Awesome Federer floors Djokovic in straight sets

Roger Federer's enduring class shone through again as the Swiss maestro beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 to win the Dubai Championships for a seventh time on Saturday.

The 33-year-old's serve is the least praised of his repertoire but it was his awesome delivery that blunted Djokovic's baseline game, taking his career ace haul past the 9,000 barrier with 12 more, several at vital moments.

The match, the 37th in their rivalry which Federer now leads 20-17, proved to be a tale of chances taken and chances missed - Federer converting his two break points with clinical efficiency, while Djokovic failed on all seven of his.

"We get the best out of each other," Federer said in a courtside interview after winning an 84th tour singles crown.

"I'm pleased I did some good serving when I had to. I definitely won the big points tonight."

Djokovic had two set points to level the match in the second set but both times Federer was rescued by his serve.

''He deserved it,'' Djokovic said. ''I expected that from him. I knew he was going to chip and charge, come to the net, serve and volley.

"If you don't use opportunities against Roger, then, you know, he fires back," Djokovic told reporters.

"Small margins, really. Nothing to really worry about. I thought it was a good week overall."

The 17-time grand slam champion began with the same tactics that helped trounce teenager Borna Coric in the semi-finals, charging the net at every opportunity.

Djokovic was wise to that, passing Federer in successive points, first with a lob and then with a forehand that arrowed into the corner.

The Serb had two break chances with Federer serving at 1-1 in the first. The Swiss saved both, yet still looked the more vulnerable.

From the deuce court, Federer regularly sliced his serve wide to pull eight-times grand slam champion Djokovic out of position before skipping forward to despatch any short return.

The first set's decisive moment came with Djokovic serving at 3-4. Federer advanced to blast a forehand down the line for the Swiss's first break point, which he converted when Djokovic clubbed a forehand long.

That put Federer 5-3 up and he served out to clinch the set.

Djokovic had Federer in trouble at 3-4 15-40 in the second set, but Federer despatched two aces and two service winners to hold. The Swiss world number two repeated the trick again, serving at 15-40 and 4-5 down, he made another two aces and a service winner to save two set points and square the set.

A cross-court winner gave Federer a break and 6-5 lead and although he fluffed his first match point on serve, he set up another with a second serve ace that he converted with a powerful forehand off a weak Djokovic return.

Federer joined Goran Ivanisevic (10,183), Ivo Karlovic (9,375), and Andy Roddick (9,074) in cracking the 9,000 aces mark.

''I even remember which one it was because I was counting them,'' Federer said. ''It was one of the swinger wides.

''It's nice to get past that so I don't have to think about it ever again, or until the next thousand or so.''

The victory was a fine riposte to those who said after his third round loss to Andreas Seppi in the Australian Open that his good days were now behind him.

"People are often saying how old I am - but who knows how many years I have left. I can still play with the best," the 33-year-old said challengingly.

Djokovic did have one last laugh.

"How come you had seven break points and he had two - and you lost?" he was asked on court afterwards.

His answer caused the stadium to erupt. "I think I will get the same question a little later from Boris," he said.

Date: 28th February 2015, Source: Reuters, AP and AFP

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Federer wins seventh Dubai crown

Roger Federer captured a record seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown on Saturday night as he defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-5 in the final.

"The seventh is quite unbelievable, what I hear people talking about that, announcing I'm the six-time winner here in Dubai," said Federer. "Sounds pretty crazy. It's nice that Wimbledon and Halle are that way, as well."

The Swiss served four aces in the 37-minute opener and became the fourth player (since 1991) to hit 9000 aces when he fired down a service winner at the start of the sixth game of the second set. He hit 12 aces in total throughout the match, taking his tally to 9007.

The 33-year-old Swiss was contesting his ninth final in 12 visits to this ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament. He previously lifted the trophy in 2003-05, 2007, 2012 and 2014 and finished runner-up in 2006 and 2011. He now has a 47-5 tournament record.

Victory marked Federer’s second ATP World Tour title of the season. He opened his 2015 campaign by claiming the Brisbane title with his 1000th match win, beating Milos Raonic in the final. The Basel native now has an 84-42 finals record.

