I expect this to be no different than any of their previous encounters. I'm sure a lot of people are gonna pick Djokovic, simply because he's been the top dog in 2011, only losing 2 matches and winning 9 titles. However, I think people would be foolish to write off Federer's chances of winning. He hasn't won 16 majors for nothing. He's played pretty well this year at the U.S. Open this year and I think he can take Djokovic down.

Nole hasn't looked as invincible as he did earlier in the year. I'm not 100% convinced by his form, that he's gonna just race to the title. This one should go 4 or 5 and I think Roger will be more than motivated to pull off the win. May the best man win.

i think federer has the edge. The conditions here definitely suit roger more and novka has been a little bit shaky this fortnight but given what nole has done all this year, any thing is possible for him . I pick federer in 4

agree - it's going to go to 4 for sure. I think the best match to compare it to would be the AO 2011 SF though. There it was a straght setter, but the first set was a tiebreaker and the 2nd set had Fed up a break before either he lost focus or Djokovic found another gear.
Whatever happens it's going to be really hard hitting wth winners everywhere...lots of great striking. But Djokovic is the more solid of the two (he takes less risk in his shots).

Roger has played the best so far, i suppose.
Bar Rafas demolition today of Arod of course.
But all of it was against rather underwhelming opponents.
The reality is that with the withdrawals, scheduling, weather,
This has easily been the worst Grand Slam of the year!
However with all the top seeds through we may yet be in for 
some reward for all of the 'dampness' experienced till now.

Don't really sure here as Roger can be so up and down but I think his focus has been better this tournament and I think he can will his way to victory here. He doesn't like the surface here but Nole hasn't been playing great so the opportunity will be there. I think Roger wants this badly and with a day off coming on Sunday to recover he will go all out to get it.

IF he gets by Novie that is,
With Rafa (probably) in the final,
Well we shall see soon enough...

It's really hard to make a pick here. Fed has looked outstanding, but he has looked this way before and then come up short in a big match. I do think he is very motivated and wants this shot at Nole again. He seems to have a look in his eye, an intensity that I have not seen for a while. He has something to prove and that will always make him dangerous.

Nole may not have looked his best throughout the tournament, but he has also shown the ability to go up another gear or two in the latter stages of a slam. I expect him to go out there ready to play his best. This is his surface and losing last year in the final will be the fuel that drives him.

I expect a brilliant match and don't see anyone winning in straight sets. That would be a surprise. It's 50-50 for me. Here's to a great match!

would love to see a FEDAL at FM...it will complete the set of fedal matches at GS's.....

The Maestro looks more fit, less fatigued and has shown tenacity on the HC finishing in all straight sets w/ all his opponents, with exception to his Tsonga fight. Whether, it's going to take a 4 or 5 setter in the SF w/ the Djoker, I am still hopeful, KFED will take win, barring rain delays and injury (very unlikely on the #3 seed).

Federer is the presedent and zare hates this.

He is great player and will win big.

He has confidence and leaves the arrogance and dancing to novak in his spare time!

Nole's not happy with a Monday final switch................and I think Roger also complained due to the impact on the Davis Cup commitments.


Head scratch........aren't Rafa and Muzza also Davis Cup-tied? So, this switch also affects them in the same manner, no?

C'mon Nole, Rog......................you 2 already have an advantage in your pockets over whoever survives from the Rafa/Muzza semi. You are great champions, and great champions want to feel they won on a level playing field. Whining about the Monday switch when you STILL have an advantage belittles you.................

Sit back, thank the Gods for not putting you through what Rafa and Muzza have had to go through, win the tourny, smile, praise Rafa/Muzza for a valiant effort in spite of the sh%^^ty schedule........................and voila!

Federer will win in four. He has to keep his unforced errors in check and serve well. The rest will fall in place cos nole doesnt look that sharp. If it goes five sets nole will outlast federer.

RINTB why do you post a comment likethat?
To say Roger is just like Novak a complainer. There is a difference between how Roger asses the matter as to Djoker.

Roger expressed his views on the matter. But he clearly said that he thinks a monday final is the most honest way for all the players. Djokovis did not he expressed his disgust in a utter selfishway. Ubwirthy of # 1. As for Nadal he was the one bitching and complaining in a matter that is not productive for tennis.
Also Roger gave his view on the 3 day 1 round. He was not happy with it and they should reconsider. That is in my view a far better way to confront the organisatorsthen Nadal did. But Djokovic did it he is the most unfit #1 of thelast 30 years. With an attitude like that tennis will be in for some tough times.

Sienna
, 9/10/11 8:08 AM


We know.........................ALL the players are complainers, shysters, instigators, yada, yada, yada.......................except the Shankmeister....................

Face it love, he is out to pasteur......................

Sigh...................

Evening my friend Sienna!

You are right! RINTB again lies. It is zare or jean posting. (she's here somewhere, her wig is not on right, it's moved!).

He thinks we cannot see through his black shadow!

RINTB complains as much as rafa and novak. yada yada yada!

Roger supported the players and siad it was the right decision, only people like RINTB lie to discredit the goat, saying he believes monday is the right decision. That is why Federer is so fair and so honest.

Love Roger. RINTB is la la man.

As most have mentioned this is a difficult match to call. Despite wiining, Djokoice has begun to show a few vulnerabilities in his last couple of matches. Both Dolgopolov and Tipsarevic troubled him and had the had more strength of character, they would've pushed Nole to five sets. I actually think Tipsarevic had great opportunities to beat Nole.

Fed has very much slipped through the radar which has been ideal for him. He hasn't really been tested this tournament though.

It will really come down to a few close points, as both their Austrailian ans French semis went. Fed must look to start fast, try and get the early break and put pressure on Nole. Test to see if there are any lingering affects from the shoulder injury, Nole has shown at times signs of tiredness in his last match. I think if Nole goes 1-2 sets up, Fed wont have enough physically to stage any comeback.

Fed must mix up his shots, lost of backhand slices and drop shots. Vary his game so that Nole doesn't get into any sort of rhythm. He cannot afford to get dragged into continous 20 -30 shot rallies. First serves and plenty of aces will be essential to make points quick and easy.

I have no doubt that 80-90% of the crowd will be rooting for Fed as will a lot of neutral fans. This could be a big factor and also Fed is playing with absolutely no pressure. He has to win it in four sets, if it goes five, then Nole will emerge the victor.

Personally I want another Nadal / Fed final so will be cherring on the Swiss later today

Fleur and Sienna, get a room you two.............yuck!! Amazing what mutual trauma at the hands of Rafa's awesomeness does to some people's libido..............

Too close to call.Perhaps Nole has the edge, just because...But Fed's looking sharp this tournie. All down to who serves better, I guess.
Sitting firmly on fence...ouch...May the best man win!

Fed has very much slipped through the radar which has been ideal for him. He hasn't really been tested this tournament though.
lebsta2, 9/10/11 9:07 AM

rafa hasn't been tested the most! No seeded player until tomorrow!

RINTB, awesomeness is not what you can describe rafa as this tornament. He has played poorly. Murray's time is round the corner tomorrow.

Rafa is soup.

"rafa hasn't been tested the most! No seeded player until tomorrow!"

Fleur
, 9/10/11 10:49 AM

As usual you babble on without bothering to check your facts, oh g
fragrant one..........Rafa played and beat a seeded player yesterday, Roddick (seeded 21)...

Don't worry ppl... she will disappear after this match .... lol...
Tough one to call... we don't know the lvl of Roge yet...
He will try to make it fast....pushing Nole with fast serves from start.
Nole wasn't brilliant but when it was needed he was able to raise lvl of game...
And he should be careful about time warning.... you saw it 26 sec. time warning ?!?
...and is there anyone who want to bet that the umpire will be Maria Pascual !
...I bet he will be... and then like Cilic, Nole can expect provocations... well.. we will see...
Let the better man win.... with no controversies... I hope :)
If Fed win... I'll be the first one to congratulate !
AJDEEEEE NOLEEEEEEEEE!!!!

No time to change your suit of colours zare. The lies you speak tie up your tongue! Federer did not say the things you said he said, and no apology? shame on you.

nole is a cheat with the ball, arrogant and should be fined. He's never fined. Like nadal. They are not role models for the sport. bouncing the ball for more than 26 seconds! I counted 31 arrogant ball bounces! Nothing was done!

Always complaining about their strings being too tight, illegal coaching and MTO's to spoil the rhythm of their opponents.

It's a slam sham when they play!

RINTB,

your man from minorca,

he never plays seeded players! Roddick is no longer on the radar. He is spent. You know it. We know it. I know it. What's with more excuses for rafa? He made more about himself yesterday. 'I have been injured' this summer. More lies from rafa.

Roger played tsonga and cilic! high level, top players. Cupcake for rafa again. Always rafa has cupcakes draws.

there is one thing I noticed about Fed at this USO...he is extremely relaxed and he is enjoying his tennis...he was smiling during the match with Tsonga and we rarely see Fed doing that when he is in the middle of the match...he is so confident he can beat Nole, I dare say, and he feels no pressure whatsoever...he knows he is the only one who does not have Nole in his head and he surely knows how to beat Nole as he has been there before...after all, he has beaten Nole at FO which is Fed's worst surface...also, beating Nole at the FO is something special given that Nole was able to beat King Rafa convincingly on clay in those master finals...all these factors play very important role in today's match...and Fed is due to play one of his favorite GSs and on his favorite surface...we shall see...I think it will be epic and I think Fed will prevail in 5 sets...let the show begin...

