tsonga again? no, no...imagine somethings gotta give there...

madame zoe's quarter pick's:
nadal over nando ( nando can't beat nadal )
delpo over tsonga ( soderling seems on the on skids )
roddick over davy ( gonzo too crazy these days )
nole over cilic ( not sure gilles can make it past troiki w/ that knee )

semifinals
delpo over nadal
roddick over nole or vice versa. ( a-rod is due )

final
delpo over (nole or roddick)

do not disappoint me please.... juan marteen!

Delpo is not going to beat an in-form Tsonga on an indoor hard court

but Delpo could benefit from Soderling perhaps beating Tsonga in the third round

well, you are probably correct there, ricky.

but i am counting on delpo having a genius run beating a worn down nadal and tsonga...thinking nando loses to nadal but they put on a good show thus wearing down rafa for delpo and same happens between tsonga and soderling with tsonga coming thru but not in the form he was in tokyo.

or picking from my heart - gulbis in straights! :-)

I think the players who've been playing over the past three weeks, especially Soderling, Tsonga, Simon, Verdasco, and to a lesser extent Davydenko, have got to be bone tired, and running on fumes. I don't see them going very far, but they could surprise and do the unthinkable.

I'm not one for predictions and like to play things by ear.

Tsonga utterly destroyed everyone in his path last week in Tokyo other than Gulbis. He should not be tired at all. Simon lost early in Tokyo, so he had time to rest his knees.

I don't think that Simon can beat Nole in form like this.. Is your prediction based on Nole's eventual tiredness or what?!!

Blake has beaten Karlovic in 3 sets, 3:6 7:6 6:3. Karlovic lost on a double fault when serving to stay in the match, how ironic.

I agree Ollyk, I don't see Simon taking out Djokovic ... and I'm hoping we will see Nadal getting past Tsonga (or DelPo) ... I think if will if he is healed enough to bring a better serve.

Haas has been owning Djokovic. He probably isn't 100 percent, but if he is, Djokovic could go down in the third round, before he even plays Simon.

Ricky, Nole beated Haas this year on hard court. :)

having some serious 'buyers remorse' for picking delpo....ah well, too late now.

if troiki wins over monaco, i think he might knock out gilles. and safin could beat cilic or berdy. then, nole goes down to haas, setting up a safin v haas quarterfinal....how cool!

nole is not going out to haas or simon! and i think a safin v nole qf would be kind of cool too. then maybe nole can give him a goodbye speech a la rafa...

zoey234: I see u have a very soft spot 4 the "oldies".....!

stu - what did Rafa do with Safin?

lol....i do! spesh when they look like safin and haas!! and....would love to see haas have some big success before he retires. i remember the 2006 ao when fed beat haas in a tight match. felt bad for tommy. like to see roddick qualify for the YEC too.

it seems cruel, deuce :-) now the same group has to contend not only with roger and rafa but murray, nole, delpo....tsonga. don't you think that roddick and haas might be thinking this is a good time to go for it cos murray and fed are missing and nadal is not 100% yet? not many chances left for them.

zoey: best looking guys on tour? Though Chardy does it 4 me! Agree splendid chance for Roddick and Haas but, as someone's said, there's a number who can defeat anyone on any day. Thought Gulbis was in for a bit of a revival. Used to really like him but he's not serious enough 4 me.

I was talking about this straight-from-the-heart, impromptu speech Ricky..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGS3ZoGGA50

apologies deuce - how shallow of me really .....cos i would fall down happy if davy were to win a slam too....but with the legion of giants, how realistic ?

oh yeah, chardy, maybe, maybe. gulbis? have had my hopes up again. did you see the match? did he just get bored and want to quit or what? case of terminal slacker, is what i am wondering

"...there's a number who can defeat anyone on any day." so true, vasselin , kubot were catching world #5 and 6 on bad days. cilic took out murray and nadal. and really all it takes is an off day, jet lag, indigestion, malaise, a lingering injury or a 'walkabout' moment and an alert qualifier can capitalize. why tennis is exciting and why i regret making predictions!! this morning i read what delpo had to say about playing in shanghai. did not save the exact quote but basically he is sounding waaay too laid back casual when he says, if i win, great or if i lose, fine, i can go home and rest. oops!... picked the wrong 'winner'. but i can't resist making predictions, deuce..dunno why i keep doing it ..LOL.. maybe delpo was just being coy and inside the man there is a fire, a' blazing will to win!!

