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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.

Roger Federer past Santiago Giraldo test

Roger made it past the opening round of the US Open thanks to a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 win over Santiago Giraldo.

"It's always one of those moments you train for, to get on the first night of the US Open. You try to put on a good show and I was able to play a good match today, so I'm pleased. It could have been swifter maybe but I'm happy. It was a great atmosphere, great ovation when I walked out,” said Federer, a favourite of the New York crowds. I really enjoyed it." Roger said.

Victory saw the 16-time major champion equal Andre Agassi’s total of 224 Grand Slam victories in the Open Era, second only to Jimmy Connors' leading mark of 233.

Roger started powerfully, needing just 20 minutes to take a 5-1 lead in the opening set. But instead of easily taking the set, he suddenly struggled and dropped his serve twice before making the final game to capture the set. The second was similar, with Roger racing into the lead, being broken back, and then pulling away again. But Giraldo never seemed a real threat despite Roger's weakness during certain stages of the match. So our champ was able to see out the match in an hour and 46 minutes.

Roger will be back on court on Thursday when he meets Israel's Dudi Sela (ATP 96). The only match the two have played so far goes back over six years to the French Open, where Roger won 6-1, 6-4, 6-0.

Date: 30.08.2011, Source: RF Official

Federer far from finished

Roger Federer recently turned 30, an age when he may be expected to start winding down. But he’s having none of it. The 16-time Grand Slam champion believes he has many more good years left in him and will start by attempting to win a sixth US Open title.

“My preparation has been good and I'm excited for the tournament to start,” said the Swiss. “Clearly it's always a great event to be a part of. I’ve had success here obviously. It's nice to be back."

“This is my 13th time here, 12th time maybe in the main draw. It's definitely an inspiration seeing guys being around for a long time like Ken Rosewall, Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, and then there are tons of other players who were there for a long time.

“I feel my game allows me to still play for many more years because I have a relaxing playing style,” continued the Basel native. “I have almost played a thousand matches on tour and that takes its toll, but I'm very professional when it comes to massages, stretching, diet, sleep, all of that stuff. That's why I'm confident I can still play for many more years to come at the highest of levels.”

Federer opens his campaign at Flushing Meadows on Monday evening, when he faces Colombian Santiago Giraldo in the Arthur Ashe evening session.

Date: 28.08.2011, Source: ATP

Roger Federer: The Road Ahead

Roger Federer, now 30, is convinced he can win his 17th major title.
 At 30 years of age, Roger Federer's love for the sport has not dimmed. The great champion is convinced he can lift more major trophies.

At the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Roger Federer and Peter Lundgren are going at it in the hotel room. What is happening?

“It is about 12:30 and he is going on at 1 p.m.,” remembers Lundgren. “I am telling him that we need to go and warm up for the match against Patrick Rafter and he says, ‘No I don’t want warm up.’ And I said 'why not?' And he says, ‘Because I don’t want to.’ And I am like, 'we need to warm up before the match, right?’ And he says, ‘Yes, but I want to warm up with you.’  And then he jumps on top of me and we start wrestling. After three or four minutes he jumps off me and says, ‘See, now I am ready.'”

That was 10 years ago, and today Roger Federer is wrestling something a little different - a legacy that is steeped with such high expectations that nothing short of winning every match he plays will satisfy the critics.

That Federer likes a challenge is a good thing, because there is plenty of that to go around these days. As Novak Djokovic tightens his grip on the top spot in tennis, those that know Federer best believe that the Swiss thrives on challenges.

“One of the great things about Roger is his big-picture perspective,” claims Federer’s coach Paul Annacone. “People may not realise just how competitive that the great ones tend to be. Roger’s competitive fire is still at the highest possible level. His steadfast ability to compete over such a long period of time is pretty impressive. Pete (Sampras) was like that.”

Federer’s career could be set to a Shakespearean drama. His rise to prominence on the world’s stage did not come all at once, but rather in acts.

