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Federer wins 10th Basel title

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

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Federer to play 2020 Tokyo Olympics

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

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Federer wins 10th Halle title

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

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Federer wins fourth Miami Open title

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

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Federer makes history in Dubai, wins 100th title

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

Federer can get back on top; He's not as far as you think

A Grand Slam final without Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal is a pretty rare event. Tennis people and the press were quick to jump on this fact and predicted a new era in tennis as a result, but I think they were quick to jump to conclusions. Like Chris, I believe it's too soon to make that call.

Certainly, Federer has had a huge letdown since the 2009 US Open. We know it and we have, many times, analyzed it. He only won one of the last six Grand Slams and hasn't been in any of the last four finals. For Roger, we're talking about really bad stats. Yet it's undeniable that, since last summer, he showed a new desire and a rising game level. He had great results at the end of 2010, especially winning the Masters Cup. but it wasn't a long enough run of success to determine whether he'd be able to carry it through to Melbourne.

He couldn't. The trademark of the Swiss has always been the ability to win when his back was up against the wall, but that's now been put in doubt. The loss to Djokovic was decisive. Yet, Roger is still playing at a very high level. His will and his determination will allow him to shine again. But he'll have to erase some mistakes like "lack of focus and no game plan" that are costing him in matches.

Talking about new kids taking power seems to be inappropriate to me for several reasons, namely that Roger is still playing great. He showed it at the end of 2010 and at the start of 2011 and, even if he lost here against Djokovic, he had many chances. He just didn't capitalize on them because of his focus issues. But his game is back. A strong game can lead to better mental preperation.

He has now has found his drive, determination and ambition back. He's healthy (even if his back probably gives him more trouble than he lets on.) He's now free from serious injury and can play with his full physical abilities, which are a key point of his game.

If he continues to play the game he and Paul Annacone have developed, if he's goes on believing in his chances to win at Grand Slams, and if he deals with the issues we've talked about, then I think he'll be able to remain at the top level and to make us dream for the near future.

Date: 29.01.2011, Source: Yahoo Sports

Federer optimistic about the future

Defending champion Roger Federer insisted he remains optimistic about the future despite losing to 2008 titlist Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals on Thursday.

"I feel very good and I'm very optimistic about the next 15 tournaments," said Federer. "I've barely lost matches lately really, so I'm happy with where my game is at, with where my condition is at. I'm really excited for what's to come.

"This is obviously a bit of a blow. At the same time, I played a good tournament. I had some really good moments here these last couple of weeks.  I have no regrets. I left everything out there. We'll see what comes next.

"I hope I'll stay healthy this time around in February, which is going to help me through Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami, and then going into the clay-court season."

The former World No. 1 has compiled a 45-5 match record, including five titles, since a quarter-final exit to Tomas Berdych at Wimbledon in July last year.

"I wish I had a chance on Sunday, but, look, Novak was the better player tonight," the 29-year-old Swiss admitted. "I'm feeling really good considering how intense it was. It was a three hour match over three sets. It was intense.

"I think we always try to play very aggressive against each other. Usually that's what players do against me; the more aggressive you play, the more aggressive they will almost have to play. Novak has great assets in his game and can go up the line on both sides, forehand, backhand, moves extremely well.

"He's a tough player to play against. Tonight he was better and won the big points. There's many good players out there. Not just two of us. I wish I could have won here again for the fifth time."
Federer has won 67 career titles, including 16 Grand Slam championships. His last major title came at the Australian Open last year, when he beat Andy Murray in the final.

Date: 27.01.2011, Source: ATP

Roger loses in three sets

Roger was defeated 6-7(3), 5-7 and 4-6 by Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the Australian Open today. Roger struggled to stem Djokovic's aggressive assault, and also had problems with his serve.

Roger was unable to dominate the match and had troubles holding up right from the start. Djokovic won a tense 57-minute first set in a tie-break. Hopes of a comeback for Roger evaporated in the second set when, having fought back from a break down to lead 5-2, he was swept aside by a run of five consecutive games for the Serbian.

