Roger Federer 'super excited' by Olympics at Wimbledon

Roger Federer has done the crying, the crashing, the leaping, the knees, the back, the arms, the fists - but best of all was Beijing 2008. The Olympic Games.

Federer, the proud Swiss flag bearer for a second time, was a gold medallist in the men's doubles thanks, in the main, to the brilliance in the medal matches of his partner and pal Stan Wawrinka.

As Wawrinka lay on the court, a child-like Federer jigged around with all the excitement of Christmas morning, before warming his hands metaphorically over the body of his "on-fire" partner. If there were chestnuts to be roasted, one imagines the pair had the necessary warmth.

Federer still talks about it as one of his proudest moments. Now he wants more. He wants singles gold at his spiritual home: Centre Court, Wimbledon. And who dare bet against him?

"I think it's going to be helpful that I've won an Olympic Gold already," Federer told BBC Sport. "So I'll feel a little less pressure, although there will be massive pressure on all the players, especially the favourites."

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be playing at Wimbledon at the Olympic Games. It's just a really big deal for us to be living that Olympic spirit, right there, at the most incredible arena we have in tennis."

"It's a big goal for me, there's no doubt about it. This is my fourth time. I don't think there's another player in singles who has played four in this era so I am very happy that I'm able to do this. "I'm just super excited and can't wait until it comes around."

While he felt "confused" when mixed doubles was granted Olympic status for the first time ("I couldn't believe it was actually happening"), Federer knows tennis warrants its place at the Games.

"I think we have shown enough goodwill to prove that we care so dearly about the Olympic Games," he told me. "It's not always about points and rankings and money."

"What's important is that the players show we love the Olympic spirit, the dream of representing our country."

"I'm happy that we're in the Olympic Games and the more we can prove to the people that we care very dearly, the more I hope everyone's happier about it."

He just won't be playing the mixed doubles.

Date: 29.03.2012, Source: BBC

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Roddick upsets Federer in 3 set thriller

On Monday evening, the two-time Sony Ericsson Open champion knocked out World No. 3 Roger Federer 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-4 in a third-round clash to defeat the Swiss for just the third time in 24 career meetings. Two of his wins over the 16-time major champion have come at Crandon Park.

"It was kind of a game of chess," said Roddick. "I stayed back on the returns, which is something I have not done with him often early on. I think he might have been a little bit surprised by it. He made the adjustment like he does because he's Roger. He started coming in a lot and putting the pressure on me, and it was 6-1 in the second and 0/40 early in the third. It was apparent that wasn't going to work much longer."

"So I said, 'Well, all right. Let's kinda go over the top aggressive.' I was able to get out of that game and play that really good game to break, and then my serve held up from there."

After losing the first set tie-break, Federer found his groove on return, breaking the American three times to even the match at one-set all. Roddick found himself in trouble in his opening service game of the third set, saving four break points in what proved to be a turning point in the match. In the ensuing game, Roddick broke Federer for the first time to take a 2-1 lead, and maintained his advantage to seal the win in just over two hours.

"I had my chances. I thought Andy did well to get the first, and then to put me in the situation I guess in the third," said Federer. "I could have been up a break early in the third, but he did well also to fight off those break points. He served really well."

"I think he had a good overhead. He played aggressive and clutch served when he had to. It was his credit. For me, it was obviously a tough loss. The one service game where I got broken, he really goes for it and it all works out."

Roddick’s victory snapped Federer’s 16-match win streak, which included titles in Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells. The 31st-seeded Roddick also ended Federer’s run of 77 consecutive wins against players ranked outside the Top 20 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.

Monday's night session sold out for the first time, setting an attendance record for Session 14 with 14,278 fans.

Date: 27.03.2012, Source: Sony Ericsson Open

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Federer to meet Roddick in third round

Roger Federer will meet fellow two-time former Sony Ericsson Open champion Andy Roddick in the third round in Miami. Federer has a 21-2 FedEx ATP Head2Head record against the World No. 34.

Third seed Federer recorded his 23rd match win of the season by beating 19-year-old American wild card Ryan Harrison 6-2, 7-6(3) on Saturday afternoon. The Swiss superstar is bidding to capture his third Indian Wells-Miami title double (also 2005-06).

Federer, who led 5-2 in the second set before Harrison made a comeback, admitted, "I felt like I had to win the match like three times at the end, so I was relieved to come through. Beating against an American in America is always a big deal, because this is where they usually play their very best.

Federer has won 40 of his past 42 matches since the 2011 US Open semi-finals. He is only 825 South African Airways ATP Rankings points behind No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal.

Looking ahead to his next match against Roddick, Federer said, "The head to head doesn't play a massive factor for me in every match I go into against Andy, because I know there's always a lot in Andy's racquet depending on how he serves. And if I don't play well, I know I won't win. So the pressure is there. That's what he can create with his game. This is why I never take a match lightly against him."

