The year in review

I think this Onion article says it all. It's a MUST READ!!

US Open Stat courtesy of Scott

Here's another comparison of Roger's dominance:

He's made 18 straight GS semis (as Royce mentioned earlier). The entire Russian women's entourage (Dementieva, Sharapova, Kuznetsova, Safina, Chakvetadze, Zvonareva, and Petrova have all made at least one and have been in the top 10 over the streak) have only made 17 of the last 18 semis.

Blog's been down but Wimbledon goes on

I've had to stop and reflect since the thrashing at the French Open. It's been tough on all of us. So I went on hiatus here.

However, Wimbledon's around the corner. And the LA Times posted a funny story about Roger. I have to share.

Roger Federer's vulnerability becomes an issue

Also, he won a tournament while I was on hiatus. Halle, Germany without dropping a set or dropping serve. Wow. No wonder he showed up at Wimbledon looking sublime as ever.

Federer was not betterer today

Roger did not win the French Open Final today. Rafa played great. Let's leave it at that.

The rivalry

The ATP has outdone itself with an in-depth analysis of the Roger-Rafa Rivalry.

Very nice!

How come there's no YouTube up of Roger's matches right now? Big Brother Roland Garros?

HELL YES! Roger - Rafa Final coming up on Sunday!

Roger beat the unseeded Gael Monfils 6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 7-5 and is going on to face Rafa.

Roger Federer Post Match Press Conference Paris Quarterfinal

Sweet Victory!

Roger took down Gonzo 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 and is heading to the Semis to face Monfils. He won't be the crowd-pleaser but he will certainly cause the French to surrender!

Another milestone!

Roger's match against Fernando Gonzalez will be his 16th straight Quarter-Final in a major!

Roger Federer Post Match Press Conference Paris 4

Roger battles his way into the Quarters

Roger followed up his masterpiece with a battle against unseeded Julien Benneteau, knocking him off 6-4, 7-5, 7-5. I think we can all agree the straight sets for Julien there are just brutal. And so's that French rain.

I'm so excited that he's playing Gonzo next!

Classic Federer Point Construction

Roger Federer v. Mario Ancic, 2008 French Open, 3rd Round

Roger destroys Ancic

Woohoo! Another clear victory for Roger. He took down Mario Ancic in the Third Round, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Here are the details. They're calling his performance a masterpiece.

He's facing France's Julien Benneteau (who?) in the quarterfinals and he's feeling great!

Is Roger worth sticking around through a rain delay?

You better believe it.

When did Roger become the Federer-Express?

He could be Fed-Ex if people got lazy and that just isn't right.

He won today! 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-0, 6-4 against Albert Montañes. Look at that big old bagel! Sweet.

Next up, Ancic. He's 4-1 against him. But that doesn't mean he can rest on his laurels!

Can Roger win the French?

Me: Obvs.

MCENROE ON FEDERER: "Roger can win but his window of opportunity is closing. Having said that he is probably still the second best player on clay right now so of course he has a chance of winning the French."

CARILLO ON FEDERER VS. NADAL: Can Federer win this? Without a doubt. He's been in the last two finals. Only Nadal is a better clay court player. Remember that Federer grew up on this stuff (clay) too and has a genuine feel for this stuff. He's playing the greatest clay courter of his generation, someone who may end up rivaling the great (Bjorn) Borg on this surface. Federer has to play his very best if he were to make it to the final against Nadal. He would have to play with aggression and little fear, and try to knock Nadal off his pins in fewer than five sets. That is perhaps the tallest single order in tennis these days.

From: http://www.sportsfeatures.com/index.php?section=pp&action=show&id=46832

Roger Federer Commercial "Nationale Suisse" 2008

I'm such a sucker for this kind of stuff.

French Open 1st Rd Roger Federer vs Sam Querrey 26/05/2008

Poor Americans.

Roger Federer Post Match Press Conference Paris

Love the hat, love the water, love it all.

Roger training at Roland Garros with M. Safin 5/25/08

Worth watching? Why not!

