Federer cruises past Dimitrov to claim Rotterdam title

Roger Federer celebrated his return to the top of the world rankings with his second title of the season, swatting aside Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the ABN AMRO World Tournament in Rotterdam on Sunday.

Federer, 36, who guaranteed becoming the oldest ever ATP world number one by reaching the semi-final, had won all six of his previous meetings with Dimitrov and was in command throughout Sunday's 55-minute final.

He broke the Bulgarian opponent early in the contest and cruised to a one-set lead at the Ahoy Rotterdam. Putting Dimitrov under heavy pressure throughout the championship clash, he fired 15 winners and converted four of eight break chances.

Playing flawless tennis, the 20-times major winner carried the momentum forward in the second set to seal a 97th career title and third in Rotterdam having won in 2005 defeating his current coach Ivan Ljubicic, and in 2012 with victory over Juan Martin del Potro.

"It's definitely one of those weeks I will never forget in my life," said Federer. "It's unbelievable to get my 97th title and get back to World No. 1. It's very special.

"I was expecting it to be tough today. Grigor is a great player and a great athlete and he's been playing super well in recent months. I thought that this wasn't going to be the result, but he looked to be struggling a bit midway through and I never looked back. I was able to execute my tennis the way I wanted to. I'm very happy."

The Swiss, who won the Australian Open last month for the second year in succession, also improved his head-to-head record against world number five Dimitrov to 7-0.

With King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in attendance, it was Dimitrov who burst out the gates behind a blistering start. The World No. 4 sent an early message across the net with a stunning backhand winner and running cross-court forehand in the opening game. He would claim seven of the first eight winners and it looked to be a tight affair in the Dutch city.

But a netted backhand drew first blood for Federer in the fifth game and he would not look back. The Swiss did not yield an inch from the baseline and a rattled Dimitrov saw a total of 13 unforced errors come off his racquet in the first set. And an immediate break to open the second would prove decisive. Federer crossed the finish in just under an hour, marking the second straight year he has streaked to a title in less than 60 minutes. He defeated Alexander Zverev in 53 minutes in Halle last year.

"I played a great first match and a great last match," Federer added. "In between it was a battle and nerve-wracking, getting back to World No. 1 and managing my expectations and my nerves as well. I was able to handle the pressure and today I played great from the beginning. I pushed forward and I'm very proud that I could win here in Rotterdam."

With his victory in the Rotterdam final, Federer clinched a record 20th ATP World Tour 500 level title. He was previously tied with Nadal with 19 crowns.

Federer has carried the momentum from a dominant finish to 2017 into the new season, opening his campaign with a ruthless 12-0 start. Since falling to Del Potro in the US Open quarter-finals, he has won 25 of 26 matches, with his only blemish coming in the semis of the ATP Finals (l. to Goffin).

Despite falling in the championship, Dimitrov celebrates a 15th final appearance on the ATP World Tour. He streaked to the final without dropping a set, earning impressive wins over in-form opponents Yuichi Sugita, Filip Krajinovic and Andrey Rublev.

"It was a great week, but I just came up short today," said Dimitrov. "Anything can happen, but all credit to Roger. He deserves to win the tournament and played unbelievable tennis the whole week. He raised the bar. I just want to take the positives from the week. My goal was to come out here and play well with each match, but I just came up short today. You do the best you can and play with whatever you have."

Federer will now decide within a few days whether or not to travel to Dubai for the ATP event starting a week from Monday.

He has a home and training base in the UAE and has won the hardcourt tournament seven times.

Date: 18 February 2018, Source: Reuters, ATP and AFP

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Federer to face Dimitrov in Rotterdam final

Roger Federer reached his third ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament final on Saturday after beating Andreas Seppi 6-3, 7-6 (3).

The two-time Rotterdam champion moved into the championship match after one hour, 24 minutes and will aim to become the first player in the tournament’s history to win the event on three occasions on Sunday. Federer guaranteed with his quarter-final victory against Robin Haase that he will become the oldest World No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings on Monday.