Date: 25.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer the form player to beat in Miami

Roger Federer comes into the Sony Ericsson Open as the most in-form player on the ATP World Tour. Federer has reeled off 15 straight victories, lifting trophies in Rotterdam, Dubai and most recently, in Indian Wells.

The Swiss has a chance to pull off an unprecedented third ‘Indian Wells–Miami double’, and is driven by the challenge of the achievement.

“I'd love to win another double, at Indian Wells and Miami,” Federer said Thursday. “I've done it twice before. I know how to do it, but I know how difficult it is. Just because I'm playing well doesn't mean that the rest of the group is not.”

After falling to Novak Djokovic in a spellbinding semi-final at last year’s US Open, Federer has dug deep to send a message to his competitors that he still possesses the game to compete with the world’s best, winning three consecutive tournaments to close the 2011 season, including a record-breaking sixth Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

“I'm just happy I have been able to win six out of eight tournaments. It's special,” said Federer. “I come into this tournament hoping to survive the first round. Let's be honest, that is my focus right now.”

In the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals, Federer put together a complete performance to avenge his Australian Open semi-final loss to Rafael Nadal, and followed it up by knocking off Isner in the final to win his fourth Indian Wells crown.

“I think you go into a new tournament after winning one before with a lot of confidence, so that's the good thing,” believes Federer. “Do I feel more pressure? Not really, just because I have been around for so long that I know how to handle pressure situations.”

Federer has had moderate success of late in Miami, unable to reach the final since winning back-to-back titles in 2005-2006. He bowed out to Nadal in the semi-finals last year.

“I'm not the defending champion here. I only have a semi-final to defend,” said Federer. “So things are going really well for me. It's about doing all the right things, being professional, before the match, and hopefully sort of find a good way into the tournament. That's my first priority right now.”

The 30 year old will take on Ryan Harrison in his opening-round match. Federer defeated the American teenager in the round of 16 at Indian Wells in 2011.

Date: 23.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Gillette Federer Tour

Dear Fans

It’s official! Thanks to Gillette, this year I will visit Brazil, the most important country for sports for the next years. I am very excited to finally get to know this wonderful land and spread the love of the game!

All the best
Roger

Date: 22.03.2012, Source: RF Official

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Miami 2012: The Draw

The draw for the Sony Ericcson Open in Miami is out.

After a first-round bye, Roger will face the winner of the match between America's Ryan Harrison (ATP 73) and Italy's Potito Starace (ATP 58). In the third round he could meet another American, Andy Roddick (ATP 34), former winner of the event. After that, a match with Spain's Nicolas Almagro (ATP 12) or France's Gaël Monfils (ATP 14) is possible, before our champ could meet America's Mardy Fish (ATP 8) in the quarter finals.

Having won the three tournaments in Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells lately, could play Novak Djokovic (ATP 1) in the semis.

Date: 21.03.2012, Source: RF Official

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How to return a 225 kph serve? Ask Federer

There's only one Roger Federer and I think hundreds of aspiring pro tennis players fall to their knees to give thanks for that every night.

John Isner could be forgiven for relying even more heavily on his serve, and in the men's final against Federer, he held on all but two occasions. Still, Federer won it in straight sets -- and it wasn't because he held such a glaring advantage in the ground game.

Federer prevailed 7-6 (7), 6-3 because he handled Isner's serve when it really mattered. And he took such good care of his own serve that he saved the only three break points Isner saw all afternoon.

Federer's performance against the 6-foot-9 American, who bumped Djokovic from the tournament in the semifinals, was especially noteworthy because he's 30 years old. If that great former champ Pancho Gonzalez is to be believed, the first thing that goes when a player gets older is not the legs, it's the eyes. Gonzalez believed that the older you became, the harder it was to pick up the ball coming off an opponent's racket and to get a good jump on where it was headed.

Federer's success suggested that there's nothing wrong with his vision. Granted, Isner eschewed the obvious strategy that some coaches might have suggested: "Hit the biggest serve you can and hope for the best." He rarely approached that magic 140 mph mark and clearly believed that mixing it up and making good use of the kicker and the serve to the body would reap greater rewards than trying to nail aces to either corner of either box.

It wasn't a bad strategy, and it suggests that Isner accepts the reality that in tennis you need to be able to rally and to create and set up points if you want to win with any consistency. And truth be told, Isner showed real talent for playing out points without allowing them to become rallying contests in which he's almost certainly destined to be outmaneuvered.

But the approach put Isner at risk because it enhanced Federer's chance of getting his racket on more serves. And one of the all-time Grand Slam champion's least-heralded attributes is his ability to get the stick to meet the ball. Against a superior rallier like a Nadal or Djokovic, just getting the ball back isn't good enough. But against Isner, it was.

The most critical game of the match, and the one that sealed Isner's fate, was the seventh game of the second set, with Isner serving at 3-all. At 15-all, Federer made two returns and was in sufficient control to hit semi-chip shots that lured Isner to the net. Federer made both passing shots to put Isner in a 15-40 hole.

