Fed you can play well at any part of the season even the off season. DO we really need to say how much he was missed during those 6 weeks?

I guess not, it is just a different game when he is not in a draw. Only his presence is enough to set fire to the rain.

Sienna, that's very poetic :) Guess that's what we all feel about our favourite players.

"If I'm going to make a ranking move, that's what it's going to take."

Glad to see Roger talking about the rankings. It means he still cares about the rankings and we know it's basically #1 and the rest.

Thats rightbleck. He already layed out his plans and dreams. His dream doesnot invlove a finish at three or even two for that matter. He dreams a litle bigger. And he is planning to finish and start with a bang at WTF and AU Open. While everyone talks about Olympic year on this site he really eyes on the big fish in januari. With nadal off an sliding and Djoker gradualy comming down to normal levels it is all about peaking your finest form on the big occassion and yhen he is the master in doing so.
It only takes a slam to be back in contention for #1

I posted first under Haase reaching Kitzbuhl final. Looks lightyears away :-(

I dont usually attach much importance to the conspiracy theories but today's scheduling takes the biscuit.

Murray is due on Centre court around 16.00hrs and is then expected to scuttle over to Court 1, without even time for a shower, for his doubles match at 17.45hrs. Thus ensuring the possibility he might have to play back to back 3-setters in one day.

Who thought that one up?

And please, Sienna, do us a favour and spare the retort it serves him right for entering singles and doubles. It might be unavoidable in the SFs or Final but not at the front end of the tournament.

It's muray's chose to play doubles. Events don't frame around players wishes, it is what it is in any event. He choose the right to play. He plays by the rules and takes the risk.

"If I'm going to make a ranking move, that's what it's going to take."

Glad to see Roger talking about the rankings. It means he still cares about the rankings and we know it's basically #1 and the rest.
bleck, 11/2/11 9:45 AM

I knows he does care bleck, and that's what it should be.

Good luck to roger.

Fleur, The total weeks at #1 record really suits Roger much more than Sampras. Even though it will be hard for Roger to break that record I really hope we can because Roger dominated much more than Sampras did.

As for murray and all the scheduling situation, the guy played 3 tournaments in 3 weeks (doubles also in Tokyo) and we won them all.
He shouldn't have much trouble even playing 2 matches in one day he did that in tokyo (more than once I think).

Also when there is a singles a doubles match for a player in the same day usually thre player is allowed some time to rest before the doubles match.

Well Federer can relax.


'Andy Murray withdrew from the Swiss Indoors on Wednesday shortly before his match with Dutchman Robin Haase with a right gluteal muscle strain.'

Last minute anxiety. Still not mature enough. Muscle strain LOL

A relieved fan knowing the on-form Muray would have come out the better. LOL!

No, it was Muscle strain Sienna, for real.
Murray doesn't pull out of these kind of events due to anxiety (or 1000's were he is supremely comfortable)
The only 'anxiety' about his presence was emanating from you & your colleagues posts, ha-ha!
He bundles his anxiety up for the Finals of slams.
Sadly.

sosueme, On the contrary. Now that he pulled out the hype will continue until Paris.
But the hype will come to an end if not in Paris in the WTF (yes, it is my opinion, no, I can't predict the future).

I know you can't predict the future Bleck.
I have issues with you analysis of the present too.
Anyway, what `hype` & `on the contrary` are you referring to?
He was the in form player going into to this (not hype, but fact) & seeing how
out of sorts both Federer and Novak are, they would have needed a miracle to save themselves!
And that miracle has now happened,
Saint Roger eh, he really is blessed!

sosueme, Both guys (Roger and djokovic) haven't played for 6/7 weeks and djokovic came back from injury. Give them a break.
Anyway Roger won in straights, no one could ask for more. Djokovic looks more rusty than Roger but I'm convinced the form of both will get better and better as the tournament goes on.


