I have to say I'm with Nadal on this one. While it's true that Federer's body, playing style and crazy smart scheduling have allowed him to run endless marathons year after year without getting hurt, I don't believe he's flat dumb. He knows very well the problems of the circuit. And even though he may not have to deal with the issues personally, I believe he has a responsibility to the sport to pay it forward and help make it better for all future players. What's better for the players often translates to what's better for the fans.

again, nothing new here...we know Rafa's opinion on this and it has been known for a while...Fed has his own views and to be honest I do not see the reason why would Fed want to fight these battles now given that he soon may retire...Rafa had no intention to criticize Fed, he just pointed out that they have different views on this and all the hype around it is simply ridiculous...Rafa has so much respect for Fed and it has not changed no matter how Rafa's statements may be interpreted...

Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said he didn?t understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn?t supporting the push to address player grievances, including the schedule and the distribution of prize money.

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templates/news.aspx?articleid =15814&zoneid=4


Looks like Nadal has the backing of the players. Federer doesn't care because the whole establishment works for him and he is loaded so he doesn't care about anyone else.

"Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said he didn?t understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn?t supporting the push to address player grievances, including the schedule and the distribution of prize money."

False.

From the article: "The Russian said he did NOT support the idea of a shorter season, a change that is backed by Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, but he AGREES that prize money has not increased in line with growing profits at Grand Slam tournaments."

"Looks like Nadal has the backing of the players." Nadal doesn't have the backing of the players, except murray, roddick and a couple of other top players.

What the most palyers agree on, including davydenko, is "that prize money has not increased in line with growing profits at Grand Slam tournaments."
The majoriity of the players want a more equal distribution of prize money.

What nadal wants is shorter season that benfits only the top players. The lower ranked players on the contrary want more tournaments because they have to make a living from tennis and since they don't often get far in the slams or masters 1000 they have to play a lot of 500's and 250's.

Federer is the voice of reason. All he says is the players should discuss things amongst themselves and come out with a unified strong position.

What nadal wants isn't a more equal distribution os prize money as that doesn't benefit him. Nadal only cares about "me, I and myself".
Roger on the other hand cares about the majority of players that have a hard time making a living out of tennis.

The players should be thankful that Roger is the president.

Also the 2 year ranking. Who seriously believes any player below the top 10 defends this?!

Nadal wants the game shaped around himself and his needs. He needs to wake up because the game is a lot bigger than him.

bleck, what do you mean by false. Since you've decided to be selective about the article I will post the whole thing here. You are in denial that your heros is only looking out for himself.

If anyone hasn't seen the article, please go to the link and judge for yourself who is spreading fasle information.

Davydenko, like Nadal, discusses Federer's stance
AP - Monday, January 16, 2012

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)?Roger Federer?s reticence to join other players in voicing complaints about issues affecting the men?s game came under fire again at the Australian Open on Monday.

Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said he didn?t understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn?t supporting the push to address player grievances, including the schedule and the distribution of prize money.

Davydenko?s remarks came a day after Rafael Nadal criticized his Swiss rival for sitting back while others speak out and ?burn themselves.?

?I don?t know why Roger is not supporting the players,? Davydenko said. ?Because he don?t want ? any problems. He?s nice guy. He?s winning Grand Slams. He?s from Switzerland. He?s perfect.

?He don?t want to do anything, he just try to be an outsider from this one.?

For the second time in six months, rumors of a possible strike emerged following Saturday?s player meeting in Melbourne. Davydenko said a strike was still a distant prospect, but that the players would meet again at the Indian Wells Masters tournament in March.

?The ATP should try to do something between now and Indian Wells,? he said. ?For sure, all the top 100 players will go there and just see what will be changed.?

The Russian said he did not support the idea of a shorter season, a change that is backed by Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, but he agrees that prize money has not increased in line with growing profits at Grand Slam tournaments.

Prize money is also an issue at the Indian Wells tournament, where Davydenko said those players who lose in the first round can sometimes make a loss after paying tax and travel costs to contest the tournament.

Federer did sit with the players and listen at Saturday?s meeting, according to Davydenko, who also said the top four players were supposed to meet on Sunday.

?I don?t know what was happening,? Davydenko said. ?You need to ask why (of) Federer. I?ll also be interesting what Federer says. If you guys ask Federer why he don?t want to do, why he don?t want to support players, I will be interested in the answer.?

Nadal reacted strongly on Sunday when it was suggested that Federer disliked it when players complained openly about problems on the tour because it tarnished the image of tennis.

?No, I totally disagree,? he said in comments translated from Spanish. ?For him it?s good to say nothing. Everything positive. ?It?s all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,? and the rest can burn themselves.

?Everyone is entitled to have their own opinions.?

Yes I've read the article.

I'll post a quote from the article again.

"Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said he didn?t understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn?t supporting the push to address player grievances, including the SCHEDULE and the distribution of prize money."

"The Russian said he did NOT support the idea of a shorter season, a change that is backed by Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, but he AGREES that prize money has not increased in line with growing profits at Grand Slam tournaments."

Don't you see a contradiction here.

You say as the article states that players are supporting nadal. That is FALSE.

Nadal wants a shorter season.
Players want a more equal distribution of prize money.