Isner's next serve was a clever one, intended to jam Federer, but the receiver sidestepped and blocked the ball back with his backhand. Isner again had to come to the net, and this time a passing shot handcuffed Isner and forced a backhand error. It was the only break Federer needed, even though he broke Isner again to win the match.

Federer's eyes played an enormous role in this match. He saw the ball well and saw it early, even when it was melting off Isner's racket in a blur. I'm not saying Gonzalez was wrong about the toll of age, just that if the eyes are the first to go, Federer doesn't have anything to worry about yet.

Date: 20.03.2012, Source: ESPN

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Federer won his 4th Indian Wells title

Roger Federer won a record 19th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles after defeating American John Isner 7-6(7), 6-3 on Sunday in Indian Wells. He became the first player to claim four BNP Paribas Open titles, adding to the three straight he won from 2004-06.

"When it all pays off after a bit of a scare early on in the week and you get the title and the emotions are going, it's a wonderful feeling," he said. "I remember the days when I won three years in a row here, and I enjoyed myself over here."

"It's been a long time since I have been this successful here, even though I have had some really good matches here in the past, but it's nice taking it all the way and getting victories. I was just really happy and not relieved because I was just extremely proud of my performance this week."

Federer was the first to come under pressure in the final, needing to fight off two break points early on. After waiting out a 12-minute rain delay following the fifth game, both players easily held until Federer earned his first set point on Isner’s serve at 6-5. Isner held to force a tie-break, and fought off two more set points at 6-5 and 7-6 before he put a volley into the net on Federer’s fourth opportunity.

The Swiss stepped up his play an extra notch in the final set. He lost just one point on serve and won the final four games to close the door on the 6’9” Isner after one hour and 21 minutes.

The title was Federer’s third straight on the ATP World Tour, following his triumphs at the ATP World Tour 500 tournaments in Rotterdam and Dubai, and extended his winning streak to 15 straight matches. Since a loss in the US Open semi-finals, Federer has won 39 of his past 41 matches. He avenged his two losses - to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open semi-finals and to Isner in Davis Cup action - this weekend.

Federer had admitted he was not completely healthy at the start of the week, and needed to overcome Milos Raonic and Thomaz Bellucci in three-set matches before decisively defeating Juan Martin del Potro in the quarter-finals.

"I played with an attitude maybe of, well, I can only win here," he said. "I don't favor myself because I have not felt great. It would be a surprise to come through. That's how it feels now. I was able to come through, and so convincingly at the end is amazing. I've really played amazing these last three matches in particular. I couldn't be more happy. They were really great wins."

Isner had reached his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final by outlasting World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. The victory guaranteed that the 26-year-old North Carolina native would break into the Top 10 for the first time on Monday.

"It was a great experience for me," he said. "The whole week was a lot of fun. Felt like right from the get go I was going to have a good week, but I didn't want to overthink it. I definitely took it one match at a time. I certainly played well all week, and obviously today it did not go my way."

"I don't really feel like necessarily I played my best, but that's what Roger does. If I have any shot to beat him I'm gonna have to play my best. That wasn't the case today. He was too strong. All the credit goes to him."



Date: 19.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer beats Nadal to reach Indian Wells final

Fans in the Coachella Valley had long anticipated a Rafael Nadal - Roger Federer showdown, and needed to wait out an extra three and a half hour delay when it rained shortly after the conclusion of the first semi-final between Novak Djokovic and John Isner.

When the pair finally took the court, Federer dismissed his rival 6-3, 6-4 to reach his fourth final in Indian Wells. The Swiss, a winner of three consecutive tournament titles from 2004-06, will play American title hope Isner on Sunday.

 "Very happy that a tough week like this gives me an opportunity to win the tournament," said Federer. "Really it's unbelievable that I never thought I would come so far. It's been a great week so far, and it's another opportunity tomorrow to make it even more special. Obviously conditions were tough today, and against one of my greatest rivals, it's always nice if you come out on top, so I'm very, very happy."

Similar to his quarter-final match against Juan Martin del Potro a day earlier, Federer needed to save two break points in his first service game. He opened up a 3-0 lead, and though Nadal got back on serve in the fifth game, Federer broke for a second time to go up 5-3 and served out the set.

With the winds picking up, Federer broke Nadal at love in the third game of the second set. A Nadal double-fault from the same end of the court set up another break point for Federer, and the Swiss took advantage to go up 5-2. Nadal prevented Federer from serving out the match at the first time of asking, but could not hold him off a second time.

Play was halted for a few minutes after Nadal netted a return to give Federer match point, but the rain quickly passed through. As soon as the ball kids dried the lines, the Swiss wasted no time clinching the one hour, 31-minute victory, firing an ace to finish off his opponent. Federer now trails Nadal 10-18 in career meetings.