“I wasn't sure if I was going to get out of this one today,” admitted Federer. “It was tough, maybe my best match of the tournament. I am very excited to be in the final here in Rotterdam.”

If Federer goes on to win the title, it will be the 15th year in the 36-year-old’s career that he has won multiple tour-level titles. The right-hander is pursuing trophy No. 97.

The Swiss superstar will meet World No. 5 Grigor Dimitrov for the title after fourth seed David Goffin retired from his semi-final against the Bulgarian with an eye injury while trailing 3-6, 1-0. Federer has won all six previous ATP Head to Head meetings with Dimitrov. If the top seed goes on to win, it will be the 30th time that he defeated a Top 5 opponent in the final to earn a tour-level title.

“He is in great form,” Federer said of Dimitrov. “He had a wonderful season last year. He started solid again this year, so I think he is fresh, ready and eager to go. I enjoy playing against Grigor. I am going to have to try to play aggressive, to play my game and then hope for the best.”

Federer said he was more relaxed on Saturday after achieving his goal of returning to World No. 1.

“Maybe the pressure being gone helped me a little bit,” he said.

Dimitrov, 10 years younger than Federer, will be playing for his ninth career title.

Date: 17 February 2018, Source: ATP and AP

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Federer becomes oldest ATP World No.1

Roger Federer guaranteed his return to No.1 in the ATP Rankings after beating Dutchman Robin Haase 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

By overtaking Spaniard Rafael Nadal at No.1 on Monday, Federer will break a number of ATP Rankings records - the longest period between stints at No.1, the oldest player to attain top spot and the longest duration between first and last days at the summit of men’s professional tennis.

Richard Krajicek, the Rotterdam Tournament Director, presented Federer with a special award in an on-court ceremony. "What an amazing run it’s been and a journey it’s been for me throughout, so to clinch World No.1 again this following Monday here in Rotterdam really means a lot to me, so thank you very much, everybody," Federer told the crowd.

"I think reaching No.1 is one of, if not the ultimate achievement in our sport. So sometimes at the beginning you just all of a sudden get there just because you’re playing so well. Later you sometimes try to fight it back and you wrestle it back from somebody else who deserved to be there. And when you’re older, you know you feel like you have to put maybe sometimes double the work in. So this one maybe means the most to me of any achievement throughout my career, getting to No.1 and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old. It is an absolute dream come true, I can’t believe it."

His third straight victory over Haase means that the Swiss superstar has completed a dramatic return from No.17 in January 2017, following a six-month lay-off due to a knee injury. Since returning, Federer has compiled a 63-5 match record, including titles at three of the past five Grand Slam championships, three ATP World Tour Masters 1000s and two other tournaments.

Having saved three break points at 1-1, Haase appeared not to have read the script when the World No.42 broke Federer for a 5-4 lead, then calmly closed out the 35-minute opener. Federer refocused and signaled his aggressive intent by winning four first-serve points in his opening service game of the second set, which lasted just 19 minutes. From a 3-1 lead in the second set, Federer won nine of the next 10 games to wrap up the match in 80 minutes.

Federer has ensured top spot for the first time since 4 November 2012, five years and 106 days ago - the longest period of time between stints at World No.1. At 36 years of age, Federer is also the oldest player to become No.1, eclipsing the record held by American Andre Agassi, who last held the top spot aged 33 on 7 September 2003.

Federer first became No.1 in the ATP Rankings on 2 February 2004 - a record 14 years and 17 days ago - for a total of 237 straight weeks until 17 August 2008. He then returned to the top spot on two further occasions between 6 July 2009 and 6 June 2010 (48 weeks) and from 9 July 2012 to 4 November 2012 (17 weeks).

Nadal, his great rival, started his fourth stint at No. 1 on 21 August 2017 - 26 weeks ago - and has been the sport’s leader for 167 weeks in total. Federer, with a 10-0 record in 2018, will now add to his record of 302 weeks at No.1 when the latest ATP Rankings are published on Monday.