Get it?!

bleck, thou protesteth too much............................all TT posters can read and comprehend what Davydenko said. THE WHOLE ARTICLE!!!!

Don't be too deperate to "prove" Rafa wrong.........................we can read.

Oh grow up!

Of course they are supporting Nadal whenhe says Federer is selfish, read this article below as well where Querry says it's good that they've reduced the season by a week this year and another week next year etc. The kind of things that Rafa has been fighting for.

Just accept that Roger is a selfish so and so.


Querrey: No radical movement from players
Ticker - Monday, January 16, 2012
Sam Querrey says there were no major resolutions at the ATP players meeting before the start of the Australian Open. There have been rumors that the players voted to give themselves an option to strike, but the American, who is on the ATP Players? Council, told a small group of reporters that while issues about the length of the calendar and Grand Slam prize money were discussed, "I don?t see anything major. [Calendar issues], Indian Wells and Miami being 12 days tournaments, that's not going to change and I don?t know why the guys don?t give up on that. The guys were standing together, but nothing happened. The schedule was the biggest thing the last couple years and we did good job with saving a week this year and two weeks next year."

The 24-year-old is also pleased that the players will now longer have to count four 500-level tournaments in their rankings (as long as they sign up 12 weeks in advance for the 500s) and can now count their best six 250- and 500-level tournaments. However, eligible players still must enter four 500-level tournaments.

"I thought it was unfair that you were forced to play four 500s," he said. "Because then you don?t really have control of your calendar. I love to play LA and if I do I?m kind of forced to play Washington DC (a 500) and then I?m forced to play next two weeks (Masters Series events in Canada and Cincinnati) and then the U.S. Open. It takes away the flexibility of your own calendar, which I'm not a huge fan of."

The ATP has been pushing the Grand Slams for years to give the players a bigger percentage of their overall revenues, which the majors have refused to do as three of them?the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, and Roland Garros?are not-for-profit entities and pump their revenues back into the sport. All the majors also traditionally increase prize money annually. The 2012 Australian Open has a total purse of $26 million Australia dollars.

"I want as much prize money as possible for the players at the Slams," Querrey said. "I?d love to see that go up." - Matt Cronin

Are you talking on behalf of every poster here on TT.

Because nadline doesn't seem to get that she was wrong and that the article has contradictions.

You at least seem to get it as you instead of trying to dismiss my argument, which you can't since it's based on facts, you say I "protest too much". lol

"Don't be too deperate to "prove" Rafa wrong........................."

I'm not desperate to prove nadal wrong. I'm desperate because trying to bring reason and truth to some people here on TT is an herculean task.

So if you read the whole article, why did you choose to only post half of it here. Because the other half did not go with you stance.

Of course Davy supports Rafa in saying that Federer prefers not to back the players in any of their demands. Do you need me to spell it out for you? Can you not comprehend a simple concept?

bleck, where exactly did I say that Davy supports Rafa's demand for a shorter season or the two year ranking system?

The fact his that "Looks like Nadal has the backing of the players." this is false.

The majority of the top 100 doesn't want a shorter season or the 2 year ranking which is what nadal defends. This 2 things will only benefit the top players, especially those with a grinding physical type of play.


Roger by not wanting a 2 year ranking and the shortening of the season is selfless not selfish as you claim.

Of course the distribution of prize moner should be discussed in the player council.

But if you and the "other players" say federer doesn't speak about that so doesn't nadal, the vice president of the players council.

Nadal talks about he wants for himself, what benefits him and doesn't care about the rest of the players.

Roger says, let's discuss this behind closed doors and reach a common opinion/decision so that we can make our demands be heard.

The fact his that "Looks like Nadal has the backing of the players." this is false.
bleck , 1/16/12 11:03 AM

Sorry, what looks like Nadal has the backing of the players?

I'm losing the will to live discussing this with you because you have blinkers on, so I'm not going to pursue this discussion with you. You can think what you like.

bleck, here's another link on the same subject.....................

http://www.tennis.com/articles/templat es/news.aspx?articleid=15814&zoneid=4

I especially like this part:
?I don?t know why Roger is not supporting the players,? Davydenko said. ?Because he don?t want ? any problems. He?s nice guy. He?s winning Grand Slams. He?s from Switzerland. He?s perfect."

Zing!!!!!

Federer wants... Behind the close door... Lol...
That's how he get his draw and scheduling... Poor guy...
He was complining here in Swiss newspapers ( unfortunately I don't speak Swiss German ) about " financial losses"... Swiss franck is so strong... And poor guy hes earnings in euro and dollars... So much about selfless Apsurd!
His only worry is how to keep his image without loosing all priviledges on ATP and ITF...
Pathetic,

bleck..If Rafa, Djoko, Muuray are on one side...thats enough majority..Didnt Davy say that after players council meeting, the top 4 had meeting the next day..

Davy openly said Rafa and Djoko are supporting them whereas Fed isnt..