Roger was broken once again to 1-2 in the third set, before fighting his way back to 4-4 with a threaded forehand down the line. But unfortunately it was only a brief moment of hope as he went on to save three match-points in the final game and eventually had to admit the defeat.

The loss leaves Roger without one of the four Grand Glam titles for the first time since 2003.

Date: 27.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Roger reached 8th consecutive semi-final at Australian Open

Roger has reached his eighth consecutive semi-final at the Australian Open as he had little trouble defeating his Olympics doubles partner, Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.

"I needed a good performance. We’ve played a lot in matches and a lot of practice together so there’s no secrets,” Roger said. “I had a good day today. I was able to mix it up. I’d like to say though Stan played an amazing tournament.”

Roger broke Wawrinka in the second game of the match, and made 77 percent of his first serves - his best performance in the tournament to date. And our champ also held him to just one ace, keeping him from earning the free points on his serve that had helped in the previous rounds - Wawrinka had scored 24 aces against Roddick. As Roger broke to a 2-0 lead in the final set, Wawrinka showed his frustration by breaking his racket in two after pounding it onto the ground. Roger went on to easily finish the third set with his second match-ball after just 106 minutes.

As well as making his eighth Australian Open semi-final, it is Roger's 27th in Grand Slams since his first title 2003 in Wimbledon. Roger will play Novak Djokovic (ATP3) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Date: 25.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Federer reaches 27th straight major quarter finals

Roger has made it through the first week Down Under and will play the quarter finals next week thanks to a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Tommy Robredo.

"It was a tough match and I'm really happy to be in the next round," Roger commented. "I'm sweating bullets out here so I'm really delighted to win this match."

Once again, Roger started perfectly, hitting ace after ace and not conceding a single point on his serve in the first set. But the second proved to be a rough ride as he struggled with his return and couldn't get the balls into play like he wanted to. But he went on to regain control in the third and fourth set, taking each one thanks to early breaks.

With the victory, Roger has reached the quarter-finals for 27 consecutive majors since his third-round exit at the 2004 French Open, equaling Connors Open era record! Of his 26 previous quarter-final appearances, he has converted 24 into semifinals, gone on to reach 20 finals and won 14 of them.

In the quarter-final, he will meet his Swiss Olympic teammate Stanislas Warwinka (ATP 19) on Tuesday.

Date: 23.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Federer back in control and sets Aussie Open record

Following a tricky five-set win against Gilles Simon two nights earlier, defending champion Roger Federer came out flying against Xavier Malisse, dismissing the Belgian 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 on Friday afternoon at the Australian Open.

With the victory, his 57th match win in Melbourne (57-7), the 29-year-old Federer overtook Stefan Edberg (56-10) atop the list of Open Era win leaders at the year’s first Grand Slam.

Federer, who opened the match with a break of serve, stepped his game up another notch after the Belgian broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set. Federer went on a run of 10 straight games before Malisse finally held, forcing Federer to close out the match on serve.

"I thought today was intense," assessed Federer. "The first two sets almost didn't reflect how tough it could have been. Or how tough it was. I think that maybe broke his will a little bit because he was up 3-1 in the second set. Then I was able to come back and win 10 straight games which was obviously a great run I got on. I was able to do a few different things."

The four-time champion will attempt to reach his 27th straight Grand Slam quarter-final when he next faces Spaniard Tommy Robredo, who advanced with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 win over Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky. Federer has a 9-0 record against the 28-year-old Spaniard, a former World No. 5 who is currently ranked No. 52.

Date: 21.01.2011, Source: ATP

Flustered Federer survives Simon ambush

Roger Federer flirted with danger before squeaking past unseeded nemesis Gilles Simon 6-2 6-3 4-6 4-6 6-3 to reach the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Federer had lost both his previous two meetings against Simon, but the 16-times grand slam winner had the measure of the Frenchman on a chilly night in Melbourne.

“Today I got lucky. But it’s all about staying alive and moving on,” defending champion Federer told reporters.

“I was stressing out (at two sets all) but I thought I played great. I didn’t panic and I got through. I handled it well.

