Conspiracy,maybe,yeah.All we can hope 4 is that Nadal is on form all through the tornament,and takes the title.I think most people realise that Federer took out French,and Wimbledon because Nadal was injured,which unfortunately cheapened the achievement.Come on Nadal,Get the career grand slam at age 23.That would put some perspective on it! cjlamb.

Lovely post...
I wonder did anyone bother to ask Greul does he want match on Wednesday...
I remember when Nole ( he was defending champion that year ) asked at AO to play evening match ...they rejected him. And Mr. ExFed commented "who knows what he was asking before..."
So the arogant prince can go home for few days...

finally somebody got the sack to call it like it is. forward this post to the usta right now!!!! a spa?!!! sounds pretty spot on if you ask me. i said it before & i say it again, this thing is fixed. the usta wants to keep fedmug in for ratings & they're smart enough to know that no amercian players' got a shot at it. i got respect for ducky, but cmon does anyone think he can win over fedmug? no way, not in a slam.

davydenko gets carded in & out of the stadiums, ain't any way they'd give that guy a break. rafa gets more respect here than @ the fo but he & murray are on the same level. it's the fedmug show, then everyone else. it's rigged & and everyone who watches this sport knows it!

Agreeing with Cheryl and not buying the conspiracy theory - tennis has nothing to do terrorism after all. Or anything of that important political stuff. But agreeing that there's massive biasness going on though. Fine that tournament directors want to keep Roger and Rafa happy blah blah but maybe a too little obvious?

Good read, Cheryl. My question is though, doesn't Round 1 matches typically finishes at Day 2 for GS? I seem to recall it was so for AO, RG and Wimbly unless my brain is fried. So for me USO scheduling in general is whacked.

Jyannis, at many tournaments, you're correct the first round usually ends on Tuesday, but the USO has always had a 3 day first round. It's tradition, just like Stupid...er...I mean SUPER Saturday. SUPER Saturday. :D

Roland Garros finshes on Tuesday for first round, but they also start on Sunday, so they have 3 days for the opening round too.

Thanks for clearing that up, Cheryl! Wow I must be really out of it but I never noticed this tradition, very well aware of Super Stupid Saturday though. Hmmm...not too sure what I think of this still-whacked scheduling though...three days for Round 1 seems to be disadvantageous to some. It's a bit of nutter to be honest.

cjlamb,

your obviously not a lover of the game if you can say ridiculous statements like this:
'I think most people realise that Federer took out French,and Wimbledon because Nadal was injured,which unfortunately cheapened the achievement'. First of all, you are (of course) entitled to your own beliefs, but everyone on the tour has benefitted as a result of rafa's injury (and that includes rafa! - because he has had extra rest and it can only be a benefit for him AND for tennis!). Federer still had to fight his way to the final - and he did, so to degrade his accomplishments is a really bitter remark from you.

This conspiracy theory is getting really boring now.

" ...but everyone on the tour has benefitted as a result of rafa's injury (and that includes rafa... "
Yes...yes esspecialy Rafa...he benefits becuse he is injured...
Well I saw rubish and pearls of stupidity on this site...but Maxi you are realy special...
Maxi stupid...only brainwashed ExFed fan can say something like that.

so let me get this straight ...nad dumbo's were complaining bout nad dumbo playing on wednesday only to find out that he requested for it ......wow....what a slap in the face ...... shows how the player and his fans are oh soooo different .....

I guess they have to look for other excuses now since that scheduling and injurt ( considering yesterday's match) are thrown out of the window ...

and umm ...maxi.....nad dumbo didn't play in the french .....i think thats what we need to say so that people can accept the humiliating defeat he had in the 4th round.....


C'MON !!
Where we celebrate our sweet 16th !

what's so humiliating about being beaten in a 4th round while injured.

better than being beaten 4 times including a straight set bagel last year - THAT'S humiliating, than crying after losing AO, THAT'S embarrassing!!! even with the schedule in his favour giving him an extra day's rest. doesn't take away the fact that fed always has a cup cake draw, whether it's his fault or not, it's meant 15 slams to the lucky pastry!

Losing in finals is always less embarassing than losing in 4th round to a world no.23 and then crying in the taxi...

not to mention, picking your butt 2 million times in a match enlongating the match time by 3 hours.

did you see him crying in the taxi the way the whole world say your boy crying upon being given second place trophy? no you didn't. you read it in a blog so don't make it up. even if he did cry in a taxi, at least he was able to hold his emotions until a more appropriate time. not cry like a baby and steel the show because he couldn't get the trophy. deal with it.

and last FO lost was far more embarrassing for both players. after the match, Rafa avoided the locker room while FedError was in there. THAT'S how embarrassing it was! world no. 1 being bagelled in a slam final while fit and healthy.

Now that he is no. 1 again, Fed's back to being the media darling. Amazing. Can't wait to see how the next no.1 gets treated, especially if it's Murray.

getting bagelled while fit and healthy is embarrassing?

Hiow bout the bagel that Nadal received in Wimby finals. Isn't it embarassing. Not to mention the bagel Nadal got in Hamburg on his favourite surface.

You never saw Nadal bagelling Fed on grass.

And we all know fed had mono in FO.

You always get a virtual bye into the Qtrs so what's so amazing that you have made 21 SFs in a row? How convenient for the player seeded 3 who has a massive winning record over Federer just happens to be in the bottom half of the draw. It's all too convenient.

You are seeded 2 at the AO, yet your bottom half of the draw gets to play a day before the top half of the draw, and you play your SF match 3 days before the final, leaving your opponent less than 48 hrs to recover from his SF.

It all nearly went pear shaped yesterday before Greul was reminded to read the script...................The Fed is going for his 16th, it's a momentous occasion for USTA, no one is to stand in his way.

So Federer is not an American, but sport needs an icon to bring the people in. Knowing that there is no American to fill that bill, they have to go with what they've got. They want people to say they were there when the 'GOAT' won his 16th.

David Beckham is not American, but he's been pampered and promoted more than any American footballer. What these aparatchiks forget is that Rafa's clothes line sells 10 times as much as Roger's.

maxi, you think anyone who puts a spotlight on Federer's achievements is not a true tennis fan? Please don't tell me the smugness is robbing off on you.

carrie, your whining is indirectly proportional to Nadal's request for playing on Wednesday.

This is one of the silliest articles I have ever read about tennis, what a shame to accuse one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of such things, seriously what the hell you were thinking about?
Yes, Roger and Nadal may have special treatment because they are the best so far, Nadal asking for more than the rest of players and Roger ahead of everybody, it is also about the ratings and TV ads, did you notice that Sharpova seeded 23 played in the center courts while Dementiva in small courts . that is the sport Sharpova is slam winner while Dementiva is not!
Why titling the article about Roger? because he was at the draw ceremony? You are sick! Is it because he has the largest number of slams something gotta have to do with it, besides you are talking also about Roddick why are complaining? who is Roddick playing with?
He won 5 times on row , have a common sense for God sake? you make living by writing this bull^^^^^^^^^^ ?
And homos ? get a life you are so boring man!

hah....torr ...they are all ignoring all the whining they did earlier with regards to nadal playing on wed ....everything forgotten ....now they are questioning the amazing feat of 21 straight GS semi's ....heck nadumbo cant participate in 21 straight GS's without redrawing from one due to poor scheduling ... and some dare say 21 straight Semi's is no big feat ? ....

and i guess the conspiracy now still goes on .....the world wants fed to win huh ....and that is happening after the organiser gave rafa his late start that he wanted ! cos he wanted to practice ! ...
wow ....it makes so much sense now ...pleaseeeee

C'MON !!
USO09...where we celebrate our sweet 16th !

yeah, well, I must say they are running out of ideas to discredit Roger's achievement. It's too unbelievable. They don't realize that there are so many dangerous players even outside the Top 10, Fed didn't win without swinging a racket.. LOL

After this, they'll say that tennis is like Wrestling where the players are actually faking victories...LOL

FED's THE BEST!!!... hard or easy draw...

but still exciting enough for you to read my posts tennis hater. guess it's clear who of us needs to get a life!

it always amazes me how many peole out there admire and glory worship an athelete with a foul mouth, a spoilt brat who can't take defeat like a professional champion and hates having a competitive rival. it's no wonder the world it as troubled as it is. and this is only sports.

