tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29815640158087773292024-03-13T23:08:45.394+05:30Roger Federer The ChampUltimate Roger Federer fan site and a blog for "The Greatest Player of All Time". Check all the latest news, results, photos, videos and much more including his off court activities.Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.comBlogger1882125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-88836712300656712762021-03-11T04:59:00.003+05:302021-03-11T04:59:36.325+05:30After 405 days, Federer makes winning return in Doha<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1btHqcvkBGFUtqioJVw6KLEkCOJ6OYffhaa9Npf3Zpo-8ZEnWn9J3t8lu4V_zMH1Xk3ciDAnYKwdAzVdlS_hN0Rj8_JJMmHPu2CHJrpGBaA1xd3b1wMo9Q8dgz7cenhyCN1xyJJdHRQ/s1920/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1btHqcvkBGFUtqioJVw6KLEkCOJ6OYffhaa9Npf3Zpo-8ZEnWn9J3t8lu4V_zMH1Xk3ciDAnYKwdAzVdlS_hN0Rj8_JJMmHPu2CHJrpGBaA1xd3b1wMo9Q8dgz7cenhyCN1xyJJdHRQ/w400-h225/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Roger Federer marked his eagerly-awaited return to action after more
than a year with some vintage tennis as he beat Dan Evans 7-6 (8), 3-6, 7-5
at the Qatar Open on Wednesday.<p></p><p>The 39-year-old Swiss had not
played a competitive match for 405 days and underwent two knee surgeries
in 2020, but clicked smoothly back into gear against the British number
one.</p><p>A socially-distanced evening crowd at the Khalifa Tennis
Complex were treated to a high-quality duel with Evans pushing the
20-times Grand Slam champion to the limit.</p><p>Federer showed great physical condition and kept his nose in front in
the deciding set before pouncing in the 12th game to rifle a backhand
winner down the line on his second match point.</p><p>It was a magical
moment for Federer who said it had been a long and tough road since his
last match at 2020 Australian
Open.</p><p>“It feels good to be back,” Federer said in an on-court interview. “I am
happy to be standing here regardless of if I won or lost, but obviously
winning feels better. It was a good match. Dan played a good match too.
He has been a wonderful training partner as well. Over the past two
weeks, we played over 20 sets and it went on tonight.</p><p>“It has been a long and tough road for me. I enjoyed it though,” said
Federer. “It has been a huge challenge of mine in my tennis career and
to come back at my age is not something that is very simple. I have had a
wonderful team around myself that always supported me throughout. That
made it much easier and it was worth it because I played a good match
today.”</p><p>Despite a reduced crowd in Doha due to COVID-19 restrictions, Federer
received a warm welcome to Centre Court. Federer repaid local fans for
their support with a thrilling opening set, which went all the way to a
tie-break. The 20-time Grand Slam champion fired multiple forehand
winners, including one at 5/6 to save set point, and came to the net to
rush his opponent. On his third set point, Federer struck his second
cross-court backhand passing shot of the tie-break to clinch the set.</p><p>Evans took his attack to Federer’s backhand and rushed the net to save a
break point in the opening game of the second set. It proved to be a
crucial moment for the Brit, as he forced Federer into backhand errors
three games later to earn the first break of the match. Evans maintained
his advantage to serve for the set at 5-3, and he showed no sign of
nerves to claim four straight points.</p><p>After escaping two break points with a mix of pace and precision at 3-3
in the decider, Federer ripped groundstroke winners and applied
scoreboard pressure to earn match point at 5-4. But Evans charged to the
net behind his serve to stay in the match. Two games later, Federer
earned two more chances and he took the first with a backhand winner
down the line.</p><p>“I said, ‘If I’m going to go out, I’m going to go out swinging.’ Dan had
more energy left at the end, but I was serving well and I thought I
actually played a really, really good match,” said Federer. “I’m
incredibly happy about my performance. It was nice to finish off with a
backhand down the line.”</p><p>Federer will face Nikoloz Basilashvili in the quarter-finals. The Georgian broke Malek Jaziri
on six occasions to record a 6-2, 6-2 win on Court B. Federer won his
only previous ATP Head to Head encounter against Basilashvili 6-2, 6-1, 6-2
at the 2016 Australian Open.</p><p>Date: 10 March 2021, Source: Reuters and ATP<br /></p>Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-54483290443668400512020-12-29T02:15:00.003+05:302020-12-29T02:15:28.015+05:30Federer to miss 2021 Australian Open<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD57Qu7Ap7oAS-QC9AHJIWFsbabKQXUGOuUDPjhi0xNBt47vsIcJUJSb1txDdWXw350LxO15zReK4WmH3Us1ho5YuOI2UBSeZ6gqj8LRhB00nprFMAbdLAVVhRnBO8Nr-kWGAGaDkdg/s1024/570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD57Qu7Ap7oAS-QC9AHJIWFsbabKQXUGOuUDPjhi0xNBt47vsIcJUJSb1txDdWXw350LxO15zReK4WmH3Us1ho5YuOI2UBSeZ6gqj8LRhB00nprFMAbdLAVVhRnBO8Nr-kWGAGaDkdg/w400-h266/570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Six-times champion Roger Federer has withdrawn from the Australian
Open as he continues to work his way back to fitness from two knee
operations earlier this year, his agent said.<p></p><p>The 39-year-old
Swiss last played a competitive match at the season-opening Grand Slam
in January before he had to undergo surgery on his knee. He later
required a second operation.</p><p>The start of the 2021 Australian Open has been delayed for three
weeks until February 8 due to the country's strict border rules to curb the
spread of the novel coronavirus.</p><p>Federer,
who had been training at his off-season base in Dubai, had told
organisers that the delayed start to the tournament could benefit him.</p><p>However, his agent Tony Godsick said Federer was not quite ready to return.</p><p>"Roger
has decided not to play the 2021 Australian Open," Godsick said in a
statement. "He has made strong progress in the last couple of months
with his knee and his fitness.</p><p>"However, after consultation with
his team, he decided that the best decision for him in the long run is
to return to competitive tennis after the Australian Open."</p><p></p><p>The choice to delay his comeback came with input from coaches Severin Luthi and Ivan Ljubicic and fitness coach Pierre Paganini. <br /></p><p>Godsick added that he was looking to build a playing calendar for Federer from late February.</p><p>Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said they were disappointed to lose Federer for next year's event.</p><p>"In
the end Roger ran out of time to get himself ready for the rigours of a
Grand Slam and he's very disappointed he won't be coming to Melbourne
in 2021," Tiley said in a statement.</p><p>"We wish him all the best as
he prepares for his comeback later in the year and look forward to
seeing him in Melbourne in 2022."</p><p>Federer said that he was "very close" but that he had resolved not to
rush his comeback. "After the second operation I said to myself: 'I want
to take my time. I don't want to take the next step until I'm ready',"
he said.</p><p>Federer has played the Australian Open main draw every year since his debut in 2000.</p><p>Date: 28 December 2020, Source: Reuters and The Telegraph<br /></p>Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-22145587997334235202020-12-15T02:29:00.004+05:302020-12-15T02:29:57.851+05:30Recovering Federer in 'race against time' to play Australian Open<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA_2AgouwTZXO-kXX7q4MlYQbN2cn5jvQ0PQI8pQgfr3_32bx-RYPkYnvjzMNtUNC3fcOlyhWqv-Sj6cYCGfqAWqGRiK1WTrPfHYWlOGIw-4zpoI6ZxRltj1DMcP2PW9SBHGtN0WJww/s1000/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA_2AgouwTZXO-kXX7q4MlYQbN2cn5jvQ0PQI8pQgfr3_32bx-RYPkYnvjzMNtUNC3fcOlyhWqv-Sj6cYCGfqAWqGRiK1WTrPfHYWlOGIw-4zpoI6ZxRltj1DMcP2PW9SBHGtN0WJww/w400-h266/01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Swiss tennis great Roger Federer said he was in a "race against time"
to be fit for the Australian Open as his recovery from two rounds of
knee surgery takes longer than expected.<p></p><p>The 39-year-old has been
out of action since February, when he underwent keyhole surgery on his
right knee. In June, Federer revealed a follow-up operation and called
off his 2020 season.</p><p>But despite months of rehabilitation, the 20-time Grand Slam champion
said he was still not "100 percent" for the Australian Open, which looks
likely to be delayed from January to February over coronavirus
restrictions.</p><p>"It's a race against time. Of course it would help if I had a little
bit more time. But it's going to be close," Federer said at an awards
ceremony in Switzerland, according to Swiss media.</p><p>"I would have
hoped that I'd be at a 100 percent already in October. But I'm not at
this level even today. It will be a close call for the Australian Open,"
he added.</p><p>Federer even set off speculation about his future when
he said: "I hope there is still something to see of me in the new year.
We will see."</p><p>Federer said the coming months were "immensely important" as he
contemplates a busy 2021 including the Tokyo Olympics, where he is
targeting a first singles gold medal.</p><p>"I wish I'd made more progress, but I'm nevertheless satisfied with where I am," he said.</p><p>"My second knee surgery was a huge setback, but in the past months things have gone steadily forward.</p><p>"We're taking our time, but the next two, three months will become immensely important for me."</p><p>Federer, known for his elegant style of play, has got off lightly
with injuries during a career in which he has won 103 singles titles,
including all four majors.</p><p>He previously had arthroscopic surgery
on his left knee - the first operation of his career - in early 2016,
after suffering a freak injury while running a bath for his daughters.</p><p>Federer was voted the best Swiss athlete since 1950 at Sunday's ceremony and said it was an "incredible" honour.</p><p>Date: 14 December 2020, Source: AFP and Reuters<br /></p>Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-47694090959184856002020-02-21T01:20:00.000+05:302020-02-21T01:20:18.220+05:30Roger Federer has knee surgery, will miss 2020 French Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFulm33j-6RP8t0WhMeF1n6Nv-4WwsT0pE9u8dO7BLExmAY0RAzTwP2gSmHPuDeiFc9SKp1RP3XDM-RPv81XJmSPWxRRoy7E7ze9HW2UOC-u1LvNQMEniohqEEqvL4QVbxE9r1htTbQ/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1024" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFulm33j-6RP8t0WhMeF1n6Nv-4WwsT0pE9u8dO7BLExmAY0RAzTwP2gSmHPuDeiFc9SKp1RP3XDM-RPv81XJmSPWxRRoy7E7ze9HW2UOC-u1LvNQMEniohqEEqvL4QVbxE9r1htTbQ/s400/21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Roger Federer has announced he will miss this year’s French Open and several other tournaments after undergoing knee surgery.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time grand slam champion went under the knife in Switzerland on Wednesday." data-reactid="17" type="text">
The 20-time grand slam champion went under the knife in Switzerland on Wednesday.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time grand slam champion went under the knife in Switzerland on Wednesday." data-reactid="17" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer, 38, wrote on Twitter: "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while." data-reactid="18" type="text">
Federer, 38, wrote on Twitter: "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer, 38, wrote on Twitter: "My right knee has been bothering me for a little while." data-reactid="18" type="text">
<br /></div>
"I
hoped it would go away but after an examination, and discussion with my
team, I decided to have an arthroscopic surgery in Switzerland
yesterday."<br />
<br />
Federer, who won his solitary Roland Garros title in 2009, will not be
back in action until the grass-court season at the earliest.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He continued: "After the procedure, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery." data-reactid="21" type="text">
He
continued: "After the procedure, the doctors confirmed that it was the
right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He continued: "After the procedure, the doctors confirmed that it was the right thing to have done and are very confident of a full recovery." data-reactid="21" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""As a result, I will unfortunately have to miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open." data-reactid="22" type="text">
"As a result, I will unfortunately have to miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""As a result, I will unfortunately have to miss Dubai, Indian Wells, Bogota, Miami and the French Open." data-reactid="22" type="text">
<br /></div>
"I am grateful for everyone's support. I can't wait to be back playing again soon, see you on the grass!"<br />
<br />
Federer could potentially return to play at one of his favourite
tournaments in Halle, Germany, on June 15. He has was won the
grass-court tournament 10 times. <br />
<br />
This year's Wimbledon runs from June 29 - July 12 with the Tokyo Olympics tennis event following from July 25 - August 2.<br />
<br />
Federer had surgery on his left knee in February 2016 to repair a torn meniscus.
