staying on top of the top must be the most difficult in sports and demands total devotion. yet davis cup is practially the only thing federer hasn't won, so why doesn't he put in some more effort here? it is great with these top players that always play davis cup, they do it for their home fans, and with great joy... djokovic, söderling, nalbandian, the french and russian players...and pardon to those i forgot. it is great to see their emotion. winning for a team may be the ultimate title federer hasn't yet got and i am mildly surprised he is not going for it...

With all that being said croc.................dont you think that perhaps its time that the other swiss tennis players take up the mantle and so that they stop depending sooooooo heavily on Federer to save them?!!! I mean they were not even able to win ONE game!!!!!!!!!!!!!....................i mean C'MON!!!!!!!!!!!!

Federer has played 48 matches for Switzerland (W 37 L11), more than either Roddick or Agassi played for USA. It is ridiculous to say that he has not supported his country, or has missed out on the team spirit.

This is ... interesting.

Roger -- and Stan -- did bring home Olympic gold for Switzerland.

Croc, Rafa has always played Copa Davis for Spain when he has not been injured.

mara, croc deliberately left out Rafa's name so you can point that out to him, which you did. :-)

jmk, since you obviously know the stats, could you tell me how many games Roddick and Agassi played in the Davis Cup and also how many players the USA has to choose from to play vs the Swiss? I DO know that the USA is a much larger country than Switzerland so it is understandable that the USA has a larger "stable" of players to choose from (which means some do not play for reasons of not getting chosen, injuries, rest from competing in big tourney, etc...).

I would never say the fed is unpatriotic, but I do agree with croc in that it is surprising that he is not making more of an effort to win the Davis Cup. It reminds me of the talk during the Olympics, when Roger refused to stay in the Olympic Village (Rafa insisted on staying there to soak up and enjoy the feel of being part of a team and playing for your country) and instead stayed in a 5 star hotel. That is his right, true, but what does that say about being a team player?

fan4tennis, where have you been, are you here to stay, or just popping in? I thought you'd changed your identity, because we have had a few new posters from time to time. Great to see you here again.

I think Roger is just sulking after failing to win the USO, he did the same last year. To be honest, the Davis Cup shouldn't be played every year, it's just tagged on in the middle of a very busy tennis calendar, it takes all the fun out of playing it. Just imagine if Spain hadn't been knocked out, Rafa would have been expected to play DC, after a gruelling 2 weeks at the USO, then go straight to Asia for the Asian swing, then come back to Europe for Paris and the WTF....it's too much.

Anyway, let no one believe that Roger won the Olympic doubles gold for Switzerland, he won it for Roger Federer, plain and simple.

Fan4tennis

W/L Roddick 31/11, Agassi 30/6. You can find statistics for all players at the official Davis Cup site. I have no idea how many players the USA could choose from. They seem usually to try to take the top players, so whoever was up in the rankings at any time would be asked to play. Sampras (19/9) played less often than Agassi, but I doubt whether he was invited less often. I mention Roddick and Agassi, since their participation record is often cited as a contrast (false) to Federer?s. The only player I?ve noticed with a somewhat larger participation than Federer?s (but I haven?t checked everyone!) is Hewitt (42/12).

Federer certainly stayed in the Olympic Village the first time he went to the Olympics (2000), and possibly the second time also. By his third visit his celebrity made it extremely difficult for him to stay there. Possibly you read reports of some of the mob scenes when he was having lunch there, or such. Those who condemned his choosing to stay in a hotel were I believe merely thoughtless. In 2008 Nadal also was under pressure from so many people wanting to see or be seen with him. Possibly both will find it wiser to look for greater privacy in the 2012 Olympics. Federer has often said how much he enjoyed the atmosphere of the Olympics, but it?s difficult to enjoy the feel of being part of a team when even your fellow athletes, let alone the fans, insist on treating you as a celebrity.

jmk, thank you for those stats which tbh, aren't too far off the number of fed's matches played. But I think that common sense tells you that the USA has a much larger number of players to choose from than a small country like Switzerland. That said, that means that the top players can more easily skip a Davis Cup round because of fatigue, injury, just finishing a major tourney, etc.... without risking a loss since it isn't like the team has hardly anyone else that can play.

