In un mach esibizione l’ex number one Pete Sampras ha battuto il suo vecchio rivale Andre Agassi in tre set 3-6, 6-3, 10-8. La partita di esibizione si è giocata a Macao.

Recently I have made the switch to the famous purple Tourna Grip. I still keep my amazing Wilson Pro grips in my bag, but with this addition to my bag, everything feels complete.

This grip is really amazing…not only is it tacky in a sense, but when you sweat, this grip knows it. It takes your sweat and uses it to your advantage…making it tackier. No slipping, no spinning in your hand, no worries.

Sure, well over 100 ATP and WTA pros use it…maybe that’s why I decided to try it. Maybe that’s why you should too.  Just give it a shot, if you don’t like it, go back to your old reliable. Trust me though, you wont be disappointed. It’s not everyday that I change a big part of my tennis racket, and game play, the grip is a big part of that. So far this is making the cut with no problem.

Tourna Grip

Check it out cheap at www.tennis-warehouse.com

The just concluded US Open is memorable in many ways. It had Kim Clistjers come back from a 2 year break to win the US Open,Melanie Oudin revived the Great American dream while the British saw theirs sink for yet another time,a host of top players including Serena,Fed and Rafa burst at the umpire with Serena making it the highlight of her this year’s campaign.The greatest and most visibly outrageous one is Del Potro’s win.

Federer was in such imperious form , it was a treat to watch him.Against Soderling he was shoddy but Djokovic’s match was brilliant.I did not think Del Potro could win him. But win he did with that big serve and stinging forehand. The way Del Potro treated Nadal was almost funny. Nadal was just out played and unless he finds a different technique Del Potro will be the same as he himself is to Federer.Ironically the topspin that troubles Fed so much is rendered ineffective against Del Potro’s height. I am not convinced by Fed’s greatness he just got lucky in the past two slams -no Nadal. Unless he wins Nadal and reverses their head to head record he cannot and should not be the all time greatest player.But undoubtedly he is the most consistent athlete ever in any modern competitive sporting era. And that is something that will never be replicated probably.

Kim won, good for her a tremendous achievement indeed.But really women’s tennis sucks these days. we have to wait for the crop of young players to grow up.there was a time some 8 years back when the Williamses entered when women’s tennis was exciting and highly competitive and they are the only ones who retain that spirit even now. And clearly the rankings are so much of a mockery now that no one takes it seriously except probably Safina.

Lastly, Del Potro is exciting but lets wait and watch lest he goes the Safin way. Really in all this Safin has been forgotten. He is an example of so much talent gone waste. This guy had the game to whip Sampras,Had it in him to beat Federer(he did that too mind you) but he was destiny’s prodigal son really.Such a regrettable act. Why? is the only thing I think when i see him play. If only he had lent some wee bit of that talent to his more balanced sister she could have managed to lay her hands on a grandslam trophy .

Serena’s little outburst is really passable.Come on cut the female some slack. she was losing a match and generally does not go about abusing umpires. I think past record(not in that day’s match alone) should be taken into consideration while handing out penalties in matches of importance like a grandslam semi final on a match point.

Melaine Oudin really is a talent. I like the way she plays and think she has the game to go great places.She requires consistency,self belief and some tweaking.

A memorable open of upsets, really.

Photo courtesy: US Open

New York – there’s no place quite like it.

For a Kansas boy, it thrills and chills me with every visit.  Senses are heightened.  Every thing is just better or worse depending what view you want to take.   Spectacular scenery, the hustle and bustle, the drama, great art, wonderful fashion, fascinating people from celebrities to the down and out – New York teems with it all.

That’s why no tennis tournament can match the US Open.  It has all that New York can offer.  The roaring masses in Arthur Ashe Stadium, celebrity sightings, drama growing with each round, player’s skills that are an exquisite art form and fashion everywhere make for two wonderful weeks.