He suffered the injury after a semifinal run in the Australian Open and
missed the Rio Olympics and U.S. Open. He’s had surgeries now on
both knees.<br />
<br />
Date: 20 February 2020</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-73358616002320173052020-01-31T23:30:00.000+05:302020-02-01T02:40:10.463+05:30Roger Federer earns respect for never quitting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb7ikcjZGHsVZUc8A5ElNd2CZV-0nF8Gtc2iipMVY4HTD3b8i7Sjxy1j9Ov7-2hAlOEMvfvaDR0OzTVrrOpQSKpzzrX0ubFs_HCz3f7PK-JOngsriCltlafWVu77WBZFMW3eTp8pioQ/s1600/505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTb7ikcjZGHsVZUc8A5ElNd2CZV-0nF8Gtc2iipMVY4HTD3b8i7Sjxy1j9Ov7-2hAlOEMvfvaDR0OzTVrrOpQSKpzzrX0ubFs_HCz3f7PK-JOngsriCltlafWVu77WBZFMW3eTp8pioQ/s400/505.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Give Roger Federer credit for always showing up and always staying until the end, no matter how sick or hurt he might be.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="No, he did not beat Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals." data-reactid="32" type="text">
No, he did not beat Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="No, he did not beat Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open semifinals." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="As it was, Federer was able to make a match of it for only about one set and about one hour before succumbing to the defending champion 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night at Melbourne Park." data-reactid="33" type="text">
As
it was, Federer was able to make a match of it for only about one set
and about one hour before succumbing to the defending champion 7-6 (1),
6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night at Melbourne Park.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="As it was, Federer was able to make a match of it for only about one set and about one hour before succumbing to the defending champion 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night at Melbourne Park." data-reactid="33" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He was dealing with a painful groin muscle that cropped up during a five-setter in the previous round. It limited the movement of a guy who is 38 to begin with, kept him off the practice court on Wednesday and led him to take a medical timeout during his quarterfinal and another after the first set against Djokovic." data-reactid="34" type="text">
He
was dealing with a painful groin muscle that cropped up during a
five-setter in the previous round. It limited the movement of a guy who
is 38 to begin with, kept him off the practice court on Wednesday and
led him to take a medical timeout during his quarterfinal and another
after the first set against Djokovic.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He was dealing with a painful groin muscle that cropped up during a five-setter in the previous round. It limited the movement of a guy who is 38 to begin with, kept him off the practice court on Wednesday and led him to take a medical timeout during his quarterfinal and another after the first set against Djokovic." data-reactid="34" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance. Nice sendoff. And in between is one to forget, because you know you have a 3% chance to win,'' Federer said. ''Got to go for it. You never know. But once you can see it coming, that it's not going to work anymore, it's tough.''" data-reactid="35" type="text">
''Today
was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance. Nice sendoff.
And in between is one to forget, because you know you have a 3% chance
to win,'' Federer said. ''Got to go for it. You never know. But once you
can see it coming, that it's not going to work anymore, it's tough.''</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance. Nice sendoff. And in between is one to forget, because you know you have a 3% chance to win,'' Federer said. ''Got to go for it. You never know. But once you can see it coming, that it's not going to work anymore, it's tough.''" data-reactid="35" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="As it was, Federer was able to make a match of it for only about one set and about one hour before succumbing to the defending champion 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night at Melbourne Park." data-reactid="33" type="text">
Still, the 20-time Grand Slam champion was out there until it was over.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="As it was, Federer was able to make a match of it for only about one set and about one hour before succumbing to the defending champion 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night at Melbourne Park." data-reactid="33" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer, after all, never skips a Grand Slam match altogether and never leaves early, no matter what." data-reactid="37" type="text">
Federer, after all, never skips a Grand Slam match altogether and never leaves early, no matter what.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer, after all, never skips a Grand Slam match altogether and never leaves early, no matter what." data-reactid="37" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has played 1,513 tour-level matches and not retired midway through one. Not once." data-reactid="38" type="text">
He has played 1,513 tour-level matches and not retired midway through one. Not once.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has played 1,513 tour-level matches and not retired midway through one. Not once." data-reactid="38" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has played 421 matches at major tournaments since 1999 and not given his opponent a walkover. Not once." data-reactid="39" type="text">
He has played 421 matches at major tournaments since 1999 and not given his opponent a walkover. Not once.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has played 421 matches at major tournaments since 1999 and not given his opponent a walkover. Not once." data-reactid="39" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="On only four occasions during his lengthy and accomplished career, at non-majors has Federer needed to withdraw from a match before it started." data-reactid="40" type="text">
On
only four occasions during his lengthy and accomplished career, at
non-majors has Federer needed to withdraw from a match before it
started.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="On only four occasions during his lengthy and accomplished career, at non-majors has Federer needed to withdraw from a match before it started." data-reactid="40" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="One of those came when he was supposed to face Djokovic for the title at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London in 2014, but he begged off because of a bad back." data-reactid="41" type="text">
One
of those came when he was supposed to face Djokovic for the title at
the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London in 2014, but he begged
off because of a bad back.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="One of those came when he was supposed to face Djokovic for the title at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London in 2014, but he begged off because of a bad back." data-reactid="41" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''London was the worst, having to go apologize to people for not being able to walk properly,'' Federer recalled Thursday. ''So I'd rather have this, to be honest.''" data-reactid="42" type="text">
''London
was the worst, having to go apologize to people for not being able to
walk properly,'' Federer recalled Thursday. ''So I'd rather have this,
to be honest.''</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''London was the worst, having to go apologize to people for not being able to walk properly,'' Federer recalled Thursday. ''So I'd rather have this, to be honest.''" data-reactid="42" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="After securing a spot in his record eighth Australian Open final, and closing in on what would be a 17th major championship, Djokovic kept using the word ''respect'' while discussing Federer." data-reactid="43" type="text">
After
securing a spot in his record eighth Australian Open final, and closing
in on what would be a 17th major championship, Djokovic kept using the
word ''respect'' while discussing Federer.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="After securing a spot in his record eighth Australian Open final, and closing in on what would be a 17th major championship, Djokovic kept using the word ''respect'' while discussing Federer." data-reactid="43" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="That Federer showed up at all, because, as Djokovic explained: ''Obviously, he was hurting. You could see it in his movement.'' That Federer continued until the very last point. And that he did as much as he did, moving out to a 4-1, love-40 lead before getting reeled back in." data-reactid="44" type="text">
That
Federer showed up at all, because, as Djokovic explained: ''Obviously,
he was hurting. You could see it in his movement.'' That Federer
continued until the very last point. And that he did as much as he did,
moving out to a 4-1, love-40 lead before getting reeled back in.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="That Federer showed up at all, because, as Djokovic explained: ''Obviously, he was hurting. You could see it in his movement.'' That Federer continued until the very last point. And that he did as much as he did, moving out to a 4-1, love-40 lead before getting reeled back in." data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Djokovic's own injury history includes quitting a match early as recently as the last Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open in September, because of a left shoulder problem. He was booed off the court when he left in the third set." data-reactid="45" type="text">
Djokovic's
own injury history includes quitting a match early as recently as the
last Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open in September, because of a
left shoulder problem. He was booed off the court when he left in the
third set.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Djokovic's own injury history includes quitting a match early as recently as the last Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open in September, because of a left shoulder problem. He was booed off the court when he left in the third set." data-reactid="45" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="That Federer showed up at all, because, as Djokovic explained: ''Obviously, he was hurting. You could see it in his movement.'' That Federer continued until the very last point. And that he did as much as he did, moving out to a 4-1, love-40 lead before getting reeled back in." data-reactid="44" type="text">
That
completed a career Grand Slam of sorts for Djokovic, actually, with at
least one mid-match retirement at each major: the French Open in 2005
(back) and 2006 (trouble breathing), Wimbledon in 2007 (foot blister)
and 2017 (elbow), and the Australian Open in 2009 (heat illness).</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="That Federer showed up at all, because, as Djokovic explained: ''Obviously, he was hurting. You could see it in his movement.'' That Federer continued until the very last point. And that he did as much as he did, moving out to a 4-1, love-40 lead before getting reeled back in." data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''I did have retirements throughout my career. I know how it feels when you're hurt on the court. I know the amount of thoughts that go through your mind -- whether or not you should continue or not, whether it's going to get worse. Only the player knows at that moment what you go through,'' Djokovic said." data-reactid="47" type="text">
''I
did have retirements throughout my career. I know how it feels when
you're hurt on the court. I know the amount of thoughts that go through
your mind - whether or not you should continue or not, whether it's
going to get worse. Only the player knows at that moment what you go
through,'' Djokovic said.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''I did have retirements throughout my career. I know how it feels when you're hurt on the court. I know the amount of thoughts that go through your mind -- whether or not you should continue or not, whether it's going to get worse. Only the player knows at that moment what you go through,'' Djokovic said." data-reactid="47" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Obviously it's really hard to compare injuries, because everyone goes through their injury respectively, individually,'' he continued. ''But it's, I think, an amazing fact that he has never retired (from a) match, not a single match, throughout his career. Huge respect for that.''" data-reactid="48" type="text">
''Obviously
it's really hard to compare injuries, because everyone goes through
their injury respectively, individually,'' he continued. ''But it's, I
think, an amazing fact that he has never retired from a match, not a
single match, throughout his career. Huge respect for that.''</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Obviously it's really hard to compare injuries, because everyone goes through their injury respectively, individually,'' he continued. ''But it's, I think, an amazing fact that he has never retired (from a) match, not a single match, throughout his career. Huge respect for that.''" data-reactid="48" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer said he would not have stepped out into Rod Laver Arena if he did not believe there was at least a tiny chance that he could compete - and win." data-reactid="49" type="text">
Federer
said he would not have stepped out into Rod Laver Arena if he did not
believe there was at least a tiny chance that he could compete - and
win.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer said he would not have stepped out into Rod Laver Arena if he did not believe there was at least a tiny chance that he could compete - and win." data-reactid="49" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''I did believe there was something that could be done today. And also must have felt like at least it was probably not going to get worse. If it did, this would have been my first retirement today,'' he said, noting that he had a scan of the muscle Wednesday and would have another now that his tournament is finished." data-reactid="50" type="text">
''I
did believe there was something that could be done today. And also must
have felt like at least it was probably not going to get worse. If it
did, this would have been my first retirement today,'' he said, noting
that he had a scan of the muscle Wednesday and would have another now
that his tournament is finished.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''I did believe there was something that could be done today. And also must have felt like at least it was probably not going to get worse. If it did, this would have been my first retirement today,'' he said, noting that he had a scan of the muscle Wednesday and would have another now that his tournament is finished." data-reactid="50" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Obviously it's really hard to compare injuries, because everyone goes through their injury respectively, individually,'' he continued. ''But it's, I think, an amazing fact that he has never retired (from a) match, not a single match, throughout his career. Huge respect for that.''" data-reactid="48" type="text">
''We
did talk about it with the team: How bad is it allowed to feel? And all
that stuff. But it never went there, so that's good,'' Federer said.
''But you're playing careful, obviously.''</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Obviously it's really hard to compare injuries, because everyone goes through their injury respectively, individually,'' he continued. ''But it's, I think, an amazing fact that he has never retired (from a) match, not a single match, throughout his career. Huge respect for that.''" data-reactid="48" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="''Obviously it's really hard to compare injuries, because everyone goes through their injury respectively, individually,'' he continued. ''But it's, I think, an amazing fact that he has never retired (from a) match, not a single match, throughout his career. Huge respect for that.''" data-reactid="48" type="text">
Date: 31 January 2020, Source: AP</div>
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-67400810300870416352020-01-31T01:49:00.000+05:302020-01-31T01:49:26.525+05:30Federer: "No plans to retire and I hope to be back"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer took the long view on Thursday despite coming up short in his bid to reach an eighth Australian Open final. The 38-year-old Swiss lost to Novak Djokovic 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-3 as the Serbian improved to 8-0 in Melbourne semi-finals.<br />
<br />
But Federer still leaves Melbourne Park feeling positive about his
first tournament of the year and what lies ahead for him in 2020. The
third seed came back from the brink twice, against Aussie John Millman and American Tennys Sandgren, just to reach the semi-finals, and he pushed the seven-time champion Djokovic in the last four.<br />
<br />
Federer served for the first set at 5-3 but was broken before Djokovic came back.<br />
<br />
“<span>Overall, at the end of the day I guess I'm very happy. I got
to be happy with what I achieved. It was the maximum to go to get at
this tournament, especially after the Millman and the Sandgren match,”
Federer said.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>He fell to 5-1 on the season, and Djokovic now leads their ATP Head to Head series 27-23. The Swiss had been trying to reach his 32</span><sup><span>nd</span></sup><span> major championship final (20-11).</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Federer was bothered by a groin injury that cropped up during his quarter-final against Sandgren, when Federer saved seven match points and prevailed in five sets.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
“<span>I went for a scan that same night, was all right. After that,
well, we didn't push it. I didn't practise. I took a day off the next
day. Today I just really rested until as late as possible. But I didn't
have any pain in the daily stuff. That was a positive sign,” Federer
said.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
The Swiss, however, has never retired from a tour-level match and managed his pain throughout the semi-final.<br />
<br />
“<span>Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance,
nice sendoff, and in between is one to forget because you know you have a
three per cent chance to win. Got to go for it. You never know. But
once you can see it coming, that it's not going to work anymore, it's
tough,” Federer said.</span><br />
<br />
“<span>At the end of the day I'm very happy. I think I overall played
all right. I know I can play better. At the same time I also know I can
play much worse. With no tournaments beforehand, I think it's a very,
very good result.”</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Federer was optimistic that he'll be back to full strength in the very near future.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
“<span>My feeling is rather quickly,” he said. “You want to be 100
per cent to be able to train again, then get ready for hopefully Dubai.