Federer, who won a record 250th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 match on Friday, will now have an opportunity to tie Nadal’s record 19 Masters 1000 titles. He closed in on the Spaniard’s mark with his triumph at last November’s BNP Paribas Masters in Paris.

The 30 year old leads the circuit with a 21-2 mark in 2012, and has won 38 of his past 40 matches since a semi-final exit at the US Open. His two losses came against Nadal in the Australian Open semi-finals and to Isner in Davis Cup action last month.

"I know how difficult it's going to be tomorrow," he said. "John is playing great tennis at the moment, and I'm sure for a long period of time. It's great and exciting for American tennis, and I'm happy it's happening in the final, this rematch for me. I look forward to that a lot."

"I was feeling the ball great. I felt I'm ready to compete and ready to win the match, but later the crazy wind made it very difficult for me to play with a clear tactic," Nadal said. "I lost court, I had more mistakes, and I think he played very aggressive. He played fantastic. His serve was with high percentage, and I wasn't able to play my usual tactic against him with that conditions. He hit the balls, every one inside the court, and the weather conditions makes the topspin more difficult for me."

Date: 18.03.2012, Source: BNP Paribas Open

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Federer dismisses Del Potro, reaches Masters 1000 milestone

Roger Federer made quick work of Juan Martin del Potro on Friday afternoon at the BNP Paribas Open, cruising past the Argentine 6-3, 6-2 to notch a record 250th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 match win.

Federer got out of trouble in the first game of the match, saving two break points, but encountered little resistance the rest of the way. He broke the ninth-ranked del Potro three times from six chances, fired 13 aces and clinched the victory on his third match point after just 69 minutes.

Federer improved to an 11-2 record against the Argentine, defeating him for the fourth time in 2012. Del Potro’s two wins against the Swiss had come in the 2009 US Open final and later that season at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

The Swiss advances to the Indian Wells semi-finals for the seventh time in nine years. Federer and will be colliding for the first time in singles action at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, but for the 28th time overall. The Spaniard holds an 18-9 record against Federer in the career series, including a win in their most recent meeting two months ago in the Australian Open semi-finals.

“They’re always special matches, especially because they’re always are in very important matches for both of us,” said Nadal. “That always makes the match very special. But even if it's not the final, being in the semi-finals is an important match."

“Playing against Roger always means a little bit more than against the rest of the opponents because I am playing probably against the best of the history, and because I played probably the most important matches of my career against him and probably him against me. That's why it makes the match a little bit more special than the rest.”

Date: 17.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer sets QF showdown with Del Potro

Three-time Indian Wells champion Roger Federer found himself down a set for the second straight match Wednesday, but rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Thomaz Bellucci in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Federer converted his third break of the match in the final game to advance in one hour and 41 minutes, securing his 73rd straight win against opponents ranked outside the Top 20.

"I really struggled to make the transition from yesterday's match. I was quite surprised, but at the end I found a way, dug deep and came through," said Federer. "It's really important. At the end of the day, these are the wins that sort of almost feel better, to be quite honest, because when you're playing great, it's simple, and it's easy."

The Swiss is looking to win his first title at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden since lifting his third consecutive trophy in 2006. In the final eight, Federer will square off against No. 9 seed Juan Martin del Potro.

Date: 15.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Experience leads Federer past Raonic

Experience won over youth on Tuesday night in Indian Wells, with 30-year-old Roger Federer coming back to defeat 21-year-old Milos Raonic 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4 for a place in the BNP Paribas Open fourth round.

“I guess my experience helped me to stay calm and just weather the storm,” said Federer. “Maybe if I would be younger I'd be more panicky about him hitting aces left and right and making me feel uncomfortable. I have been there so many times before against some of the all time great servers that it was obviously not going to happen tonight. I just hoped to stay calm.”

Raonic gained the upper hand in the first meeting between the pair, going up a mini-break 5-3 and holding his serve to clinch the tie-break, but Federer came back strong in the second set. The World No. 3 broke in the opening game and a second time to go up 4-1.

Federer lost only five points on serve in the decisive set, and converted on the only break point chance with a winner past Raonic in the seventh game, going on to clinch the victory after two hours and seven minutes.

“Even though I was down a set, I don't think I was playing poorly,” said Federer. “I might have missed one running forehand in the breaker, and that was about it. That cost me the set. That's just how it goes sometimes. I think my experience in this regard helped me a bit, but overall I think I just played a good match. My confidence got me through as well playing so many matches as of late. I think that was maybe the difference tonight.”

Federer has now 11 straight matches, and 35 of his last 37 since a loss in the US Open semi-finals.

He will attempt to extend his streak when he next meets unseeded Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci. The World No. 50 secured safe passage when former World No. 3 Nikolay Davydenko retired due to illness.

“Obviously it's a quick turn of events to go from night session to day session, from a righty to a lefty, from a big server to a baseliner,” assessed Federer. “I'm looking forward to that kind of a challenge. It's different. I hope to feel better again tomorrow so I will be able to last through long rallies.”

