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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