
1. Federer    11
2. Hewitt    6
3. Roddick    4
4. Gasquet, Karlovic, Nadal  2

Grass Court Match Win Leaders
1. Hewitt   97
2. Federer  92
3. Roddick   70
4. Clement, Kiefer  44

Date: 13.06.2010, Source: ATP World Tour

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Roger Federer reaches final in Halle

Roger notched up his 29th straight win in Halle today as he beat Germany's Philipp Petzschner 7-6(3) 6-4. He will now take on Lleyton Hewitt in Sunday's final.

It was the first meeting between Roger and Petzschner on the ATP-Tour. The first set was a tough fight on both sides. Roger conceded two breaks in the opening set, but managed to score two breaks himself, eventually prevailing in the tie-break. Roger then secured the only break in the second set and served out the match to end Petzschner's resistance.

Roger will now meet Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt (ATP 31) in the final of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle tomorrow at 1:00 pm (local time).

Interview with Roger Federer:
Congratulations. This guy can be tricky with a very aggressive play and slicing all the backhands?
FEDERER: Yes, absolutely. I knew that before the match. I think I mentioned yesterday, he's a good player, he has good potential and is talented. You can see it in the way he plays. He is very relaxed and he can play in different ways. So, that can work in his favour but also against him because you have sometimes few too many options. Today, definitely he started playing out aggressive, saying if he gets a chance on my forehand, I’ll hit it. And many of them worked. That’s why he was very dangerous from the start, even took chances, he came over the backhand a couple of times and the return, that kind of also paid off. So, everything he was trying was working and it was playing in his favour a lot. So, it was a tough start for me to get into the match, to get a feel of how he plays. Because if you watched him this past week he was more waiting for mistakes, not taking too many chances, mixing up with his slice. And today he came out much more aggressive. He has a game that allows him to do that kind of stuff because he doesn't mind if the rallies are short or long, because he just likes variation like I do, too. It was an interesting match for me, especially playing him for the first time. I’m happy the way I played because it wasn’t easy but I found a way which was great.

Tomorrow Lleyton. You know this kind. Obviously you know how to win. So, what we say about that match?
FEDERER: It’s always special playing him. We go way back. We even played doubles together in Wimbledon one year. He made the breakthrough so early in his career that to me, I kind of looked up to Lleyton, how could he be so good so early, because I had so many issues in my game. I knew I was very talented, but I knew I could never beat five top guys in a row which he was able to do at 16. I think I definitely drew inspiration from him and Safins, Ferreros who came through the rankings maybe a bit faster than me. I think that the shadow from them helped me grow stronger without that pressure even though I had pressure from national media as well. Because they then said “Lleyton does it, so you should do it, too.” (laughs). But he was the youngest No. 1 in the world we ever had. So, he did special things which I will never get a chance to do. It’s amazing how many times we’ve played, it’s amazing the record I have now against him after starting off with a tough head to head record against him, actually.

What is the level of motivation knowing you have already won so many tournaments?
FEDERER: Motivation is very simple: I love the game. I don’t overplay. I play select few events, tournaments and Grand Slams, so I always can get up very easily for those. I have many fans screaming my name in the stadium and outside. So, it’s something I really enjoy. I remember it wasn’t like that when I came up on Tour. They would mistake me for other players. So, I knew I had some work to do. Today, it is so different. I know the places, I know the people, I know how kind this works. I enjoy the Tour very much. It’s easy to get up for a full stadium every time. If you can’t get up for those kind of matches it’s better to quit. But I’m not there.

Date: 12.06.2010, Source: RF Official and Gerry Weber Open

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GRF : Roger Federer --- Wimbledon 2010 Preview Ad

Date: 12.06.2010, By GRF Productions

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Semis in Halle

Roger easily defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber (ATP 35) 7-5, 6-3 today to book his spot in the semi-final of the Gerry Weber Open.

It was an even performance on both sides in the first set, but Roger got the crucial break in the twelfth game and wrapped up the first set 7-5. Roger leaped forward in the second set as he scored the first break in the second game, maintaining the lead until the end. Roger lost 10 points in 11 service games today, half of those came in the game in which Kohlschreiber got his only break-point chance of the day.

Roger will next face Philipp Petzschner (ATP 41) - he has never played the German on the ATP-Tour so far.

Date: 11.06.2010, Source: RF Official and Krist

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Roger Federer eases through

Roger cruised into the quarter-finals of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle by defeating Alejandro Falla of Colombia 6-1, 6-2 today.

