Federer races into Wimbledon fourth round

Roger Federer wasted no time in booking his fourth-round spot on Saturday at Wimbledon, blasting past Santiago Giraldo 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 in 81 minutes under the Centre Court roof on a rain-hit day at The Championships. The Basel native is yet to drop a set in reaching the second week at SW19.

"It's great," Federer told BBC television. "I'm very pleased. It's always good to keep moving on. Last year I lost in the second round (against Sergiy Stakhovsky), so I'm aware of tough draws. I'm always worried about the first week, getting to the second one; then the grass plays quite differently.

“[Next week] it's really about maintaining a good level of play. Physically I'm in good shape. I've got to keep playing aggressively and serving well. You've got to do that on this surface, and keep the points short."

Federer opened up a 3-0 lead in the first set as he went to work with his slice, attacking Giraldo's second serve.

Giraldo finally got himself on the scoreboard in the fourth game of the set and went to deuce on Federer's serve as the seven-time champion sent a drop-shot wide. However, Giraldo fired long twice as Federer, now in full control, went 4-1 ahead before closing out the set in half an hour.

Federer reeled off four games in a row at the start of the second set before Giraldo stopped the rot. But the Colombian then handed Federer a set point with a double fault before firing hopelessly long.

The world No.4 opened up the third set with a love service game before breaking for 5-3 and sealing the victory for a place in the last 16.

Federer won 84 per cent of his first serve points and converted five of his nine break point chances as he recorded his second win in two meetings with the No. 35-ranked Giraldo. The 26-year-old Giraldo, working with Fernando Gonzalez as his coach, was playing the third round at Wimbledon for the first time.

The Swiss is bidding to win an unprecedented eighth Wimbledon crown and claimed his 70th match win at the All England Club with victory over Giraldo. His 70-8 match record at The Championships is the third best in the Open Era. Boris Becker is in second place with a 71-12 mark. The 32-year-old Federer lifted the Wimbledon trophy in 2003-’07, ’09 and ’12.

Federer is on a six-match winning streak, having come into Wimbledon on the back of capturing his 79th tour-level title at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (d. Falla). It was his second ATP World Tour trophy of the season, following victory in Dubai in February (d. Berdych).

For a place in the quarter-finals, Federer will face Tommy Robredo who defeated 2013 semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(5), 4-6, 6-3.

Date: 28th June 2014, Source: ATP and ESPN

Read More

Federer produced a dominating performance to reach Wimbledon third round

Roger Federer eased into the third round at Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-3 7-5 6-3 win over Gilles Muller on Centre Court.

The fourth seed wrapped up the win in one hour and 34 minutes, with the Centre Court roof coming out during the second set with play briefly suspended due to rain.

The Swiss fired 25 aces, 44 winners and committed just five unforced errors. In a near-faultless serving display, he won 91 per cent of points on his first serve and did not face a break point.

"It was a real serving contest out there," said Federer. "I'm happy I made it because the second set was tough with the rain delay. I was happy to break him at 6-5 because I wasn't having many looks in on his serve.

"It's only been my second match, and it was a totally different opponent, a big lefty coming to the net.

"Against a player like this you're more dependent on the serve and return and first couple of shots, so it doesn't change much against a player like him," said Federer of the closed roof. "Today I thought it was cooler with the roof open, and then footing and tactics, I didn't change anything from before and after.

"It's nice for the confidence, but on a different day it's a different opponent. Maybe next round I might not serve that many first serves or aces, so it is nice to get those aces and those wins like that, but I've got to keep working hard and trying to be consistent."

Federer made the breakthrough in the fifth game of the first set, a chip return setting up the pass which Muller could only blast into the net.

A second break, this one in the ninth game, handed Federer the first set after just 24 minutes on Centre Court.

It took Muller until the fifth game of the second set to win a point on Federer's first serve, but the seven-time champion was undeterred and held for a 3-2 lead.

Play was then suspended with Federer 4-3 up in the second while the roof was extended over Centre Court. After play had resumed, Federer pounced at 6-5 with another break to take the second set after Muller found the net again.

Federer broke again for 3-1 before closing out the victory, after which he confirmed he was fine following a nasty-looking slip in the third game of the third set.

"Everything was OK," he added. "I didn't think I was going to go down. I thought Gilles would go down the line. It is slippery coming forward, that's where the grass is still green but I'm happy that I'm OK."

Every time the Swiss has played the Luxembourger lefty he has settled the ledger without the loss of a set. Each time - Indian Wells (2005), Bangkok (2005) and the US Open (2008) – he has gone on to win the title.

"Oh, really? Ohh. Are you sure?" Federer asked, with a laugh, when told during the post-match press conference. "I'll go check it out. I'm happy to hear that.