After saving two break points earlier in the contest, Federer broke Djokovic in the eighth game and went on to serve out the opener. Top seed Djokovic had his chances to push the match to a third set. He had Federer at 15/40 on serve in the eighth game of the second set and then again in the 10th game - eliciting two set points - but could not convert.

Federer then pounced in the 11th game, breaking Djokovic - who had led 40/0 - with a forehand winner to lead 6-5. Federer faltered slightly serving for the match. He netted on his first match point and was forced to save a seventh break point for Djokovic before sealing victory at the second time of asking in 84 minutes.

"I think the first set belonged to me; whereas the second set belonged to him more," said Federer. "He created many more opportunities. I struggled to get into his service games more frequently. It seemed like the moment I wasn't serving great he created chances for himself and put a lot of pressure on me. It was a huge game clearly at 5-5, 40/0 for him. I crawled my way back into the game and ended up breaking him. So that was big, but I think the break points saved were even bigger tonight."

Federer improved to a 20-17 lead over Djokovic in their ATP Head to Head series as he recorded his first victory over the Serb in a final since the 2012 Cincinnati title match.

"I think it's really become a very nice rivalry," said Federer. "I think we play very nicely against each other, and it seems people like the way we play against each other, as well. I don't think we have to adjust our games very much against each other, which I think is nice, as well. We can just play our game, and then the better man wins.

"It's been nice seeing Novak's improvements over all these years. He's become such an unbelievable player, especially the past five, six years, and cleaned up his game so nicely and became the best mover in the game. It's really a pleasure playing against him every single time again."

Djokovic, a four-time champion in Dubai, was looking to eclipse his coach Boris Becker and win his 50th tour-level title. The Belgrade native dropped to a 49-23 finals record. He was playing his first tournament since winning his eighth Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open (d. Murray) last month.

Date: 28th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer and Djokovic set for blockbuster Dubai final

Defending champion and World No. 2 Roger Federer will play No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the 37th time on Saturday in a blockbuster final at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Federer has a 19-17 lead in their ATP Head to Head series and has won two of their past three meetings. Federer will attempt to claim his seventh Dubai crown and Djokovic will aim to lift his 50th trophy, and his fourth at the Aviation Club.

"When you play Roger, it's always a great challenge," said Djokovic. "If you want to win you have to play your best tennis, especially against Roger in the final of any event, but here particularly. Because I feel like this is the kind of a surface and conditions that it suits his game the best."

Second seed Federer overcame lucky loser Borna Coric, 15 years his junior, 6-2, 6-1 in 57 minutes for a spot in his ninth final at the Aviation Club, the venue of the ATP World Tour 500 tournament.

Federer will next attempt to clinch his 84th tour-level title (83-42 in finals) and his second crown of the year - after lifting the Brisbane International  trophy last month.

Federer opened up a 3-1 lead, before Coric clinched his lone service break. Federer converted all of his three break point opportunities in the 27-minute first set and then dominated the second set.

"Maybe I was a bit tentative in the beginning, but I was still able to get off to somewhat of a good start, not being broken early, then breaking him right away," said Federer. "I felt like after five games I knew more or less what to expect, and I realised what had worked until that point and what had not."

The Swiss hit three aces past Coric and is now five aces away from striking the 9,000th ace of his career. He also hit 20 winners and won nine of his 13 points at the net.

"I can see why he has so far caused difficulties for some of the top guys and he still has a lot of room for improvement in his game," said Federer. "He does a really good job for a big guy. It's unbelievable how in the past 10 years we have seen so many big guys moving well from the baseline. I think he returns very well, especially off second serves, and that's such a huge part of today's game, I believe."

Coric, who had beaten Andy Murray in the quarter-finals, said, "He was just way too good for me. I was feeling so rushed. I didn't have any time to play my game plan. I was just trying to hold in the rally as long as I could. I was serving very badly... When you're playing against a guy who is No. 1 or No. 2 in the world, you need to be serving much better if you're going to even compete with him."

Date: 27th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer treasures his T-shirts as much as trophies

Tennis royalty Roger Federer does not just have a cupboard for his trophies after all. The Swiss ace, owner of 17 Grand Slams and 83 tour titles, also has a separate closet to store and "archive" all the different outfits he has worn over the years.