I am surprised you read Davys article and came out saying hes not supporting Rafa..ofcourse Davy went all out against Fed ..its clear logic
Its not important what specific points are getting supported - there are host here 1) mandatory no of tourneys 2) Davis cup schedule 3) 2 year ranking 4) prize money 5) length of season

We may not go and change all 5, but can atleast look at few things right..theres no point not doing anything about any matter

Bleck..admit it..you choose to believe Rafa is all wrong and Fed is all right..neither is infact really true..

m really keen to read Rogers presser..I am sure hell be bombarded with it..Im keen to see how he responds

Im also keen to see how Djoko responds tomorrow

http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/interviews/2012-01-16/2012011 61326709561597.html

Hopefully he is fine.!!

For Roger not to support an increase in prize money for the lower ranked players is beyond me. Davy points out that some players are out of pocket when they go out early, even the Challenger circuit is not supported at all. Most of them have to borrow their equipment. The guy who played Roger today was wearing odd socks - one black and one white. Federer gets his kit free, so why should he care?

So if Federer doesn't suffer frequent injuries because he is either bionic or he gets soft draws, he doesn't see any reason to worry about players who don't have his biological make up and don't have cakewalk draws.

Me, me, me. That's the Federer's motto.

Read the entire presser ..Davy is opposed against shorter season that you are trying to prove ..

Davydenko Baffled by Federer Silence on Grievances
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 16, 2012 at 2:34 AM ET

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) ? Roger Federer's reticence to join other players in voicing complaints about issues affecting the men's game came under fire again at the Australian Open on Monday.

Former No. 3-ranked Nikolay Davydenko said he didn't understand why the 16-time Grand Slam champion wasn't supporting the push to address player grievances, including the schedule and the distribution of prize money.

Davydenko's remarks came a day after Rafael Nadal criticized his Swiss rival for sitting back while others speak out and "burn themselves."

"I don't know why Roger is not supporting the players," Davydenko said. "Because he don't want ... any problems. He's nice guy. He's winning Grand Slams. He's from Switzerland. He's perfect.

"He don't want to do anything, he just try to be an outsider from this one."

For the second time in six months, rumors of a possible strike emerged following Saturday's player meeting in Melbourne. Davydenko said a strike was still a distant prospect, but that the players would meet again at the Indian Wells Masters tournament in March.

"The ATP should try to do something between now and Indian Wells," he said. "For sure, all the top 100 players will go there and just see what will be changed."

The Russian said he did not support the idea of a shorter season, a change that is backed by Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, but he agrees that prize money has not increased in line with growing profits at Grand Slam tournaments.

Prize money is also an issue at the Indian Wells tournament, where Davydenko said those players who lose in the first round can sometimes make a loss after paying tax and travel costs to contest the tournament.

Federer did sit with the players and listen at Saturday's meeting, according to Davydenko, who also said the top four players were supposed to meet on Sunday.

"I don't know what was happening," Davydenko said. "You need to ask why (of) Federer. I'll also be interesting what Federer says. If you guys ask Federer why he don't want to do, why he don't want to support players, I will be interested in the answer."

Nadal reacted strongly on Sunday when it was suggested that Federer disliked it when players complained openly about problems on the tour because it tarnished the image of tennis.

"No, I totally disagree," he said in comments translated from Spanish. "For him it's good to say nothing. Everything positive. 'It's all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,' and the rest can burn themselves.

"Everyone is entitled to have their own opinions."

thx for some help mani4Tennis. It's really getting lopsided here on TT. lol

Nadline....

Don't whine utterly.. everyone knows mr. nadal always have the motto I,me and myself ..though it remains in his mind in spanish ... translate these three words in spanish and u will get the 3 words which surfaced most in his brain .. the 4th must be djokovic these days.

BTW ..

Rafa himself admitted that he was wrong for what he did in front of media yesterday!!

His opinion may be right or wrong but the way he projected was clearly wrong.

and i hope his knees are fine becoz if at any stage of tournament he losses then his fanbase will be more than ready to prove it that it was due to injury!!

BTW ..

Rafa himself admitted that he was wrong for what he did in front of media yesterday!!

mani4Tennis
, 1/16/12 11:50 AM


Link please!

I have posted his today's presser link above ..you can read!!

@zare
your views lack objectivity and reflect your ignorance about tennis issues. cutting the atp schedule will surely negatively affect the lower ranked players who need the smaller tournaments to rise up the rankings and earn a living at the expense of the selfish top players. Top players like the grumpy Rafa should emulate Federer by sticking to a tournament schedule that does not put unwanted strain on the body to achieve longevity. Small minds will always cry foul!!

mani4Tennis
, 1/16/12 11:56 AM

This is how you post a link:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/tennis/rafael-nadal-has-no- plans-to-say-sorry-to-roger-federer/story-fn77kxzt-1226245861572

In other words: regret speaking to the press about my views but no intention of apologiisng to Roger.

I love me this new Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q. Do you plan to speak to Roger soon to try to explain what you meant yesterday, maybe to apologize?

RAFAEL NADAL: No. You know, what I said I said. I feel sorry for say that, especially to you. Because when I say that, I have to say him personally. But that's it. Forget.


That doesn't mean Rafa doesn't believe in his cause, it's just that he should have told Roger to his face.

Well I hope he says it to Roger's face, because he needs to be told how selfish he is.

nadline
your hate speech continues and further exposes your stupidity.... think before you post!