Date: 16 February 2018, Source: ATP

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Federer on brink of becoming oldest No.1

Roger Federer moved to within one victory of becoming the oldest man to take the World No.1 ranking on Thursday with a hard-fought 7-6 (8), 7-5 victory over Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber at the Rotterdam Open. The 36-year-old will now face Robin Haase in the quarter-finals on Friday.

“It was extremely complicated tonight,” Federer said. “I had a good game plan going in, but I was never able to completely pull it off. I couldn’t find my range or my rhythm. I think Philipp did that to me; it was a struggle. When the score was close, I couldn’t release my shots. So it was a battle. It was quite the relief at the end.”

Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam title winner, then eased to victory in the 12th game with a volley winner on second match point.

The Swiss superstar must now defeat Dutchman Haase, who beat Griekspoor 6-4, 6-0 in the final match of the day, to return to the summit of men’s professional tennis for the first time in more than five years.

Federer, the 2005 and 2012 champion, is excited about the possibility of returning to the top of the rankings 19 years after he played Rotterdam in 1999 on his first career wild card.

“This is an exciting challenge, I've struggled to try and get there. I had to win a lot of matches last year,” said Federer, who was world number one for the first time in February 2004.

However, he was last at the summit in October 2012 and slumped to 17 in the world in January last year.

“I never imagined this after my (February 2016) knee surgery. Number one is a tough place to get to.

“The most important thing is to be healthy, I would have had great regrets if I had not come here this week. I'm very excited for tomorrow's match, I can't wait for it to come around.”

Date: 15 February 2018, Source: AFP and ATP

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Federer begins bid for No.1 spot with easy win

Roger Federer began his quest to return to No.1 in the ATP Rankings for the first time in over five years with a 6-1, 6-2 win over qualifier Ruben Bemelmans at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

Federer, who will overtake Rafael Nadal at the top of the ATP Rankings if he reaches the semi-finals, moved to within just two wins of the achievement after his 47-minute, first-round win over the No. 116.

“It was very surprising how good things went today,” admitted Federer. “I think the key was to start off well and put Ruben under pressure right away and make him feel like he had to do something special.”

The top seed raced to a one-set lead in just 18 minutes against his Belgian opponent, dropping just four points on serve as he won clinched set point with a put-away forehand winner. The second set continued in much the same vein as the opener, with Federer immediately breaking and consolidating to love for a 2-0 lead. Federer had two break points for a double-break lead in the next game, but the qualifier held firm to keep the deficit to a single break.

Federer did get the second break in the penultimate game of the match, rifling a backhand passing shot that Bemelmans could only return short before the World No. 2 swatted the ball into the open court. The two-time champion then completed a perfect set on serve, winning 16 out of 16 service points, holding to love for the fourth time in a row to secure his place in the second round.

The 36-year-old has now moved one step closer to becoming the oldest World No. 1 in history, with Andre Agassi currently holding the record. The American last held the top spot on 7 September 2003 at 33. Federer’s is yet to lose a match against his next opponent, Philipp Kohlschreiber. The 20-time Grand Slam champion leads their ATP Head to Head series 12-0.

“It's a different match, changing from lefty to righty,” said Federer. “I just hope I can play a good match. It is a sprint to the finish.

“The beginning will be crucial tomorrow, you don't want to fall behind, you want to stay focussed all the way. Any lapses could mean that you get in trouble. But, I enjoy playing against Philipp, I played really good against him at the US Open so I hope I can keep that up tomorrow night.”

Date: 14 February 2018, Source: ATP

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Highly motivated Federer wants No.1 Ranking

Roger Federer has his sights set on overtaking Rafael Nadal at No. 1 in the ATP Rankings this week at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, where he competes for the first time since 2013. A semi-final run would return the Swiss star to the summit of men’s professional tennis for the first time since 4 November 2012.

"I only ever said I would think about the Rankings after the Australian Open was over," said Federer in Rotterdam on Monday. "I did not expect to win the Australian Open again and by not winning the ATP Finals, I never thought it would happen again and it may be out of sight. I played at the Australian Open not thinking about the rankings, but I knew I had the flexibility in February over my calendar.

