Roger and Tiger: Year In Review

Check it out.

What Would Roger Do?

Roger took some time to answer fans' questions. I especially like the last one.

CEO of USTA annoyed with Sports Illustrated just like the rest of us

Arlen Kantarian, the CEO of USTA, wrote an angry letter to Sports Illustrated saying that the magazine had its head up its ass for not honoring Roger for Sportsman Of the Year which SI had the balls to publish. Arlen espoused the usual arsenal of proof that Roger is far superior to any other athlete on the planet. Then he said that not only does SI ignore Roger, but it ignores the entire sport of tennis. Well said! Less football, more tennis! Now how do I end my subscription early?

When in doubt, report an award Roger has won

Did you already have me figured out? The guy just never stops winning awards. I'm only one person so I can't report them all. I'm going to issue my blanket apology about that now.

Today I'm informing the world that Roger was named Player of the Year by Tennis Magazine. Henin was also honored. Do you love Henin? I sure do. Sometimes they call her the Roger of the women. That's some compliment.

The hat is available!

Oh my lord. Good things do come to those who wait. The RF cap is on the market! They only come signed so save up your Christmas money and make sure to blow it all in one place.

BBC Sportsman Of the Year

It's Roger!--for the third time.

Winter blues due to Roger withdrawals?

I know I have them. Here's a recent interview that he did with Talk Asia that helped cheer me up. I just fell in love with him all over again.

SI Sportsman Of the Year Goes To...

Brett Favre. Go America.

Here's an article that ranks Roger #3 on a list of the top ten most underrated athletes. If the slouch could just win the French Open maybe that would get our nation's attention. But probably not.

Roger Got An SI Nod!

Thank God a writer over at Sports Illustrated has his Wheaties. Jon Wertheim wrote the most scathingly sarcastic article leaving no doubt that Roger should win the Sportsman Of the Year award. And in one fell swoop he reduced the majority of superstar American athletes to rubble. What can I say? Next to Roger most people look absolutely ridiculous. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

Roger For Sportsman Of The Year

His biographer is trying to get it done but I don't think Sports Illustrated will go for it--purely as a political manuever. I doubt the reward is merit-based. But no worries, Roger has the Sportsman Of The Century title locked up!

200 Weeks At Number 1

Here's a great article on the subject. The stats in the graph at the end blow my mind even though I've seen it all happen! A 95% winning percentage at Grand Slams is just unbelievable. Go here for the photo gallery tribute. Here's to 200 more weeks!

Roger's More Than A Beautiful Face

He's a good man to boot! Roger spoke out on World AIDS day and recorded a public service announcement to bring awareness to the issue.

Macau - Federer-Sampras Exhibition - Final Stop (Hightlights)

Look Who's On the 2007 GQ Men Of the Year List!

Okay, so he was an honoree. But Roger made it!

Pete Defeats Roger!

In the third exhibition match in Macau Pete finally did it, 7-6 (8), 6-4. Roger was a wee bit disappointed. Pete's serve and volley on a fast surface is incredible. But Pete says he's not going to come back and make a regular career out of it.

Kuala Lumpur 07: Rog v Pete (Highlights Pt 2)

Kuala Lumpur 07: Rog v Pete (Highlights Pt 1)

Too close for comfort! Roger won 7-6(6), 7-6(5).

Sampras Still Has A Pulse!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -- It was much closer this time! Roger won in tiebreaks 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5). Can't wait to see the highlights. Pete is still an ace machine.

Seoul 07: Rog v Pete (Highlights Pt 2)

Seoul 07: Rog v Pete (Highlights Pt 1)

Is it possible to watch this without a huge grin on your face? Roger took Pete 6-4, 6-3.

Federer vs Nadal: Shanghai Masters Cup 2007 (Highlights)

Memories!

Roger Wins Masters Cup, Puts Fear In Everyone For Next Year

In his final official match of the year Roger was brilliant against Ferrer, winning 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. David was a frustrated man as Roger methodically dismantled him. He'd been the one doing the destruction in his previous matches at the Masters Cup!