Q. Have you had a chance to speak to Roger, following your comments yesterday, regarding the problems on the tour?
RAFAEL NADAL: No. But, anyway, probably yesterday what I said I said. Probably I am wrong telling that to you, especially because these things can stay, must stay in the locker room.
I always had fantastic relationship with Roger. I still have fantastic relationship with Roger. That's what should be, in my opinion. Don't create crazy histories about what I said yesterday, please.
Just I said, because, you know, we can have different views about how the tour need to work. That's all.

Q. Did the top four players get together on Sunday after the players' meeting on Saturday?
RAFAEL NADAL: No.

Q. Do you plan to speak to Roger soon to try to explain what you meant yesterday, maybe to apologize?
RAFAEL NADAL: No. You know, what I said I said. I feel sorry for say that, especially to you. Because when I say that, I have to say him personally. But that's it. Forget.
I do not talk anymore. During the two weeks, you can try very hard to asking me a lot of things. Yesterday, you know, I started, and I say I don't want to talk anymore about this. Finally I talked to much as usual. That's not gonna happen again.
I advise all of you. You can try hard, but I gonna talk about tennis. If I am here two weeks, if I am here two days, I gonna have less work.

read the entire part!!

^^^^^And your point is?

Rafa hasn't said he doesn't believe in what he said all he said was that he shouldn't have said it publicly, and he doesn't intend to apologise to Roger.

BTW ..

Rafa himself admitted that he was wrong for what he did in front of media yesterday!!

His opinion may be right or wrong but the way he projected was clearly wrong.

and i hope his knees are fine becoz if at any stage of tournament he losses then his fanbase will be more than ready to prove it that it was due to injury!!

mani4Tennis , 1/16/12 11:50 AM


Even i have said that!!

Yes, Rafa knows Fed and his fans have paper thin egos and were hurt by his publicly stating the truth!

The truth? They can't handle the truth! (To paraphrase Colonel Jessop)....................

Goodness me, tennis has already started and we're still here discussing about what happened during the players meeting or whatever. So Rafa has spoken, then Davy and then Sam. Why not wait for the rest to speak and get a better idea what the players want and agreed upon?

Rafa was not the only one criticizing Fed, Davy did too. Sam remained neutral. Let's wait for others to speak and stop speculating any more.

Remain true to yourself Rafa..........none of this perfect corporate image clap-trap................

You are not perfect, that's why we love you.

Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TT is really goind down in flames.

When posters come here just to insult others and don't add anything meaningful to the discussion.

Not that I care what a desperate needy individual writes here every now and then.

But it saddens me to see such people. You have my commiserations jean. I pity you.

His opinion may be right or wrong but the way he projected was clearly wrong.
mani4Tennis , 1/16/12 11:50 AM


So what are you going to do about it, sue Rafa?

And goodness mani, you better worry for Fed and hope he doesn't use his back problem as an excuse when he lose. Unlike you, I'm not going to wish that Fed breeze through the draw. Judging from his first match, I think he won't.

ritb @ 1.12pm - I could not have put it better myself. Rafa is outspoken which a lot of people do not appreciate - I for one admire him for it. There are a lot of people who like to sit on the fence and let others do the hard work for them - easy way out I guess.

jean - there is absolutely no need for personal insults. Bleck's posts are perfectly fine.

tennismania, do you know what Rafa proposes about the schedule? He was proposing shortening the tennis calendar for the regular tour, however the smaller ATP 250 events can continue right through till the end of the season, so that lower ranked players can choose to play in them if the wish to make some money and earn some ranking points; that way all players will be happy, whether you're top players or low ranked players. I think that's a good proposal for all the players, except that maybe some tournament organisers or sponsors won't be happy about the changed time slots of their tournaments.

Please stop criticizing Rafa when you're not sure about what he proposes. I personally like what Rafa proposes except that it may be a bit complicated to implement. I think it's unlikely that it'll come through, not to mention cutting down the mandatory events for the top thirty or fifty players. It's no wonder Rafa wants to step down from the vice president post, disillusioned I think.

It's brave of Rafa to speak out for the players and openly criticize Fed, who IMO, always want to be the good guy, who's always not willing to offend the ATP guys, the sponsors or whoever. Even though Rafa may have spoken too openly about his displeasure about Fed, at least he's not the only one showing that, now that Davy started speaking about it too. More to come from other players maybe.

Davy also told that he does not want to shorten the season by this way he also contradicted with nadal opinion and you are here only mentioning that he contradicts with fed only ..
Read the whole thing!!

Querry is the member on the player council so if he is staying neutral means things are not that big and nadal are exaggerating.


IMO most player may be agreed with prize money distribution and regarding calendar they have different opinion

Slams are not the member of ATP so that would be very tough to pursue them to increase the prize money!!




o

Thank you cheryl.
Even though I didn't read jean's second post only read the first to which I replied.

Matters were left behind closed doors for years and nothing was done, since Rafa and Murray started speaking out, they've shortened the season by one week and revised the rules regarding mandatory 500s.

As usual, the trick is for Management to make the staff representative alright then he starts siding with them and nothing is achieved for the rest of the work force. It's an age old trick. Make sure the president of the players committee has plenty of rest time between matches and hand pick his draw then he can block the rest of the players demands by saying everything is fine.