Forget about the upcoming football season for a few weeks.  Don’t worry about the pennant races.  (The Yankees are going to win it all over the Cardinals.)  Come home at night and tune to the US Open tennis.  Sit back and enjoy.

Wimbledon has the grass, strawberries and cream.  The French has the quirky clay courts with players sliding from shot to shot.  The Australian has the heat and that wonderful Aussie spirit.  None own the night, though.

The US Open comes alive at night.  Maybe it is because this tournament reminds all that summer days are now waning.  The crowds become even louder, more boisterous.  The drama heightens as matches drag on deep into night and early morning.   Remember an aging Jimmy Connors, fists pumping with every winner, finally defeating Patrick McEnroe in the fifth set at 1:30 in the morning in 1991?  Connors would come back with another historic match that year, another gut wrenching, five-setter, over Aaron Krickstein before falling the in the finals.

All the greats have lit up the night, but two stand out in my mind as true reflections of the New York spirit – Pete Sampras and Michael Chang.  Sampras is believed by many to be tennis’ greatest player.  He has won 14 grand slam titles and won the US Open five times.  Chang only reached the finals once.  None of that matters.

What matters is the fight they both showed in almost all of their matches.  Chang once lost a five hour 26 minute match, the longest in US Open history, to Stephan Edberg.  Sampras seemed dead so often, announcers all but delivered his eulogy.  Both would cramp, throw up, stumble and tumble.   Then they’d lift themselves up and somehow drag themselves through the next point, the next game, the next set, and the match.  Their matches took so long because no opponent could ever break their spirit.

The same can be said of the greatest city in the world.

                 Bu yazı benim oyunsetmac adlı blogumun ilk yazısıdır. Bu blogu açmamdaki sebep; uzun zamandır hayranı olduğum tenis sporu hakkında düşüncelerimi paylaşmak istememdi. Bu düşüncelerimi paylaşma cesaretini bulmamda en önemli dayanağım Agassi,  Sampras, Hingis, Davenport, vb. tenis efsanelerinin maçlarını takip edebilmem  ve bugünün tenisçileriyle dönemin tenisini eleştirebilecek bilgi birikimine sahip olmam. oyunsetmac adlı blogumun sizinde katkılarınızla kaliteli bir blog olacağını düşünmekteyim.  Şimdiden blogumu ziyaret eden  ve vaktini harcayan herkese şimdiden teşekkür ederim.

Một số chuyên gia đánh giá như vậy về thành tích ấn tượng của tay vợt người Thụy Sĩ. Hôm qua, Federer phá kỷ lục về số lần đoạt danh hiệu Grand Slam của Sampras, khi thắng ngoạn mục trong trận chung kết Wimbledon.

Pete Sampras, tay vợt huyền thoại từng đoạt 14 danh hiệu Grand Slam, trong đó có 7 chức vô địch Wimbeldon, nhận xét: “14 danh hiệu mà tôi giành được từ thập niên 1990 đã là nhiều, thế mà bây giờ Federer có tới 15, khi chưa sang tuổi 28. Nếu tiếp tục giữ vững phong độ cũng như thể lực, anh ta có thể đoạt thêm nhiều chức vô địch Wimbledon và các giải đấu lớn khác.

Sự khiêm tốn, nhún nhường của Federer có vẻ chẳng ăn nhập với những gì thể hiện trên sân. Bên cạnh điểm mạnh là những cú phát bóng, anh ta còn có cú bạt phải xoáy và rất nguy hiểm. Một số người thần tượng Rod Laver hay Rafael Nadal nhưng theo tôi, Federer mới là tay vợt vĩ đại nhất.

Ngôi vương quần vợt của Sampras (bên trái) đã được chuyển giao cho Federer.

Bjorn Borg, nhà vô địch tại 5 giải Wimbledon, đánh giá: “Tôi vẫn nhìn thấy ở Federer tinh thần chuyên nghiệp và lòng khao khát chiến thắng. Anh ta luôn thi đấu với tất cả khả năng, bởi vậy sẽ còn nhiều lần vào chung kết Grand Slam”.