Nothing to worry about

Roger crushed Sam 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. I'm not going to take this opportunity to say, "I told you so." I'm sure I'd be preaching to the choir anyway.

Roger was gracious enough to say that he was happy with how it went because the first round of a Slam is always difficult. I wouldn't have believed him when he made a comment like that last year but this year I'll accept it.

The whole draw for the French Open

Here it is. I'm shaking in my bootstraps.

Roger's playing American Sam Querrery to start the French Open

Big whoop. I don't get why this made front page news on MSN. Roger will beat Sam just like he'll beat any other American on clay.

Roger in the May 2008 issue of TENNIS magazine

What the heck does this mean:

"After an unpleasant experience in Athens in 2004, Roger Federer says he may decide not to stay with the other athletes in the Olympic Village in Beijing this August. In Federer's defense, he's can be a total wreck if he sleeps on sheets that aren't pure Egyptian cotton."

Does that strike anyone else as rude? Snarky at a minimum.

Thankfully it gets better. They give him #5 on the list of 5 Best Shots. "5. Roger Federer's Forehand - His racquet-head sped and variety of options make this the biggest weapon today." Everyone else on the list is retired so that works.

He also made the Top 5 Best Dressed list. "5. Roger Federer - No matter what your opinion of his tuxedo shorts [HOT] or Wimbledon jacket [HOTTER], Federer is one male player willing to try something new." The only other man who made the list was Bjorn Borg.

Then they spent pages analyzing his forehand. They call it the Modern Classic. That's right!

Superb highlights Federer Nadal Hamburg Final

Did you know?

That on Roger's Official MySpace Page the only text is:

"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."

And there's a really great song on it too. Check it out!

Roger Federer - Press Conference Hamburg Final

Not a lot of fun but Roger's always refreshing.

Roger vs. Rafa - took 10 years off my life

Roger led, then he trailed. Lost the first set.

Roger led, then he trailed, then he won the second set in a tie break.

Then he just trailed and lost the third set.

For a second I thought Rafa was going to quit in the first set when he was seriously behind. He saw a trainer about his thigh and then was all put back together. That's okay. We don't want Roger winning by default.

Final score: 5-7, 7-6 (3), 3-6.

Final word: That was some high quality tennis. Amazing!

Hamburg 08: SF Rog v Seppi (Highlights Pt 2)

Hamburg 08: SF Rog v Seppi (Highlights Pt 1)

Look at Roger go!

Roger cruised again! This time past Andreas Seppi, 6-3, 6-2! He hasn't dropped a set in this Hamburg tournament and he's on his way to play either Nadal or Djokovic. Very exciting!

Hamburg 08: QF Rog v Verdasco (Highlights Pt 2)

Hamburg 08: QF Rog v Verdasco (Highlights Pt 1)

Woohoo! Roger wins in Hamburg

Good news: Roger's in the Semis

Bad news: Nadal's in the Semis

Roger beat Verdasco easily 6-3, 6-3.

Roger's playing Italy's Andreas Seppi tomorrow. I'm not going to say anything to jinx him.

Roger's in a tournament right now!

I didn't think he'd be able to play this week too. He's been playing so much lately the guy has to take a break! Then I realized I'd posted that he was going to be playing this week. I'm losing it.

At least he's been winning. He routed the unseeded Swede (say that ten times really fast) Robin Söderling 6-3, 6-2. Took just 64 minutes. That's the Roger we know and love! Although we love him winning or losing.

Next up is Verdasco in the Quarters. Roger says he does have something to worry about. That's just because he's being gracious, right?

Roger does it again =(

He lost to Stepanek today. 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (9-7).

The whole story.

Roger does it again!

Roger defeated Ivo Karlovic's tough serve today, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

The whole story.

Rome 08: 2R Rog v Canas (Highlights Pt 2)

Rome 08: 2R Rog v Canas (Highlights Pt 1)

Rafa loses in Rome!