Really, homos. Wont you be the messiah then to save the world?

Nadal is no Jesus either.

Is so conspicuous looking at the draw that Federer and Hewitt are the only ones through to the 3rd round in the men's singles, and they will be playing each other. It all looks a little bit odd to say the least.

oh please homos, waiting for some attention that a simple reply to ur stiupet comments make you happy.
besides who cries for rival ,excuse me but the last time i checked someone else needed a draw to come out before runing away from a fight after losing in 4th round in the previous slam!
but who to blame ur nick name explains it all...........

what would be weird is if feds opponent ( hewitt) played his 2nd round match the day before fed played hewitt in the 3rd ....but in this case ...fed and hewitt were given equal opportunity especially since the both played early..and im sure the tourney directors would have asked hewitt and opponent if they are ok with playing wednesday ....as for the rest of the 2nd round matches...should not matter .....

...and if any one of you still bring up dumb remarks bout nad playing late you gota be kidding me ! ...if you think the fact his played late was unfair and stupid ...take it up with him ...he wanted it that way ...

C'MON !!
USO09 ...where we celebrate our sweet 16th !

Hewitt was playing because it was necesery...ExFed can not go to vacation without knowledge who will be his next opponent...it could disturbehis mental peace...
I can not understand you people who are ignoring such clear situation in tennis.

tennislover - the reason Federer is in the title is because...well....HIS is the draw everyone is complaining about. Nobody's accused Murray of draw tampering, that's for sure. :D Just so we're clear *I'm* not the one who accused the US Open of conspiracy I was merely reporting that others had. I only said the US Open was guilty of coddling, which I still stand by.

Oh, and Fed and Nadal's "special" requests have NOTHING whatsoever to do with ratings.

carrie? what are you saying? I'm not certain what you are accusing me of? Smugness? Huh? dah? I said rafa benefitted, because he has been able to rest! okay, he's lost his number 1 ranking (I've had many discussions with you about the rankings and that winning tournaments will take care of the rankings), and murray has hopped over him and benefitted - but in my opinion carrie, if he (rafa) had been continuing to play tennis at the rate he was, then rafa would have cut his career short! how can that be beneficial (for him to continue, cut his career short, and never to be seen playing tennis again?). I dont get where you are coming from so can you explain please?

Zare, the above post goes for you too! Am not a brainwashed fedfan AT ALL. And actually, i can support who the hell i like, i dont have to insult other players because you do zare? you call that intelligent? what a joke.

maxi: This is what I was referring to:

your obviously not a lover of the game if you can say ridiculous statements like this:
'I think most people realise that Federer took out French,and Wimbledon because Nadal was injured,which unfortunately cheapened the achievement'.

Owhh yawn yawn yawn.... The schedule is a mess becoz Rafa's the one requested to play on Wednesday. That's the main reason.

ZOMG!!!!11!!!!! You mean the people who are the best tennis players get preferential treatment over others? We have a conspiracy here!!1!!

Coddling like that NEVER happens anywhere else in life: Just ask Tiger Woods, or LeBron James, or Tom Cruise, or any CEO of a major corporation, or any government leader, or ...

Geez Louise, take a chill pill, all. There are ways to support your favourite tennis player without resorting to childish name-calling (towards players and posters both)...we're not in middle school/kindergarten anymore, right? Sorry if I am mistaken though, if there really 5-year-old kids running around here. :) But seriously, watch tennis, and live and let live!

I agree with SenorPlaid - coddling and preferential treatment happens everywhere. Not to say I agree with the biasness but face up to the facts. Roger and Rafa are the pinnacle of men's tennis. What they ask they receive. Expected? Yes. Fair? Not really.

The conspiracy theory IMHO is getting really old. Murray got like a cupcake in Wimbly, did anyone say anything about conspiracy?

SenorPlaid - rest assured that if I wrote about golf or basketball, I would be railing against the injustices there too. :D

jyannis - the reason everyone is so up-in-arms is because they think that there is the tiniest possibility that Roger is actually popular enough that somebody would do that for him. Silliness, really.

go cheryl! a woman with common sense! Listen all of you who keep blaggin' on and on - stop and listen to the expert - for a change! - federer is just smooth as hell and loved and adored by many. He is part of a draw, along with EVERYONE, and cheryl, i liked the fact that you mentioned roddick and how much the US crowd (if their had been a conspiracy???!!!! haha! as if! - would have 'rigged it for roddick' - has a certain ring to it, dont you think?

Federer is just a star. star quality. starlight express. i love him.

On gaming websites, we would refer to an article like this as "flame bait." :)

-Arvis

It's true Cheryl...

in the perfect world for Wimbledon 2009- Andy Murray winner

and the perfect world for US Open 2009-Andy Roddick winner

But hey...throw some more fuel on...keep those conspiracy fires burning :)

What's up with everybody?
Federer got an easy draw, so what? It happens sometimes.
Nadal got an easy draw in Cincinatti, but I didn't hear anyone complain.

In 10 years time, nobody remembers the draw, they only remember the winner of the tournament.

Or does anybody remember that Agassi got his FO and he didn't even face a member of the Top 10 those days or any notorious opponents? Was that rigged to, so Agassi could complete his career Slam?

Or that Sampras played Pioline twice in a GS final, a guy who was never won any significant title?

In his current form, the draw wouldn't matter to Federer. He's in a great period of his career, he's got momentum (which he showed in Cincinatti).

Federer can't control the draw, he can't choose his opponents.
What he can do is, is trying to beat whoever is across the net.

Let's stop this foolish talking about draws being rigged!

P.S. You're right cheryl, Federer and Nadal are getting pampered by the tournament directors. But didnt't you write that they are the cornerstone in tennis? So maybe they deserved it, because without those 2, tennis wouldn't be so enthralling as it is now!

Right On Bonker! yay....someone sane...yay

carrie, i hope you answer this post from me tonight - but you need to be very careful when you say i have said things when i havent. I think you are getting 'hot under the collar for nothing'. So, i am going to paste what the original person (cjlamb) said ( which i reposted to argue). You then thought it was from me. The original post wasnt. (this is hard work carrie!).

' I think most people realise that Federer took out French,and Wimbledon because Nadal was injured,which unfortunately cheapened the achievement.Come on Nadal,Get the career grand slam at age 23.That would put some perspective on it! cjlamb.
cjlamb , 9/3/09 1:53 AM

so carrie, accept that i didnt post it - okay? Secondly, the very fact that federer won the FO and wimby is brilliance on his part. i think you have to accept that federer doesn't actually rule the world, doesn't rig the draws, shouldnt take responsibility for rafas knees. rafa makes that choice. no one else. not even federer. Thirdly, yes, of course federer has benefited from rafa not playing at Wimby, but then so has murray because he has played more tournys, won some, when rafa was playing. so its not just federer. that is not to say that just because rafa was "out", that all of a sudden it's "easy" for federer? c'mon carrie. be fair and be real. He has had to fight himself out of situations, showing his mental strength and his capacity to overcome other players. he has deserved his two slams this year - and for anyone to say otherwise just reeks of jealousy and bitterness. It's ridiculous. And I wish it would stop.