I think that Novak knows who will win, the first minute he wake up today. If it is not his day he don't stand a chances against Federer. Novak at this moment looks much more like 2010 Novak, than super streak Novak. He lost momentum, his body language and movement are showing signs of wear or injury... And the fact is that this is not night session, and that difference in his play is almost black & white according to time of the day...

Last year USO against Fed wasn't great played by Novak, but he was able to push and find strength and motivation to go further. I don't see him having that now.

For Fed everyone says he didn't had right test so far. But from what I have saw, he played brilliantly. He did his drops of focus, which tends to become his trademark, but there wasn't player on another side who was ready to exploit them to the max.

What does matter is that Fed is furious on start, and that his dominance extends to first 2 sets. On contrary, Novak is slow starter usually firing up in 2nd. If Novak gets one of the first two sets, edge should be on Novak side. But this is day session and if it becomes hotter I doubt that even that would be guarantee. Right now under heat I see Fed fitter than Novak.

But as I said, if it happens that Novak has a good day, Fed doesn't have chance. Body language of Novak in the beginning will tell us lot. If Novak struggle with serve, and has it bellow 70% there is no chance. I am afraid that there will be provocations with time faults, audience. Crowd will be behind Federer for sure, and it depends will Novak draws strength from that to motivate himself, or he will be irritated.

Overall I give slight edge to Federer, as I am not happy with Novak performance lately. And Fed shown up that he got back his precise serve, and that he still have it. More than anything is that Federer is the one who is having to prove something, more than Novak.

Fleur, what is your problem?! Why do you have to spoil everything...Fed is a great champion and we all respect him very much...why can't you adopt some of his greatness and behave as a normal human being? I understand you hate Rafa and I don't blame you...after all, Rafa ruined Fed's life with all the trashing he has done to Maestro...but still Fed has high respect for Rafa and vice versa...you, unlike your idol, are filled with hatred and bitterness...such attitude will bring nothing but bad luck for your idol today...you and people like you who constantly trash players who are challenging Fed make your idol less likable...I try to ignore your sarcastic and bitter posts because I really like Fed's tennis and I still consider him the man to beat...but you just make me sick!!! why don't you stop with your inferior complex posts and let us enjoy these great champions tennis...we are about to witness four geniuses playing semis and the last thing we want is to pick up a fight with you...relax and enjoy your man?s tennis...there is so much good in this world...how come you are so blinded and unable to find the goodness and the meaning to your life...it?s so sad...

natashao,

Hate is a strong langage. I don?t hate. only injust?ice against him. People like you who figure things wrong. see the posts targeted at federer, from zare, jean and rafa haters. Aim your arrow at them. Not me.

I enjoy tenis, don?t worry about that! you may be a fan of tenis, but you choose the wrong people to argue with here.

Leave me alone. Your posts aren?t exactly great, so who you trying to kid? your the sad one. Where does your bitterness come from dear?

My posts aren't exactly great?! What?! Do you think I want them to be great? What is the definition of a great post? Cut and paste?! I don't think we are in a sort of a competition here on who is going to post the greatest post ever, aren't we? That is just ridiculous...we are only trying to express our opinion, to hear what other people have to say, to enjoy the conversation and to laugh and have some fun...that is the purpose of the TT...I guess you do not see it the same way and there is nothing I could do about it...I rest my case...and speaking of Zare...well, I just happen to love his posts...he makes me laugh...and he earned my respect as he has always been objective and fair...I guess you have not been here long enough to see that...that is your loss..

Fed hasn't played a day match yet, I think? That could be a factor, the conditions are totally different.

I would give Fed 60% advantage in this.

I think Fed in 4 because he will be hungrier and is the underdog n this..Will put less pressure on him.

natashao, you respect zare?

I now put you in same bracket therefore.

If you can respect a person who calls bad names to federer, who accuses him of wrongdoing at every corner, and someone who doesn't respect his fellow players, no. This is wrong. Who doesn't admit when he is wrong, well, I feel sorry for you dear. you are no better. Worse even more because you don?t say to your respected trouble?maker to stop such insults but you agree with him. No Natashao, it is your loss, and your loss only dear. Hateful person. It's not fun to discuss this with you as you are another hater who pretends to be good. You need to join the hoff. He was over a long time ago.

Respect is a word you have not understanding for. Disrespect you mean.

Don't reply to me again. Hateful woman. Your world is a fake one.

hahahaa...no comment...

Simply imbecile...and stinky one!
My bad... I admit... there is a saying :
"Never argue with idiot, he will lower you to his lvl, and then he will kill you with experience..." :)

@atg..." I think that Novak knows who will win, the first minute he wake up today."
Wooooow....wonderfully said. I agree that is 100% correct.
Respect for statement. :)

As long as it is not an error strewn shank-fest , as it sometimes degenerate into that between these two. I will be surprised if either of them gets blasted off the court. The winner will be "Tennis" in 5.

Fed hasn't played a day match yet, I think? That could be a factor, the conditions are totally different.
xrf, 9/10/11 1:01 PM

Unless you count the matches against Sela and Cilic. It will be better in the day as the court will be faster and Nole may fade in the heat.

Hi guys! I am in total agreement with Matt Cronin prediction (US Open official site) this time. Although Roger is playing great and I would say probably his best tennis ever, Djokovic will be hungry for revenge and won't let Federer play the way he played the players much below his rank (excluding Tzonga). Then again, Federer is always motivated 110% when he plays Djokovic so it is very hard to predict the outcome of the match. Still I believe that Nole will find the way and strength to beat Federer in the 5th set. The other semifinal match is hard to predict, too. A give a slight advantage to Nadal, but you never know. Nevertheless, Nadal in 4 I would say. Piece!

I think its beneficial for Fed to play day session, the earlier the better. I think that Novak routines and metabolism are simply working against him in early matches. If he has bad day, and play late matches, there are ways to boost his motivation. But in case of early matches, he is immediately caught up with preparation and pre-match routines.

Novak had lot of luck during his streak, as he was able to convert those bad days against low ranked opponents. He managed to to do that even against top ones few times...

Federer on another hand looks like doesn't suffer from such daily variations, at least not to same extent as Novak. But he does have longer periods of ups and downs, and he is momentum driven player, so it is pretty predictable... and right now he is really hot.

"Don't worry ppl... she will disappear after this match..." - zare , 9/10/11 11:29 AM

If only for this, I will cheer for Nole all the more. But I doubt it...pests don't go away that easily. :-)

Oh I would definitely count the match against Cilic. That's the match he dropped a set. It would seem he is doing better at night. It's not like Roger comes from a hot country either, so the heat should affect him as well. But then I guess Djokovic's style is more taxing.

I don't think the FO SF this year says a lot. AFter all it might be FEd's worst surface, but he has still been the 2nd best clay court player for the last 5 years or so. Djokovic had never got that far in a FO before, whereas on hard courts he can get into his usual rhythm . I agree with most of the comments here, Federer has to start fast and win that first set. He'll fade faster than Djokovic, there's a 6 year age difference.
Yes I know Djokvoic is good on clay, he beats Nadal consistently, but that's more because his game matches up very well against Nadal's (i.e. he can deal with the big loopers). Djokovic is the best hard court player though against anyone right now.

ON another point, of all the QF opponents, at least realistic Nadal fans have to agree Tsonga was the toughest, then Isner and Tipsarevic. Any of the top 4 would prefer to play Roddick if they had a choice. Nadal has had tough draws in other Slams, but this time he had the easist of the 4.

I'm totally disappointed with atg, Zare, uroshu shaky views of Nole's ability to send Fed to retirement. Swiss greedy old man will be dismantled the way he doesn't expect at all. Straight sets win for Nole and his fans disappear like they never existed before

@Fleur.

I wasn't neccessiraly comparing the draws that Rafa or Roger had in terms of seeded players, I'm just stating the fact that Fed hasn't really exerted too much energy in his matches. Cilic & Tsonga are potentially dangerous opponents but they didn't provide much of a challenge.

Yes Rafa has yet to drop a set, but he was involved in a close set against Nalbandian, Murray was extremely lucky that Hasse had a complete mental breakdown and really should've gone out. Isner pushed him hard yesterday and that may go against him today. Even Nole struggled against Dolgopolov & Tipsarevic. Fed has had nowhere the kind of trouble that the other three players experienced in their matches.

As I said before this will work well for Fed as he will be relaxed and have the majority of the crowd support.

So we all can analyze, predict, argument it... :) But we will have to wait 3 hours more and then I hope we will enjoy 2 high intensity matches... pure delight for any real tennis lover.
Although this is Nole/Fed article... don't forget the second match. I would like Andy to win... I want to see him on No3... but still... if he play like he played with Muller and Rodick....( sorry Deuce, alex, Sosueme...) Ihave no doubts that Rafa will go to finale.

vjakov... I am not posting here to disappoint you or pleases you. I am just stating the facts... facts that you also are seeing. Wishful thinking is something completely other thing.
...Don't you think that I don't want to see 6:0 6:0 6:0 for Nole...
...Don't you think that I don't want to see WINNER BREAKDANCE...
...and poor fleur committing a ritual suicide in front of Fed's underwear photo?
Alas, that is not going to happen... so let's be realistic ;)
AJDEEEEEE NOLEEEEEE....FOR THE HISTORYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are so realistic Zare... I agree with your views for sure, and I think you are real first class fan of good tennis and Novak deserves such a good fan... But, please be a bit more optimistic since E.T. Nole needs support when playing against history...

and poor fleur committing a ritual suicide in front of Fed's underwear photo?
zare
, 9/10/11 3:12 PM

zare, you are playing with the fire here...:)

Zare..I have to admit I love your sense of humour..has me in splits many times

are you a guy or girl?

