 Mar 20, 2010 from Sun Sentinel:
KEY BISCAYNE - About 30 minutes before top-ranked Roger Federer began practicing on stadium court late Saturday afternoon in preparation for this week's Sony Ericsson Open, Guillermo Canas, the tenacious Argentine who stunned Federer in the early rounds of back-to-back Masters tournaments at Indian Wells and the Sony in March 2007, was toiling on the practice courts in his new role as coach.
"There were many highlights, but beating Roger two weeks in a row was amazing,'' smiled a still-chiseled Canas after a practice session with one of his disciples, 100th-ranked Wayne Odesnik of Fort Lauderdale.
"I was great for me and then in 2008 I was in the top [15] again and one year after that I'm coaching, and will make my retirement official this week.''
Federer, who came to Miami a week before his first match to get acclimated to the conditions after a third-round loss to Marcos Baghdatis at Indian Wells, did beat Canas the next two times to even their series 3-3.
"He was always a grinder and always gave his best on the court, so you always knew you were in for a tough match,'' Federer said after a hitting session with 351st-ranked Filip Krajinovic.
"It was a bit different losing to the same player back-to-back. It hadn't happened to me in years.''
Mar 16, 2010 from BNP Paribas Open:
INDIAN WELLS - Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis stunned Roger Federer in a Tuesday night classic at the BNP Paribas Open, fighting off three match points to oust the three-time champion 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(4).
Federer closed the opening set with a break, and looked poised to clinch the victory in similar fashion as he held two match points on the Cypriot’s serve at 5-4. But instead of an early night for the Swiss, Baghdatis pushed back – winning the next four points, breaking Federer in the ensuing game and then serving out the set.
Although the World No. 1 built up a 4-1 lead in the third set, he failed to maintain the advantage as Baghdatis broke back in the seventh game. Federer put himself in position close the match at 6-5 as he put away a forehand volley at the net to earn a third match point, but placed a backhand into the net.
Federer, who finished the match with 46 unforced errors, gifted Baghdatis the mini-break at 4-4 in the tie-break as a backhand return sailed wide and Baghdatis won the next two points, claiming his biggest career win after Federer was unable to return his serve on match point. After the match, Baghdatis got on his knees and kissed the court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
It was the first time since 2006 Rome final that Federer had failed to close out a win after holding match point.
Swiss Marco Chiudinelli was presented the 2009 Comeback Player of the Year Award by his compatriot and World No. 1 Roger Federer on Tuesday at the BNP Paribas Open.
“It’s a great honor to get this award voted by my fellow players,” said 28-year-old Chiudinelli. “It was a hard time for me to get back and I’m very proud of having achieved a great comeback, and it feels great that other people recognize that effort.”
Chiudinelli made a ranking jump of 723 positions from 2008, climbing from No. 779 to a year-end best No. 56 last season. He was sidelined for eight months in 2008 after undergoing left knee surgery on 14 November, 2007.
Two ninots depicting Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer are displayed in Valencia, Spain, 16 March 2010. The falla is an installation of parodic huge papier-mache, cardboard and wooden sculptures. Las Fallas is a mass festival held in Valencia region annually from 15 to 19 March to mark San Jose, the patron of carpenters. The fallas are burned on 19 March to end with the festival. (Photo by EPA) |
Mar 14, 2010 from BNP Paribas Open:
INDIAN WELLS - Roger Federer was honored on court Sunday evening at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, receiving three ATP Awards following a 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1 win over Victor Hanescu in the second round of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament.
ATP Executive Chairman and President Adam Helfant presented the 28-year-old Swiss with trophies for 2009 Player of the Year, ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favorite Player of the Year presented by RICOH, and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award.
“I’d like to thank the fans for voting for me,” Federer said to the crowd after receiving the Fan Favorite Award for a seventh straight year. “You guys are amazing. Thank you. As you know, you guys make this even more worthwhile traveling around the globe from January to November. I love coming back here, so it’s very nice to get presented the awards here.”
A video tribute celebrating Federer’s career followed the presentation.
Hanescu delayed Federer’s awards presentation by 22 minutes after pushing the match to a third set. The Romanian finally broke Federer’s serve in the second set as he capitalized on his sixth break point to assume a 4-2 lead. Though the World No. 1 managed to recover the service break three games later, he was forced to play catch-up throughout the tie-break. He netted a volley to give the Romanian set point, and Hanescu took advantage.