“We could see the potential, but his body was not ready yet,” remembers Lundgren of Federer’s transition from juniors to professional. “His movement and endurance had to be improved. And during the point he had so many tools in the box, so many ways to win. It was like too many choices. He would make it complicated because he could do so many things. Then he beat Sampras (2003 Wimbledon) and it was like a new opening. Still it was a long way to winning a Slam.”

Actually, it was not too long. Two years to be exact.

“Winning Wimbledon changed everything,” says Lundgren.

From 2004 until 2007, Roger Federer started climbing high into thin air. Here are his numbers; 74-6, 81-4, 92-5, and 76-9. Three hundred and twenty three wins out of 347 matches. An incredible 93 per cent win to loss percentage.

“When he had this streak of making every single final, or 20 consecutive Grand Slam championship semi-finals it was shocking,” says former Wimbledon finalist MaliVai Washington. “No one in the history of tennis has done that. Agassi, Sampras, they had great runs and great years, but to reach the finals of 20 consecutive majors is one of those records that will probably never be broken.” (Federer reached 23 successive major semi-finals).

Despite what it may seem at times, Federer is only human after all.

“You know, I think it is always the same for those guys at the very top,” says Annacone. “The expectations are so high, basically, they are pretty unrealistic. I mean to stay in ‘forever’. That is sort of how the media works. It makes for provocative conversation and debate as careers change and other players come on the horizon. That is sort of nature of the beast kind of thing. I think Pete (Sampras) knew how to handle it, he just got tired of it. Everybody gets tired of speculative, negatively connotated questions. This is only human nature. However, Roger’s level of enthusiasm for playing tennis is not that of a normal 30 year old. He loves playing the game. I think his emotional freshness is way different.”

“When you are a player at the top there is so much tension and expectation,” says Washington. “You want to perform well for your family, friends, fans and sponsors and there is just a lot going on around you at every tournament. And each player has to figure out how to perform with that. Roger and Pete have done that as about as well as anyone I have ever seen.”

This must seem a little like Groundhog Day for Federer. It was only a couple of years back that Rafael Nadal yanked the No. 1 South African Airways ATP Ranking from the Swiss star’s grasp and his demise was widely reported. We all know how Federer responded to that challenge. Will Federer ever dominate tennis again the way he did from 2004 to 2007? Most likely no. What is it inside of us that likes to build up and then tear down our sporting idols?

Federer does not grunt and he rarely groans. His sportsmanship and class are what people will remember most. Then there are the little things he does that mean so much to other people around the world.

In the champions' locker room at Wimbledon in June 2010, Federer has just finished a post-match press conference following his semi-final round loss to Tomas Berdych. Obviously, he is gutted. Upon entering the locker room he is handed an express mail letter. The letter reads:

“Dear Mr. Federer,
On behalf of the Tennis Federation of Cambodia, we would like to express our most heartfelt appreciation for the autographed shirt that you sent to us in support of Our Killing Fields To Tennis Courts program. Due to the genocide of the Khmer Rouge thirty-five years ago, life as we knew it in Cambodia stopped. Tennis was no exception. Our determination to be part of other tennis nations and have our kids enjoying the sport is our main objective. Just knowing that you thought of us gives our kids inspiration for the future.
With Great Respect and Appreciation,
Rithivet Tep, Secretary General, Tennis Federation of Cambodia."

Whether he wins or loses, Roger Federer is in demand. And all you need to do is sit through a few of his press conferences to observe how politely he answers each and every question.

“It is difficult to give you a number of requests per tournament, there are so many, but it is safe to say that Federer spends at least 30 minutes with the press after each match he plays, often close to one hour,” reports Nicola Arzani, ATP Senior Vice President, PR & Marketing. “I am sure there is no other sportsman in the world who is doing as much as him. Obviously the three languages keep him longer.”

“In so many ways, Roger Federer has honoured the game,” claims coach Chuck Kriese. “And in return the game has honoured him.”

Roger knows that wherever he goes and whatever he does everyone is watching. Even the players and coaches on the ATP World Tour keep tabs on each of his matches. And the locker room talk is not about his 16 Grand Slams so much as what shot he hit in practice or which match was special.

If Federer were a painter his Mona Lisa would be the match he played in the Tennis Masters Cup final at Shanghai in 2007 versus David Ferrer. It was a near perfect match.