"I'm very happy with the match today because I knew it could have been difficult. And we saw signs of it I think midway through the second set when I think for four straight games I didn't see much on his serve. Then actually the rain delay kind of changed things around. I came out and I was a bit more clear of how I was going to return him."

The 32-year-old Federer is bidding to win an unprecedented eighth title at the All England Club. The Swiss has a 69-8 tournament record, winning the title in 2003-’07, ’09 and ’12. His 17th and most recent Grand Slam championship came two years ago on the lawns of Wimbledon, with victory over Andy Murray.

That aside, what Federer was more pleased about was sparing his parents another dose of nail-biting drama - a year after suffering a shock second-round defeat.

Royal Box guests Lynette and Robbie Federer patiently sat through Nadal's nerve-shredding win over Czech Lukas Rosol before applauding Briton Heather Watson as she produced a gutsy display before going down in three sets to Germany's Angelique Kerber.

Almost five and a half hours after taking their seats did they finally get a glimpse of their son who is lauded the world over.

Federer then provided another reminder of how he amassed a record 17 grand slam titles.

He will either meet Marcel Granollers (ATP 30) or Santiago Giraldo (ATP 35) in the third round.

Date: 26th June 2014, Source: ESPN, ATP and Reuters

Read More

Federer cruises into Wimbledon second round

Seven-time former champion Roger Federer produced a devastating display of power tennis on Tuesday, when he opened his campaign at The Championships by beating fellow 32-year-old Paolo Lorenzi 6-1, 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and 33 minutes.

Federer won 30 of his 42 approaches to the net. He lost 10 of his first service points, hit 40 winners and committed 20 unforced errors. Lorenzi saved five match points at 2-5 in the third set. before Federer recorded his 68th match win at Wimbledon with a hold to 30.

"Getting the first one out of the way is always a good feeling," said Federer. "I thought I played well, got a lot of breaks and served well.

"Walking down the tunnel I felt relaxed and happy to go on court but once you step out there you are ready and you do feel some pressure.

"I didn't know about Lorenzi's record beforehand. I thought he did a good job by trying to serve and volley and make the plays but he maybe doesn't have a strong enough serve to do that."

The Swiss will now play Julien Benneteau or qualifier Gilles Muller.

Federer was cautious about whether Edberg’s arrival has increased his appetite for the serve and volley game on grass.

"It's clearly a pleasure having him on my side, getting advice and support - it's very inspiring and motivating," the Swiss said.

"Maybe it just reinforces the concept that it is possible, that I can actually do it. In 2001 when I made it to the quarters here I served and volleyed 80 percent on the first serve, 30 to 50 percent on the second serve. It was normal. I even did some in 2003 when I first won here. Then every year I started doing less because the game started changing.

"Now it could be that little extra piece to the puzzle that could bring me through, to have that extra option. I think it is helpful."

Date: 24th June 2014, Source: ATP and Wimbledon

Read More

Roger Federer in prime form to capitalise on rivals' slips

Roger Federer represents something of a paradox at Wimbledon in 2014.

No player since Ken Rosewall more than 40 years ago has won a major title this close to their 33rd birthday. Yet Federer, just six weeks away from turning 33, enters this year’s Championships in arguably his strongest form for years.

A combination of factors have established the Swiss superstar in such a healthy position. One is that his chief rivals - fellow “Big Four” members Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray - all arrive with question marks surrounding their form, fitness and mentality.

Nadal, who has fallen early at Wimbledon for the past two years, talked openly at Roland Garros about his struggles to adjust to the lawns and the pressure the courts place on his ailing body, and then lost in the opening round in Halle.

Djokovic’s struggles at the sharp end of Grand Slams - he has lost five of his past six major finals - will not be helped by a recurrence of a wrist injury that prompted his withdrawal from a recent grass-court exhibition. Murray, yet to reach a final since returning from back surgery, is in unfamiliar territory, defending a Wimbledon title and with a new coach at the helm.

Federer, meanwhile, finds himself in a better place, both physically and mentally, than he was 12 months ago. Then, he slumped to a shock four-set defeat to then 116th-ranked Sergiy Stakhovsky in the second round, his earliest exit in 11 years.

“I feel I have a very good chance again this year. I hope to utilise my fitness, the amount of matches I've played this year. So I'm really coming in with a much better feeling than maybe in the last year,” he said.

“This year I feel all the options are there. Return, serve, serve and volley, come in, my backhand - everything is working to my liking. For that reason, I feel I'm a bit more relaxed mentally because I know it is there.”



In fact, almost everything has been there for Federer since the beginning of the season. After suffering through a disappointing 2013 marred by a chronic back injury, he declared himself healthy at the ATP World Tour Finals in November and since then has reasserted himself at the top of the game.