John McEnroe, tay vợt từng 7 lần vô địch Grand Slam, cho biết: “Tôi đã có cơ hội xem nhiều tay vợt nổi tiếng như Rod Laver, đã đấu với những đối thủ lớn như Sampras, Boris Becker, Jimmy Connors hay Borg. Có thể khẳng định, Federer là tay vợt tài năng nhất”.

Boris Becker, người có 3 lần vô địch Wimbledon, nhận xét: “Tôi tin Federer là VĐV vĩ đại nhất trong lịch sử quần vợt. Anh ta có lối chơi toàn diện và dường như không tồn tại điểm yếu”.

Chris Bailey, bình luận viên của BBC, nói: “Rod Laver đã hai lần giành cả 4 danh hiệu Grand Slam trong một năm. Nếu tính cả những năm không tham dự vì chuyển sang chơi chuyên nghiệp (Grand Slam có thời gian chỉ dành cho những tay vợt nghiệp dư), người ta hay đặt câu hỏi Liệu Laver có thể đoạt được bao nhiêu danh hiệu?

Tôi chưa bao giờ xem huyền thoại người Australia thi đấu, nhưng đã xem Federer và anh ta đúng là một thiên tài. Tôi nghĩ Federer đã đạt tới đẳng cấp của Laver”.

Thùy Dương tổng hợp

Bài viết liên quan

Serena lần thứ ba vô địch Wimbledon

Murray tan mộng Wimbledon

Nadal lần đầu vô địch Australia Mở rộng

Người Anh vô địch Queen’s Club sau 71 năm

Nguồn: viencanh.com ‘Roger Federer là tay vợt vĩ đại nhất trong lịch sử’

On Sunday ‘Greatness’ was redefined. The phenomenon was born approximatley 27 years ago, however the initial, albeit insignificant vestiges of any marked grandeur were only seen in 1987. Within few years, the tennis world was to spectacle a legend in making. The world then was fortunate enough to watch him learn, and the world now is awed by his simple presence there, a legend’s presence.

The final battle, on Sunday, ensued for four hours and 16 minutes with a scoreline of  5-7 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (7-5) 3-6 16-14, a 78 game epic. The final set alone lasted for going on for over an hour and half, the longest set in the history of Wimbledon. The match established Roger Federer’s supremacy not only in the current arena, but in the history of tennis; Federer regained the top spot as well. All the questions were answered- Had Roger Federer sealed his place in sporting history? Was he the greatest ever to lift a tennis racket? Had he transcended the likes of bygone greats like Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, and Pete Sampras?

With back to back victories in the 2 Grand Slams ( in French Open before Wimbeldon), Federer became one of the very few to win all four majors and surpass Sampras’ record of 14 Grand Slams. There is, perhaps, very little that can make an all-time grand slam record more special. And to that, Roger Federer owes Andy Roddick, the man who took runner’s up trophy third time in a row.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to this moment of glory, of reckoning. But, soon enough (next day ), I captured all that had happened, through various sources and would like to post some of those memorable quotes and happenings:

Just after the match-

Chants of “Roddick, Roddick” rang through the arena, as the crowd came to terms with the epic match it had just been witness to.

“I’m one of the lucky few that gets cheered for so thank you, I appreciate that,” said the ever-gracious American, quickly overcoming what was clearly a heart-wrenching loss for him. “I want to say congratulations to Roger: well done, he deserves it.”

“If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same,” reads a sign above the entrance to Center Court.

At the post-match conference-

Roddick, after the defeat -

For once a roomful of journalists were lost for words. There was nothing they wanted to ask Andy Roddick because every question felt too ghoulish. What did we need to know? Andy Roddick had played the greatest game of his life and had still lost.

Did you lose to the world’s greatest tennis player ever? “Yeah.”