Well sanju last time I've checked I was guy :))

haha...that was funny zare..lol

OK....Lets get serious a little bit :)
I mean we have here nice place ( TT )... we all have a common interest and passion.Why it is not possible to write, share, joke...simply talking about tennis.
For me tennis is so interesting last few years and I am really enjoying.
There are many passionate "die hard" fans here... and it's very pleasant to listen what they have to say. I am not talking about Nole's fans only...ofc...
Deuce, Luckystar,Vrael, NNY, Sosueme, Mrii...Sampra... from all around the world.
We can disagree but it is so good to hear other side sometimes.
And ofc...respect for rival players... that is why I LOVE TENNIS!
I don't watch foot, basket... almost any other sport...coz everything is spoiled... football players are acting... cheating...spiting... DISGUSTING!
Tennis is the last sport on planet that still has something with real values, sportsmanship, honor... etc...
And there are persons which come here only to disgrace this beautiful sport. You can choose to ignore them... but sometimes it is simply unbearable...
BTW.. I will use this post to apologize to all respectful Fed fans here for harsh tone in my posts, but we are all humans here and sometimes provocations are too much.
Ofc by respectful Fed's fans I mean everyone here except scoretracker,sienna and fleur

sanju and zare ,laughing at underwear of Federer! Jealous of Federer's class and talent.

You guys should get a room!

zare, you will be committing and permitting hari cari and then some.

you have an admirer zare, natashao respects your insults. You should greet her with open arms into your security guard circle where there is always trouble.

Your poor wife.

zare, those of us who've been here more than 2 minutes KNOW that you have always stated your appreciation of Fed AS A PLAYER! There are a few on here who don't, but they are very few. Also, I know you don't like Andy, but you refrain from dissing him because of me and alex and I really appreciate that..though Judy, hmm...;)
This tiresome, spiteful nonsense is just a pathetic attempt to sour every thread and spread discord. I don't even want to think what pleasure is got from such behaviour.
I too love the multinational aspect of this site too. It's brilliant :) Let the real Games begin!

You guys should get a room!

Fleur, First vacate the room that you are occupying with Sienna !!!

wow, fleur, I do think something is wrong with your head...calm down, please...and didn't you say you would not address me any more and would leave me alone?...please stick to your promises...it's for the best...:)

Zare stop with al the noise. You are getting borderline disorder just like Rafaelite had. You are infact a true fan of the Djoker. No respect for other players and only thinking of yourself. Sad sad woman with sad sad life.

At least we know zare is a woman !! Who are you ?? You have to answer me tonight Sienna aka Fleur ga* or lesb**.

Well tnx vjakov... and deuce.... you are have good memory.
About Andy... I really disliked him ( grimacing, body language...) and I have stopped to attack him coz of your post. But then... maybe I had more time to look at his game, and I saw a wonderful player... not so consistent but definitely a guy who can take a GS. So it is not anymore just because of you and alex... it's coz of Andy himself!
Judy... when I wrote article maybe 2 months ago, interview with Andy's father....hmmm... Any way I don't dislike her... I just think that she has to go back a little... for the good of her son. That's all...
But... never mind...what is important is that we have one hour to wait and let the games begin! Cheers m8!

Hmmm you see what I was talking about ^^^ hyena and stinky fleur LOL...
Any way I wonder... hyena not that you are only fascist and chauvinist, you are also sexist ??
Why the hell if you want to insult someone... you call him a woman! What's wrong being a woman. Not that I have some personnel experience so I am not exert in that field? Hilarious and sad in same time...

Fleur..what does laughing at a joke of u committing suicide in front of Feds foto with a nicker got to do with me & zare getting a room

God..I wonder if you even realize what thrash you talk or do u do it on purpose..You need help sister :-)

so, zare is a woman now...:) if that's the case zare may as well turn out to be the bigest Fed fan on earth...:)

They don't even read posts here... just about Nole's weeding and germany and hoff (??) what ever that is ??

Folks..if Fleur wants to insult sumone she calls them a woman..maybe she being a woman and behaving in such a deplorable manner makes her call others so too..Maybe she realizes what a stink she creates but refuses to stop....oh maybe she gets no attention from any man in her life..thats why shes trying to get whatever attention she can by hook or crook here..and yes if not by men..even attention from women will do here :-)

Fleur..we all guys on this site can take our slightly cranky sister out for dinner and treat you to a good meal..whatever cuisine you like to eat we will treat you to that ..We are magnanimous dont you worry..Only condition is you will stuff so much food in your mouth that you will simply not open it to speak at all :-)

@vjakov "I'm totally disappointed with atg, Zare, uroshu shaky views of Nole's ability to send Fed to retirement. "

"Novak sending Fed to retirement" is headline from today Serbian newspapers. Luckily not all newspapers are like that, as this one is excerpt from tabloid grade level. So I see where are you coming from and hope that sources from your optimism have nothing to do with journalistic sensationalism.

I am Novak fan, but not hard core one. To be honest, my optimism was much bigger in his breakthrough years, than in this year. I couldn't believe he could pass Nadal on hardcourts and in Madrid, but that doesn't mean I didn't cheered for him.

I tend to be objective as much as possible, and I do think that Federer has edge in this match. Not telling that Federer is better player right now. I never said that either of big four is better in overall, as they are almost equal with slightest differences.

What does mostly prevails in their encounters are circumstances, momentum, mentality and luck. Federer has most of circumstances on his side (early match, crowd, novak shoulder & feet problems), momentum mostly on his side (easy wins so far, incline in general), mentality (nothing to lose, no burden, extra motivated against Novak). Luck is changing all the time :)

BTW Andy On SkySports right now

And.... rain :(

this HAS to be a joke

As Novak stated in presser... I can understand that they have no roof,,, but atleast cover the court...like a Wimby. Its' cheeper than one of those fancy drying automobiles... This way even 5 min of rain means 1 hour to prepare the court...
Totally, utterly.... anticlimax :(

Slowing the court down. Darn!

Just imagine if it's great weather tomorrow and rains all day Monday. They should just postpone Davis Cup one week.

numero..slowing court down detrimental to Fed u mean?

...any news from Big Apple... NNY maybe?

forecast is like.... "partly cloudy"

weatherman fail

.... la la la....
.... Rainy nights in Georgia, rainy nights in Georgia...
.... I guess it's raining all over the world....
:(

It's over... they are drying the court....
Ohhh I got to get me one of those cute trucks :)

I'm going with Nole, as I've done all year except at the Cincinnati finals :)

in 10 minutes

Nole in 4!

is this match going to proceed or has it been cancelled/

We are waiting for them to get out on court :)

Federer 6-4, 5-7, 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4

i'm glad to see ricky's prediction...now mine has greater chances of coming true ;-)

Ricky..how come u reverse your own prediction made at start of tourney/

Whats prediction of Rafa-Andy?

cause Federer is playing way better than expected and Djokovic is playing way worse than expected

same reason why I now think Nadal will beat Murray

@Ricky,
Andy is NOT playing way worse than expected,
The serve has been a revelation,
Okay he's not peaked yet and Puss has now because that's what he does,
But Andy has a chance Today.

Even though I'm considered "hard core Novak's fan", atg, I appreciate your view of forthcoming SF. As of "sending Fed to retirement", that phrase I used much before any newspapers wrote it.

Ooh laa laa Fed serving n hitting great

Sosueme - i meant Nadal is playing way better than expected

Murray is playing fine

9/11/01 etched on the court. What an absolute disgrace.

What first games from both..

BTW Fed is looking calm n composed..no pressure whatsoever I guess as he knows Nole is the favourite

just noticed the 9/11/01

Why is everyone so quiet?

Key game now if Fed has to break for the set

Very high quality tennis. They're both here to win.

The way they are playing I would say they are not here to loose.... cautious...

breaker

cell phone ringing on Novak server

"In a tiebreaker, the winner is not necessarily the better player." -Roger Federer

and guy could be heard talking on 2nd serve...

And what a call from Federer.... worst hawk eye in history... just for the record how he is using everything to recover.

amazing point for nole!

And Hawk Eye come from the guy who despise its usage

zillions of set points saved

What a match so far. Great tennis

Hmmm... Can't say much except too good. Nole was playing quite brilliantly and still lost.

Phuuuuu.... nerve cracking...
First blood for Fed....

Nole was decent. Fed was good.

Time for Novak to step up

I think both were good..Fed must be relieved having won that set
Key test now for Nole how he regroups..He pulled out of these tight tight positions gainst Tipsa/Dolgo and survived

I almost thought Fed will choke when he was up 6-3 and it almost got back to 6-6..

Watch a few more games and see, it has already started!

newfangkc..what has started?

