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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 into the next round in singles and doubles

SINGLES 2nd ROUND: Roger Federer cruised into round three at the Olympics with a very clear 6-2, 6-2 victory over France's Julien Benneteau.

“I was able to put in another solid performance today,” said Federer. “There was a bit of a swirly wind and I think he might have struggled a little bit with his serve in these conditions, whereas indoors it is straightforward and you can get great rhythm.”

Federer didn’t face a single break point as he won 31 of his 47 service points. When asked about Federer’s chances of winning the gold medal, Benneteau said, “He’s the favourite. There are a lot of good players here, but for sure he’s going to be close.”

Federer will next challenge Uzbek Denis Istomin, who beat Gilles Muller of Luxembourg 6-7(4), 7-6(3) 7-5 in two hours and 37 minutes.

Federer admitted he is “watching everything” on television at his private house in Wimbledon village. “We have a great TV set-up where you can watch all the different sports from archery to beach volleyball, canoeing, anything really. Of course, I have a few of my favourites.”

DOUBLES 1st ROUND: Roger and Stanislas Wawrinka advanced to the second round of the London Olympics thanks to a 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Kei Nishikori and Go Soeda of Japan.

The Swiss missed a total of four break chances in the opening set, but secured the second thanks to an early break. They managed just the same in the third set, not giving away the advantage of an early lead after a break and wrapping up the match upon the second match-ball after 2 hours and 16 minutes.

"They hung tough and it was exciting at the end - a shot here, a serve there, makes all the difference," said Federer.

They will now play Israel's Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram.

Date: 31st July 2012, Source: ATP and RF Official

Federer through to 2nd round in three sets

Top-seeded Swiss Roger Federer opened his London Olympics campaign with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 victory over Alejandro Falla of Colombia.

Federer was broken on two occasions, but managed to hit seven aces and 37 winners for victory in one hour and 47 minutes on Centre Court.

"It's great coming back after winning Wimbledon, but it's so much harder to do it again in the first round knowing that every match for me is like a final. I'm really relieved and hoping to keep it up," Roger said.

World No. 1 Federer will next play Julien Benneteau, the Frenchman who took him to five sets in the Wimbledon third round last month. Benneteau, who beat Russian Mikhail Youzhny 7-5, 6-3.

After securing the first set 6-3 in 33 minutes games went with serve to 3-all in the second set before a toddler in the crowd decided they’d had enough of Centre Court action for the day.

The umpire drew laughter when he politely asked the crying child for quiet and while the noise seemed to disturb Falla, it did little to curb the concentration of Federer, used to the sound of his own twin toddlers.

He went on to break the Falla serve and held on the back of a brilliant chipped backhand drop-shot winner and another off the forehand side for 5-3.

Up a set and a break, Falla soon found himself down three match points on serve, his Olympic singles campaign seemingly destined for a straight sets drubbing.

A purple path of six straight points though allowed the Colombian to hold serve and put pressure on the top seed as he attempted to serve it out.

The frustration of three missed opportunities clearly weighed on Federer. He dropped serve, bringing the crowd roaring to life as Falla levelled at 5-5.

For the second service game in succession Falla fought back from 0-40 to hold serve before a shanked forehand from a rattled Federer handed him the second set 7-5.

A break at 4-3 and Federer could once more sense the finish line. A cat-and-mouse point at net had the crowd standing after Federer ended it with a commanding smash.

Moments later, the crowd would rise once more – a standing ovation as both players left the court, Federer the victor in a high-quality tussle after an hour and 47 minutes.

Date: 28th July 2012, Source: Wimbledon and ATP

Federer hands flag honour to Wawrinka

Roger Federer has handed the honour of carrying Switzerland's flag at tonight's opening ceremony at the Olympic Games in London to doubles partner Stanislas Wawrinka. Federer, who carried the flag for his nation in Athens and Beijing, said he was happy for his gold-medal-winning doubles partner to shoulder the responsibility.

"I felt it was important to give someone else a chance," Federer said. "I told Switzerland they should choose someone else and they then chose my partner Stan, and I think it's a great honour for him because I couldn't have won Olympic gold without him and everybody knows that. That's why I think they chose the right guy."

"I thought about it for a long time, what I should do with it when they offered it to me. First, I obviously hoped they would offer it to me and only later when I did accept it, I thought it was better for me to give it to someone else actually."

Date: 27th July 2012, Source: ATP

Famous Federer attracts athletes' attention

Switzerland's Roger Federer has become so popular among both competitors and media that he finds it difficult to walk around the athletes village at the Olympic park, and has journalists gushing over him at press conferences.

The world number one and 17-time grand slam winner has stayed at the athletes village at two of the three Olympics he has attended, but at his fourth in London he will be staying nearer the tennis venue in Wimbledon.

While this is partly down to convenience - the Olympic park is around an hour's drive from Wimbledon - the 30-year-old admitted his fame had also been a consideration.

"I have done the village before so it is not like I feel I have to do the village so badly. I would love to, but of course I have also become very famous over the last eight years or so, so times have also changed and when I do move around in the village things are not as simple as they were," he told the packed 700-capacity main press room at the Olympic media centre.

While waiting for the number one seed to arrive, many journalists were using their phones and iPads to take pictures of the seemingly unnecessary "Roger Federer" name placard on the table where he was to sit. As he arrived, people strained over each other to get a picture of him entering the room.

In contrast, only around 50 people turned out to see second seed Serbia's Novak Djokovic, who won a bronze at the Beijing Games and was knocked off the world number one spot by Federer this month, when he held a press conference an hour earlier along with some of his countrymen.

If seeming slightly bemused by his popularity among the world's media, Federer remained light hearted by his reception.