An 11th consecutive Australian Open semi-final appearance was followed by trips to the finals at Masters events in Indian Wells and Monte Carlo, with a title in Dubai thrown in for good measure. In the past three months alone he has vaulted from No.8 to No.4 in the rankings.

And his momentum certainly has not slowed. With the tour’s move to grass, Federer was immediately in his comfort zone, romping to his seventh title in Halle and adding a flourish to his Wimbledon preparations.

“Winning Halle I think helped me in the sense that I know that things are good on grass. I'm not coming in from a bad Halle, a bad Wimbledon last year, otherwise then I would have more question marks,” he explained.

“I think Halle was able to settle things a bit down for me.”

It’s generally a more settled Federer regardless, these days. He is enjoying “super exciting” times with the recent addition of twin boys to his family and spending quality time with them, and says he appreciates even more his opportunities to play his favourite event on the calendar at this stage of his storied career.

Poised to embark on his 16th Championships, his desire remains undiminished, 11 years after his first triumph at the All England Club. It is an intimidating thought for everyone else in the draw.

“I always enjoy coming back here,” he said. “It's a pleasure being healthy and really fit and eager to give it a go again.”

Date: 21st June 2014, Source: Wimbledon

Read More

Federer celebrated for ATP Player Council contribution

Roger Federer’s six-year service as ATP Player Council President was celebrated at the annual Wimbledon meeting on Friday evening at the All England Club. The Swiss, whose tenure as President is ending, was presented with a commemorative mount by his fellow council members.

"I'm proud of leading by example, being there, putting in the time, showing the other players that you actually can find time for the council and for the tour,” said Federer. “We achieved prize money increases. I hope I was able to make more players understand that this is a 50/50 organisation with the tournaments. That's very important to understand. Also, how decisions are being made at the council level. It's not as easy as it seems, but at the same time, you can be very involved actively.”

ATP Executive Chairman & President Chris Kermode said, “The ATP is extremely thankful to Roger for the outstanding contribution he has made during his six years as President of the ATP Player Council. The ATP World Tour is in terrific health today, not only as a result of the performance of our top players on the court, but also due to their considerable efforts off it.

“Generous with his time and always willing to invest his energy away from the court for the greater good of the game, Roger and his leadership in the Player Council will be missed. I have little doubt, however, that Roger will remain as engaged as ever albeit in a less official capacity.”



Federer, who recently became father to a second set of twins with his wife, Mirka, explained, "It gets quite busy and I think that's one of the reasons now I think it's a good time for me to let it run its course and have somebody else lead the council from here on. I really enjoyed it and I'll still be involved in some shape or form. If I do it, I want to do it at 100 per cent and I feel like my life now, with my family and my tennis, that's a difficult part right now.

"I think we're going through a really good time in tennis right now,” added Federer, who held the No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings for 302 weeks. “Seeing sold-out stadiums is one of the most important things we have for the game. We were able to be united and I think that's a huge part moving forward: that the players listen to each other, they trust each other, because then, as a tour, we can be much more successful.”

Former ATP Player Council Presidents Todd Martin and Rainer Schuettler both paid tribute to the work Federer has done.

"What Roger's done is remarkable because after generations of our very best tennis players not being involved in the sport from a governing standpoint, he took the bull by the horns and decided he was going to lead," said Martin, who was a long-serving President in the late '90s.

"He's led well, which is the greatest thing. Without him showing the rest of the public that it's possible and that it's a responsibility that should be embraced by the best, I don't think our sport would be where it is today. I also think we would struggle to get others that are as elite as he is on the court, to participate off the court."

Schuettler, who was President from 2004-'06 added, "For me it was very interesting because you try to work together with the players and you try to improve the wishes of the players, to deal with the ATP and to find common ground to improve the tour step-by-step. I really like the job Roger did. He was not only checking his interests, but also those of the group of players. I think he did a great job in the past few years."

Date: 21st June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer and Nadal on Wimbledon semi-final collision course

One of tennis’ most celebrated rivalries could be reignited in the semi-finals at The Championships, Wimbledon, as seven-time champion Roger Federer and second seed Rafael Nadal find themselves on a collision course in the bottom half of the 2014 draw.

The draw, which was made at the All England Club on Friday morning, pits defending champion Andy Murray in the top half with No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic.

Looking to win his eighth Wimbledon crown, Federer is set to open his campaign against Paolo Lorenzi, with the prospect of Julien Benneteau or Gilles Muller in the second round. The Swiss, who suffered a shock second-round exit at the hands of Sergiy Stakhovsky last year, is projected to meet No. 30 seed Marcel Granollers in the third round.

The 32-year-old Federer could meet old foe Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round. The 2002 Wimbledon champion opens against Michal Przysiezny, with the likelihood of 2013 semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz in the second round, though the Pole has won just two matches since February.