"I give a lot to charity, of course. And if I have enough, I give to friends and family. And then I always keep probably three of each outfit," Federer said after his quick 6-4, 6-3 victory over Spain's Fernando Verdasco in the second round of the Dubai Open.


"Yeah, it's in closet, in an archive at the moment just because I feel like I have to keep these things, because I never want to look back and think like, oh, I wish I still had that outfit.

"Maybe one day I can give it away again to somebody. I have to take care of them. And of course I missed some of the outfits early on in my career because I didn't think I was going to have a career," he added.

Federer, who is known for his demure personality on the court, has picked up a neon orange t-shirt for the Dubai Open to go with his grey shorts, which come with a shiny party strip at the side. "I think it's different," Federer said.

"I have worn so many outfits over the years, and I am lucky enough to be able to change my outfit 10 to 12 times a year. How many times can you do a T-shirt and another colored shirt? I was like, Let's mix it up a little bit. I haven't worn bright colors in some time.

"I asked if that could be an option. They presented me the shorts. I was like, Okay, let's make sure the stripes at the right place and it has to look the right way, it has to match in a nice way. I think it actually works okay. I like it, and I hope fans enjoy the energy that comes out of it a bit."

Date: 27th February 2015

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Federer sets up Coric clash in Dubai

World No. 2 Roger Federer is one step closer to claiming an unprecedented seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title after Richard Gasquet retired down 1-6 due to lower back pain in their quarter-final match on Thursday.

"I know enough about the back, and I know how horrible it is to play with that and how much worse it can sometimes become," said a sympathetic Federer. "It's maybe better not to take any chances at this point."

Federer completed the first set in just 20 minutes, taking advantage of a hobbled Gasquet, who triumphed over Roberto Bautista Agut in a tight three-set match on Wednesday. Federer tallied three aces in the set, leaving him eight short of reaching the historic 9,000 mark.

"I think I played well," Federer said. "I served well. Then again, the test was so short that it's tough to judge on a 20-minute match. But, you know, I think I was hitting the ball well again, like yesterday. I felt able to play aggressive and do what I was hoping to do, so I was very pleased, actually."

The Swiss has spent just two hours and 16 minutes on the court in his first three matches.

He’ll meet the face of the next generation in the semi-finals, after 18-year-old lucky loser Borna Coric upset No. 3 seed Andy Murray 6-1, 6-3. The Croatian teenager, named the 2014 ATP Star of Tomorrow Award, scored the second Top 10 win of his young career, dispatching Murray in 79 minutes.

"He seems to really play up when it matters against the better players," Federer said of his next opponent. "Today I think it was a great victory. I didn't see any of the match, so I can't tell about Murray's level. But regardless of the level, to beat Murray 6-1, 6-3, it was, it's a great score. Because historically Murray has played very well here in Dubai. It's definitely a message I get."

Coric announced his arrival last fall by upsetting Rafael Nadal en route to the Swiss Indoors Basel semi-finals. Perhaps it is fitting that the World No. 84 is the first teenager to reach the Dubai semi-finals since Nadal clinched the title as a 19 year old in 2006.

Date: 26th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer's plan to recover from Australian setback

Roger Federer has devised a plan to help him recover from his Australian Open shock last month, a third round setback which had doom-mongers claiming the game’s greatest would never win a major title again.

"The body needed some healing and the mind needed some refreshing," the 33-year-old Grand Slam record-holder admitted after returning to the tour at the Dubai Open with a reassuring 6-3, 6-1 win over Mikhail Youzhny.

There are three main ingredients - a game plan, a tournament plan, and a short-term psychological plan. The last, already completed, is the most surprising.

It caused Federer to deal with the Melbourne defeat by Andreas Seppi, an Italian outside the world’s top 30, by celebrating it.

"That night I had Champagne with my team and said 'his is thanks to Seppi - I got like nine more days off!'" Federer said.

"It gave me more time off, so I was actually thankful to Seppi!" Federer added.

"So that’s how I see it. Nine more days off allowed me more time for practice, and I knew that I was hoping to come back stronger.

"That’s the (immediate) goal after a loss like that. All you do is think how to bounce back as quick as possible and as strong as possible. I’ve actually been playing very well in the last six months.”