“That match was the one of the best if not the best I have ever seen,” says one long-time veteran coach who prefers to remain anonymous. “That match just might have changed the way players play the game in regards to court positioning."

“I remember the match very well. It was one of the best matches I have ever played,” Federer tells DEUCE. “It was at the end of the season, and to crown it when I had already had a wonderful season was really nice. I was able to hit backhands down the line whenever I wanted and move almost like I was gliding around the court. It was one of the great matches.

“I hope I played some part in inspiring this generation or the one coming up now,” continues Federer. “Pete kind of started hitting huge second serves, and people did not think it was possible to hit 110 or 120 miles per hour second serves. And then Goran [Ivanisevic], [Richard] Krajicek, [Marc] Rosset and [Mark] Philippoussis started doing it. I hope that I was able to create something else as well. What, I don’t know. That is up to others to judge.”

Just last year at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris-Bercy, Federer went to the canvas once more, granting all those present a brief glimpse of greatness in his match versus Jurgen Melzer. In less than 19 minutes, Federer was up five games to love.

“Sometimes when he gets going he is on another level of tennis,” says Joakim Nystrom, Melzer’s coach. “But that first set at Bercy, he was in another stratosphere.”

Federer tells DEUCE, “You are always trying to prove to yourself that you can be the best tennis player you can be. I learned a lot since I started the game more seriously at the age of 14. The last 15 years have been an eye opener in every way of life. It has been fun being a part of the dream that I created of becoming a tennis player.”

The parity in men’s tennis has never been stronger, still, only a handful of tennis players have won Grand Slams in the past eight years. What does Federer think about that?

“I have my doubts sometimes what guys outside the Top 50 do with their schedules,” says Federer. “I feel like sometimes it is important to prepare their schedule in such a way that they peak at the right tournaments. If you look around at the top players they know when they want to peak. And it does not always have to be a Grand Slam, it can be something personal like their hometown tournament. I sometimes miss that in the lower-ranked players. I don’t think that they take enough weeks off. Because they feel that next week is the breakthrough week. Something is going happen.

"I know it is tricky for some because you've got to play when you get in, and I know that, but I am a big believer that you need to take breaks for recuperation, going on vacation, going away and putting the racquet in the closet and just lying on the beach trying to get inspired for when you come back and practise extremely hard when you come back. Then you can really play. Fortunately, or unfortunately, the tour is from January to November, so you can either always play or you can take rest and you can still play again. I think that, in the big scheme of things, that might be a bit of a twisted situation for many coaches and players at that level.”

For Federer, he has repeatedly said that he continues to enjoy playing as much now as ever.

“What I find most amazing is that at this stage of his career he loves the game so much,” says Annacone. “And to me that is paramount and when you enjoy the game so much it makes it easier to play. Roger is very, very clear and robust in his approach to tennis. He is very fresh and energetic.”

“If you asked Roger if he feels like he can win majors he would say 'yes',” suggests Washington. “He was in the final of Roland Garros this year. Yes, he has gotten older, but I think he is every bit as good as he was a couple of years ago.”

Sow does Federer handle disappointments?

“I think one of the great things for guys like Roger, or great athletes who maintain a high level for a long period of time, is that they generally maintain a healthy perspective and Pete was great like this,” says Annacone. “They are very secure in who they are as players and people and I don’t want to say that it makes it easier to accept, but it does make it easier to comprehend.”

“My attitude has changed a lot towards the matches as the years have gone by,” says Federer. “The love for the game has always been there. I would not change it for the world and I would do it all over again; I am very happy where I am at right now. I do take losses a bit easier, but that does not mean I did not try my best. What is nice about tennis is that you can play qualifying and can have the opportunity of winning the tournament even though it is tough, you do have a chance to win a tournament. The dream always looms.”

For the fans of Federer, the fact that he continues to be a threat at the majors is also a dream. And one that could very well come true soon.

Date: 27.08.2011, Source: ATP DEUCE Magazine

US Open 2011 draw

The draw for the US Open - the last Grand Slam of the season starting Monday - took place yesterday.