In what would be an all-Swiss quarter-final, Federer is seeded to meet Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka in the last eight. Wawrinka, who has endured first-round exits in three of the past four years at Wimbledon, opens against Joao Sousa. His first seeded opponent would be Dmitry Tursunov in the third round, while the in-form Feliciano Lopez or Wimbledon marathon man John Isner are likely fourth-round challengers.

Murray will open The 2014 Championships at 1pm on Centre Court on Monday, with the top half of the draw in action. Federer, Nadal and the rest of the bottom half will play Tuesday.

Potential quarter-finals: Djokovic v Berdych, Murray v Ferrer, Wawrinka v Federer and Raonic v Nadal

Gentlemen’s Singles Seeds:

DJOKOVIC, Novak (SRB) [1]
NADAL, Rafael (ESP) [2]
MURRAY, Andy (GBR) [3]
FEDERER, Roger (SUI) [4]
WAWRINKA, Stan (SUI) [5]
BERDYCH, Tomas (CZE) [6]
FERRER, David (ESP) [7]
RAONIC, Milos (CAN) [8]
ISNER, John (USA) [9]
NISHIKORI, Kei (JPN) [10]
DIMITROV, Grigor (BUL) [11]
GULBIS, Ernests (LAT) [12]
GASQUET, Richard (FRA) [13]
TSONGA, Jo-Wilfried (FRA) [14]
JANOWICZ, Jerzy (POL) [15]
FOGNINI, Fabio (ITA) [16]
YOUZHNY, Mikhail (RUS) [17]
VERDASCO, Fernando (ESP) [18]
LOPEZ, Feliciano (ESP) [19]
ANDERSON, Kevin (RSA) [20]
DOLGOPOLOV, Alexandr (UKR) [21]
KOHLSCHREIBER, Philipp (GER) [22]
ROBREDO, Tommy (ESP) [23]
MONFILS, Gael (FRA) [24]
SEPPI, Andreas (ITA) [25]
CILIC, Marin (CRO) [26]
BAUTISTA AGUT, Roberto (ESP) [27]
GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo (ESP) [28]
KARLOVIC, Ivo (CRO) [29]
GRANOLLERS, Marcel (ESP) [30]
POSPISIL, Vasek (CAN) [31]
TURSUNOV, Dmitry (RUS) [32]

Date: 20th June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Begemann / Knowle deny Federer / Chiudinelli Halle doubles crown

Roger Federer was denied a singles and doubles title sweep at the Gerry Weber Open on Sunday, as Andre Begemann and Julian Knowle saved four match points for their first team crown.

Begemann and Knowle rallied from an early deficit to prevail 1-6, 7-5, 12-10 over Federer and Marco Chiudinelli in dramatic fashion, saving all four championship points in the Match Tie-break.

The German-Austrian duo dropped the first five games of the match before grabbing an early break in the second set. Federer and Chiudinelli, who were seeking their first ATP World Tour crown together, broke back for 5-5 but were unable to force a tie-break.

The Swiss tandem led 9-6 in the deciding Match Tie-break, on the precipice of the title, but was unable to convert on three consecutive match points and one more at 10-9.

"I'm thrilled," exclaimed Begemann. "A childhood dream come true. Twelve years ago I went to school in Halle. I lived here for two or three years, played for the club. With my mom passing a few years ago, I dedicate this title to her. This is such a special moment for me."

Federer, who was competing in his 40th tour-level doubles final, had claimed his seventh Halle singles trophy earlier in the day with a victory over Alejandro Falla. He was seeking his second doubles crown on the lawns of the Gerry Weber Stadium, having previously won alongside countryman Yves Allegro in 2005.

The title gives Begemann his third in five ATP World Tour finals on the doubles circuit. For Knowle, it was the Austrian's 18th tour-level trophy, having last triumphed with Marcelo Melo at the Heineken Open earlier in the year. Knowle had teamed with Simon Aspelin to win in Halle in 2007 as well.

"It was a great week for us," said Knowle. "It's very special to play Roger and to beat in a final. I really enjoyed playing with Andre and we got our first title together in our first tournament."

Date: 15th June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Roger Federer wins 7th Halle crown

Roger Federer captured his seventh Gerry Weber Open title on Sunday.

The second seed picked up his 14th grass-court crown with a 7-6(2), 7-6(3) victory over Alejandro Falla, who had been attempting to capture his first ATP World Tour trophy. The match lasted 89 minutes.

“It is great to have won seven times here,” said Federer . “It is very special and I hope to come back here next year, where it is a 500-series event.”

“I really enjoy winning titles. It is what I play for, to play and receive a standing ovation at the end. I am very pleased with my performance. I work hard and travel the tour to win these titles and not lose in the quarters or semi-finals. With all the success I have had in the past, I need to aim for titles. I think I deserved the title this week.”