During that time Federer has come close to winning a Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic, and ended 2014 strongly as world number two after beating Djokovic in the Shanghai final.

- Longer-term -

His game also evolved into one depending less on his outstanding powers of containment.

Federer’s longer-term response has revolved around whether his shock defeat mainly had specific causes or wider implications. There was a bit of both.

"It was just a bad match, for me," Federer said. "It was just one of those things that I won the points that I shouldn’t have and lost the points that I should have won, and the margins were small."

The longer-term conclusion is however probably more important.

It places more emphasis on what he had already been attempting: risking a more attacking brand of tennis more often.

"I wasn’t able to play offensive enough for some reason," he said. "I played more carefully. The wind was more of a problem for me than for him (Seppi) and at the end I paid a price for that."

This was something he was able immediately to rectify, by a happy coincidence, during his forceful win against Youzhny because the conditions on Monday were similarly tricky to Melbourne’s.

"The last thing I wanted to do is lose back‑to‑back matches playing carefully," Federer commented.

"I know I can play careful tennis, but you cannot leave it up to other guys if you are going to win or lose. Over the years I have won my biggest matches by playing on my terms."

- Hanging back -

Federer emphasised that in Dubai he wanted to play more often "on top of the baseline," to accept that this might mean playing more half‑volleys, and, if possible, to come more to the net.

Except perhaps on the European clay, we are not likely to see Federer hanging back too much during 2015.

He has also rationalised his schedule not only for the rest of this year, but beyond. "I mean, pretty much I know everything till - Jesus - summer of '16," he said.

He has replaced one or two tournaments to create a change of environment, and relinquished Davis Cup commitments.

Instead of playing at the high level 1000 category tournament in Miami next month, he will play closer to home in Istanbul, and the build-up to the French Open will see him play in Madrid and not Monte Carlo.

It still seems remarkable given that Federer is the oldest player in the top 20 and tours with a wife and four children.

Asked how he stayed motivated after achieving everything he wished for on a tennis court over more than a decade and a half, Federer replied: "It kind of always re-sets you know."

Whatever happens Federer won't relinquish dreams of more big titles any time soon. But he may just do things a little differently.

Date: 25th February 2015, Source: AFP

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Refreshed and Ready: Federer excited to compete again

What a difference a month makes.

Thirty days ago, Roger Federer’s early exit in the Australian Open third round surprised fans and fellow player alike. Despite coming into the first Grand Slam of the year on the heels of a title run in Brisbane and an historic 1,000th ATP World Tour victory, the World No. 2 struggled to find his rhythm in his four-set loss to Andreas Seppi.

On Monday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a refreshed Federer looked sharp as he dispatched of Mikhail Youzhny in under one hour, extending his ATP Head to Head record over the Russian to 16-0. Afterward, the Swiss explained the virtues of playing without reservations.

“The last thing I want to do is lose back-to-back matches playing careful,” said the six-time Dubai champion. “I know I can play careful tennis, but then you cannot leave it up to the other guys sometimes if you are going to win or lose.  I feel over the years I have won my biggest matches in most tournaments by playing on my terms, and you can't always do it.  It's difficult to come out and dominate every match, every point, and it's also hard work always playing aggressive.”

During his time away from competition, Federer relaxed at the beach, trained and planned his tournament schedule for the coming year, admitting he has his projected schedule set through the summer of 2016. And while he enjoyed the respite from the day-to-day grind, he is ready to compete again.

“It's nice getting back out there and having thousands root for you and for your opponent, because you can only practise that much after a while without anybody watching you,” said Federer, who lives and trains in Dubai during much of the season. “It just gets a bit boring after a while. So I prefer to play matches after all.

“I'm lucky enough to be put on prime time most of the time so people come out and watch me play often… So I appreciate that, and it's definitely keeping me on the tour longer.  There's not a doubt about that.”

In addition to extending his 43-5 record at the tournament, the 33-year-old will look to do damage on the doubles court with the help of Swiss countryman and Davis Cup teammate Michael Lammer.

“Michael Lammer was one of my best friends on tour and in my life, and he's a guy I have never played doubles with,” Federer explained. “So I really want to do that before he retires because he's not far off.”