Novak is irritated by Fed precision... mubling "Line, net, line, net...."

Federer breaks, leads 2-1 in the 2nd.

Fed owns him... bad foot work...

Federer is playing so well, I did't expect it to be like this!

argggh. Nole u disappoint me. I'm going to sleep.

Roger is just unbelievable today

Sanju,
The VINTAGE Federer game.

Yes Fed is playing too good..really rocking it..

JESUS FED

Nole has to win the 2nd set if he has to have a chance..else Fed will run with this

Rock, paper, scissors = Nadal, Djokovic,
Federer

Fed wrong footing Nole continuously

Can't remember when Novak was so slow... off foot.... Federer exploiting that to the max...

Djokovic struggling to hang with Fed here, wow, such good tennis!

The smiling assasin- FEDERER BUDDHA(Meaning Old and Knowledgeable)

federer FH is the greatest shot on hardcourt...no doubt it...beautiful liquid whip..

Buds..Fed will beat even Rafa in the final (if Rafa gets there that is)..wth this level of play

Fed actually currently is playing the best out of the top 4

Maybe he knows no slam this year..and hes the most motivated of the lot

sanju - Fed wont play like this against Nadal. Nadal never lets him.

Fellow indians..there was a bollywood movie recently named ' Budda hoga tera baap (For others it means..Old who me? No its your father whoz old)..'..doesnt it apply so well to Fed?

If Fed wins the US Open 2011..he sure can say this to anyone who has dissed him off :-)

Rafa's game against Roddick yesterday was to best match, so far, in this tournament by far.

Which is an issue I have with Nole everytime he plays Fed. I know he plays with what he's comfortable with but Federer feeds off his kind of play. And always finds a way to serve well against Nole.

But break back. Yes!

yes, break back!

Rafa wouldn't let federer hit so many forehands in a rally...what is djokoboy thinking?? taking on the fed forehand(when it's on) is not advisable

Ricky..I know Rafa has the upper hand between them..but then I dont know why if both Fed and Rafa get to the final..I would this time say Fed is the favourite..Hes clearly more hungry and motivated and more vintage Fed like now..

Federer is shanking a lot of balls and he is missing his first serve a lot which is what normally gets him out of trouble.

and rebrake

There Djoko..broke Fed and dropped his own serve promptly..that too to love..

Ask the guy to stop barking before hitting, he plays very good tennis and we will like it without that lousy sound bite.

sanju,

You think Rafa isn't motivated in this tournament? Look at how he has managed to raise his level of play in his last two matches when none of the so-called experts gave him a chance. It's vintage Rafa, too!

So now Nole has the challenge of coming from behind. Good work to break back and even up the set. This is great stuff, just as I thought it would be. Full credit to Fed for bringing his best and going out there and showing everyone that he is still a force to be reckoned with here.

OMG. This is just terrific.

Goodness. We might have come full circle. This is the Nole who played before 2011.

WTA match

This is not Novak day officially... after one hour, there is no even trace of it... It's not that he didn't had good points, good rallies... he does look so flat... little bit slow...

In last USO there was hunger to won, nothing similar so for now...

wonderful stuff from Fed on the return. Not so spiffy from Nole.

NNY,

This is not the best of Fed, you will see it on Monday if he wins tonight.

slow down now feddy bear....make it a four setter at the least...:D

Federer takes the 2nd set 6-4.

2 sets to love Fed up

Brilliant play..playing the bigger points better..I think Nole is checking out..God Nole atleast win a set..make a match of it

turn back the clock...TMF is in the house...Vaaaamos federer!!

The Novak day? The guy is playing the best he can. And guyes are telling it is not his day. There are still three sets to win and sure he can. Come on baby.

not over 'til it's over...Vamos Nole!

I bet nadal fan must be as happy as fed fan at the moment !!

Don't tell me shanky's going to do it in straights!!!

newfangkc..who are u supporting btw?

I dont think Fed will make the same mistake like he did against Tsonga in Wimby..

The score may be similar like AO this year..wasnt that 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 too?

2:0...we will see will Novak try to change something.... to much playing on BH...predictable... and Nole's FH... way to many in a net :(
Fed rock solid... for now.

Not sure if novak can sustain three more sets to win this thing, that would be an incredible comeback.

newfangkc,

Not if Rafa is on the other side of the net!

@nirv02, I am not sure how he kept so far... Federer is playing great, but he is leaving some opportunities that are not properly addressed. His serve is working top notch, especially second.... that gave him this result so far.... and bad Novak movement...

early break in the 3rd! vamos nole!

Argggh... Where the heck was that play? Lower paced, greater topspin to the Fed backhand. Nadal hasn't beaten him so many times for nothing.

NNY,
He has to get there and Roger too.

Phew a break..Now exploit and take the set Nole

we need 4 sets atleast

Guys..Feds level has dropped a bit..First serve % down..more errors in groundstrokes..only in past 2 games though..Djoko has to capitalize on this

@sanju, I am amazed with crowd... I know they are for Fed, but at least hoping for more support for staying longer on court... I can't say this is great tennis, especially as my Novak is loosing... but worth watching for sure....

well it's not over 'till the fat lady sending SMSs.... WAKE UP NOLE!!!!!

Great tennis was in display only in 1st set

2nd set was no way great from both..

3rd set is horrible till now

roger missing a lot more this set...djokovic's body language a lot more positive....

fed dropped to novak level... but don't think even that matter... looks like Novak doesn't have game plan at all...

This was the first point Novak played great from the start... Huge difference toward 86 others...

hmm what was that word, INAT? He seems far more determined than he was at Paris.

Sustaining the level is a challenge for both

This match is very topsy-turvy. Better attitude from Nole now though.

Sustaining the level is a challenge for both

C'mon Rog.........get your mind off your pension plan, Mirka's got that covered.......

Allez!!

Fed is already looking for a 4th set..I dont think he will try to go after Nole..but I mean he will try to hold serve so that he serves ahead in 4th

I hope this goes to 5.......and they go at it hell for leather in the 5th...................

Novak is broken again

now it starts! vamos nole!!

Fed you couldnt find a better time to shank? I was wondering how come u have shanked so less..and what a time to shank

5th set..I dont think..Expect Fed to come out strong in 4th set..He knows longer the match goes Nole will come on top..RG repeat guys?

NOLEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Glad I was wrong... but his serve is letting him out on crucial moments... Fed on another hand use his serve to get out of problem

Still don't see anything changed in Novak game, except that Fed dropped slightly... so
Novak could have little more control.

So first one for Novak...I am beginning to hope :)... much more better body language from Nole....
AJDE NOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

i am hoping for a 5th too..just for sheer joy of tennis

Now Nole is attacking Feds backhand more n more

He needs a break. Right away.

Nole takes a set! Can he take two more??

First Novak catch... he is getting motivated... INAT started working...

Ohoh laa laa..now we may have a match

what a get from Nole...Jesus

sanju...
...AND I AM HOPING FOR FIFTH... AND NOT ONLY FOR A JOY OF TENNIS...
...and Novak break in opening game ......
AJDEEEEEEEE NOLEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

And thats what he gets. Might we see a fifth? Might we see a win? Ahhh I can only hope.

YES!!!! Thats the Nole i wanna see.

atg..whats INAT?

THe commentator on ESPN saying when Fed starts swinging his backhand in between points..it spells trouble..watever that means

IDEMO NOLEEEE!

Sounds like normal service has resumed.....................sigh.

Nole, be kind to the ol' man.....................

Roger picking up slowly

Much better from Nole now. It'll be interesting to see if they can both play well at the same time.

Crowd heavily behind Fed, I notice.

yea, whats INAT?

Sanju,
I admire Roger but support none in a match, I enjoy it and then morose the loser.

cheryl crowd was heavily behind Fed last year too in semi..I dont think it matters at all

I hope this goes to a 5th..whoever wins after that..dont care :-)

Unbelievable how Fed gets to feed from all that positive energy in a bowl as big as this.

Haven't seen Nole look as determined or as fluid and aggressive since Wimbledon final. Wonder if he can sustain it.

@sanju, there is no good translation... In this context that describes, willingness to fight when you are down, against odds, regardless of the consequences

Seemed Fed is saving his energy to prepare for 5th.

AJDEEE Nole!!! Break it again.

novak up a double break...will go to a 5th

double break!

Federers dropping off alot now, be wierd if he lost from two sets up two majors in a row.

YESSSSSS!!!!!! I absolutely love how pumped up he is. Awesome stuff Nole!

Chris Bradnam said it would be the first time they go to 5 in a slam. What a pitiful memory that is.

There will be bad blood between them, Nole yelled "C'mon" on his latest break... clear message to Fed, who was more than ever "c'monning" in this match

I can already hear Rog at his presser after the loss:

I am the one who was attacking out there, making things happen, he had nothing on me...............diddly squat...........I'll be #1 again 2012, book that.

I don't see Roger winning this match from here..

Wow!!! Amazing stroke Nole for 30-0.. Keep it up!

Forehand! Man this is good!

nole is on fire!

Fed can't play worse than now, it will be interesting 5th

OK, truth be told....................I was hoping Nole would tank because I fear for Rafito should he go into the final with Nole and he loses again.........................if Rafa meets Nole in the final he has to win because I do not see how he can recover from that.......................ever.