A business-like Federer returned in the third set. He won the opening three games, broke his opponent again to establish a 5-1 lead and served out the match at love. The Swiss finished with 62 winners to Hanescu’s 20.
Federer next faces Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, whom he has defeated in their six previous encounters.
Mar 10, 2010 from China Daily:
While the winner of Sportsman of the Year of the Laureus World Sports Awards is still up in the air until tonight's awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, Roger Federer has been considered the best athlete of the past decade by both Edwin Moses, chairman of the Laureus Sports Academy, and Boris Becker, the vice-chairman.
"It is very difficult, it is very difficult … but if I had to choose, I would say Roger because what he did was not only winning but his passion on the court really attracted fans all around the world. Every time he won a big match, he cried and you know it is real," Moses said on Tuesday.
His opinion was shared by tennis legend Becker.
"In my eyes, Roger is the real champion. He won 16 Grand Slams. I come from the world of tennis; I know how difficult it is to win one Grand Slam, but this man managed to win every year one Grand Slam or more over the past seven years," Becker said.
"Of course, Michael Schumacher, Lance Armstrong, Serena Williams and Tiger Woods are good, but for me, Federer would be the one."
Mar 9, 2010 from Time Out Dubai:
Boris Becker on Roger Federer: ‘He’s the ultimate tennis professional in my eyes. You know, his wife had twins last August; it didn’t matter to him. He played and he went on to play the final at the US Open, where I’m sure his mind was on his family, not on the tennis. For him to keep coming back each year, again winning the Australian Open, it’s just something that has never happened before. He defines what you’re supposed to do as a good athlete, because he breaks every record. He has won the first grand slam and he has not many records still open. He’s never going to admit it, but I’m sure he’s thinking about the grand slam right now. Is it achievable? For Roger it is. A lot depends on the French Open.’
Mar 8, 2010 from Los Angeles Times:
Roger Federer, who will be at Indian Wells, is glad Larry Ellison came on board.
"Obviously, it's great for someone to spend so much money on our sport and even more so because it's a person who obviously does love the sport, loves the game," Federer said. "It will be interesting to see how much he will be around."
from Sky News:
A man who donated a series of gambling bets to Oxfam when he died, could raise the charity £330,000.
Nicholas Newlife, from Kidlington, Oxfordshire, placed £4,420 on the long-term wagers with William Hill between 2000 and 2005. When he died in 2009, aged 69, Oxfam were delighted to discover he had left them his entire estate - including the betting slips.
A flutter on Roger Federer winning 14 Grand Slam titles has already won Oxfam £16,750, after the Swiss tennis ace's victory over Robin Söderling at the French Open last year.
Nick also put £1,520 on Federer to win Wimbledon at least seven times before 2020, at 66/1. If Federer takes the title this year, Oxfam will collect an extra £101,840.
And if all the bets turn out to be winners, the charity's windfall would total over £330,000 - enough to provide emergency rations for 46,000 famine victims, or to supply safe drinking water for 350,000 people.
Cathy Ferrier from Oxfam, said: "We're enormously grateful to Mr Newlife for his generous gift, and will be keeping a close eye on Wimbledon this year as a result.
"Every time someone leaves us a gift in their will, whether a few pounds or a few thousands pounds, it helps us make a huge difference to thousands of lives around the world."
Mar 7, 2010 from Daily Telegraph:
Stephanie Gilmore has opened her assault on a fourth consecutive world surfing crown with victory in the Roxy Pro at her home break.
The 22-year-old will rub shoulders with the biggest names in world sport as a finalist for the Laureus World Action sportsperson of the year.
"It's going to be great. I can't wait," Gilmore said. Her goal is to meet her idol, Roger Federer, at the awards.
Mar 6, 2010 from DPA:
Indian Wells - Five days after arriving last weekend in Zurich from Dubai, Roger Federer was already on the practise courts of the Indian Wells Masters after recovering from his lung infection.
Pictures showed the world number one who missed the Barclays Championships last week in Dubai due to his illness, racket in hand on the hardcourts under the Californian desert sun Friday.
The Swiss has a week until he's due on court for the Hit for Haiti 2 benefit next Friday night which precedes his opening match next weekend.