“I have played doubles with Marco [Chiudinelli], with Yves [Allegro], with Stan [Wawrinka], but never with Michael other than back in the Junior Swiss Championships when we were 14, 16, 18.  So we go way back. That's why we are both excited about it, and I'm very thankful for the wild card from the tournament organisers.”

Date: 24th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer skips Davis Cup in 2015

Roger Federer is skipping the Davis Cup this year after leading Switzerland to its first title in 2014.

Federer played the entire Davis Cup season last year, with Switzerland beating France 3-1 in the final. The Davis Cup was the only major competition the 17-time Grand Slam champion had not won.

Federer won't be in the lineup when Switzerland opens defense of the title in Belgium on March 6-8. And Federer said he has no plans to play Davis Cup the rest of the year either.

''It wasn't a difficult decision,'' the 33-year-old Federer said Monday at the Dubai tournament. ''I have played for so long, and I think by winning it I can finally do whatever I please, to be quite honest.''

The Swiss team in Belgium will also be without 2013 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka.

Federer has played in 26 Davis Cup ties since 1999 for an overall 50-17 win-loss record.

''It's been a big burden for me throughout my career and one of the things that have caused more difficulties in my life than many other things, I must say,'' Federer said.

''I always feel there is so much guilt put on you from the federation or from the ITF more so than anybody else. So I'm happy I was able to finally tick that off and do it altogether.''

Federer said his decision to dedicate himself to the 2014 Davis Cup campaign was more for his teammates than himself.

''I totally did it for the boys more than for me, to be quite honest,'' he said. ''I just really wanted Michael (Lammer) and Marco (Chiudinelli) and Stan to get it because they deserve it. So for me, this year, it was very clear that I was not going to play.''

While the Davis Cup is not in Federer's plans, Wawrinka has not decided on whether to play later in the year.

''I hope that Stan is going to play, next round or September or whatever it's going to be to keep us in the World Group,'' Federer said. ''Who knows? You never know if they can win it without us, as well. It's an opportunity, but clearly we are not the favorites now playing against Belgium.''

Federer, however, could have to show up for one more Davis Cup tie in the next two years in order to qualify directly for the Swiss Olympic team for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

ITF rules state that a player must compete in Davis Cup for his country once in the season leading up to or in the Olympic year to be eligible to compete at the games.

Federer could also be offered a wild card entry into the Olympic tournament.

Date: 24th February 2015, Source: AP

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Federer moves to 16-0 against Youzhny

Roger Federer opened his bid for an unprecedented seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title on Monday with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Mikhail Youzhny in the first round.

Federer fired eight aces against Youzhny in the 56-minute win, taking him to a career ace count of 8,985. The right-hander is bidding to join Goran Ivanisevic, Ivo Karlovic and Andy Roddick as the only players to reach the 9,000 aces milestone since records began in 1991.

The Swiss improved to a 16-0 mark against Youzhny in their ATP Head to Head series as he won his first match back since suffering a surprise third-round exit against Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open last month.

"Best of three in a quick court sometimes you just can run away with the score, so that's where maybe a bad five to ten minutes can cost you the match. I think it was close in that first set." said Federer. "I think we were both trying to find our range. I'm happy I didn't start to play too careful after it, because it is tough to play here in Dubai with the quick conditions. After that, I think I started to return much better. Serve got a bit more consistent. My half volleys were getting better. I was able to get the set and the break, and then that's when you can bring it home."

Federer improved to a 7-1 match record on the season, highlighted by winning his 83rd tour-level title at the Brisbane International (d. Raonic).

The 33-year-old Federer has a 43-5 match record at this ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament, lifting the trophy in 2003-05, 2007, 2012 and 2014. He also finished runner-up in 2006 and 2011. The second seed goes on to face the winner of an all-Spanish clash between Fernando Verdasco and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Date: 23rd February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer readies for historic Dubai quest

With a fan base that stretches across the world, Roger Federer is at home wherever he competes, but the World No. 2 admits some cities have become more special than others.

As Federer readies to begin his quest for an unprecedented seventh Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown, the Swiss described the comfort of competing in the city he calls his training base.