And yes sosueme I wrote this ("yes, it is my opinion, no, I can't predict the future") especially for you (see I'm a nice guy) just so we don't get into a discussion that would inevitably end in "We'll see".

And can you predict the future because you seem to be pretty sure that murray would win the tournament if he didn't get an injury.

"Anyway, what `hype` & `on the contrary` are you referring to?"

Hype - murray's new found form that led him to win 3 titles in 3 weeks made some of his fans and other people believe that next year will be the year he wins a slam (been hearing that for at least 3 years) and that maybe he will pull out a djokovic (meaning he will have a breakthrough year sort of what djokovic had this year).

on the contrary - You think (although stating it almost as a fact) that murray would win the tournament (or reach the final) and so Roger should be thankful or blessed that murray pulled out. I "on the contrary" believe Roger would have beaten him and that would turn down the hype a bit.

Guess we'll never know now. But whe the WTF comes around the top players will have to play each other so maybe they'll play there.

The good old problem of inductive reasoning.
As it is a necessary part of the human thought process.
We should be a little bit easier on each other.
I suppose its down to how much of a liberty one takes with it or relies on it also.
Anyway you would think Roger is in with a shot for this one, as he seems the less rusty of the two.
Fed shall be the most motivated, & also had Novak's number last year indoors (WTF, Basel).
So yeah, I'm `predicting` its his to lose...

sosueme, I think the final is a given, Roger vs Djokovic. As for the winner I think he will have a better notion as Roger and djokovic play more matches.

New novak will get this title ----Final If Roger vs novak

"Hype - murray's new found form that led him to win 3 titles in 3 weeks made some of his fans and other people believe that next year will be the year he wins a slam"

It's not the titles, but the improvement in form in key aspects over the last few months, and this year really. We certainly arent going to have hopes of a maiden slam for Andy if he DOESN'T improve, are we?

"Roger should be thankful or blessed that murray pulled out. I "on the contrary" believe Roger would have beaten him"

Based on what?!? In this instance, it is more reasonable to predict that Andy would have beaten him. In fact, the only times I've seen Andy lose to Roger bar the AO final and the Cincy semi was when his nerves got the better of him & his game collapsed. Maybe he could have beaten Andy as you (& I) have stated it's still early days in this tournament, but Bleck you are going to have to accept that Roger's best days really are behind him now, and its going to get worse rather than better if he chooses to continue.
And that is a wholly reasonable prediction.

With only the Doha title to show for all his effort the whole year, what is the basis of this statement if not pure delusions.

"...And he is planning to finish and start with a bang at WTF and AU Open..."

"...but Bleck you are going to have to accept that Roger's best days really are behind him now, and its going to get worse rather than better if he chooses to continue.
And that is a wholly reasonable prediction."

I do agree. That's irrefutable. But I also know that Roger can still play at a very high level although that level comes only now and then. Basel was always a good tournament for Roger he reached 3 finals when he was a youngster. And then from 2006 to 2010 he reached 4 more finals and won 3 of them.

It's not a given murray would win against roger. Of the 3 tournaments he won he only beat a top player once (nadal in Tokyo).

And believe me I would love for murray to start winning slams and I would love even more for him to start beating nadal in slams more regularly (he lost 3 times this year).

But why have this type of discussion when they'll almost surely will meet in the WTF.

P.S.:You're not talking to me phoenix, are you?

correction, Murray's nerves also got the better of him in that AO final too.
But Roger I feel was probably not going to lose that one regardless.

"Of the 3 tournaments he won he only beat a top player once (nadal in Tokyo)"

Well, he didn't just `beat` Rafa that time did he?
Also technically Ferrer is also a `top player` but i know what you mean.
Last year however it was Federer in the Shanghai Final with Andy & Murray prevailed emphatically.
Going on to the WTF I would put Federer as the slight favourite to beat Andy as he has done twice before.
Which is good for Andy! Less pressure on home turf....
The wheels should not come off this time.

because he beat Djoker at the hight of his run in a slam. Kept him from the calender slam. With Djoker clearly comming of his maestro yearform, Nadal in serious mental decline and Murray always in mental state., Fed is just setting his body and mind already on the track for AU Open.