Date: 14.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer wins 10th straight match

Roger Federer cruised in BNP Paribas Open Sunday evening, dismissing wild card Denis Kudla 6-4, 6-1 on Stadium Court in Indian Wells.

Federer capitalized on five of his six break opportunities, winning 70 per cent of his second serve return points to prevail over the American in just 57 minutes.

"I'm always relieved and happy when I am able to find my way into a tournament," Federer said. "So it's a good start for me. I didn't know Kudla very much, or at all, really, so it was a good win for me. I'm looking forward to what's next."

The Swiss is a three-time titlist at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event (2004-2006), and is looking to win his third straight title after defeating Juan Martin del Potro in Rotterdam and topping Andy Murray in Dubai. Riding a 10-match win streak, Federer will square off against Milos Raonic in the third round.

"I have seen a little bit of him against Hewitt this year at the Australian Open, and he's obviously a good player that's up and coming," said Federer. "He just had a great run in the American hard courts, early in the season. So this is sort of the same area of the world, similar surface, and I expect it to be a very tough match."

Date: 12.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer most influential person in tennis

Roger Federer has been named as the most influential person in tennis, as number one on The Tennis Space’s People of Influence, and told The Tennis Space he is "flattered".

"I’m first, and Mirka’s 20. That’s not bad," said the Swiss, who married his wife, Mirka Vavrinec in April 2009. "I’ve been around for a long time, been number one for a long time, so I guess it’s obvious I am in the upper level, I would think. And because I do so much press I have the power of the microphone very often and because I think I am very sort of trustworthy, it comes as no surprise to be high up there in some ways, I guess."

"It’s nice to be respected, let’s say. It’s flattering, absolutely, because I try to be a role model and I want to create good stories for the fans and be honest and open as much as I can be."

"It’s fun for everyone and myself and it seems it goes down well with the people because I have invested a lot of time in this whole media frenzy that we have around every tournament. And I never get frustrated about it and I think that has served me well now, I think, whereas at the beginning maybe you don’t get credit. I think down the stretch now it has, and that’s nice, because of all the languages."

The list in full:
The Tennis Space: People of Influence:

No 1 – Roger Federer
No 2 – John Skipper (ESPN President)
No 3 – John McEnroe
No 4 – Max Eisenbud (Player Agent)
No 5 – Ion Tiriac
No 6 – Venus and Serena Williams
No 7 – Rafael Nadal
No 8 – Philip Brook (Wimbledon Chairman)
No 9 – Maria Sharapova
No 10 – Li Na
No 11 – Brad Drewett
No 12 – Larry Ellison (Oracle CEO & BNP Paribas Open Owner)
No 13 – Stacey Allaster
No 14 – Novak Djokovic
No 15 – Andy Roddick
No 16 – Martina Navratilova
No 17 – Eric Babolat (Head of Babolat)
No 18 – Ivan Lendl
No 19 – Gilbert Ysern (Managing Director FFT)
No 20 – Mirka Federer

Date: 10.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer focused on success at Indian Wells

Roger Federer hasn’t always been a fan of the California desert, but now 30 and a father of two young girls, the Swiss admitted Wednesday he’s come to appreciate his visits to Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open.

“It’s a tournament that I’ve grown to love a lot over the years,” he said on Wednesday. “I used to like coming here, but I wasn’t a crazy golfer when I was younger or liked the peace and calmness. I was more a guy who liked New York or Miami or sort of places where something was happening, especially as a teenager, so when I came here it was almost a bit too quiet for me."

“As time went by, I like these weeks where it’s a bit more calm, weather’s nice, things slow down a bit before the hustle and bustle in other places… Obviously with the success that I’ve had, I started to spend more time here. I got to like it a lot. It’s a good place.”

Indian Wells has been good to Federer, who won a trio of titles at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament from 2004-06. This year, it could also provide the World No. 3 with a chance to recharge his batteries ahead of his second-round opener against either Russian Dmitry Tursunov or American wild card Denis Kudla.

The Swiss admitted he’s “had a lot on my plate” this past month, with Davis Cup duty in Switzerland, back-to-back titles in Rotterdam and Dubai, and a stopover in New York for the BNP Paribas Showdown exhibition, but also stated, “I’ve been feeling good for some time now.”

"I don't think I have over-played, but I have played enough. I have to be careful I do everything right not to get injured."

The world No. 3 turned 30 last August and says with age comes wisdom and the realization that you can't go full speed off the court if you want to remain at the top of the rankings.

"I used to do skiing, playing tennis, squash and soccer and you are like 'I can't believe I just did that and now my knee hurts and I can't move anymore,'" adding he was a vegetarian when he was younger so has always watched what he eats.

"I did my fair share of mistakes earlier. As time goes by you don't have the same energy level so you start cutting back and getting other interests that aren't so brutal on the body. And eventually you get to the time, where I am in right now, and you just don't do any other sports except tennis."