Lord have mercy.....................

Btw, where are the 2 lovebirds, the fragrant one and sienna........................why aren't they cheering their man on? Oh, I get it..............they cheer for Rog by attacking Rafa....................perverse....................

at least Fed serve is still clicking

I am aghast at seeing Fed..What happened to him last 2 sets..cant put a ball inside the court..not even running to reach balls..

newfangkc,

Fair enough and very well put!

cheryl,

Yes, it would be nice to see if Fed and Nole can both play well at the same time. This has been quite a swing of momentum. However, this is the new Nole who doesn't give up when he's down.

This was what I was concerned about with Fed. The inability to sustain a high level of play over four or five sets. Nole has really found his game.

Hmmm, deja vu. Nole shouldve taken that game, I dont want him serving second in this 5th set. Also, 5th set tiebreaker, anyone?

Roger has lost the plot.

Shame that he did not break... not for result but to have first serve in fifth...
OK Nole...nice and calm ...just finish it!

it will be amazing if federer won the 5th...it's all djokovic at the moment.

ritb, it will be very interesting if rafa meet nole in the final but I guess Fed is preparing surprises in 5th. I guess the 1st set game shall appear again. It depends on how many left in Fed's tank and I guess it still enough for 1 long final set..

They played 1st almost on same level, but far to cautious... 5th maybe all or nothing if Fed regroups...

what's with nole now? df for a set point?

3 set points.... ajde!!!! for 2:2 and then all the pressure of world wil be on Fed.
He can play "stone face" but inside it must be boiling !!!
hmmmmm deuce.... wake up! Don't let him back in a match!!!!

as usual, Novak is already in 5th.... good that he has two breaks

Guys..our wish fulfilled..we get a 5 setter

4 hour match anyone?

Who would ahve thought after first 2 sets..we would get to see a 5..Is Rckys prediction coming through?

NOLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Only bad thing is that Fed is serving first in the fifth.

by Looking at Federer picture on ATP site profile, it does look like he has cunning plan for 5th... Nole's picture doesn't reveal much :)

Some fightback! Bravo Nole, you've shown what u are made of :) Whatever happens from here won't take away from that.

Fed from his first set level vs Nole right now in the fifth. 5th set tiebreak. Toss a coin to see who will win, that's what I think will happen.

Still hoping for a love set to Nole though ;)

zare,

I hope your nerves are holding up. A great effort from Nole to keep it together and play some brilliant tennis.

This is really the way it should be - a decisive fifth set for the win. Does Fed have anything left to pull out the win? Or has Nole just taken this away from him?

I am loving this...............Now Nole, Roger, take your time in the 5th set boys............no rush. Reputations at stake here.................

not a bad thing if he will be broken straightaway.

i take that back :-)

Guys..there we see a different Fed from what we saw..Yes he indeed had sum cunning plans..He never showed this agression for full 2 sets

Holdng first serve of 5th was a big thing for Fed

Come ON Nole.. Don't be surprise.. Fight till the end..!!! AJDEEE

Haha some of the stuff tennis commentators come out with! On the stream im watching one of them said 'I hope Federer's a good surfer cause hes got a wave of support here!'.

My nerves are kicking in right now.

lucky you, you still have them... mine was lost after 1st tiebreaker

Seemed nole has not much left in his tank than fed.. Mriidula, here we are going to see nole mental toughness to explain why he is #1 right now..

I hate NY crowd...

Now that's what I'm talking about! Finally some great tennis!

It would be much better tennis if Nole serve start working.... he wont stand a chance with this level of serve

tennis

next 2 games are the key

atg - I think the French crowd is worse, but I do see what you mean. They will cheer for Nole's every error now that they think Fed's got a chance.

ahahahaha. Ricky, I saw that post that said "tennis" and I didn't even have to look at who posted it to know it was you. :D

nole looking immense. to come back from 2sets down against fed and play like that shows incredible mental strength and belief that just wasn't there 2 years ago. gotta hand it to him. what tennis to make it 2-2 in the 5th

well now i see what advantage it is to serve ahead in 5th

It is crucial that Novak brings his serve back

OK...time for votka now!

Fed not disappearing like he did against Potro

btw how did fed suddenly get energy back

did mirka come on the court and give him a hug?

Fed serve stats are amazing... if he serves this out, he will mentally destroy Novak

I think Fed will take this..Hes looking stronger now for some reason..His serve has started ticking

zare, im sipping some bacardi already. i need it. i've got plenty to spare if you need some =]

At this point mental toughness will be really shown.. Less crowd, less energy level, more struggle in closing the service game, COME ON Nole.. AJDEEE cause we know you can do it!

No way.... so many times this year I was thinking "he can't do it"... and he did it... C'MON NOLE....AJDE NOLE!!!!!

44% 1st serve....on hard court... he dont have chance

OMGggggggggg. Roger breakssssss

If I hate crowd...how does he feels...

Well its over..5-3 Fed

...AND NOVAK JUST GAVE THE MATCH ON PLATE...
shame...

FEDERER IS SERVING FOR THE MAAAAATCH!!

what a pitty crowd... they wouldn't recognize tennis if it hit them in a head with a ball

NOLEEEE!!!! Proud of you.. COMEEE ONNN!!!

this was lamer than a Djoker DF in 1st

NOLEEEE!!!! Proud of you.. COMEEE ONNN!!!

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES...YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSS
NOLE YOU ARE LEGEND.... but you are killing me :)

NOLE IS AWESOME.

DEJA VU from 2010..


This is incredible... he lost 2 MP again...

wow. That was an outrageous choke from Federer. Nice return there from Nole on that first match point though.

I can't believe it.. Federer failing to close it out with two match points!!! Unbelieveable , what's the matter with him?? You know Nole's going to win it now

1st Service winner for Novak in 5th set

goodness, do these matches HAVE to be like this? my federer-aged heart can't take it...

5-5.. Patient nole..

... here we go 5:5 ...phuuaaaah...finaly ....

intense stuff.

Novak has to break him, TB will go to Fed

Anybodys match now

I cant imagine how many attacks did Nole n Fed fans get in past 3 hr40 mns..Jeez this is nerve wrecking

56 ue from Roger so far.

Stu... you old fox.... you couldn't resist :)

I don't know how federer will ever recover from this...

I mean, I wouldn't play tennis ever after this match.... this is worst than a nightmare....

the result of this match was never in doubt! ;-)

Yeeeees....YEEEEEEES...... NOLE BREAKS !!!!!
SERVING FOR A MATCH!!!!!

Yes!!! That's who Nole we know!! Fight till the end!!! AJDEEE nole.. Serve for set, patient and focus please..

Wow!

UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! I'm feeling really lucky tonight :) Wow, what was that nod at match points down about? Did he know something? God, I am amazed by Nole. Fight Fed, Fight the crowd, and hit winner after winner. Love it.

guyz, dont forget Novak still has pport 1st serve % not over yet

I am paying 1k USD for ACE right now

bring on andy and rafa

I can't believe he did that 2 years in a row. He must be absolutely disgusted.

I dont believe it. I had my sad face at when Nole was 2 match points down, but I cant believe how he's managed to turn this around. AMAZING. SOOOO glad to be a fan, so proud, so impressed.
Off to the bar to down my bacardi with company, congrats to all nole fans! *cyberhug*

Feel sorry for Fed right now, after hating him for 4 hours...

p.s. still hate crowd

Finally Nole.. I lost my energy right now..

Fed you are still the Maestro. Wish you luck for next major!

Group hug please!

If I was Federer I'd feel pretty ashamed after missing those match points, he'll probably come out with some excuses in the presser though.

After this anyone thinks Federer will be able to win a GS again ?

I have been saying this for many many months

zare, cannot believe your man pulled that out of the bag! What a fighter.
HUGE congratulations..you must be as nerve wracked as Andy fans :)

Thanking crowd after all this... he should go to diplomacy after this...

I am not implying that Nole didnt deserve to win the match. But i have a feeling Fed tanked this match because he predicts that Rafa will win his match against Murray and he doesn't want to lose another Slam final against Rafa.

Look at his smile at the end at the net. I never ever saw Fed smile when he loses in big matches. It's as if he is happy he lost.

Cyber group hug YES!!!

I am not implying that Nole didnt deserve to win the match. But i have a feeling Fed tanked this match because he predicts that Rafa will win his match against Murray and he doesn't want to lose another Slam final against Rafa.

Look at his smile at the end at the net. I never ever saw Fed smile when he loses in big matches. It's as if he is happy he lost.

@torres9, whatever your are using.... can you share a little bit? :)

wow, what a choke from Fed...serving for the match and missing the opportunity like that...2MP again...I feel sorry for Fed...

Congrats to Nole and his fans...this was unbelievable...

zare and nole fans - congrats. what a 5th set. nole so has it up top - in his mind he's never beaten until he's beaten.
this is where my enjoyment ends:(
here goes deuce.
commies to fed fans.

Nole bravo..2 sets down..2 match point down..he said he has lost his fear..this is fearlessness..

Zare..sampra..atg..mriidula,,vjakov..and whichever other Nole fans..u guys must have been like nervous for 4 hours and what a revelation for u guys..You MUST be so proud to be a Nole fan..the guy deserves to be No 1 period..this year

Novak is clear favourite for the title whether its Rafa or Andy..if he can dig out of this hole..he can dig out of any hole

And Fed fans..bad luck..he had it and didnt take it..well played but didnt have more guts like Nole did..