No to mention on several occasion Nadal had the easier semifinal opponent.
Some examples:-

Wimby2008- nadal Vs Raine Shuttler Fed Vs Safin- Nadal won the final and no one complained of Nadal getting a lesser opponent

AO2008- Fed Vs Djokovic, Nadal Vs Tsonga-If Nadal won against Tsonga he would have faced Djoker in the final, but woooppsss, getting an easier opponent doesn't always means you are gonna win

Bonker - I believe I said that I'm a huge Federer-Nadal cheerleader. How could I not be? They are ESSENTIAL to the popularity of the sport. But do they "deserve" to be pampered? Maybe I take a different line on this than most people, I don't know, but I just don't think so.

cherylmurray, do tell, when did you become a nadal cheerleader. i'm impressed! i couldn't tell by your writings. if i didn't know any better i would actually believe you! after all, you do have a way of manipulating words! i'm sure roger federer appreciates your talent!

fedex sweetheart, do you have to always go to the gutter to get your comments i.e. "nad dumbo" before you can make a point? you feel big now, right?

memi ...im not proud of it .....but i think sometimes some people have to retaliate to comments such as 'fedmug' and etc ....most Fed fans dont get down and dirty ( and im acctually proud of that) ....I dont mean it and i see your point ...but u have to acknowledge that some rafa fans here were asking for it ...

comments with regards to rafa playing late we being thrown all over .....then they found out its his 'brilliant' idea and ...pin drop silence !
Then someone disses fed's 21 straight GS semi's achievement ....but seriously ...forget making it to the final 4 ...people struggle to even participate in 21 GS's !

and lets not get into the dumb comments about the draw ......geezzzzzz

cheers memi !

C'MON !!
USO09..where we celebrate our sweet 16th !

Memi, you actually made me giggle just then. :) If you think I'm not a Rafa cheerleader, go back and read some of my previous blogs. I think you'll find that I was most kind.

As to those who keep yapping about how Rafa supposedly 'asked' for a Wednesday match, I ask this question again....... does anyone have PROOF that he asked for it? I know Cheryl said that JMac mentioned it, but I don't have alot of faith in commentators truthfulness or knowledge. Geez, in Cincy finals, they kept saying that fed dropped to No2 rank in MAY, and out of the 3 commentators, NO ONE corrected him. I could list many other 'rumors' that they report in order to fill up airtime. (When fed did his 'walkabout' in Montreal, they were sure his mono had flared up and went on and on about it).

Rafa said in his blog in his own words, he prefers day matches PLUS that he had been in NYC for over a week and has been ready to play since the weekend. That doesn't sound like he wasn't ready and needed more practice as some have stated on here.

fedex, the pin drop just made a sound! And I did it without calling fed all sorts of names like you insulted Rafa beyond belief! There is a saying.....just because you think it doesn't mean you have to say it (especially when it comes to hurtful and mean spirited insults at another player).

o to mention on several occasion Nadal had the easier semifinal opponent.
Some examples:-

Wimby2008- nadal Vs Raine Shuttler Fed Vs Safin- Nadal won the final and no one complained of Nadal getting a lesser opponent.

torres9 , 9/3/09 7:34 PM

I am amazed that as someone who follows tennis could say such a thing. No one decreed that Nadal should meet Schuttler or Federer should meet Safin in the semis. Rafa was supposed to meet No 4 Davydenko, and Roger was supposed to meet No 3 Djokovic. If you remember, Djokovic lost to Safin in the 2nd round, and went on to the semis. Davydenko lost to Ben Becker in the first round, then Andy Roddick who was No 6 the next highest rank in the bottom half, lost to Tipsarevic, who lost to Schuttler in the 4th round, and Schuttler went on to the semis.

It was nothing to do with the draw!!!!!!!

Rafa ia the 2nd match after midnight tomorrow UK time. Another late night for me.

cheryl, happy to amuse! i don't doubt that you have good intentions, but like i said, your subtle subjectivity resonates in your writing! it's all good!

f4t, do u have proof that the draw is rigged then? LOL... No one, not even cheryl, Ricky or anybody have real proof that it's rigged. At least JMac is closer to the scene than you... LOL

carrie, my point is when the draw is easy doesn't mean you are going to win like when nadal got beaten b Tsonga, Soderling, Ferrer

memi, I was only amused because usually I'm accused of being too biased towards Nadal. :)

Andy Murray can win US Open admits biggest rival Roger Federer

? Murray receives rare praise from the world No1
? 'He's in the best shape of his life right now' says Federer

* Buzz up!
* Digg it

* Lawrence Donegan at Flushing Meadow
* guardian.co.uk, Thursday 3 September 2009 20.35 BST
* Article history
the sporting cliche demands that expectations do not extend beyond the next match, then the temptation to look towards the second week of the 2009 US Open in New York and the denouement of what promises to be a thrilling men's tournament is proving irresistible, even to the greatest player of all.

Roger Federer is never less than self-effacing when it comes to assessing his own game, never less than effusive about that of Rafael Nadal, and seldom more than grudging when it comes to that of Andy Murray. There is just something about Murray that appears to get under the skin of the world No1.

Perhaps the Swiss, winner of 15 grand slam titles, is baffled that so much attention is heaped on a player who has yet to win one, or it could have something to do with the fact the Scotsman is one of the few players who hold winning career records (6-3) over the greatest player of the modern era.

Whatever the truth, the ears were certainly pricked when Federer conceded after his second-round victory over the German Simon Greul that those who have picked Murray to win his first major here in New York ? a small but select bunch that includes Andre Agassi ? may be right.

"I think Andy deserves a few picks because he is playing so well," Federer said when told of Agassi's views. "He is in the best shape of his life right now. He did well last year and he has got one more year of experience. The only thing is he hasn't won a slam yet, but he's still quite young."

Generous words indeed, and they marked quite a contrast with the Australian Open earlier this year, when Federer was openly contemptuous to discover the bookies had installed Murray as the pre-tournament favourite. This time around, however, the bookies have reversed their order of preference. The two players, seeded one and two, are scheduled to meet in next Sunday's final, although each has significant obstacles to overcome if that is to happen.

Murray, in particular, faces a difficult journey, one requiring him to beat the sixth seed, Juan Martín del Potro, at the quarter-final stage and Nadal in the semi-finals. For Federer, there is the prospect of a semi-final meeting with Andy Roddick, whom he only just beat in an epic Wimbledon final earlier in the summer.

More immediately, however, the No1 seed will face a third-round tie against Lleyton Hewitt, the former world No1 and the player he beat in the 2004 final in New York to begin his streak of five successive US Open victories. Since then, the cocky Australian has slipped down the world rankings but he still talks a pugnacious game.

"Not a lot of guys have been able to beat him, especially here. I started his run in 2004. It would be nice if I could finish it," Hewitt said, looking ahead to the match. Nice perhaps, but not very likely. Hewitt has lost 13 consecutive matches to Federer ? not that the No1 seed is taking Hewitt for granted. "You have to respect him for the player and the champion that he is. On any given day a former world No1, a guy who has won majors, is very, very dangerous," he said.

torres, what did british press bribe you with to promote blandy curry?

Well, he is anything but bland in the first place. I prefer him than politically correct Nadal.

And the fact that his game is more about placement than power, I will always prefer his game than players who uses power.

This USO is very open and I wouldn't be suprised if Muzza, Nadal ,Djoker or even ARod and Delpo wins it.

torres wrote: "f4t, do u have proof that the draw is rigged then?"

I will become a fed fan and praise him to the moon and renounce Rafa if you can show me ANYWHERE where I said the draw was rigged!!!!!!!!!! All I asked was were was the proof that Rafa asked for Wednesday match. As usual, you digress and turn the subject into something totally different when you can't answer a simple question.