Roger needed just 52 minutes against Falla, dominating the match in all situations and scoring breaks at regular intervals. He has certainly proved that he has adjusted to the surface very well. He conceded just two break points in today's match on centre court but saved both of them.

Roger will now play Philipp Kohlschreiber in the last eight after the German's 6-4, 7-5 victory over Roger's countryman Marco Chiudinelli. Roger has won all four matches against the German - three of which were played on grass (one of them being the final in Halle in 2008).

Date: 10.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer is still the favorite to win Wimbledon 2010

In a span of one week, Roger Federer had his streak of 23 straight Grand Slam semifinal appearances snapped, was replaced atop the ATP rankings and saw the bulk of the pre-Wimbledon hype shift toward Rafael Nadal. Despite all that, Federer is still the odds-on favorite to hoist the Gentleman's singles trophy next month at the grass court tournament.

At the moment, oddsmakers are listing Federer as an 11/8 favorite to win, compared to 5/2 odds for Nadal. It makes sense; Federer is 48-1 in the last seven years at Wimbledon with that lone loss coming, of course, to Nadal in their legendary 2008 final. The Swiss star has won the title six times in his career.

It's not that Nadal is a grass court slouch though. Since the Spaniard burst onto the tennis scene and improved his clay court game enough to compete on grass, he's 19-2 at Wimbledon with his only losses coming in the finals to Federer. He'll likely be the top seed at the championships thanks to his No. 1 ranking.

Last year's finalist, Andy Roddick, is getting 8/1 odds, same as hometown hero Andy Murray.
The seeding for the 2010 championships will be announced on Wednesday, with the draw set to be released two days later.

Date: 10.06.2010, Source: Yahoo Sports

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Roger Federer rushes to opening victory

Roger Federer made an impressive start to his sixth title at the GERRY WEBER OPEN. In the first round, he beat Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen comfortably 6-4, 6-4. It was his 26th victory in a row on the Halle grass.

The 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 GERRY WEBER OPEN winner only struggled a little at the very beginning. Many were surprised to see Nieminen earn two break points in the second game: “I had two double faults, which is usually enough for two matches,” said Federer. But it was enough of a wake-up call. Two strong serves later and an ace for good measure, then a volley from the base line made it 1-1.

The grass court king was still testing some of his shots early on, but the time for experimentation was over at 4-4. The Swiss broke serve, defended another break point in the 10th game and then sealed the set with an impressive appearance at the net: like a wall, his cat-like reflexes volleyed him to a 6-4 win.

In the first game of the second set, an exchange at the net was symbolic of the game. He had Nieminen running as if his life depended on it, diving twice over the green surface, repelling what he could, but he just could not reach the ball for a third time: Federer took the point. For all of his efforts, the Finn, who has recently settled in at the GERRY WEBER BREAKPOINT in Halle, got nowhere. The early break to 2-0 sealed the outsider’s fate. He has never won a single set against Federer.

Nieminen, who is currently trying to make his game a bit more aggressive, can at least be proud of having lasted over an hour. With the clock on 61 minutes, Federer’s eighth ace flew past his ear to seal a 6-4, 6-4 result. The Swiss was not really unsettled by the long wait before the game either, a delay caused by the lengthy games from Kiefer and Kohlschreiber. “That is normal. I was in the lounge and watched a bit of Kohlschreiber,” he said. That could come in useful too since they could meet in the quarter-finals. Federer will learn tomorrow who he will meet in the second round since rain delayed the end of the game between Okun and Falla.

Interview with Roger Federer after defeating Jarkko Nieminen:

Q: Are you happy to be back on grass?
FEDERER: Sure, it’s always nice. I think that any surface change actually has something nice about it. Grass is the most special one because we only play one month on it. So, every day you get a chance to play on this surface is somewhat a special day, because it’s so rare and it’s so different to the other ones. I feel it’s something you want to savour as long as you are on the surface.

Q: Did you watch the final on Sunday?
FEDERER: No, I was practicing.

Q: Were you rooting for the Swedish guy?
FEDERER: No, the better one wins. My call was that Rafa would win in straight sets, which he did. He was the best by far this year on clay from the start in Monaco, or there were even Davis Cup matches in February. He didn’t lose a set as far as I remember. So, he completely deserved the French Open as well.