well.....zoey...am soooo missing federer not playing right now.....it's rubbish!...without him, tennis is just not the same....there is no one out there who fires me up the way that he does....his play is just so unique....so beautiful to watch.....zoey..i still cant get my head....... around the delpo phenomenon...so much about him right now...but then he goes out in the first round of Tokyo?...okay...so he must have been tired and all of that...but like you said...he is so laid back...i remember when i saw him this year at wimby!...(heady days indeed..my blue dress is still on the rail!!!)...and i watched him play.....it didnt fire me up at all...great to see him..live...but really...nothing out of the ordinary.....now watching roddick was a whole different matter......he was e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e like a rocket rabbit.....so would love roddick to go forward here....I think nole will be too tired for this one....and it would be great to see another player - perhaps cilic move into the ring of fire....!!!!!
where is baggy? and how brilliant would it be for gasquet........ to win something before the end of the year....he is probably the nearest in terms of federer's play which is a little... more... flambuoyant....anyway.....without fed...it's a bit empty for me...

Whoop! Whoop! have found an article about the wonderful roger!!!!

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will again start their tennis seasons with New Year's appearances at the Capitala World Championship before heading to Australia to prepare for the Grand Slam.

Officials at the Dec 31-Jan 2 event announced Monday that they have secured the top two in the world for a three-day, six-player tournament won last year by Scot Andy Murray over Nadal.


Joining the field at the exhibition event will be Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Russia's Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco of Spain and French Open finalist Robin Soderling of Sweden.


Federer's usual schedule calls for him to play the week before the Australian Open at the Kooyong club invitational event in Melbourne but he has not yet committed for 2010.


Organisers are holding a spot for him in that eight-man field at what is considered the top Grand Slam tune-up.

Allez Federer!!!!!

I think those that played for consecutive three weeks and going deep in the previous two tournaments will find it difficult in Shanghai. Not sure about Del Potro's and Andy Roddick's form as both exit their previous tourny early. As for Rafa, I can only hope that he does better in Shanghai by first beating Blake in straight sets. I think he can at least reach the QF after that, hopefully Verdasco continue his losing streak against Rafa. SF will be interesting for Rafa if he gets there, I think Del Potro, Soderling or Tsonga all have chances, though one or two of them may not be that 'fresh'. As a Rafa fan, of course I hope he can at least get to the final, if possible by beating Del Potro along the way.

On the other side of the draw, I wouldnt be surprise to see a Cilic vs Djoko QF and I think Djoko will still emerge as the winner of that match. I think Davy can beat Gonzo if they meet, and most likely the winner will face Roddick. I think we may see a Davy/Djoko SF ,I hope. (Davy needs some points to get to the year end championship). Djoko may be the one reaching the final again.

Hope for a Rafa/Nole final. If Rafa can get that far, then there is a 50/50 chance of him winning, hope he wins and improve his H2H with Djoko on hardcourts to 4-5. Well all these may be wishful thinking on my part but sometimes wishful thinking may become reality.

Ricky,

I see no one answered your question about what Rafa did for Safin. After Rafa defeated Safin, they had a farewell ceremony for Safin. They presented him with presents and there were filmed tributes from other players and his sister. Then Rafa got to speak and gave him a lovely tribute. It was a beautiful thing to see. Rafa and Safin hugged each other. It was Beijing's way of saying good bye to Safin. I think they have it on youtube.

I dont think roddick's gonna make the final

same here torres. what is the reasoning behind roddick pick: he is fresh, credit left from wimbly finals or ...? also nole has favorable h2h with simon, so that pick is unusual.

NNY, I did answer Ricky's question. It just buried between everybody's rants.

posmatrac - Ricky's discovered a new found Roddick obsession methinks.

so i posted my predictions and responded to deuce. what's your problem, stu, what rant?

c'mon, man-up and put out some picks, torres, pos, and stu...

i didnt mean you zoey...you hardly ever have super long posts!

my picks?

QF: rafa over monfils (nando seemed a bit off to me in Beijing), tsonga over delP, forehando over roddick, nole over simon (would be nole over cilic if he didnt have such a tough draw - again!)