Here torres, I'll help you--lol. This is theonly thing I have EVER said about the USO draw:

"I don't believe in conspiracy theories and as far as the draw, it is what it is, it is done so just deal with it. It's not like they are going to redo the draw or anything like that. People can think what they want, but what's done is done. I don't agree with carrie that all this means that we should count fed as the winner already.

maxi, I know players can ask for different things and the may be considered. I know fed said something once about being denied what he asked for (was awhile back so don't remember what it was). But as far as THIS USO, people have been saying fed asked for this and Rafa asked for that and the question is... how do we know that they did other than speculation? I do believe the USO screwed up on scheduling some players to have completed 2 matches before some had even finished their first one."
fan4tennis 9/3/09 3:03 AM

As you can see (well, most can see but evidently not you), my question was about he scheduling, not the draw! Now what do you have to say torres???

How amazing that someone like Cheryl is willing to point to the obvious elephant in the room. These ridiculous cupcake draws for Federer are unbelievably consistent. Easy draws, preferential scheduling that makes sure Federer is always rested and going up against wiped-out opponents in the semis and finals - all par for the course.

However, the fact that Federer is not American does not have any bearing on the issue. Money obviously talks louder than patriotism. No surprise there. One can try to chalk it up to luck but if walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck. Even if one should give Federer the benefit of the doubt and say he's just incredibly lucky it puts an asterisk on so many of the slams he's "won" when he's given all these unfair advantages.

Don't even try to include Nadal in the same bracket. He gets very few "favors." Think back to how the Wimbledon organizers "favored" Nadal by refusing to have matches on a sunny middle Sunday after days and days of rain, by not extending the tournament longer when the rain continued - forcing Nadal to play without any rest while Federer left the country to return to Switzerland for a vacation in the middle of the tournament. Yet writers, journalists and commentators were silent on this glaring fixed result. All of the other semifinalists except for Federer had serious injuries because of the scheduling that favored Federer above all others. Despite that Nadal was still beating the rested Federer until his knee gave out. This was the worst example but it happens over and over again - as someone else pointed out. Even when Federer was #2 he still got the easiest draw and advantageous scheduling to make sure he was rested and his opponents tired.

Geez - you'd think if a guy was really the greatest of all time he wouldn't need everything to be so skewed to tire out or injure his opponents and give him a leg up.

We've all seen it but rarely does anyone dare speak the truth - the emperor has no clothes. Federer is the beneficiary of all kinds of match fixing as well as overhyping from the media buildup begun from years ago when Federer was still far behind Sampras in slams won. His opponents almost all fall prey to the hype and eventually capitulate in cowardly fashion no matter how badly they were beating the overrated one. He finally got what is and will be his one and only French open title because Nadal was injured and lost because of that injury. Federer only barely squeaked through several of his matches at the French because his opponents choked after beating up on him (or maybe they were exhausted by the fixed schedule). Compare to Nadal who had never even been taken to a fifth set at the French despite going up so often against the lucky Federer.

Murray in truth won the second set against Federer at the U.S. Open last year but received a bad call and was cheated out of his break. Every one knew that call had cheated Murray because we now have Hawkeye. It would have been one set all instead of two sets to one which would have made a huge difference especially in a situation where Federer as usual when he wins, is going up against a frightetned newbie who has never been in a slam final.

Let's not forget the numerous bad calls in Federer's favor that had to be challenged by Nadal. Imagine if there were no Hawkeye, Federer would have been gifted about 15 important calls. That resulted in Federer asking for Hawkeye to be turned off. The machine's killing me, Federer wailed. Turn it off. I want my free points. Waaaah! And he lost without those all-important free points. One wonders how many other bad calls were made in Federer's favor that Nadal could not see clearly enough to challenge and correct.

Look at a real champion like Rafa who has had to beat the toughest competition to win all his slam titles and only once when he himself was a newbie played in a final against someone who had never been in the situation before.

It's obvious Federer is a coward who has got most of his slams going up against nervous guys who have never been in a slam final before. He got a couple against near retirees like Philipoussisus who had knee surgery and Agasssi with a bad back shot up full of cortisone. Just about every time he has faced someone who is not injured, has a tiny bit of experience and does not cower, he lost. Not a record that anyone would be proud of.

Federer obviously needs all these advantages to get ahead. Certainly he had them and that helped him in many many ways.

How anyone who is owned by another player can even be considered for the title of the greatest of all time shows the kind of pure lunacy that is out there. Nadal is undeniably superior to Federer, head to head, no ifs, ands or buts. And two of Federer's "wins" in smaller tournaments also came only because Nadal was completely wiped out from playing the tougher guys with less rest while Fed as usual coasted on his cupcake draw and fixed schedule.

GOAT - not a chance in hell, just pure hype. Sampras and Laver are still the GOATS. They at least had more than one strong competitor.

Great write up on the 'conspiracy' behind Federer's 15 Slams, Rocky! Do you work for the CIA/FBI/Interpol/Taliban or something? They should really recruit you.

I still occasionally come to this site for news (Cheryl Murray and Ricky Dimon's previews and articles are great reads) but I can see the posters are still as immature as ever, still resorting to name-calling and insults. I can say that all of this just reeks of SOUR GRAPES...be it conspiracy theories about Federer, Murray's "cupcake" (why cupcake?!) draw in Wimbledon, the repeated emphasis on Nadal's 4th round RG loss...oh come on. Get over it. I don't see how is this interesting discussion at all.

A draw is a draw. Whatever happens, the PLAYER still has to play through everyone and win. Anyone can lose and anyone can win. Remember Lleyton Hewitt as defending champion in Wimbledon 2002 and promptly lost to Ivo Karlovic in the first round? Wouldn't Karlovic at that time be considered a "cupcake"? He still lost anyway. So oooh, at present USO, let's beat on Murray by giving him Karlovic and Wawarinka and blah blah blah...well they need Rocky on the conspiracy team because they forgot to tell their "cupcake" opponents to lose.

As far as I can tell, there exists very little rational and sane posters...not saying that I am the perfect example of one, mind you. I can be extremely biased towards my favourites Federer and Nadal, but I think I am capable of liking them and being their fan without calling Murray all sorts of nicknames...Blandy Curry!?! Why even that?! You guys DO know that by calling Federer/Nadal/Murray/Nole/whoever is it that you don't like all sorts of horrible names, it doesn't have voodoo magic - it won't guarantee your favourite winning the tournament nor would it give you a million bucks.

Also - carrie. Funny how you said in Wimbledon 2008 it "wasn't about the draw" and yet I think you are one of the most vocal people on the "draw is rigged" theory in USO2009.

Anyway shall refrain from reading comments ever again and just stick to the plain text of articles. Pardon me if it is very interesting to be fighting all the time...I must be really stupid not to see it I guess.

tennis player-snack names - blandy curry's invention.

http://twitter.com/andy_murray/status/2332122956

bravo- juney- bravo!

please don't be a stranger. your post is very sound and sane. needed balance after the uh one above yours. thank-you

Someone's gotta tell him his snack name, posmatrac!

(wanna bet that those were not his ideas? probably his fitness trainer Jez')

stu, let not be me, i have committed too many sins already :)

so the entire set up at AO for Fed to receive his 14 slam was also silliness? not at all insulting the opponent they obviously assumed would lose? there are those who were at the draw who said there was no 'drawing'. so who's telling the truth? it's only those who truly love the game and the better side of sportsmanship who can see that until nadal and murray emerged, fed was lucky not only with draws but with a weak field. fed fans can go up in arms are call whatever names they like but the truth remains.

i wonder if his darling Nike got him a 14 jacket for AO and he cried because he couldn't take out of the plastic to wear in nadal's face!

Cat got your tongue about what I asked you torres?

Rafael Nadal says ?Yeah. I want to get in some more practice, can you put me on Wednesday?? -this is from this very page.

I hate to have to point for blind people who are lazy to read.

anyway, nobody has real hard evidence of this. If the Tennis Association really wanna help the Fed like what Rocky is suggesting, then they will dump the Hawkeye.