Federer, who improved to a 46-5 record in Halle, received $128,860 in prize money and earned 250 ATP Rankings points.

The 32-year-old Federer has now won 79 tour-level titles. He has also lifted the Wimbledon crown seven times.

“In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon," said Federer. "They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn’t work out, but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days.”

Federer had an opportunity to serve for the set at 5-3, having converted his second break point opportunity on Falla’s serve at 30/40, 3-4. But Falla responded with his own break, to 15, en route to a first-set tie-break.

Federer broke clear at 2-2 in the tie-break, winning five straight points to wrap up the 42-minute opener. He had lost two of his first service points in the opener.

Federer broke Falla to 30 in the first game of the second set, but once again Falla responded by clinching his third of three break point chances for 1-1.

Without any further chances to break, Federer took a 3-0 lead in the tie-break and went on to maintain his perfect 7-0 ATP Head to Head record against Falla.

“He fought back when I served for the first set and he also fought back when I had won the first game of the second set. Things could have been trickier and tougher, but overall it was a close match in quick conditions. I was able to serve and volley a little bit and I served extremely well in the tie-breakers, which was the difference at the end.”

Falla had been bidding to become the first Colombian to win an ATP World Tour title since Mauricio Hadad at 1995 Bermuda. Falla also finished runner-up to Ivo Karlovic in last year’s Bogota final.



“It’s always tough losing a match, especially a final,” said Falla. “I wanted to win the title so badly. But when you play Roger in a final, it is always tough. He is the king of all kings in tennis. It was a close match. I tried my best and fought for every point. I am happy with the way I played today and the tournament overall. I enjoy playing on the grass. This tournament gave me a lot of confidence, having won some tough matches.”

World No. 69 Falla picked up $67,865 and 150 ATP Rankings points.

Date: 15th June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer into his ninth Halle final; Defeats Nishikori in straight sets

Roger Federer soared into his ninth final at the Gerry Weber Open with a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory over Kei Nishikori on Saturday.

Federer will vie for his 14th grass title and 79th overall after improving to 45-5 on the lawns of Halle. The six-time champion (2003-06, ‘08, ‘13) fired 10 aces and was a perfect 2/2 on break point opportunities, dismissing the Japanese in 73 minutes.

Nishikori rallied from behind in the second set, forcing a tie-break and earning an early mini-break at 4-2, but two consecutive forehand errors would hand the advantage back to Federer. The second seed would convert on his first match point, levelling the ATP Head to Head at two apiece.

"I’m very happy that things are going so well for me here this week," Federer said. "I only played a few matches and I’m in the final now. I wasn’t sure whether it’s a good thing to get a walkover in the quarter-finals because I was really lacking matches on grass. Playing against somebody like Nishikori is a big test.

"I’m extremely happy with the way I played today. I think I played really aggressive, I served well when I had to and I was able to keep the pressure on Kei and at the end I think I deserved to win. I played a good tie-break as well to get back into it and now I’m in another final here at the Gerry Weber Open. I love this tournament. I’ve won it six times before. So I’m hoping to make it seven."

Even after 1178 tour-level matches, Roger Federer experienced something new when he defeated Kei Nishikori.

The Swiss lost track of the score as a Nishikori backhand clipped the tape on match point. For a brief moment, he was unaware of his triumph while sauntering back to the baseline to serve again.



"I miscounted early in the tie-break," Federer said. "I just realized it when I saw that Kei was laughing, the umpire was laughing and everybody of my team as well. It was the first time in my career in over a thousand matches."



The Swiss will face Alejandro Falla in the final after he became the second Colombian to reach an ATP World Tour final in 2014, rallying to upset home favourite Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first semi-final. Santiago Giraldo recently advanced to the final in Barcelona (l. to Nishikori).

Falla emerged victorious against Kohlschreibe 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes.

''It would be nice to play Roger, maybe to get revenge for the last couple of matches on grass at the Olympics and at Wimbledon,'' Falla said, referring to their previous meetings in 2012 and 2010.

Federer has a 100 percent record from six meetings with Falla.

Roger Federer will look claim the doubles title as well on Sunday after he and his partner Marco Chiudinelli downed the all-German duo of Dustin Brown and Jan-Lennard Struff 7-5, 6-3 in the semi-finals. Federer enters his 40th doubles final in search of a ninth tour-level crown. He previously prevailed at the Gerry Weber Open alongside Yves Allegro in 2005.

Federer and Chiudinelli, who have not relinquished a set this week, will face fellow unseeded tandem Andre Begemann and Julian Knowle in the final.

With Switzerland playing Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup at 6 p.m. German time and the Halle final getting underway at 3 p.m., Federer said he'd have to play quickly - he's also playing in the doubles final - so he can watch the football.

''Whoever wins the first set is the winner,'' he joked.