Roger will start his quest for a sixth title in Flushing Meadows against Colombia's Santiago Giraldo (ATP 56). The two players have never met before. Upon his first participation in the US Open last year, Giraldo did not make it past the first round.

Roger could then meet the winner of the match between Israel's Dudi Sela (ATP 94) and Brasil's Thomaz Bellucci (ATP 35). After that, a meeting with Marin Cilic (ATP 27) or Australia's Bernard Tomic (ATP 62) is possible in round three. Then, Roger could be in for a match against Viktor Troicki (ATP 15) - winner of the Davis Cup with the Serbian team.

The quarter finals bring a possible clash with the man of the moment - Mardy Fish (ATP 8) or once again France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (ATP 11).

In the semis, Roger could have the chance for the re-match of 2010 against Novak Djokovic (Roger was defeated in five sets). The other semi-final would logically be Rafael Nadal vs. Andy Murray.

Date: 26.08.2011, Source: RF Official

Federer out in Western & Southern Open

Roger dropped out of the quarter finals in Cincinnati as he lost 6-2, 7-6(3) to Tomas Berdych.

Roger had a hard time with Berdych's aggressive play in the first set. On his own second serve, he managed to win a mere 10% of the points played. Roger went on to improve his serve in the second set, taking it into a tie-break after just missing a chance for a break-ball. But he simply committed too many errors during the last phase of the match, losing against Berdych for the third time in their last four encounters.

"I definitely didn't feel like I was getting a great read on his serve today, and that definitely cost me a bit of maybe giving myself more opportunities and just getting into the rallies more on his service games, which then maybe would have allowed me to try out a few things and so forth," said Federer. "I thought he served well. He played a good match. Unfortunately I didn't play a very good tie-break, and he was better than me today."

The US Open - the last Grand Slam of the season - starts in New York in 10 days time.

Date: 20.08.2011, Source: RF Official and ATP

RF Foundation: New Zambia project

The Roger Federer Foundaton is expanding its activities and starts a new program in Zambia. Our local partner organization is the very experienced NGO People's Action Forum, active in Zambia since 1994 and winner of the renowned International UNESCO Literacy Award in 2008. Together we will increase the quality of education in over 40 community schools in remoted and rural areas. With this engagement the Roger Federer Foundation is strenghtening its efforts in the region of Southern Africa.


Involvement of the Roger Federer Foundation

In August 2011 the Roger Federer Foundation committed to a three-year partnership with PAF. The programme´s goal is to improve the quality of education on primary school level in seven rural districts of Zambia. As the government often can not make education available to the people in these areas, the communities themselves run so-called community schools. The project supports and strengthens these initiatives. The total budget for the period August 2011 to August 2014 is CHF 600,000. The following measures are planned for the first project stage over the next three years:
  • 30,000 primary school pupils will receive access to good quality education. This will be the case in regions where to date not all children can be taught on an equal basis.
  • The quality of education at 41 so-called community schools will be significantly improved by a diverse package of measures (infrastructure, materials, management etc.).
  • 500 teachers will receive regular professional training and will be instructed and motivated in child-friendly teaching methods. 
  • Particular attention will be given to improving management and governance at schools. To this end, 2000 responsible persons on all levels will receive further training to raise awareness for quality and accountability.
  • Only parents who are aware of the necessity of education will support their children on the arduous path to education. Therefore 5000 parents will receive further training and will be taught literacy skills.
  • Parallel to the activities in the communities PAF will make both the district and national authorities aware of its methodology and promote the national expansion of the programme.
  • The programme will start with a baseline study to assess the current status and will be evaluated at half time and at the end.
Date: 19.08.2011, Source: RF Foundation

Roger in quarters

Roger celebrated an easy win over James Blake in Cincinnati, defeating the American 6-4, 6-1.

Our champ was off to a blistering start in the opening set, breaking Blake in the first game of the match and only giving away a mere three points on his own serve during the rest of the set. Roger dropped his serve in the second game of the second set, but rocketed on as he converted four consecutive break points from there, finishing the second set 6-1.