Right now it's only guessing. I'm very happy that I don't feel any worse
than when I started. That's for me super encouraging.”</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>This season could be a significant year for the 38-year-old. Last year, </span>he won his 100th tour-level title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, joining American Jimmy Connors as the only men to cross the century mark with singles titles.<br />
<br />
This year, Federer could pass Connors as the Open Era match wins
leader. Connors has 1,274 match wins, 32 ahead of Federer, who has
1,242.<br />
<br />
Federer also will try to remain on top of the Open Era Grand Slam titles list. The Swiss has 20 major championships, but Rafael Nadal, with 19, and Djokovic, who will play for his 17th on Sunday, remain close behind.<br />
<br />
Federer might have to do all that work a spot lower in the ATP Rankings as well. Austrian Dominic Thiem will rise to a career-high No. 3 if he wins the Australian Open title.<br />
<br />
<span>That's not to say that this will be Federer's final season, though. He </span>plans to come back to Australia in 2021.<br />
<br />
“<span>You never know what the future holds. But especially my age,
you don't know. I'm confident. I'm happy how I'm feeling, to be honest. I
got through a good, nice training block. No plans to retire,” Federer
said.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
“<span>From that standpoint, we'll see how the year goes, how
everything is with the family. We'll go from there. Of course, I hope to
be back.”</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Date: 30 January 2020, Source: ATP</span><br />
<br />
<span></span> </div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-32742272007170914482020-01-29T02:45:00.002+05:302020-01-29T02:45:53.226+05:30Federer saves 7 match points in Australian Open thriller<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Even in the twilight of his career, Roger Federer is still capable of
conjuring the near impossible. The 38-year-old Swiss produced another
miraculous comeback to save seven match points and stun Tennys Sandgren
6-3, 2-6, 2-6, 7-6 (8), 6-3 to reach the Australian Open semifinals.<br />
<br />
“You’ve got to get lucky sometimes,” Federer said with a smile in his
on-court interview. “I was just hoping that maybe he wasn’t going to
smash a winner, if he misses one or two match points, who knows what’s
going to happen? I think I got incredibly lucky today.<br />
<br />
“As the match went on, I started to feel better and just tried to
play. I believe in miracles. There could be rain. Just let him finish me
off in style, and he didn’t do that. I’m still standing here and
obviously just very happy.”<br />
<br />
Federer remains unbeaten (15-0) in quarter-finals at this event. The
Swiss has also won his past six five-set matches in Melbourne,
completing another great escape last week by rallying from 4/8 in the
fifth-set tie-break of his third-round clash with John Millman.<br />
<br />
Next up for him is second-seeded Serbian Novak Djokovic, who beat No. 32 seed Milos Raonic of Canada in straight sets. Federer trails Djokovic 23-26
in their rivalry and has lost their past three matches in Melbourne,
all of which took place in the semi-finals (2008, 2011, 2016).<br />
<br />
“The draws are not getting easier. But I’ve got the next two days with
nothing to do. You do feel better and you just never know. With these
lucky escapes, you might play without expectations because you know you
should be skiing in Switzerland. Might as well make the most of it!”<br />
<br />
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Federer applied pressure from the first ball in the opening set.
Sandgren erased a pair of break points in his first service game, then
fought back from 0/40 two games later. But Federer kept knocking on the
door and it opened at 3-2, with the six-time champion securing a break
after Sandgren sent a backhand long. He maintained his slight advantage
and cracked a first serve on set point to take the early lead.<br />
<br />
The Swiss has been prone to streaks of unforced errors this fortnight
and endured another spell of them early in the second set. With
Sandgren using his outstanding speed to make Federer play one more ball,
the 28-year-old tracked down a deep forehand on break point at 1-0 and
floated up a high lob, drawing a smash error from Federer to grab his
first break of the day.<br />
<br />
Federer struggled to find the range on his shots, hitting 15 unforced
errors throughout the second set. Serving at 2-5, the third seed's
backhand hit the top of the tape on set point and allowed Sandgren to
level the match.<br />
<br />
The unseeded American scored another break against the Swiss to lead 2-0 in the third set, causing the crowd inside Rod Laver
Arena to gasp in unison. With the prospect of a maiden Grand Slam
semi-final becoming more realistic, Sandgren blocked out any signs of
nerves and remained calm.<br />
<br />
Facing triple break point at 2-0, he unleashed a series of booming
serves and eventually held. Sandgren continued to increase his
first-serve percentage, beefing it up from 46 per cent in the first set
to 70 per cent in the third set.<br />
<br />
Federer left the court for a medical timeout at 0-3, but it didn't
change Sandgren's dominance on serve. Most of his aces came in the Ad
court, but he also consistently pushed the Swiss out wide to his
forehand in the Deuce court, setting up one-two punches to keep points
short.<br />
<br />
Although Federer's movement appeared to be hampered, he fought for
every point. He bravely erased five set points on his serve at 2-5, but
Sandgren converted his sixth chance after a Federer backhand found the
net, pumping his fist at his team as he moved closer to a
career-defining win.<br />
<br />
Both players traded comfortable service holds in the fourth set until
Sandgren reached match point with Federer serving at 4-5. But the
prospect of defeating the six-time champion suddenly showed in the
American’s groundstrokes, with three match-point opportunities vanishing
due to nervy errors. Federer eventually held with a forehand winner as
the crowd roared in approval.<br />
<br />
The set eventually moved to a tie-break and it was Federer who
blinked first, hitting a loose forehand to give the American a 4/3
mini-break advantage. Another three match points came Sandgren's way at
6/3, but the Swiss shockingly erased all of them and hit a swinging
forehand volley winner at 6/5 to level the score.<br />
<br />
A seventh match point came and went at 7/6 after Sandgren hit a slice
backhand into the net. Federer, at long last, earned a set point of his
own at 8/7, but the American quickly removed it with an ace. Federer
secured a 9/8 mini-break lead after the American pulled a forehand wide,
then brought the match to a decider after Sandgren sent a smash from
the baseline well long.<br />
<br />
Sandgren stayed with Federer in the early stages of the final set, but
the effects of squandering seven match points had understandably taken a
toll mentally. Federer found new life in his movement and pace on his
forehand, cracking a down-the-line forehand at 3-2 to earn a critical
break. He made good on his first match point, launching a big first
serve to wrap up play after three hours and 31 minutes.<br />
<br />
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“For most of the time there, I thought that was it,” said Federer.
“Of course, there's little sparkles where maybe not, then you're like,
no, it is over. Only maybe when I won that fourth set did I really think
that maybe this whole thing could turn around.<br />
<br />
“Honestly, when they told me seven match points, I was like, ‘What? I thought it was three.’ It's such a blur at some point.<br />
<br />
“You go through a lot of different moments,” admitted Federer, who
left the court for a medical time out due to a groin strain at 0-3 in
the third set. “I figured the way I came back from the injury time-out,
still being a little bit worried how things are, that didn't help. You
hope sometimes you can solve things with a medical timeout, but that was
not really the case.<br />
<br />
“That third set was halfway gone anyhow, so it was just a matter of
coming to terms with what do I have, what don't I have in my game. I
figured in the fourth set, somehow things could go quickly or maybe I'll
hang around for a bit, or eventually he'll get the break, because he
was playing very well.”<br />
<br />
Federer hopes his groin went tight through spending 12 hours and 44
minutes on court in five matches, but he’ll find out the full extent of
the problem on Wednesday. “I started to feel it about midway through the
second set,” he said.<br />
<br />
“I can get through a match like this, through a match like Millman, yes, you do believe. I only believe it over once it's over. I
shake the hand of the opponent, that it's over, that it's fine.<br />
<br />
“Grand Slams are definitely tough in many
different ways. Then again, I didn't feel like I wasted too much
emotional energy out there today because I came to terms quickly that
things weren't exactly the way I wanted them to be. Instead of dwelling
over them, I felt like I'll just play with it, see what can be done, see
if he can put me away or not.<br />
<br />
“When I got to the fifth set, I was like, ‘Oh, it's already fifth
set’. I don't feel physically exhausted like against Millman. I
recovered very well from that match. I'm also
hopeful because I feel like I didn't get spent completely today. I'm
hopeful that I can recover actually.”<br />
<br />
Date: 28 January 2020, Source: ATP and Australian Open</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-32361379622644169402020-01-25T03:17:00.001+05:302020-01-25T03:17:38.693+05:30Federer wins five-set thriller at Australian Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Six-time
champion Roger Federer said it was a "big relief" to survive an epic
five-set marathon and seal his 100th Australian Open win on Friday,
fending off a dogged challenge from John Millman.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) to stay alive in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title." data-reactid="23" type="text">
The
Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but
scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10-8) over four hours and three minutes to stay alive in
his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) to stay alive in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title." data-reactid="23" type="text">
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<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) to stay alive in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title." data-reactid="23" type="text">
Federer recovered from 0/3 and 4/8 deficits in the eighth fifth-set
tie-break of the championship for an historic victory that broke his
three-match losing streak in fifth sets. He’d previously lost fifth-set
matches to Grigor Dimitrov in the 2019 US Open quarter-finals, Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon final and Kevin Anderson in the 2018 Wimbledon quarter-finals. His most recent fifth-set win came on the occasion of his 20th Grand Slam crown at the 2018 Australian Open (d. Cilic).</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) to stay alive in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
“Oh God, it was tough,” Federer told former World No. 1 Jim Courier
in an on-court post-match interview. “Thank God it was a super breaker, otherwise I would have lost this one. Where to start? I think
John played a great match. He is a great fighter, a good guy and it
came down to the wire at the end. What a match.<br />
<br />
“This
one was unique in many ways that I was able to turn a super breaker
around like this in an atmosphere, it was crazy, fun, and I couldn't be
more happy. Big relief.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Things were extremely difficult, not just in the breaker, (but) throughout the match for me against John," he added." data-reactid="28" type="text">
“Things were extremely difficult, not just in the breaker, but throughout the match for me against John,” he added.</div>
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<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) to stay alive in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title." data-reactid="23" type="text">
“A bit of luck maybe goes one way. I had to stay so focused, take the
right decision. He was doing all that stuff at the beginning of the super tie-break, coming up with the goods and I thought, ‘Okay, I guess I
tried.’ I didn’t play too bad after all and I was getting ready to
explain myself in the press conference. What a match and John deserves
over half of this one.”</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss master was rattled by the all-guns-blazing Australian, but scraped through 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) to stay alive in his quest for a 21st Grand Slam title." data-reactid="23" type="text">
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Federer, who improved to 3-1 lifetime against Millman, hit 62
winners, including 16 aces. Although he committed 82 unforced errors,
Federer won 85 of his 111 first-service points, but went three of 10 on
break points. Millman won 178 points to Federer’ 181 total points.<br />
<br />
“I had to figure out a way to get him in trouble on his serve,” said
Federer. “He’s not known to be the best server. He’s got a good serve,
but it is not like the tall guys coming in super fast and everything.
But he was doing such a nice job of not making many mistakes and I was
struggling in the forehand cross court, backhand cross court. He was
dominating both sides, so I think for me it was a matter of holding my
own serve, figure out a way and give myself time and chances.<br />
<br />
“I never really felt comfortable and I thought John did a great job
of keeping me on my back foot. I couldn’t always step in, until the last
shot. I went for it. He picked the wrong side. It was tough. John made
it so difficult for me tonight.”<br />
<br />
Millman, who prides himself in being one of the fittest players on
the ATP Tour, started in confident fashion, holding serve to love and
trading powerful groundstrokes with Federer, who lost his serve in the
fourth game when Millman hit a backhand approach winner. Millman
consolidated the break for a 4-1 lead by recovering from 0/30 and saving
one break point, but got caught on the run by Federer when serving for
the set at 5-3. In the next game, errors from Federer handed Millman the
32-minute opener.<br />
<br />
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Federer said he’d need three matches to start playing his best tennis
and the Swiss started to fire in the second set, testing Millman on
serve with deeper returns but could not convert his lone break point at
5-5, 30/40. Federer stepped up at 3/1 in the tie-break, seizing control
with a big forehand that left Millman scrambling and rushed the net at
6/2 to strike an athletic backhand volley winner.<br />
<br />
There was little to choose between the pair in the third set, but
Millman gave Federer a look at 4-5, when he hit a double fault at Deuce,
only to slam the door with an ace down the middle. Federer, now rushing
the net and putting Millman deep behind the baseline, weathered an
aggressive barrage and clinched the 45-minute third set when Millman
over-hit a backhand.<br />
<br />
Millman refused to give in and in the seventh game of the third set,
chased down deep groundstrokes at 30/40 to force a forehand error from
Federer and a 4-3 advantage. Unlike the first set, when Millman was
broken when serving at 5-3, the 30-year-old didn’t make the same
mistake, striking four powerful first serves into court for a cool love
hold.<br />
<br />
“I could have gone away easily in that fourth set. Roger was playing
pretty well. Had the momentum. I thought I turned it around pretty well.