“I really enjoyed myself tonight,” the second seed added, perhaps a little untruthfully after twanging 53 unforced errors, many of them horribly shanked forehands.

“The fifth set you threw tactics out of the door, because all you want to do is just fight and find an extra gear, which I was able to find.”

Federer caught fire early, the Swiss master ripping a forehand down the line to break in the third game and dictate the tone for the first two sets.

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
With a tormented Simon stalking along the baseline between points cursing his misfortune, it looked all but over after 68 minutes of one-way traffic.

But Simon, who won in Sydney in the run-up to the year’s first grand slam, bravely clawed his way back onto level terms as Federer’s magic suddenly deserted him.

Federer, tension etched all over his face, demonstrated nerves of steel, however, just when it looked as though Superman had left the building.

The 29-year-old, who holds an astonishing 165-0 record after winning the first two sets, threaded a forehand down the line to break for 4-2 in the fifth set.

With wife Mirka barely able to watch after he frittered away four match points, Federer finally ended a tortuous three hours and 14 minutes by drilling an 11th ace deep into the corner.

“I’m just sad that I had to play Roger this soon in the tournament,” said a dejected Simon, who rose as high as sixth in the world in 2009. “I had to hit everything and take risks.

“The problem is I lost second round. Tomorrow you will forget it and I will have to work for the next tournament.”

Date: 19.01.2011, Source: Reuters

Roger cruises into second round

Roger was in fine touch on Rod Laver Court and moved into the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 victory against Lukas Lacko.

Roger proved that he is in great shape, breaking Lacko's serve seven times in total. "I felt great right from the start. My aim was to play aggressively and see if Lacko can hold the pace", Roger said after the match.

Roger won the point on his firs serve 87 percent of the time and won 16 of 20 net approaches to mix it up enough to make the baseliners of the game uncomfortable. He needed no more than 33 minutes for any of the three sets, showing some fantastic tennis. Lacko did score a break in the second set, but was unable to win the games upon his own serve. Roger needed one final break in the last set to comfortably wrap up the victory after 84 minutes.

Next up is a clash with either Sydney International winner Gilles Simon of France or Taiwan's Yen-Hsun Lu on Wednesday.

Date: 17.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Rally For Relief raises $1.8m for Queensland flood victims

ATP and WTA stars entertained 15,000 fans on Rod Laver Arena Sunday as they raised $1.8m and counting for Queensland flood victims in the specially organised Rally For Relief.

On the eve of the Australian Open, the world’s best tennis players gave up 90 minutes of their time to come together in a fun exhibition to raise money for the families who have been left devastated by severe flooding in Queensland.

The players were split into two teams. Pat Rafter captained the Green Team, which featured Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Vera Zvonareva, Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters. Lleyton Hewitt headed up the Gold Team and was joined by Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Justine Henin, Caroline Wozniacki, Roger Federer and Sam Stosur. Two-time Australian Open champion Jim Courier presided over proceedings from the umpire’s chair.

All the players were miked up and kept fans entertained with constant banter and jokes, including Roddick’s turn as a line judge, as they rotated on court. Close to the end, fans were treated to a an  all-Australian clash between Rafter and Hewitt, before the exhibition closed with the eagerly anticipated mixed doubles match between Nadal-Clijsters and Federer-Stosur.

Later, Roddick tweeted, “had a great time at rallyforrelief today... an honor to be a part of such spirit and sentiment.”

Murray added, “rally for relief was great fun, really pleased to have been a part of it.”

To add to the money raised in Rally For Relief, Queensland Energy Resources CEO Pearce Bowman has announced that QER will double the money raised over the next fortnight and urged everybody to give whatever they can to the appeal.

In addition, the ATP World Tour and WTA pledged $10 for every ace served by its players at the combined ATP World Tour/WTA tournaments that have been played in Australia this month, the Brisbane International and the Medibank International Sydney, as well as at the Australian Open.

Two weeks ago in Brisbane - where floodwaters have now engulfed centre court on Pat Rafter Arena - Roddick and Stosur pledged $100 for each ace they served. Runner-up Roddick later doubled his pledge to $200 per ace. He served 54 aces during the tournament to raise $10,800. Additionally, the Brisbane International donated $5,000.