Date: 14th June 2014, Source: ATP and AP

Read More

Roger Federer: "I'm much more relaxed on the Tour"

With age comes experience, and with experience, Roger Federer has found enjoyment travelling the ATP World Tour.

The 32-year-old Swiss, who will contest the singles and doubles semi-finals Saturday at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, reflected on the different stages of his career when asked whether he’d come to the phase of his life where he really enjoyed playing tournaments.

“You have enough money, all titles…?” the reporter prefaced.

“Enough children, right?” Federer responded, with a laugh.

“No, it really is the case that you see things much more relaxed. That's normal,” said Federer, as he elaborated on the transition from wide-eyed rookie to seasoned champion.

“It is a very cool period at the beginning when you start playing the players you know from the TV. It’s a very special phase for a player.

“Then you need to hold your ground. That’s also cool because you win a lot but you're up to your ears with work. You also need to say, ‘No, can't be everywhere,’ a photo shoot here and there somebody needs you for a cover shoot and you can't say ‘No’ again. So, it's a bit of both.

“And later you know there are others who will do that and you can concentrate on playing tennis again; of course also on the family.”

Federer made his Gerry Weber Open debut 14 years ago as a promising teenager. On his 12th appearance this week, Federer returns as a winner of 78 titles - including six in Halle - and family man, joined by his wife and four young children.

“I know everything so well now,” he said. “Wherever I go I'm a returning guest. That's also nice that everybody knows me. Over the years, I was able to make friends, which wasn't the case at the beginning.

“I went to New York for the first time only travelling with my coach, that's it. And later you're happy to get 20 or 30 tickets so your friends, pals or colleagues travelling with you or who have moved to New York in the meantime can come and watch you play.

“Things have changed tremendously. Therefore, I'm much more relaxed because I know my way on the Tour, know all the players. There are hardly any new things, which is exciting at the beginning but also a bit stressful.”

Date: 13th June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Federer fights way into Halle quarter-finals in 3 sets

Roger Federer began his grass-court preparations for Wimbledon by coming from behind to beat Joao Sousa of Portugal 6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-2 at the Gerry Weber Open on Thursday to book his place in the quarter-final.

Federer was denied on five break points in the first set as the No. 47-ranked Sousa edged it in the tie-break. The Swiss' perseverance paid off in the second set as he converted his ninth break point for a 4-3 lead and levelled the match. A break at the start of the third set put Federer on the path to victory in one hour and 50 minutes.

"It was slightly frustrating at times clearly, but nevertheless I served well and kept on doing my thing," said Federer. "It was important to stay calm and actually I think it gives me more confidence winning this way. I had to stay calm, fight through the match and find a way and then the last set and a half were much better. So, I'm actually pretty happy now.

"I just didn't get the important points in the first set unfortunately," said Federer. "Joao played very aggressively and served well in the tie-break too. I knew that I hadn't got too much wrong, and the longer it went on, the better I became, and that certainly gives me self-confidence for what's to come."

The 32-year-old Federer has a 44-5 event record in Halle, lifting the trophy in 2003-'06, '08 and again last year with victory over Mikhail Youzhny. The Basel native is the most successful grass-court player in the Open Era. He has won at least one grass-court title in nine of the past 11 years, claiming 13 in total, including seven triumphs at Wimbledon.

For a place in the semi-finals Federer will face Yen-Hsun Lu who defeated Ivo Karlovic 7-6(2), 7-6(3).

Date: 12th June 2014, Source: ATP and Gerry Weber Open

Read More

Roger Federer's Wimbledon 2014 Outfit

Roger Federer's Wimbledon 2014 Nike Outfit.

Date: 10th June 2014

Read More

Federer: "There is a lot at stake for me in Halle"

Roger Federer really enjoyed his time with his family after the French Open. But even though Roger Federer’s wife Mirka and four children came with him to the Gerry Weber Open, it’s time to get serious for the tennis star.

“I am certainly not in a holiday mood. Now it’s time to get into the grass court season. There is a lot at stake for me in Halle. It’s the only tournament where I can defend a title,” said the 32-year-old Swiss Monday at a press chat for the start of the competition. “The excitement is there. I want to play well here and win.”

The six-time Gerry Weber Open winner has already went through two training sessions on the grass courts of Halle - with very different impressions.

“On Saturday I was a little bit disappointed how it went. It’s always a challenge to switch from clay to grass. But it was a joy on Sunday. The automatisms and rhythm just worked well,” said Federer. “I had a good base feeling again.”

Federer’s coach, former Swedish superstar Stefan Edberg, also came to Halle to support the 17-time Grand Slam winner. “It’s of course a dream to hit balls with him,” said Federer.

Federer said he greatly respects the “really strong field” who will fight for the 2014 title in Halle.

