federer in straight sets
7-5,7-6

it will be a slug-fest 76 76 or 76 46 75 for fed.
He has faced Fish last in 2008 and Fish is a much improved player, i lover Fish's forehand cross court, gets superb angles and pace.

Deuce #8 in third game of the match ... whoops, now 9!

Fish takes the first set ... bit surprising, Roger had lots of break point chances.

I am so angry at Mr. Federer. He single-handedly lost that first set. Tsk tsk Rog. Yes Fish served well there on some points, but Fed became somewhat sleepy in the middle of that set. Shame ...

Even though Roger has lifted the second set tie-break, I marvel at the pre-match view that this was his for the taking. Mardy may not have a masters level title to his name but he has the experience of a final here and anyway he beat Roger the last time they met on US hard courts. Roger has taken a long, long time to pull level here today. Anything can happen in a third set and I have a sneaking suspicion it'll favour the home-grown talent.

Playing like this, I wonder where Ricky got his over confidence that Fed will clinch the US Open this year.

I still think Federer will win in the end.

Lots of players have lifted their game and are becoming very competitive against the top players.

yippeee Fed wins .. but it was a slugfest reminiscent to the Andy Vs Fed final in Wimby ...

Very even match, but congratulations to Fed for winning it.

The trophy looks like something you can pick up at a garden centre.

Fed wins in the end. That's the difference between great players n good players, great players always find a way to raise their game when needed and somehow get a win. There is no doubt that Fed is the favorite to win this match, Fish is simply not in the same league as Fed and he falters at crucial moments of the match.

Are we seeing the Fed of 2007 again, where he reached the final at Montreal(lost to Nole), won Cincy and then went on to win the USO? This year's NA hard court season turns out looking rather similar to that of 2007. With this win, Fed looks like the hot favorite to win the USO again, maybe he'll get his 17th slam at Flushing Meadows this year.

Murray may be one of the favorites but he sometimes had problems gettting past the first few rounds of the slams. Rafa, unless he improves within the next two three weeks, I don't see him getting past the Semi, or even the QF, let alone winning. Can't imagine him facing Davy, Nalby, or even Berdych/Sod/ Fish at the USO playing the way he played now with his shanking backhand, he'll have no chance of winning. I hope Rafa/Murray/Nole step it up at the USO and give Fed a good fight. If not it may be an easy path for Fed to win his 17th slam!

congrats to all the fans of federer
now he is definitely the favourite to win the US open

Pretty boring match. Federer's returning was awful. Lets see how he performs at the USO.

Murray and Nadal are over him as favourites in my opinion, though.

Roger was really good today. He was focused and kept the match at a high level at all time. Playing the Rogers Cup Final, and winning Cincinnati puts him probably exactly where he wants to be (the nearest to perfection) for the US OPEN. No doubt Roger is the fav to win the "US OPEN" now. He looks physically, mentally, and spiritually ready. Great tennis FED! Keep it UP man! See you at the US OPEN! C'MON!!! :)

Emiliano55, what are you talking about. Nadal and Murray over him as favourites, doesn't make any sense.

Lets look at the last two masters events shall we:

Murray: WINNER Toronto, QF Cincinnati
Nadal: SEMI Tornoto, QF Cincinnati
Fedeer: RUNNER UP Toronto, WINNER Cincinnati

Fed has the best form going into the US Open, and won the other hard court slam in Australia. You're opinion doesn't hold up.

Although I will point out that I was disappointed with Fed's topspin back hand today, lot of shanks, something he'll know he'll need to work on prior to NY. That particular shot was awesome in Australia, he'll know what to do I'm sure.

eelesino, the win is all that matters. Congratulations to Roger on yet another title to his name. What Rafa (and rafans like me) wouldn't give for a trip to the garden centre right now, eh nadline?

However, eelesino, I agree with Emiliano. Be honest here: many of Roger's bad recent habits came rushing back today. He had an excellent semi-final against Marcos, but today's play should give him pause for thought.

In particular, I think his concentration levels have dropped considerably since his halcyon period of 2004-6. Roger himself has talked this weekend of his poor return rate and an inability to close out his own service games and matches generally.