Along with his fourth title, Roger won a slick Mercedes and $1.2 million USD. He's the first tennis player in history to win more than $10 million in a season. Finally! Now he can get out of that cardboard box he's been living in.

Photo from Xinhua

Roger Abuses Rafa

Roger and Rafa were neck and neck up until 4-4 of their first set in the Tennis Masters Cup Semifinals. Granted, Roger was down 0-30 when it was 2-2 and had 4 aces in a row to win the game but it still seemed that Rafa was a stiff competitor. At 4-4 the chair ump had it with Rafa's incessant toweling off of sweat and ball bouncing and told him to knock it off. Rafa was stunned and appealed to ATP officials to no avail. After that he might as well have left the building. Roger demolished him 6-4, 6-1.

The Roger Supremacy Continues!

Roger destroyed poor Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-2 in each player's third round robin match. Each could have lost the match and still gone on to the semi-finals but Lord knows that Andy Roddick wants to take at least one match against Roger in his lifetime. Alas, it was not his day. Roddick was so upset that at one point he broke his racket on his shoe. What is it about Roddick that makes Roger play his best? It almost seems mean!

Andy's still 11-0 against Roger and Roger is 17-1 in round robin play. Roger and Roddick will go on to face Spaniards--Roddick will take on Ferrer and Roger will play Rafa. It should be exciting! Based on Rafa's hard court past and his shady knees I think Roger's going to take this match.

UPDATE: Wait...that's not right. I know the Roddick beat Roger right before the Australian Open this year. Where did I get these crazy statistics?

He's back!

Roger beat Davydenko 6-4, 6-3. Poor Davydenko. That's 11 losses to Roger, 3 just this year and no wins. Aww.

Now Roger's set up to clobber Roddick in his next match!

Roger Says "No" To Throwing Matches; International Shock Ensues

Roger reiterated his disgust with gamblers paying tennis players to throw matches while in Shanghai. He suggested the chair for those lowly players who are tempted by cold hard cash and then he slapped Davydenko at a press conference to emphasize his point. I think it's nice that Roger spoke out. He is the ambassador for the sport.

Damn It, Roger!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Roger lost another match. This time Fernando Gonzalez avenged his Australian Open Final loss 3-6, 7-6(1), 7-5 in his first match of the Tennis Masters Cup.

Roger was cruising along like usual, took the first set without an issue and then couldn't break Gonzo in the second set. When it went to a tiebreak I guess Roger thought it was lunch break because he only managed to get one point before the set was over. I figured it wouldn't be a problem. Even though Gonzo was playing amazingly well Roger wasn't being a slouch and therefore Roger would prevail in the third set.

No deal. Gonzo broke Roger once and that was all it took. He had the momentum today. I don't want you to think Roger wasn't right there with him because he was. It was statistically neck and neck as far as aces and unforced errors and winners. Gonzo just got the match this time. Good for him! At least Roger looked like a stud in a red polo shirt and black headband and shorts. Not that I notice that kind of thing.

Nalbandian Just Misses the Cut At the Masters Cup

Nalbandian came in 9th in the battle for a spot in the Masters Cup--lucky Roger and Rafa! Here's who we'll be seeing at the tournament starting tomorrow:

1 - Roger
2 - Rafa
3 - Djokovic
After this it almost seems like it could be anybody...
4 - Davydenko
5 - Roddick
6 - Ferrer
7 - Gonzo
8 - Gasquet

Isn't it charming that Roddick still maintains that he has a genuine shot at beating Roger? Him and Jimmy just warm my heart...I wish Blake was in the top 8 but I'll make do with Gasquet. His win over Andy at Wimbledon this year was an instant classic.

Roger Shaves In Shanghai

Glad he's taking care of himself. And he mentioned that he wants Brad Pitt to play him in the movie of his life.

Nalbandian Needs To Be Reined In!

Nalbandian went ahead and beat Rafa 6-4, 6-0 to win the Paris Masters. What!?

Roger Can't Get Past Nalbandian

Uh oh. Federer lost to Nalbandian again, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3). Roger and Nalbandian are even on their meetings now. Bummer. Now Rafa faces Nalbandian in the Final.