Roger improved his career record against Blake to 10-1 after just 54 minutes on court. Next up is Czech Tomas Berdych.

Date: 19.08.2011, Source: RF Official

Federer avenges Del Potro loss

World No. 3 Roger Federer avenged one of the “biggest losses” of his career by defeating Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 7-5 in a highly anticipated second round match Tuesday night at the Western & Southern Open.

Though Federer entered the match with a 6-2 lead in FedEx ATP Head 2 Head meetings, del Potro had won their two most recent encounters - in the 2009 US Open final, when the Swiss was two points away from victory, and at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

In their first meeting since del Potro’s return from a lengthy injury layoff, Federer needed just a break of serve in each set to clinch the one hour, 32-minute victory. He won 83 per cent of his service points and came under pressure just once in the second set, successfully saving a break point in the sixth game.

“I expected a tough match with Juan Martin for obvious reasons, and it went better than I thought,” admitted Federer. “I thought I played a wonderful first set and a very good second set, too. That was obviously enough tonight. I don’t think I really allowed Juan Martin to be able to play the game he usually plays.”

The 30-year-old Swiss has won this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament four times overall, joining Mats Wilander as the only players to accomplish the feat, while Del Potro made his only previous event appearance in 2007 as a qualifier and reached the third round (l. to Moya).

“I feel well tonight, but Roger played like No. 1 in the world,” said del Potro. “He was very confident with his serve, and it’s very important against top players like him. Also I feel [it was] like when we played in the semi-finals in the French Open; he played unbelievable and he beat me in fifth set. I think he played like that match.”

The 19th-ranked Argentine will now take a week off before returning to Flushing Meadows for the first time since his 2009 triumph. “I will try to train hard to be 100 per cent for the Open,” he said. “I love this tournament. I want to be there. I want to just play the US Open this year, and then I will have time to take a rest, to think about this season, and to fix all my physical problems.”

Federer goes on to play American wild card James Blake in a repeat of the 2007 Cincinnati final. The Swiss holds a 9-1 record against the former World No. 4, with his only loss coming in the quarter-finals of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

“That was obviously a pretty big match for me to lose as well,” said Federer. “May be getting a chance for some revenge. I’m looking forward to it. Seems like he’s playing well. Definitely going to be ready for it.  Had a great final here years ago, and hope we can make something similar happen.”

Date: 17.08.2011, Source: ATP

Federer recalls painful loss ahead of Del Potro clash

Roger Federer has described his defeat to Juan Martin del Potro as ‘one of the biggest losses in my career’. As he looked ahead to an opening round meeting with the Argentine at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Federer reflected on a painful defeat in the 2009 US Open final when he was within two points of victory, and also on his loss to del Potro in their most recent match at the 2009 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

“I thought both matches were really good. They were both very close,” said the World No. 3. “There was a lot on the line in both matches, qualifying for the semis in the World Tour Finals. And then US Open obviously having all the chances, it was a tough one to lose, definitely one of the bigger losses in my career, I think, because I really think it shouldn’t have gone away.”

Federer acknowledged that since those two meetings, del Potro had gone through a ‘rough patch’, undergoing wrist surgery in 2010 and being limited to just three tournaments that year. Meanwhile, the Swiss won five titles from nine finals during del Potro’s injury-marred season, including triumphs at the Australian Open and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

This season, they have similar records - Federer entering the second-round clash with a 40-10 mark and one title, del Potro with a 38-12 match record and two titles.

“It’s been different roads, but here we are,” said Federer, the two-time defending Cincinnati champion. “In the first round it’s obviously unusual to play such a good player in the first round, but we’re going to try to be as ready as we can be.”

Federer is looking for a much-needed title, currently mired in a seven-month title drought since winning Doha in the opening week of the season. He has reached two other finals since at Dubai and Roland Garros.

“I am obviously aware when things are going better or so so,” admitted the 30 year old. “I think you have to be aware of those moments. It’s no good to have illusions so you can tell yourself, Nah, you’re playing great, but you’re actually not, or you’re playing badly but you’re actually playing well. I think I’m obviously aware of where my game is at.