I left everything out there.”<br />
<br />
When Federer overhit a mid-court forehand long to give Millman a 2-1
lead in the decider another upset was on the cards, but never rule out a
champion. Federer bounced back immediately for 2-2, and later Millman
needed to recover from 15/40 for a 4-3 lead. As the pair’s fourth ATP
Head to Head meeting edged closer to a deciding-set tie-break, Federer
applied the pressure firmly on Millman’s shoulders, but the Australian
didn’t buckle.<br />
<br />
Millman stormed to a 3/0 lead in the eighth fifth-set tie-break of
the championship and carried the momentum, including a superb forehand
passing stroke at 7/4, but Federer won six straight points for a famous
victory - ending with a forehand winner into space (his 62nd winner of
the match).<br />
<br />
“If you watched to get up to 8/4, I hit a running forehand line pass,
a running forehand cross pass, a stop volley that I was probably dead
to rights to make,” said Millman. “Then Roger made it tough. I don't
know. I left it all out there. That's what the best players, I guess.<br />
<br />
“It's not as if it was double faults or first-ball errors. I went
after it. At 8/8, I had a chance, he played a pretty good volley, I'm
running full tilt. Missed one line. Again, that would have been a pretty
good pass.<br />
<br />
“Then I played a great point I think at 8/9 and he picks the right way. What do you do, you know?”<br />
<br />
For a man who has contested 1,510 tour-level matches and 157
tour-level finals, the main purpose of third-round matches is often
simply to progress further in the draw for Federer. But the 20-time
Grand Slam champion was clear that playing matches like tonight’s epic,
regardless of the result, is one of the main reasons he continues to
play the sport.<br />
<br />
“If I do play tennis it's because of winning titles, trying to win as
many matches as possible, enjoying myself out on court, but also being
in epic matches like this. It doesn't always have to be finals,” said
Federer.<br />
<br />
“As long as the crowds are into it, you have a great battle with an
opponent who you really admire and respect, it's a good feeling. I'm
happy I had that match tonight. I hope I would feel the same way also if
I would have lost.”<br />
<br />
Federer will next play Marton Fucsovics of Hungary in the fourth round on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Date: 24 January 2020, Source: ATP and AFP</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-63270369901925510172020-01-23T02:39:00.000+05:302020-01-23T02:39:53.858+05:30Imperious Federer thumps Krajinovic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer displayed imperious form to canter into the third round of
the Australian Open on Wednesday with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 thumping of Serb
Filip Krajinovic.<br />
<br />
The six-time champion started and finished with a flourish to extend
his unbeaten ATP Head to Head record against Krajinovic to four matches.
Federer ripped 42 winners to break serve seven times throughout the
one-hour, 32-minute encounter.<br />
<br />
“I am very happy. It is a great start to the season so far,” said
Federer. “I am feeling really relaxed out on the court. I trained hard
and you hope it pays off and not that it was all for nothing this week. I
am happy, I am still going and I am looking forward to the next one.”<br />
<br />
Federer is now just one win away from winning his 100th match at the Australian Open.
The Swiss, who owns a 99-14 record at Melbourne Park, is the only man
to win 100 matches at a Grand Slam event. Federer owns a record 101 wins
at Wimbledon.<br />
<br />
Federer will need to beat Australian John Millman to reach that mark at the year’s opening major championship. Millman, who beat Federer in four sets at the 2018 US Open, defeated 31st seed Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 28 minutes. Federer leads Millman 2-1 in their ATP Head to Head series.<br />
<br />
“Millman is a great guy. I practised a lot with him and I almost
passed out when I played against him in New York,” said Federer. “It was
so hot. He had no problem, he’s from Queensland. He never came to check
on me to see if I passed out after that match but I didn’t, I’m here.<br />
<br />
“I played him two other times, once in Brisbane and I almost lost
that one too. The other time was in Halle last year. He is super good
guy, unbelievably tough opponent. There are not many fitter guys than
him out there and those are the guys I respect the most, actually. He
gets absolutely the most out of the game and I hope it is going to be a
great match with some great rallies.”<br />
<br />
Federer is aiming to equal Novak Djokovic’s record of seven Australian Open titles this year. The 38-year-old captured his sixth trophy at this event in 2018, beating Marin Cilic in five sets to add a 20th crown to his record Grand Slam titles haul. Rafael Nadal can equal that total at this event if he wins his second Australian Open title.<br />
<br />
It was a rapid start from Federer, who stood on top of the baseline
and ripped backhand winners to establish a 2-0 lead. The third seed soon
opened the court and ripped his forehand to double his advantage,
before taking the opener after 20 minutes. The third seed closed out the
first set with a love service hold as Krajinovic netted a backhand
return.<br />
<br />
The second set proved more competitive as Krajinovic fought back from
a break down, flattening his backhand and rushing Federer into errors
with deep returns to reach 4-4. But the Serbian committed two errors at
the net in the following game to gift Federer the opportunity to serve
for a two-set lead. Federer held serve to 15, as Krajinovic failed to
return a powerful serve down the T.<br />
<br />
“I saw that Krajinovic had made 90 per cent of first serves in the
first two sets. I was looking at the stats and I was aware. I am aware
of a lot of things. It was a very high first-serve percentage, extremely
high, to get only a handful of second serves throughout two sets is
rare. I was somehow able to get the ball back in, get into the rally and figure it out from there.”<br />
<br />
Federer cruised to victory from that point, winning 13 of 15
second-serve return points to secure three service breaks. The 20-time
Grand Slam champion, who dropped just one point behind his first serve
(10/11) in the final set, clinched the win with a powerful cross court
forehand winner.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Over his two matches so far Federer has dropped just 13 games, and admitted he preferred easy early encounters rather than tough battles to preserve energy." data-reactid="28" type="text">
Over
his two matches so far Federer has dropped just 13 games, and admitted
he preferred easy early encounters rather than tough battles to preserve
energy.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Over his two matches so far Federer has dropped just 13 games, and admitted he preferred easy early encounters rather than tough battles to preserve energy." data-reactid="28" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I prefer this much more than overcooked. As easy as it looks, there's always the effort, trying to extend the lead," he said." data-reactid="29" type="text">
“I prefer this much more than overcooked. As easy as it looks, there's always the effort, trying to extend the lead,” he said.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I prefer this much more than overcooked. As easy as it looks, there's always the effort, trying to extend the lead," he said." data-reactid="29" type="text">
<br /></div>
“Of
course, it's not quite the same stress level if you're down a set or a
break or two sets, whatever it may be. I prefer it this way because you
have always extra left in the tank if you need it.”<br />
<br />
Date: 22 January 2020, Source: ATP, Reuters and AFP</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-84117227668674456972020-01-21T01:57:00.001+05:302020-01-21T01:57:35.500+05:30Flawless Federer eases past Johnson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After 21 consecutive appearances at the Australian Open, Roger Federer is familiar with every inch of Rod Laver
Arena. The third-seeded Swiss brought the level of comfort that dozens
of matches on a court can provide to his opening-round clash with Steve Johnson, sweeping aside the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in a breathtaking display.<br />
<br />
The 38-year-old Swiss superstar hit 34 winners, including 11 aces, in his first victory of the 2020 season.<br />
<br />
Federer said in his pre-tournament press conference that his
expectations for this fortnight were low, but the six-time champion may
want to raise them after his latest performance. He broke the American
five times and remains unbeaten in first round matches in Melbourne
(21-0). Federer hasn't lost his opening match at a Grand Slam since
2003.<br />
<br />
"I think I became a better player. Thirty-two seeds helped, to keep
more of these better-ranked players away. When I came up on Tour, there
were only 16 seeds," Federer said of his early-round success at Grand
Slams. "I guess I created a game which allowed me to manage all kinds of
opponents.<br />
<br />
"I’m happy that I was able to manage those first rounds. As we know,
they can always be very tricky. That’s why Masters 1000 are tough sometimes. You can play a Top 20 player in the
first round and that’s when it gets tough."<br />
<br />
Johnson arrived with confidence after winning an ATP Challenger Tour
event last week in Bendigo. But his off-pace slice backhands and chip
forehand returns played into Federer’s strengths, allowing the Swiss to
attack with his forehand and move forward. A forehand volley winner gave
Federer an immediate break in Johnson's opening service game and he led
4-1 after 18 minutes.<br />
<br />
Rain briefly brought both players off the court so the roof could be
closed, but it did little to disrupt Federer’s momentum. He continued to
coast in his service games and grabbed the early advantage.<br />
<br />
The second set was one-way traffic for Federer, who won 16 of the
first 18 points and sprinted to a 4-0 lead. Even when Johnson made the
correct play, he was often reduced to a spectator as he watched Federer
whip winners past him. Federer landed 80 per cent of his first serves
(16/20), consistently setting himself up for one-two punches to end
points. A forehand winner from the Swiss, his 26th of the match, gave
him a commanding two-sets lead.<br />
<br />
Federer opened the third set by once again jumping out in front with an
early break. He comfortably served out the match on his first try to
wrap up play after just 81 minutes. Federer improved to 3-0 in his ATP Head to Head with Johnson and has yet to drop a set against the American.<br />
<br />
"I think, for me, really, the first three rounds are key to get
going, to get used to the pressure, stay calm, when to save break point
or 30/30 points... or just to stay calm if you're down a set and a break
or whatever it might be. This is sort of the unknown that can be a
little bit scary at times.<br />
<br />
"But today there was none of that, because I broke early each set and
was able to get on a roll, play freely after that. And also, I felt I
had margin. Anything I was doing I felt like I had the game under
control. That might not be the case in the next round, so I just think I
have to be careful. Round-by-round, point-for-point mentality. I know
other guys that are playing extremely well right now so I think it's
just important to stay very calm about things right now."<br />
<br />
Federer, with a 98-14 match record at Melbourne Park, will next take on Serbian Filip Krajinovic or French qualifier Quentin Halys in the second round.<br />
<br />
Date: 20 January 2020, Source: ATP</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-47984818028219062822020-01-19T01:03:00.002+05:302020-01-19T01:03:26.214+05:30Federer has 'low expectations' at Australian Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer might have won 20 Grand Slams and six Australian Open
titles but the Swiss great Saturday insisted he had "low expectations"
at the first Major of the season.<br />
<br />
The 38-year-old crowd favourite has yet to play a competitive match this
year, opting out of the recent ATP Cup to spend more time with his
family.<br />
<br />
The team event in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney provided Novak Djokovic and
Rafael Nadal with six high-intensity clashes heading into Melbourne
Park, and Federer knows he has his back to the wall.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Seeded three, he has a tricky clash against 81st-ranked American Steve Johnson first up." data-reactid="25" type="text">
Seeded three, he has a tricky clash against 81st-ranked American Steve Johnson first up. Federer leads their ATP Head to Head series 2-0, having beaten Johnson at 2016 Wimbledon and 2017 Indian Wells.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Seeded three, he has a tricky clash against 81st-ranked American Steve Johnson first up." data-reactid="25" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I'm happy to be back in Australia. I'm happy to be playing here, of course, I love it," said Federer, who has returned for a 21st Australian Open campaign." data-reactid="26" type="text">
"I'm
happy to be back in Australia. I'm happy to be playing here, of course,
I love it," said Federer, who has returned for a 21st Australian Open
campaign.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I'm happy to be back in Australia. I'm happy to be playing here, of course, I love it," said Federer, who has returned for a 21st Australian Open campaign." data-reactid="26" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Look, it's a tricky situation right now playing somebody who has just played a lot this week. He's ready to go. He's match-ready and I'm not," he added of Johnson." data-reactid="27" type="text">
"Look,
it's a tricky situation right now playing somebody who has just played a
lot this week. He's ready to go. He's match-ready and I'm not," he
added of Johnson.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Look, it's a tricky situation right now playing somebody who has just played a lot this week. He's ready to go. He's match-ready and I'm not," he added of Johnson." data-reactid="27" type="text">
<br /></div>
"I got to really make sure I get out of the gates quick."<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Despite his age Federer won four singles titles last year, but he failed to add another Grand Slam." data-reactid="29" type="text">
Despite his age Federer won four singles titles last year, but he failed to add another Grand Slam.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Despite his age Federer won four singles titles last year, but he failed to add another Grand Slam." data-reactid="29" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="His closest call came in the Wimbledon final, where he lost a five-set epic to Djokovic, with his last success at Melbourne Park in 2018." data-reactid="30" type="text">
His
closest call came in the Wimbledon final, where he lost a five-set epic
to Djokovic, with his last success at Melbourne Park in 2018.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="His closest call came in the Wimbledon final, where he lost a five-set epic to Djokovic, with his last success at Melbourne Park in 2018." data-reactid="30" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="In contrast, his great rivals Djokovic and Nadal won two apiece last year, with the Spaniard moving within one Slam title of Federer's record 20." data-reactid="31" type="text">
In
contrast, his great rivals Djokovic and Nadal won two apiece last year,