In response to one journalist, who began by saying "As a journalist and as a fan, I know that you will win this Olympic gold" before asking Federer if he would retire if he achieved that feat, he responded: "I don't know, are you my fan or not? If you don't want me to stop, I wont."

While when another member of the media who confessed to being a big fan "like so many other journalists" asked who was the biggest star of the games, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps or Roger Federer he responded "Well, not me".

Federer, who won gold in the doubles at Beijing with Stanislas Wawrinka, said singles gold was far from a certainty, partly down to the fact that all but the final match will be best of three sets rather than the grand slam best five.

"That puts the margins more closer to each other," said Federer, who would have been out in the third round of Wimbledon under such rules, having gone two sets down to France's Julien Benneteau - his potential second round opponent at the Olympics.

"It just goes to show a bad five minutes or a bad couple of points can cost you the tournament, I am aware of that but I do believe winning Wimbledon three weeks ago is going to help me with my confidence," said Federer, who faces Colombia's Alejandro Falla in the first round.

Away from chasing the gold, Federer, who has become a father for the first time since the last Olympics, also has the important task of picking out a present or two for his twin daughters, who have just turned three.

"I will try to have a look and get some souvenirs," said Federer, who met his wife Mirka at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. "A good dad should bring back some souvenirs from time to time."

Date: 27th July 2012, Source: Reuters

Federer: 2016 Olympics possible, depends on body

Roger Federer is leaning toward competing in the 2016 Olympic Games if his body holds up.

Federer, who turns 31 on Aug. 8, said Thursday his mindset includes Rio de Janeiro, but it will depend on his ability to stay healthy.

"There's so many moving parts," Federer said. "They also have a role in this decision-making but the mind still wants me to play, and I hope the body allows me to do it as well."

First up for the world No. 1 is the London Games, where he will try for his first gold medal in singles on a court he knows well. Federer's first match is against Colombian Alejandro Falla, who pushed the Swiss star to five sets in the first round at Wimbledon in 2010.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion teamed with Stanislas Wawrinka to win doubles gold in 2008. His best finish in the singles competition was a fourth-place showing in Sydney in 2000.

But this year's Olympic tennis facility is the All England Club, where Federer won his 17th Grand Slam title a couple weeks ago.

While Federer may be the favorite at the grass-court venue, the best-of-three format up to the Olympic finals could prove troubling. The margin for error is smaller with shorter matches, he said.

"We know the danger of the early rounds," Federer said. "I think, hopefully, once I'm able to get going and get in full flight on the court I hope I can be the favorite or I am the favorite because usually that's when I do play better."

Nadal has been hampered by injuries and withdrew last week. He returned to his native Spain after losing to 100th-ranked Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon, and has not played since.

Federer said he was "sad" that Nadal wouldn't be competing in London.

"It is a big blow to the tournament but he must have his reasons. I don't know if it was his knee or his preparation wasn't good enough."

"Because I'm sure he wanted to do that," he said. "I wish him a speedy recovery."

Asked if Nadal had talked to Federer about dealing with his injury problems, the world number one added: "I haven't spoken to him. I don't think he will call to discuss his problems with me! We are close but I wouldn't do that with him either."

"I'm sure he would have wanted to be here (at the Olympics). I wish him a speedy recovery and hopefully we will see him on the tour again soon."

Date: 26th July 2012, Source: AP

Federer's London 2012 Olympics Draw

World No. 1 Roger Federer will meet Colombia’s Alejandro Falla in the first round at the London Olympic Tennis Event, which begins on Saturday at the All England Club, Wimbledon.

"Federer is the favourite whenever he plays here," said Falla.

"I know him well and he knows me well, too. I'm going to have to play my best if I am going to have a chance to win this match but he's Roger and he's just won Wimbledon for the seventh year here."

Federer, who is appearing at his fourth Olympic Games, has been placed in the same half of the draw as fourth seed David Ferrer, who will play Vasek Pospisil of Canada.

Federer's possible opponents:

First Round : Federer vs Alejandro Falla
Second Round : Federer vs Beneteau / Youzhny
Third Round : Federer vs Verdasco
Quarter Final : Federer vs Tipsarevic / Isner
Semi Final : Federer vs Ferrer / Del Potro / Davydenko 
Final : Federer vs Novak Djokovic / Andy Murray

Djokovic is in the same half of the draw as third seed and British favourite Andy Murray, who faces Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the first round.

In the doubles competition, top-seeded Americans Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan have been placed in the same quarter of the draw as Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka, the Beijing 2008 gold medallists. The teams could meet in the quarter-finals.

Date: 26th July 2012, Source: ATP and AFP

Federer expecting something special at Olympics

World number one Roger Federer said he is expecting something special at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Olympic tennis will take place at Wimbledon, where Federer won his record-equalling seventh Championships this month. He is competing in the men’s singles and doubles events.

London 2012 will be the Swiss player’s fourth Games. And he has twice carried his nation’s flag at the opening ceremony — Athens and Beijing.

Federer won the men’s doubles title in Beijing with Stanislas Wawrinka and the two will team up again to defend their title.

Federer said: “It’s amazing that this is already my fourth Olympics. Always something special has happened at every Olympic Games I’ve taken part in. I learned a lot as well — like living in the Village, carrying the flag, responsibilities, seeing huge press rooms, facing a lot of pressure, winning gold.”

“I just made the cut back in 2000. I was still very young then... only 18-19. I was obviously able to make the Olympics. That was a big deal for me.”

“There were a lot of things that I was able to take away from the Olympic Games. I hope it’s going to be something similar this time.”

“I was in central London recently and I did see they were preparing a big square for the Olympics, which I’m sure is going to be amazing.”