"After the Australian Open was over, I thought I’d love to play Rotterdam and give it a go. Our team is very excited, that I’m here and that I will give it a go. You have to do it, not because it’s the right thing to do, but you have to be here with all your heart and really go for it. Try my very best. Having the option of getting to No. 1 is highly motivating and very exciting to say the least."

The 36-year-old would guarantee a return to No. 1 next Monday if he advances to the semi-finals in Rotterdam. If he reaches Friday’s quarter-finals, Federer could meet fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka.

"I would love to be in that position with anyone, but with Stan it would be like a Grand Slam final, a big-time match. I'm hoping to get to number one and hoping to do it this week. You always want to do it the tough way, it's not easy to get there. The achievement would be quite incredible. It's exciting to see Stan in my section of the draw."

Federer is competing at the ATP World Tour 500 tournament for the first time since capturing his sixth Australian Open crown, and his 20th Grand Slam championship, on 28 January. He opens his ninth Rotterdam campaign Wednesday against 30-year-old Belgian qualifier and World No. 116 Ruben Bemelmans. It will be the first meeting between the players.

If Federer does get back to No. 1 on 19 February, the gap of five years and 106 days will be the longest between stints at No. 1. At 36, he would also become the oldest World No. 1, replacing American Andre Agassi (aged 33), who last held the top spot on 7 September 2003.

Two-time former Rotterdam champion Federer is one of seven players in the Top 20 of the ATP Rankings competing at the Dutch tournament. Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, last year’s finalist David Goffin, 2015 winner Stan Wawrinka, 2014 champion Tomas Berdych and last week’s Open Sud de France champion Lucas Pouille also feature in the draw.

Date: 12 February 2018, Source: ATP and AFP

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Federer to bid for World No.1 spot in Rotterdam

Roger Federer is taking a wild card into next week’s ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, where he will have the chance to reclaim the No.1 ATP Ranking for the first time in more than five years.

Federer, who last held the top spot on 4 October 2012, moved to within 155 points of Rafael Nadal after claiming his 20th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and could dethrone Nadal as World No.1 if he reaches the semi-finals in Rotterdam.

Federer has previously played the ATP World Tour 500 tournament eight times, taking the title in 2005 and 2012.

Federer, 36, first rose to No.1 14 years ago on 2 February 2004 and holds the record for most weeks spent at No.1 (302). He is attempting to eclipse Andre Agassi (33) as the oldest World No.1.

Nadal, who is not scheduled to play again until Acapulco in the last week of February, has held No.1 for the past 25 weeks (since 21 August 2017). The Spaniard has been No.1 in the ATP Rankings a total of 166 weeks since first taking over on 18 August 2008. Nadal is seventh all-time in most weeks at No.1 in the history of the ATP Rankings (since 1973).

Federer said: "The tournament is special for me. I remember playing for the first time in 1999 as it was one of the first events where I got the chance to play at the highest level. It feels good to join in the celebrations of the 45th edition."

Rotterdam Tournament Director Richard Krajicek said: "We are thrilled that Roger has chosen to come to the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at last minute. After his fantastic result at the Australian Open, it is tremendous news that he will be joining us in Rotterdam. It is a crown to the celebration of the history of our tournament."

Federer has a 23-6 record at the tournament. In addition to his two titles, he reached the final in 2001 and semi-finals in 2003. His last appearance at the Rotterdam Ahoy stadium in The Netherlands was 2013, when he lost in the quarter-finals to Julien Benneteau.

The Swiss great completes a strong field for the Rotterdam event, joining compatriot Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, David Goffin defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych and Nick Kyrgios in the draw.

Date: 7 February 2018, ATP and AFP

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Benneteau stuns Federer to reach semis

Julien Benneteau beats Roger Federer for the second time in his career on Friday evening as he topped the 17-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 7-5 in the quarter-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

The defeat ended top-seeded Federer's quest to become the first man to win the Rotterdam tournament three times.