Of course Roger has a good chance to win USO. But nothing can be taken for granted nowadays. And by the way, let's not forget that Andy Murray placed in the finals at LA - does this make him the winner of the summer series ahead of Roger...?

Congratulations to Fed and his fans on defending his Cincy title and tieing Wilander's record. Fed will have a boost of confidence going into the USO.

Ricky, congrats to you too, you should be on Mount Olympus by now, jumping for joy!

To be realistic, Fed did not have to play this tournament like the other players. He was very rested, and it showed in his match vs. Baghdatis, where his concentration was good, however, today, he began feeling the stress of playing three days in a row = dip in concentration which manifested itself in mental lapses.

I give Fish a lot of credit for his perseverance, because he had to play 5 matches to get to the final and beat 3 top 10 players. That's by no means an easy feat.

I believe Fed's mental lapses are a result of physical fatigue, and when the fatigue sets in, then the mental lapses occur. And, with the mental lapses, comes the UEs. It's a domino effect. It's natural for the three to go hand-in-hand. Fed's no different from any other human being in that respect.

I don't think anybody is taking anything for granted gorafago. Roger is favoured, that's all. :)

Good point Von - I think you're on to something there. To be fair, it's inevitable - after all, if it weren't, we'd still be looking at all those Aussies from the 60s out there vying for the titles with Borg, Mac and Lendl week in, week out! It'll happen to Rafa sooner or later, too.

By the way, compliments to Mardy Fish who is looking very trim these days. Maybe he should write up his recipes - and give a copy to Marcos post-haste, ha-ha!

gorafago: If I might add, you mentioned that some of Fed's bad habits came rushing back. That's normal. Athletes play by rote, which is a human trait and instinctual. This is the reason why the bad habits return, and it's similar to us, when we are pushed, we panic, and we revert to our bad behaviours.

As an example, some people curse when they are angry, and make a mental note and/or resolve not to do that once the anger is past. However, when they are in a situation that makes them very angry again, what happens, they instinctively curse. That's the point I'm trying to make, that with tiredness, mental lapses will occur when reaching a saturation point. In sum, Fed's only human.

That is so right, Von - and of course, the longer a player's been out there, the more we can spot these things. I might say that in the semi we noted his strengths (and for the first time in quite a while at that) whereas in the final it was the weaknesses - though these were ultimately outweighed by his strengths.

Well, well, well. So a fresh, rested Roger managed to beat a tired No.35 ranked player in a masters final - just. And now he is being talked up as having practically won the USO in advance.

Federer has nothing to be proud about after that win other than he has added more silverware to his cabinet.

The hero of that final was Mardy who kept it competitive right to the wire against the overwhelmingly more experienced Roger.

congrats fed fans....

......added more silverware to his cabinet.

Correction: Have just seen the hideous flower vase - wherever did they find that!

Nadlne you were right. It was picked up in an end of season sale at a garden centre :)
Makes the tin plates dished out in Madrid look positively tasteful. But you have to admit the baby pink of Roger's shirt looks quite fetching against the colouring of the vase. Perhaps he chose that colour with the trophy in mind!!

ed251137, bitter much? Maybe you should have asked Federer to run some laps before the match in blistering heat so things would be more equal for you? Thr trophy is a trophy, not matter how fugly.

Sanela, there's really no need to call ed on his transparent bitterness. No doubt, every player there wanted to win the garden urn. So when your favourite player doesn't win it, or a player you cannot stand does*, then it's understandable that we might lean on a psychological crutch and tell ourselves that the trophy looks hideous as a means of dealing with the immediate aftermath of the result. As such ed's response is entirely to be expected from a certain number of fans, whether they post about it or not.

*For the record, my personal position is the former and not the latter - sorry Rafa didn't do it this week, but no bitterness towards Roger and all congratulations to him on yet another prize. And now: FM...


VAMOSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks gorfago :}
Yes, I immediately regreted responding to ed's post, since it is not useful at all in the end.
The best of luck to all the players, hopefully they all bring their A-games to the USO and make it an interesting grand slam!!!

I dont know what gives the impression I was bitter about Federer winning? What I do feel bitter about is the lack of recognition for Mardy's role in what proved to be a far more exciting final than was anticipated. I had fully expected Roger would win. What surprised me was that he made quite heavy weather of doing so and I was irritated that that fact was largely ignored both by his fan club and most of the commentators.