with the Spaniard moving within one Slam title of Federer's record 20.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="In contrast, his great rivals Djokovic and Nadal won two apiece last year, with the Spaniard moving within one Slam title of Federer's record 20." data-reactid="31" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss star said the off-season had gone well but he needed to get matches under his belt." data-reactid="32" type="text">
The Swiss star said the off-season had gone well but he needed to get matches under his belt.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss star said the off-season had gone well but he needed to get matches under his belt." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I've had plenty of time to pace myself and do all the things I had to do to get ready. I hope it's enough," he said." data-reactid="33" type="text">
"I've had plenty of time to pace myself and do all the things I had to do to get ready. I hope it's enough," he said.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I've had plenty of time to pace myself and do all the things I had to do to get ready. I hope it's enough," he said." data-reactid="33" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I know it's a super-long road to victory. That's why I got to take it one match at a time. My expectations are quite low." data-reactid="34" type="text">
"I know it's a super-long road to victory. That's why I got to take it one match at a time. My expectations are quite low.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I know it's a super-long road to victory. That's why I got to take it one match at a time. My expectations are quite low." data-reactid="34" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss star said the off-season had gone well but he needed to get matches under his belt." data-reactid="32" type="text">
"I'm
excited to play Steve," he added. "He's a good guy. With his old-school
playing - big forehand, slice backhand, good serve - I think it's
going to be a nice match for me."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss star said the off-season had gone well but he needed to get matches under his belt." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The Swiss star said the off-season had gone well but he needed to get matches under his belt." data-reactid="32" type="text">
Date: 18 January 2020, Source: AFP and ATP</div>
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-22117519475815954112019-12-03T03:20:00.001+05:302019-12-03T03:20:54.923+05:30Federer to have Swiss coin minted in his honour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKsDsosI08Ejj3P7A2fu5HkC8CSP6fRmOF6Ka0RvOM5i9xWGQK-KO2lO4egIE1IempXny_yqOyIiXsZFHvtrdoVMI_dFQlRIFRLjRXfWJyE3l1WAVfuicxDqGwDwZZORetJr9_FAwhA/s1600/Federer+20+CHF+Coin+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="1155" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUKsDsosI08Ejj3P7A2fu5HkC8CSP6fRmOF6Ka0RvOM5i9xWGQK-KO2lO4egIE1IempXny_yqOyIiXsZFHvtrdoVMI_dFQlRIFRLjRXfWJyE3l1WAVfuicxDqGwDwZZORetJr9_FAwhA/s400/Federer+20+CHF+Coin+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Tennis great Roger Federer is to become the first living Swiss to have a
coin minted in their honour, with a commemorative 20 franc silver piece bearing his image being issued in January 2020. In addition to that, it plans to release a second coin with a different
design - the “Roger Federer” 50-franc gold coinin May 2020.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 38-year-old 20-time Grand Slam champion is regarded by many as the greatest tennis player ever and is a national hero in Switzerland." data-reactid="23" type="text">
The
38-year-old 20-time Grand Slam champion is regarded by many as the
greatest tennis player ever and is a national hero in Switzerland.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 38-year-old 20-time Grand Slam champion is regarded by many as the greatest tennis player ever and is a national hero in Switzerland." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
Swissmint
confirmed that 55,000 of the coins, featuring Federer delivering a
backhand, will be produced and will be available for pre-order from
Tuesday until December 19 at <a href="http://www.swissmintshop.ch/">http://www.swissmintshop.ch/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Roger Federer's sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him – the first time it has done so with a living person," a Swissmint spokesperson told Reuters." data-reactid="25" type="text">
"Roger
Federer's sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his
easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted
Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him - the first time
it has done so with a living person," a Swissmint spokesperson told
Reuters.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Roger Federer's sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him – the first time it has done so with a living person," a Swissmint spokesperson told Reuters." data-reactid="25" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQp7tXQTqFOmPGlsYTm7nQFpXxx6uELuPBj_hrHu9yxcDMm-dO51QSsDeZ6JORm9w4fHwtQ9geplHgkSN5j7pCDk2v7An_3LbhLeBl6HPsDWOI8Y8GtoyBshYw31GFjiIMGa9E9vVAg/s1600/Federer+20+CHF+Coin+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="720" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQp7tXQTqFOmPGlsYTm7nQFpXxx6uELuPBj_hrHu9yxcDMm-dO51QSsDeZ6JORm9w4fHwtQ9geplHgkSN5j7pCDk2v7An_3LbhLeBl6HPsDWOI8Y8GtoyBshYw31GFjiIMGa9E9vVAg/s320/Federer+20+CHF+Coin+3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
In a statement, the government declared that Roger Federer is the
best-known Swiss person both on and off the court. In addition to his
countless tennis records, including the most Grand Slam men’s singles
titles, he also runs a charitable foundation for children in southern
Africa and was the first Swiss UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Roger Federer's sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him – the first time it has done so with a living person," a Swissmint spokesperson told Reuters." data-reactid="25" type="text">
According to Swissmint, Federer is "the perfect ambassador for
Switzerland. He has a unique way of embodying likability,
down-to-earthness, success and eloquence".</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Roger Federer's sporting achievements, his charitable commitments, his easy-going nature and his accessibility to his fans have prompted Swissmint to dedicate this 20-franc silver coin to him – the first time it has done so with a living person," a Swissmint spokesperson told Reuters." data-reactid="25" type="text">
<br /></div>
With demand expected to be high, Swissmint said another 40,000 coins could be issued in May.<br />
<br />
"Thank you Switzerland and Swissmint for this incredible honour and privilege," Federer wrote on Twitter.<br />
<br />
Date: 2 December 2019</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-40549438776777042452019-11-19T02:16:00.000+05:302019-11-19T02:16:58.187+05:30Federer braced for another next-gen challenge in 2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEdUO5xPagjRy5vi9iSoW5S6XGT5HaOAeE-e34oEMrRdVx6vSoYwfylogfsxIg6c92ONh-jmOm_MndOI26o0EC6-ktSYsTmuv-0Dh2fgfmIyDaGGowPserkC3UZN31UG-SaYRbN1-8g/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEdUO5xPagjRy5vi9iSoW5S6XGT5HaOAeE-e34oEMrRdVx6vSoYwfylogfsxIg6c92ONh-jmOm_MndOI26o0EC6-ktSYsTmuv-0Dh2fgfmIyDaGGowPserkC3UZN31UG-SaYRbN1-8g/s400/100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
After dominating
the tennis world for so long, Roger Federer thinks the sport’s Big Three
could face their toughest challenge yet from a new generation in 2020.<br />
<br />
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
Federer’s
2019 season ended with a semifinal loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas on
Saturday at the ATP Finals, having seen Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
eliminated in the group stage of the tournament this week.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
Tsitsipas, a 21-year-old Greek who is playing at the ATP Finals for the
first time, is among a handful of up-and-coming talents looking to
finally end the unprecedented era of dominance by that trio. Other
youngsters at the season-ending tournament include defending champion
Alexander Zverev at 22 and U.S. Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev at 23.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
However, it’s not
the first time that the 38-year-old Federer has faced talk about a
talented crop of youngsters, even though none of them have so far been
able to break the Big Three’s iron grip on the sport.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
"It’s
the same question every year at the end of the year," Federer said
about the new generation. "But does it feel like this year might be the
best year yet? Possibly. But then I look at the list of who finished
World No. 1, who has been World No. 1 all these years, and it’s just
crazy that it’s always one of us. But we are not getting any younger. So
chances increase not because we are getting worse but because they are
getting better."</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
Nadal clinched his fifth year-end No. 1 title this week, putting him
level with both Federer and Djokovic. Since 2004, the only other person
to finish the year atop the rankings was Andy Murray in 2016.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
In addition, the Big
Three have won the last 12 Grand Slam titles between them. And until
one of the youngsters ends that streak, any talk of a generation shift
is premature.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
"Definitely
it’s that next step they need," Federer said. "The only issue is that
it seems like me, Novak, and Rafa are healthy, healthier than maybe in
previous years, as well."</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
Zverev, for his part, is convinced that the new guard is ready to compete for majors.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
"I
think next year will bring a new Grand Slam champion. We’ll see who
that will be, because I think the young guys are playing incredible
tennis," Zverev said after losing to Dominic Thiem in the second
semifinal at the O2 Arena. "You know, it can be Daniil, it can be
Stefanos, it can be Dominic. I’m in the mix, as well, I hope. We’ll see
what next year brings. But I think for the young guys, it’s going to be
an exciting year."</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
The third-ranked Federer ends the year with four ATP titles, but failed
to add to his record haul of 20 Grand Slams when he lost an epic
Wimbledon final to Djokovic, despite holding two match points in the
fifth set.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
He also fell short
of a record-extending seventh ATP Finals title after converting just one
of 12 break points against Tsitsipas, losing 6-3, 6-4.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
As long as he stays healthy, though, Federer is confident he’s still good enough to compete for more majors next season.</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
"I’ve got to keep on playing at the level like I have this year, and
then I will create some chances," he said. "Then when the matches come,
it’s not maybe as easy as it was maybe 10, 15 years ago where you’re
just going to play very good, day in, day out. Opportunities were
there today. They were there in other moments as well this season,
maybe Indian Wells or Wimbledon or whatever. That can change an entire
season around, the confidence around, the flow of things. But I’m happy
how I played this season, and I’m extremely excited for next season."</div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
<br /></div>
<div class="Component-root-0-2-47 Component-p-0-2-40">
Date: 18 November 2019, Source: AP</div>
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-37808992507015967922019-11-18T03:07:00.002+05:302019-11-18T03:08:19.993+05:30Federer: "I'm extremely excited for next season"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45KDoapn31vosQD9QCEe5NA1XJdC4dYi1LRmUQcOVAmN4vvpGzVftGuRqLpABtPamGeQfqGsdCoqwtcwPRywsH5F6yIYwFBvj5ywtdv3zfKCQ4WPyBPFdndFE0oaQCWV3RlyjMg7vbg/s1600/133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45KDoapn31vosQD9QCEe5NA1XJdC4dYi1LRmUQcOVAmN4vvpGzVftGuRqLpABtPamGeQfqGsdCoqwtcwPRywsH5F6yIYwFBvj5ywtdv3zfKCQ4WPyBPFdndFE0oaQCWV3RlyjMg7vbg/s400/133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Roger Federer admits to having his chances against Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday at the ATP Finals
in London. The six-time champion went one for 12 on break points
against the Greek in what must have felt like a sequel to their Australian Open quarter-final in January, when the Swiss didn't convert any of his 12 break points. Federer went down 6-3, 6-4 to Tsitsipas.<br />
<br />
“No doubt I had my chances,” Federer said. “I had
some good spells, but the spells where things were not working well,
they were pretty bad. At this level, you just can't have it happen, so
that was pretty disappointing today.”<br />
<br />
But don't expect the 38-year-old Swiss, who will finish year-end No. 3
in the ATP Rankings, to mull over his semi-final loss for too long.<br />
<br />
Federer can feel proud of finishing inside the Top 3 of the year-end ATP Rankings for the 15<sup>th</sup> time, his four ATP Tour titles, including his 100<sup>th</sup> in Dubai, and his 16<sup>th</sup> semi-final at the season finale at The O2.<br />
<br />
“I've got to keep on playing at the level like I have this
year, and then I will create some chances. I thought I played some
consistent, solid tennis. Got to take care of my body, listen to the
signs, work well with the team, get the balance right with everything
that's happening in my life,” Federer said about his hopes for 2020.<br />
<br />
“But I'm happy how I played this season, and I'm extremely excited for next season.”<br />
<br />
The Swiss beat Tsitsipas for the Dubai title, won his 28<sup>th</sup> ATP Masters 1000 in Miami (d. Isner) and won his 10<sup>th</sup> title in both Halle (d. Goffin) and Basel (d. De Minaur), his hometown tournament.<br />
<br />
Federer fell short of winning Big Titles at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells (l. Thiem) and at Wimbledon (l. to Djokovic). He'll look to shore up his performances in those big matches next year during his 23<sup>rd</sup> season on Tour.<br />
<br />
“When the matches come, it's not maybe as easy as it was maybe 10,
15 years ago, where you're just going to play very good day in, day
out. Maybe you need to do extra effort sometimes for that to happen.
Maybe that's what it felt like today, just things were complicated. But
I've got to maybe do even a better job at figuring these moments out,
because the opportunities were there today, for instance. They were
there in other moments as well this season, maybe Indian Wells or Wimbledon,” said Federer, who had two match points against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.<br />
<br />
“That can change an entire season around, the confidence around, the flow of things.”<br />
<br />
Federer, who is 2-2 against Tsitsipas in their ATP Head to Head series, was complimentary of the 21-year-old.<br />
<br />
“I thought that he played really well. He took the ball early. I
know he does that. I thought I returned actually pretty good on the
first serve. For the most part I wasn't quite getting
into the rallies the way I wanted to,” Federer said. “I think I have to
credit him for pushing me to not play at the level I was hoping to
today.”<br />
<br />
About Tsitsipas' one-handed backhand, which the Greek hit
effectively down the line, Federer added, “He can loop it and come down
on it, and that's why also I believe he's good on faster courts and on
slower courts. It's going to be very beneficial for his career. Obviously it's his footwork that's always on the aggressive side. Any
short ball will be attacked, and I think he does that very, very well.