Date: 25th July 2012, Source: The Hindu

London 2012 Olympics: Federer starts practicing in Wimbledon

Roger Federer took a short vacation of two weeks to Sardinia, Italy after his 7th Wimbledon triumph. Meanwhile Federer enjoyed his 287th week as a World No. 1 and 17th Grand Slam which is not achieved by anyone else. Just 2 days before he has returned to Wimbledon to start his preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

"Really looking forward to playing in Wimbledon the second time this year." said Federer on his facebook.

Federer will participate in both singles and doubles category. Federer already won the gold medal in doubles in Beijing 2008 Olympic Games teamed up with Stanislas Wawrinka. Federer is in a supreme form to win a singles gold medal in London 2012 Olympics as a top favourite.

Federer is the first player in the history to be seeded No. 1 in 3 consecutive Olympics as well. He was about to carry the Swiss flag for the 3rd consecutive time in the Olympic Games at London 2012. But Federer says he might give the honor to someone else. “I was offered, but I might give another athlete a chance,” said the World No. 1 after winning his seventh Wimbledon victory over Andy Murray. The 17-time Grand Slam champion was the Swiss flag-bearer at two other Summer Games at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Yesterday Stanislas Wawrinka was announced as the flag bearer of Switzerland at London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

The tennis competitions of the 2012 Summer Olympics are scheduled to be staged at the All England Club in Wimbledon, London, from 28 July to 5 August 2012, making it the first grass court tournament since tennis was re-introduced to the Olympics. 190 tennis players are expected to compete in five events; singles and doubles for both men and women and for the first time since 1924, mixed doubles will be officially included. The Olympic tennis events are run and organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and will be part of the Association of Tennis Professionals and Women's Tennis Association's tours.

Link: London 2012 Olympic Games photo gallery



Date: 24th July 2012

Federer reaches record 287 weeks as World No. 1


Roger Federer, already the holder of a record 17 Grand Slam titles, reached another landmark on 16th July, 2012 when he celebrates an unprecedented 287th week as World No. 1.

The Swiss legend, who turns 31 in August, had pulled level with Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks when he reclaimed top spot after a two-year absence following his seventh Wimbledon title last week.

With the Olympics and US Open fast approaching, Federer shows no sign of his passion for the game waning despite being the second oldest man after Andre Agassi to hold the world number one ranking.

"I'm so happy I'm at the age I am right now, because I had such a great run and I know there's still more possible," said Federer.

"To enjoy it right now, it's very different than when I was 20 or 25. I'm at a much more stable place in my life. I wouldn't want anything to change. So this is very, very special right now."

Federer holds a 75-point lead over world number two Novak Djokovic and is guaranteed to hold the top ranking heading into the London Olympics.

He now has a tour-best five titles in 2012, including his 20th Masters crown in Madrid in the run-up to the French Open.

Federer has compiled a 63-6 match record since last year's US Open, going 17-0 at the end of 2011 and is 46-6 this season.

Despite equalling Sampras's record of seven Wimbledon titles, Federer believes it wasn't just his victory at the All England Club over Andy Murray in the final that enabled him to return to the top.

He believes it was due to a series of highs and lows, notably a heartbreaking loss to Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals last September where he had been two sets to love ahead with match points.

"I think it was a time where I just had to believe that things were going to turn around for me," said Federer.

"I think when I came back to Basel (last autumn), which was a home tournament, things obviously changed for me to winning ways again."

"Then the confidence rose as I went to Paris and also to London (where he won the World Tour Finals for the 6th time). I think this is when I realised a lot is possible in 2012."

Federer first took the world number one spot in February 2004 and held it until August 2008. Then he reclaimed it in July 2009.

A special shoe was gifted to Roger Federer by Nike Tennis:


Link: More photos

A tribute to Roger Federer by ATP:


Roger Federer Tribute page by ATP

Date: 16th July 2012, Source: AFP, ATP and Nike Tennis

Sports World and Celebrities reacts to Federer's 7th Wimbledon Triumph

Tiger Woods: Congratulations to Murray who has done his best . But we have seen why the Fed is the GOAT.



Valentino Rossi: Standing Ovation for King Roger.

Diego Armando Maradona: How great art, Federer. True history of world sport.

Alessandro Del Piero: Endless Federer ! Congratulations Roger, a huge sample, 7 times King at Wimbledon.



Rio Ferdinand: Well done Andy Murray no disgrace losing to the best that ever played tennis. Great final to have been present at.

Rafael Nadal: Congrats Roger for your victory and also Andy for this great tournament.



Stanislas Wawrinka: Great, Roger.



Feliciano Lopez: Roger Federer ... Eternal. The day when he retire will leave a huge void ... there will be no one like him beyond the titles and records.



Lindsey Vonn: This is the reason why I love sports. Roger Federer Wolrd No. 1 again. You are wonderful.

Flavia Pennetta: Big Roger, Wimbledon is your house!

Fabio Fognini: King Roger. 7 titles at Wimbledon and the new number 1. No Comment.

Juan Ignacio Chela: Roger continues to win trophies ... I ... towels.



Gustavo Kuerten: Genius



Milos Raonic: Congratulations to Roger. He probably has more trophies than towels.



Gisela Dulko: Roger is the greatest of all, it’s wonderful to see you play tennis! Simply the best ... RF

.

Jimmy Connors: Glad that Federer has won again a Grand Slam. It 's nice to see how well we are at 30 years old and that with a little hard work, we can still win.



Riccardo Piatti: I wish that all those who in recent years have said 'Roger is over' now admit to being wrong, but it will not happen. Respect for Roger, always!

Manu Ginobili: Roger Federer is back on the number 1 after the seventh Wimbledon triumph. Without question one of the best athletes that ever lived.

Sepp Blatter: Congratulations to Roger Federer. A record seventh Wimbledon victory. Murray drove the whole time. Murray's TV interview shows the sport in all its brutality. Very brave. His time will come.