And Sanela: My reference to a fresh Federer versus a weary Fish were perfectly valid. You cannot deny Roger had an easy ride last week. He himself admitted after the match he had found the heat difficult to deal with on Sunday.

As for my comment on the trophy and RF's pink shirt -that was just a bit of fun. People on TT who know me, know I have a habit of making tongue in cheek remarks. But I would wager a bet it will not have pride of place in Roger's display!!!!

Personally, I think Fish will win the US Open, screw all y'all. GO FISH! Heh, I love saying that.

Honestly, though, I think Fish has a better chance of wining than Nadal. This is the time for Nadal's annual fade-out and I haven't seen any evidence to suggest that it will be any different this year. Sorry. :(

-Arvis

In support of ed., Fed had six hours on court b4 final, mostly played at night, whereas Fishy had 14. Must be jammiest rout to a master's final ever! Mind you, Fishy had a bit of luck too...

Yes, deuce, Fish had some luck, due to the rain. Roddick was up a set and a break, then the rain came, and it threw off Andy's serve. He was leading in the tie-break, but I have a feeling that tiredness had begun setting in, and once that happens, a break in play, makes it worse, as it's difficult to shake off that kind of tiredness and come out blasting again. After Andy lost the breaker, it was obvious he was deflated, and he didnt seem to care anymore = fish wins.

All in all, Andy had a good run at Cincy, better than I expected, due to the mono, and I'm glad he's back in the top 10 again.

Yes credit where credit is due. Fish played really well. In fact I'm surprised that it took Fed so long to break Fish's serve and needed three tight sets to put away Fish.

There are two sides to a coin, depending which side you look at it. The fact that Fish was able to take Fed the distance said a lot about not only Fish but also Fed. Fed needs to tidy up some parts of his game too if he wants to win the USO. He is still the hot favorite but players like Fish/Berdych/Baggy and of course Nole/Murray can cause him all sorts of problems too, judging from how close they took Fed in their recent matches. I'm sure a well rested Baggy would make Fed go the distance instead of losing easily in straight sets.

Von: hi! Yes, Andy R also just recovering from mono too. Do you read Andy's twitter? Often hillarious. Against Andy M, Fishy apparently got a very "lucky" line call, plus Andy also suffering heat exhaustion, only just lost. Am very cheered. I used to disagree with you re "luck" but now I've changed my mind, there are certainly times.... :(

duece hi: unfortunately, no, I don't follow Andy R's twitter. You'd think I would, but I'm embarassed to say, that I'm not at all twitter savvy nor computer savvy.I struggle big time with technology. I have heard that he's very funny.

Yes, Fish did get lucky with that line call vs. andy M, and that swung the match. As a matter of fact, i saw two backhands from Fish in his match vs. Roddick, which to me were out, but Doddick didn't challenge. if I remember correctly, Brad said Andy R. should have challenged. The Lines peopel at Cincy were the pits. Anyway, it's over, and I'm just hapy that andy is back in the top 10.

I don't know how the ranking will work considering the draw is out on Thursday, but Verdasco withdrew from New haven and that's 250 points

Sanela, 8/23/10 1:11 PM No offence taken. We all say things in the heat of the moment!!! I hadn't seen your comment when I sent mine or I would've told you there were no hard feelings. It takes more than that to offend me :)

ed, here's what gives the impression that you are bitter about Roger winning yesterday: a heady combination of (i) describing Mardy as the hero - he did fine but he didn't break serve once, and I remember he went out there and beat Roger the last time they met on US hard-courts when he was two stones heavier than yesterday; (ii) saying that "Federer has nothing to be proud about after that win ", and I quote you directly. Gotta love that "nothing" right there; (iii) dissing Roger's shirt (perhaps you have issues with the colour pink? Roger doesn't, and neither does Rafa - and have you asked Mardy?); (iv) dissing the trophy; (v) dissing Roger's fan club for not criticising his performance; and (vi) now going on the defensive and insisting that your remarks were "just a bit of fun", invoking "People on TT who know me" when nobody knows anybody in cyberidentityland except perhaps the odd-bods at Facebook HQ and the like.