The Frenchman set the tone by breaking Federer in the match's first game, pouncing on a backhand that hit the net to power a backhand pass down the line for the game.

He looked to have stumbled in the 4th game when he served two double faults to allow Federer to break back, but Benneteau broke again in the 7th and 9th games to take the set.

He raced to a 4-1 lead in the second set before Federer again reeled off three straight games. The Swiss 17-time Grand Slam champion looked like he was on his way back when he forced three break points at 5-5, but Benneteau grittily held service.

Summing up his sloppy play on the night, Federer served his fourth double fault to give Benneteau match point and the Frenchman immediately took it to win.

"I started bad, but fortunately got back into the game. But when you get broken as much as happened to me, you won’t get the job done. I don’t want to leave, I want to play. I feel bad for the fans who don’t get to see me now. Hopefully this wasn’t my last time here." said Federer.

"It is one of the biggest wins, for sure," the 39th-ranked Frenchman said. "To play against Roger, Friday night, full house, it's a dream and I played like in a dream."

It was the first time in 28 consecutive quarter finals Federer lost to a player from outside the top twenty. The last time was in 2008 in Rome, when he misjudged Radek Stepanek.

Date: 15th February 2013, Source: ATP, ESPN and Rotterdam

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Federer's glitz of press conference

Lunch at 5 PM? No problem for Federer:

World No. 2 Roger Federer has been burning the midnight oil this week in Rotterdam.
The combination of travelling to defend his title without his family and playing in the night session at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament has resulted in Federer operating under an unusual schedule.

“I've had breakfast at 12, lunch at 5pm and dinner at 11pm,” Federer joked with the media on Thursday. “It's shifted over. You have to be used to this when you're a tennis player.”

“It's been very quiet. I'm going to bed really late like I did in Australia at two in the morning and waking up at 11 or 12. So it's a different schedule. I'm not doing a whole lot more than making sure I have an easy week with a lot of sleep. I think it's important in cold weather to make sure you sleep and stretch enough and warm up correctly for the matches.”

Federer is yet to be tested this week, winning his first two matches in straight sets with relative ease. But the 31 year old isn’t looking past his quarter-final opponent, Julien Benneteau, a player he has shared memorable clashes with before.

“I’m aware that he plays me tough and well. I know I’m in for a tough match,” said Federer. “He’s a really good player. He can take it to you by returning, serving and moving well. He’s a good anticipator. He’s won his matches convincingly, so he knows where his game is at and he’s found his range.”

For all those backhands, Roger says thanks a million:

For all those players who directed a million balls to Roger Federer's backhand, the Swiss superstar says thank you.

Federer is known for possessing a deadly forehand, but over the years, his backhand has continued to get better. The 17-time major champion credits his opponents for improving the shot, something he could not have done with practice alone.

“My coaches taught me a one-hander. A two-hander was never an option really. So I stuck with it,” said Federer. “Thankfully to all my opponents over the years who have played a million balls to my backhand, it's actually gotten pretty good. I can really thank them in a big way for improving my backhand. Practice can only get you so far. I improved by playing. And as I was getting stronger, I was able to put more topspin on the ball. The slice is easy on the body and it's always been my favourite shot to hit as a little kid.”

When asked what he would recommend to kids playing today, Federer joked, “Probably a double-hander (laughter). But I would love to see more one-handers for sure. We don't have many around anymore.”

“I want to try to win. That’s why I’m here,” Federer said. “I’m focusing at the task at hand. Right here, right now, the focus is trying to win this tournament, no matter how physical it’s going to get.”

Date: 15th February 2013, Source: ATP

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Federer reaches Rotterdam quarterfinals

Our Champ continued into the quarterfinals at Rotterdam completing a 6-3, 6-4 win over Thiemo De Bakker in just over an hour.

It was another consummate performance from Roger and he played some exhilarating tennis winning 92% of his first serves on the way to taking the first set. De Bakker tried to fight back but was overwhelmed by a dramatically in form Swiss champ and did not stand a chance against the imperious shot making from Roger. The second set went with serve until the champ broke in the 3 rd. game and De Bekker was unable to contain our Roger’s ground strokes being forced in to making mistakes. This was vintage Roger and he absolutely deserves his place in the last eight.