Q: The past 52 weeks you won two Grand Slams and made one final and the guy, who is No. 1, won only one Grand Slam. Do you think the ranking system is fair?
FEDERER: Well, I think it’s fair but tough. You can’t always predict how long do I want to be No. 1 in the world. It’s something that comes and goes very quickly. It’s tough on the player that rankings change so quickly and so drastically sometimes. We’ve gotten accustomed to me or Rafa, but especially me, is number one in the world, it’s pretty easy to stay at the top and it’s something that comes very naturally almost. But it’s not if you look how quickly things change. I’m still the holder of two Grand Slam titles and a couple of Master’s 1000 and so forth. Then you realize it’s not that simple. It’s great for the media because they make a big huge deal out of the rankings. Because, today he’s great, like Rafa last year. Everything before the French he was incredible. One and a half month later, he doesn’t have a French or Wimbledon title anymore and people start like, will he ever come back, will he ever play tennis again after his knee problems. But all he did is miss six weeks of tennis and they make a huge deal out of it. I think whoever is No. 1 in the world deserves it because it’s a ranking over 365 days and it proves that the press was wrong. They wrote him off, saying he was not playing well. But he must have some results in the system which were finals, maybe not titles but he put himself in a position that if he was going to win big titles again, he was going to make Number 1 in the world. Hope this makes sense.

Date: 08.06.2010, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Gerry Weber Open 2010

After the end of the clay season it's now finally time for the green surface! Roger will play the 18th Gerry Weber Open in Halle this week where he will try to capture a sixth tournament title and adjust the last details for Wimbledon. He will face Finland's Jarkko Nieminen (ATP 69) in the first round. He has never been defeated by Nieminen in any of their 10 matches so far. He could then play Columbia's Alejandro Falla (ATP 70) in round two before meeting Radek Stepanek (ATP 20) in the quarter-finals. A potential semi-final against Juan Carlos Ferrero (ATP 18) or Marcos Baghdatis (ATP 30) could then be the last step before a final clash with Nikolay Davydenko (ATP 5).

"It's been a while since I last played here in Halle," our champion commented as he was welcomed by tournament-director Ralf Weber and the founder of the tournament, Gerhard Weber. "I am happy to be able to play the Gerry Weber Open again."

Roger will make the most of this week to prepare for Wimbledon, starting with a doubles match together with Yves Allegro against Germany's Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber today.

Date: 07.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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Roger Federer signs lifetime agreement with Gerry Weber Open

Roger Federer and the GERRY WEBER OPEN have signed a unique partnership for the remainder of Federer’s playing career. On Sunday, tournament director Ralf Weber and the Swiss signed an agreement which ensures Federer will participate in Germany’s only grass court tournament until he ends his career.

“I am delighted,” said the world number one. “It feels a bit like I am getting married. I wanted to plan more long-term. I want to build up friendships and I get on really well with Ralf and Gerhard Weber.”

“Germany’s tennis fans can be glad that they will get to see Roger playing at the GERRY WEBER OPEN for many more years to come,” said Ralf Weber. “I am convinced that he will be serving here still in 2015.” Weber and Federer signed the ‘Lifetime Contract’ in front of a mass collection of TV teams, reporters and photographers at the GERRY WEBER Sportpark Hotel in Halle (Westfalen).

“Halle has always been a really important tournament in my career,” explained the 28-year-old maestro, who has toppled record after record in recent years, leading the all-time list of most successful Grand Slam winners with 16 titles, including six to date at Wimbledon, four in Melbourne, five US Open triumphs and one French Open.

He added: “I have always been happy here, played successfully and gained momentum going into Wimbledon. Therefore, I would also like to continue this partnership”.

“But my aim is to be at the top come the end of the year,” said the Swiss. He knew he would only be number one up to Wimbledon anyway since Nadal has no points to defend there, but he will definitely want to get back to the top as and when he drops a position. “Being number one remains my priority,” quipped Federer.

Federer has beaten the likes of Michael Schumacher and Tiger Woods to be named the (Laureus) World Sportsman of the Year four times and he has also been voted as Switzerland’s Sportsperson of the Year four times while he is the five-times International Tennis Federation (ITF) champion. “He is the greatest personality world tennis has ever had,” said tournament director Weber. “He is a man who has made tennis popular beyond its means.” Federer himself says the way the tournament in Halle (Westfalen) has evolved is “a great story”.

“What has been built here and what is done for the fans is simply fantastic,” he said.

Federer begins his latest GERRY WEBER OPEN campaign this Tuesday (June 8) at 16:00 against the Finnish left-hander Jarkko Nieminen. The tournament in East Westphalia, which is being staged for the 18th time in 2010, is now the only ATP event in Germany where the ‘Mozart of tennis’ (according to The Times) still plays. Federer says that the GERRY WEBER OPEN has always given him a good feeling. Furthermore, it is an ideal platform “to prepare perfectly for Wimbledon,” according to Weber.