It is little short of miraculous that you stopped short of dissing Cincinnati and its citizens.

Apart from the foregoing observations, however, let me add that I sense the sheer joy in every word you utter.

It is your right to comment on specific things I have said. But your final two comments, which are pure speculation on your part, are out of order.

I am not going to join the fray in this discussion, however I did want to stand up for ed. I have never known ed to be anything but respectful and courteous on this site.

I agree about the final two comments made my gorafago. There's no need to make things personal. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Ed has been one to applaud the efforts and wins of other players.

I have been fortunate enough to get some good advice at times from ed when I have let myself get too upset about some comments. We may not always agree, but my respect and admiration for the manner in which she conducts herself on this forum, will never waver.

NNY, agree with you. No point speculating on others' intentions, anyway, we are all entitled to our own opinions.

I remember my own discussions turned into arguments with torres once, and it turned all ugly. Sometimes we have to understand not everyone would agree with us and I do understand that some of us here take things to the extreme. Fed and Rafa seem to be some perfect beings that are not to be criticized, and only praises are allowed to be heaped upon them. Many times, the arguments turned into personal attacks just because we could not agree on issues about Fed/Rafa. It seems rather silly, as I believe none or most of us here don't even know Fed/Rafa personally, and yet we stand by them and protect them from all criticisms as if they are our family members!

People it is simple.
Let the tennis at the US Open do the talking! Everything else is fruitless, until the last ball is hit at the 2010 US Open Final!

A much needed win for Federer and will give him a good boost going into the Open. I was very surprised though that it took 3 sets and just one break of serve to get him the victory. Considering how little he'd played and by contrast how much Fish had played, I figured it would be an easy ride to the title. Just goes to show how much Fish has improved and also how one can never take a match for granted. Federer could have easily lost this. But he didn't. Congrats to him and his fans.

I think he'll do well at the USO, but I am still not convinced he's going to go all the way. Just a niggling feeling.

NNY: Thanks for your support. It's amazing how one's words can be distorted and what can be inferred from a mildly critical comment. Oddly enough in the two years I have been posting on TT this is the first time someone has gone for my jugular!

ed: don't know what on earth provoked that outburst. Did s/he sense some truth in your words? BTW did you see that poll re USOpen? Fed fans have been out in force!

Quite possibly! After several months of peaceful banter and lively discussions, I had forgotten not everyone is on the same wave-length. I won't put my head above the parapet during the USO.......:-) You know my views on the polls! It makes them feel better if they can see their hopes expressed as proof... lol.

Hurrah - I agree with ed!!! Polls are nothing - and isabeau is right it's the tennis that does the talking.

Native: "Ed has been one to applaud the efforts and wins of other players." Always a good thing, I am sure. So what is your view of his negative comments following Sunday's match? A bit unfortunate, perhaps?

Congratulations Roger

Congratulations Roger. 5 time US open champion

arrogance Nadal fan. Always.

gorafago, 8/24/10 2:14 PM,

My view of ed's comments is that they reflected his honest assessment of the match. I do not think they were unfortunate in any way. If an excessively sensitive Fed fans wants to take offense, so be it. We are not required to censor our opinions here in order to ingratiate ourselves with everyone. This is a place to say what we think.

It's amazing how one person's opinion can be blown out of proportion. I think it was a very close match and could have gone either way. Fish stepped up and played some great tennis, despite the fact that he played his matches in the heat of the day. He showed some great stamina. He should be proud of his effort.

As for Fed, I think there are still some things that can be improved in his game. He will go into the USO as the favorite, however, I have learned that nothing is ever to be taken for granted. Nothing is a certainty, there are no sure things and anything can happen.

I supported ed based on her overall behavior and conduct on this site. Obviously she had a point of view regarding Fed and it is her right to say it. Anyone can feel free to disagree, however, I see no reason for making it personal.

Now, I am going to join with isabeau and say - let the tennis do the talking! We should be looking forward to some incredible men's tennis and I cannot wait! :)

Sorry, in my previous post there were a few typos. Of course, ed is a SHE and not a HE! My apologies!

Also, if an excessively sensitive Fed FAN, not fans, wants to take offense!