"I have to protect my body. I just have to practise well and stay injury free. Every player goes through a phase like that where your career becomes too important to you and you don't want to get injured doing something stupid."

Since a semi-final showing at the US Open, he’s compiled a 32-2 match record and five titles, including his 72nd singles trophy this past Saturday in Dubai.

“I actually came out feeling  better at the end of Dubai than I felt at the end of Rotterdam,” he said. “It’s a good thing looking ahead. I just played MSG (Madison Square Garden), and now I play here and Miami too. It’s a tough stretch, but I feel great. I’m playing well at the moment, since many months now.”

Date: 08.03.2012

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Indian Wells 2012: The Draw

The draw for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells is out. Roger after a first-round bye will face Russia's Dimitry Tursunov (ATP 61). In the third round, Roger could meet Milos Raonic (ATP 27), known for his strong serves. After that a match with Gaël Monfils (ATP 14) is possible, before our champ could either play Juan Martin del Potro (ATP 9) or David Ferrer (ATP 5) in the quarter finals.

In the semis, Roger could meet Rafael Nadal (ATP 2) - which would be a chance to take revenge for the loss at this year's Australian Open final. Our champ could then play Novak Djokovic (ATP 1) in the final.

Date: 07.03.2012, Source: RF Offcial

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Roddick stuns Federer in MSG exhibition

Andy Roddick may have found the spark to rejuvenate his 2012 season after stunning Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6(7) in Monday night’s BNP Paribas Showdown exhibition in front of 18,000 fans at Madison Square Garden in New York. The former World No. 1, who has slipped to No. 31 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, saved two set points in the second-set tie-break before capitalising on his first match point.

Roddick came into the match with a modest 4-4 record on the season. Last week he showed some encouraging signs at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, winning two matches before falling in three sets to eventual champion Kevin Anderson, who fought off three match points against Roddick in the quarter-finals.

In his post-match interview, Roddick made fun of his 2-21 career record against Federer. “I’m obviously in Roger’s head,” he joked. “He had no idea how to play me and I capitalized on that… The whole night felt surreal. I could feel Jeremy Lin wanted me to win tonight. I felt his energy in the building.” Monday’s victory does not count towards Roddick’s official FedEx ATP Head 2 Head record with Federer.

Federer said: “I loved my time at Madison Square Garden with Pete and to do it here with Andy, one of my greatest rivals, was great. We’ve had some great battles in great stadiums, and this is one of them.”

Roddick uncorked his booming first serve on the fast indoor hard court at Madison Square Garden and played aggressively from the back court and net to take the fight to Federer, who just two days earlier had flown in from Dubai, where he had won his second consecutive title (Rotterdam). Roddick was also sharp on return. Earlier on the exhibition card, Maria Sharapova defeated Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-4.

The evening is part of Tennis Night in America, an annual celebration of tennis in collaboration with  the USTA, with over 1,400 facilities hosting youth tennis events featuring 10 and Under Tennis throughout March, from youth registration sign-ups to Kids’ Tennis Clubs and Play Days. It is part of  an effort to encourage more children to start playing the game and have fun with it with equipment sized right for them, including smaller racquets, foam balls and shorter courts.

 The Showdown was played on a court with blended lines, featuring the shorter court lines for 10 and under Tennis for a pre-match demonstration, as well as the regulation professional lines.

Roddick and Federer both now head to the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the season's first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, where men's main draw play begins Thursday.

Link:  BNP Paribas Showdown Exhibition photo gallery

Date: 06.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer surpasses 10m Facebook fans

Federer selectively updates his Facebook page, like with this photo from Dubai.

Roger Federer won his fifth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week, but that’s not the only success the Swiss achieved. During the tournament, Federer surpassed 10 million fans on his Facebook page. "I don't know if the 10 million are on live score or watching my match, but I definitely feel the great support by my followers and social network, and how they're into it," Federer said in Dubai.

"My website has been up and running since a long time. The fans have been really so supportive of me and are always present in the stadium and showing their colours and support."

Federer revealed his strategy with his account, selectively choosing when he publishes a status update, photo or video. "I try to be as good as I can with information, but I don't like to post too much sometimes," said Federer. "I like to do it when I think it's the right time. So far, there's not too many complaints. I guess you can always give more, but then it eventually maybe gets a bit silly if you post too much stuff."

Added the 30 year old, "I try to do what I feel is natural, and so far it's been fun. It's got to be fun for me and not a must otherwise I wouldn't be doing it."

Link: Roger Federer's Facebook page

Date: 05.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Health means wealth for rejuvenated Federer

Federer: Just landed in New York City from Dubai! Very excited to be in the
Big Apple for the exo tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden.

Rejuvenated Roger Federer believes that staying healthy will keep him competitive in his 31st year and more than a match for the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

Federer, who has now won five of the last seven ATP tournaments despite being widely written off for large parts of 2011, clinched his fifth Dubai Open title on Saturday with a confident 7-5, 6-4 win over Andy Murray.