Federer even said at the USO after the debacle of asking Rafa and Murray to play in the rain, that there was no need for a roof, even though whichever one of them made the final would have had to cram more matches in than they had days, because of course, he always played first so even if caught up with rain, he'd still have room to manoeuvre. Yes Roger, we'll make sure you play first whichever half of the draw you are in so you'll have one more day of rest than your opponent if you make the final.

I hope the players have now seen his true colours and will stop voting for him for the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. That is if it's decided on the players' votes. Of course the nominees are selected by management. It's not as if all players are entered and the player with the most number of votes gets it. The nominees are usually Federer plus a couple of also rans, so he surely gets the highest number of votes.

....so he surely gets the highest number of votes.

nadline , 1/16/12 2:28 PM


why would they chose Fed most of the times if he does not deserve that !!

Players can chose whomever they want it's their vote not yours.

Well good for Nadal for speaking his mind. It's a pleasant change from the usual humility and constant pressure deflection. 'My opponent is playing better than me. I just try my best and see what happens.' (except he has 10 GS and is nO.2 in the world :))

I recall several articles over the past few years on this site in which posters say things to the effect 'Fed should keep his arrogant opinions to himself.' etc. when he makes comments about the tour.

Well it doesn't matter. To some people here, their heroes can do no wrong, and their rivals can do nothing right.

Why on earth would anyone ranked below the top 10 or 20 want the 2 year ranking system? If you think about it, you will see the aging Federer would benefit in such a system himself as he will probably be winning fewer tournmeants now, and could keep his ranking higher for a longer period. But he still doesn't support it.

I am sure there is some grand conspiracy theory about why the 'tennis establishment' wants to prevent a 2 year ranking system.

lol. again Nadal's ego. arrogant and smug.


nadal performing EX how many times?


He is doing many games for money. except for a tournament. But a complain of a schedule is made?


A arrogant hypocrite.

shame

and his arrogant, annoying blind fans



as always.

sucks

Theres nothing new here, each represent their interests.

Nadal, Djokovic, Murray... all of them have a really physical style of game, and of course, this hard calendar really hurts them.

On the other side, Roger is the one of the few players that doesn't really rely on the physical part of the game for playing well, so of course, he doesn't give too much on all this cause.

I'm on Roger's side here. If Nadal's knees suffer this hard calendar, then well, fight for it, but don't pretend that other players that doesn't play like you go and stick with your ideals.

I'm never Roger Federer's fanatic fan. Many favorite player in me.
Roger is the 1st place of a favorite player whom a tennis fan chooses for nine consecutive years. record.

And the sportsmanship prize which ATP players choose? is won 7 times. records.

It is a simple fact.

rafaisthebest.. this is Typical Nadal's arrogant annoying blind fan. too ego

shame on you

My guess is that most of the players have no idea what Roger and his team allow to go on at RF.com. That's why he wins the Edberg Award. I can't imagine him winning if the other players ever visited there.

As for the lower-ranked players, isn't it possible that they would like more prize money so that they would not have to play as often? Therefore, isn't it possible that they agree with Rafa? As I said on the other thread, it is very possible that Federer does not want to rock the boat, although he may agree in principle with what the others are advocating.

"My guess is that most of the players have no idea what Roger and his team allow to go on at RF.com."


The award is called the "Stefan Edberg SPORTSMANSHIP Award" for something. It's about the players not their fans lol. And even then Roger fans certainly are more civil than nadal's globally speaking.

It's much sad that the award had to be tarnished when nadal, somehow, won it.
(dubious medical time outs, coaching during matches,... = gamesmanship).

And why do you even go to the site when you're not a Roger fan. Are you masochistic?

Everyone uses some amount of gamesmanship. These are very, very competitive men with competitive families. I am sure there are lots of parents now forcing their kids to play left handed, in the off chance they become competitive tennis players one day.

Murray has his 'come ons!' on his opponents mistakes (saying it before the ball even lands out), Nadal obviously the little things he does which can annoy an opponent, the grunting, the time between points, fist pumping. Djokovic is actually pretty good apart from the chest pumping once in a while and the 15 bounces. Fed wins the sportsmanship award because I think generally most of the players don't find him to be an annoying person to pay against, which is why he wins that award (which they vote on, but do no nominate?)

Nadal appears to me to be a really nice guy, a likeable person who does a lot of nice things, charity work, etc, but yes he engages in gamesmanship. Uncle Toni is the master actually. I think he called Murray the favourite to beat Nadal in every semi final they played in last year.

Bleck, we could argue all day long, but Roger is not always gracious. His website alone is proof of that. His interviews after losses also prove he is not always a gracious sportsman. Other athletes do not allow bashing of rivals to occur on their official websites. Roger and/ or his team not only allow it, but seem to encourage it. Things are apparently so bad on Roger's website, that they have to have a so-called nice area where no Nadal bashing is allowed. My point is that the bashing shouldn't be allowed in the first place, therefore there would be no need to have a "nice" area.

I don't belong to Roger's site. I do know what goes on there, however. Roger and/or his team apparently think that just because the site requires membership to view the forums that what goes on there does not leak out to the internet. Stuff does leak out, and many people who are not members of RF.com do know what goes on. Unless and until Roger cleans up his website and starts being gracious even when he loses, I will never believe that he deserves a sportsmanship award.