“I have to switch my mind from relaxing to tournament rhythm,” said Federer. “That’s why I have the tendency, either in Basel or Dubai, to check into a hotel and say ‘ok, I’m at a tournament’. Last year I stayed at home, this year I’m back at a hotel. I mix it up depending on how my mood is. We’ll see how it starts tomorrow. I’m eager to find out.

“I’m growing a great fan base all around the world. I feel very welcome. Every tournament seems to want me there. It fills me with great joy. If you have something you really enjoy doing, why give that up? I feel I can still play with the best and when you win titles things get simpler again.”

The 33-year-old father of four is closing in on two milestones in the Arabian desert. The all-time tournament leader with six titles and 42 match wins, he is bidding to win seven or more titles at three tournaments, in addition to his haul at Wimbledon (7) and the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (7). Federer is also closing in on becoming just the fourth player to achieve 9,000 aces, needing to strike 23 to reach the plateau.

Federer's Stomping Grounds

Gerry Weber Open (Halle) - 7
Wimbledon - 7
ATP World Tour Finals - 6
Western and Southern Open (Cincinnati) - 6
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships - 6
Swiss Indoors Basel - 6

With an elite field that also includes four-time champion Novak Djokovic, 2012 runner-up Andy Murray and two-time finalist Tomas Berdych, neither task will be easy for the defending champion. Federer understands he'll need to work hard to retain the title.

“I think it’s going to be tough. It’s tough for anybody. When you take a close look at everybody who’s here, you always think it’s hard…Every match has to be played. You only have to beat whoever is on the opposite side of the net. You don’t have to beat the other 31 guys in the draw. You want to have the right mindset going into a tough tournament like this. It’s hard, but it’s been like this for years now. I take it one match at a time, but at the same time when you’re the player of my caliber and experience you have to focus on your own game.”

Federer will renew a 15-year-old rivalry against former World No. 8 Mikhail Youzhny in the first round. The second seed leads the ATP Head to Head series 15-0. He says he is eager to return to action following a four-week break after suffering a third round exit to Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open. Refreshed and reloaded, Federer has a plan.

“I’ve been very lucid, very clear in what I wanted to do in the past month between vacation, practice and build-up (to Dubai), getting everything organised all the way to Wimbledon and beyond. It has been a good time for me to re-assess my goals and come back stronger.”

Date: 23rd February 2015, Source: ATP

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Federer enjoyed champagne after Australian Open defeat

Roger Federer believes his early exit from the Australian Open has provided him with the silver lining of crucial extra practice time for the long season ahead - and he even celebrated the setback with a glass of champagne.

Federer, who returns to competitive action in the Dubai Championships on Monday in his first event since the shock third-round loss in Melbourne, typically found something to be cheerful about in the January failure.

That he could put such a positive spin on his defeat by Italian journeyman Andreas Seppi - Federer's worst performance in Melbourne since 2001 - gives an indication of how the 17-time grand slam champion can maintain his motivation at 33.

"That night I celebrated with champagne with my team, thanking Seppi as I had got nine days extra off... some additional time for practice as well," Federer told reporters in Dubai.

"After every loss, there is a new plan. I have just gone through this process now."

The world number two will play Russian veteran Mikhail Youzhny in Dubai's first round before Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic potentially await in the semi-final and final.

"It is going to be tough as I've had a long break, one of the longer ones I've had in many years but it was necessary as I played a lot of tennis in the last six to eight months," said Federer.

The father-of-four said there was too big a gap in ranking points between him and world number one Djokovic to be thinking of reclaiming top spot soon.

"I will just enjoy myself on the tour, play as well as I possibly can and if he shows up across the net for me then I will try to beat him," said Federer.

Of his relationship with his Dubai rivals, Murray and Djokovic, who is fresh from claiming a fifth Australian Open title, Federer added: "Novak, it's always been the same, it's been nice and casual.

"Same as Murray, I chatted with him today. From my side, I'm cool, but you've got to ask the other guys. It's normal sometimes to get a bit edgy with some players. Over a 10 to 15 year career, that's always going to happen."

Date: 22nd February 2015, Source: Reuters

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Roger Federer launches Chinese New Year in Dubai

Defending champion Roger Federer helped ring in the Year of the Goat as he launched the Chinese New Year celebrations at Burj Al Arab on Thursday, ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which begins Monday, 23 February.