It was the Swiss star's 72nd title of a career which has also yielded a record 16 Grand Slam victories.

"Health clearly has to be there with the amount of matches I've played, because I've played a full schedule. I played a lot of tennis," said Federer, whose recent renaissance was kick-started at the end of last year.

That was when he collected titles in Basel, Paris as well as the year-ending World Tour Finals.

This year has seen him collect the Rotterdam and Dubai titles on the back of a run to the Australian Open semi-finals.

"I think the six weeks I took off after Davis Cup and the US Open was necessary if I wanted to play that much and be that successful. So that was a good decision."

"Obviously I'm still sad I didn't go Shanghai last year because it's such a wonderful tournament. In hindsight, maybe it was the right thing to do."

"I think I was just confident. I was playing aggressive. I didn't doubt my ability. I'm defending much better than maybe I was in the middle of last year where I felt like I couldn't come out of tough defensive positions anymore."

"It started midway through the French Open and then through Wimbledon, even though I ended up losing. But I felt like my game was very good. That's proved I was heading in the right direction. Now just have to keep it up."

Murray, who still holds an 8-7 career record over Federer, believes that the Swiss star would still comfortably be world number one if more tournaments were played on faster courts like Dubai.

"I think that the indoor season and the surfaces like this one, I mean, if there was more tournaments on these courts, I think he could definitely be No. 1 in the world for the next few years," said Murray.

"It really suits his game well. It's just that so many of the courts are so slow now. Some are so slow it's tough against so many guys that are moving well and serving big."

"It's tougher and tougher to stay at the top of the game longer I think."

Date: 04.03.2012, Source: AFP

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Roger Federer wins 5th Dubai Crown

Roger Federer won his fifth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title in the 20th edition of the ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tennis tournament. The Swiss defeated No. 4 Andy Murray 7-5, 6-4 in the final on Saturday evening.

The 30-year-old Federer has won the title five times in 10 years, having previously triumphed in 2003-2005 and 2007.

"It's beautiful winning this" Roger said. "I've had a great start to the season, and a great finish to last season, so I hope I can keep it up. But there are a lot of guys who are going to play tremendous as well."

Federer won his 72nd tour-level title, and his second in three weeks having triumphed at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (d. del Potro) two weeks ago. The Swiss improved to a 72-30 mark in tour-level finals.

"It's great. There is no substitute to confidence," declared Federer. "I've played great. It's not just that I've taken my chances. I really thought I played a good tournament here. I played a great tournament in Rotterdam. The end of last year was exceptional, so it's nice to also win a tournament outdoors now. That gives me hope that I can carry it over to Indian Wells and Miami."

Sixteen-time Grand Slam champion Federer has been on a remarkable run of form in the past six months, winning 33 of his past 35 matches and 5 tournaments of the last 7 he played since losing in the semi-finals of the US Open.

Playing Murray for the first time since November 2010 at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Federer fended off two break points when trailing 15/40 in the sixth game. The Swiss then put Murray under pressure in the 11th game, and though denied from 0/40, he converted his fifth break point in the game before serving out the first set.

Capitalising on his momentum, Federer broke to lead 3-1 in the second set as Murray struggled to find the form that had seen him dispatch World No. 1 and three-time defending champion Djokovic in the semi-finals a day earlier. The Scot rallied, though, and won three straight games to earn a 4-3 lead. However, his reprieve was shortlived as Federer benefitted from more errors to break in the ninth game and served out victory in one hour and 36 minutes.

"The match was close I think in both sets," said Federer. "I just gave myself more opportunities than Andy did overall. I felt really good out there tonight. I felt calm knowing what I wanted to do. I think the surface, I used it to my advantage, which in the last year's final I couldn't or didn't. I think that was a big thing tonight as well."

"I think second set he played better than me," said Murray. "For sure I made a few too many mistakes in the second, and he was playing a lot more aggressive than in the first set. But overall it was a good week. It was perfect preparation for the stretch over in America. Got through very tough matches against top, top players, so it was good."

The final was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Patron of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Next up is the BNP Paribas Showdown Exhibition match in New York on Monday where Roger will play Andy Roddick.

Watch highlights from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final, featuring Roger Federer vs Andy Murray:



Roger Federer reflects on winning his fifth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title on Saturday:

Date: 03.03.2012

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Federer holds off Del Potro, into 7th Dubai final

Roger Federer advanced to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships final for the seventh time after beating Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(5), 7-6(6) on Friday evening.

The Swiss will look to win the ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tennis tournament for the fifth time when he faces World No. 4 Andy Murray in Saturday’s final. Murray had earlier beaten World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic in straight sets.