SF: tsonga over rafa, nole over forehando

winner: tsonga

Actually I don't know at all about the bottom half of the draw. Its anybody's game. I think nole should but won't win the trophy...Maybe someone totally new will win this, maybe it IS roddick's time to shine..

stu - I don't like Roddick. I don't dislike him either like I used to now that he is not as much of jerk now.

But I'm not going let my malaise for Roddick prevent me from picking him. He is well-rested and the favorite to reach the final out of a dismal bottom half of the draw.

I'm just kidding about the Roddick thing. I'm starting to see that he is the favorite in his quarter..but I think there are a few people who could trouble him in the semis..Plus, I'm not sure about his form, haven't seen much of him since Wimby...

Do you think Roddick and delP will qualify for the Masters Cup at the end of the tournament, as long as they get reasonably far?

Delpo is already in Masters Cup

Roddick will be soon

Rafa should make a deeper run into this Shaghai tourney, but I think it might still be a Delpo-Djokovic final, with Novak taking the cup. we'll see.

errm, i doubt it. not that i dont think he's awesome, but has novak ever won two in a row?

I think Nadal can win this. He has enough practice already. Either him, Delpo or Djoker.

Simon wont beat Novak.

My bet is on Delpo

torres do you think that delpo is too unreliable though? he seems tired/laid back to me.....i dunno.....some of the team novak say..... they cannot see him winning twice in a row..(novak) and that tiredness will set in...but i reckon a surprise is on the cards this time....

so novak is your pick, malt?

novak knows how to play delpo, cilic. the only question is, will he have enough gass left in his tank?

not sure i'd go by that posmatrac. the fed knew how to play delpo. novak knew how to play roddick....

stu, pos is wondering more if nole may be tired by the final, right pos? that's why i was leaning toward roddick winning the bottom half.....but...still wondering if anyone in the bottom half can win over the top three faves: tsonga, nadal, and delpo.

i already picked delpo. tho reading what he said to the press made me second guess his motivation. he sounded too casual, like , oh, well...

maybe the his passion for winning was lost in translation? sounded like he'd rather be resting up for 2010, like the job was done for this season. in general, i do not think he is unreliable, malt. we'll see....

agreeing with torres...as usually the case. lol....

are you watching the matches stu?

dunno why everyone's talking about Nole being tired. didnt they have over a month off before beijing, which was only a week long? i dont think tiredness will be a factor..but i do agree with mriiidula about his questionable mental readiness...

zoey, the asian swing is the worst for me coz of the time diff...i'll try and watch the big matches and most of Nole's :). ill give the fabio-nole one a miss tho...

the silliest thing about making predictions about the asian swing....i have not been awake to watch one match! sorta would help to SEE some of them play once in awhile..ya think? every mornining i wake up to some slam tracker scorline, stats and the news. the past two mornings have been a bummer- ernests losing to fabio, then roddick injured.

idk if your fave is tired and outta gas, or under the spell of not winning two in a row, like i read some are predicting. i was picking roddick over nole based on the probability of roddick wanting the win more, which hardly makes sense that i chose delpo to win cos he may be the least motivated of all!

anyways...we'll see what happens

hah now u guys know how i feel! i have to wake up at 4 in the morning to catch nole's us open matches haha. the asian swing is PERFECT for me :P

mriiidula...you must be really pleased with your man right now...novak is certainly on a roll.......almost back to no. 3...on 17th October i think?......

zoey...delpo gone again? the guy is tired.....am telling you!....i can find few articles on federer right now honey...but this one is a very short article about his intentions for 31 December......short but sweet.....enjoy zoey and will catch you tomorrow......
love always.......

JUST INSIDE


Matt Dunham, the Associated Press

The Hamilton Spectator
(Oct 14, 2009)
Old Rivals, New Year

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal plan to open the 2010 season in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi.

Organizers said Tuesday that Federer and Nadal have committed to play in the three-day event starting Dec. 31. The tournament, which is not part of the ATP Tour, offers a winner-take-all prize of $25,000 US.

The event, organized by Abu Dhabi-based real-estate developer Capitala, features six players.

Britain's Andy Murray won the inaugural event last year, beating Federer and Nadal.

Today in Sports History

Allez federer!

LOL.. Delpo gone.

I think either Nole and Rafa or Tsonga now.

I love what Marat had to say about it though.