Federer apparently received the all-clear from Swiss doctors this week before travelling nine time zones west to California.
More injury pullout news hit the first Masters 1000 of the season as Argentine Juan Del Potro withdrew with his lingering wrist injury and Chile's Fernando Gonzalez pulled out to work on earthquake relief in his homeland after this weekend's Davis Cup tie against Israel.
The number 10 Gonzalez reportedly hopes to take a page from Federer's philanthropic handbook and organize a relief effort for his earthquake-ravaged homeland within days.
Reports indicate that the top Chilean is in contact with Federer and Rafael Nadal in hopes they will play in any benefit for victims. Gonzalez reportedly wants to hold his event around the time of the Miami Masters in mid-March.
from Gulf News:
Boris Becker sees no-one except Rafael Nadal as a worthy challenger to Roger Federer in men's tennis.
"Nadal came along in 2008 and challenged Federer. This only helped Federer to raise his level and play even better but now with Nadal out with an injury, I can see no-one capable of challenging possibly the greatest player of all times," Becker told Gulf News from Germany yesterday.
Becker will be one of the stars and legends of sport attending next week's Laureus Awards in Abu Dhabi.
"Federer has 16 Grand Slam titles at the moment and it was Nadal who has been consistently challenging him. All we need is a tough competitor who will come along and challenge Federer. But there is no-one at the moment, not even Murray," the German added.
"I've played some of the greats including Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg and Bjorn Borg a bit. I was at the Australian Open in January [Federer versus Murray] and I am yet to see a player of Federer's calibre," Becker stated.
"In a Grand Slam he [Federer] is a different player altogether. We need a player who can get close to him and beat him in a Grand Slam."
from News Of The World:
Tottenham Hotspur's Peter Crouch: "As a boy, I knew I always wanted to be in sport. I played tennis when I was a kid but then I had to make a decision about tennis and football. Football won. I played tennis for the county when I was 13. I was a natural at it - a serve and volley man.
"I would have loved to go into it but I think I made the right choice! I still follow it and get to Wimbledon when I can. I love watching Roger Federer - he is a legend.
"And I've seen Andy Murray juggling a tennis ball with his feet. He looks a half-decent footballer. But I can do that as well... I've got that in my locker."
Mar 3, 2010 from Roger Federer Official Site:
Dear Fans I am feeling really good again and I was happy to hear from my doctor today that I have the green light to start working out again so I plan to try and play in Indian Wells next week. See you all soon! Roger
from USA Today:
Fernando Gonzalez, Chile's highest-ranked tennis player, has told news media in his home country that he might not play next week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., in order to help raise money to help his nation's earthquake victims.
"What I want is to help, and I'm looking at the possibility of not going to play at Indian Wells and to stay in Chile to help," Gonzalez said. "I have several ideas and in a couple of weeks I'll try to do something to generate resources. I want to send a message of hope to all of Chile. What does not kill strengthens. I have received many messages from my colleagues, including Roger Federer, who is very concerned about what happened in Chile. I hope that we pull through this."
from World Economic Forum:
Geneva – The World Economic Forum has announced its Young Global Leaders (YGLs) for 2010. The honour, bestowed each year by the Forum, recognizes and acknowledges up to 200 outstanding young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world
For 2010, the Forum has selected 197 Young Global Leaders from 72 countries and all stakeholders of society. Drawn from a pool of almost 5,000 candidates, the Young Global Leaders 2010 were chosen by a selection committee, chaired by H.M. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and comprised of eminent international media leaders.
The Young Global Leaders 2010 reflect regional and stakeholder diversity. They include Agatha Sangma, Minister of State - Rural Development (from India), Roger Federer, Professional Tennis Player (from Switzerland), Evan Williams, CEO, Twitter (from the USA), Kimmee Weeks, Executive Director, Youth Action International (from Liberia), Nathalie van Ypersele, Editor-in-Chief, Trends-Tendances (from Belgium), Mandla Mandela, Member of Parliament of the South African National Congress (from South Africa), Wyclef Jean, Singer and Founder, Yélé Haiti Foundation (from Haiti), Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Chief Executive Officer, Vestergaard Frandsen (from Denmark), Hidetoshi Nakata, Chairman, Take Action Foundation (from Japan), and Nabil Alyousuf, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dubai School of Government (from the United Arab Emirates), among others.