Lara Gut: The No. 1 Roger again! Wow! This is spectacular!

Russell Crowe: Federer, 7 Wimbledon title. Andy Murray, you are a champion in my eyes. One day you'll be there.

Date: 12th July 2012

Federer back on top of the world says Swiss press

At 30, Federer equalled a record by claiming the tournament title for the seventh time on Sunday, beating Andy Murray of Britain, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4. He also ensured he would be sitting on top of the world ranking, putting him level with American Pete Sampras’ record of 286 weeks as number one.

The media had openly questioned whether the Swiss player could return to the top and if he should have retired rather than press on after being regularly outplayed by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for the past two years. Certainly not because he was not respected.

“The fact that Switzerland has never had such a good ambassador, and probably never will have, has never been questioned over the past two-and-a-half years,” wrote the tabloid Blick. “There was always respect for his career.”

Yet there was plenty of doubt if he still had what it takes to be the king of the hill.

“This victory, which seemed improbable a year ago, is a sort of rebirth of a champion, the biggest in tennis history, who can only be worshipped and even venerated,” said the Tribune de Genève. “Except Roger Federer is no saint. At least not yet.”

The Blick cranked up the hyperbole, stating that “the star named Roger shines brighter than ever” and that “the world could only bow before him”.

Federer’s hometown Basler Zeitung laid it on as well. “Roger Federer is without a doubt the best player in tennis history,” its sports correspondent wrote.

This evaluation was backed up by Fribourg’s La Liberté, which said that by reclaiming the number one position this week, Federer had completed the last step that enabled him to wear the honorary mantle of best player of all time.

For Zurich’s Tages-Anzeiger, the Swiss player’s performance at Wimbledon was his biggest triumph. “He managed to turn back the clock and defy the laws of this sport,” it said.

Even if younger players were ready to shake up the hierarchy, it added, “Federer was not ready to accept it.”

So how did Federer stop the clock? According to the Tages-Anzeiger, it boiled down to the player being not just an exceptional talent, but also an excellent manager of his resources and his career.

For the Berner Zeitung, Federer has “dominated not thanks to brute force, but because of his unmatched play”.

Nobody expects the Swiss star to stop his winning ways either. “Roger Federer’s hunger is still there,” wrote Geneva’s Le Temps. “He is perhaps unconsciously more selective in his approach, a fact that is reinforced when history beckons.”

The Tribune concurred, adding that “it would be wrong to think that the treat he served himself in the grass court temple won’t be followed by others”.

Whatever the outcome, the Berner Zeitung advises tennis fans to enjoy his future outings. “Who knows when we will see someone with so many shots, so elegant, so talented, play again,” it said.

For Zurich’s Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Federer’s place in history is assured. “The future will open the eyes of the few who didn’t realise how exceptional Federer’s career has been,” it wrote. “His seventh Wimbledon victory was the crowning achievement of a golden era.”

Date: 10th July 2012, Source: Scott Capper, swissinfo.ch

Federer hasn't decided whether to carry Swiss flag in London 2012 Olympics

Roger Federer has not decided whether to accept an offer to carry Switzerland's flag during the opening ceremonies for the London Olympics.

Federer says he might give the honor to someone else.

“I was offered, but I might give another athlete a chance,” said the World No. 1 after winning his seventh Wimbledon over Andy Murray.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion was the Swiss flag-bearer at two other Summer Games.

He teamed with Stanislas Wawrinka to win a gold medal in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Speaking Monday a day after winning his record-tying seventh Wimbledon title, Federer says an announcement on the flag choice could come "in the next 10 days or so."

The opening ceremonies are July 27. The Olympic tennis competition, which is being held at the All England Club, starts the following day.

Date: 9th July 2012, Source: AP

Roger Federer Wimbledon triumph wins Oxfam £100,000

A bet placed on Wimbledon champion Roger Federer nearly a decade ago has netted more than £100,000 for Oxfam.

In 2003 Nick Newlife, from Oxfordshire, made a wager of £1,520, at odds of 66/1, that the Swiss tennis star would win seven Wimbledon titles by 2019.

Mr Newlife died in 2009 but had left the betting slip to Oxfam in his will.

Federer's defeat of Britain's Andy Murray in Sunday's Wimbledon final means the charity will now collect a payout from William Hill of £101,840.

Andrew Barton, from Oxfam, told BBC Radio 5 live that it had been a difficult match to watch because his loyalties were split.

"It's just so unfortunate that he nailed it against Andy Murray," he said.

"I was just sitting there watching the tennis and I kept finding myself calling for Murray, particularly in that long game in the third set.

"And then my head is telling me: Andrew, remember Oxfam gets the money if Federer wins."

Mr Newlife, from Tackley, who was 59 when he died, had written to William Hill requesting the bet in 2003.

Spokesman for the bookmaker Graham Sharpe has described the wager as "unique".

William Hill said it had already paid out £16,750 to Oxfam from another bet placed by Mr Newlife, of £250 at 66/1, that Federer would win 14 Grand Slam events.

The Swiss reached that mark at the 2009 French Open and is now a 17-time Grand Slam champion.

Date: 9th July 2012, Source: BBC UK

Federer wins record 7th Wimbledon Crown

Roger Federer outgunned Andy Murray 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 to win a record-equaling seventh Wimbledon title and 17th Grand Slam crown. Federer will return to World No. 1 in the ATP Rankings on Monday.

The Swiss third seed recovered from a slow start to dominate the match and return to the top of the world rankings, ending Murray's hopes of becoming the first British man to win the title on home soil for 76 years.