I really believe that Fed's been very relatively injury-free because of his economic movements and strokes. I was looking at a YT vid on his strokes and he floats when he hits the forehand so he avoids friction with the ground.

And he is very light for his height so he has lesser stress on his knees.

Anyway, injury is part of the game.

Relating the post above about Novak figuring Delpo's game, Fed figured Delpo's game 8 times before his 1st loss in USO final so Novak VS Delpo is not definitive.

yep torres, thats what i was trying to say reg. novak and delpo but didnt do it as eloquently as you :P :D

I'm in the mood for another Rafa/Nole final....

Me too...and to look Nole holding that Trophey :-)
So what a miracle...Tennis still egsist...even without mr. Arogant.
Who would say...

thanks ever so much for kicking a fedfan when she's down, zare.

hope you feel like a really big important person for that cheap shot.

zoey...hi babe.....as federer fans....difficult thought it might be...we have to rise above these comments....whats the point zoey in trying to understand why zare or anyone else wants to be like this? put it this way, they are missing out on the best tennis era ever by disrespecting the best champion ever....simple.....

i clicked onto what i thought was a federer article zoey, and all it was about was justine henin and how she had got a wild card for the AO, and now there are articles about her winning the AO! the journos are on the case already! I think its hilarious!...i love henin and i know how much she loves federer..so i guess thats the only link ive got right now! henin is awesome....what a welcome return, and hopefully will shake up the women's game! whoop! whoop! I read something about her saying that she wanted... to return because of federer... and wimbledon this year? wow! what an accolade....for him to have so much effect on people's lives....it's fab zoey...just fab!

and lets face it zo...without federer....everything is different...it gives others more of a chance...right? (*wink to zo*).

Allez federer!

very true malt. but i'm having one of those days i hoping fed is healthy, physically, i mean. the press and anti-feds i read like to poo-poo and take jabs at his missing the asian swing. fact is, if he did not physically need the time to recover, mirka would have had his arse on the jet with the babies and you know it malt!! she is a task-master! i remember reading her comments in response to the notion of federer retiring last year. she said, "don't even mention it!"

federer is committed to tennis, critics will say what they will. he is generous with his fans too. i hope he continues to play for many many years to come, if that means missing dc, and foregoing the smaller tourneys, falling in the rankings...and does whatever it takes to stay in the game! luv the fed!!

we must be reading the same, malt. read that about henin too. irony is, rafa is one of the biggest fedfan's too! lol... love rafa for that!

zoey babe....i know...but you know how easy it is for me to defend the fed and then i end up getting into hot water...and for what? I had an email from sky telling me to take a rest!.....moi? take a rest? c'mon! there will be people on here that will come and go...may be i will not be able to hold back when people have a dig...i can only try....but slowly...i am learning...zoey...the people who say these nasty things about federer....are not worth the effort...not really...are they? you have said this to me....many...many times...zoey..over the months we have got to know each other..and n-o-t-h-i-n-g-c-h-a-n-g-e-s zoey...N-O-T-H-I-N-G. So we have to rise above it. just think jealousy,fear,hatred....negative...emotions....this is their outlet...we have to be more classy...hard at times...but have to try....you cannot buy c-l-a-s-s...federer has it in abundance...i have an article on my study desk zoey...tomorrow...i will post the journalists name and the article...read it...it fills me up every time.....so much...that the jibes about federer from zare mean nothing....dont let it become any more than zero thought in your head.....like you say...you...me...and many other federer fans enjoy watching novak/rafa and others too....we dont have to get personal in terms of name calling like some...right?

take care zoey....

c'mon! federer is GOLDEN!

read your post to me on another thread. so glad your feeling better, malt.

probably will not post for a few days. shanghai has lost it's pizazz without federer in or any of my second faves. only match-up more pathetic than french on french is any spaniard against rafa....what's the use, just give rafa a bye into the final. the other semi - would be shocked if davy gets a set sooo what's to watch?

as far as mellowing? i love you just the way you always are, malt. me, gotta stay outta the champagne when watching wimby finals! no more cussing like a drunken sailor on tt...i promise.

be looking for you post on feddy, malt!

zoey, but you will watch the final, yes?

yes, stuie. cheering for your man

zoey...i forgot the damn article! still on study desk, not long got home...and just read your post....sorry honey....

will do it on monday.....

i know what you mean.....no sparkle for me....no wha...ha....hay....but like stu says.....will be watching the final...sunday? and think of you over the pond, lovely...zoey...xx champagne can be popped at AO next year...yes?

glad for your guy stuey babes......