"It was a good comeback, especially on a quick court," said Federer. "Obviously with his serve it's not really in your control. The same thing almost happened to me in the first set breaker. I think I was up 6 2 as well, and he got back to 6 5. So it's tough sometimes when it's all about my serve, and then you get a bit unlucky. You clip the tape. He had a couple of chances to hit the ball harder and maybe doesn't hit them as clean."

"It was a tough breaker for me. The first three points were difficult. I got down 0-3, and from then on he had the momentum. But I kind of felt like, hang in there and see what happens. I didn't believe I was going to come back. Next thing I know, I had a great point at 6 all and I was able to come through."

In a keenly contested second semi-final at The Aviation Club, neither player was able to break serve, though Federer was denied on six opportunities. Del Potro looked set to level the match in the second set when he led 6-2 in the tie-break. However, errors crept into the Argentine’s powerful baseline hitting and he squandered all four set points as Federer reeled off the final six points for victory in just under two hours.

It was their third meeting this season, with Federer also having won in the Australian Open quarter-finals in straight sets. He improved to a 10-2 record against the No. 10-ranked del Potro. Del Potro’s two victories over Federer both came in 2009, famously in the US Open final and the semi-finals of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Federer and Murray will meet for the first time since the 2010 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, when Federer prevailed in straight sets. Murray leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head 8-6, though, including victory in the Dubai first round four years ago. "I'm just excited playing against him again after such a long time," said Federer.

The 30-year-old Federer is bidding to win his 72nd tour-level title and second of the year after victory at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament two weeks ago, when he also overcame del Potro. He previously triumphed in Dubai in 2003-2005 and 2007, and finished runner-up in 2006 and 2011, falling to Djokovic last year.

"It would be wonderful to win five titles," said Federer. "It's only happened at a handful of tournaments maybe in my career. It's nice to be back in another final. That's what I kind of play for, to be there and get a chance to win a tournament. I've played really well the last few months. I've hardly lost. It's great that momentum is on my side. I'm really match tough right now, and I hope I can take it one step further tomorrow. We'll see how it goes."

Date: 02.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer reached semis in Dubai

Roger Federer improved to a perfect 12-0 record against Mikhail Youzhny on Thursday as he defeated the Russian 6-3, 6-4 in a repeat of the 2007 final to reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

The 30-year-old Federer required just 69 minutes to dismiss the No. 34-ranked Youzhny, a recent winner at the PBZ Zagreb Indoors (d. Lacko). The Swiss converted two of the 11 break points he created and won 74 per cent of points on his serve.

"I thought on my serve I was doing many of the right things," reflected Federer. "It's quick out there, so you got to be really focussed. He was obviously taking a lot chances for one set and a half. Maybe his energy wasn't quite up. At the end he really got pumped up a bit, but it was almost too late for him."

Federer is chasing a fifth title at the ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tennis tournament. He triumphed from 2003-2005 and again in 2007; he was runner-up to Rafael Nadal in 2006 and against Novak Djokovic last year.

The Basel native has opened the 2012 ATP World Tour season with a 14-2 match record and came into Dubai after winning his 71st tour-level title at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

For a place in the final, he will face either Juan Martin del Potro, whom he defeated in the Rotterdam final, or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

"It's first strike tennis here," said Federer. "They're some of the best players in the game who can smack the ball from mid court, and they both have an amazing first serve. So going to be a tough match regardless who I'm going to play."

Date: 01.03.2012, Source: ATP

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Federer beats Lopez, Youzhny next

Four-time former champion and second seed Roger Federer dropped 12 points on his serve and struck 12 aces past two-time runner-up Feliciano Lopez of Spain for a 7-5, 6-3 victory on Wednesday night at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Federer, who lifted his 71st tour-level title at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam (d. del Potro) earlier this month, improved to 10-0 lifetime against Lopez, who he beat in the 2004 final. Federer has held 129 of his 136 service games against Lopez.

"I just tried to focus on my serve, made sure from that end I wasn't doing any stupid stuff, and at the end I got a bit of a read on his serve," said Federer. "At the end of the set, I had some chances and eventually was able to come through, even though I had chances at 5-4 and I think four set points."

"It's hard against him because he always gets the break points on his favorite side. With his lefty swinger, it obviously makes it extremely difficult, especially with the one hand. But I found a way and stayed calm and came through. Those are the kind of matches you need early on in a tournament to feel good about how you're handling those tough moments." said Lopez.

World No. 3 Federer, now 13-2 on the season, will next challenge 2007 and 2010 finalist Mikhail Youzhny of Russia, currently No. 34 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, who beat sixth-seeded American Mardy Fish 6-2, 7-6(0) in one hour and 48 minutes.

Assessing his next opponent, Federer admitted, "He was in the Top 10, semis of the US Open, and I've had my fair share of tough matches with him over the years. He's very talented. He's got one the best one handed backhands in the game and reads the plays well. He has got a good slice and has good control. In quick conditions like this, if you have good control makes it a tough opponent to play against."

Date: 29.02.2012, Source: ATP

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