Federer: "This is one of the nicest indoor stadiums in the world. The Dutch public is always enthusiastic and has knowledge of sport in general and tennis in particular. Thiemo de Bakker served good, he is an excellent player. He can be much higher on the ATP-ranking than he is now. "

Next up is Julien Benneteau (ATP 39) in the quarters.

Date: 14th February 2013, Source: RF Official

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Federer cruises into 2nd round in Rotterdam

Defending champion Roger Federer cruised into the second round of the ABN AMRO tournament on Wednesday, beating Grega Zemlja 6-3, 6-1.

Federer, a two-time winner at the indoor hard court tournament, had taken a two-week break after the Australian Open.

Zemlja started strong, dropping only one point on his first two service games and forcing two break points on Federer's serve in the fourth game.

But Federer switched gears on the 64th-ranked Zemlja, saving both break points. He broke in the next game and again in the ninth to take the opening set.

The second set was brief, with Federer closing out the match in 58 minutes. Federer conceded it took a while to hit his stride at the indoor Ahoy arena.

"My start wasn't so well because it was warmer on the court compared the training sessions I had the previous day," Federer told reporters.

"It was also a bit difficult to see the ball in the beginning and while that might sound strange, there also is some pressure of playing a first round."

''Hall play is different. It's warmer, so the ball flies more and it takes a bit of getting used to,'' he said. ''The first ones are never easy. But I'm happy to be back and playing well.''

The Swiss will next face Dutch wild card Thiemo de Bakker in the second round.

Date: 13th February 2013, Source: AP

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Federer calls for biological passports to detect doping

Roger Federer has called for the introduction of biological passports in tennis similar to those used in cycling to detect possible doping.

"A blood passport will be necessary as some substances can't be discovered right now but might in the future, and that risk of discovery can chase cheaters away," the 31-year-old Swiss said on the opening day of the World Indoor Tournament in Rotterdam.

"But there also should be more blood tests and out of competition controls in tennis," he added.

According to figures on the International Tennis Federation website (www.itftennis.com), sport's governing body carried out only 21 out-of-competition blood tests in the professional game in 2011.

Cycling's governing body the UCI carried out more than 3,314 out-of-competition blood tests in the same year.

The UCI introduced biological passports in 2008 to track any blood changes in riders against an original profile which could mean they had taken illegal substances.

"I didn't get tested on blood after the Australian Open and I told the responsible people over there that it was a big surprise for me," said Federer.

"But there also will be more funding needed to make all the tests possible and the Grand Slam tournaments should help to finance that as it is in their best interest to keep the sport clean and credible."

Federer said he had the impression that his sport was clean.

"The past years we had something like one case a year and often it had to do with unintentional mistakes made by players," he said. "But even then they should not make those mistakes and know the rules and live by them."

Defending champion Federer begins his quest for a third Rotterdam title against Slovenian Grega Zemlja on Wednesday.

Date: 12th February 2013, Source: Reuters

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Long day for Roger Federer in Rotterdam

Roger Federer is the absolute crowd puller at the 40th edition of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Thedefending champion from Switzerland arrived on Saturday in Ahoy Rotterdam and has a busy schedule. A brief summary of the Monday of Roger Federer:

10.00: A quiet morning in his room in The Manhattan Hotel. It is calm before the storm. A busy day awaits the number two of the world.

14:00: For some weeks now, an immense racket decorates the Hofplein in the centre of Rotterdam. A photo opportunity of Roger Federer and tournament director Richard Krajicek seems only logical. On location the Swiss regularly blows in his hands to stay warm. When the photographers are ready, he quickly gets back in the car; it's a cold Monday afternoon in Rotterdam.

 

14.15: A short drive to the Boompjes. There are some banners on the banks of the Maas river. On behalf of the municipality of Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and sports Alderman Antoinette Laan reward Federer, as winner of last year’s edition, with a flag.