I will add, and then I must go, that I don't think that Roger is an evil person. He's probably quite likeable on a personal level, maybe even a bit goofy at times. For all his accomplishments, however, Roger does seem to have insecurities and not handle losses well at all. He has a history of not giving credit to his opponents after he loses and of belittling the accomplishments of others. From "a bit of light" to "he always does the same thing" to claiming that winning Rome, Madrid, and Monte Carlo in one year don't really mean anything, Roger has shown he has a less-than-gracious side. There are other examples I could bring up, but I have work to get to.

That nadal fans are arrogant and blind.

in famous tennis forum. Nadal is the 1st disagreeable player sometimes. It is? many of his noisy annoying troublesome styles which Nadal has clearly, and his fan's arrogant is the cause.

nadal actually makes ugly gamesmanship the custom in the game.

And, nadal continued lose to Novak now. he is ill-humored now. nadal criticized how to be pleased with Novak who won the victory in Madrid. Although Nadal's usual annoying noisiness is same from Novak in fact. shame.

Or, earlier than expected exit at the ATP Finals, again again . "I had a little bit less passion for the game probably because I was a little bit more tired than usual,"
said Nadal. excuse as always.

should be get to know those facts

Djokovic, Federer are really nice guy. also too many charity work, etc.

Other players are also nice guy, too

250 tournaments are not mandatory. Nobody is complaining that those are the problem, and lower ranked players are free to play as many of them as they like to make their living. But fans don't often come to watch the lower ranked players, they want to see the top players. How bad is it to spend money and plan a trip around a tournament because 3 or 4 of your favorite top ranked players are in it, only to find out that not only have 2 of them pulled out, but 1 also had to retire early on from injury? There are too many mandatory tournaments over too long a time period, and that needs to be changed.

Folks- Though I am a Rafa fan, I liked the way Roger approached hs presser. He in fact said Rafa may be frustrated with the politics and earlier he used to just say ok to what Roger says (maybe in awe) but today he is grown up and has his strong opinions and wants to do things for betterment of tour. He even said he likes talking and discussing with Rafa because he brings many different and diverse opinions.Both guys have said difference of opinion wont change their relatonship at all and that is good. Even Rafa has said he shoudn't have spoken in press as an after thought and may have done in the heat of the moment , so now both are willing to put it behind them, let us also not beat it to death.

Q. I'm sure you would have been made aware of some of the things that Rafael Nadal said in here yesterday. You could call it criticism of you, perhaps. Certainly the comments were quite outspoken. In those circumstances, do you have any response to what I'm sure you've been told he said?

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, I kind of heard it, you know. I saw him after he said the comments Sunday was it, I guess? I saw him Sunday afternoon. I asked him how the press went. I didn't know he spoke to the press.

He said, Yeah, it was fine. Mentioned a few things here and there. I was, Okay, whatever. Then I read the comments. So things are fine between us, you know. I have no hard feelings towards him.

It's been a difficult last few months in terms of politics within the ATP, I guess, trying to find a new CEO and chairman. That can get frustrating sometimes.

He's mentioned many times how he gets a bit tired and frustrated through the whole process, and I shared that with him. It's normal. But for me, obviously nothing changes in terms of our relationship. I'm completely cool and relaxed about it. He seemed the same way or at least I hope so.



Q. It's fair to say you have differing views in terms of what should happen.

ROGER FEDERER: You want to know the issues or?

Q. He said you've got one view and the others have got something else.

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I think that's normal. We can't always agree on everything. So far it's always been no problem really. Back in the day he used to say, Whatever Roger decides, I'm fine with.

Today he's much more grown up. He has a strong opinion himself, which I think is great. It's what we need, especially on the council. It's been nice working with him.

That he has a strong opinion also creates sometimes good arguments about where you want to move the sport forward to.

You know, we talked about that in London after we played at midnight before, I don't know, my semifinal match. We called each other after Davis Cup, and then we met again here.

So we're always constantly trying to get on the same page, or at least talking about it, so we can do the best for the sport. That's at the end of the day both our goals.

Q. Specifically are you willing to talk about the point that possibly you sometimes stand outside the process, maybe not getting behind some of the top 100 players, or does that come back to the differences in points of view, for example, pushing for changes to prize money, things like that?

ROGER FEDERER: I was in the meeting, you know. I completely understand and support the players' opinions. I just have a different way of going at it. I'm not discussing it with you guys in the press room. It creates unfortunately sometimes negative stories.

I think we've done really well over the years now since me and Rafa in particular have joined the council, and also Novak in the past. And when Adam led the ATP, I think we had a really calm relationship about politics and about, you know, dealing with you guys.

So I choose not to talk about those issues with you guys. That doesn't mean I don't support the players. I think of the players first. Usually when I take decisions, I think of the lowerranked players first. I hope they know that.

Otherwise I wouldn't be sitting on the council, just trying to do what's best for the top guys. I mean, I've been around for too long to just say, Okay, we need more stuff for the top guys. I'm very happy if the lowerranked players are doing better, too.