Flood waters covering an area greater than the land mass of France and Germany combined have forced the evacuation of thousands of people from towns and cities, destroyed homes and caused billions of dollars damage to crops and infrastructure and severely impacted tourism and businesses.

Fans can still make a contribution by going to the official Queensland Government's Premier's Flood Relief Appeal or to rallyforrelief.com.au to donate online, or by purchasing an item from the player auctions. Items include clothing worn and equipment used during Sunday's Rally For Relief.

Date: 16.01.2011, Source: ATP

Australian Open draw

The draw for the Australian Open took place today. In Roger's 45th consecutive participation in a Grand Slam tournament, he will meet Lukas Lacko for the first time in the first round. The Slovak had all eyes on him as he took a set 6-0 against Rafael Nadal in the tournament in Doha, before finally losing the secound-round match 6-7, 6-0, 3-6.

If all goes well for our defending champion, he could face Frenchman Gaël Monfils in the third round and in the quarter-finals he could be seen battling with Andy Roddick. After that, the semis is a likely duel with Novak Djokovic before a final battle between Nadal and Roger could not be ruled out, if all goes well for these two champions.

Date: 14.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Federer can win 20 grand slams says coach

Swiss world number two Roger Federer could extend his record grand slam tally to 20 if he remains fit and motivated, according to his coach Paul Annacone.

“He can win every tournament he plays, he’s probably not going to, but he can win every match he plays and there’s not a lot of guys you can say that about,” Annacone, a former coach of Pete Sampras and Briton Tim Henman, told the Australian Open website (www.australianopen.com).

“So if he can stay healthy and happy and eager I don’t know what the end number would be, but is 20 realistic, sure, why not?”

Defending Australian Open champion Federer hired Annacone after his disappointing quarter-final exit at Wimbledon last year. He has credited the Californian for helping him mount a late-season resurgence, capped by victory over top-ranked rival Rafa Nadal to win the season-ending World Tour Finals.

Annacone, who works with Swiss coach Severin Luthi in the Federer camp, said he had not joined to teach Federer “how to slice bread” but had helped the Swiss on his strategy and motivation.

“He’s not all of a sudden going to have a two-handed backhand,” he said. “It’s about combining the head, heart and talent components of a player, and understanding how they interact, the best way to match up against other players, and ultimately, the best way for them to keep having fun doing it, and the best way to try to get better.

“If you’re not trying to get better you’re getting worse, because everyone else is getting better. Roger is very eager to continue improving, so when you see that in someone who’s won as much as he has, it’s pretty incredible.”

Federer, 29, will bid for his 17th grand slam at the Australian Open starting next Monday. He has been in ominous form, kicking off his season with victory at the Qatar Open where he improved with every match and thrashed Russian former top-10 player Nikolay Davydenko in the final.

“His last six months, he’s been playing great tennis, had some down time with his family, rebounded last week winning Doha, he’s ready to play,” said Annacone.

“I don’t think I would change much that he’s done, his body feels good, his mind feels good, now it’s just about getting out there and getting things going.”

Date: 13.01.2011, Source: Reuters

Roger Federer practicing in Australia



Fresh from his tournament win in Doha, Roger Federer hits Rod Laver Arena ahead of the 2011 Australian Open.

Date: 11.01.2011, Source: YouTube

Roger Federer - Australian Open 2011 Preview Ad



Date: 09.01.2011, Source: GRF Productions

Roger Federer won his 67th career title in Doha

World No. 2 Roger Federer reclaimed the Qatar ExxonMobil Open trophy on Saturday as he dethroned defending champion Nikolay Davydenko 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the ATP World Tour 250 hard-court tennis tournament in Doha.

The Swiss player captured the title for the third time, following back-to-back triumphs in 2005 (d. Ljubicic) and 2006 (d. Monfils), making him the first three-time winner in tournament history (since 1993). Victory marked 67 tour-level titles from 95 finals for the 29 year old, who received 250 South African Airways 2011 ATP Ranking points and $177,000 in prize money. It is the 11th straight year that he has won an ATP World Tour title.