Since 2003, Federer has won his favourite tournament on the annual tennis calendar five times and he has become a firm fans’ idol. “Roger has forged many friendly links in Halle. You can see how much he looks forward to taking part here each time, and how disappointed he was when that was not possible,” said Weber.

Federer arrived in Halle (Westfalen) with his wife Mirka and their twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva last Friday, and moved into his customary suite in the GERRY WEBER Sportpark Hotel. He has been training hard since arriving to be sharp for the first difficult task of the tournament. “I am happy not to have to listen to any more questions about sand courts and my form on sand,” he said. “That is now behind me and that’s just fine.”

At this year’s GERRY WEBER OPEN, he is particularly looking forward to Lleyton Hewitt’s participation. The Wimbledon champion from 2002 is taking part in Halle for the first time. “As soon as I heard that, I first asked myself: ‘does he have to?’” joked Federer. “But seriously: we played against each other for the first time when I was 15. I defended a match point and still won. Since then, our clashes have often been really tight.” Fortunately, a duel between the two is only possible in the final of the GERRY WEBER OPEN.

Date: 06.06.2010, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Roger Federer --- Wimbledon 2010 Preview Ad Coming Soon...

Trailer for my next video: "Roger Federer - Wimbledon 2010 Preview Ad". Coming Soon...



Date: 06.06.2010

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Roger Federer to face Nieminen in Gerry Weber Open

The draw for the 18th GERRY WEBER OPEN has provided tournament favourite Roger Federer with an unpredictable opening opponent. The German participants, meanwhile, have almost all tough tasks ahead of them. Philipp Petzschner faces former Halle finalist Marcos Baghdatis.

The five-times GERRY WEBER OPEN champion Roger Federer starts his 2010 title tilt in Halle (Westfalen) against Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen. That is the result of the draw for the main field which took place on Saturday afternoon.

Superstar Federer, who is looking to complete half a dozen victories at the German ATP grass court competition, will then face the winner of a game between a qualifier and Colombia’s Alejandro Falla should he safely negotiate his way into the second round.

If all goes according to plan for the world number one, he could face the Czech Republic’s Radek Stepanek in the quarter-finals, or Germany’s current top player Philipp Kohlschreiber. Stepanek, the technically strong Czech player, and Kohlschreiber both meet in an intriguing first-round clash.

In addition to Federer, there are two other players involved who have previously topped the world rankings: Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero and Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt. The latter, who won Wimbledon in 2002.

“These are really interesting matches which guarantee a lot of excitement and drama,” said tournament director Ralf Weber, who drew some of the ties himself. “The top favourites all have manageable tasks.”

However, Weber did not want to bet on a repeat of last year when five Germans stormed their way into the quarter-finals. “That was obviously a major coup and something like that does not happen very often,” he said. “But our professionals have often been able to rise to the occasion here in Halle.”

Date: 05.06.2010, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Roger Federer has arrived in Halle

Roger Federer took a detour from Paris to Zurich - his Swiss home. The world number one arrived on Friday afternoon to 18 GERRY WEBER OPEN one to get for the sixth time in his career ATP title at the lawn tennis tournament in Halle Westfalen.

Were accompanied Federer's next coach Jose Higueras and his fitness coach Pierre Paganini and his twin daughters, Charlene Riva and Myla Rose, and his wife Mirka. The Swiss had the quarterfinal match against Robin Soderling of Sweden at Roland Garros in four sets lost and now uses the time to prepare themselves optimally to the GERRY WEBER OPEN can.

Ran the final weeks of the grueling 16-times Grand Slam winner, but tournament director Ralf Weber (46) guarantees a good night's training preparation. "We are very happy that we finally have Roger Federer at us," said Weber. To welcome in the Gerry Weber Sportpark Hotel of Baseliner received from the hands of Ralf Weber and tournament founder Gerhard Weber, a bouquet of flowers. "It was a very long time since I was the last time in Halle. And I'm glad I play again at the Gerry Weber Open can, "said Federer, who added with a wink," We have wonderful weather here. The sun is shining. Here in Switzerland we had bad weather. Good thing I came here. "

Date: 05.06.2010, Source: Gerry Weber Open

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Gillette Sensitive Skin TV spot

Date: 04.06.2010, Source: YouTube

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World Champions Dinner 2010

Despite his loss to Soderling just hours earlier, World No. 1 Roger Federer turned up for the World Champions Dinner and was greeted with a standing ovation upon his entrance. "I get standing ovations from people thinking they'll never see me again," Federer told ESPN.com. "I don't know if I've ever enjoyed tennis more… I had to tell the press something, so I said I'd play through the 2012 Olympics. I want to play more if my body allows it."