“It maybe doesn’t look like I’m making changes, but I’m definitely making adjustments… For me, I think it’s tweaking little things here and there in a match when it’s not going so well. If it’s not working, then you have practice to go back to and get ready for more. That’s my approach, really.”

He even opened the door to the possibility of changing his racquet. “Should I change racquet head size? Should I change strings? It’s always something that is in my mind. Why not use the great technology they have instead of just saying, I’m so happy with what I have; don’t even talk to me.”

Federer stated that while he felt pressure coming into this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament as the defending champion, he also drew confidence from his previous success in Cincinnati, where he has won four titles.

“It’s nice coming back to a place where you did play well,” he said. “That gives you confidence, even though I haven’t played a lot the last few weeks and months. You can draw from the year before and the year before that maybe even where you remember you played so well here. Crowds kind of like to see you here.

“All these things can have a positive effect on your game. But important is to get through that first round. This is not just a simple first round.”

Date: 16.08.2011, Source: ATP

Federer, Del Potro slated to clash in Cincy

Four-times Cincinnati champion Roger Federer could face Juan Martin del Potro in his opening match of the Western & Southern Open in what would be a rematch of the 2009 US Open final. Federer, the No. 3 seed, has not played del Potro since losing to the Argentine at the 2009 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

The Cincinnati draw was released Friday night. To advance to play Federer, the tournament champion in 2005, 2007 and the past two years, del Potro must first beat Italian Andreas Seppi. Del Potro has played in Cincinnati just once before. In 2007 he won through qualifying and advanced to the third round.

Top seed Novak Djokovic will begin his Cincinnati campaign against the winner of American wild card Ryan Harrison and Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela.

Second seed Rafael Nadal will play his first match against the winner of Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and a qualifier, with a potential third-round meeting against Fernando Verdasco or No. 13 seed Mikhail Youzhny.

Fourth seed and former champion Andy Murray will open against the winner of David Nalbandian and a qualifier, with a potential third-round clash with in-form Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Two-time champion and No. 11 seed Andy Roddick will open against German Philipp Kohlschreiber and then could meet his third-round Wimbledon conqueror Feliciano Lopez in the second round.

Main draw play begins Sunday.

Date: 13.08.2011, Source: ATP

Federer out of Rogers Cup

Roger Federer had said his previous two losses against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga were “not normal” - both matches in which he let sizeable leads slip away.

On Thursday night, the pair met again at the Rogers Cup in Montreal two years after that first uncharacteristic loss, and this time Federer found himself playing catch-up before falling to the Frenchman 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-1.

Federer was unable to convert his three break points in the opening set, including one set point, allowing Tsonga to seize the lead in the tie-break after 57 minutes of play.

He quickly countered to go up a break, 2-1, in the second set and saved three break points in the eighth game. He could not hold Tsonga down for long, however, as the Frenchman decisively took control in the third set, rolling out to a 5-0 lead before serving out the victory.

“He’s confident right now and he played an excellent third set,” said Federer, a two time champion at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament. “The first two sets were tighter. I should maybe have won the first one. I had some opportunities. In the second I was able to hold my serve. I might have won, but he was able to finish off the match very well.”

Date: 12.08.2011, Source: ATP

Federer defeats Canadian, faces Tsonga next

World No. 3 Roger Federer began his summer hard-court campaign with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Canadian wild card Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday afternoon at the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

Pospisil had notched his first tour-level victory Tuesday against Juan Ignacio Chela to set up a second-round meeting with his idol, and managed to hold his own against the two-time Rogers Cup champion through the first 11 games of the match.

But Federer capitalised on his first break point to secure the opening set, and then broke open a 3-0 lead to start the second, proving enough for the victory. The Swiss won 85 per cent of his service points.

"For me it was important to have role models to look up to, such as (Pete) Sampras and (Stefan) Edberg and so forth," Federer said after beating Pospisil.

"Then to be able to also play Pete at Wimbledon was very big in my career, it gave me a huge lift to be able to play in a big stadium against a big player — and I hope it does the same for him."
Federer said he was impressed with Pospisil's performance.

"He had good variation on his serve," he said. "It was somewhat tricky getting to know his patterns a bit more."