He's one of the best at that in the game.”<br />
<br />
Federer, however, minutes after the loss, was already prepared to move on and think about future opportunities.<br />
<br />
“It's the year-end. It's over now, and I can't make it better. I
tried everything I could, to be honest. I tried to chip it eventually,
tried to stay back and hit some. I tried to come forward. And for the
most part I actually tried to play up in the court and tried to play
aggressive. But, of course, with his aggression, it's not always easy
because he always takes the ball very early himself too,” Federer said.<br />
<br />
“I knew he was going to be incredibly athletic. He was just a little bit better today at all those little things.”<br />
<br />
Date: 17 November 2019, Source: ATP<br />
<br />
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-71145435067649032732019-11-15T11:37:00.001+05:302019-11-15T11:37:25.394+05:30Federer outclasses Djokovic at ATP Finals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer played scintillating tennis to defeat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday evening, earning a spot in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals. That victory made the Swiss star the second-placed player in Group Bjorn Borg. On Saturday, the 38-year-old will face the winner of Group Andre Agassi, which will be determined on Friday.<br />
<br />
“<span>Great atmosphere, a great opponent here in London at The O2,
definitely incredibly special. Just a night I enjoyed from the
beginning. I played incredible, and I knew I had to because that’s what
Novak does and I was able to produce. So it was definitely magical,”
Federer said.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>The third-seeded Federer, making his 17</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> appearance, reached his 16</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> semi-final at the season-ending ATP Finals
and ended Djokovic's season, along with his hopes of finishing year-end
No. 1 in the ATP Rankings for a record-tying sixth time.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><span>Djokovic needed to win the title to have a chance at knocking Rafael Nadal off the top spot, but now Nadal is guaranteed his fifth year-end No. 1 finish, evening him with Federer, Djokovic and American Jimmy Connors.</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span><span>Federer barely made a mistake against Djokovic, attacking the
Serbian and serving flawlessly. He finished with 23 winners to only five
unforced errors.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><br /></span></span></span>
<span><span><span><span>In the first set, Federer won 87 per cent (20/23) of his service points and made only one unforced error to start their 49</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> ATP Head to Head meeting. </span>Djokovic had won their last meeting, saving two match points in the Wimbledon
final, but the Serbian threw in a loose service game at 1-1. The World
No. 2 donated two double faults to start, and on break point, 0/40,
Federer walloped a sitting backhand.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><br /></span></span></span>
<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“</span></span></span></span>He was the better player in all aspects and absolutely deserved to
win,” Djokovic said. “He served great, moved well, returned my serve
very well. He did everything right.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span><span><span><span>“I have the utmost admiration for him and everything he's doing on
the court. What he has achieved over the years and what he's still
showing on the court is phenomenal. He's a role model, even for me, and
one of the toughest opponents I’ve had in my career. Looking at his
career and what he's still doing just inspires you.”</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span>Djokovic, who led their head-to-head series 26-22,
responded in the second set, saving two break points in the opening
game to rip back momentum. The Serbian then saw his first break chance
of the match in the fourth game, but couldn't convert and ran into more
trouble on his serve at 2-2.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Djokovic, hearing chants of “Let's go, Roger, let's go!”, fell
behind 15/40 and sailed a forehand long to give Federer the second break
of the match. The Swiss, who lost the Wimbledon match points on his racquet, broke once more to close it out.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
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<span>“<span>There was a lot riding on the match. I think I served great, had
great anticipation, a clear game plan and it worked to perfection
tonight, and hopefully not the last time against Novak,” Federer said.
“But even if it didn’t, it was all worth it. It was a great performance
tonight from me.”</span></span><br />
<span><span><br /></span></span>
<span><span><span>Federer improved to 53-9 on the season and earned his record-extending 59</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> ATP Finals win. The Swiss will now go for a record-extending seventh title this weekend.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><br /></span></span></span>
<span><span><span>“<span>I have been playing very well this season, and I think this victory proves that today,” Federer said.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span><span><span><span>“<span>I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on
the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not
going to play great tennis. That was a good feeling to have, but then
again, that doesn't mean much because Novak has done an unbelievable job
in his career to find ways to either make you play bad or to just be
better on you on the day or squeeze another victory out like the way he
did at Wimbledon.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
“<span>I knew the beginning wasn't key, but I knew it was important. I
had a great run on the serve, as well, throughout I think that first
set. I was able to keep the pressure going and mix up my game. Because
he was playing incredibly aggressive at one point midway through the
first set, which surprised me a little bit.</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
“<span>Things just worked very well for me. Tonight was one of those
nights where I was clear in the game plan. I got what I kind of
expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. </span><span>The reaction showed.”</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Date: 15 November 2019, Source: ATP</span><br />
<span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span></span></span></span><br />
<span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span> </div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-19225520611784204602019-11-14T01:40:00.001+05:302019-11-14T01:41:40.310+05:30Federer beats Berrettini for first win at ATP Finals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer
got back on track at the ATP Finals, beating Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (2),
6-3 on Tuesday for his first victory of the round-robin stage. Federer lost his opening match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday but the
six-time champion looked sharper against Berrettini, never dropping his
serve and hitting 24 winners.<br />
<br />
Federer has failed to reach the semifinals only once in his previous 16 appearances, in 2008, but have to beat Novak Djokovic in his final group match on Thursday to advance.<br />
<br />
“It’s unusual to lose and then come back to play again, but I did it
last year, so I have some experience,” Federer joked. “I’m very happy
with how I played today. Matteo was always going to be difficult with
his big serve. I was pretty clean in my own service games and I think
that helped today. I hope I can keep it up and maybe even play a bit
better in the next match.”<br />
<br />
The 38-year-old Federer improved to 2-0 against Berrettini in their ATP Head to Head, including a straight-sets victory this year at Wimbledon. The Swiss has more match wins (58) and titles (6) than any player in ATP Finals history. Federer is 17-0 lifetime in his second round-robin match at this event.<br />
<br />
“There's no reason to be too down after losing the first match. We came here
to play three matches and give it all we have. It was the big goal of
the season to qualify here, which we did,” Federer said. “I had a day
off and there’s plenty of ways to get rid of that loss. Hanging out with
my kids will do that for me. I was ready and prepared today. That’s
what matters the most right now.”<br />
<br />
Federer earned the lone break point of the first set at 6-5, but
Berrettini erased it with a forehand winner. The Swiss drew first blood
in the tie-break and earned a 2/1 mini-break advantage after Berrettini
overcooked a forehand. Federer raced through the final three points of
the set to grab the early lead after 42 minutes. The six-time champion
is 21-7 in tie-breaks this season.<br />
<br />
He continued to ride the momentum and broke the Italian to love in
the opening game of the second set. Berrettini had a chance to level the
match with Federer serving 4-3, but couldn't convert three break
points. A slice forehand from Berrettini found the net in the next game
and wrapped up play after 78 minutes.<br />
<br />
Date: 13 November 2019, Source: AP and AFP
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-80823934682495372572019-11-12T02:13:00.000+05:302019-11-12T02:13:55.204+05:30Federer faces early ATP Finals exit after Thiem defeat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer
said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early
exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic
Thiem on Sunday.<br />
<br />
The 38-year-old Swiss, bidding for his seventh title at the event but
his first since 2011, struggled to handle Thiem's aggressive game as he
went down 7-5, 7-5.<br />
<br />
Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer failed to survive the
group phase, in 2008, and to avoid a repeat he will have to beat Italian
Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and Novak Djokovic on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Thiem put constant pressure on Federer and broke at 5-5 in each set to claim his third win over the Swiss this year.<br />
<br />
“It's a normal tournament from here on forward. I’m not allowed to lose
anymore,” Federer said. “That's how it is every week of the year for the
past 20 years, so from that standpoint, there is nothing new.”<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors." data-reactid="40" type="text">
The
warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he
dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when
Thiem hurried him into errors.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors." data-reactid="40" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies." data-reactid="41" type="text">
Federer
had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might,
he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated
the baseline rallies.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies." data-reactid="41" type="text">
<br /></div>
Thiem,
who has flourished this year since hiring coach Nicolas Massu after a
slow start to the season, broke again at 5-5 and although Federer fought
hard and had a point to take the set into a tiebreak he was unable to
turn things around.<br />
<br />
But Federer still finished the night with more winners (24) than
unforced errors (22) and only won five fewer points than Thiem (72 to
77). His level on Centre Court required a world-class performance to
beat him and he praised the Austrian for delivering it.<br />
<br />
“I thought he played well. The start definitely didn't help. That put me
on the back foot,” Federer said. “But I recovered well and I thought
the match was pretty even for a long period of time. I felt that I had
my chances. Didn’t feel like I was outplayed or anything. Just maybe
those first-match hiccups, not hitting your spots on the serve when you
need to, getting into trouble early in the service games, which maybe
doesn't happen later on in the tournament.”<br />
<br />
Although Federer’s form dipped at times, the crowd support for him
never wavered. The British public has adopted the Swiss as one of their
own after the memorable moments he’s provided in London throughout his
21-year ATP Tour career, including two titles at The O2 (2010-2011).
Despite the loss to Thiem, he remained optimistic that their energy can
help propel him to a seventh title at this event.<br />
<br />
“I thought the atmosphere was great. I wish I could have given them a
bit more something to celebrate tonight,” Federer said. ”I felt like
the fans were waiting and they were ready to go. Maybe getting that
break in the second set would have done exactly that, but it's a
wonderful event here. I'm happy I’ve played here so many times so I
could enjoy the crowds. I'm looking forward to the next two matches.”<br />
<br />
Federer will shift his focus to his next match on Tuesday against Matteo Berrettini, who also lost his opening match to Novak Djokovic. He dropped just five games against the Italian in their lone ATP Head to Head meeting this year at Wimbledon, but said that anyone who qualifies for the season-ending championships can’t be underestimated.<br />
<br />
“With his serve, with what he can do, obviously any opponent is
dangerous here,” Federer said. “I've got to recover. I've got to make
sure I play better than today and hopefully I can win that match.”<br />
<br />
Date: 11 November 2019, Source: Reuters and ATP
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-14693354893691756742019-11-09T03:27:00.002+05:302019-11-09T03:27:52.275+05:30Federer pursuing his 7th title at ATP Finals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer has won more ATP Finals
than anyone in the tournament’s history, with six. And as he gets set
to compete in the season finale for the 17th time, the Swiss naturally
has high expectations, considering the last and only time he failed to
advance through the group stage was in 2008. But the 38-year-old arrives
at The O2 understanding that there are seven other elite players in the
field who want to lift the trophy at the end of the week just as much
as he does.<br />
<br />
“Of course it would be nice. I’m not the only guy who has that hope
and that dream. So we’ll see how it goes,” Federer said of his hopes of
triumphing. “But I think indoors, it’s more of a nostalgic thing for me
as well. That’s where I had my first success on the Tour. When I came
onto the Tour this is where I made my first points on the
satellite-level, challenger-level and tour-level. That’s how I got up
the Rankings, it was through the indoors. And so I always feel
comfortable regardless of what indoor court I go to.”<br />
<br />
Federer owns the most wins and the best winning percentage in indoors of all the players competing in this year’s ATP Finals. And his 57-15 record at this tournament speaks for itself.<br />
<br />
“It feels like I come home in some ways when I play indoors, so it’s
the same thing here,” Federer said. “So far I’ve felt great, the court
plays nice and I’m sure we’ll see some great tennis.”<br />
<br />
When the groups were announced earlier this week, Federer landed in Group Bjorn Borg, in which five-time champion Novak Djokovic
will also be competing. The last time the two legends played one
another, Djokovic saved two championship points to defeat Federer for
the Wimbledon title.<br />
<br />
“Wimbledon
was epic,” Federer said. “That was a special match for both of us.
Maybe a bit more for him than for me, but that’s okay. I moved on a long
time ago. When we match up I think our games really match up nicely.
It’s great for the crowd, super-athletic. We have different playing
styles. It’s pretty quick here I feel, the court. So it will be
interesting. Indoors you focus more maybe on your serve and all that
stuff rather than what your opponent does, but it should be exciting.
I’m excited to play against Novak again here.”<br />
<br />
Second among active players behind Federer in indoor victories and
winning percentage is Djokovic, who leads their ATP Head to Head
series 26-22. The second seed has won three of five ATP Finals
clashes against Federer, with each of those battles coming in London. A
reporter asked Federer if he feels the indoor conditions will give him
the edge against the Serbian.<br />
<br />
“I hope so, I don’t know,” Federer said. “He’s been playing indoors
okay, too. So it’s not like his record is nonexistent or is like so much
worse than mine. I don’t even know if it’s worse than mine or mine is
better. But honestly I’m very excited to play against Novak again here.
I’m happy to be in his group.”<br />
<br />
Also in Group Bjorn Borg are Dominic Thiem.