You make my point for me when you state that fed stayed elsewhere due to demands of his celebrity (which I may point out there were tons more famous athletes than him there) when you say "Nadal also was under pressure from so many people wanting to see or be seen with him." My point was that even though Rafa was under pressure (as was many an athlete at the Games), he understood that he was not there for himself, he was there for the team and his country. He knew that it was a time to be treasured and remembered and he said he was not going to spend his time in that beautiful country hiding out. Good thing he didn't because someone caught him throwing all his laundry in one machine and stopped him before he ended up with pink shorts--lol. There were many interviews with US athletes that stated they enjoyed spending time with other athletes (Rafa was one named) because they did not think of themselves above others. They were a team.

nadline, too long a story to tell about where I've been, but suffice to say you'd be cracking up laughing if I did. Have been following Rafa (of course) and haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face since the FO--lol. I agree about the Davis Cup and I thought they were in talks about changing it but who knows when that would be!

f4t...................welcome back!!!!

ty for the welcome backs nadline and monalysa! As I have been catching up on the threads here, I've noticed a decidedly different tone, prob cuz I noticed certain fans are not posting anymore. I have to say I like the respect being shown to AndyM, AndyR, Nole (what a great match he played!) and of course, Rafa!. It's about time!!!!!!

@ nadline: He didn't do the same last year. He went on to Italy on clay and beat Simone Bolelli and Potito Starace and helped the swiss team to stay in the world group for another year. So there must be sth that prevented him this year. So please don't question his motives as he always has been there for his team.
And for this tie, I don't think that Switzerland should lose against Kazakhstan. How on earth could stan lose both matches !!! It's really strange.

bolboi, sorry it was in Dec last year that he pulled out.

December 30th, 2009

Roger Federer Disappoints Tennis Fans with Davis Cup Withdrawal

by Jonathan Morgan

This happens every single year, but every year it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of tennis fans. Roger Federer has again decided to pull out of a first round Davis Cup clash.

Nadline, we all know that he doesn't play the 1st round since 2006 i think, though the last two years he had injuries. So, that's nothing new. That's what I mean.

'Anyway, let no one believe that Roger won the Olympic doubles gold for Switzerland, he won it for Roger Federer, plain and simple.'

Nadline, please.
That's not necessary, nor is it accurate.

You know I'm a FEDAL fan, and you know yourself how annoying and unpleasant it is when haters disparage all that Rafa has achieved. Especially when they are just speculating, and don't have all their facts.

Don't put yourself in that group.

Fan4tennis

I believe 2008 was Nadal?s first Olympics. Federer also stayed in the Olympic village during his first Olympics in 2000. If Nadal chooses to stay elsewhere than in the Olympic village at his third Olympics, or even his second, I hope no one will criticize him for the decision. There is a sensible comment about the behaviour of fans of these two tennis greats in Jon Wertheim?s current Mailbag column for SI. Would that everyone could enjoy their favourite players without mean-spirited denigration and misrepresentation of other players.

federer is so selfish and his ego has taken a severe battering at the hands of nadal.
federer is an attention freak, he needs the spotlight to brag about his records.
he is not humble at all, the guy is arrogant, is a sore loser after a defeat.

the swiss should ban federer from davis cup.
federer is such a fraud, his all peferct imagine is falsely created by nike to be someone that he is not.
this is the same guy that had long hair and unshaven with street clothes on, now nike made him be this perfect imagine. its not his real personality, its a fake image.
federer is a fraud and so are his fans.

fan4tennis,

Great to see you back! Yes, we are minus some of the more infamous troublemakers that caused us all so much grief in the past.

I hope you are here to stay! :)

So, jmk, what was Fed's excuse for refusing to stay in the tournament hotel with the other players at the Masters Cup in Shanghai? Why would he not stay in the tournament hotel with the other players when he played in Bangkok a few years ago? Both hotels were beautiful 5-star properties and good enough for the other top players.

Obviously, DC is not on TOP of Fed's list of his "all time fave" tournaments... so it's the fault of the Swiss tennis org. to ALWAYS hope for his "help"..... they can ALWAYS find another way!......... they seem to WAKE up... just NOW!

"Anyway, let no one believe that Roger won the Olympic doubles gold for Switzerland, he won it for Roger Federer, plain and simple.
nadline , 9/22/10 6:16 PM"


Pathetic conclusion in absolute language !!! .... how did you conclude this??

fan4t: how lovely to see u back:) In Fed's defence ;) I would guess if he has Mirka on board then it would be difficult to stay in the Olymic village and be part of the team thing. BTW V. nice pics of Andy next to Serena at London Burberry show. ...;)

Thanks deuce and NNY! Great to be back for a bit anyway--lol. Travelling the world now but am on a little break (needed the rest), so who knows where and when my next urge will be.