14.42: Arrival at the players entrance of Ahoy Rotterdam. Federer makes a quick visit to his dressing room and comes out with his sport clothes and bags. He takes them upstairs, because a press conference with the international press is on the programme.

15.07: "Hello everybody.” Roger Federer greets his friends of the press. He is, like always, friendly to the media: "I feel at home in Rotterdam. This is one of the best indoor tournaments in the world with a very strong field and always lots of spectators."

16.00: Court 1 is almost completely surrounded by fans. 1,600 spectators are waiting for Roger Federer, who is going to train with David Goffin. The Belgian player is right on time and waits in the back with his coach. They are not alone. There is a queue of hundreds of people, who want to see the tennis legend.

16.33: Roger Federer enters Court 1. He is followed by camera crews and photographers. Goffin and Federer are exchanging balls in a relaxed manner. A record number of photos is taken. Nice memories for the fans.

17.47: The muscles are warm after a tough workout. On his way to the players lounge Federer lets some fans take a picture with him. In the lounge the Swiss meets Frenchman Benoit Paire. Federer congratulates him with his place in the final in Montpellier. His tennis outfit goes into the laundry basket and after a refreshing shower he pulls on some classy clothes.

18.30: A short visit to the ABN AMRO lounge where he is invited as a guest of the sponsor.

18.40: His first autograph session during the tournament. On Tennis Plaza hundreds of spectators are waiting for a signature of the best player in history.

19.22: The official opening of the tournament on the centre court with Esther Vergeer and Roger Federer. An impressive video with all of Federer’s Grand Slam victories is displayed. Vergeer and Federer slam some tennis balls into the audience. The Swiss remains modest: "I hope to win some matches this week."

19.59: Roger Federer leaves the catacombs of Ahoy Rotterdam. "It was a busy day, but that’s fine with me. Otherwise I might have done nothing. I'm glad I could help promote the tournament. I’m very flexible, it's no problem for me to do everything in one day.”

Date: 11th February 2013, Source: Rotterdam

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Federer's manic Monday in Rotterdam

It was just another manic Monday for Roger Federer in Rotterdam. The World No. 2 participated in a number of activities on and off the court as he prepares to defend his ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament title.

“They asked me if I could do most of the things today, and I said that’s no problem for me. Sometimes, it’s easier for me to do it all in the same day,” said Federer. “I’m happy to help get the tournament promoted.”

Federer began the afternoon by visiting the Giant Tennis Racquet in Rotterdam’s city centre with tournament director Richard Krajicek. There, Federer unveiled his own 2012 winner’s flag during a flag parade at Boompjes with the mayor of Rotterdam, Mr. Aboutaleb, in celebration of the tournament’s 40th anniversary.

Federer then returned on-site for his pre-tournament press conference, four television interviews, a practice session with David Goffin and an autograph opportunity for fans at the Tennis Plaza. In the evening, Federer dressed up in a suit to visit with sponsors and then took part in the tournament’s opening ceremony on centre court with Krajicek and wheelchair tennis star Esther Vergeer.

“In doing the press, there’s some flexibility to do it,” Federer said. “Some love it on the Saturday or Sunday before, others like it on the Monday. It really depends on when you’re playing. I’m very flexible. We talk about this a few weeks ahead of time and then when I get here, things are clear.”

Federer holds a 21-5 record in Rotterdam, lifting trophies in 2005 and 2012.

“I had a wonderful time here last year. I'm very happy to be back,” said Federer. “I feel very welcome here when I come. The people are always friendly, so I really enjoy it.

“There’s a tradition and the history of it being one of the best indoor tournaments in the world. The draw is very tough here. There are many great players.”

The top seed opens his campaign against Slovenia’s Grega Zemlja.

Date: 11th February 2013, Source: ATP

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Roger Federer happy to see Rafael Nadal return

Roger Federer has welcomed the return of Rafael Nadal, but will not spend much time worrying about his rival's progress.

The Swiss ace will instead concentrate on his own game with a Wednesday AEDT start at the Rotterdam World Tennis tournament.