FIRST SET: Federer and Murray walked out on Centre Court at 2 p.m.; barely 20 minutes after a light rain shower had forced ground staff to cover the sport’s grandest stage. As dark clouds passed overhead, Murray got off to a fine start by breaking Federer in the first game, with the Swiss hitting a forehand drive volley long at 30/40. Murray played with confidence in his first service game, attacking the short ball, to hold to 30. The Scot’s lead was short-lived, however, as Federer came back at him to win the next three games. Murray had three game points in the fourth game, but Federer upped his power level to quieten British support.

Murray continued to target Federer’s backhand in long rallies, but anything remotely short and Federer pounced, moving swiftly to hit forehands. The fourth seed dug deep at 3-4, saving two break points in a game that included five deuces. In the ninth game, Federer made two forehand errors that saw Murray earn two break point opportunities. Murray then got Federer off-balance to force a backhand error and went onto clinch the 57-minute set – his first set in his fourth Grand Slam championship final. He’d committed just five unforced errors.


SECOND SET: Federer continued to attack the net at the start of the second set, forcing Murray to weather an early storm by saving one break point at 0-1. It was Federer’s turn at 2-2, when he found himself at 15/40. Federer stayed positive and got back to deuce with service winners, but his forehand proved to be an area for concern. At 4-4, Federer found himself at 30/40. Hitting a second serve, he engaged Murray in a short baseline rally that ended when Murray over-hit a backhand.

In the next game, Murray moved into a 30/0 lead, but Federer won four straight points to level the score-line at one-set apiece. At 30/30, he hit a perfectly timed forehand drop volley, which Murray scrambled for, but struck long. Then, on set point, Federer played a well-constructed point, finishing with a backhand drop volley by cutting across it to take off the pace. It left Murray with no chance. Federer won 19 of his 25 net points and hit 19 winners during the 54-minute set.

THIRD SET: At 1-1, with Federer serving at 40/0, the finalists left Centre Court due to rain. At 4:20 p.m., with the players back in the locker room, Wimbledon Referee Andrew Jarrett decided to close the roof. At 4:45 p.m., Federer and Murray returned to the court.

The match went with serve until a dramatic sixth game, when Federer made his move. Murray, who led 40/0, was forced to save five break points with some big serves. But Federer proved to be relentless, and, in a 19-minute game featuring 10 deuces, he eventually wore down Murray, to break for a 4-2 lead, after Murray hit a slice backhand into the net. Federer won the third set with his fourth ace, having won a remarkable 85 per cent of his first service points.

FOURTH SET: Murray may have broken Federer for a 2-0 lead in the fourth set, but narrowly missed a forehand down the line, which he hit on the run. Federer’s forehand went from strength to strength and at 2-2, Murray found himself serving at 15/40. Federer took his first break point chance, drawing Murray to the net, before wrong-footing the Scot with a backhand crosscourt winner.

Murray’s error count started to increase as he attempted to break back, while Federer stuck to his service patterns and joined Pete Sampras and William Renshaw with seven Wimbledon titles. By closing out to 30, to seal the his 17th major championship, it also signalled Federer’s return to No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.

“Today was unique because of playing Andy,” said Federer. “Obviously, being able to play or finish a match under the roof, I don't think that's ever been done before here for a final. So that's been different, as well. I'm happy I got a victory today, but obviously it was very, very special."

"I played some of my best tennis in my last couple of matches," Federer told the crowd after lifting the trophy."

"I couldn't be more happy. It feels great being back here as the winner and it's a great moment. It feels nice to have this trophy back after three years."

"This year, I guess, I decided in the bigger matches, to take it more to my opponent instead of waiting a bit more for the mistakes," said Federer. "This is, I guess, how you want to win Wimbledon, by going after your shots, believing you can do it, and that's what I was able to do today. It's special."

"This one hasn't quite sunk in yet for some reason. I guess I was trying to be so focused in the moment itself that when it all happened I was just so happy that it was all over and that the pressure was gone basically."

An emotional Murray struggled to hold himself together when he took the microphone after his first Wimbledon final.

"I am getting closer," Murray, who had twice lost to Federer in straight sets in grand slam finals, tearfully told the crowd. "I'd like to congratulate Roger. He played a great tournament and he's not bad for a 30-year-old."

“I thought I played a pretty good match,” said Murray. “There was a lot of close shots, a lot of close games, a lot of break points here and there. He played very, very well the last two sets especially. When the roof closed, he played unbelievable tennis.”

Date: 8th July 2012, Source: ATP and Reuters

Federer vs. Murray: Expert Predictions for Men's Final

No matter who wins, history will be made in Sunday's Wimbledon final between Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

The third-seeded Federer is looking to enhance his case for the undisputed title of "Greatest of All-Time," while No. 4 Murray is looking to become the first Brit to claim the Wimbledon crown since Fred Perry in 1936.

If Federer wins, he will push his Grand Slam singles record to 17, tie Pete Sampras for the most Wimbledon titles ever (seven) and reclaim his spot as the world's No. 1 player. That would also tie him with Sampras for most weeks (286) at the top of the rankings.

On the other hand, if Murray wins, he will reach immortal status in Great Britain, cementing his legacy as one of the top athletes in the nation's rich sporting history.

Regardless of who comes out on top, the stage has been set for an instant classic.

Murray leads their career series 8-7, but Federer has won both their meetings in Grand Slam finals. He defeated Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 in the 2008 U.S. Open, then beat him 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (11) at the 2010 Australian Open.

According to the fans, a similar result will occur on Sunday. In a recent ESPN SportsNation poll, 77 percent of the 26,834 (and counting) voters predicted a victory for Federer.

Do the top tennis experts from around the web agree? Just scroll down to find out.