That may be true deuce, but also there were hundreds of athletes (and yes, some were married), that were on their 2nd,3rd and even 4th Olympics and still chose to stay with their team.

Though it apologizes to Stan and other players. Switzerland's player is too few. When Roger participates. It relies on Roger too much.

The final 2003 of Switzerland and Australia was also. Roger was participating all. And, after had come in 1st place, he decreased participation.
Though he participated after defeated at Del potro last year. Switzerland won. But, tournament absence after that however. Masters 1000 + tournament 500. The reason is a pain and tiredness of the body. might be more severer today. I wish, the good young players in Switzerland to increase.

Though it apologizes to Stan and other players. Switzerland's player is too few. When Roger participates. It relies on Roger too much.
The final 2003 of Switzerland and Australia was also. Roger was participating all. And, after had come in 1st place, he decreased participation.

Though he participated after defeated at Del potro last year. Switzerland won. But, tournament absence after that however. Masters 1000 + tournament 500. The reason is a pain and tiredness of the body. might be more severer today. I wish, the good young players in Switzerland to increase.

Though it apologizes to Stan and other players. Switzerland's player is too few. When Roger participates. It relies on Roger too much.

The final 2003 of Switzerland and Australia was also. Roger was participating all. And, after had come in 1st place, he decreased participation.

Though he participated after defeated at Del potro last year. Switzerland won. But, tournament absence after that however. Masters 1000 + tournament 500. The reason is a pain and tiredness of the body. might be more severer today. I wish, the good young players in Switzerland to increase.

Roger got sickness many times. And, the chronic injured. Now, He already has the kids. I wish. You always be healthy. And, keeping work long as a player. love you. Roger.

Yes...Nadline ...he got a medal for himself... Since I am living in Swiss, Geneva... I was watching him a lot of times...he never mention that gold is in double... Rafa is Olympic golden medalist, double is .... well just another sport...
On the other side, with all animosity that I fell for Fed, I must say that it is absolutely his decision. He has right to play or not to play... Swiss people should be grateful to Roger, thanks to him, they were in highest rank of competition for so many years, honestly speaking they don't deserve it... they lost 5:0 without Fed... so my logic is they would lost with 2:3 with him...
One more time I don't like him, but they should let him in peace...he has done more then enough...
Fans are fans, crowd is crowd... they will react... You should see the posts of serbian fans when Nole didn't played against handsome Radek. They almost crucified him in public...

fan4t: Travelling the world! How fabulous! From now on I'm calling u "fabulous for t" :)

Nadline,

Your hatred for fed is too much, I thought it is bcz of your love for RAFA.
No,now I feel thats not true.
You hate fed more than you love RAFA.
You cannot leave Fed even for Davis cup ties,Can someone hate other this much?? even Israelies may be better with palestians or viceversa.
Your hatred is so deep. Donno why? anyway it is just a sport right? any perticular reasons ? if possible please let us know why you hate federer with this kind of intensity?

"even Israelis may be better with palestinians...." I didn't see Federer lying in a pool of blood, parts strewn all over with Nadline triumphantly watching from his fighter aircraft.

sabs/aka/maxi,

Leave nadline alone! Now you have resorted to using different screen names because you don't dare to post under your usual name!

The ones under the other screen name in broken english are really way too obvious!

NNY, the appropriate response to her is (if I remember correctly):

*yawn*

yeah deuce, I'm enjoying it and even have a friend who is travelling with me and he knows Spanish so it works out--lol. Though I don't ask him to translate too much of Rafa stuff for obvious reasons-lol.

sabs, since I don't know you, and 'you are a newcomer to this forum' what do you base your ridiculous comments on?

yawn!!!!!

Who do you think you are fooling?

yawwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnn!

NNY - I never missed with my impression about tennisnba aka maxi bwahahahaha.

As I said it before, these fedfarts are not actually leaving TT, they are just keep on changing their alias time and time again to save their faces from humiliation due to their arrogance and boastfulness, that's why I keep on addressing them fedfarts in all of the threads that involved Roger because I KNOW THEY ARE ALWAYS AROUND.