Mar 1, 2010 from ATP:
Shark Bites: Roger Federer is the only active player to win both the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami in the same year, accomplishing the feat in 2005 and in 2006. Other Indian Wells & Miami champions in the same year are Andre Agassi (2001), Marcelo Rios (1998), Pete Sampras (1994), Michael Chang (1992), and Jim Courier (1991).
Feb 28, 2010 from DPA:
Zurich - Roger Federer's recovery from a lung infection has progressed enough for the Swiss to start planning to travel next weekend to California with plans to return to tennis for the Indian Wells Masters.
An ATP official in close contact with the world number one said Sunday that the Swiss, while still taking medication for the infection he appears to have picked up several weeks ago during training at his base in Dubai, also says his condition is improving.
Federer, wife Mirka, the couple's twin seven-month-old girls and Federer's sister Diana, flew from Dubai to Zurich early Sunday on a flight delayed three hours until 5 am by the storm which swept through the emirate on Saturday evening.
The world number one has indicated that after a week at home near Zurich, he plans to fly to Palm Springs for the March 10 start of the Masters 1000.
But the trip will be contingent on a clean bill of health from doctors monitoring his infection, which also affected his wife this week.
The Federers were escorted into the first class section of the Swiss International Airbus from an airport lounge in Dubai in the early morning hours and upon arrival in Zurich were taken away in a vehicle on the tarmac next to the jet which brought them home the Gulf.
from St. Louis Globe-Democrat:
Q: Athlete in another sport that you admire?
St. Louis Cardinals' Joe Mather: Roger Federer. The only way I would get a point off him would be if he double-faulted.
Feb 26, 2010 from Gulf News:
"I think I am playing better. I think everybody does. I would say Andy Roddick was not playing as well when he was the No 1," Ivan Ljubicic observed.
"Our sport is going forward and guys are getting better and better. The young ones don't have any weaknesses. You see these big guys — Djokovic, Del Potro, Murray. You cannot see any weakness in their game. Roger [Federer] was the one who raised the level and then everybody else just followed that. Guys like me have to still work hard to get there at the top," Ljubicic stated.
Feb 25, 2010 from Gulf News:
Dubai: Just being nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is an honour in itself, according to the world's best tennis player Roger Federer.
"I have always been excited to be nominated for this award. I've won it four times in a row before and it's always been a nice and enjoyable evening for all of us. I am not saying this just because I won but because it brings together many other sporting greats. The awards are something that is very special to an athlete like me," Federer said earlier this week after announcing his withdrawal from the 2010 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships due to a lung infection on Sunday.
And even if Federer wins it a record fifth time, his schedule will stop him from attending the gala night that he loves so much.
"This year unfortunately I won't be able to be there because I'll probably be in Indian Wells at that time," Federer said.
"Of course, I'd love to win the award again and going by the list, the competition is still stiff as usual. And that's the way it is supposed to be and that's why it is so special to be even nominated."
However, he found nothing wrong in being weighed along with other sportsmen who are involved in team sports.
"We always compare different sports with each other. It's nice to see that there is another platform for the athletes to get together and be compared."
It took a while for the media scrum to subside, but once it did, the 2010 Barclay's Dubai Tennis Championships men's player's party got underway.
The first flurry of flashes and excited yelps from nearby women came as Britain's Andy Murray by-passed the drinks counter and headed straight for the falcon on Tuesday night. Surrounded by people wanting autographs and photos, the world number four took it all in his stride and obliged happily.
Next up was a fleeting visit from Roger Federer, who is enjoying a break in Dubai after he was forced to pull out of the tournament for the second year running due to illness.
Extra security was drafted in to help the world number one to his table, but it all proved too difficult and the tennis star left the party with an empty stomach.
from TENNIS.com:
Roger Federer, speaking to Swiss tabloid Blick, says he is optimistic that he will be fully fit by Indian Wells after missing Dubai with a lung infection.
"This is not like the mononucleosis two years ago, where there was a lot of uncertainty. I think I'll start back in Indian Wells, and when I start, I will be healthy and fit," he said. "But as I said, it's only possible if I get the green light physically [from the doctors]. The worst cases prognosis is a break of six weeks."