Thiem is competing at the season finale for the fourth straight year,
but Berrettini is making his debut. Last year when the world’s best were
battling in London, the Italian was outside the Top 50. Now he is among
the sport’s best, as are fellow debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who are in Group Andre Agassi.<br />
<br />
“What I like about the young guys like Matteo here qualifying for the
first time, it goes away from just saying, ‘Oh, we have some talented
players on the Tour.’ There’s a difference between that and already
being somewhat of a national hero in your country already and being a
Top 10 player in the world in tennis, which is not easy to achieve,”
Federer said.<br />
<br />
“So I think that’s great that they’re part of the Finals. It’s going to give them great experience as well moving
forward to then achieve great things at Slam level, Masters 1000s, being
surrounded with the eight, having the pressure to play against fellow
Top 10 players from the get-go here. It’s something that will only help
your career. Sascha’s win last year was definitely also a bit of a
catalyst for the rest of the group that qualified this year.”<br />
<br />
But Federer will hope that this year, they don’t break through, and that he is the one lifting his seventh ATP Finals trophy at the end of the week.<br />
<br />
Date: 8 November 2019, Source: ATP</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-56715339998833347442019-10-29T01:52:00.002+05:302019-10-29T01:52:29.582+05:30Why Pizza & Tears remain a constant for Federer in Basel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Roger Federer won his 103rd tour-level title on Sunday at the Swiss Indoors Basel. But for the 38-year-old, lifting trophies never gets old.<br />
<br />
Tears filled the 10-time Basel champion's eyes as he spoke to the crowd during the trophy ceremony.<br />
<br />
“You saw it hit me again hard winning here in Basel. I don’t take
these tournament victories as a normal thing. I take them as something
quite unique and special, even though it’s been a lot by now,” Federer
said. “Every one has a different flavour and I try to enjoy them as much
as I can in the moment.”<br />
<br />
It’s especially emotional for Federer at home. His two years spent as
a ball boy in Basel more than two decades ago have been
well-documented, and the Swiss awards all the ball boys and ball girls
medals and orders them pizza to celebrate their efforts. So even though
it was the 10th time Federer has triumphed here, the tears were no
surprise.<br />
<br />
“I think it might be partially reminiscing back at everything that
went on this week. Definitely the family, the thought of the team
aspect, the family aspect, everything that goes into me still being able
to do it today. People think I just go out there and just do it and
have these types of weeks or these types of matches at will,” Federer
said. “But there’s so much more that goes into it, let alone managing
four children, which is a challenge, but a good one.<br />
<br />
“Obviously when I stand there and look back at everything that I had
to go through, it really touches me. Along with just the music and the
thought of all the ball kids running in already gets me going.”<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYd1X-3PF3qkMeMednPifdYM7uZdD3F1cCMtQwqOj9S36WrknTWVWT2cuD0uP6lfL6ttbxEo_WoPxJEfHNvkRAmmu3k9JrChyphenhyphenNglaOOWvOtF9Ic60GRFdgCWcBxWjzlLDvyWCX2Z9Rw/s1600/61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYd1X-3PF3qkMeMednPifdYM7uZdD3F1cCMtQwqOj9S36WrknTWVWT2cuD0uP6lfL6ttbxEo_WoPxJEfHNvkRAmmu3k9JrChyphenhyphenNglaOOWvOtF9Ic60GRFdgCWcBxWjzlLDvyWCX2Z9Rw/s320/61.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Federer has lifted plenty of trophies from the moment he picked up a
tennis racquet as a kid. But that boy who once dreamt of being "one of
the big guys" is now just six titles from Jimmy Connors' all-time mark of 109 tour-level titles.<br />
<br />
“Back in the day when you lifted a trophy as a junior you’re like,
‘Ahh, let’s just pretend to be one of the big guys.’ But you clearly
know you’re not. Now when you’re able to do it in a stadium with people
chanting your name or celebrating you or your tennis, it’s a wonderful
feeling,” Federer said. “There you probably have a couple of parents
around and one photographer who happened to be there at the time. So
clearly things have changed. Luckily there were some photographers at
the time, because it was more of a luxury to have a camera at the time.
It’s been an incredible journey. It’s definitely very different today.”<br />
<br />
This is the second tournament at which Federer has won 10 titles,
having accomplished the feat in Halle earlier this year. So even though
his championship victory against Alex de Minaur
was fairly straightforward, resulting in a 6-2, 6-2 scoreline, that
didn’t make the moment he clinched the title any less special.<br />
<br />
“You don’t get a chance to win 10 titles at the same event many times
in your career ever, so I couldn’t be more happy that it also happened
here in Basel, in Halle also,” Federer said. “It’s been a great week, a
wonderful time. The fans were unreal again, like so many other years. I
played great tennis and was able to pull it all the way through until
the very end.”<br />
<br />
Federer did not drop a set en route to his fourth title of the season. He dropped just 18 games in four matches.<br />
<br />
“I started off very strong and very well this week. I was able to
really keep a very solid level and sometimes even a fantastic level,”
Federer said. “It was never really in doubt. If only it was always
like that, but it’s not. So I take this week as a good one for sure.”<br />
<br />
Date: 28 October 2019, Source: ATP</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-50429902544236031512019-10-28T02:59:00.000+05:302019-10-28T02:59:31.693+05:30Roger Federer wins 10th Basel title<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJLHr8wfy6SCSrteu9erdEVH721l42t0UPIjkaZjY5i3JyRbfcyyvm5wHVIe51maxrASw4dh13Tr-fVPbQ1xDmyp_-Sq6_mzjeQfiRQI7VlaHLnesTrgk2reaqvO5NhvveAFvtT4U0w/s1600/52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJLHr8wfy6SCSrteu9erdEVH721l42t0UPIjkaZjY5i3JyRbfcyyvm5wHVIe51maxrASw4dh13Tr-fVPbQ1xDmyp_-Sq6_mzjeQfiRQI7VlaHLnesTrgk2reaqvO5NhvveAFvtT4U0w/s400/52.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Roger Federer
won his 10th Swiss Indoors Basel title on Sunday, smothering young Australian Alex De
Minaur 6-2, 6-2 to secure what the Swiss legend described as "an
unbelievable" success at the home-town tournament where he used to work
as a ballboy.<br />
<br />
Federer, playing in front of a fervent home crowd, played attacking
tennis against the speedy 20-year-old, who was going for his fourth
title of the season (3-1). The 38-year-old broke four times, mixing up
the pace and keeping De Minaur on the move from the back of the court.<br />
<br />
"It was fast but very nice. I think I played a great match. It was a
tough opener, in the beginning, the first five games, we had some great
rallies. I never looked back," Federer said. "I was great on the
offence, made very few unforced errors and came up with the big shots
and served well when I had to.<br />
<br />
"I thought Alex played a great tournament as well, and I think we
both can be very happy. But what a moment for me to win my 10th here in
my hometown of Basel."<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 38-year-old had to control his emotions as he drew a loud and heartfelt standing ovation from his home public during the presentation for his 103rd career trophy." data-reactid="32" type="text">
Federer had to control his emotions as he drew a loud and heartfelt
standing ovation from his home public during the presentation for his
103rd career trophy.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 38-year-old had to control his emotions as he drew a loud and heartfelt standing ovation from his home public during the presentation for his 103rd career trophy." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time Grand Slam champion said it was as a ballboy at the St Jakobshalle more than two decades ago that he got his first taste of tennis." data-reactid="33" type="text">
The
20-time Grand Slam champion said it was as a ballboy at the St.
Jakobshalle more than two decades ago that he got his first taste of
tennis.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time Grand Slam champion said it was as a ballboy at the St Jakobshalle more than two decades ago that he got his first taste of tennis." data-reactid="33" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."" data-reactid="35" type="text">
"Being a ballboy really inspired me," he said. "But I cannot believe that I've won here 10 times. I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."" data-reactid="35" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."" data-reactid="35" type="text">
With his wife, children and parents watching, Federer was presented with
a metal sculpture depicting a life-sized hand ready to toss a tennis
ball in honour of his landmark title.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."" data-reactid="35" type="text">
<br /></div>
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<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer defeated the 28th-ranked De Minaur in their first meeting." data-reactid="38" type="text">
Federer defeated the 28th-ranked De Minaur in their first meeting.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer defeated the 28th-ranked De Minaur in their first meeting." data-reactid="38" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."" data-reactid="35" type="text">
"Alex has had a great year," Federer said. "It's not easy to win tournaments and he's done it three times already this year. There is more to come for you. As for me, I hope to be back here next year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this event."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I never even thought that I would win it once, this has been an unbelievable week for me."" data-reactid="35" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="De Minaur joked that he had his own slender hopes prior to the start." data-reactid="41" type="text">
De Minaur joked that he had his own slender hopes prior to the start.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="De Minaur joked that he had his own slender hopes prior to the start." data-reactid="41" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
"I was hoping Roger might just get sick of winning, but that didn't happen. He was too good again, it's amazing. It was a dream to play him here in Basel. It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
The Swiss now can count Basel alongside the Noventi Open
in Halle as his most successful tournaments by titles won. Federer has
won his home ATP 500 during his past five appearances. He improved to
75-9 at the tournament and has won 24 consecutive matches on centre
court.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
"I couldn't be more happy," Federer said. "What a great
tournament it's been for me, always, but particularly the last few times
I've been here."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
Federer won his fourth title of the season, tied for second best on the Tour, and the 103<sup>rd</sup> of his career (103-54).</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Now, he is just six short of the record 109 ATP trophies held by American Jimmy Connors." data-reactid="47" type="text">
Now, he is just six short of the record 109 ATP trophies held by American Jimmy Connors.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Now, he is just six short of the record 109 ATP trophies held by American Jimmy Connors." data-reactid="47" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
Federer
is due to play next week at the Paris Masters, the final event of the
regular season before the November 10 start of the ATP Finals in London.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a great season for me, I'll just keep pushing for bigger and better things."" data-reactid="44" type="text">
Date: 27 October 2019, Source: AFP and ATP</div>
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-17620164715479606602019-10-27T02:19:00.002+05:302019-10-27T02:22:17.593+05:30Federer defeats Tsitsipas in Basel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Roger Federer delighted his hometown fans by cruising past Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 in the Swiss Indoors Basel semifinals on Saturday.<br />
<br />
“It was nice to come out strong. It was a really intense 35 or 40
minutes to start. I had a good middle section which gave me the first
set and the lead in the second set, and never looked back,” Federer
said. “It’s hard to believe that I’m in another Basel final. It’s super
exciting.”<br />
<br />
Federer added to his staggering numbers in Basel by reaching his 13th
consecutive final and 15th overall. He moved to 74-9 at this event and
has won his past 23 matches on centre court. The 38-year-old is through
to his sixth ATP Tour final of the season, second only to Daniil Medvedev (9), and picked up his 50th tour-level win of the year.<br />
<br />
“Even if I’m up a set and a break, the crowd are not just there when
I’m down in the score and feel like I need it,” Federer said. “They
enjoy when I’m playing good tennis and it pushes me to play even better,
keep on trying every point and try to make something happen. That’s
what you do with a home court advantage.”<br />
<br />
Seeking a 10th career title in Basel, the 38-year-old Federer will play 20-year-old Alex de Minaur in Sunday’s final. The Swiss is competing in his 157th ATP Tour final (102-54), compared to six for De Minaur (3-2).<br />
<br />
Federer was 0-12 on break points during his loss to Tsitsipas at this year's Australian Open
and couldn't convert his first five in their latest clash. But with
Tsitsipas serving at 2-2 in the first set, Federer let out a roar of
approval after getting over the line with a strong forehand approach.<br />
<br />
The Swiss looked to move forward whenever possible and was nearly
flawless when he did, winning 9 of 10 net points in the opening set.
Serving for the set at 5-4, he fired three aces and a delicate drop
volley winner to grab the early advantage.<br />
<br />
Tsitsipas was left to ruminate over hitting more winners than
unforced errors (11 to 9), yet still coming up short. The Greek felt the
pressure in the second set, hitting a double fault and a pair of wild
baseline errors in the opening game to give Federer two break points.