Hello Sanela (apparently a healthy fedfan) but no more post from her/him since I terrorize the fedfarts hehe.

wooohooo where are you tom&jerry/tennislover/saxenanalin/taxon/chr18/

Ohhh Ed, I just saw that post from you (on other thread) seconding the motion of EQM to ban/block me from posting here at TT. Did you write to TT Admin? What answer did you get from them?

The fedfarts felt disgusted in every word of my posts because it's like 1000 lbs of solid iron that dropped to them, causing them burst like splattered tomatoe ehe ehe eheeeeee.

Just like Clay season, Roger tried to avoid in as much as he can Rafa that's why he choses to lose at the SF to Novak at US Open. Rafa will definitely annihilate him and eat him alive at the finals. Coward Roger knows that pretty well.

Little bit of topic...
...maybe you didn't saw it...
...but you will laugh :))))
Roger and Rafa... trying to promote... baaaaaah.... you will see... :)))) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsMhdAowzT0

The news that Swiss Davis Cup officials are grilling Federer for opting out of the recent Davis Cup tie, is really shocking! Why don't they rely on producing fresh talents instead of going after Federer at this twilight zone of his career? Why are they forgetting that Federer has given his everything and taken care of Swiss Tennis longer than any other No. 1 player anywhere in the world did alone to their Davis Cup Squad, at their prime? Shouldn't he deserve that much of respect from the Swiss officials for single handedly qualifying the otherwise ordinary Swiss team for the World Group six times in a row in the past decade? Now that he is 29, he deserves to be given a choice whether to play or not in Davis Cup, just days after such intense matches as the US Open Semis this year.

Actually, it's the Swiss officials who are exposed after that 5-0 defeat from an ordinary team like Kazakhstan and are trying to divert the attention to save themselves from being questioned for not being able to come up with enough effort to qualify for the World Group! Had there been no Fed. for them, what would have been their response for this inconsolable loss? Even if Federer had played, they would have lost 2-3. Or, do they expect him to team up in the doubles rubber to win them 3-2? If that is so, then they have rightfully got what they deserved, and I am sure, in a few years time, the Swiss Davis Cup team will be restricted playing the European zonals in Davis cup like sometime before, and may not even get any play offs for a long time to come! Frankly speaking, Swiss Tennis is almost non existent leaving aside Federer, and don't even deserve what the teams like India who play their best for the country, deserves in this form of competitive team tennis! So, the Swiss official better leave Federer alone for the loss and concentrate on spotting fresh talents for the coming days.

And yes, I was just going through some of the posts above where posters were giving hate speeches against Federer! I find it hard to reason such a behavior! Why so much of hatred someone who they might never have seen in their own eyes? I really doubt the mental stability of those blokes who does so, and I wonder if they can be called tennis fans or real fanatics! I believe, these are the elements who time and again spoils the good name of Tennis fans, and they make such incidents like stabbing of players happen due to their extreme fanaticism, if and whenever they get a chance! Shame on every such posters who thinks like that about any tennis player in the world, and posts such shameless comments about anyone!

Now you can't find reason such a behavior eh ... REALLY? Well I tell you what, If you have metal lapses and have easily forgotten the way your fellow trashes Rafa not so long ago then I am reminding you about it now. The majority of fedfans are the ugliest Tennis fans. You all worth the trash talks now since Roger is deteriorating and his tennis supporters will bleed more because you have nothing to boast. In other words, IT PAY TIME and it's gonna BIG and PAINFUL hehe.

ohhh stabbing???? you better tell that to your fellow fedfans because a lot of them can not accept tennis without Roger, because according to your fellows...TENNIS is ROGER and ROGER is TENNIS whatever. With that statement of Maxi the Lunatic Queen of the fedfarts is absolute no respect to tennis, do you hear that solitudine?

Raindrops ... why so cruel? :( Rafa is soaring above all. :) Enjoy.

Oh solitudine, look who is talking, after the thrashing you give Rafa from time to time. The reason you haven't been here recently, is because Rafa is riding high, and you cannot find anything to hit him with. He has totally left Fed trailing in his wake, so that's shut all you fedfans up.

The only time we hear from you is when you have something to brag about Fed, or to put Rafa down about, right now you are on dry land with no stones to throw at Rafa, and all of a sudden you have forgotten that there is such a thing as GOAT.

solitudine, since you want something to be annoyed about, here is a question for you -

Who holds the record of losing the most times to the same player in GS finals?