 Expert  Credentials  Prediction
 Pete Sampras  Tennis Legend  Federer
 Chris Chase  Yahoo! Sports Blogger  Federer
 Darren Cahill  ESPN Analyst  Federer
 Chris Everett  ESPN Analyst  Federer
 Pam Shriver  ESPN Analyst  Federer
 Kamakshi Tandon  ESPN Writer  Federer
 Julie Hayes  Yahoo! Sports Contributor  Murray

Boris Becker: "Roger is probably the greatest player of all time on grass, and it’s hard to describe just how difficult it can be to go up against somebody with so many options, so much talent. Roger has the whole arsenal: the half-volley, the second serve, the slice backhand and the drop shot. He brings it to you from the off, and on grass it’s so hard to compete with that weaponry because it’s the hardest surface to defend on. For me, Roger is the favourite by 55 per cent to 45. He has already been in too many this position not to know what he wants to do. He will have a good idea exactly how he wants to play this final, and I expect him to come out ultra-aggressive, trying to blitz Murray in the same way that Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did for much of the third and fourth sets."

Date: 07.07.2012, Source: Bleacher Report

Novak says Federer's return to World No.1 would be 'Well Deserved'

Novak Djokovic says that Roger Federer's return to World No. 1 will be well deserved if it happens. The Swiss will usurp the top spot from Djokovic in the South African Airways ATP Rankings if he wins a seventh Wimbledon title on Sunday.

“If he wins and becomes No. 1, it's going to be well deserved,” Djokovic said. “He's played fantastic this year. He's been so consistent. If he wins, he wins. There's nothing I can do about it. The best player will win this tournament. I'm out.”

The Serb believes Federer has been knocking on the doorstep of winning his 17th Grand Slam title the past two seasons.

“The last couple years, he didn't win a major, but he was in a couple of finals and was always in the semi-finals. He's always playing close matches,” said Djokovic. “This is tennis. He was so dominant, and then you had Nadal who made a great rivalry with him. Then myself, Murray, a couple other players who were young and who started believing they can win against him. That's what I think makes this era right now in men's tennis very interesting.”

Roger Federer will attempt to regain the World No. 1 ranking by clinching a record-equalling seventh title at The Championships on Sunday when he faces Andy Murray who ended Britain's 74-year wait for a male Wimbledon finalist.

Should the Swiss superstar go onto lift his 17th Grand Slam championship trophy – in his 24th major final – he will regain No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings on Monday.

“I've got a tough task ahead of me,” third seed Federer told BBC Television on Friday. “There's a lot on the line for me, all-time Grand Slam record, World No. 1.”

Federer, who is already guaranteed to replace Rafael Nadal as the World No. 2, has been World No. 1 for 285 weeks, one week shy of all-time record-holder Pete Sampras on 286 weeks.

“Everybody knows what a hero Sampras is to me and how much I admire what he's been able to achieve in tennis,” said Federer in his post-match press conference. “I don't think he ever lost a Grand Slam final here at Wimbledon. He won seven out of seven, which is just incredible, particularly in the times he played against all these big servers. So I'm very proud to have a shot of equalling Pete, but right now the focus is obviously resting and preparing for the next match.”

''I've had experience playing Roger in the finals of slams before,'' Murray said. ''I'm going to use that to my advantage and learn from my mistakes and also the things he did well.''

Date: 06.07.2012, Source: ATP

Federer reaches record 8th Wimbledon final after defeating Djokovic

Roger Federer defeated top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 on Friday at The Championships. The Swiss superstar will now have an opportunity to regain the World No. 1 in the ATP Rankings on Monday with victory in his eighth Wimbledon final.

''This is what you want to be playing for - the Wimbledon trophy,'' Federer said. ''I've got a tough task ahead of me.''

Once rain started to fall at 7:15 a.m., Wimbledon Referee Andrew Jarrett had no choice but to close the Centre Court roof well before play got underway at 1:11 p.m. Both players had trained indoors at Aorangi Park mid-morning.

The first set went with serve until the sixth game, when, at 30/30, Djokovic was drawn to the net. Attempting to split-step for a volley, he slipped. Federer converted the break point when Djokovic hit a crosscourt backhand into the net. Federer went onto hold to love for a 5-2 lead.

Federer, who tried to avoid getting into long baseline rallies, honed in on Djokovic’s backhand throughout the 24-minute opener, which he clinched with a love service hold. Federer hit seven winners, including a forehand winner down the line to finish, and committed just two unforced errors. He won 20 of his 24 service points.

Djokovic grew in confidence throughout the second set. No longer hesitant in striking his backhand, the Serbian opened up a 2-0 lead with a backhand winner down the line. Federer couldn't quite come back from losing the first two points of the game. The service break proved to be enough for Djokovic, who clinched the set in 30 minutes with tennis of the highest quality.

At the start of the third set, a key stage of the match, both players were not playing with great fluency. Federer made two costly errors at 15/30 and 30/40 in the second game, when he missed a backhand and forehand respectively, with the court at his disposal. Djokovic held on, in a 10-point game.

The temperature on Centre Court rose dramatically at 2-3, 30/30, when Djokovic hit his second double fault of the match. With each player taking mighty blows in a 23-stroke rally, Federer mis-timed a forehand wide to get Djokovic back to deuce. Ninety seconds later, after a 25-shot rally, Federer set up his second break point opportunity. Djokovic played with confidence, hitting close to the baseline to save the point, and went onto level at 3-3 after eight dramatic minutes of play.

Federer survived a wobble at 4-4, when, at 30-all, rather than hit a backhand he ran round for a forehand blow. He missed it, but saved the break point with a well-placed serve to frustrate Djokovic. At 5-4, it was Federer’s turn to raise his game. When Djokovic smashed long, it gifted Federer two set point chances. Djokovic saved the first at 15/40, but Federer cleaned up with a smash winner to take a two-sets-to-one lead.