Federer said he first felt ill last Tuesday. "After the Australian Open I took it fairly easy... so there's no question of it being from strain. Last Tuesday, I practiced and it quickly went downhill. I felt chills, fever, a lot of pain in my ribs and couldn't breather normally. The fatigue is still there, though it's slowly getting better."
The world No. 1 is scheduled to play a 'Hit for Haiti' exhibition match at Indian Wells on March 12, along with Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Federer said he "will do everything" to try to play the event. "The people of Haiti need our help urgently," he said.
Feb 23, 2010 from Swissinfo:
Roger Federer has said recovery from a lung infection may keep him out of action for up to six weeks, but will not affect his game for the rest of the year.
The world's number one tennis player picked up the infection last week and withdrew from the Dubai Championships, which began on Monday. It is the second straight year Federer has missed the tournament, and the Swiss said “it hurt” to pull out.
In an interview with the Blick tabloid, he said the infection was “very serious”. In training last week he had started to feel chills, fever, extreme rib pain and had trouble breathing.
“The fatigue is still there although it is slowly getting better. I hope that I can get rid of it quickly. A restart is only possible if the entire body gets the green light. The worst case prognosis is a six-week break. I have to accept that,” he said.
Federer said the current illness was not like the glandular fever he suffered in 2008. He intends to start preparing for the Indian Wells masters tournament in California, which starts on March 11, once he gets the all-clear from doctors.
Feb 21, 2010 from ATP:
DUBAI - Roger Federer has been forced to withdraw from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships due to a lung infection.
The Swiss superstar picked up the infection last week and has not recovered sufficiently to take his place at the $2 million ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament.
He is expected to be out of action for a further two weeks and is now scheduled to make his first appearance since capturing the Australian Open title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, in March.
"I'm hoping to be back for Indian Wells," said Federer on Sunday. "But of course there are no promises. This is something that with proper treatment will be finished.
"I've been taking it easy, relaxing as much as possible. My breathing is a bit difficult and everything feels a bit slow. I can't take any chances until I'm fit again. It could be better, it could be worse."
Jan Hernych becomes a lucky loser in the main draw. Tommy Robredo takes Federer's place at the top of the draw and will play Julien Benneteau in the first round.
from The National:
“I have not had much court time here over the last three years and I’m really disappointed about that because I’ve had so much success here in the past,” Federer said.
Federer admitted to being shocked by the debilitating problem. “I’ve been taking it easy after Australia.
“That was my first goal, to get relaxed and everything. I went to Switzerland, I came over here almost 10 days ago now. I went to Ethiopia as well and since I came back I’ve been practising really hard. Tuesday was my last day of practice and on Wednesday I couldn’t get up anymore. It’s been tough because I was in decent shape and ready to go and excited.
“I was healthy and I survived the whole travelling from Australia back and forth and finally getting to Dubai and into the practice routines again. But I just can’t play.”
Federer tried to be upbeat. “I’ve had a few things like this happen during my career and I’ve always managed to come back strongly,” he said. “I guess looking back at the glandular fever thing you’ve got to be careful.
“I think this one is a bit more straightforward than that illness. They say maximum of six weeks. Normally if you treat it properly it should go away fairly quickly.”
from Gulf News:
Federer told media assembled in front of the Burj Al Arab that he was "disappointed" he could not play.
"This is the first time I've had it. The breathing is difficult now and I feel I'm not fine yet. I am tired and the doctor says I should not be doing any serious sports for at least another two weeks and I can't take any chances," he said.
Federer, however, hinted he would be around in Dubai. "For me this is a home tournament, so I am disappointed I cannot play here. I've been unlucky that I've not been too much on court here for the last three years now. But I will be hanging around here. I will come around on Tuesday night for the players' party," he said.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News at the Burj Al Arab hotel, Federer commented on Tiger Woods' recent televised public apology to his fans, officials and family after he was involved in a series of extra-marital affairs. "It's been hard to watch from far away but I would love to see him back on the golf course. It is what he does best," he said.
"Tiger is a good friend of mine," said Federer. "What's happened to him has been hard to watch over the last three months right down to when he made his apology. I am sure he's headed in a better direction now. The worst has passed.
"I hope that he can also work things out with his wife Elin because they are very nice people — obviously for the sake of their kids as well."
When asked if he was always at hand to support Woods through the ordeal, Federer said, "I have supported him, but I haven't had any contact with him. He has been where he knows he has been (in therapy) but my support does not change. I wish him the best."