It was a weird tournament for Djokovic also, who lost in straight sets to Santoro. I doubt that will make Roger feel any better. Here's hoping they both turn it around in Shanghai!

Roger's Cruising Along At the BNP Paribas Masters

Paris has been working out for Roger so far. He got a bye in the first round and then beat Ivo Karlovic again, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Eek! Roger's already dropped a set. And now he faces Nalbandian. I'm sure he'll be fine. The Paris tournament is the only Masters Series tournament not won by either Roger or Rafa. And we know that when he puts his mind to it, Roger can win tournaments.

Whoa. Roger Is King Arthur

Just in time for Halloween! Roger became King Arthur in a photo shoot for Disney's "Year Of A Million Dreams" promotion. Make sure to view the outcome. As Borat would say, "It's very nice!"

ESPN Commercial with Roger Federer

ESPN Commercial with Roger Federer

Roger Wins In Basel!

Roger was the hometown hero when he took the Davidoff Swiss Indoors title for the fourth time in a row! And it all started with him being a ball boy for the tournament. Roger defeated Nieminen 6-3, 6-4.

Madrid Masters Final - Final Thoughts

I watched the Roger vs. David Nalbandian match today and it was still painful even though I knew the outcome. Roger did play well--it was just the unforced errors and the fact that Nalbandian was playing his best that killed him. It was 6-1, 3-6, 3-6 meaning that Roger was broken three times. In what world is Roger broken three times? I'm stunned. I think he was too. In the second set the announcers said that Roger was so superior that there was simply no one out there to challenge him. Thanks for cursing the guy!

How cool was it that David ran into the stands to hug his crew when he won? I teared up.

Roger's Part of the ATP "Feel It" Campaign

Check out Roger in the new ATP "Feel It" campaign. It's pre-launching at Roger's next tournament and officially coming out in 2008. I'm excited. I hope gets the message out there that tennis is an exciting and exhilarating sport that deserves just as much attention as soccer and football!

Roger's Kicking Butt In Basel

Roger's already through to the Final in Basel! Here's the draw so you can catch up.

So far Roger's beaten:
Round 1 - Michael Berrer, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3
Round 2 - Juan Martin Del Potro, 6-1, 6-4
Round 3 - Nicolas Kiefer, 6-3, 6-2
Round 4 - Ivo Karlovic, 7-6(6), 7-6(5)

He'll face Jarkko Nieminen of Finland in the Final.

Roger Is A Manly Man

Roger ranks #4 on the AskMen.com Manliest Men list. That seems appropriate. The greatest athlete of all-time should at least be in the top 5. I guess he couldn't be #1 because of his RF Cosmetics line--not super manly. Nor is his love of shopping at Bergdorf Goodman.

Roger Loses Madrid Masters Final to Nalbandian

I haven't watched it yet but everyone knows what happened. Nalbandian is unconscious right now! I'll post more later. This combined with the Indians losing their World Series berth is really taking a toll on me.

Roger takes out Kiefer, Heads to Final to face Nalbandian

Roger beat Kiefer 6-4, 6-4 in what the announcers deemed a less than entertaining match. I don't know what they were watching. First of all, the players giggled at some of the antics of the ball girls who were dressed in noticeable Hugo Boss outfits. And second, Kiefer and Roger both had a good deal of amazing slices that made the crowd gasp. Plus Roger had 10 aces!

Roger was in such control that he always won his serve quickly and then the majority of the time sent Kiefer into deuce on his serve. We never doubted Roger would win. I don't think even Kiefer did.

Roger Beats Lopez and Heads To Semis

Spain was 110% behind her man, Feliciano Lopez when he faced Roger in the semi-finals of the tournament. Wearing the same shirt I've seen Rafa and James Blake in (why can't Nike just make a few more shirts so each players gets his own? Maybe the players aren't opposed to sharing in the locker room), he was overwhelmed by the no. 1 seed 7-6(7-4), 6-4. Lopez played a heck of a match but Roger was just too good, stepping it up with aces when necessary, pressuring Lopez's backhand and just out-hitting Lopez on rallies. I even saw Roger get a second serve ace! For some reason Mirka recorded the fan's reactions once Roger had won the match. I guess she was thinking that would be better quality than what the Tennis Channel would have. Sheesh!