Six-time Dubai champion Federer was invited to participate in the ceremony for the colouring of the eyes of the lion. The lion dance is a traditional cultural dance performed at significant ceremonies and Chinese New Year celebrations. Colouring of the eyes is an important part of the ceremony, and the responsibility is reserved for someone of high social status, as it is believed to give the lion its spirit, and brings it to life. This ceremony must be undertaken prior to the lion dance commencing.

Federer was delighted to be part of the ceremony, saying, “It’s been a fantastic evening, I’m honoured to have been part of this celebration. The Burj Al Arab is iconic, and this celebration is a nice gesture for the Chinese guests. I’ve had some amazing moments playing here in Dubai, especially playing here on the helipad, and playing in China too, so the chance to celebrate this, I wasn’t going to miss it.”



About the upcoming tournament, Federer said, “I feel ok coming into this year, I know the court well, I know what to expect. I had two weeks off after the Australian Open so I feel refreshed and ready to play. I really like the stadium, I’ve played very well here over the years, and the Dubai tournament is run so well; it’s a great event and a great atmosphere.”

Organised by the tournament and Burj Al Arab, Federer was a special guest of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Chang Hua; the China Consul General, Mr Tang Weibin; Gerald Lawless, President and Group CEO Jumeriah Group; and Mr Anthony McHale, General Manager of Burj Al Arab. Also in attendance was Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director.

Gerald Lawless said, “We are delighted that Dubai Duty Free could bring Roger here for the celebration of Chinese New Year. Roger is a great friend of Dubai Duty Free, and of Jumeirah, so this is the icing on the cake to have him here. Our fastest growing visitor group is the Chinese so it’s great to do this."

“Roger Federer being part of this occasion is very special, and we are happy to have been involved in this event. Roger is a wonderful champion, having won the title six times here. Next week’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the best ever,” said Tournament Director, Salah Tahlak.

The tournament commences on 23 February with the finals on 28 February. Along with Federer, the tournament will star World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, World No. 4 Andy Murray and two-time Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych.

Date: 20th February 2015, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer to play in inaugural Istanbul Open

Swiss tennis legend and world’s number two; Roger Federer will play at the first ever ATP World Tour event in Istanbul, Turkey from 27 April - 3 May in 2015. The Istanbul Open will be held at the spectacular Koza World of Sports facility, which is promoted as the largest tennis academy in the world. The center court features a retractable roof and will provide seating for 7,500 people.

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman and President, said, “We are delighted that the ATP World Tour will be taking place in Turkey for the first time from 2015. This incredible new facility in Istanbul will make a wonderful addition to the many remarkable venues that feature on the ATP World Tour throughout the season. As we add an important market such as Turkey to our global footprint, the ATP World Tour will be set to take place across 62 tournaments in 32 countries in 2015.”

Federer said in a video message, “I’m very excited to be coming to Istanbul for the first time in my life. Turkey has been a country I have always wanted to visit and Istanbul is a very exciting city from what I’ve heard” Federer says in the video message. “I hope you can come and see me play there in April; I can’t wait.”

Tennis Federation Chair Durmuş said, "It is different to watch tennis players on TV and live. Federer will contribute to Turkish tennis by participating on our courts. Federer's probable effect will support Turkish tennis by increasing interest in this sport. After Federer the other most precious tennis stars will come to Turkey. Previously, we had brought the most famous women tennis stars to Turkey. This tournament will be very useful for our country."

The CEO of ATP Europe Delanney also said, "The world no.2 Federer's coming to Turkey will make very important contributions to Turkish tennis. Federer has a long and successful career. I'm sure he thought quite hard before deciding to come to Turkey. He must be convinced thanks to the organizer's big efforts. It will be the first ATP tournament in Istanbul. We will organize it in 62 countries. We felt Istanbul's deficiency. We are proud that this gap will be filled from now on."

The tournament venue is part of an overall tennis academy that features 15 outdoor clay courts, 20 outdoor hard courts and 28 indoor hard courts and is located within a sporting complex which also has facilities for swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer and handball. A five star hotel is nearby.