Federer was quick to emphasise that he never takes the public's perception of him as a role model — both as a professional tennis player and as someone who endorses brands — for granted. "Never," he said. "It goes away quickly. I am fortunate because it seems like my image is good at the moment."
from Commercial Appeal:
While the entertaining playing style of Ernests Gulbis would make for good television, the 21-year-old says he is not particularly fond of watching the sport on TV.
''I never watch tennis ... unless I'm playing,'' he said. ''I may watch (Roger) Federer because you enjoy how he plays. He plays such beautiful tennis. But I don't watch sports on TV, maybe the NBA.''
Feb 18, 2010 from BNP Paribas Open:
Indian Wells – The BNP Paribas Open will hold a “Hit For Haiti” exhibition on the evening of Friday, March 12, that will feature former BNP Paribas Open champions with a combined total of 44 Grand Slam singles titles, and is expected to raise a minimum of $1 Million for Haiti relief efforts, it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director.
Larry Ellison, who recently purchased the tournament, decided to coordinate a second Hit for Haiti exhibition after seeing the success it had at the Australian Open. The event will feature Roger Federer and Pete Sampras playing Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi. The event will be broadcast live on the Tennis Channel beginning at 7:30 PM PST.
The net proceeds from ticket sales to this session will be donated to the American Red Cross for their relief efforts in Haiti. Fans will also be able to donate to the relief effort through text messages and on-site contributions throughout the evening and event. In addition to these fund-raising efforts, Ellison will make a personal donation to this very special cause.
In addition to the exhibition, the evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Salute to Heroes ceremony, where the tournament will recognize veterans, military personnel, police, firemen and women, and Red Cross volunteers on Stadium Court for their efforts in the community and around the world. The ceremony and tennis exhibition will be followed by one main draw match.
For more information about the BNP Paribas Open, or to purchase tickets and travel packages, visit www.bnpparibasopen.org, call 800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or visit the box office, 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA, 92210.
Feb 17, 2010 from ATP:
MONTE CARLO - Roger Federer was formally recognised for his triumphant return to the top spot in men’s tennis on Wednesday, as the 2009 ATP World Tour Awards were announced.
The 28-year-old superstar collected Player of the Year, Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award and ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite presented by RICOH honours. Federer was Player of the Year for the fifth time after finishing as the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion and his fellow players selected him for the sportsmanship award for a record sixth consecutive year, surpassing Edberg, who was a five-time recipient over eight years. In a poll of fans, Federer was voted ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite for a record seventh straight season. Federer received 52% percent of all votes, followed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
“I am very proud of these recognitions,” said Federer. “It was a great achievement to once again finish the season at No. 1, especially in a year that was so special for me off the court with my marriage and birth of my daughters. It is also very humbling to be awarded the sportsmanship award again by my fellow ATP players, many of whom I have known for a long time. Additionally, I would like to thank my fans for voting me as the Fans’ Favourite. I always try to exhibit fair play and be a good sport, and it is the fans that inspire me to play this wonderful game.”
Feb 16, 2010 from Calcutta Telegraph:
Although Roger Federer has dominated the singles field for the better part of the last seven years, players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and now Juan Martin del Potro have also made a considerable mark. Why then men’s doubles have been dominated by the same names, such as Bryan brothers, Daniel Nestor, Nenad Zimonjic, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Martin Damm, for the last decade?
Paes replied: “In singles, it’s difficult to maintain the momentum year after year. That is why Roger Federer’s achievements are unparalleled in the current era. But in doubles, it’s more about skill and technique. It’s game where you need a lot of strategy. That’s why only a select few pairs dominate doubles.”
Feb 15, 2010 from UPI:
LONDON - Roger Federer has tied Ivan Lendl for the second-most weeks ranked as the No. 1 tennis player in the world.
Federer, as of Monday, has been the top-rated player for 270 weeks, matching Lendl's total. Only Pete Sampras's reign of 286 weeks at No. 1 is longer.
There was only one change in the ATP Top 10, with Rafael Nadal moving to third and knocking Andy Murray to fourth.
from Geneva Lunch:
Didier Defago has won a second gold medal for Switzerland in the men’s downhill race at Whistler Mountain in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, after Simon Ammann in ski jumping. Defago, from Morgins, was until recently not even sure he’d make the cut for the Swiss team. The 32-year-old gives Switzerland its first Olympic gold in the downhill event since Pirmin Zurbriggen won in Calgary in 1988.