"Nadal, the No. 2-ranked Spaniard, lost on clay for only the second time in 105 matches, falling to his countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero, 7-5, 6-1, in the second round of the Rome Masters." - AP

He had a massive blister on his foot ailing him. You had to know that he couldn't suddenly lose his talent. Rafa seems worried about being competitive in the Masters Series leading up to Roland Garros. He's gotta stay tough! Roger wants him to bring it. That way when he beats him he'll know it's because he's better.

Roger beats Canas in Rome

Yes! Roger beat Canas again 6-3, 6-3 further distancing himself from that catastrophe in Indian Wells last year. It was their first match on clay.

Roger says he's back on track! That means it's time to give Rafa some trouble.

The whole story.

Roger loses to Rafa at Monte Carlo...Episode 4

What the heck is going on?

Roger beat Djokovic in the semi-final when Novak retired due to illness. PLEASE! Could Roger win one important match of his clay season legitimately? He was leading 6-3, 3-2.

Novak said he felt dizzy and he'd been sick for a few days but he hadn't thought it was anything major.

Now Roger will face Rafa in the final. Come on, Roger!

--

Sorry, missed a couple matches...

Roger beat Monfils in what people are calling the best match of the tournament 6-3, 6-4 in the third round and then went on to avenge his Masters loss to Nalbandian, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Woohoo!

More info on those matches.

Mirka is the boss

Fans have been wearing "Mirka is the boss" t-shirts to Monte Carlo. I want one!

Roger was miraculous today!

He was down 5-1 in the third set to 137th ranked ATP player Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. Only two points away from losing the match and he rallied to win it! 6-1, 3-6, 7-6!

See what Roger had to say about it.

Good thing he thing he turned it around. The ATP then gave him three awards for the best player of 2007, the best sportsman and the fans' favourite.

Roger has his first helicopter ride over Monte Carlo

This tournament in sponsored by Rolex so I'm sure Roger's going to be well taken care of.

Here's the draw for the tournament.

Roger wins his first title of 2008!

He beat the no-name in the Semis on Saturday and then beat Davydenko 7-6 (5), 1-2 because he retired with a leg injury. Whatever. It's a win--in windy conditions on clay!

Roger said it's the first time someone gave up against him in a Final. Here's Roger:

"It's great to win a title again, and to straightaway win my first clay-court tournament of the season gives me great confidence going into Monte Carlo," the 26-year-old Swiss star said. "I guess now, if you get better conditions, (I'll) play so much better.

Get the whole story, including Davydenko's reactions, here. Now I understand his decision on hiring Coach Jose better. He's a clay-court specialist. That shouldn't hurt Roger's chances for the French.

On to the Semis!

Roger won again! He beat Frederico Gil 6-4, 6-1 in his home country. There were some rain delays.

I wish he was playing someone whose name I recognized so I could get jazzed that he won. If he lost to a no name I'd be inconsolable. But that guy Tipsaveric from the Aussie Open...he made a name for himself against Roger. I was excited Roger won that one.

Davydenko advanced as well. I hope Roger if they meet in this tournament Roger won't be as nice to him on the court as he was about the gambling allegations...

Roger confirms he'll do the Davis Cup again...did we have any doubts?

Roger explains in a note to his fans.

Roger wins again!

He's through Round 2. And it was supposedly a breeze. I don't know for sure because I have hardly seen Roger play this year, save for the Australian Open. Grr...

Anyway, Roger beat Victor Hanescu 6-3, 6-2 today and is in the quarters. Easy. Now let's not get ahead of ourselves and make any predictions. One match at a time.

Roger takes Round 1 in Portugal

Roger beat Olivier Rochus of Belgium 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 today. Bad news? He wasn't great in the first set. Good news? He battled back with that usual Roger goodness that we've sort of been missing. Here's hoping it's so very back from here on out...especially with the French Open coming up.

But let's be clear. As long as Roger is a gracious and good human being we're fans of him no matter what his performance on the court is.

Roger got a coach

Jose Higueras. That's not as fun to say as Tony Roche. We'll see how it pans out.