This loss will surely hurt Fed more than last years loss..He had the last one image at back of his mind and could have learnt from it..

2 sets up and lost twice this year at 2 successive GS..Novak will haunt him rest of his career now..

Dude, option A: win against Djoker and meet Rafa and lose in final (Rafa wins a career Slam against Fed)

option B: lose against Nole and watch him beat Rafa

option B is a happier scenario.

Damn it, just hand Nole the trophy now, neither Rafa or Murray will be able to take Nole this close. Although I've said that his run is making tennis less interesting, I have to give him 100% credit for being able to comeback for the victory.

Absolutely shocking from Federer, after all he's achieved in the game, to lose a 2 set deficit and then two match points on his serve. That moment when Djokovic hit that return on the first match point and then went to the crowd, somehow Fed let that get to him and completely self destructed after that.

Two or three years ago Fed would've killed this match in three sets, but after now and last year serious questions have to be asked, by himself if not by fans or the critics. We all knew the difficulties he had against Rafa, but I always felt he had the game to still beat Djokovic, well not anymore. This is definitely the beginning of the end for Fed as a top main contender.

An absolute epic of a match, shame about the outcome as it makes the result for the final a predictable one. Rafa & Andy had better find some kryptonite dust they can sprinkle on the tennis ball, as that's the only chance they'll have in the final.

not sure how you recover from something like this

Torres no! This was all about the heart of Novak Djokovic. Two years ago, he would've crumbled. Today, and for two years in a row, he's shown why he's one of the bravest players who's ever graced a tennis court.

Fed's comeons didn't imply that he wasn't fainting.

Zare, mrridula, stu, bryanindo, atg, Misel, vjakov and all u faithful Nole fans, drinks are on me! Celebrate! We can drink harder tonight because our heart muscles are stronger.

torres9..stop it..Hand it to Nole that he won..no way Fed wll tank the match..give credit where its due..Excuses are common but your excuse of Fed tanking to hand Nole the match is simply stupid..If he had to tank he would have tanked RG semi too..he didnt.. Nole had more guts and fearlessness here

Regarding smiling..he didnt smile..its courtesy to give a brief smile to an opponent after such a tuff match..and Fed n Nole have played like 24 times..though they dont like each other much..sure they can smile at the net if not hug n embrace

Wooooow....I am feeling like I was playing 5 sets.... What can I say...
What a match...first two sets were... Fed just gave all... he played maybe better that in RG... But Nole was working.... like little ant... little by little...
There is old saying "You can play good as opponent lets you".... so Nole lvl was raising...
3 ans 4th set Fed was completely out... but in 5th set they both played masterfully ...
What a nervs!!! Two match balls saved....
Bravo Novak LION HEART!!!!
And you know what is the most beautiful moment for me...?

I have no objections on Djokovic having a big heart whateva.

2 match points on serve for a guy whose done it zillions of times and win. And i'm not even suggestion he tanked this match conciously, the thought probably ran across his mind for a second or two and that was it.

He didn't want to win it.

^^^^ When he nodded and got that INAT working again, smashing the forehand return on match point. Beautiful stuff.

I have no objections on Djokovic having a big heart whateva.

2 match points on serve for a guy whose done it zillions of times and win. And i'm not even suggestion he tanked this match conciously, the thought probably ran across his mind for a second or two and that was it.

He didn't want to win it.

I TEBE SAM SIT KAFANO DABOGDA SE ZAPALILA, ONA ME JE OSTAVILA ZBOG VINA ME NAPUSTILA... STA MI RADIS NOLE NOLE

Roger smiled to not cry.

He should be DEVASTATED. As Ricky said, not sure how you recover from something like this...

I agree with torres9. Federer broke Djokovic's serve wayyyyy to easily and although he completely checked out when it looked like he would win, he had to make sure he had 2 match points on his own serve so it wouldn't appear he was throwing the match to the crowd. He was waiting for Djokovic to hit a shot like that off a first serve return. Great strategy by Federer to lose intentionally but honorably. How have you not been banned yet again?

^^ haha

no torres9..I dont think a 16 time GS champion will tank a match because of the oppoent awaiting him..simply not possible..last thing he will think wen hes 2 match points up is of Rafa Nadal..if he knew Rafa would anyway win and didnt want to lose to him....why would he subject himself to 4 hours of play n torture

I have admit there was little bit luck tonight... I simply can't admit Federer choked on DF... I am having that under luck column here...

What is obvious is that Federer can't keep that level for 5 sets. I am not 100% satisfied with Novak game, as he struggled with serve in crucial moments. I can say that Novak kept high level trough match with minor slips. Federer had much bigger fluctuation between greatness and sub level play... And that swing ended on wrong time for him... I hope this loss wont affect Federer level of play, and he will continue to play on this level as he is real threat for 3 setters.

But Novak... he deserves this 100%.... just because of crowd.

...................................................................... ..............................................
*** HE WAS DANCING*****
........................................................ ............................................................
So I wil dedicate this dance to fleur and sienna.... I have to... I have promised them that he will dance.....
You have to love this guy.... whole crowd against him... then... he raise two hands, looks at them.... and receiving standing ovation!!! PRICELESS!!!
TNX to all congrats... hehe ... like I have to do something with this win :)

Novak Djokovic was better today overall. No objections. He deserved the win because he is better. He won most of the long rallies.

I do not even feel bitter that Novak won. But no other explanation as to why Fed double faults at break point.

Credit to Nole. But Fed unconciously tanked this. FO is different scenario. He lost to Rafa in RG before. Losing to Rafa in USO final is a new experience. It'll be a big dark tint on his impressive career.

Thanks Sampralica on congratulations - actually. I'm holding a glass of wine while excitement still makes me very happy... I'm starting to believe in optimism even when Nole is close to defeat. Congrats to great play from Fed too, but my thoughts are occupied with disbelief that crowd can applaud on first serve error done by #1 player on the world... Can't shake off the feeling that those "spectators" don't deserve to be called fans

zare @ 11.38 Well we all know what the VERY best thing about this victory is, don't we folks ;)

so he waited until after he had the 2 match points to tank the match then?

I'm devestated but I know Roger will come back to win slam. Him losing like thi only adds to his legacy. He still is the one and stil can produce when he needs to. But it is not easy to win these matches. Federer will be back and so will his fans.

I agree with Emiliano55. If Fed doesn't smile he would end up crying even more than he did against Rafa at Austrailia 2009.

It's one thing to be beaten by a better opponent, but to have the match in your own hands, on a serve like Federer has and not see the match through. That's what will hurt him the most. In any future matches with Nole, there's always going to be that air of doubt, even if he's two sets and two breaks up in the final set.

Personally I don't think he'll be able to recover from this.

Novak Djokovic was better today overall. No objections. He deserved the win because he is better. He won most of the long rallies.

I do not even feel bitter that Novak won. But no other explanation as to why Fed double faults at break point.

Credit to Nole. But Fed unconciously tanked this. FO is different scenario. He lost to Rafa in RG before. Losing to Rafa in USO final is a new experience. It'll be a big dark tint on his impressive career.

People underestimate how much energy a crowd racks up in such a big bowl. That can always affect a player, especially one who's emotional like Nole. I have nothing but admiration for how he blocked it all out and fought it.

And he's quite a natural character isn't he? Asking the crowd to dance with him - how many people wouldve done that?

torres9 is just like tennisba. Aimlessly posting and reposting the same thing. Kind of waiting for the
....classy roger......
love you.....roger.... postscript

Ok and first year Fed hasnt won a slam ..after winning 8 years in a row atleast 1 slam/year

Rafa is at 7..2005 till 2011..

Sienna..nice of you to come and post after Feds loss..

ts38, i had never been banned from this website.

I didn't say Fed planned to tank this match. he probably thought about it for a sec or two on those 2 match points.

I don't see why this is a devastating blow. Losing in str8 sets would have been even more dissapointing.

Cmon... Federer will survive this... He'll extend his career to 40's if needed just to for payback time. Novak can't do this 3rd time, that is for sure. I am still amazed with level of play from Fed in first two sets. Except this slip, I still see him in incline...

4-1 to Nole this year on Fed. 2-1 at slams. Also shuts the door on the argument that Fed always beats Nole. 10-14 and 4-5 at slams is not a bad overall record to have against one of the greatest players of all time.

ts38, i had never been banned from this website.

I didn't say Fed planned to tank this match. he probably thought about it for a sec or two on those 2 match points.

I don't see why this is a devastating blow. Losing in str8 sets would have been even more dissapointing.

Sienna you don't have to be devastated, Fed just played two master sets... lower his game in 3 and 4th. In 5. set he was back... mentally and physically... he had missed his chance and Novak used his chance.
It was tight match. Your idol has 30 years... and he is still in SF, QF... of all grand slams.
He is still a GREAT player... but the legend is over.

It doesn't matter if he recovers. If you look at the big picture, an L to Novak Djokovic in SF of USOpen is a better option than an L to Rafael Nadal in final of USOpen considering the guy has also won against him in AO, Wimbledon, FO.

Djokovic for the win, he's the new Fed, the new Rafa.

Nole fans..whom you rooting for between Rafa n Murray?