Roger's new role shall not be as the `contender`.
That's all over.
It shall be as the Darkest of Dark Horses as he slips down the rankings.

Sos C´mon!
he will not slip any further and with the mental state of the three in front of him he is definitely a top contender.

mental state 2 of 3 in front of him. Djoker is on court in a good mental place. Off court I wonder about him.Bot Djoker is cooling down I feel form his hight.

"Murray always in mental state" lol.

What's the mental state of someone who cries a river after losing a GS finals?

"What's the mental state of someone who cries a river after losing a GS finals?"
phoenix
, 11/3/11 7:22 AM

Ask nadal. (wimbledon 2007)

Did he cry like a babe on stage and stole the limelight away from the real champion?

I don't know. I was just answeirng your question "What's the mental state of someone who cries a river after losing a GS finals?".
Maybe you expected a different answer...

You did not answer my question, you told me to ask Nadal...:-)

Oh do stop bickering you two. All GS finalists shed tears of disappointment and/or frustration when they have lost a closely fought battle - sometimes on court, sometimes away from the public eye. Federer's misfortune was that once the tears came he was unable to bring them under control.

Yeah Murray was a big girl when he lost to federer at the AO as well.
Still, his line about crying like Roger not playing like him was pure gold!
Which was more than could be said for his attitude & performance.
I think Roger will slip out of the top 4 by Spring Sienna,
This position (4) is about to become very heavily contested.
To Roger's slow down I don't attribute it to his age per se.
I think its just having kids: it changes your perspective.
Clijsters almost uniquely came back after having a kid, but I think part of her motivation was so she could make enough money for her family.
Federer couldn't possibly feel the same way.

Sosueme, " think Roger will slip out of the top 4 by Spring..."
I don't think that will happen. I'll try to explain why.
The main contenders for 4th place next year would be ferrer, soderling, del potro, tsonga.
Soderling is sick (mono I think), del potro has never been the same as 2009 since his injury, tsonga can win against the top guys but is too inconsistent and can't get good results on a regular basis, ferrer is somewhat consistent but rarely beats any of the top guys and can't get a huge result (as opposed to tsonga for example).

The only way for Roger to lose the #4 spot, in my opinion, is for him to play worse than he did in 2011 and I don't think that'll happen in 2012.

sienna has a point about the mental state of murray. Well done sienna, you post with insite.

He wanted this wild card at basel to try and teach federer lessons. Now who is paying for that mistake, thinking he is better? Murray got to win a slam first before trying to undermine the great federer. He hasn't got what it takes. A blow for murrays fanbases. Wheres the credible manner and honor?

A sore bum?

Don't athletes recover from sore bums, arms, legs, abs, all the time. Get some Ralgex and cream.

What an excuse, if ever I heard any.


I suppose murray doesn't count. Shame Roger couldn't have given him a master class, if they met.

Ed, that is the bastioncircle of tennis manners, that federer WAS abele to controle his ttears.. It was a great moment of sports camerady, that federer showed fans he was human, he cared, a great moment for all federer fans to savour, so thanks for reminding us.

Well done Federer reaching the QF's. Another great sporting moment. Another QF.

There's no evidence he's going to improve a further year into his decline.
More likely the opposite.
Roger played pretty well this year, that's why he's still top 4 with only one small title.
He just couldn't close off much, & of course was stopped in his tracks by the top two. But there are others now (eg Tsonga) that can cause damage to his title hopes.
It's going to get harder & harder for sure just to stay the same.
I see Del Po finally reviving (he's starting to show signs) & Ferrer having some kind of Best Ever 6 months. These two are my fav's to takeover No 4 right now.
Also Novak has ominously shook off the cobwebs presently so I'm less sure that Roger can even retain this title in Basel.
Roger has a lot to prove & defend the rest of the season but if he can somehow win
in Paris and/or retain the WTF, then yeah I'm sure the number 4 position shall be his for some time to come.
I just don't see it myself.