The fact that Fed won 15 Slams is already a fact. Question it all you want, the guy deserves it and all his fellow players thinks he deserves it (including Nadal).

I certainly think he deserves his Slams because you don't make those incredible shots by luck. It requires hard work and a lot of talent.

FED'S THE BEST!!!

torres, it must be hard living with a thorn (nadal) in your side each and every day! do you fear nadal that much! i can't see why, because you have stated along with many others that there's no way he can win this tournament. according to commentators, sportwriters, majority fans, he's not a threat in the least. if that's the case, why worry about him day in and day out. commentators are going insane asking anybody who will answer, "how do think rafa is doing" do you think he can win", "will his knees hold up" "did he play that well against gasquet or was it that gasquet was rusty" "he's started his old practice routine" "he tinkering with his serve again" "players should play this way to beat him" and on and on and on. if i was just starting to follow tennis and didn't know any of the players, after listening to commentators, reading blogs, articles, etc., i would think rafa nadal is who everybody claims to be the GOAT, solely because for him not be a threat to the usopen, he sure does generate a lot of media coverage and attention from every medium of information. if he doesn't stand a chance, why doesn't everybody worry about the players who do threaten roger! like murray, del potro, djokovic, roddick. some people sure can talk out both sides of the mouth!

dear dear. great to have challengers - especially this year - and federer has proved his point, time and time again - he has done what he had to do this year, beaten rafa, murray and djoker - giving him the confidence before heading for the USO - and he'll get through his matches, like he always does - the winner of cinny will prove his point yet again as he glides through the USO. He is a winner, he is the greatest, he should be "revered" as cheryl said in her blog on "showing the federer love". I dont know why rafa fans have to trash roger. It's pretty pathetic actually.

"Rafael Nadal says ?Yeah. I want to get in some more practice, can you put me on Wednesday?? -this is from this very page.

I hate to have to point for blind people who are lazy to read."
torres9 9/4/09 6:44 AM


I hate to point this out to th blind people who can't read (according to torres), but Cheryl has not answered where she got it from that he asked for it or even for what fed asked for. jyannis pointed out tha JMac mentioned something but as we all know, commentators are notoriously wrong at times (if you had bothered to read my other post about that). As Cheryl said, she is only reporting what others have too and I have been asking anyone (with no luck) where they have the proof of this!

So f4t, do you have proof that JMac was lying?

memi, Rafa is not yet GOAT, Fed is the GOAT, Rafa needs 9 more Slams

no memi, fed isn't the GOAT yet, he needs to beat rafa 6 more times including HC and grass slams!

no memi, fefd isn't GOAT yet. he needs to beat rafa 6 more times including HC and grass slam finals!

No one is ever going to be the GOAT because the system changes all the time. Up to 2001, there were only 16 seeds at a GS event, making it far more difficult to get to the QTRs, losts of top seeds got knocked out before that by unseeded quality players. Now there are 32 seeds, so more often than not, the top seeds do no meet any real opposition until the Qtrs, so it's far easier for them to make it to the finals and win the title.

Haha homos, Fed already beat Rafa 2 times on grass... Nice try, buddy...

notice i didn't mention clay? and you convenienetly left that and grass out. 5-2 at slams finals and fed's still GOAT? ha ha nice try torres.

15> 6 Slams , Fed is GOAT !!! WOOHHOOO!!!

torres, watch my lips, there is no GOAT.

Tennis changes from time to time, there is no way Federer would have amassed 15 GS titles if there were only 16 seeds at GS tournaments. It's been made a lot easier for top players to get through the 1st week to ensure that the stars are still there in the 2nd week, for ticket sales and TV ratings, so stop all this futile discussion about the Greatest of All Time. Things change all the time.

carrie, I can't see your lips... LOL...

Even if it's 16 seeds, Federer would have won anyway.

FED's THE BEST!!!

Even if it's 16 seeds, Federer would have won anyway.

FED's THE BEST!!!

torres9 , 9/4/09 2:21 PM

Well, we'll never know.

I'll have to agree with Carrie on this one. Sampras was going to be the GOAT. Until Federer usurped him. And Federer is the GOAT now, but we all know that records are made to be broken.

I think we all have to admit that we are living in a unique time. Having champions like Federer and Nadal in the same era is special. I realize that this is hopelessly naive of me, but might I suggest that we just...enjoy it?

Even being the major Federer fan I am...I firmly believe that GOAT exists on a farm and it is probably happily munching grass and/or paper bags. Each champion is great in their own unique way, I don't think there could be one that can be given the tag "OF ALL TIME". It simply isn't done, because to me, across the last few generations, current, and future generations to come, they will be EXTREMELY different in terms of:

1) Level of playing field/competition - it differs from Laver to Borg to Sampras to Federer
2) Playing surfaces - Laver's surfaces admittedly different to now
3) Equipment
4) Tour scheduling - bet it wasn't this crazy in Laver's time!
5) Media - might seem weird but I believe the media played a huge part in popularising and revolutionising the sport (and of course the grass chomping animal debate...sheesh)

Anyway...maybe we should move on from the conspiracy theory thing. Really getting kinda old. For me, anyway.

P.S. fan4tennis, yes, JohnnyMac said that Rafa requested - I don't know but I kinda am inclined to believe JohnnyMac. But I see the validity in your point, of course. Misquotes and made-up-quotes unfortunately happens all the time. Well guess we'll never really know but USO continues to roll - so let's just sit back and enjoy Rafa v Kiefer later :)

Agree with Cheryl, let's just enjoy it, it's never been this good, and I have been a very keen tennis fan for a long, long time.

"...might I suggest that we just...enjoy it?"

Cheryl, that is the DUMBEST thing I've ever heard! Arguing is the true path to happiness, everyone else here knows it. What's your problem??

-Arvis

homos, we should know by now that torres has difficulty interpreting/understanding information. in reading his comments, you can tell that he doesn't understand the questions asked or comments made by others. it's not his fault! in his mind, roger is the GOAT!

haha Arvis! My-we are in an argumentative mood!

This GOAT debate really flares things up every time - yeah we all have our own opinion but i just want to share something with you. Mohammed Ali came to Dublin on wednesday (apparently had irish ancestory) - the streets were full - crowded with "fans" of all generations. (I was watching this LIVE from my sitting room - what a legend! EVERYONE knows who Ali is and his name WILL live on, being passed on to future generations. He always said he was "the greatest" and no one argued with him! (they wouldnt would they?). There have been many great boxers -i know of them - even at 33 years old -
sonny liston (pictures of him in my gym), Lennox Lewis, Vitali Klitschko, Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather (cute but soooo arrogant!) Ricky Hatton, Jr, Kostya Tszyu, Manny Pacquiao, Erik Morales, and Israel Vázquez, sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, George Foreman Leon Spinks and many, many more - but you know what? Mohammed Ali, his aura, his fighting spirit, his finesse around the ring, (only seen recordings of him -but - WOW!) amongst all the GREAT fighters - Ali, stands out amongst all of them. He is talked about in Dublin, and has been for months, it reminds me - ( the aura, the finesse, the dancing around the ring (federer, the court), but the fighting spirit, the reputation, the amazing talent. No matter what people think of federer, he gets such "bad press" on this forum - i cant undertsand it - he is the best, always will be the best and is the greatest.