It's not fair to dismiss Fed for 2 MP. Just imagine it didn't happened and everyone will sing again GOAT tune endlessly. Two points can't negate what that man can do, and what game he just played...

I generally root for Rafa since I admire him more, but I'll choose to sit on the fence and enjoy this tennis. Murray is Nole's bestman after all :D

haha zare, ive been reading, not commenting! so excited for the final, everyone! will try to watch it live...mriiidula, samprallica etc - happy to pass on messages to Nole :)

deuce and alex, now Muzz better do his part!

Twitter/radio silence.... blogs are being written

Djokovic is the best player on the planet right now and it is obvious that nobody will be able to stop him for a while. As far as Federer letting Novak win, you guys must be delusional!!! It was a close match but Novak preveiled, it's simple as that.

I think Nadal has better chances to win against Murray (mentally and physically stronger then Andy), but I'll root for Andy who is more versatile player of these two, and less predictable. Besides, I have the feeling that Murray will mature at some moment and become #1 one day...

Torres 9 Rafa was never the new Fed. Did you see the match? did you see how faster everything goes as to the Murray Nadal semie. The first set should go into history as the best ever. I have never seen two player banging the hell out of eachother like they did. Fed must be gutted but I know this is where he lives for. He loves playing the game and Novak did I thought impossible tennis at times, because Fed was so great.

Q. When a guy hits a shot like that forehand on match point, is that a function of luck, of risk, or is it a function of confidence that someone would make kind of...

ROGER FEDERER: Confidence? Are you kidding me? I mean, please. Look, some players grow up and play like that. I remember losing junior matches. Just being down 5 2 in the third, and they all just start slapping shots. It all goes in for some reason, because that's the kind of way they grew up playing when they were down. I never played that way. I believe in hard work's gonna pay off kinda thing, because early on maybe I didn't always work at my hardest. So for me, this is very hard to understand how can you play a shot like that on match point. But, look, maybe he's been doing it for 20 years, so for him it was very normal. You've got to ask him.

I just saw Fed's and Nole's presser... but Ok... tomorrow about it :)

Has there ever been a top player of federer's calibre who has lost so many heartbreakingly close matches? From my count now, he has lost Rome 2006 after having match points, Wimbledon 2008 when he had break point to serve for the match, Aus Open 2009 with multiple break points to take the match in four sets and US Open 2009 when he was 2 points away from the match. Add in his loss to Tsonga at this years SW19 and two consecutive US Open semi losses to Novak after having match points and I'm starting to feel sorry for the man. He's in danger of becoming remembered more for for his losses than his grand slam wins.

jrbro4..Fed never had breakpoints in Wimby 2008 final set to serve for the match..He had break points I guess at 2 or 3 all..Thats not serving for the match had he converted

AO2009..multple break points to take match in 4 sets..Nadal won 1st, 3rd, 5th in that match..what are u even talking..Fed had 17 break points in RG 2006 too..it doesnt mean anything..having any no of break points v/s match points is a big difference

Actually sanju, in the wimbledon 2008 final federer had a break point at 30-40, 4-3 up in the 5th set after he hit a forehand winner down the line at 30 all. You can look it up on youtube if you want. As for Aus Open 2009, I can clearly remeber Federer having multiple break points at 3-2 up and 4-3 up in the 3rd set, about 5 or 6 break points in total. To Nadal's credit he managed to take the set to a tiebreak which he then won, and consequently the match.

sienna,

I was looking for you, sister. Horrible loss for our beloved Roger. Horrible. He must be thinking, what?. Even after this? he say good things about Novak? even though Novak say bad things about Roger. Roger chocked.

Roger let this one get way sienna. He gave Novak candy?in the match, but to say this to Novak when he?s lost, he?s superhuman.

Q. You were really dominant until the first game of the third set, and you made quite a few errors in that game. Kinda let him back in the match. Given how much longer it went and all the things that happened, how important or unimportant was that game?

ROGER FEDERER: You have to figure that Novak was gonna get his teeth into the match at one stage, right? It's a pity that it happened then, because I think I had a couple of game points, too. So it hurts getting broken that way. You know, if it goes 15-40 and you never really have a chance to close it out, it's more acceptable. So like this, it was a bit -- again, a bit unfortunate, I thought. He played well. I didn't serve my very best. It was a combination of many things. And then what he does really well this year, he front runs really well and he started playing great. It was hard to counter his playing. That's why it was very important to push for the two sets to love lead. Everything I did today I thought was the right way. He just played really well in the third and the fourth.

Roger should not?upset be this, his matchplay was? higher than novak's scrappy play, first 2 sets and novak?s ball bouncing, why wasn?t he fined?

Luky.

Roger is a great player and fine gentleman.... it's hard to accept defeat but Roger said himself Novak played well and even with 2 sets advantage it was hard to beat Novak. By the way ball bouncing is not forrbiden so please do not try to find excuses and reasons why Roger lost, Novak had better nerves of the two and bit more luck... Hey but that's tennis..Better luck next time for Roger...

I just read full presser from Roger and I must say I am greatly surprised and disappointed.. I will now say he is a great player and not very fine gentleman. As far as Novak's presser goes, Novak was respectful, honest and professional....

I just awake from small celebrations considering the game was just ended at 5am in my country. Thanks for fellow nole fans which have supported each other even in very tough times throughout the game.

For Fed fans, don't worry, I still have a huge believe that he will succeed to obtain another Major trophy in upcoming years judging how he play. Wishing best luck for him.

About presser, can anyone share the full presser link? Thanks before..

pro59 don't fini?sh that one with us,

Roger's presser was full of praise for djoko, he was in state of shock so to say anything understandble is highest of praise for a difficult loss, don't find excuses for roger saying good things, super things for novak, when he looks down and out. Roger gave great talk afterwards.

It will be serbian bullies, security gards for the crowds, like samprallica and zare who will say different to cause disturbances. It?s disgusting. Wait and see.

Well done Roger dear. Don't be not smiling. You are great player for always, all time.

Q. You were really dominant until the first game of the third set, and you made quite a few errors in that game. Kinda let him back in the match. Given how much longer it went and all the things that happened, how important or unimportant was that game?

ROGER FEDERER: You have to figure that Novak was gonna get his teeth into the match at one stage, right? It's a pity that it happened then, because I think I had a couple of game points, too. So it hurts getting broken that way. You know, if it goes 15-40 and you never really have a chance to close it out, it's more acceptable. So like this, it was a bit -- again, a bit unfortunate, I thought. He played well. I didn't serve my very best. It was a combination of many things. And then what he does really well this year, he front runs really well and he started playing great. It was hard to counter his playing. That's why it was very important to push for the two sets to love lead. Everything I did today I thought was the right way.

He just played really well in the third and the fourth.

Fleur/sienna biggest loser of super saturday at uso.

who was the fan whose faith in nole did not waiver?...surprise surprise, he's a rafa fan...me. :-)

right after the 2nd set loss, i was the first to say that all is not lost yet....shame on you samprallica ;-)

sienna,

This is the best ever words of this story, read it and laugh! in federer?s and novak?s match.

Rafa's game against Roddick yesterday was to best match, so far, in this tournament by far.
nadline
, 9/10/11 8:46 PM

no-one know?s any?think here!

fedexal/biggest loser of the stor?y here. Another thic?k someone!

Lol @ phoenix. My faith didn't actually waver, but I was so digusted by letting the break back slip that I said I was going to sleep - which of course I didn't. Didn't say anywhere that all was lost, and I knew it wasn't because of how Nole played some forehands in the first set tiebreak. But I never expected him to do this :P

As for Fleur calling me a Serbian bully, LOL. I'm not Serbian, not even close. Of course Federer has to give Djokovic some praise in order not to look like a complete tool, but as always its wrapped with a unique Roger Federer flavouring. He said something to the effect that Djokovic's forehand return is something that he wouldn't do because he plays the game where he works hard and doesn't rely on luck. If he was really praising Nole, why the need for that sort of statement?

@Fleury Kruger...
This the sportsmanship presser of delusional megalomanic....
_____________________________________________________ ____________
about me??
?.
Well, I mean, it's awkward having to explain this loss because I feel like I should be doing the other press conference. 
...
I should have won here
...
Confidence?  Are you kidding me?  I mean, please.  Look, some players grow up and play like that.  I remember losing junior matches.  Just being down 5 2 in the third, and they all just start slapping shots.  It all goes in for some reason, because that's the kind of way they grew up playing when they were down. I never played that way.  I believe in hard work's gonna pay off kinda thing, because early on maybe I didn't always work at my hardest.  So for me, this is very hard to understand how can you play a shot like that on match point.  But, look, maybe he's been doing it for 20 years, so for him it was very normal.  You've got to ask him.
...
Today I clearly felt like I never should have lost
...
He just played really well in the third and the fourth.
...
Yeah, maybe I get a bit unlucky
...
It's just that this year someone else won slams than Rafa and myself.
... hmmm Rafa has GS... isn't it...
I think I had a couple of game points
...
I think they were really hoping I was gonna win today.
...
Everything I did today I thought was the right way
...
Like I said, I played great.
...
I get a bit unlucky
...
I don't play that way.
...
I don't give away
...
I don't play that way. 
...
I thought I was playing some really good tennis these last few matches,
...
I guess I will be extremely hungry going to Australia next year.
...
I haven't felt like this in a long time, so this is a good time.
...
__________________________________________________________ _______
...and now about Novak?
...
he played well.
...
he was mentally out of it already
...
Just gets the lucky shot at the end,
... HA HA HA HA HA HA HA even Fleury would do better...