Hear about the decision from Roger himself.

This guy says it all

I am so sick of all the doomsday paraders about how Roger's reign is coming to a grinding halt. So the semi-finals aren't good enough when you're bouncing back from mono? Relax, people.

Check out this guy's stance on the matter. Enough said.

Roddick beats Federer, world implodes

I don't even know what to say. I already had my boundaries on reality stretched today when I found out that a man is pregnant. I can't handle this on top of it. Roger lost 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-3 in the Quarters. Ugh.

Still, I love Roger's reaction. Basically, I lost. So what am I going to do about it? You move on! I miss the usual Roddick press conference, though.

Youzhny reacts badly to losing point

Couldn't help posting this even though it had nothing to do with Roger. That kind of behavior might get you kicked out of the tennis club quicker than shrieking like Sharapova would.

Roger got an easy win--seriously, the guy dropped out

Roger beat that Swedish guy because he bowed out due to illness. On to the next match!

Sometimes I think it's really hard to be a tennis fan

Man, tennis is tough. The scheduling is so hard to follow for tournaments and then there's the whole time zone question and then there's finding out what station you're going to be able to watch it on, if any. I mean, it's almost like I shouldn't be following just Roger. I should be happy for whatever tennis lands in my lap. But I say no. I say I have my favorites and it should be easier to watch them play. Come on ATP! I haven't even seen Roger in this tournament yet! And must you schedule big stuff during March Madness? That is just mean.

So he didn't play Isner in Round 2

No, Roger went ahead and defeated Frenchman Gaël Monfils 6-3, 6-4. Yawn. And that's just how we like it. Roger doling out spanking after spanking. That's the world we understand.

Next up is the Swede Robin Söderling. It could have been his buddy Wawrinka but he lost in the First Round too. So this did not work out like I was hoping but as long as Roger's winning it's just fine.

Dropped down in Key Biscayne

Roger's ready to roll in the Miami tourney and has even more time to prep since he's been handed a bye for the first round. He'll face either Monfils or the great American John Isner in Round 2. You all remember John from the US Open last year when he took a set off Roger courtesy of his powerful serve. You remember. Member?

Mardy Fish stuns Roger, the world

I forgot to report that Roger beat Hass. Oops. But more importantly today Mardy Fish defeated Roger 6-3, 6-2 in the Pacific Life Open Semi-Final. Looking like a lumberjack, Fish played perfect tennis to take down Roger. Even Mardy's girlfriend looked on completely perplexed. Fish is the lowest seeded player to defeat Roger since Roger has reigned #1. He'll face Djokovic in the Final tomorrow.

Roger beats opponent whose name Americans furrow their brows over

Ljubicic. I can pronounce it because I've heard it but could you pronounce it when you saw it for the first time? I'm not so sure.

Roger beat him 6-3, 6-4. Next up: Tommy Hass.

Roger beats a Frenchie

Roger made another Frenchman wave the white flag, taking down Nicolas Mahut 6-1, 6-1. 9 aces and won 96% of his first serves. No more mono!

Next up: Ljubicic.

Second Round at Pac Life Open not a problem!

Roger beat Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3, 6-2 in a 68 minute match. However, the conditions were crap. It was WAY too windy. This is Palm Springs! What the heck is going on? (I went to the tourney so I'm a little perturbed.)

Draw for the Pacific Life Open is announced

I guess we're supposed to be shaking in our bootstraps because it appears that Roger may have a tough draw. Yeah right. The guy had mono and had just gotten over some serious stomach ailment and still went to the Semis at the Australian Open. Can you imagine how scary he's going to be now that he's over that stuff? Yeesh. I fear that Andy Roddick may see yet another demoralization. Here's to a fun press conference afterwards!

Roger beats Pete at the Clash of Times

Roger won 6-3, 6-7, 7-6. I have to say, that match was almost alarmingly entertaining. It wasn't fixed, was it? Oh, who cares. It was a blast. Now if I could just get some decent highlight reels off of YouTube that would be great...