His bravado made Ali more popular than any boxer before or since, and he's pronounced himself "the greatest fighter of all time".

maxi, i'm not quite sure if your point is necessary, but thanks for the info. i'll keep that in mind!

memi, my point was that Ali is still alive, there have been boxers before him and boxers since his boxing days were finished, and he is STILL referred to as the greatest, despite there being many more boxers that will come and go in the future. Same with federer. I guess i was trying to say that his name is remembered even now, with the younger generation (teens) who never knew him, some people will be remembered for what they did in their respective sport - Federer - the world of tennis greats BEFORE federer DURING federer and AFTER federer will ALWAYS know about him and what he has done for the sport - yeah, you can call me a sentimentalist - but i was trying to make a comparison -

- to make a comparison that even now, federer IS the greatest. and he will still be 'the greatest' in the future - like Ali - 'course you/others are going to argue with that - but you cannot buy class and federer has 'IT'. sorry if i was confusing you memi. It's friday. heavy day at work. should have gone out for a beer, but just too goddamn tired! (too many late nights watching tennis!). hope this makes more sense. (probably doesn't - but i dont care!).

maxi, no argument from me, everybody who reads my posts know how i feel, it's not a secret at all. my stance on this subject is the same today, as it was yesterday, as it was the day before t hat, and the month before t hat, the year before that and years before that. anyway, i'll keep in mind that roger is the greatest and will always be remembered as the greatest!

cool memi and that's fine. (not sure whether you are being sarcastic or chill? - just not in mood for 'fighting' talk tonight - ha! - just shat...shat...shattered!

"torres wrote: "f4t, do u have proof that the draw is rigged then?"

I will become a fed fan and praise him to the moon and renounce Rafa if you can show me ANYWHERE where I said the draw was rigged!!!!!!!!!! All I asked was were was the proof that Rafa asked for Wednesday match. As usual, you digress and turn the subject into something totally different when you can't answer a simple question."
fan4tennis
, 9/4/09 12:19 AM

As I predicted, you changed the subject into the scheduling instead of the draw because you could not answer my question--lol. Do you not realize (in between your video gameplaying at your office) that there is a difference between the DRAW and the SCHEDULING? I'm still waiting for you to tell me where I supposedly said the draw was rigged.

So all we have is that JMac said he did. That is hearsay, not proof and I would say the same thing if JMac had said fed did the same thing. It's all speculation. I don't know about you torres, but I certainly don't automatically believe everything commentators and the media say.

maxi, your intrepretation of what i meant will be just fine!

The reason why I say Roger is the GOAT because his game is the most complete ever. You just have to watch the guy play tennis and you'll know he's the GOAT. And also his records speaks for himself not to mention testimonials from greats who won Slams and are 200 times more qualified than carrie, homos, postmatrac, f4t put together and multiplied,.

Anyway, f4t, cheryl is a more reliable source than you. So I am sorry that I prefer her words than yours. And to say the scheduling is rigged when nadal asked for it himself is the laughable to me. HAHAHAH!!

Still won't answer the question, will ya torres??? Always digressing! I never asked you to believe ME over Cheryl. You are such a joke when it comes to debate and answering a simple question!

Do you not realize (in between your video gameplaying at your office) that there is a difference between the DRAW and the SCHEDULING? I'm still waiting for you to tell me where I supposedly said the draw was rigged.

f4t, Rafa's request for a Wednesday start did not come from a single source. I've heard numerous commentators from different networks mention that this is the case. Not a particularly strange request, since there was a good chance we was going to get a Wednesday start anyway.

My question is, why are you so concerned over it? It confuses me, as I've seen you focus on that question often in the past couple of days.

The reason why I say Roger is the GOAT because his game is the most complete ever. You just have to watch the guy play tennis and you'll know he's the GOAT.

torres9 , 9/4/09 8:35 PM

I have seen Federer play tennis and I know he is not the GOAT!

sorry carrie. Fed is the GOAT. No doubt!

Fed is best ever and greatest of his era

no matter what

ditto zoey.a trillion fold.

Federer is a goat and Rafa is an angel.

Clay angel- Rafa

Greatest of his era -Roger

look, i agree with cheryl that both rafa and roger have made tennis what it is.

sorry about my silly post above-was just making a very bad joke in response to the way the thread reads- like kindergarten

f4t, Rafa's request for a Wednesday start did not come from a single source. I've heard numerous commentators from different networks mention that this is the case. Not a particularly strange request, since there was a good chance we was going to get a Wednesday start anyway.

My question is, why are you so concerned over it? It confuses me, as I've seen you focus on that question often in the past couple of days.
cherylmurray
, 9/4/09 8:58 PM

It was from torres's accusation that I said the draw was rigged. He doesn't realize the draw and schedule are totally different and won't admit that he accused the wrong person of saying that. It was more to point out how, when torres can't answer a question, he changes the subject.

Thank you for answering a question I have asked for several days now and all that was ever mentioned was JMac, no one else. Everyone is talking about 'fed favors' and 'Rafa favors' but it is normal to want to know if that is true, therefore asking for proof. Now that you have said that it came from numerous commentators, I am inclined to believe it. I will definitely take your word over torres's anyday!

Rafa is going to be in all black tonight, no doubt torres will say he is copying Roger.

memi , 9/4/09 6:47 PM

I know memi, it's very sad for him. getting his facts wrong more than once, arguing like roger ever cares. it's because he's so obsessed with rf in his already tunnel vision that he can't see that there's aother points of view. only his matters and is correct. people like that never learn or grow.

Can't blame Rafa for trying to copy the Greatest Player Of All Time, that is only natural.

I honestly think that the plan was for Federer to play is 2nd rnd match on Wed, rest on Thursday, then play his 3rd Rnd on Friday, so he could have the whole weekend off. But with so much going on on blogs all over the place about his preferential treatment, they didn't have the brass neck to go ahead with it. Why else was it that only him and his next opponent in his half played their 2nd rnd match on Wednesday.

The other thing is, when Roger had his night match he played before the ladies which is so out of the norm. They haven't changed the system, otherwise Rafa would have played before Venus yesterday. Of course, today, guess wo is on first.........you guessed it, Roger.

carrie, can you stop this please. I'm getting really bored with it all. You didnt start off like this, and now your posts are becoming bitter and for what? I know you listen to skysports (I do too, as well as ESPN and Eurosport), and commentator said that it was the organisers decision to put Roger on first - it was THEIR decision - go ask them why, I have no idea, but what I do know, is that I just love watching Roger Federer play, and I dont care what the hell time he plays -morning, lunchtime or night time.

maxi, are you trying to gag me and prevent me from expressing my opinions unless they are in praise of Federer. Can't you see the logic in what I am trying to say. Don't turn a blind eye. You may love watching Federer, but he should not be given preferential treatment at the cost of everyone else.

I am not the only one who thinks along these lines, even cheryl said people think like that all over the internet.

maxi, everyone knows it's going on, if you haven't seen this post above, here is an excerpt of it:

How amazing that someone like Cheryl is willing to point to the obvious elephant in the room. These ridiculous cupcake draws for Federer are unbelievably consistent. Easy draws, preferential scheduling that makes sure Federer is always rested and going up against wiped-out opponents in the semis and finals - all par for the course.

However, the fact that Federer is not American does not have any bearing on the issue. Money obviously talks louder than patriotism. No surprise there. One can try to chalk it up to luck but if walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck. Even if one should give Federer the benefit of the doubt and say he's just incredibly lucky it puts an asterisk on so many of the slams he's "won" when he's given all these unfair advantages.



Rocky , 9/4/09 12:28 AM

that's just CRAZY-talk from the nadal looney fan named 'Rocky.'

who probably also believes the weather is being manipulated through haarp, moon landing was staged, bermuda triangle, egyptian aliens, ect.

Juney did a superior job of countering Rocky
see Juney post beneath Rocky ( who might see ducks where there aren't any )

zoey, that's exactly what I thought about carrie and the fans who think the draw is rigged. They also probably think there are aliens living behind the moon and also the FBI is consisted of the Reptilicons from outer space. One word sums them: PARANOIA!!

I have another theory about why this seems like a rigged draw.