Roger's in a black polo shirt and gray shorts for the tournament. He looks ravishing as usual.

Roger's In Madrid and Winning!

I didn't realize that the Madrid Masters Tournament would be on the Tennis Channel until today. They show hours upon hours of the tournament! It's in horrible quality but I'll take it. Beggars can't be choosers.

In the first round Roger took out Robby Ginepri 7-6(2), 6-4 and in the second round he faced the dreaded Guillermo Canas. Roger avenged those ridiculous losses from last year by taking the match 6-0, 6-3. It was awesome. Roger was in complete control, dictating the points and making Canas run all over the place. When Canas tried the same strategy Roger would simply glide around the court without a drop of sweat or a gasp of breath, come in a little bit and slam it home. Plus, his serve was deadly. There was no hope for Canas tonight since Roger was at his best after a well-deserved rest. Roger dropped him in only 53 minutes. Love it!

Roger's World of Rolex

Since we're on the subject of sponsors check out this amazing Rolex website dedicated to Roger. It somehow does justice to his talent and grace. Well done!

Roger's Jura Capresso Campaign

I discovered the magazine Tennis Week at the Dallas airport and was elated. On the back cover of the September issue was a picture of Roger from the JURA Capresso ad campaign. It's great! It's Roger holding two cappuccinos and the tagline reads, "The Federer serve!" See it for yourself.

Did You Know?

That Roger does not have a middle name?

AIG Japan Open Tennis Champsionships

Did Roger sit this one out? I can't find any information on it!

Roger Ranks Among Most Powerful Sports Figures

BusinessWeek released its Power 100 which lists the 100 most influential people in sports. Roger ranks a paltry 30. Give me a break! Tiger gets the number two slot and Roger lands five spots after George Steinbrenner? He is the best to ever play tennis and possibly the greatest athlete of all time! I'm horrified!

Did You Know?

John Isner, Roger's opponent in the third round of the 2007 US Open, is in two Roger Federer fan groups on Facebook? He recognizes!

Roger on Regis & Kelly (US Open)

He looks great!

Roger Federer on The Today Show (US Open)

Did You Know?

When Roger trains in Dubai he does so in 120 degree temperatures and has been known to run through three rotating college players without taking a break?

Davis Cup World Play-Offs Results

Roger did win his match against Berdych but it wasn't easy: 7-6(5), 7-6(10), 6-3. It also wasn't enough to guarantee Switzerland's victory against the Czech Republic. Stepanek went on to defeat Wawrinka in the fifth match leaving the series 3-2. Wawrinka may have lost both his matches but let's not forget that he's adorable.

In other tennis news, USA is going to the Davis Cup Final!

Round 3 of Davis Cup

Oh no! Roger lost his doubles match with Allegro in a heart breaker: 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-4. Since Wawrinka lost his singles match that means the Swiss are currently down 1-2. No problem. Roger will tie it up in Round 4 in his match against Berdych.

Details of the match from ATP Tennis.

Round 1 of Davis Cup

Roger defeated Stepanek 6-3 6-2 6-7(4) 7-6(5) in Round 1. In Round 3 Roger will play doubles with Allegro against Damn and Dlouhy. I won't pretend I know who those people are but I really like that the guy's last name Damn.

Davis Cup Starts Tomorrow

Roger will face Radek Stepanek (34) of the Czech Republic tomorrow on carpet in Round 1 of the Davis Cup. The Davis Cup will run Friday through Sunday. Get match information here.

An article on the Stepanek - Federer match-up from ATP

Terracotta Warrior Roger

In celebration of the Masters Cup in Shanghai, Roger will be immortalized as a terracotta warrior along with the top eight ranked players.

Without Peer

Roger is in two articles in Sports Illustrated this month: Without Peer and on the Players page. I love the Without Peer article because it explored negative reactions to Roger's greatness and made me laugh out loud at Roddick's reaction to losing to Roger. I can't find the article on the Players page called As Good As It Gets but the gist of it is also on here: Rodriguez part of golden trifecta. Basically what it says is that last Sunday marked a day of excellence for three men--Roger Federer, Tiger Woods and Alex Rodriguez--who are potentially the greatest their sports have ever seen.