Allez Federer!

zoey...i forgot the damn article! still on study desk, not long got home...and just read your post....sorry honey....

will do it on monday.....

i know what you mean.....no sparkle for me....no wha...ha....hay....but like stu says.....will be watching the final...sunday? and think of you over the pond, lovely...zoey...xx champagne can be popped at AO next year...yes?

glad for your guy stuey babes......

Allez Federer!

apologies for double post guys....

zoey...you may know the footballer, german....michael ballack (he's gorgeous), i just found this very inspiring comment about him from federer that i know you will appreciate.....
Article:
16.10.09.
Ballack is not used to struggling in his career but that is exactly what happened to him in a Chelsea shirt last season.

Just one Premier League goal is a measly return for a player of his calibre and while the club decided he was still worthy of a new one-year deal, his game was lacking some spark.The 33-year-old midfielder faced a lot of criticism over his performances and there were even some suggestions that his best days were behind him.

It was a situation facing Federer only 12 months ago and yet his triumph over Andy Roddick in a gruelling five-set match at the All England Club in July meant he reclaimed his position as world No1.

In the crowd to see it was Ballack and it is no coincidence that the German international is also back to his best this season. Ballack may have shown a lot of character to recover from certain setbacks during his 14 years as a professional but even he was galvanised by the way Federer refused to accept defeat.

He revealed: "It's good for your career as a sportsman if you watch other professional sports - how they're behaving and how they react in difficult situations. I think it's always good to learn from other sports.

"It was amazing to see how relaxed Federer was and how easy he made it look. This is always a sign he's on a different level. If you play five hours of a match, five sets and the last is 16-14, you have to come to a point where it's getting difficult. But you couldn't see it happening with him and this was unbelievable."

I love federer zoey....he is just brilliant....

really? interesting to hear him say federer made that match look EASY. federer often makes winning look easy but i would not have picked that match! however, i was pie--eyed and too nervous to watch the exact ending, malt!

thank-you, i know who ballack is, only from reading uk sport news, but now i will go look him up. when does feddy start playing again? fedfans will be excited when he is back malt, win or lose, i expect a roller coaster mixture. champagne at ao? well, sure, if i was there watching w/ you but...tis best not to drink and post for me, malt....lol...

you'll always be my champagne supernova zoey....(an Oasis track!...) super mancunian band! Oh yeah!!!!.......and to be honest....its just one of those times in your life that happen...you learn from....and you think twice before you do that again...right?!)........let's face it...no one is an angel on this forum zoey...no one...

i think with what ballack said....(English not being his first language)...i kinda of take that bit with a pinch of salt....perhaps he meant entertaining? that federer dug deep? that he held his nerve to make it look more relaxed than what it was?...in any event...he affects so many people's lives in the world of sport....i remember at wimby this year....i saw eva longoria and Tony..you know who..her hubby in celeb box watching....there were also a few chelsea footballers there.....he exudes presence, has an aura, affects millions....just brilliant.

he starts playing again at Basel in November, and then am hoping to see him at the O2 this year on Sunday, 23rd November.....then he plays for a warm up tourny along with rafa, verdy, murray, and 3 others on 31 December.....before kooyong (yet to sign for that....but believed to be playing)...and then Zoey.....it's the AO!!!!! hoooooo yeahhhhh!!! hubba hubba hoooollaaaaa!

c'mon Federer!

ahh malt! thanks, u r the best! i remember....no excessive worrying when federer starts playing again... but i do hope sky, fedexfan and more fedfans return. it can be very tough going here without more fedfans posting. what is strange? i don't post in places where there is already a strong fedfan presence. what does that say about me? lol..

sure i know tony and eva and oasis. i remember you are a huge soccer fan. i would watch more if it were available. not really into our football until playoffs, and nba, meh... can take it or leave it.

that's right, you have a ticket to the O2!!! soo lucky, you!
i'm out for awhile, beautiful fall day here. cheers....lata, mwah!! xxo

ahh gorgeous zoey! enjoy the fall......well this forum is certainly the quieter for the non-presence of federer fans...but to be expected....and when he returns the magnificent 7 will return!