Defago is a close friend of another Swiss sports winner, Roger Federer.
Feb 14, 2010 from AFP:
"We live off shooting commercials," said Petr Cermak, caretaker of the vast complex of buildings and land on the southern outskirts of Prague.
"Roger Federer and Claudia Schiffer have recently shot commercials here," Cermak said, pointing at the studio number six, covering an area of 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet), where workers are setting up for the next commercial promoting a beer brand.
Feb 11, 2010 from Reuters:
ABU DHABI – Usain Bolt, Roger Federer and Serena Williams are among those nominated for the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards, the academy announced on Thursday.
The awards recognize sporting achievements for the calendar year 2009. The winners will be named on March 10 at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi.
Last year's winner Bolt and four-times winner Federer have both been nominated again, along with Barcelona's footballer Lionel Messi, long-distance runner Kenenisa Bekele, Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and Italy's seven-times MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi.
Feb 9, 2010 from AP:
ZURICH – John McEnroe thinks Roger Federer is the best men's tennis player of all time.
McEnroe said Tuesday he ranks the Swiss star ahead of Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.
Promoting an ATP Champions Tour event in Zurich, McEnroe said Laver was his idol and Sampras was the greatest grass-court player ever. But the American left-hander said Federer was the greatest of all.
McEnroe said Federer's ability to average two Grand Slam titles a year was "phenomenally consistent and amazing."
Feb 6, 2010 from Times LIVE:
Q: Who is your most difficult opponent on the Tour?
Gael Monfils: Roger Federer for sure, because he is the best player in the world.
Feb 5, 2010 from Swissinfo:
A Facebook group calling for Swiss tennis star Roger Federer to become the face of the country’s 100 franc note has attracted more than 30,000 fans in five days.
The group was set up on February 1 following Federer’s Australian Open title win, with the slogan: “The greatest tennis player of the world should be represented on the 100 franc note.”
The free daily newspaper 20 Minuten reported the idea had the backing of former Sport Minister Adolf Ogi, quoting him as saying: “I personally would be happy about it. But I know that this is very difficult to implement in practice.”
According to the newspaper, the Swiss National Bank, the country’s central bank, is not considering the idea.
Die-hard fans on the group aren’t giving up just yet. As one member, Brigitte Jansen put it: “Federer not only on the 100 franc note, but on all notes.”
Were the group to be successful, Federer could convert his lifetime winnings into more than 587,205 Federer-emblazoned 100 franc notes – nearly enough to cover the floors of a 7,000 square metre mansion.
from ATP:
A poll of 1,400 sports fans, conducted by Barclays Spaces for Sport, has revealed that tennis is recognised as producing the most positive global sports role models.
Five-time ATP World Tour Champion Roger Federer was voted top male sports role model with 18 per cent of the votes, while former tennis player Steffi Graf was the top female role model with 20 per cent.
The poll also revealed that sportsmanship (66 per cent), health and fitness benefits (57 per cent), teaching discipline and abiding by rules (60 per cent) are all considered more significant benefits of playing sport than actually winning (22 per cent).
Eighty-one per cent of those polled felt that sport was 'very important to society'.
from Reuters:
CHICAGO - Forbes estimated in its second annual "Fab 40" list that Tiger Woods still represents the top sports brand by athlete, with an estimated value of $82 million. David Beckham ($20 million), Roger Federer ($16 million), Dale Earnhardt Jr. ($14 million) and LeBron James and Kobe Bryant ($13 million and $12 million, respectively) rounded out the top six.
Feb 4, 2010 from Roger Federer Official Site:
Austria's postal services issues a stamp honouring Roger as the world's best tennis player.
The 65-centime stamp shows Roger winning the French Open 2009 (the photo was taken by Paul Zimmer), accompanied by the text "Best Tennis Player of the World". It has been designed by renowned Austrian stamp artist Renate Gruber.
This limited edition of only 300,000 stamps will be available on February 8th, 2010. The timing could not have been better after Roger's triumph in Australia, winning his 16th Grand-Slam title.