Q. Do you disagree with the concept of a strike in principle, or do you just think it wouldn't work?

ROGER FEDERER: You know, it's such a dangerous word to use. That's why I always say, Let's try to avoid it as much as we can, right? I think that would be the best for all of us: you guys, fans, tournaments, players. It's not good for anyone really. We've seen it in other sports happening in the States. That's why I'm always very careful about it.

If there's no avoiding it, I'll support the rest of the players. But I just think we have to think it through how we do it, if we do it, can we do it, whatever it is, instead of just going out and screaming about it. That's not how I think you're going to get results.

There's been too many tries and too many things done in the past that haven't worked. That's where I just think we're on the right track and things are under control, I think. I'm confident we'll get to a good solution in the near future.

Of course Fed can say all these in a relaxed manner. The fact that some players are so vocal in calling for changes means they've already reach their tolerance limits. If they're not going to take action now then when? When some or most of them retired? I don't think the players genuinely want a strike, I believe they just want to protest and show their frustration. Perhaps by being so vocal in their protest, the negotiation process may speed up. Fed's way of doing, while amicable, would take ages to proceed or succeed. The players don't seem patient enough to wait for that.

Well enough of all these discussion, it gets us nowhere. We might as well concentrate on the tennis matches at this AO. Let's see how Nole and Murray will do tomorrow.

I am surprised that tennisnba has been allowed to run riot with the never ending diatrade on nearly all the threads on TT. It is like de ja vous from the "Fleur" era. Poor Jean got smacked on the wrist for very little when you compare it to this.

Well it seems that the players have been depending on Roger's methods for change for quite a while now, and have gotten no where. I think the players (including Rafa) behaved like sheep following their herder in the hopes of greener pastures. They now understand that their leader, whether for personal gain, or for what he perceives to be the larger interest of the players, is not going to push for the kind of change the players want. He talks the talk as if he really wants to make things right, but he doesn't walk the walk. He's a little like the wise and powerful Oz hiding behind the screen. In time this will all unfold and the truth will be known. I do think Roger knows the jig is up. One thing for sure, there was only one other player who could possibly criticize Federer and be deemed somewhat credible, and that's Nadal, but even he is taking a beating. Writers like Bodo and Tignor basically calling Rafa a liar and an upstart. It's hard to find writers to respect in this business. If they had written with a teeny tiny bit of neutrality recognizing that maybe they didn't know all the ins and outs of the issues themselves their articles would be worth reading, but their bias, sometimes subtle, is mostly obvious and always favors Roger. And as Bodo has said, nothing new there.

Bleck - Davy said he didn't support shortening the schedule, but he didn't say anything about the majority. Is it possible that even though Davy didn't support the schedule change that the majority of the council did?

What kills me is so many tennis writers insinuating Rafa is basically lieing.

Gosh, I CANNOT stand Roger Federer. I hope he and Rafa both reach the semis and Rafa smacks his behind.................send him running back to Switzerland to double count his millions with his fund manager................

So as I expected...
Roger's interview:
" Blaah...blaah...blahh.....
..It's been a difficult last few months in terms of politics within the ATP, I guess, trying to find a new CEO and chairman. That can get frustrating sometimes....
...blaah...blaah..."
So we can see clearly where ExFed's worries are... and whose interest are important for him... and yes...LOL...he support the players...
Well done job Mirka... well done :))

Well said Maya. What brought all this to a head was at the USO when they sent Rafa, Murray & Co to go out and play in the rain so that they could keep their timetable on track. At that time, Federer was asked if he thought they should have a roof, i.e a wet weather plan and he said he didn't think it was necessary. Of course, he always starts first so rain delays don't really affect him because he always has time to spare.

Saying Federer is a self centered jerk is like saying water is wet. I'm sorry Fed fans, but that's the way it is. He's only nice A) to his friends and B) when he wins.

Thanks for posting Roger's presser, Sanju. I think he was pretty nice on the whole. Are the moderators off for the holiday? I don't understand why anyone is allowed to post the same venomous comments over and over. Those comments add nothing to the discussion.

Well said, Bharata, 1/16/12 2:45 PM: "To some people here, their heroes can do nothing wrong, and their rivals can do nothing right." Couldn't have said it better! :))

I agree with schatz about letting this troll tennisnba clutter up all the topic threads with the same trashy, vile comments. They should be deleted.

This person is not contributing to the discussion of tennis, only posting the same insults over and over on several topic threads. It disrupts our attempt to have a real discussion about the tennis.

tennisnba is absolutely like his idol... thinks like a baby, cries like a baby....

Rafa fans no need to worry..... recently Roger said that he was used to play with pain, and right in the next tournament he pulled out because of back injury... his words will kick him back.... just wait and see...

"Rafa fans no need to worry..... recently Roger said that he was used to play with pain, and right in the next tournament he pulled out because of back injury... his words will kick him back.... just wait and see..."

So nadal fans don't need to worry because Roger will have trouble/problems. That's just the way a anti federer thinks not a nadal fan I would like to think.

What you should be worried about is djokovic who seems to be in ominous form and about nadal's knee pain, if there's any truth to it.

Stop hating on Roger and start worrying about nadal.