Don't you love that NetJets gave Roger a ride to Indian Wells provided that he took Pete with him? That kind of ride sharing is guaranteed to save us from global warming!

Roger has *had* mono

He explains it all in this letter to his fans. He's over it now so he's just trying to get back in shape and then it looks like we'll have our old Roger back!

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Roger lost! To Andy Murray! In the first round in Dubai! This is just awful. I can't slice it any other way.

7-6(6), 3-6, 4-6. I don't want to talk about it.

I hope he gets some practice time in with Pete before Madison Square Garden. Will his next move be to get a coach?

Did you know?

That Roger plays the piano?

Roger Supports Davydenko

Previously I had assumed that Roger was disgusted by Davydenko as far as the gambling allegations went but it turns out I was wrong. Roger actually spoke out about Davydenko's innocence on Thursday. I'm so confused. I thought when Davydenko laughed when asked if there was a Russian mafia and insisted, "There is no Russsian mafia," that pretty much sealed the deal on his guilt. But you have go with what Roger says. That's just common sense.

NetJets Showdown

Are you ready? I know. I need more time to prep too. I just saw Pete play an exhibition against Tommy Haas on Monday. Pete's ready to roll. He won in straight sets. Tommy never had a prayer.

Roger wore a tux! And he won an award

The reasonable people over in St. Petersburg presented Roger with his fourth straight Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award. He's the first person to receive the award four times. And he beat out Tiger for the title. Teehee.

Kind of funny!

A spoof on Roger's relationship with a couple of the female tennis players.

Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Thierry Henry Gillette Phenom Ad

Roger's making somebody a mint

I was delighted to pay only $40 to see the Sampras-Safin exhibition that's coming up next week but even more delighted to learn that Roger and Pete tickets are up to $16,668 for their showdown next month. See for yourself!

Roger was in Oregon and didn't bother telling anybody

Grr. Roger was at Nike World Headquarters in Portland so employees could get the health benefits of being exposed to his aura and where was I? At work, just like you. I know! It's completely unfair.

Roger's released the red RF hat!

Yea! It's says "Roger Federer Foundation" on the back and has the Nike swoosh on the side. And it's in red and white for Switzerland. I'm going to buy one for everyone in my town. No. My state. Good thing I invested in gold bars with my allowance when I was growing up.

Don't waste another minute. GET IT HERE!!!

Federer Interview After Losing Australian Open 2008 SF

This is so sad! My heart goes out to him. I want that outfit.

Federer VS Djokovic - Australian Open 2008 SF

Uh Oh...

Roger lost in the semifinals of the Australian Open to Novak Djokovic...in straight sets. 7-5, 6-3, 7-6. Novak's heading into the Final to face Tsonga (Allez Tsonga!) without having dropped a set in the tournament. What is going on here??? I should be replacing Novak with Roger in this recap. This is ridiculous.

Afterwards Roger said, "I've created a monster, so I know I always need to win every tournament. Winning every other week means that when I just lose a set people say I'm playing bad."

Well, uh...shouldn't he win every time? He's the best to ever play the game! But seriously, like he said, the Semifinals of a Slam are pretty good. Winning your 12th Slam is better, but we'll take the Semifinals. And for the pundits who are saying, "Here starts the decline of Roger Federer," I say spare yourself from looking like a fool later on and just shut your mouth.

Federer-Blake QTR at Down Under 08 (Highlights)

Roger wins 7-5 7-6 6-4. Did we have any doubts? Love James Blake though. He's a good man. I highly recommend his book, Breaking Back.

AO R4 Federer vs Berdych highlights

Roger cruised past Berdych but narrowly missed crashing into beer crate

Roger gained entry into the quarters and a match against James Blake with a 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 over Thomas Berdych. But the drama came when he took a bathroom break after the second set (what? I thought he was like the Brady Bunch and didn't need a toilet) and then on his way back was surprised by a beer crate being pushed through a door, directly into his path and then had to leap over it to save himself. I hope somebody has the wherewithal to make this incident into a major video game. Can you imagine? They could call it The Big Game Bathroom Break and have all kinds of perilous situations that the player would have to navigate through. I'd buy it for sure.