FED has lofty winning records against everyone except 3 people: Nadal, Murray, Simon, Tsonga (1-1 is not lofty)
Even Djokovic(4) ,Delpo(5) and Roddick(6) has a lopsided losing h2h against the Fed

So whateva draw Fed gets, it will be easy especially in the earlier rounds because he hardly loses to a player outside the top 5 during his 5-year domination and built lofty h2h on most players.

Thus, any draw for Fed will be seen as 'easy'. I'd say this is the side-effect of being too successful.

carrie, hi. I havent anything against your views. honestly.

I have said to you I really (and I mean, reeeallyy - enjoy reading your posts when you are a little less - how can I say - "frustrated?"). You are clearly a brilliant tennis fan for rafa - and I love that, i really do (and I am NOT trying to be nice here - just objective - ). Just recently, tho, you seem to be saying the same thing over and over and over again - its like a record. and I think you are "much more" than that. Who gives a cr*p what time/day players play - there is NOTHING we can do about it - what I would say to you tho' is IF rafa was still number 1, (and he will get there again - for sure - just not this USO :) - (you know why!) - and IF rafa had been FIRST rather than the ladies - you would NOT have heard a "peep" from me - whatsoever - at the end of the day whether it is Roger, Rafa, Roddick, Ricky do dah - they still have to play the guy who is opposite them. They still have to play the game to WIN. I have watched both Roger and roger LOSE games to much lower ranked players - because their game was not "focused", "on target" for THAT game, at THAT moment - it happens. but you just seem to want to bring the guy down - tarnish his reputation - I just dont understand why? It's nonsense and unsportsmanlike and I have noticed that more and more, as he moves through the tournament, that you wish worse things on him - it's just nasty and you are better than that carrie. that's whats got me tonight. i dont mean this to ruin our "opposite but cool relationship", but do you understand what I am trying to explain? It was like when you said at cinny, "Novak is gonna "crush" Roger" - like you almost wished/wanted/pleaded/prayed for it to happen? Yeah, we're all different - but it just kinda hurts when you wish such bad luck on my favourite player - that was all. I guess I am just sensitive. anyway. enough.

I think it was fan4tennis (tho' not sure), who said they live in New York? If this is the case, please could you tell me where is a "must" to go - I am going to go (decided), for some christmas shopping - early december - example - which is THE Coffee shop to go to? THE show to see? THE bar to drink in ? thanks fan4tennis (if it was you?). Cheers and enjoy THE TENNIS carrie!

zoey, i read Rocky's post (carrie you posted rocky's post and NOT cheryl's - and I thought it was horrible - totally unobjective and COMPLETELY biased). I could spend a whole night discussing the draw of murray/rafa earlier in the year, but I just think its become boring and "out of date". Cheers everyone!

maxi and zoey ....they will keep on complainin about the schedulle ...its the only thing left to complaint about ...as annoying as it is ...i say let it slide ....Fed won again !!!

did u know that after rafa's match they put him in a chamber and abused him .... all for the Fed ....how much the world loves Fed and hates rafa ....sigh ...u rafarts are sooo right ...

C'MON !!
USO09...where we celebrate our sweet 16th !

maxi, I don't live in NYC but have been there several times. Recordbreaks (a poster on here) lives in NYC if I remember correctly. Alot of it depends on where you stay. There is sooooo much to see but NYC is very large so it is hard to see everything and do alot in short amount of time.

maxi, i never ever said I wanted Nole to crush Roger, you are mixing me up with someone else.

If people don't speak up at injustices, then nothing will change. I have to point out to you that when Rafa was §1 at the AO he was still playing catch-up to Roger on the schedule to the extent that Roger had a whole extra day than Rafa after the SF to rest before the final. Everything should be fair.

carrie. you did say that about roger (novak crushing him) - i'll go through posts and come back to you later - (if you posted what someone else said, then happy to apologise to you) -
just be fair - and dont be so damning of roger. it hurts carrie.

maxi, we'd like torres and fedex not to be so damning of Rafa too!

f4t, so you, homos, carrie, and all the fed haters can damn Fed all you want and when I do it on Rafa, you are asking us not to damn Nad. You are like one of those corrupted police officers.

maxi, i am absolutely sure that I never said I wanted Nole to crush Roger.

torres, show me where I was 'damning fed' or are you just lumping all Rafa fans together?

f4t, read back all your posts and if you tell me you never damned Fed then you are delusional.

torres, you are the one making the accusations so you do it! I know I have never 'damned fed' or wished harm on him and I also know you are known to make accusations with no proof and when faced with having to prove them, you change the subject!

carrie dear, this one is for you:
"Strokes of Genius" by L. Jon Wertheim

He (RF) came of age when Boris Becker had retired, Pete Sampras was winding down his gilded career, and the reformed Andre Agassi was a fan favourite but a waning talent. At the time, the two best players in their prime, Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin, were short of physical prowess and mental prowess, respectively. There was no obvious incumbent Federer needed to unseat, no monster that had to be slain before he could be no. 1....

...Intergenerational comparisons in sports are fun ultimately pointless, filled as they are with so many variables....what if, say, Rod Laver had the benefits of today's fitness training, nutritional science, and racket and string technology? Laver won the Grand Slam with a wooden tranchion; imagine what he would have done with a graphite wand, a monitored diet, and a medical trainer positioned courtside.

(Nice to know others who have done more indepth research share our point of view, no?)

homos, thanks for this.

Any objective person can see the logic of the argument that you cannot compare one generation with another. If Rafa ultimately won 10 RG titles, I would never say he was the greatest clay-court player ever, because of the very variables that Wertheim is talking about.

I've been tempted to buy this book, but I thought it would be full of Federer platitudes, maybe I'll buy it now because it seems to be talking sense.

you're welcome carrie. there probably still is carrie - fed platitudes :) - but the i think the writer gives due credit (whatever we think of fed). however i think the book provides a fascinating background on both players and a nice overall perspective on the match. but must confess I haven't finished it yet. You want to wait til i finish? :) than again, knowing the outcome of the match, i was wanting for a nice souvenir for my coffee table!!!

there is also a photo album/book on rafa sold via his website; click on his foundation because proceeds go towards that. i haven't bought it but a fan highly recommends it.

hmmmmm..
Whining, whining, whining, whining and whining..
Looks like some people don't want to accept the fact that their fav player will never be no 1 for long when FED is still around..
Easy draw or not has nothing to do with anything!!
FED has won over everyone..
And he will do it again!!
Have to wait for few more years people..
USO will be ours(FedExpress)!!

'maxi, i never ever said I wanted Nole to crush Roger, you are mixing me up with someone else'
carrie , 9/5/09 9:26 PM

Carrie, you did. Here you go.

?Federer, Djokovic battle for Cincinnati title
8/23/09 5:07 AM | Ricky Dimon
Novak will crush Roger.
If he could play that well against Rafa then Roger doesn't stand a chance. Roger only just beat a tired and of form Murray in the SF, even my husband who normally sides with Roger, agreed with me yesterday that it was an exergeration by commentators describing Roger's performance in that match as supreme.
carrie , 8/23/09 1:52 PM

and as you know, Roger went on to win cinny.

I did not say I wanted Navak to crush Roger, I said he would, judging by his performance against Rafa and Roger's performance against A.Murray.

Wat is wrong with predictions?

Maxi, if Djokovic had played so convincingly against Roger and went on to play Rafa who hadn't really played that well in his previous match, IMO, I would still have thought Rafa would be crushed by Djokovic. These are all high level professional tennis players, they all have their day, and a right to win. No one man has the overriding right to win everything.

I am not so arrogant to think that the player I would like to win everything will win everything no matter what. I am still aware that Rafa still has obstacles to overcome on his way to the title in this tournament, so unlike Fedfans, I am not boasting that he will take the title, even though he has a convincing record over the other players left in his draw.