Federer maintained his dominance in the fourth set, quickly moving into a 3-0 lead. At this stage, the Swiss superstar had won 21 of the past 30 points by virtue of clinical finishing as much as Djokovic’s errors. Djokovic, normally so strong on his backhand wing, began to feel the strain. At 1-4, the top seed saved three break points from 0/40. By contrast, Federer clinched his service games with little resistance.

At 5-3, Federer appeared to be nervous when he started to serve for a place in a record eighth Wimbledon final. He couldn’t hit a first serve into court through the first four points. But an ace and an unreturned serve gave Federer a place in his 24th major championship final after two hours and 19 minutes of play. Federer is now 65-7 lifetime at the All England Club.

Federer hit 12 aces and 31 winners, committing just 10 unforced errors against Djokovic, who was broken three times.

'There's obviously a lot on the line for me in terms of winning here, the all-time Grand Slam record, world No. 1,'' Federer said. ''I'm also going into that match with some pressure, but I'm excited about it. That's what I play for.''

''I was able to play some fantastic tennis today,'' Federer said.

Roger Federer will play the fourth seed Andy Murray in the Wimbledon final on Sunday who defeated fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. Andy Murray ended Britain's 74-year wait for a male Wimbledon finalist.

Date: 06.07.2012, Source: ATP and AP

How much will grass help Federer against Djokovic in Wimbledon semifinal?

WIMBLEDON, England -- With 26 previous meetings between the two, there is not a lot of new ground for Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to tread. But there remains one big gap to be filled when they face each other in the Wimbledon semifinals: The two have never met on grass, and their first encounter on this most traditional and idiosyncratic of surfaces promises to reveal new dimensions to their rivalry.

Though Djokovic comes in as the defending champion, it is the location of this meeting that puts the most shine on Federer's chances.

What will prevail, Djokovic's 6-1 record in their matches since 2010 or Federer's 6-1 edge in Wimbledon titles? Since Federer's historic, streak-snapping victory at the French Open last year, it has been largely one-way traffic, starting with the U-turn in their memorable five-set battle at the U.S. Open. Djokovic came from two sets down and saved a match point with a return forehand winner, and he has not lost a set to Federer since. The Serb defeated a tired Federer easily on the clay courts of Rome in May, and out-steadied Federer in a straight-sets victory at the French Open.

But this is grass, Federer's most successful surface and, if only for lack of sample size, Djokovic's least. Part of the fascination of Friday's contest will be seeing how the matchup plays out on the turf. Federer knows he must take the offensive in rallies, and the surface gives him a better chance of being able to hit through Djokovic's nearly impenetrable siege on the baseline. But the attacking approach also means increased risk of making errors.

"Obviously, it's much harder to defend on grass time and time again than on any other surface, you know," Federer said. "But it's hard to set up sometimes. Going flat through the courts, you're playing little with margins. We're used to playing with much more topspin and giving ourselves margin over the net, whereas on grass I think it's worth it to go closer to the lines, use a lot of the down-the-line shots, which aren't easier to pull off on other surfaces."

Paul Annacone, Federer's co-coach, told ESPN.com that he feels the grass is still playing fairly slowly, but with "no secrets" between the two, the key will be their level of play.

Staying on the offensive will be even more important for Federer given his back problems earlier in the tournament. After defeating Mikhail Youzhny in the quarterfinals, Federer offered his most detailed report in a BBC interview, saying that he had been able to "serve to all corners" and "move very well" but remained a "little worried" during the match and did not chase balls when he did not think there was a chance of winning the point.

Even that little bit of lingering concern creates a big question mark for Federer going into Friday's match, because being able to run from corner to corner and dig out balls will be crucial against Djokovic, who may be better than anyone else at moving opponents around.

Djokovic, meanwhile, does not have to worry about producing anything extra special, but rather avoid the slow starts and up-and-down play he has shown recently.

He is well aware of the threat Federer poses on this surface when he is playing well.

"He has great variety in his game," Djokovic said. "He uses his serve very well, He opens up the court. He uses that slice really well to get the balls to bounce low. He's very aggressive at times. He can defend well."

"I think that grass courts are suiting his style the most, so it's going to be an interesting match."
But Djokovic also pointed to his own strengths, made evident in winning the title last year. His victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinals was particularly striking, showing Djokovic's ability to suffocate even some of the most athletic and inspired net-rushing seen in the game these days.

"I improved playing on grass in last couple of years," Djokovic said. "This year, knowing I won the title last year, in the back of my mind obviously gives me a lot of self-belief."

"I do try to be more aggressive a little bit, in the important moments go for my serves and shots. This is something that is really important on this surface."

Even since the matchup was set, trying to work out who has the edge has been a popular game on site and beyond. Even Federer agreed to take part, weighing Djokovic's recent Grand Slam dominance against his own history at this tournament.

"I think he's the slight favorite," Federer told BBC. "At the end, it doesn't matter. It's just going to play out the way it does."

Date: 05.07.2012, Source: ESPN

Majestic Federer to face Djokovic in Wimbledon semifinal

Roger Federer, who is looking to win his seventh title at The Championships, cruised past No. 26 seed Mikhail Youzhny of Russia 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday for a place in the semi-finals against top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic. They've never played each other at Wimbledon.

"I thought I played great out there today," Federer said in a courtside interview after a 14th successive win over Youzhny. "My game maybe suits up well against his."

"He was down in all the sets rather quickly. I am extremely happy to be back in the semi-finals here at Wimbledon."

The Centre Court match was watched by His Royal Highness The Duke and Her Royal Highness The Duchess Of Cambridge, plus 1992 Wimbledon champion Andre Agassi and his wife, seven-time former winner, Steffi Graf, who arrived in London last night.

"I think it's inspiring when royalty and other legends of the game come to watch," Federer said. "It's great for tennis."