The Woman Behind Roger

Yea! An article on the glory of Mirka has surfaced: The Woman Behind the Modern-Day Borg. Of course, it's more about Roger but at least it gave it a try. I'd love to see an interview with her.

Roger in Men's Vogue

I can't believe I hadn't seen this until today: Federer's Dubai. Mirka's looking sexy in the slide show too. Links to other articles and pictures are on the page as well. The picture above is from a dinner Vogue threw for Roger. The Federer party of two looks so glamorous. If you look at the slide show from the dinner you'll find that the Trumps were there--The Donald, Melania and Ivanka. I can just hear Trump telling somebody back at the office, "I have to head out. I'm going to a party for the greatest tennis player in the world." It would be one of the few times he wasn't exaggerating when he used that phrase.

Novak Djokovic Impressions at the US Open 2007

Hang in there. He does Roger last. It's hilarious!

Roger's Playing Pete Sampras at Madison Square Garden

Roger has announced that he will play Pete Sampras in an exhibition match on March 10, 2008 at Madison Square Garden! This is in addition to their three previously announced matches in Asia. Here's the whole story but tickets aren't available just yet.

I have a problem wtih Roger's income

Roger made $2.4 million for winning the US Open Series and the US Open. He won about $1.1 million for the Australian Open, $693,500 for being a finalist at the French Open, and $1.4 for Wimbledon. That totals $5,593,500 (some rounding applied.) All I'm saying is that by comparing annual incomes this man who is the greatest athlete of our time makes less than Luke Walton only if he wins basically everything he attempts. I know Latrell Sprewell feels me on this. He's also wondering how Roger could support a family on these meager wages. Thank you Gillette, Nike and Rolex for helping Roger out in his time of need.

UPDATE: According to Wikipedia Roger's career prize money totals $35,640,078. Peanuts! If they didn't throw in those last $78 Roger would be on the streets right now.

Roger's Road to the US Open Championship

1st Round defeats Scoville Jenkins 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

2nd Round defeats Paul Capdeville 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

3rd Round defeats John Isner 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.

4th Round defeats Feliciano Lopez 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.

Quaterfinals defeats Andy Roddick 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.

Semifinals defeats Nikolay Davydenko 7-5, 6-1, 6-5.

Finals defeats Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4.

***

Fun article from the LA Times on Roger's victory:

There's no escaping the reality that Federer remains constant

Roger On Regis & Kelly This Morning!

I missed it but I'll post it from YouTube as soon as it's up!

UPDATE: Roger was on The Today Show before he helped Regis out with his serve. I need to find video of this. Help!

Roger's US Open Apparel

Roger's US Open apparel will not be available for purchase by the general public--which is how it usually goes for us, unfortunately. I am dying for a hat with his F on it. His dad looked adorable while he sat courtside sporting his son's cap.

FUN ROGER FACT: His parents, Robert and Lynette, never sit next to each other during matches because his mother can't stand how his father won't shut up!

Roger Hits Chair Umpire

I don't have a picture of it but I thought it was worth noting that on the second to last point of the US Open Championship match Roger slammed a ball into the chair umpire. I noticed that within five minutes of winning the match he had apologized to the ump and been absolved of his crime.

Roger Wins $2.4 million and a Lexus

Roger won $1 million for the his US Open championship and another $1.4 for winning the US Open Series. Then they threw in a Lexus and a trophy on top of it. Roger previously said on his website that he likes winning cars better than money since he has enough money anyway. However, this is the most a tennis player has ever won and our dapper and endearing Roger accepted it with gracious embarrassment while Mirka looked on with pride.

Thanks to Reuters for the photo.

Roger Wins 4th Straight US Open Title

Our favorite Swiss man in black defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 in his tenth consecutive slam final appearance. Only Bill Tilden and Roger have won 4 straight US Opens. Roger won his 12th slam title-- and needs only two more to reach Pete Sampras!

Get the highlights of the match on from USOpen.org.

Thanks to Reuters for the photo.