“You really have to be alert from the very first minute, ready for every test.” It’s kind of like a paradox for Federer. While there is a lot at stake with defending the title and the points he won, Federer said he doesn’t feel a lot of pressure going into Wimbledon. “I am anxious to see how everything goes.”

Federer expressly praised the performance of his long-time rival Rafael Nadal, who won his ninth French Open title on Sunday. “It’s amazing what he does on the clay,” said Federer. He said you cannot write Nadal off just because he didn’t have the same success at warm-up tournaments that he did in the past. “For me, he was the clear favorite from the very first rally. And you really can only tip your hat to him how he played during the tournament,” said Federer, who is looking forward to seeing Nadal in Halle. “I think he will have gathered enough energy by the time of his first match.”

Federer also addressed Andy Murray’s decision to work with French woman Amelie Mauresmo as coach. “That is a very interesting decision. But Andy was always open to go new ways. I think Amelie knows the game, is very professional and very smart.”

Before the press chat, the star for Federer’s sixth Gerry Weber Open victory in 2013 was poured into the Walk of Fame - the tunnel on the way to the main entrance. Numerous fans, journalists and camera teams were on hand for the ceremony, which the Swiss maestro took part in with tournament director Ralf Weber.

“The victory last year will always remain in my memory,” said Federer. “It was the only one of the season. And also at one of my favorite tournaments.”

Date: 10th June 2014, Source: Gerry Weber Open

Read More

Federer visits children's hospital in Halle

Roger Federer took time out from his preparations for the Gerry Weber Open, where he is a six-time champion, to visit the Bethel children's hospital in nearby Bielefeld on Monday morning.

Federer, who had a living room named after him at the hospital last year, told ATPWorldTour.com, “I am happy to be back here one year later and to see how things are developing for the children. It is really important to me, as helping children is also a major part of my foundation work.

“I think that is great that the tournament is involved in such an activity for the long term.”

The Gerry Weber Open, a recipient of an ATP ACES For Charity grant in 2012, donated € 10,000 for a kitchen to be built in the ‘Roger Federer Living Room’.

The children's cancer clinic has four other treatment rooms named after Michael Kohlmann, Alexander Waske, Mischa Zverev and Marco Chiudinelli, who also made visits in recent years.



More About Halle's Charities and Causes

Later in the day, Federer unveiled a star on the Gerry Weber Open Winners’ Walk of Fame.
He told ATPWorldTour.com about the keys to succeed on grass courts and how he has been catching up on some sleep after a hectic couple of days in Halle.

“I have a wonderful wife who takes care of the four kids at night so that allows me to sleep,” shared Federer. “At the end of the day we’re here [in Halle] for tennis, so she is nice enough to take care of them.”

Date: 10th June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Roger Federer has arrived in Halle for Gerry Weber Open

The six-time winner was greeted before the Gerry Weber Sportpark Hotel by tournament director Ralf Weber with a cake in Halle. Federer was incorporated from his last year's success. "It's a good feeling to be back here. In a place that gives such a beautiful memories," said the 32-year-old Swiss, who arrived with his entire family, wife Mirka, the twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva and the recently born twin sons Leo and Lenny.

Federer joins with the Gerry Weber Open Lifetime Contract, ie that the 17-time Grand Slam champion will always compete in Halle Westfalen up to end of his career.

Federer took time after French Open for both intensive training sessions as well as time with his family.

"Yesterday I hiked with the family in the mountains," Federer said. He had even sent for his huge social media fan base a photo from a train. "I am fit, healthy, fresh and of good courage," said the Swiss, "of course I really want to defend my title. But I've seen how strong the field this year is, which is very hard."



Federer completed his first two-hour training session to get used to the lawn - his favorite surface in the afternoon, on which he celebrated the biggest success of his dream career with a record seven Wimbledon crowns.

Date: 7th June 2014, Source: Gerry Weber Open

Read More

Roger Federer: "Mentally I have already switched to the grass"

As Roger Federer bid adieu to the Parisian faithful in his earliest exit at Roland Garros since 2004, the Swiss maestro already stated his eagerness to begin his grass-court campaign.

Federer succumbed to a free-swinging Ernests Gulbis on Sunday, suffering his first five-set defeat in seven such matches in the French capital. Following the loss, the father of four expressed his desire to hit the lawns of Halle, for the Gerry Weber Open, next week.

“Mentally I have already switched to the grass, to be quite honest,” said Federer. “For me, it's like, ‘the clay-court season was fun, but we are moving on.’ Clay doesn't need me anymore, I got flushed out here.

“I'm looking forward to playing Halle and Wimbledon now. I do feel I can still win it. I’m very excited about my chances. Clearly first the focus is on Halle, try to defend my title there. It's nice going back to a place where I have to defend something. Hasn't been like this for a while, so that's something I'm looking forward to.