The top seed, who is defending his trophy at the Ahoy stadium, put in a full day of public relations and photo op work before getting down to another serious training session yesterday.

The world No.2 said he has arrived relaxed after taking time off with his family in his homes in Dubai and Switzerland.

"I saw a few pictures of Rafa, last week," said Federer, who joked: "I see he's still a left-hander - and his shirts looked good."

But beyond the obvious natural curiosity, the 31-year-old with 17 Grand Slam titles has plenty on his own plate as he begins a run of events this week to be followed by the Dubai Open and the Indian Wells Masters next month in California.

"I'm happy to see him back and playing on the Tour," said the two-time Rotterdam champion, "That's a good thing."

"He seems to have good energy. I was surprised he lost a final against a player ranked outside the top 50. It's nice to see him playing well again.

"I'm sure he got a lot of information about his game last week (in Chile). He knows now how much strain he is putting on his body and how he is dealing with it."

While Nadal plays on clay in Sao Paulo, Federer will be bidding to make it a trophy hat-trick in Rotterdam, when he begins in the first round against Slovenia Grega Zemlja.

Federer takes the top seeding ahead of Argentine Juan Martin del Potro, whom he beat for the title a year ago. France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is seeded third.

Federer took the opportunity to rebut criticism that he has abandoned Switzerland to its Davis Cup fate by opting out of the tie which his nation lost to the champion Czech Republic a week ago.

"Davis Cup is always difficult and I don't take that decision easily, I don't feel good when I see the doubles team play (a record) seven hours and then lose. That was one of the worst things for me.
"But I can't have it all or win it all. I have to take the decisions that are right for my career. I try to communicate with the team but that always boomerangs back at you."

"I hope I can play more in the future, but it's been tough the last few years. I also have a family and you have to understand that as well."

Date: 11th February 2013, Source: AFP

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Federer returns in Rotterdam; Draw released

Roger Federer returns to ATP World Tour action this week at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, which marks his second event of the season.

The Swiss superstar has a 21-5 record at the ATP World Tour 500 tournament. He has won two Rotterdam titles in 2005 (d. Ljubicic) and 2012 (d. del Potro).

Federer trained for one hour with Juan Martin del Potro on Centre Court Sunday afternoon and then met this year’s ball kids for photos.

Roger will play Grega Zemlja (ATP 60) in the first round of the ATP-500 tournamant in Rotterdam.

It is the second time that Roger meets the Slovenian - our Champ clearly won their first match in Doha last year. Roger could meet Mikhail Youzhny or Thiemo De Bakker in the round of the last 16. The other top seeds are Juan Martin Del Potro (ATP 7), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (ATP 8) and Richard Gasquet (ATP 10).

Date: 10th February 2013, Source: RF Official and ATP

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Roger Federer confirmed for Rotterdam 2013

Roger Federer: "Dear Fans I will be playing Rotterdam in 2013 and am very excited to be defending my title and playing in the 40th anniversary event. The tournament will be held February 11 to 17, 2013 in Ahoy Rotterdam in the Netherlands.The ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament is one of the ‘special’ tournaments for me personally on the ATP World Tour. Hopefully I will become the first player with his name on the boarding for the third time."

Richard Krajicek on the participation of Roger Federer: "After his victory in February, Rogers return was on top of the wishlist of everyone involved in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. We are very proud that we have agreed on his participation which we can announce today. The sold-out sessions when Roger played, the atmosphere in Ahoy when he was practicing or signing autographs and all the wonderful reactions from the fans, made the last edition very special. For our upcoming anniversary, we wanted him to return to Rotterdam. With his participation the tournament already promises to be a great party."

Roger Federer participated in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament of the year 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2012. In 2005 and 2012 he managed to win the tournament. It is striking that these were the two best attended editions. Last February Ahoy Rotterdam even welcomed a record number of 115,894 tennis fans. In 2013 the Swiss could be the first player in the forty-year history of the tournament conquering the singles title for a third time.

Date: 22.06.2012, Source: ABN AMRO Rotterdam

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