VAMOS RAFA!

morning carrie. i'll answer your first post then your second.

Wat is wrong with predictions?
carrie , 9/6/09 10:22 AM

back on the cinny thread - the fed fans were celebrating his (roger's) win - then you posted in four simple words "Novak will crush Roger".

I didnt see that as a "prediction" but as a "death wish" - so its semantics really isn't it? Roger made Murray look ordinary in the SF's. I was elated. having great discussions with you and others, and then it seemed to me that all of a sudden, you switched from being "lovely carrie" to "hateful carrie". If we had been discussing predictions and having a bit of a laugh (like Arvis is doing on the other thread), I would have read what you wrote in a completely different light. I didnt take it that way. And only you know what you meant.

Second post. I've never once thought you were once arrogant. I've said that you are a passionate rafa fan and that I admire that. I think I am just too sensitive. I'm an English teacher Carrie and I read "into" things. Semantics, tone, "reading between the lines" - so that's my excuse! I thought that tennis.x was bad sometimes in terms of roger bashing - BUT - lately, TT definitely overtakes them in the stakes. I cant see the point in being bitter. I know that Roger isnt going to win EVERY single tournament - My God! but you know what its like carrie, you get "greedy" as a fan - dont you? You want them to win more and more - that's not being arrogant, that's being idealistic. And like you, (when you were nice), I believe that our favourite players learn more from the losses than the wins - else how else can they put the "weaker" parts of their game right?

but hey. This is all fun (when there is no bitterness) and everyone is entitled to their views - thats what a forum is for -

Fan4tennis:

maxi, we'd like torres and fedex not to be so damning of Rafa too!
fan4tennis , 9/5/09 9:40 PM

I can only speak for myself - i try to be as objective as i can (not always easy on this forum!), BUT i dont like to be "put into a category" - I think both torres and fedex are no more or no less worse than rafa fans - but I am NOT going to get into bitter arguments - because it would turn into a hog war. (I do enjoy the jokes, i just dont enjoy the name calling).

I knew what I meant that is why I could not relate to what you said about me WANTING Djokivic to crush Roger, that never ever crossed my mind.

I don't always like tha fact that people put Rafa down, and sometimes I say so, especially when Arvis picked Kiefer against Rafa in his predictions, which sounded like a wish, so maybe we are all just too sensitive, which can't be a bad thing, because it shows that we truly believe in our heros and wish them well.

no problem carrie.

you change the subject! -f4t

Nope, you are the one who always changes the subject when you cant counter my points.

whine... whine... whine... whine...

homos, you echoed Rafa's words... congrats

so now you're calling yourself rafa since those were your words? more evidence of your obsession with the spaniard.

Not my words. It is yours.

Whining... whining... whining...
torres9 , 9/5/09 11:04 PM

my my torres, turning to lies now?

whine... whine... whine... whine...homos , 9/6/09 1:50 PM

my, my homos, turning to self-denial then?

I'm sure Robredo has boked his flight, packed his bags, ready to go back to Spain after his match with Roger tomorrow.

i'd rather turn into anything than a liar and ignoramus like you tosser9

maxi, we'd like torres and fedex not to be so damning of Rafa too!
fan4tennis , 9/5/09 9:40 PM

maxi, I was in no way accusing you of talking like they do. My point is that as much as you wish for Rafa fans to quit 'damning fed', we Rafa fans have a wish for torres and fedex to quit damning Rafa! If I thought you were to be included in the same category as torres and fedex, then I would have included your name. The comma after your name shows I was just responding to you.

I'd rather turn into an ignoramus than turning into a a moaning frog like u, homos

f4t, you are not qualified to categorize people. You should really look at your own self and realize you are in no better category than mine

Does Djokovic getting the night match have something to do with the conspiracy also? I would think a match with Fed vs #14 is more interesting to the NY crowd than #4 vs #15......

Hi fan4tennis, thanks for responding. But that was not the point I was making. What can I do as a federer fan if others want to "damn rafa" - my point was to NOT include me when people want to say things like that. I dont like it. that was all. (and I am not just directing this at you by the way.). It's like getting into ridiculous name calling and we are all adults, right?

something is missing here... hmmmmm, let me see... o, yeah, where is maltoser or whatever her/his name is/was...?!?!

I think Djokovic is due for a late night, the other three have had their turn, except that the Favoured One's match was not so late as they swapped it with the ladies' match so that he could have an early night, bless! That's the one and only time the men have played before the women in the late night schedule.

Now Gred Rusedski who originally told us to stop whingeing because there was no conspiracy has changed his mind, because he can't ignore the evidence anymore.

carrie, like you said - greg says one thing and then says another - i heard him say that and ignored it because he is now "for that moment" getting on the bandwagon - there are enough other people out there - Annabel - for one - who disagrees with Greg a lot of the time (I wonder whether those two went out with each other at some time carrie?), they seem to bicker a lot at each other - dont you think?

And like you and I have said amongst others) - who really knows? but i doubt that anyone BUT the organisers have the authority to do anything except on THEIR terms - too much money/tv/reputation at stake.

(I wonder whether those two went out with each other at some time carrie?)

maxi I doubt if that's the case, they don't belong to the same vintage, Annabel is 7 years older than Greg, and retired long before Greg started playing.

The thing is a lot of people will disagree with a lot of the things they both say, Annabel has her favourites and it comes through her comments, and Greg doesn't know whether he's coming or going.

whats the official explanation from the USO organizers for the fed night match being first before the ladies?

homos and torres9, take your sandbox fight elsewhere or get thrown out. No one else wants to read this crap.

Admin, there are many other fights going on and homos language is worse than mine.

why do women ranked #40 and #50 in the world have the privilege of playing on Ashe?

stu - if going by the Wimbledon conspiracy...it's probably because Gisele Dulko is pretty - very pretty. LOL.

...Other than that I have no idea, haha.

cos they are US of A darlings, stu; either by birth or by design....as in hot enough to possibly garner more ratings and sell tickets. that is my humble opinion. it's the media meat market to put it bluntly.

spot on, jyannis lol

c'mon the fed! stay focused and win! win! win! - do it for the twins baby! - remember your 'A' game today and do a murray:- focusssss! connncennntratteee!

maxi, fear not, Roger is not only the favourite to win this title, he is he favourite, full stop.

well carrie, i would have to disagree, there are FOUR favourites right now - and NOT necessarily in any particular order. rafa,roger, murray, novak. simple. no outright favourite, (depending on what you read, because the bookies change their predictions every day - they are a shower).

Conspiracy...... wts that.Rafa has been playing way loose opponents .......

Murray lost to Cilic..... was conspiracy...... Roddick lost to Isner ....... was conspiracy....

Wt does it mean by conspiracy guyzzz....... the one who will play well on particular day will win...... no one is asked to loose.Its not Fed who is gonna will over everyone....... Was tat a conspiracy Rafa lost to Sod at FO........ ??? errrr.....

tell or post wt eva u want..... its Fed who plays on court ..... his wonderful game has made him da winner n will make him in future....... its all crap writing conspiracy ....... huh !!!!

Go Roger Go........

tomnjerry2 - we are joking, playing around with the word "conspiracy", you'll need to read all the posts to fully understand what has been going on - for me - i was being sarcastic but then the other posters (i hope), know that. dont take it too seriously.

and yes. tomnjerry. Federer has a wonderful game, he is a winner in my eyes, along with millions of others. he is a shining star. burning brightly. brightly.brightly.

Roger is "on task", he knows he has to remain focused and look his opponent across the net with "the eye of the tiger" - rocky style! c'mon roger! I am so excited (cable), help me. help me. federer is the best. but i need to calm down.

wooooohhoooooooooooooo!!

He won!!
He won!!
The KING has done it again!!

Another GS semis..
Can't wait!!

yiiiiipppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeee!!!