“I think when I'm healthy, like I have been now for the last six to nine months, I think I can also decide the outcome of the matches more than I could last year. I’m very excited about my chances for Wimbledon now this time.”

Federer, a record six-time champion in Halle and seven-time Wimbledon titlist, owns the highest ATP Win/Loss percentage on grass in the Open Era at .871 and sits atop the all-time titles list on the surface with 13.

For the 32 year old, transitioning to grass is nothing new and he believes it is actually the long clay season that better prepares him for the faster conditions ahead.

“Things are going to change with the grass season,” added Federer. “It's going to be different. I have to shorten the back-swing.

“Usually one plays well on grass because one has to do so much on clay to put pressure on the ball that it's necessary to hit hard. I feel the same for myself. When you move on the quick ground, it's difficult to take the speed from the opponent. On clay it's different, and that's probably the reason I play rather well on grass after the clay season.”

Federer will be joined by fellow Top 10 competitors Rafael Nadal and Milos Raonic in Halle, with the pristine lawns of the All England Club beckoning soon after.

Date: 1st June 2014, Source: ATP

Read More

Gulbis stuns Federer in five sets to reach Roland Garros QFs

Ernests Gulbis claimed the biggest win of his career on Sunday as he stunned Roger Federer 6-7(5), 7-6(3), 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals.

"I'm clearly very disappointed not to come through with the win," said Federer. "After the chance in the second set, fighting back in the fourth, not to play a better fifth set. There are a lot of regrets here now. But I think Gulbis did a good job of hanging around and clearly coming back in that second set was crucial for him, I think. It was a tough match and I'm disappointed I lost it."

"On my side, I wished I could have played a bit better. I feel I should have done better from the baseline and I didn't really get into his service games."

"It’s the biggest win of my career," Gulbis told Cedric Pioline in an on-court interview. "Sorry I had to win. I know how everyone likes Roger. It was a tough match but this is sport. I’ve been playing very well in France. I won tournaments in Marseille and Nice, hopefully Paris is the next one.

"For my confidence and just for me as a tennis player, a five-set win over Roger Federer, it's really big. Hopefully it's going to change me that I become more confident about myself, you know, on a tennis court."

The Latvian is through to his second Grand Slam quarter-final, with his first also coming at Roland Garros six years ago (l. to Djokovic). He will face Czech Tomas Berdych, against whom he has a 2-4 Head to Head record, losing their past two meetings.

Richard Gasquet, Sebastien Grosjean and 2003 champion Juan Carlos Ferrero watched on as victory for Gulbis ended Federer’s run of Roland Garros quarter-final appearances at nine straight. The Swiss completed the career Grand Slam when he lifted the trophy in Paris in 2009 (d. Soderling).

It is only the third time in the past 40 majors that Federer has failed to reach the quarter-finals, with the other two defeats coming last year at Wimbledon (second round vs. Sergiy Stakhovsky) and the US Open (fourth round vs. Tommy Robredo).

Federer had the chance to take a commanding two-set lead over Gulbis, but squandered a 40/15 advantage when serving at 5-3 as Gulbis fought back to level the match.

''I was lucky, I have to say,'' Gulbis said about Federer's set point. "I was really lucky."

The 18th-seeded Latvian broke Federer twice to take the third set but, after leaving the court before the start of the fourth set, Federer came back re-focused and took the match to a decider.

Gulbis went up an early break in the fifth set and afforded Federer no opportunity to get back level. Gulbis held his nerve in the ninth game and served out the match to 15, claiming victory in three hours and 42 minutes.

"The plan was to play more to his backhand and then with my backhand down the line to go for down the line shots," said Gulbis. "That was the main plan, to not go too much to his forehand, because he has the nicest and the most dangerous forehand I think in the world.

"He's also a human being," said Gulbis. "I had more or less a clear game plan. I had to play on his backhand and from the backhand he makes these unforced errors. When it's a tight moment [at the start of the fifth set], he's Roger Federer, but he also gets tight. I remember actually he missed the forehand wide when he was going for the shot, and that happens. He's probably going to make seven out of 10. Other guys are going to make two out of 10. Mistakes happen."

But he seemed uncertain about the veracity of Gulbis’s lengthy injury timeout towards the end of the fourth set at 5-2 when Federer was about to serve, when he left the court to get treatment.

"He didn’t look hurt in any way," said Federer. "They leave the court, go for treatment and then come back. You don't know what they were doing. So that's part of the game.

"But clearly you don't want anybody to abuse it. I hope that Ernests didn't. As long as integrity is fine and the players do it because of obvious reasons, it's OK. But if it's just to disrupt play for the other guy, then clearly it's not very fair."

Date: 1st June 2014, Source: ATP and Roland Garros

Read More