Yeah, I see probably 2% of what he does or other players do
...
I don't really care. 
...
I don't care
...
I don't know what he did,
...
He played well. 
...
he front runs really well and he started playing great.
... 
He just played really well in the third and the fourth.?
...
So basically Novak got :
3 "well", one "great"... and he was well in 2 sets... WTF... he was awful in 3???
...and OFC....just LUCKY!
Pathetic....!!!

@zare, I was hoping that you will sleep over, and forget about presser... I am too happy with outcome to be able to go so low to comment Fed pressers. Again this is telling much more about him than about Novak.

Sounds like old bitter man... luckily he don't play that way so it is still enjoyable to watch his tennis... I might skip his pressers in future, to be able to at least enjoy his game. Otherwise I am afraid I would start hating even his game...

Its okay guys..after such a close tough loss..hell surely be hurting..its natural..pardon him if anything not so gentlemanly in the presser..we got to admit he choked and let the match slip and I am sure hes mighty pissed off with himself wth that

Fleur/Sienna : Sisters, I am curious to know whom are you going to support on Monday - Novak or Rafa?

Sanju, my man...I agree totaly with you... and I didn't wanted to bring it here... but after this:
--------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
sienna,
I was looking for you, sister. Horrible loss for our beloved Roger. Horrible. He must be thinking, what?. Even after this? he say good things about Novak? even though Novak say bad things about Roger.
-------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
...I simply could not resist to splash Fleury Kruger with painful truth...
Ofc...she won't even read it... and she will continue... but what can we do...
Sh.ts happens... Fleury and Hyena posts...
That's life ;)
@atg... presser was delusional, bitter, trying desperately to prove how different and better he is vs Novak. LOL... well he can speak whatever he wants... Novak had spoken on Arthut Ashe court.
"Pas laje, karavan ide dalje." hehehe...
Waiting for finale...

As again presser started new wave, instead of calming fans...
http://youtu.be/nNqNxgJ3dhw

is a p?ty zare you try to speak in false words. You watch Roger's interv?iew? You see his hurt and no understanding from you. Roger is not a fake man, he sais things how they is in the moment. You think other thin?s you wish for. I know Roger is not in a good place and has to speak quest?ons which are confus?on for others to understand.


He speaks of Novak with a good voice. If you win a match, you are high and smiling, no wonder Novak will speak this way. If he lose, Novak wil speak in not the same way. Give credit to Federer for honesty and wit in low times.

Q. What are your thoughts about how Novak has achieved what he has this year and your general impressions of the year that he's put together?

ROGER FEDERER: Yeah, I mean, impressive to say the least. He's done amazing to have a run like that, especially after losing here in the finals last year. I think the rebound for him to come back and not to be disappointed about losing against Rafa in the finals of the US Open where he probably figured he had a good chance to win was a tough loss for him. But the rebound, it shows, you know, when you're down like that and, you know, take the right decisions and, you know, come back strong and believe you can do it, he made an incredible run this year. It's been wonderful to watch, even though I have probably seen just probably guessing 10 to 15 matches of all those 50 whatever matches he's played. So for me it's hard to say how well he's really played. I have seen him play some matches and they were all really good, but I'm not courtside for every single match. The record speaks for itself. It's been an amazing run, and he's still playing really well and he's definitely one of the favorites here, if not the favorite.


hide your biternes towar?s Roger or joiiin the hoff on an island somewhere in the pacific.

Atg... lol
"I don' see any finger" ...LOL!
Fleur...yeah,yeah... What ever you say... Yaaaaaaawnnn...

What can I say..............this is a match for the ages! How can Fed allow this to happen, simply unacceptable...............gifting the match to Nole after thoroughly outplaying Nole in sets 1,2 and 5!!!! Apart from being lucky, the tennis Gods are certainly clearly on Nole's side. It is HIS year, for sure!!!!

I am not a Fed fan but I feel truly gutted for Fed and his fans, and if this were to happen to Rafa I would NEVER EVER forgive him..............not at a GSlam..............absolutely ridiculous!!! Federer, when serving for the match refused to take his time, just like Roddick. After the score moved to 40:30, instead of challenging the call so to give him some time to think about the next point (even while Nole was waving his hands for crowd support), he goes and serves with Nole winning the point. If Fed had just allowed himself to breath he would have won this match on his serve, but I have no idea where the hell he was in a hurry to go...............double faulting, at the most awkward time, to gift Nole the match!!!

This match should be stored in an archive to teach future tennis players the sublime art of losing a match. This is the WORST loss in tennis history, and I hope Rafa does not replicate it on Monday!!!!

I would much rather Rafa lose the match to Nole bcos he was simply outplayed than to lose a match bcos he feels in a generous mood!!!

But guys it looks to be more and more true

Fed has an excellent equation with Rafa..never speaks ill about him..rather shows fondness for him though he has been beaten 17 times by him..but he doesnt share fondness for both Nole and Murray

Murray adores Rafa, theya re buddies too offcourt, Murray has good equation with Nole too..but again with Fed there have been some run ins

Nole has good equation with Murray, with Fed its always been up and dwn more on downside, I think with Rafa it was great and friendly and buddy equation too till April/May this year..post that I wouldnt say its anything bad or negative because neither has said a word negative about the other..but I sense they will maintain a slight distance as long as they rivals and once they stop playing will be back to be friends


What do you think is the reason of this equation between the top 4?

but no sanju, not true. #

Did you see FO this ye?ar? both novak and federer warm with words, longest time I did ever see them talk tog?ether at end of match.

Great rivals, only serb?ian bullis who make up false words. zare knows and yawns.

Too much dancing. Federer says warm words for Novak. People want to think differe?nt becuase they have hater in their blood.

Monalysa... sorry but what match did you watched?
1 set... Fed was lucky... just one point in tie break! Take look at stats... Novak had more winners and less UE than Fed. You are speaking like ExFed had 6:0 or 6:1
2 set was only set where Fed was in control... and even then it was just one break of serve.
3. set ... Do I have to say.... complete domination of Nole
4. set... Fed is trying to change something... beginning with serve/volley... out on net... Nole is passing him...
5. set.. equal... Fed miss the chance...( that FH will be in legends )... Fed miss sec. match ball...
So I really can not understand what are you talking about.
But OK... I can understand fear that you feel for Rafa. I was cheering for Jo... same reason.

@fleury Kruger???
"Did you see FO this ye?ar? both novak and federer warm with words, longest time I did ever see them talk tog?ether at end of match. "
...and that is ofc Novak...great sportsman... after fake idol had raise that little finger... poor guy...he still believe that he's No1
Show me "the worm words" when Arrogant is loosing...
You are in dispute with yourself...

I am surprised that Rafa is distancing him from Novak since April... It's easy to be fond when you are winning. Something surprising if that coming from Rafa. Maybe his buddy infected him with some arrogance...

Also, I can't agree about Fed donating anything. Novak dug his way out from 2 MP behind, against Fed, crowd and all odds. Federer made later DF as result of immense pressure. Doing this 2 times to RF doesn't have much with luck... as Becker said it does have to do with "you know what".

atg..I never said Rafa is distancing..red my statement carefully..I said maybe they both distancing a bit so that the rivalry is played in truest spirit and they can pick up the friendship once they both done..They both know they will be going at each others throats next 2 years atleast..

Before this year though they played like 23 times..it was Roger - Rafa that was pinnacle of tennis rivalry..that could well get replaced by Rafa-Nole this year onwards.

With Fed Rafa was 5 years younger..theres a rivalry but also a fondness from both ..with Nole, both are of same age..maybe they want to keep it cuthroat but also take care its not unhealthy at the same time.

Zare, actually, Im relishing match with Rafa and Novak, unlike you with Fed and Tsonga!! I am not afraid that Rafa meets Novak, AT ALL!!! Rafa has to confront Novak regardless and what better place but at a GSlam. I am not afraid for Rafa's chances either.....u make it seem like its impossible for Rafa to beat Novak...........Rafa can beat anyone on any given day when 100%.......so what r u on?

But like it or not...............Fed DID gift the match to Novak!!!!..............luck, luck and MORE luck!!!!

However, in the match tomorrow, may the best man win....................hoping that luck does not play its part!!!!

Monalysa, what are you talking about? Tomorrow will be just 6th time in a row! You know very well what I'm talking about... I still think something is not quite clear to you!

Ok..mona...whatever...

Just watch Novak expression, and dare to say that was pure lucky shot

http://youtu.be/1EGz8AeqAPY

Priceless

Mona, Fed give the match to Novak? Can you expound more about give or a gift? I'm not a native in English but I think you were just wrong considering Fed is just know much more than you do..

Luck is almost always there for sports or even in life. It might always depend on how people see the situation. Luck is not always at the end of the game, it will be always throughout the game. If you couldnt resist it, hide from it.. It will deliver you to more bitterness which I dont recommend this to you..

Actually no worries if you are one of rafa fan, nole is still far behind rafa's achievement despite this year's H2H record.. So cheer up!