Also, I just quicky wanted to weigh in on the polls. Anyone can vote for their favorite player and it's obvious that Fed fans have been out in force, however Rafa has said it so well in the past. Anyone can predict someone to win, but it's what happens on the court that counts. It has to happen on the court. The player has to go out and earn it. Therefore, I take poll numbers with a grain of salt! :)

From the little amount of time I've been posting here on TT, I have found both ed and gorafago to be excellent posters.

You've both had your say on Cincy, and now, I hope both of you guys, ed and gorafago, can put this behind you and move on without letting this incident mar any future discussions. I could say kiss and make up, but that's not possible, as we're in cyberland. Goodluck to both of your faves at the USO.

Tennisnba, there is no need for that comment. The same can be said of Fed fans too! Don't need to insult others.

sigh.. hey nadfan
I do not think so. They already insult it. always rude. I am a huge fan of Roger. Precisely, the fan of the generation of Roger. Marat. David. etc. But, I do not come to here so much. I sometimes come

It is always the comment of the fan of Nadal.many are arrogant. The medical time-out of the sham of Nadal. the annoying play stile.resembles a fan of Nadal. Sorry

tennisnba, why insult others and say sorry. Who says Nadal fans are arrogrant, younhave to be fair with your comments. Not all Nadal fans are arrogrant, and there are some Fed fans who are arrogrant too, always criticising Nadal's play style and thinks that Fed's is the best. Well one man's meat is another man's poison, not everyone like Fed and his style. Stop criticising others and you and your beloved Fed may gain some respect.

...which is pretty much what I felt about ed's critical posts, luckystar! I hold no brief for either contestant but you can stick up for the loser without laying into the winner's playing style, let alone his shirt and/or the trophy.

Native, I take it that this was an irrational lapse from ed's usual standards, so. But perhaps it is fortunate that Rafa was not in the firing line.

gorafago,

As I said in my post @10:32 pm, I am ready to move on from this discussion. The USO draw will be out tomorrow and there will a LOT to discuss!

You have made your point. Now I want to look forward to some truly great tennis!

Von: I put it down to Gorafago having a bad day at the office and needing to take it out on somebody! Clearly my flippant remarks - which I accept perhaps were not in the best of taste - made a good target.

Gorafago: You do realise don't you that I am a devout, but in no way fanatical, Rafa fan. There is only one player I have a real problem seeing him lose to and it is certainly not Roger.
Actually I was pissed off it wasn't an R & R final - I had relished the prospect watching the two colours of pink clashing :) FTR, I do not have a problem with the shirt colours although I have to admit I preferred RF's colour combination to Rafa's.

ed, Native: fine. Though mind, ed, it was never going to be a final last week because R'n'R were drawn in the same half for the first time in over five years. I'd have liked a semi match-up, because we've have few opportunities to see them in a slam final lately and I have a feeling that the Open will be no exception.

I accept Von's arbitration, so let's all see the draw today. Whether Rafa gets Andy M or Novak, I am sure he will concentrate on his opening match. I'm not expecting all of the leading quartet to fill the semi-final places here (though Rafa, yes). Look for a shock or two along the way, in particular at least one American to make a good run and cheer up the home crowd.

VAMOS!

live commentary of the draw ceremony - http://www.tennistalk.com/en/blog/Cheryl_Murray/20100826/US_Open_draw_ live_commentary

gorafago OK. KAMUP

Talk soon, ed! x

gorafago,

All's well that ends well! It's all good! I agree with you that there will be a shock along the way, maybe even more than one! :)


Let the games begin!

gorafago and ed: Great, you guys kissed and made up. I heard it. LOL. You have my respect as you were both big enough to accept responsibility and ended it quickly. Mazel tov!!

gorafago: on the one American you'd like to see make a good run, please oh please, let it be Roddick. He needs to go deep as he's had too many things going wrong. He looks awful, but I'm hoping he'll muster up some energy with the help of the home crowd and pull out the W. Come on Andy, you can do it!!

Von, at least he knows how to win it - so chin up! Purely in general terms, though, I feel a good run by an American man is overdue. It's not that I'm keeping a name quietly to myself - more going by the law of averages, if you get me.

Stay tuned!