The event will take place in week 17 of the 2015 ATP World Tour, alongside the Portugal Open in Oeiras and the BMW Open by FWU AG in Munich.

Date: 17th February 2015, Source: FTN News

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Roger Federer bids for seventh Dubai title

Roger Federer will be bidding for an incredible seventh crown when the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships gets underway later this month.

The defending Dubai champion recently wrote yet another page in the history books when he won Brisbane last month to earn not only his 83^rd title but his 1000^th singles victory, something achieved only twice before in the Open era stretching back to 1968.

He has long been the player to beat and his record in Dubai is second to none, with his success at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium now a far cry from his debut in 2002 when he produced a lacklustre performance against Rainer Schuettler that led to a second round defeat. The Swiss maestro rebounded in spectacular style the following year, sweeping through the draw without dropping a set and beating Jiri Novak in the final to begin a spectacular run of success that shows no sign of abating.

In all the years he has played the event since he has only twice failed to reach the final, in 2008 when he had the misfortune to meet 11^th ranked Andy Murray in the opening round and lost in three sets, and in 2013 when he was felled in a three-set semi-final by Tomas Berdych after holding three match points.

His 2003 triumph marked the beginning of a three year winning streak as he went on claim the title again in 2004 with victory over Feliciano Lopez and in 2005 by beating Andre Agassi in the semi-finals and then Ivan Ljubicic. His run was brought to an end in 2006 when he was defeated by Rafael Nadal in a three-set final, but he re-captured his crown the following year when he beat Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals and went on to overcome Mikhail Youzhny for his fourth Dubai title in five years.

Then came his sensational defeat by Murray, and he was unable to play the tournament in 2009 due to a back injury and he was absent again in 2010 due to illness.

By now Djokovic had become a serious rival and in Federer’s absence he had gone on a winning streak of his own in Dubai, winning the title in both the years that Federer was unable to play. In 2011 he made it three titles in a row when he beat Federer in the final, but when Murray upset Djokovic in the 2012 semis Federer pounced again and defeated the Scot to hoist the trophy for a fifth time. Following his 2013 semi-final defeat which led to Djokovic once again taking the title, Federer regained his crown again in 2014 by beating Djokovic in the semis and then Berdych in the final.

Now the Super Swiss is ready to launch his bid for an amazing seventh title and, after a stunning 2014 season that saw him win five titles and reach a further six finals, he is full of confidence.

“I think I’m serving more consistent and stronger than I ever have,” said Federer. “I definitely think the new racquet has helped me with that as well a little bit. My concentration is there - better than it’s ever been - because I feel, over time, you always want to improve. I feel I’m playing very well.”

As he has slowly morphed into becoming a tour veteran, Federer has felt a need to adjust his training and fitness work.

“It’s changed just because you’re more careful not to get injured,” he said. “Quality is more important than quantity. Whereas when you’re younger you’ve got to put in the hours, you’ve got to put in the work. Doesn’t matter if you’re tired, you’ve just got to get through it, get match tough, go through the grind. But I am 33 now, so things are a bit different today than they were 10 years ago.”

Federer will face a formidable field as he bids to continue his remarkable run of Dubai successes, with major challenges coming not only Djokovic, Berdych and Murray but others such as Youzhny and Lopez who have also proved to be worthy opponents in the past.

“Roger Federer is a champion in every sense, both on and off the court, and we are thrilled that he will once again be taking part in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, the tournament owners and organisers.

“Although he has enjoyed enormous success here history has shown that victory can never be taken for granted, and it will be fascinating to see if he can once again leave here as the champion.”

Tournament director Salah Tahlak added, “Federer will go down in the history books as one of the greatest ever to have played the game, and with his presence so much in demand all around the world it has been an honour to see him play in Dubai so many times in his career. At the age of 33 his hunger for the game remains as strong as ever and no-one would be surprised if he can claim the title here yet again.”

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships begins with the WTA event from Febraury 15 to 21, before the ATP tournament from February 23 to 28.

Tickets are available from the box office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud, which opens from 9am to 9pm daily. Grandstand tickets can also be bought online at www.timeouttickets.com. For more information visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.

Date: 7th February 2015, Source: Gulf News

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