Victory in Doha gives Federer the best possible preparation for the Australian Open, which begins in just over a week’s time in Melbourne. The Basel native is the defending champion in Melbourne and is looking to add to his record tally of 16 Grand Slam singles titles.

"This is important to do well here," said Federer. "I'm not just using this to get ready for the Australian Open. This is a pleasure coming to this part of the world where I actually do spend quite a bit of time, and I've always had good friends here in Qatar. I love playing here, been successful here in the past."

The second-seeded Federer has been nigh on impenetrable on serve this week, only being broken once in 42 service games to reach the final, and was just as impressive against Davydenko. The Swiss did not face a break point against the Russian and won 79 per cent of points behind his first serve.

Federer made a fast start to the match, racing to a 3-0 lead, and despite missing six set point chances on Davydenko’s in the eighth game, confidently closed out the opener on serve. Davydenko was forced to produce close to his best tennis to stay level with Federer in the second set, but his resistance crumbled in the ninth game as Federer broke to love before wrapping up victory in 79 minutes. He improved to a 23-3 event record.

"When he's on, he's easily Top 10 if not Top 5 potentially, and that's why this is obviously a huge win, because I thought he was playing well," declared Federer. "I thought the level of play was extremely high. I was very happy with, from my side, I was almost flawless, and I was able to play offensive when I needed to, and when I wanted to it all worked out. So I'm really pleased with such a great final."

Our champ will now head to Melbourne for the Australian Open which starts on January 17 - perhaps the perfect date to start his quest for Grand Slam title number 17!

Date: 08.01.2011, Source: ATP and RF Official

First final in 2011 !

Roger is through to his first final of 2011! He defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 7-6(2) at the Qatar Open today.

"I started very well. The break in the first set was, of course, very important," Roger said. "I had a few problems in the second set, but my serve always kept me in the match. It was a great match all in all. I feel good and am looking forward to the final."

Roger looked untroubled as he brought home the first set after just 25 minutes. He only dropped four points on his own serve in the opener and broke Tsonga once to take the lead. Tsonga rallied in the second which ended in a tie-break - and Roger once again thrived under pressure to book his spot in the final.

Roger is seeking his third title in Doha after 2005 and 2006 and will play Nikolay Davydenko in the final.

Date: 07.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Improved Federer trounces Troicki

World No. 2 Roger Federer raised his level a gear on Thursday as he trounced Serbia’s Davis Cup hero Viktor Troicki 6-2, 6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, an ATP World Tour 250 hard-court tennis tournament in Doha.

For a place in the semi-finals the second-seeded Federer will face French third seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who continued to mount a strong comeback from the knee injury that marred his 2010 campaign by edging Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-6(4), 7-6(9).

The 29-year-old Federer broke serve four times from 16 opportunities and won 80 per cent of points behind his first serve as he raced to victory in 65 minutes. “I feel great. I thought it was a great match for me,” said the Swiss. “Viktor was obviously coming off a fantastic win with Serbia in the Davis Cup, so I knew it was going to be difficult and that’s why I had that extra focus. I was able to play really well tonight and I’m very happy.

“I thought it was very concentrated performance. I really thought I saw the ball a bit better. From my side, I'm really happy the way I was able to keep Troicki on the back foot, make him feel like he didn't know what was coming his way.”

Federer improved to a 21-3 mark in Doha after advancing to the quarter-finals for the sixth time in six appearances. He won back-to-back titles in 2005 (d. Ljubicic) and 2006 (d. Monfils), but lost out in the semi-finals the past two years.

Federer takes a 2-1 career lead into the clash with Tsonga, whom he defeated most recently in last year’s Australian Open semi-finals.

“First of all, it's nice to see him back,” said Federer of his French opponent. “It's never nice to miss those guys because of injuries. I think it's exciting playing him again. I think he's a very explosive player with good character, good for the game. Looking forward to the match, it's going to be difficult. It seems like he's hitting the ball really well already early in the season. He seems really energised, and that's nice to see.”