Federer, who celebrated his 30th birthday Monday, is playing his first tournament since a five-set loss in the Wimbledon quarter-finals (l. to Tsonga) and improves to a 40-8 season mark.

He will have a chance to avenge that Wimbledon defeat in the next round, when he encounters Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the seventh time. The No. 13 seed fired 15 aces to defeat Australian wild card Bernard Tomic 6-3, 7-6(1).

Tsonga trails Federer 2-4 in the head-to-head series, but his other victory over the Swiss came two years ago at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament.

Date: 10.08.2011, Source: ATP & Canadian Press

Montreal 2011: The draw

The world's best players will meet again this week: the Rogers Cup in Montreal is up after the summer break.

Roger is in the same half of the draw as the world No. 1, Novak Djokovic. Rafael Nadal and Britain's Andy Murray, the defending champion, fill the top spots in the other half of the draw.

After a bye in the first round, our champ will meet the winner of the match between Juan Ignacio Chela (ATP 23) and Vasek Pospisil.

In the third round, Roger could have the chance of a revenge against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (ATP 16), who defeated Roger in Wimbledon this year.

In addition, Nicolas Almagro (ATP 10), Richard Gasquet (ATP 13) and Bernard Tomic (ATP 71) can be found in Roger's half of the draw.

Date: 08.08.2011, Source: RF Official

Happy Birthday Roger Federer



Roger is celebrating his 30th birthday today.

Date: 08.08.2011, Source: RF Official

Roger Federer - 30 Years of Battle



A tribute to celebrate Roger Federer's 30th Birthday. Made by Nirmal Balaji. A GRF Production.

Date: 06.08.2011

Federer trusts himself to thrive past age 30

Roger Federer will turn 30 next week, but the Swiss winner of a record 16 grand slam singles titles said on Wednesday he will not pause for reflection since he is too busy plotting for more tennis success.

Federer will spend his birthday on Monday in Montreal at the Rogers Cup tournament, where adoring fans have serenaded him in the past to mark the occasion.

“I’m looking forward to turning 30, excited to see how the Canadians are going to celebrate my birthday this time around, because sometimes they start singing ‘Happy Birthday’ during my match,” Federer told reporters during a conference call.

Federer said the milestone birthday would not move him to take stock of his career and his future.

“My plans are always probably a bit over a year ahead of the time. I’m already way past this point,” he said. “I’m already thinking beyond the Olympics next year.

“Birthdays, they happen. They are a part of life. I’m happy I’m getting older,” added Federer, who is married and the father of twin girls. “I’d rather be 30 than 20 to be quite honest. This is, to me, a nice time.”

Federer said he still loves the game, the lifestyle and the challenge as he ramps up his preparation for this month’s U.S. Open, which he won five times in a row from 2004.

What has changed, is his frequency of winning.

Federer, who once reigned a record 237 successive weeks as world number one and enjoyed the top perch for a total of more than five years overall, has slipped to number three behind Australian Open and Wimbledon winner Novak Djokovic and number two Rafa Nadal, the French Open champion.

Federer is 1-3 this year against Djokovic and 0-3 versus Nadal, and his last grand slam triumph came at the 2010 Australian Open.

The Swiss maestro, who is comfortable trading groundstrokes or attacking the net and who has won majors on grass, hardcourt and clay, said he was feeling fine physically heading into the year’s last grand slam.

“In the preparation, nothing changes,” said Federer.

“Do you listen to your body more? Yes, you do. Are you more wise? Yes, you are. Are you more experienced? Yes. Do you have a thousand matches in your body? Yes, you do. You just go with what you have.

Federer is happiest, of course, when he is winning.

“I’ve won so much that you feel like if you put yourself in the right position and you do all the right things you’ll definitely get a shot of winning big tournaments,” he said.

Federer said he draws inspiration from tennis greats who enjoyed longevity.

“Like (Andre) Agassi, Jimmy Connors, Ken Rosewall, Rod Laver, it’s very inspiring to see what they were able to do for a very long period of time.

“My planning has always been long term. I’m looking forward to how much more I can achieve from this point on.”