Here's a blurb on the match straight from Roger's people so it won't be slanted at all. Just like this site!

Winding up the Tipsarevic match

I just wanted to do the obligatory comments on Tipsarevic's glasses and tats and Roger's sweating. Tipsarevic is the first person I've seen wear glasses to play professional tennis. At first I wrote him off as the geek that would be picked last at PE but then they grew on me. They were kind of cool. And I just loved how intrigued the announcers were with his tattoos--his parents' names in Japenese on his arms and his Dostoevsky phrase in Russian. I think it was, "Beauty is the answer" or something. How random. And irrelevant. But whatever. My only complaint about the man is that his challenges were frustrating. They took way too much time and were way too plentiful (like in the 3rd set, sheesh!). But I guess since the chair ump didn't chastise him too badly it was fine. I hated to see Roger get so annoyed by them. It takes a lot to annoy that guy. But it wasn't just at Tipsarevic. The line judges were just way off the mark too.

We always marvel at how Roger doesn't sweat but he's been sweating in this tournament. I wonder if it's partly due to his illness right before the Open. Or maybe it's because it's damn hot down under? I don't know. I just know that he trains in Dubai in more intense heat so it confuses me a little. I'm not saying he needs to stop sweating though. He can do that if he so desires.

Here's a great article on the match. I recommend you buy it on DVD when available. It's a classic.

AO R3 Federer vs Tipsarevic

Here's the last few games. It's intense--even if you know what's going to happen. Mirka was SO into it!

Roger goes through hell and back

I'm still recovering. What a match that was against Tipsarevic. My cable went out in the fourth set. I almost had a heart attack. I just read the score and I'm in shock. I can't even fully comment until I get a massage.

6-7 (5), 7-6 (1), 5-7, 6-1, 10-8

R. Federer - F. Santoro [AO 08/R2]

This was great. Thoroughly entertaining. Why ESPN2 didn't air it in its entirety is beyond me. Roger won 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 and then climbed over the net to give Santoro a hug.

Diego Hartfield quits tennis after match against Roger

Well, Roger did it now. With his 6-0, 6-3, 6-0 win over the Argentine he has destroyed any confidence Hartfield had and sent him running from the sport. Okay, that's not true. But I think it did cross Diego's mind. He was playing extremely well. And Roger had just gotten over a terrible stomach problem. Shouldn't he have had a chance? Just a chance?

Nope! Not against the greatest to ever play the game. The only problem I have is that Roger dropped three games. Last year he won the tournament without dropping a set. So how do you top that? By not dropping any games! Then you move on to not dropping any points the next year. And now he's blown it. Good job, Roger.

I'm not going to get all gushy and tell you about how it's so nice to see Roger playing again and that his backhand is pure magic and his aces gave me chills. I'll focus on the facts. Next up is Santoro who Roger beat the last time they met. Santoro beat my favorite up-and-comer, American John Isner, in the first round. Boo. Santoro's loud shirts really need to pipe down.

They're saying Roger has a tough draw at the Aussie Open...

He starts with Diego Hartfield (who?) and then moves on to possibly Santoro, JB, Berdych, Gonzo (rematch!) and Djokovic. But who knows. That's why they play the tournament.

The draw.

Reason 13445543 to cancel your SI subscription

Roger was named the world’s Top Sporting Champion of the Year by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) for the third year in a row. Seriously, I have canceled my subscription.

Roger's sick!

He has a stomach situation and has to pull out of the AAMI Classic. Poor guy. I'm kind of worried. Read his letter to his fans and see what you think.

Roger's the Champion of Champions

Roger was named Champion of Champions by the French newspaper L'Equipe. Is this kind of stuff getting repetitive? I mean obviously Roger is a champion. Check him out speaking French. He speaks so many languages if he just had a bulletproof golf cart he'd be the Pope!