Further honouring Roger, the Austrian Postal Service is launching a silver edition, too. The «Roger Federer-Numiphilum Collection» has a size of 20x26 mm and is 0.1 mm thick. This special edition costs 15.99 Euros, only 2,000 of the stamps are available at selected shops of the Austrian Postal Service. |
Feb 2, 2010 from The Times:
By Owen Slot - En route home from the Australian Open… Roger Federer marches past me at passport control during the interminable transfer process at Dubai. He has been beaten there by Andy Murray who was sitting at the front of my Emirates plane. And no, I’m getting no upgrade for the mention of Emirates, though maybe they’ll tuck that away for future reference.
Federer looks fresh and dazzling as ever. Murray did not overly trouble him and nor, clearly, did the 13 hours from Melbourne. Murray, alternatively, wears his trademark stubble and slightly dishevelled look. Different players, vastly different personalities, but same way of travelling. In an age of private jets, here are two of the titans of tennis travelling on standard scheduled airways. I like that.
from Sportinglife:
Scottish star Stephen Hendry believes China's Ding Junhui will be a future world champion.
Hendry will meet Ding next weekend in Beijing at the 188cup.com Challenge, a two-day, 25-frame battle where the East's most successful player meets the all-time great.
And just as Roger Federer reckons Andy Murray is too good a player not to win a Grand Slam event, so Hendry - owner of a record seven world titles - says Ding's time will come.
"When Federer said that to Andy Murray I put it into a snooker context and thought who that might apply to - and the first name I came up with was Ding Junhui's," Hendry told 110sport TV's 'ON-Q' magazine.
Hendry is confident Ding - the reigning UK champion - will be one of the men to beat come the world championship in April.
Feb 1, 2010 from AP:
MELBOURNE – Australian Open champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams maintained their No. 1 rankings when new rankings were released Monday.
Federer will begin his 268th week as the ATP's No. 1 and match Jimmy Connors, currently in third place, for total number of weeks as world No. 1.
Pete Sampras leads the career list with 286 weeks at No. 1, followed by Ivan Lendl with 270.
The ATP said Novak Djokovic takes over as No. 2, Murray is third and injured Rafael Nadal drops to No. 4. It marks the first time that Nadal has dropped out of the world's top three since his debut there in June 2005.
from Wilson Tennis' Blog:
Federer’s continued success is due in part to Wilson’s ever evolving technology and BLX is no exception. Federer switched to his new Six.One Tour BLX racket at the beginning of 2010.
“Wilson continues to provide rackets with the most cutting edge technology and this racket really gives me the extra feel I look for,” Federer said after claiming the Australian Open title. “My new BLX racket provides me with the extra edge I needed to succeed.”
Since 2004, he has reached at least the semi-finals of every Grand Slam. He continued his Grand Slam streak with a 23rd consecutive semi-final appearance.
“It’s an incredible feeling to continue this streak and my success at Grand Slams,” Federer said. “This 16th title means the world to me and I hope to keep this streak alive.”
from Sports Illustrated:
Kim Clijsters bows out. Juan Martin del Potro, the winner of the previous major, tweaks his wrist and loses in round four. Nadal, the defending champ, can't finish his match. The takeaway: As much as it's discussed, Federer's streak of reaching the semis of 23 straight majors is still underrated.
Roger Federer and Serena Williams were not the only ones to soar in Melbourne last week. Jim Courier's on-court interviews with the players were fantastic. The player-turned-broadcaster (Courier has worked with Australia's Channel Seven for the past couple of years in addition to his work Stateside) did a great job of humanizing the players.
"I'm not doing this as a journalist; it's entertainment," Courier told SI.com. "They know I'm not going to ask anything controversial. I'm not going to ask anything I wouldn't ask myself. You can only express yourself so much playing tennis. This is a chance to show some personality. A guy like Nikolay Davydenko will turn this into his own comedy act, and you'll never get a player in a better mood than after they've won a Grand Slam match. Trust me, if I had to interview the losers, it wouldn't go as well."
Courier, who covered the U.S. Open for CBS, said the real reason it works is because of Federer: "He sets the example. Other players see him, see how he expresses himself and how he's so giving of himself and say, 'Oh, I guess that's how it's done.' "
from The Age:
Apparently, Roger Federer's kids are freakishly talented, too
''They check in, they board the plane, I carry the luggage,'' said Roger, of Charlene Riva and Myla Rose. And to think they're only six months old.
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