Federer rushed through the first set in 28 minutes, losing eight points on serve. He converted two of his seven break point opportunities in the pair’s 14th meeting. Play was briefly suspended due to rain at 1:37 p.m. local time, with Federer holding a 4-1 advantage over Youzhny, who was serving at 30/40. The match got back underway at 1:58 p.m.

Federer broke Youzhny’s serve to 30 in the first game of the second set and set up three break point opportunities at 4-2. Youzhny made an error on Federer’s third break point. Federer lost just five of his service points in the 28-minute set. Youzhny could only look at Agassi, Richard Krajicek and Rod Laver, sitting in the Royal Box, for inspiration.

Youzhny was broken once again in an eight-minute game at the start of the third set, but at 1-2 the Russian could not convert two break point chances at 15/40 on Federer’s serve. Youzhny’s challenge effectively ended when he was broken in the fifth game, after he hit a forehand into the net. Youzhny recovered from 15/40 at 1-5, with gutsy net approaches to save two match point opportunities for Federer.

But the Swiss was not to be denied and finished the 92-minute encounter with a hold to 30 and an angled backhand volley. Federer is now 14-0 lifetime against Youzhny, who committed 20 unforced errors. The 30 year old won 36 of his 41 first service points and hit 25 winners.

Federer has a 14-12 FedEx ATP Head2Head record against Djokovic. Federer will contest his 32nd Grand Slam championship semi-final on Friday. The feat surpasses Jimmy Connors’ 31 appearances in major semi-finals. Federer is now 64-7 at the All England Club, Wimbledon.

"It's always a pleasure playing against Roger. I'm looking forward to it," Djokovic said.

"He is a great champion and has been so dominant and consistent at the Grand Slams. He is the ultimate challenge on grass courts," said Djokovic.

Federer can reclaim No. 1 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings if he wins his 17th major championship title. If he does lift the trophy on Sunday, then he will match record-holder Pete Sampras for the total number of weeks (286) as the World No. 1.

Date: 04.07.2012, Source: Reuters and ATP

Federer expects to be fit after back injury

Roger Federer expects to be completely healthy on Wednesday when he takes on Mikhail Youzhny for a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals. The Swiss battled through a sore back to win his fourth-round match against Xavier Malisse on Monday.

“I felt the back going the beginning of the first set, and then I played on it maybe three, four games,” said Federer. “I asked for the trainer, the doctor to come out to just talk about it. So I decided to have treatment inside.”

“Honestly, I'm not too worried. I've had bad backs over the years. I've been around. They go as quick as they came. But of course I have to keep an eye on it now. I have one and a half days, which is a lot of time, to be quite honest, to work with. Two good nights' sleeps and I'll be 100 per cent on Wednesday. I'm pretty convinced, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to pull out the match the way I did today.”

In trying to determine why it flared up, Federer said, “I guess it must be a mix of maybe from the five setter and the two days off and the cold wind today. So I guess it was unlucky in this regard. Fortunately I pulled out the match the way I did today.”

A six-time champion at the All England Club, Federer should be confident in his match-up with Youzhny, having swept all 13 of their previous meetings. Like Federer, the Russian is also 30, and Federer believes the success both have had is a testament to their generation.

“My junior year back in '98 was unbelievable. Who I played in almost every match back then made it on tour after that,” said Federer. “I think we had a record in Paris with the number of over 30 year olds in the main draw, which I'm happy to see. I’m happy I'm not the only guy left... I see familiar faces left and right everywhere I go at every tournament.”

Five of Federer’s wins over Youzhny have come on grass. The two met recently in the Halle semi-finals, with Federer prevailing 6-1, 6-4.

“We've played a lot on grass. We know what to expect, both of us,” said Federer. “I think he's a great player. He can take the ball early. He can mix it up well. He's a great fighter. I had an extremely tough match with him last year on Court 1. I expect something similar, so I hope to recover and play a good match against him, and hopefully victory is on my racquet.”

Date: 03.07.2012, Source: ATP

Federer into 33rd straight major QF by fight against injury

Roger Federer booked a spot in his 33rd straight Grand Slam championship quarter-final on Monday at The Championships, when he defeated Belgian Xavier Malisse 7-6(1), 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 for the 850th match win of his career (850-192 overall).

Federer improved to 10-1 lifetime against 31-year-old Malisse, who reached the 2002 semi-finals in a rain-interrupted encounter on Centre Court that lasted two hours and 11 minutes.

Federer appeared to be in serious back injury after taking a 4-3 lead in the first set against Malisse, having to leave Centre Court to take a medical time-out where pain-killers were dispensed.

After the resumption, he stepped gingerly around the court but having cruised through the first set on a tie-break, the only obstacle he was then facing was the weather.

"My back is OK, it started to feel better as the match went on," said Federer.

"It come and goes. When you play on tour for over 15 years the back does hurt at times, you just hope it doesn't come in a big match. It was scary and I'm in a lot of pain but the treatment was a big help."

Malisse served for the first set at 5-4, but was broken to 15, before Federer established his dominance in the tie-break. The pair then returned to the locker room for 40 minutes due to a light drizzle. Federer lost just 14 points in the 24-minute second set, before Malisse regained his composure to convert one of four break point opportunities to clinch the third set. Federer hit 13 of his total 45 winners in the fourth set. He won 34 of his 39 points at the net.

"I'm very pleased that I came through, the rain delay helped me," added Federer. "I had to apologise to Xavier, it's a freak thing that happened.

"I've been doing exercises for years. I have a pretty good record with being injury free, so if this is the worst then I'm happy. I should be back fine on Wednesday."

Federer will meet 26th seed Mikhail Youzhny in the last eight on Wednesday.

Date: 02.07.2012, Source: ATP and BBC