"I remember coming here in 1999 to receive the trophy as Junior World Champion. I was playing a tournament in Croatia at the time and had to take a bus and the metro in order to collect my prize... Today I just had to be here. It's an honour. And I also wanted to express my respect to Gustavo Kuerten." Gustavo Kuerten was presented the Philippe Chatrier Award as three-time Roland Garros champion.

The dinner, held at the Pavilion d'Armenonville in the Bois de Boulogne.

List of world champions:

Men’s singles: Roger Federer (SUI)
Women’s singles: Serena Williams (USA)
Men’s doubles: Bob and Mike Bryan (USA)
Women’s doubles: Serena and Venus Williams (USA)
Boys’ singles: Daniel Berta (SWE)
Girls’ singles: Kristina Mladenovic (FRA)
Men’s wheelchair singles: Shingo Kunieda (JAP)
Women’s wheelchair singles: Esther Vergeer (HOL)

Date: 03.06.2010, Source: RF Official, ATP & Roland Garros

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Roger Federer Roland Garros Interview, June 1, 2010

Q. Two hours after the match, tell me something about the emotions. You must be very disappointed.
ROGER FEDERER: Well, disappointed to a certain degree. You know, I don't think I played a bad match, so it's easier to go out this way, I think.
Conditions obviously were on the rougher side for both of us, and I thought he came up with some great tennis.
You know, it's a touch easier to digest this way.

Q. In any case, before the stop you had a set point, so it could have been another story, or he started playing flat?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, best of five set matches you always get chances, and I definitely had those at, what was it, 5 4, Love 30? I mean, he missed a forehand that was close to go up at Love 30, and then he had a forehand that just touches the line a little bit to go maybe Love 40 instead of, you know, 15 30. So that's obviously a big change.
The backhand smash he hit he catches with the frame a little bit, you know. I mean, that was kind of a hard shot to hit, I thought. That kind of shot from my side with the smash and stuff is very unusual.
So hit it well, you know. But he played aggressive and kept on coming. When the conditions got more heavy when we came back from the rain delay, he played well, you know.
That was a tough set for me to lose after having those chances and being up 40 15 on my serve when I came back.

Q. You have, of course, the great semifinal streak that is now broken. What does that mean to you? Obviously all good things come to an end at some point.
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, like you say, they all come to an end at some stage. You hope they don't happen, but they do.
No, I mean, it was a great run. Now I've got the quarterfinal streak going, I guess. (laughter.)
No, I mean, it's been an amazing run. I think it sort of started here when I lost to Kuerten back in '04, I guess it is. If then I could have signed for all those semis in a row, I would have done it right away.
I've made, how you say, incredible progress in terms of my play at the highest of level to be able to always come back and play semis after semis after semis in Slams and give myself chances to win in Slams. I was able to win many of them.
I was proud to have that streak, and it's probably one of the greatest ones I have in my, you know, history books, really, for me.

Q. Secondly, the difference between the Robin you saw last year here and today, was it significant?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, I think conditions were even harder today. I mean, I think last year's match was difficult for both of us. You know, I had a good start again today, which was the case as well last year.
You know, I mean, at times I guess I could have played a bit better. He served well. I didn't take my chances early on in the second set. And then in the third set as well.
So I just missed too many chances today, which I didn't do last year, and I was able to run away with it. Today I couldn't do that.

Q. You were 12-0 against him. What did he do today that really bothered you on the court?
ROGER FEDERER: He played really well, you know, for almost an entire match, really.
I'm not blaming the conditions or anything, but I think they were in his favor towards the end. Because, I mean, these were some serious, tough conditions, you know. If you serve 225, 230, you can still hit through the court on the serve.
I may be lacking those 5 to 10ks extra on the serve to hit through a guy on the serve, but that's the way conditions are. I can't complain, because it was the same for both of us.
But of course I'm disappointed to having sort of lost three matches in the rain on clay this season: in Estoril, in Rome, and now here again.
So I just couldn't come up with the plays when I had to today.

