Federer is taking 2 months off to figure out with his team, again, how to beat Rafa. He's tried hiring Paul Anacone, when that didn't work, he manipulated the enforcement of the 25 secs rule but Rafa still took him out at the first time of asking and didn't even get a time violation warning.

What's Rogie going to come up with next, banning all Spanish islanders from playing on the tour until he retires?

Getting the draws more heavily rigged. The schedules are already heavily rigged in his favor.

The duo at it again. They cannot sleep without pouring scorn on Roger. Continue with that and be happy!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure the two months will help his back, but seeing how Andy's come out looking like an undercooked chicken, am not sure how useful a long break, at the peak tennis playing season is.
Unless he's more or less giving the clay season a rest and putting all his efforts into Wimbledon, where, let's face it, he does have more chance.

Wait, does Federer need to train? I thought he managed on talent alone? No muscles, no practice. Just sheer talent, right?

stop your venom holdserve, thats enuf.

Those who dish it out in buckets cannot take even a teaspoon of their own medicine.

fed gets his deserved break after playing more than 1000 singles atp matches. he needs some time off to heal his injured back. he wasn't 100% lately.

I almost feel sorry for the Fed groupies. The writing is on the wall. They are having to come to terms with the fact that at some point in the not so far distant future he will walk away into the sunset. And then what will the poor things do?

There are very few Fed fans or fans of other players. Most people in any site fall into two categories, Rafa fans and Rafa haters. So as long as Rafa plays, the "poor things" will have plenty to say or do.

^^^Got it in one. In fact no Rafa no tennis blogs.

Right!

@ Nadline and Holdserve.......hahaha!!!

Com'on guys..........very funny..........but dont be like that! Do not prod the ants nest........you know that all eyes are on Rafa today and if he loses..............

See how much venon was spouted at Rafa just for winning his match against Fed!! So please, let the beasts lie!


Hope Roger gets all the rest he needs and he recovers fully just as we would like Rafa to.

I'm not surprised to see the ugly sisters (nadline + holdserve) here once again Fed bashing. It's quite common around so I'm not sure why the rest of you are surprised.

It was quite apparent Fed did not have the best opening to the season, so it's better to move on and get back to training.

Fed has to defend his win at Madrid. So he can't afford to just write off the clay season. He has to take the time off to deal with the back issue. He also has to defend Wimbledon. Every great champion has to get old. That's just the reality. Fed will have to deal with it like all the others. He hasn't looked good even before the back flared up again.

I agree with Monalysa in not wanting to stir up a hornet's nest. Rafa beat him easily and that should be enough for his fans.

Lighten up people!