@Flytrap,

Yes Venus he has a pain in the ass,
Thats why he couldn't compete.
You're a `Pain The Ass` too!
So what's your excuse?

Andy "trying to undermine the great Federer." What? When? Where? Vice versa actually, on more than one occasion.

Fleur: what I said was:
'Federer's misfortune was that once the tears came he was UNABLE to bring them under control.' Afterwards he put a good face on the whole incident by saying he did not mind people seeing he was human. Nevertheless it must have been embarrassing for him - and the tournament officials, Laver etc. - at the time. It would have been nice if you could have found it in your heart to acknowledge the sensitive way Rafa handled the situation and the fact that he refrained from overt celebrations to spare Roger's feelings. Just imagine the scenes that would have taken place if Nole had been the victor.

Incidentally I didn't bring up this episode but I suggest we now drop the subject.

It was a great moment of sports camerady, that federer showed fans he was human, he cared, a great moment for all federer fans to savour, so thanks for reminding us.

Absolutely Fleur. If they bring up the tears I dont mind that. It just strengthens my belief he willbe victorious again in the slams. That day we saw what it meant to him.

@Flytrap,

Yes Venus he has a pain in the ass,
Thats why he couldn't compete.
You're a `Pain The Ass` too!
So what's your excuse?
Sosueme, 11/3/11 5:15 PM

Sosume, I thought you been told by cheryl not to call others names, so this is warning that you not following that warning.

Take care now, ok?

ed, It would have been nice if you could have found it in your heart to acknowledge the sensitive way Rafa handled the situation and the fact that he refrained from overt celebrations to spare Roger's feelings. Just imagine the scenes that would have taken place if Nole had been the victor.
ed251137, 11/3/11 6:54 PM
wy should I do anything to pleeze you? This isn't about rafa. You brought him up now, not me. It's nothing to do with title, so keep on tracking will you!

You been told to keep to the post, so do as your told.

"It was a great moment of sports camerady..." yes... Rafa will be remembered as a great champion... and even greater gentleman...
...the other one will be remembered as.... well we all know :)))

I would agree with you the first reference to Federer's emotional outburst was off topic but I suggest you re-read from 11/3/11 11:42 AM and note carefully what I said there and subsequently, plus your own contributions, before pointing your finger at me.

Since tennis is a match between two players (four if it's doubles!) it is impossible to avoid making reference to other players vis a vis the subject of the article or blog. Mentioning other players does not constitute going off topic provided it is in the context of the discussion.

If you want to only write and read eulogies about Roger there are fan club sites for that purpose.

...the other one will be remembered as.... well we all know :)))
zare, 11/3/11 10:01 PM

yes,...as an even, greater, GREATER, more great than any great before, player and gentleman...and not a cheat....like....well we all know :)))

"do as your told"

Fleur, 11/3/11 9:21 PM

You don't get to warn or tell anyone what to do or not to do on this site. You don't speak for cheryl, so let her do her job and refrain from putting in your two cents worth at every opportunity.

Oh and I second ed's comments in reply explaining the absurdity of not referencing the other player when there are two people in a match. Common sense should apply.

Finally, it is true that there are fan forums for those who wish to gush over their favorites!

NNY then leave and go to that place.
You have some issues with people who tell you what to do. Fleur obviously is smarter, wiser and with more experience so she is entitled to give advice.

You on the otherhand should just obey the rules Cheryl has drown out for ALL of us. You including so if you cannot deal with that then just go away.
If you want to stay the listen to what is told. And better also listen to Fleur, because she has many more wise things to say to you. You can only better yourself with listening to her.

You don't get to warn or tell anyone what to do or not to do on this site. You don't speak for cheryl, so let her do her job and refrain from putting in your two cents worth at every opportunity.