Why are you guys rowing about who said what? Why aren't you watching tennis matches.
Agree about tennis'nba though, proper trolling...grr

bleck, what do you mean 'if there's any truth to it'? Shall we question Fed's bad back too? Is Fed preparing for an excuse for his loss here? He learnt his lesson well at Wimbledon 2010, didn't he?

Why are you always the one who start all these insults towards Rafa?

Interview was all class, how calm, gentle and true legend.
Let dogs bark at this ever shining moon.

"Shall we question Fed's bad back too?" Roger retired from the doha semis so I would guess he isn't faking it.

As for the knee, it's just that nadal has had so many issues and he played at, what seemed, 100% monday that sometimes I wonder if his injuries are as serious as his camp puts it.

^^^^^Does the same apply to Roger with the mono and back issues.

People who are inclined not to tell the truth cannot understand that not everyone tells lies. They are judging others by their own low standards.

^^^^^^hear, hear

You're not talking about me, are you? I know you're not, just checking.

Roger has had a couple of problems during his career so far, nadal has injury problems almost every other tournament.

In 2008 Roger had a mild case of mono which clearly affected his level of play.

As for the back just check the average serve speed of any given match where Roger was struggling you'll notice the difference.

So the fundamental difference is when Roger is injured or has an issue he either not plays the tournament or you see a dip on his level (not that Roger has played badly when 100%, has happened a lot of times).
Nadal is often injured but plays like he is 100% which is strange really.

^^^^^^^zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

bleck, Rafa doesn't always play at 100%. Its obvious to his fans though people like you choose to ignore and pretend that he's at 100% all the time. Wimbledon 2011 for example, after he injured his foot during his match with Delpo, his movement was obviously hampered when he had to run towards his forehand corner and so he sometimes shank or overhit his forehand.

It is normal for sportsmen or athletes to sometimes feel pain here and there, even ordinary people like us sometimes feel pain here and there too without knowing whats the cause for the pain. Rafa is known to have troublesome knees, so even if he doesn't know the cause for the pain this time, that doesn't mean that the pain is not real. He mentioned that he's also puzzled by this pain but after a few games in the match, he felt his knee was OK.

He may be a paranoid where injury is concerned but his critics are even bigger paranoids, that they have to view each injury with suspicion. What good does it make for Rafa to announce his injury, when his opponents would be alerted to it and would capitalize on that? If not for the strapping, no one would know of the injury.

If I want to be skeptical, I'll also question Fed's back problem, just like some people questioning Nole's retirement against Murray at Cincy. Why give Fed the benefit of doubt but not the others? After all isn't there the myth that Fed seldom get injured? Isn't there the myth that Rafa always get injured, so why question Rafa's injury now, since almost everyone is saying his playing style will lead to many injuries? Why twist and turn to suit your own agenda?

bleck, I am referring to all those who constantly accuse Rafa of faking injury, they know who they are so if the red cap fits, wear it.

Did everyone not predit that Rafa's body would pack up at the age of 25, are his frequent injuries not what is to be expected now that he is 25?

Oh, again Nada's arrogant fans

haha

So, I someone should calculate.

how many EX of Nadal, and the performance fee paid to him. too many

Nadal never have the qualification, for telling a schedule grumble.


This guy is selfish always. Nadal also asserts two-years-ranking.

And, also this same, the chairman's Roger Federer and other players are opposing. This ranking is obstructive clearly for young player's growth.


Nadal always thinks of himself only. Nadal is a player who has ego in ranking, money, and pride most.

And his fan is always fanatic and blindness.



Nadal should retire early.

sorry. "someone should calculate. "

I think, maybe Roger lost in QF or SF. I just hope Novak kicks nadal again in 2012. lol

I think, maybe Roger lost in QF or SF. I just hope Novak kicks nadal again in 2012. lol

Oh dear! cheryl :0

This arrogant little cheater has more lives than a cat! No matter the name, the No.1 poster of garbage is always the same.

should blame nadal's fan arrogant and annoying and blind. shame

Have you noticed that when Federer fans (not all, but far to many) have nothing relevant to say they always fall back on the old childish rhetoric. Nadal cheat, Nadal arrogant, Nadal selfish. All of a sudden your stuck in eight year old playground conversation. Sticks and stones tennisba/arrogantcheatNadal and bleck. Sticks and stones.

nadal and nadal fan are self centered jerk. and arrogant and smug. as always.

Results: Most Annoying Fanbase. 1st. nadatards 50.80%. congrats

Maya, What a cheap shot to put me together with tennisnba and arrogantcheatNadal.

I come here to discuss tennis. If you don't agree with me or like the points I make it's fine with me.
Just don't insult my intelligence please.


Don't be like jean that got his posts deleted because instead of trying to discuss or make a point was just attacking other posters, in this case me. Attacking other posters also seems pretty childish to me.

And obviously I have to agree with you that the posts by arrogantcheatNadal should be deleted as they don't bring anything to the table much like your last post.

^^^^Anyone would think that you come here just to attack Rafa which is what you and tenniwhatever and the other one have in common.

bleck's comments are only a step or two above those of tennisba and arrogantcheat. From what I've read most of his comments are simply attacks on Nadal with few, if any, facts to back them up.

^^^Exactly Fanfan. The three of them are singing from the same hymn sheet, not much to separate them.

You are right on the money Fanfan/Nadline.