The top seed converted on his second with a forehand winner and jogged
to his chair.<br />
<br />
Federer's outstanding serving led to little resistance from
Tsitsipas, with the Swiss dropping just eight points in his first nine
service games. The third seed earned his first break point with Federer
serving for the match at 5-4, but played it tentatively and pushed a
forehand long. Two points later, a swinging forehand volley winner
closed out play after 79 minutes. Federer finished the day with 28
winners to 11 unforced errors.<br />
<br />
Date: 26 October 2019, Source: AP and ATP
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-29955288427161258352019-10-24T10:25:00.000+05:302019-10-24T10:25:41.058+05:30Federer into 17th Basel quarter-final<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Roger Federer crushed Radu Albot
6-0, 6-3 on Wednesday to win his 22nd match in a row at the Swiss
Indoors and earn a quarter-final place at his home event for the 17th
time.<br />
<br />
“I’m extremely happy because I really struggled against him in Miami
and he definitely got my attention there. I was basically a point away
from losing,” Federer said. “It was important for me to show a reaction
to that match and come out with a proper game plan. I think I learned a
lot from that match.<br />
<br />
“I really respect Radu. He tries everything to win in a really tough, great and fair way. I’m very happy with the way I played. I had an
answer for everything he threw at me today and that’s great.”<br />
<br />
Federer improved to 73-9 in Basel. The 38-year-old has dropped a mere five games in his first
two rounds, competing in his 1,500th tour-level match as he defeated
German Peter Gojowczyk on Monday.<br />
<br />
“Maybe I was feeling some pressure in my first appearances and it
was, in some ways, the hardest to play in front of friends and family in
Basel, but not in the past 17 years,” Federer said. “I’ve really
enjoyed every moment and always tried to understand how I should take
advantage of playing at home.”<br />
<br />
In Miami, Albot pushed Federer to the edge in a three-set tussle. Armed
with the knowledge of how dangerous the Moldovan can be, Federer brought
his best tennis from the first point. The Swiss dominated the baseline
rallies throughout the opening set, firing 13 winners as he sprinted to
an early advantage after 22 minutes.<br />
<br />
Albot did his best to keep his spirits up and the crowd entertained
in spite of the one-sided scoreline. He cracked a sarcastically bemused
smile after a rare Federer error at 0-2 in the second set, then bowed to
the crowd after holding serve in that game to get on the board.<br />
<br />
But while the Moldovan won a moral victory by avoiding a double
bagel, he wasn’t able to win much else on the night as Federer continued
his vintage form. A strong backhand from the Swiss wrapped up play
after 62 minutes. Federer finished the night with 32 winners to just 21
unforced errors, in addition to taking 75 per cent of his service points
(30/40).<br />
<br />
Awaiting Federer in the next round is seventh-seeded Swiss Stan Wawrinka or American Frances Tiafoe, who both won their respective first-round matches on Wednesday. Federer leads Tiafoe 3-0 in their ATP Head to Head series, including a win in Basel two years ago. He also holds a 23-3 advantage
over Wawrinka in their ATP Head to Head rivalry and has prevailed in
their past seven matches. Federer won their lone Basel clash in the
2011 semi-finals.<br />
<br />
“I think the fans would love a match against Stan because he’s
struggled at this tournament for some reason, but it’s great to see him
back healthy,” Federer said. “We’ve always had some tough matches, even
on hard courts. Hopefully this match happens for the fans.”<br />
<br />
The six games Federer has dropped so far this week is the fewest he's lost in his opening two matches in Basel since 2006.<br />
<br />
Date: 24 October 2019, Source: ATP and AFP</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-31150825470795156302019-10-22T03:00:00.001+05:302019-10-22T03:00:35.369+05:30Federer starts his bid for 10th Basel title<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="western">
<span>Roger Federer
started his European indoor season with more dominance in his hometown
of Basel on Monday evening. The 38-year-old Swiss won his 21</span><sup><span>st</span></sup><span> consecutive match at the Swiss Indoors Basel, sprinting past German Peter Gojowczyk 6-2, 6-1 in only 53 minutes.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><span><span><span>“</span></span>I thought the match was good. I felt like I had a good spring in
my step and was quick onto the ball. Didn’t take me long to get used to
the conditions. That was positive,” Federer said. “I knew of the
danger playing Peter, especially indoors. He had a great couple of
qualifying matches, so I knew he’d be tough, especially because he
beat Karlovic easy, who serves great.”</span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><span><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><span><span>Federer, who was playing in his 1,500<sup>th</sup> tour-level
match, broke five times and, despite giving back one of those breaks in
the second set, cruised in the quick indoor conditions to improve to
72-9 at the ATP 500 event. He finished with 34 winners to only 18
unforced errors.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span>The World No. 3 is going for his 10</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> Basel title and 103</span><sup><span>rd</span></sup><span> overall. Federer has won only one tournament 10 times, the Noventi Open in Halle.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span>The Swiss has already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals for a record-extending 17</span><sup><span>th</span></sup><span> time. He will next meet Moldovan Radu Albot or Dusan Lajovic of Serbia.</span></div>
<div class="western">
<br /><span><span><span>Federer, who has made the Basel final on all of his last 12 visits, owns ATP titles this season in Dubai, Miami and Halle.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western">
<span><span><span>Date: 21 October 2019, Source: ATP</span></span></span></div>
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-30556274169849382422019-10-21T03:17:00.002+05:302019-10-21T03:17:55.336+05:30In a career of landmarks, Federer set for 1500th match<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL52Hih6DnDodjSLpBRcK8dSQmJP6PUw7oTBiASpdnIvsR9yw6ftS1XFajBlJAM4rGtNJRcPuUUXyMLmb_6r96f9slcTYn-H37FtVsRMGk5MY0oXO6uaSNqrjWw7aoI1qcXsk0w5QUA/s1600/Basel+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="642" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL52Hih6DnDodjSLpBRcK8dSQmJP6PUw7oTBiASpdnIvsR9yw6ftS1XFajBlJAM4rGtNJRcPuUUXyMLmb_6r96f9slcTYn-H37FtVsRMGk5MY0oXO6uaSNqrjWw7aoI1qcXsk0w5QUA/s400/Basel+2019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Roger Federer
will check off another landmark on Monday when he starts his bid for a
10th Basel title by playing the 1,500th match of his career.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 38-year-old begins his bid for his 103rd title against German qualifier Peter Gojowczyk." data-reactid="23" type="text">
The 38-year-old begins his bid for his 103rd title against German qualifier Peter Gojowczyk.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time Grand Slam champion has beaten the German twice -- including at Indian Wells last March." data-reactid="24" type="text">
The 20-time Grand Slam champion has beaten the German twice - including at Indian Wells last March.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time Grand Slam champion has beaten the German twice -- including at Indian Wells last March." data-reactid="24" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""My preparation had to be a little faster than usual since I have to start Monday," said Federer ahead of the Swiss Indoors tournament, which he first attended as a ballboy." data-reactid="25" type="text">
"My
preparation had to be a little faster than usual since I have to start
Monday," said Federer ahead of the Swiss Indoors tournament, which he
first attended as a ballboy.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""My preparation had to be a little faster than usual since I have to start Monday," said Federer ahead of the Swiss Indoors tournament, which he first attended as a ballboy." data-reactid="25" type="text">
<br /></div>
"I've already practiced Friday and Saturday in Basel. I hope to really start strong and have a great indoor season."<br />
<br />
Federer, who has made the Basel final on all of his last 12 visits, won three ATP titles this season in Dubai, Miami and Halle.<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Despite not adding to his tally of majors, he still stands at 47-8 for the year, a record bettered only by eternal rival <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1195086/">Rafael Nadal</a>, whose triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open have taken the Spaniard to 19 Grand Slams." data-reactid="28" type="text">
Despite not adding to his tally of majors, he still stands at 47-8 for the year, a record bettered only by eternal rival Rafael Nadal, whose triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open have taken the Spaniard to 19 Grand Slams.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Despite not adding to his tally of majors, he still stands at 47-8 for the year, a record bettered only by eternal rival <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1195086/">Rafael Nadal</a>, whose triumphs at Roland Garros and the US Open have taken the Spaniard to 19 Grand Slams." data-reactid="28" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer made the final at Wimbledon in July where he had two match points before losing to <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1156004/">Novak Djokovic</a> in a five-set epic." data-reactid="29" type="text">
Federer made the final at Wimbledon in July where he had two match points before losing to Novak Djokovic in a five-set epic.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer made the final at Wimbledon in July where he had two match points before losing to <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1156004/">Novak Djokovic</a> in a five-set epic." data-reactid="29" type="text">
<br /></div>
He revealed on Sunday that his philosophy about those losses has become "forget them and move on".<br />
<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="However, he added: "I try to keep the highest possible level always. Sometimes it's the opponent, sometimes it's your own mind or game that goes off the boil." data-reactid="31" type="text">
However,
he added: "I try to keep the highest possible level always. Sometimes
it's the opponent, sometimes it's your own mind or game that goes off
the boil.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="However, he added: "I try to keep the highest possible level always. Sometimes it's the opponent, sometimes it's your own mind or game that goes off the boil." data-reactid="31" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""And, of course, you work with the right work ethic in practice, with the right concentration and everything." data-reactid="32" type="text">
"And, of course, you work with the right work ethic in practice, with the right concentration and everything.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""And, of course, you work with the right work ethic in practice, with the right concentration and everything." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Only a few (matches this season) stand out to me that maybe I could have won that I didn't." data-reactid="33" type="text">
"Only a few matches this season stand out to me that maybe I could have won that I didn't.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""Only a few (matches this season) stand out to me that maybe I could have won that I didn't." data-reactid="33" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""And, of course, you work with the right work ethic in practice, with the right concentration and everything." data-reactid="32" type="text">
"If
I look back at my whole career I've had a lot of matches that I could
have won that I lost. But also I won much more than I should have or
could have."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""And, of course, you work with the right work ethic in practice, with the right concentration and everything." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="After Basel, Federer is likely to make his usual last-minute decision on whether to carry on for the Paris Masters, the concluding Masters 1000 event of the season which starts a week on Monday." data-reactid="35" type="text">
After
Basel, Federer is likely to make his usual last-minute decision on
whether to carry on for the Paris Masters, the concluding Masters 1000
event of the season which starts a week on Monday.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="After Basel, Federer is likely to make his usual last-minute decision on whether to carry on for the Paris Masters, the concluding Masters 1000 event of the season which starts a week on Monday." data-reactid="35" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in what will be his 17th appearance at the money-spinning season finale." data-reactid="36" type="text">
He
has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in
what will be his 17th appearance at the season finale.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in what will be his 17th appearance at the money-spinning season finale." data-reactid="36" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""It's been a solid season. It started well for me. I hope to pick it up for the year-end," he added." data-reactid="37" type="text">
"It's been a solid season. It started well for me. I hope to pick it up for the year-end," he added.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Meanwhile, Federer briefly paused his preparation for Basel to send best wishes to newly-married rival Nadal." data-reactid="38" type="text">
Meanwhile, Federer briefly paused his preparation for Basel to send best wishes to newly-married rival Nadal.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Meanwhile, Federer briefly paused his preparation for Basel to send best wishes to newly-married rival Nadal." data-reactid="38" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Explaining that he was not part of the festivities, the father of four said: "I was not invited by Rafa, but I had not expected to be." data-reactid="39" type="text">
Explaining
that he was not part of the festivities, the father of four said: "I
was not invited by Rafa, but I had not expected to be.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Explaining that he was not part of the festivities, the father of four said: "I was not invited by Rafa, but I had not expected to be." data-reactid="39" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I congratulated him and hope he had the best day of his life."" data-reactid="40" type="text">
"I congratulated him and hope he had the best day of his life."</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I congratulated him and hope he had the best day of his life."" data-reactid="40" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in what will be his 17th appearance at the money-spinning season finale." data-reactid="36" type="text">
Nadal and longtime girlfriend Xisca Perello were married on Saturday on their home island of Mallorca.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in what will be his 17th appearance at the money-spinning season finale." data-reactid="36" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He has already qualified for the ATP Finals in London from November 10 in what will be his 17th appearance at the money-spinning season finale." data-reactid="36" type="text">
Date: 20 October 2019, Source: AFP</div>
</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2981564015808777329.post-73538794194332534092019-10-19T01:51:00.001+05:302019-10-19T01:51:54.538+05:30Federer to play 2020 French Open<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGaDE7vEo2XQCQ70xt9Tw5ri_OiRX9wPNOOyd0iepQOue4PphCbQatmoYVF5gV6mzn_x8TOXzTh5E540xdSyX_po3UHSitM-Qk6woDkWlRhnvXP3pLI9TlEtBLMSZDnOWYOGLcbKHkg/s1600/264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGaDE7vEo2XQCQ70xt9Tw5ri_OiRX9wPNOOyd0iepQOue4PphCbQatmoYVF5gV6mzn_x8TOXzTh5E540xdSyX_po3UHSitM-Qk6woDkWlRhnvXP3pLI9TlEtBLMSZDnOWYOGLcbKHkg/s400/264.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer said Thursday he will play the French Open in Paris next year.<br />
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
"I
will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that
because I need some time away from tennis and I need some time with
the family," the 38-year-old told CNN.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Roland Garros this year after a three year absence, falling to <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1195086/">Rafael Nadal</a> in the semi-finals." data-reactid="24" type="text">
The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Roland Garros this year after a three year absence, falling to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="The 20-time Grand Slam champion returned to Roland Garros this year after a three year absence, falling to <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1195086/">Rafael Nadal</a> in the semi-finals." data-reactid="24" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer confirmed he will compete at next year's Tokyo Olympics after Wimbledon and prior to the US Open." data-reactid="25" type="text">
Federer confirmed he will compete at next year's Tokyo Olympics after Wimbledon and prior to the US Open.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Federer confirmed he will compete at next year's Tokyo Olympics after Wimbledon and prior to the US Open." data-reactid="25" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
But his priority before the French Open which he has won in 2009 will be a family vacation.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
"We need a vacation, we need a break, and especially if I am playing the Olympics and all that. So I'll probably play the French, Halle, Wimbledon, the Olympics, maybe Cincinnati and then the US Open," he said.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="In Tokyo he will be in competition for a men's singles gold medal, the only major prize he has yet to win." data-reactid="28" type="text">
In Tokyo he will be in competition for a men's singles gold medal, the only major prize he has yet to win.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="In Tokyo he will be in competition for a men's singles gold medal, the only major prize he has yet to win." data-reactid="28" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Earlier this week he said he had been debating with his team on his programme after Wimbledon and before the US Open." data-reactid="29" type="text">
Earlier this week he said he had been debating with his team on his programme after Wimbledon and before the US Open.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="Earlier this week he said he had been debating with his team on his programme after Wimbledon and before the US Open." data-reactid="29" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""At the end of the day my heart decided to play the Olympic Games again," he said." data-reactid="30" type="text">
"At the end of the day my heart decided to play the Olympic Games again," he said.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""At the end of the day my heart decided to play the Olympic Games again," he said." data-reactid="30" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
Federer
has won all four of the Grand Slam tournaments, as well as the ATP Tour
Finals six times, but is still waiting to grab Olympic singles gold.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content=""I will play the French Open. I probably won't play much before that because I need some time away from it (tennis) and I need some time with the family," the 38-year-old told CNN." data-reactid="23" type="text">
<br /></div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He did win a doubles gold alongside fellow Swiss <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1223139/">Stan Wawrinka</a> at Beijing in 2008, but when he got to the London singles final in 2012 he was hammered 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 by an inspired <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1211276/">Andy Murray</a>." data-reactid="32" type="text">
He did win a doubles gold alongside fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka at Beijing in 2008, but when he got to the London singles final in 2012 he lost to Andy Murray.</div>
<div class="canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)--sm Mt(0.8em)--sm" content="He did win a doubles gold alongside fellow Swiss <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1223139/">Stan Wawrinka</a> at Beijing in 2008, but when he got to the London singles final in 2012 he was hammered 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 by an inspired <a class="yom-entity-link yom-entity-sports_player" href="/olympics/rio-2016/a/1211276/">Andy Murray</a>." data-reactid="32" type="text">
<br /></div>
Federer
did not compete at Rio 2016 because of knee injury, where Murray won again, but has since
twice won the Australian Open and the 2017 Wimbledon title.<br />
<br />
Date: 18 October 2019</div>
Nirmal Balajihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04458825217046821275noreply@blogger.com1