yes...huge soccer fan.....world cup next year south africa....just sport dazzle do dah for me........

will check out more fed articles tomorrow...stayed up late to try and catch you....been to see a film with ricky gervais....was very good....like his humour...weird and strange...you kinda gotta 'get him'...but i love him loads...very funny....
catch you tomorrow lovely......xx

where i live malt, the film you saw might, hit the theater some months from now...or more likely, i'll have to rent it. you just posted the two best articles from bleacher on another thread. i had just read them both this morning, laughing at the one from chris crocker! also read a good article on delpo in the timesonline. his coach davin, i think it is was talking about what is most difficult about working with the totally talented delpo: his lack of self-belief. seems he still does not consider himself in the same league as the top 4, altho muzza is yet to earn a gs title. but davin says juan is still so very young, shy, and having trouble dealing with all the attention. sweeet juan! just hope juan's right wrist sprain is gonna be good to go for the upcoming big tourneys and he get's his mojo on! xxo, lata lovely!

hello lovely zoey!.....you know what zo....all juan needs is a good woman....i think you could be 'in' there girl!

hahahaha.......no, no malt!

i am trying to get you enthused about delpo, my friend....is it working yet? i can post the link?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/tennis/article6879267.ece

th ere ya go. please, gotta lurve this man. spesh the fabioesque picture of juan...when he had the big big hair! his coach sure is sweet too!

zo....i already like delpo....you dont need to convince me....

all righty then. how about cilic? we gotta stay on the same page. i think cilic is gonna be right in there w/ juan marteen. cilic is a later bloomer but has all the right moves, runs in all directions smoother than any other tall guy. cilic could steal the wimby trophy, malt. if you watched him against haas at wimby, it was a convincing
performance. but so much depends on remaining healthy and as injury free as possible. i remember thinking ancic would win a gs and be top ten...

hey zoey honey....as you know...my heart will always be forever federer...forever and ever.....but in answer to your question.......i like cilic....in fact at one point...i always used to get confused...between cilic and ancic...and also thought they looked a bit similar....but both..have been unfortunate with injuries....only cilic this year i feel has really become more dangerous...beating rafa and murray and i think roddick (but i might be wrong...with roddick?...i know you would know with that one...)...so yeah...i keep an eye out for the tall guys...delpo...ancic...cilic....their movements are strange to me though....interesting but strange.....and oh....when i see federer walk onto the court zo....i really just cant believe he is so fabulously gifted and talented and unique...and just....federer....i have missed him so much...been looking out for anything out there about him, new pictures of him training in basel...his home from home.....so know he is back to training and looking mighty fine.....

not so sure about ancic winning a gs.....but i think praps in 2-3 years....tsonga would have a shot....i do love the french men..tsonga, mon fils and simon....and of course...gasquet....they all have something special...and particularly the first two...showmen....and intriguing to watch.....am rambling zo...sorry chick....

yes cilic...in perhaps 2 years time...could go deep into the wimby tournys...but am not so sure of his game on grass.....overall?....anyway.....zzzz time for me...an early one tonight...been hogging TT too much today...keep thinking i'll see sky popping up somewhere...but not to be right now....you take care homegirl....mwah!!!!!

hey malt. i just have to thank-you for always being so sweet and generous in your replies. we are on the same page, girlfriend! federer it for me, too. and it is his fault now that i am this obsessed with tennis. but it's clear we are watching a phenom when we see federer and it is unfair really to other players to always be looking for more federer....but that is how it is...i heart federer tennis!

i don't recall if cilic beat roddick. it is just a matter of time tho, imo. cilic as i say is slower to evolve but he made mince meat of murray and nadal and i doubt he stops there. what i like about him is his cool when it comes to facing the top seeds. we'll see how he does against federer very soon, i imagine.

just hope everybody stays healthy and takes greater pains to manage their schedules so we don't have more retirement tourneys like shanghai!!

yes...i miss feddy and the fedfans ....torres rarely posts, fedexfan gone missing, sky, and forgetting all who were posting...hoping they all come back when fed does.
mwah! lovely malt. lata xxo

sorry zoe, only Rafa can get away with the sleaveless look, please tell your man to cover up...