Date: 04.08.2011, Source: Reuters

Roger Federer is the greatest player of all time

Since the inception of the tennis open era nearly four decades ago, 24 players have reached the number one world ranking on the men's professional tennis tour, but a closer look reveals that 14 of them stayed on top for less than a year. An even harder feat is to be the number one player at year's end multiple times, something accomplished by only nine players.

Ranking these nine super champions by their grand slam dominance (grand slam tournaments won) and longevity, (years ending the year as the number player) reveals the greatest male tennis players of the open era.

Roger Federer

To say that Roger dominated tennis would be a major understatement. He demolished records by doubling or even tripling past them. His success at the grand slams is and will always be the mark that all champions are judged. He possesses the best fundamentals with classic but yet modern effortless tennis strokes that make returning 120mph serves seem like a Sunday picnic at the park. With 16 majors and five years ending the year at number one, Roger earns 21 greatest player points and remains the best ever.

Pete Sampras

His championship run as a teenager at the US Open, beating one time world number one players Thomas Muster, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe and Andre Agassi, with serving speeds and consistency never seen on such a big stage, shocked the sporting world and announced his arrival with a loud boom. His serve would later prove to be his biggest weapon in dominating the tour. He broke the long-standing grand slam record and became in the opinion of most tennis experts, the best player of all-time. With 14 grand slams and standing on the top of the year ending rankings for six years, Sampras earns 20 greatest player points.

Bjorn Borg

He's the first tennis superstar, heartthrob, and globetrotting millionaire. His topspin forehand and two- handed backhand revolutionized the sport. The tennis boom of the 1970's saw millions wearing headbands and imitating the Borg look on court. As stylish as he was, he had even more substance, winning the French Open and Wimbledon like no one before. With 11 major titles and leading the year-end ranking twice, Borg earns 13 greatest player points.

Jimmy Connors

Prior to Rafael Nadal, if my life depended on winning a tennis match, Jimbo was the one player I would choose to play for me. Armed with a weak serve, flat strokes, and limited foot speed, he went to war against three of the biggest champions, Lendl, McEnroe and Bjorn Borg, and posted results that are still in the record books. He played at the top of the game in the better parts of three decades, making him tennis's true Mr. Longevity. Eight grand slams and five years ending the year at number one, is enough for 13 greatest player points for Jimmy.

Ivan Lendl

He was the first super tennis dominator. He destroyed players through brute force, determination and fitness. His will to win was matched by no other player, and armed with a lethal forehand and powerful serve, Ivan was on pace to set records that no other mortal would ever reach. But a bad back sidelined his march and the rest of the tour breathed a sigh of relief. With eight majors and four years ending on top of the rankings, Ivan earns 12 greatest player points.

John McEnroe

He is perhaps the most recognizable American tennis player of all-time, the game's unofficial ambassador, and most colorful tennis player that the sport has ever. John dominated tennis both on court and in the headlines; with seven grand slams and finishing the year at number one four times, he earns 11 greatest player points.

Rafael Nadal

He's the winner of the career grand slam, a product of his brilliant 2010 season and young career that's begging for longevity. Staying healthy is Nadal's biggest nemesis; if he fights off injuries, he will obliterate all standing records to clearly be the greatest of all time. For now his two years on top of the year ending rankings along with his nine grand slams, earns him 11 greatest player points.

Stefan Edberg

He is the last pure serve and volley champion and arguably the best net player in the open era. He ended Ivan Lendl's run on top of the rankings and fought off rival champions Boris Becker and Jim Courier to finish the year as the number one player twice, while capturing seven major tournaments. Stefan gets nine greatest player points.

Lleyton Hewitt

In the five years between the reign of Pete Sampras and the ascent of Roger Federer, more players reached the number one spot than any other time in the ranking history. Contenders like Andy Roddick, Gustavo Kuerten, Marat Safin, Marcelo Rios and others all took turn on top, but only Lleyton Hewitt mounted what could be called a mini dominance. During that time he won two major tournaments and ended the year at number one, two years in a row, giving him four greatest player points.

Date: 03.08.2011, Source: Yahoo Sports