Date: 06.01.2011, Source: ATP

Federer wins all Swiss battle

Roger Federer was made to work for a quarter-final berth at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open on Wednesday, battling past Swiss compatriot and qualifier Marco Chiudinelli 7-6(5), 7-5 in one hour and 49 minutes.

The 2005 and 2006 Doha titlist could not clinch a service break in a tight first set, fought back from a 4-5 deficit in the tie-break. Chiudinelli led 3-1 in the second set before he recovered again and clinched victory with a smash.

“It was really difficult today, under the circumstances,” admitted Federer. “Playing such a good friend is so rare for me. I'm happy the match is in the past and I can look forward."

In the pair’s previous meeting at the 2009 Swiss Indoors Basel, Federer beat Chiudinelli 7-6(7), 6-3. Federer will next meet Serbia’s Davis Cup final hero Viktor Troicki. The sixth seed from Belgrade struck 17 aces past Teimuraz Gabashvili in a 6-3, 6-1 win over 51 minutes.

Federer, who admitted to watching the doubles rubber Serbia’s win over France last month, added, “I think we've only played once, if I'm correct. I hardly heard of him before then. Obviously he's improved [a] big deal since then. He's beaten some good players, so I'm sure it's going to be a tough match.”

Date: 05.01.2011, Source: ATP

Roger Federer tweener at Doha 2011



Roger Federer with an unreal shot between the legs, a tweener, against Schoorel at Doha 2011

Date: 05.01.2011, Source: YouTube

Roger Federer win season opener

Roger booked his spot in round two of the Qatar Open thanks to a 7-6(3), 6-3 victory over Thomas Schoorel (ATP 168).

The Dutch qualifier showed no fear in the first set, playing consistent tennis. Roger even had to deal with three set-points on his own serve at 4-5. Roger did not hesitate in the tie-break, though, clearly winning it 7-3. Roger then went on to break Schoorel's serve with his first break point in the match - going 3-1 up in the second set. Schoorel didn't find his way back after that, as Roger even showed his trademark between-the-legs winner as he served out the match.

“I was really impressed on how he just came out,” said Federer. “I thought he was a better player in the first set. I really felt I started getting into the match once I saved those break points, so I just got a bit of a better read on his serve. I was able to stay calm, go after what I wanted to do [and] played really tough tennis.

“I thought I hit actually a pretty good ball. I didn't make too many unforced errors. I served well when I had to. Overall I thought it was a real solid performance.”

Roger's opponent in the second round is his fellow countryman Marco Chiudinelli, also from the area of Basel (Switzerland), the two know each other since they were kids. The only encounter between the two players so far took place in Basel in 2009, with Roger defeating Chiudinelli in two sets.

Date: 04.01.2011, Source: RF Official and ATP

Video: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played on water court





Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal kicked off the 2011 ATP World Tour season at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open by hitting tennis balls on a court laid in the water of Doha Bay.

Date: 04.01.2011, Source: YouTube

New 2011 ATP season promotion


Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played on a exciting water court to promote the new 2011 ATP season at Doha, Qatar.

Date: 02.01.2011, Credits: Roger Federer

Roger defeated in high class final

Roger was defeated 6-7(4), 6-7(3) by Rafael Nadal in the final of the World Tennis Championships exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi today.

Roger took a 3-0 lead in the first tiebreaker, but then simply committed too many unforced errors and eventually dropped the set. The second set also proved to be a tough fight as neither of the two players was able to score a break. Eventually it was Nadal's serve that helped him clinch the match in the second tie-breaker.

Roger will now make his way to Doha for the Qatar Exxonmobil Open which starts on Monday.

Date: 01.01.2011, Source: RF Official

Roger Federer to play Rafa Nadal in final

Roger will play his first final of the new year in Abu Dhabi against Rafael Nadal.

Roger defeated Robin Söderling 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-3, sending down a total of 16 aces. Roger had lost to the Swede precisely a year ago in Abu Dhabi.

Rafael Nadal celebrated a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Tomas Berdych. The numbers one and two of the world will play the final on Saturday.

Date: 01.01.2011, Source: RF Official