Q. Did you have any feeling going into today's match that you might not win?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, I respect everyone, but I'm always, how do you say? I'm honest enough to myself that I know I can win them all. I felt confident going into the match knowing that if I play well, if I play solid, I'd probably win this match.

Q. Once you got in the rallies, do you think the lower bounce because of the heavier conditions favored him over you?
ROGER FEDERER: Look, I don't mind slow clay. When it gets rainy, it's tough, you know. Not only for me, but for the opponent too, usually. It's not a lot of fun for the fans either, and for us, the players, it's hard, you know, because you never know when it's gonna be interrupted.
You know, your mind starts wandering. It was tough conditions. I guess today they favored him, but I really felt like he played great. He was able to hit consistently through the ball, and on the offensive I put them close to the lines. That's something, you know, that was impressive.

Q. As you look inside yourself, what is worse for you: having been beaten in quarterfinals and have no chance to win another Grand Slam title, or let the chance open to lose the No. 1?
ROGER FEDERER: I mean, you just take the defeat as it is. You don't think of the consequences. I guess most disappointed I am that I can't defend my title here. I really felt like my tennis was good enough to come here and do it again, but that was not the case today.
So it's more the disappointment in having maybe not delivered my very best performance today, conditions and opponents didn't allow me to.
And, yeah, then you move on. You know, you move on to the grass and forget a little bit.

Q. Do you think that Robin can go all the way this year?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, once you're in the semifinals, there's four players that can go all the way. Counts for him too; he was in the finals here last year.
If he makes the finals again, he'll feel more comfortable, you know, in that kind of a situation, a position. Maybe he'll play a better final. Who knows?
But he definitely has a chance, yeah.

Q. You had obviously, you know, a great turnaround in Australia and then the break. I'm just wondering if you ever felt you had your A clay game on this spring? Were there times when you felt you had it, or did you always feel like you were sort of searching for it throughout the spring?
ROGER FEDERER: I felt like I found my game when I arrived in Madrid, really. Felt like my game was good enough again. That's why I was very happy with my play over there. I was very happy with my play here this week.
You can't really practice with these kind of conditions. You just take them the way they come, you know. That's why it's disappointing.
And honestly, I don't look too deep into why I lost today. For me, it's very clear very quickly. That's why I think I can move away from this rather fast and concentrate on the grass season coming up.

THE MODERATOR: French questions, please.

Q. Have you ever played such a big hitter as Soderling today?
ROGER FEDERER: Yes.

Q. Who?
ROGER FEDERER: Del Potro. You've forgotten him because he's injured.

Q. What's the feeling when you have such a powerful ball in your racquet?
ROGER FEDERER: Well, it can be pleasant and unpleasant because you have less to do and you can't play your game, you can't impose your game.
As for me, I'm strong on both sides if I have to attack and if I have to defend and take the speed of the other player. That's why I had such a good record against him.
So not too much of a problem for me, but today he played very well. He was impressive.

Q. Would the conditions prevent you from varying your shots as much as you would have liked to?
ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, slightly. But then I did what I wanted to do. I just missed some opportunities at the end of the second set, beginning of the third. The rain was not very helpful.
I was one break up in the fourth, and, well, I lost three sets; this is what I did. That's why it's frustrating leaving the tournament like that.
But at the end of the day, he needs to take credit. He played incredibly well from the beginning to the end and in very difficult conditions.
So it's a bit of a shame. The conditions were what they were, but he deserves it. He played very well.

Date: 01.06.2010, Source: Roland Garros

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Roger Federer stunned by Soderling

Roger was upset by Sweden’s Robin Söderling at the French Open today, ending his record streak of 23 straight Grand Slam semifinals. Roger lost 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 4-6.

Roger started well and had everything well under control in the first set. But Söderling suddenly cranked up his response and took a 2-0 lead in the second, finally winning the set as both players held serve from there. Roger had a set point in the 10th game of the third set which unfortunately he could not make use of. Play was suspended with Roger leading 30-15 due to rain. After an interruption of over an hour, Roger eventually dropped his serve and then lost the set.

Roger seemed to come back in the final set as he took a 2-0 lead. But it wasn't long before the Swede pushed forward again, breaking back and eventually wrapping up the match after 2h 30min when Roger went long with a weary return.

The last time Roger did not reach the semi-final of a Grand Slam tournament was in 2003, when he was evicted in Paris by Gustavo Kuerten. Today's defeat opens up the possibility that, should Rafael Nadal win the title, Roger will lose the top ranking just a week before equalling Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks at number one.

Date: 01.06.2010, Source: RF Official

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