Oh and I second ed's comments in reply explaining the absurdity of not referencing the other player when there are two people in a match. Common sense should apply.

Finally, it is true that there are fan forums for those who wish to gush over their favorites!
Nativenewyorker, 11/3/11 11:04 PM

why don't you just shut up NNY? I did actually SPEAK to REITERATE...what Ms Murray said!

Who the bomb do you think you are? Are you defiant in going against why Ms Murray has asked or just plain stupid?

Sienna,

The suggestion was for you and Fleur, who seem incapable of discussing anything other than the greatness of Fed, over and over and over again.

The idea that Fleur is smarter or wiser than me in any way, shape form would be truly laughable if it wasn't so incredibly insulting. Please do not put me in that company!

I will repeat one more time, this business of telling people rules that have already been posted by Cheryl, is just a means to harass and intimidate people who may post things that either of you don't like. Too bad! I can say what I wish to say, and neither of you get to tell me anything. Does Cheryl need an echo or self-appointed assistant to keep repeating what the rules are?

I think both of you would be better served if you just kept your mouths shut and obeyed the rules yourselves. In other words, take a look in the mirror before you start telling others how to behave.

Sienna, "...Fleur obviously is smarter, wiser and with more experience...( than NNY) " oh thank you, thank you, for providing me with the laugh of the week.....

Fed is human.... he showed that!!!! Wooooow....
That was revelations day for lost poor souls like Fleur and Sin... He is human??? And what were you thinking be4??? He's elf, goblin, ET, schtroumpf????
Nice one Mr... co called "I am journalist."Johan...
I like the title....Quest.... well after Doha....let me see...yes... it is really quest!!!

Sienna, Fleur, numero and scoretracker (and anyone else who might be interested)

An interesting article about the GOAT discussion between Roger and nadal (discussion which shouldn't even exist in my opinion given that Roger is so much ahead of nadal).
Yes the article is from Bleacher Report so it may not be the best quality.

"http://bleacherreport.com/articles/924903-how-does-the-sa batini-effect-affect-the-goat-status-of-federer-and-nadal"

cant you think of any words original deuce? shouldn't you be sticking to the rules of the post or is this entertain ment value for you? Go to a comedy show rather than a tennis board. NNY, you really are angry overs everything and everyones who have a different view. Do you notice that? Angry all the time.

Um, so doesn't that mean Sienna is not "sticking to the rules"?
I loved Sienna's ironic post, only polite to say how much I enjoyed it, after all.
zare, second match Nole looked very sharp indeed, whereas I believe Fed served 3 double faults in a row?

NNY
Stop it youre killing me!

I just was having fun with you. I've noticed that if someone talks in the imperative mood (is that the right grammar word for it?) You totally flip out.
You react like a litle child and scream that it is not fair etc etc. Calling for and sucking up to Cheryl.
It is just funny how you react on something like stop it. Go away, You must do this..... Tehn you totally flip out. And the worst part is that you do it youreself all the time.
And besides I thougth we were friends after the Lendl affair?

deuce I stick to the rules of lately. So please try to do the same.
You can look at the comments made by Zare,jean etc to see where the real problems are on this site.
Take care and I'll see you later tonight......

What's a `schtroumpf`?

http://www.google.ch/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=schtroumpf&source=web&cd=1&ved=0 CCcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffr.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLes_Schtroumpfs&ei =FVO0Tt-gM9D4sgawjN3TAw&usg=AFQjCNGJlNQw3o82mQQHYZHaXigDEuoaTQ

...n othing bad....:)

deuce,

Thanks! Irony is a good word for it! :)



Sienna,

Oh please! Nice try, though!

sienna, you works her out strait away, that's NNY, that is. A keyboard worrier. She gives me stroke.

deuce, sienna is the best. You knows it. It isn't fr me to criticize a federer fan. And please. 3 double faults for Federer? he still continued to win...Andy though, sore bum? oh dear me.

sienna, post away. I loves reading.