Djokovic and Del Potro are turning up in Basel, so Federer will have some competition, that is not to say he won't defend his title, but maybe it won't be such a walk in the park.

deuce: what's wrong? you don't like juan's bulging muscular arms? he's not quite ready for the ana wintour glam makeover and vogue photo shoot.

i miss his long tresses....lol..suppose they had to go.

feddy forever my #1!

why, why Basel Nole? so you can earn a coupla 100 points and then be tired for Paris?:(

zoey,

very few federer posters right now...but that's fine...we know they will A-L-L be back in abundance around December/January time...something to look forward to....i think its good in a way to take a break from this...it takes over your life somewhat....dont you think? (generically speaking).....in the meantime, my lovely, this is for you...not that you or I needed to be reminded.......take care for now....

Sampras says Federer still has Grand Slams left
By By MIN LEE | Associated Press Writer
Pete Sampras predicts Roger Federer still has a few more Grand Slam titles to win despite his recent loss in the U.S. Open final.

"Roger is going to win some more majors. Maybe he's not going to be quite as dominant as he once was," Sampras told a media conference in Hong Kong Tuesday via telephone from Los Angeles. The seven-time Wimbledon champion was promoting his upcoming exhibition match against Andre Agassi in the nearby southern Chinese gambling enclave of Macau on Oct. 25.

Top-ranked Federer lost in five sets to Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro in the Sept. 14 U.S. Open final.

"When push comes to shove, I still like Roger at these majors," Sampras said, adding that Federer may find it hard to motivate himself given his already stellar record.

Federer won his first French Open earlier this year to complete a career Grand Slam, then won Wimbledon to break Sampras' record of 14 major titles.

Asked if it hurt to see his record broken, Sampras, who watched Federer's five-set Wimbledon victory over American Andy Roddick from courtside, said it was expected.

"I think we all knew it was going to happen. It was inevitable that he was going to break the record," the American said. "I was actually happy to be there and witness it."

Sampras said he also expects Rafael Nadal to linger at the top of the rankings despite his recent struggles with injury.

"He's going to be around in the top two or three in the world for as long as he wants to be," he said. "He's an animal, a great athlete, a great player. He's going to go through different lulls in his game, but when push comes to shove, you're always going to see Rafa in the last couple of days of the event."

will catch you tomorrow zoey....what's the weather like in idaho valley...?any news from fft? if she reading this..earth to fft....south american drawl......hope you're back soon fft.....from an 'old adversary'....take care....

stu...Imo, Nole is playing Basel to get used to indoor court before masters, cause he's NEVER had good results in Paris...

Olly, if he can't defend his titles, its about time he starts winning new ones :)

stu, I think you're reading his mind.. :)

hey malt: yes, it's good to take a break, especially when what is mostly left are fans that post when they see an opportunity to rip and insult a fan for expressing an opinion different from their own. you know what i mean? like they rarely post anything nice but they love to write a scathing line for line fire and brimstone sermon to impress the rafans. so it's besst i take a break before i say what is really on my miind. the weather? i'm thinking a girl from cyprus would be miserably cold here abt 9 months of the year. it's well below freezing at night and we had our first snowstorm last week. no, i have no way of contacting fft. i think she got sick of her majesty, lady luncheon the tennis talking back-stabber. see, time for me to take that break. the good news.... found some info on fed and posting the link for you, malt. i'll be around but not posting here for awhile. mwah! x2!!
http://www.gototennisblog.com/2009/10/22/roger-federer-feeling-bette r-for-basel/

just touching base with you zoe....thanks for the link.....yes...you are right....i so need to see some sun right now...the winter months in the UK are hard....how can you live in a snowstorm girlfriend?!!!!

To "Malteser": Do you also "love" the way Federer talked to the umpire at the USO final, when he said "don't fu*king tell me the rules" just because he wasn't yet kicking poor DelPotro's butt at that stage in the match, like he has done to so many opponents in so many slams? Do you also "love" the fact that Federer's so-called sporting character is only evident when he's mainly dominating, not when he's losing, which is when real sportsmanship should be evident, instead of smashing a racquet in Miami and twice not shaking the umpire's hand after losses to rivals in Doha (Murray) and Miami (Djokovic)? Do you "love" those things about him? What am I talking about - as a blind Federer-fan you must!

@samdaman: a blind Federer-hater you must be!