“He just makes it real tough. You know, he was having trouble picking up my serve today for the first time ever. He just stayed the course. You didn’t even get a sense that he was even really frustrated by it. He gets a lot of credit for a lot of things, but not a lot of the time is how many matches he kind of digs deep and toughs out. He doesn’t get a lot of credit for that because it looks easy to him a lot of the times. But he definitely stuck in there today.”

And here’s the Greatest-Ever himself, Federer -

“I used to get nervous when a friend would come and watch me play as a kid, and then it was my parents, and then it was legends. Today anybody can come and watch me play, I don’t get nervous anymore. But with Pete it was a bit special. When he walked in and I saw him for the first time, I did get more nervous actually. I said hello to him too, which is unusual. But I thought, I don’t want to be rude!”-  Federer grinned.

“I’m happy at least that I became No. 1 in the world by winning the tournament, not just by him not playing at all, or me playing decent or someone else playing decent and getting to No. 1. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be. You win big matches, big tournaments – that’s how you get back to it.” – Federer on Nadal’s absence.

“My career has had a lot of ups and downs but Mirka has always been there. I’m unbelievably grateful to her. She had to stop playing because she had such pain in her foot, but she went really quickly from being a player to my girlfriend and my helper, and it was never a problem for her. I’m really lucky.” – Federer for Mirka, his wife.

Tennis legends on Federer’s greatness –

“should just watch his feet, just watch Roger and not the ball, and you’d see how great a player he is to pull off some of the shots. ” – Australian great Rod Laver, to anyone who is unsure of Federer’s greatness.

And finally, Sampras –

“He’s a great guy, he’s humble, which I like. He’s sort of effortless, he doesn’t seem like he’s working that hard out there. He plays at that level so easily, he serves big, he’s got a great forehand, his backhand’s solid, he’s got everything and he’s got the belief. The critics say (Rod) Laver, and (Rafa) Nadal beat him a few times in majors, but he’s won all the majors, he’s going to win a few more here, so in my book he is. “

The win, on Sunday, apotheosized Federer.

via

The Greatest Rivalry in Tennis History

Roger Federer has played 20 Grand Slam Finals and he has won 15 from those 20 finals and has lost 5. And all five of them have been lost to only one man, Rafael Nadal.

So far in their careers, these two tennis greats have met in 7 grand slam finals, with Nadal leading 5-2. They have played 20 matches all together, with Nadal leading again 13-7.

Can Federer overcome the fear of Nadal?

After looking at these stats, it’s hard to adjust to the idea that Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all time. He is no doubt a great player of tennis and the highest record holder in grand slams, but to be titled the greatest tennis player of all time, Federer needs to overcome his rival.

We all remember the 2008 Wimbledon Final and then the 2009 Australian Open Final. It wasn’t hard to see that Federer fears Nadal. He was nervous, especially in the Australian Open final where he wasn’t serving well and was making a lot of unforced errors. There were ample of opportunities in the Aus Open final for Federer to seize them but somehow Federer felt short and Nadal prevailed. Nadal’s mental strength could be seen at points where he was 0-40 on his serve and managed to win the game and hold his serve. On the other hand, Federer has been seen nervous playing against Nadal and making more than usual unforced errors.

To be called ‘The Greatest Tennis Player in History’, Federer still has to overcome his fears and beat Rafael Nadal in a few Grand Slam Finals. Federer triumph win this year at Paris was mainly to do with Nadal’s fourth round exit at Rolland Garros. His victory would have meant more if he won at Paris by beating Nadal in the final. And the same goes for Wimbledon 2009, Nadal not contesting in the tournament gave Federer the chance to reclaim his No.1 position and set the record of 15 grand slams.

Federer had deserved the title of the ‘Greatest Tennis Player in History’ if he had beaten Nadal at Rolland Garros and Wimbledon finals.

Federer is looking forward towards the upcoming US Open, he recently said, “I’ve never played him (Nadal) at all in the US Open, so I hope he comes back strong, I’m quite confident that he will. I’m looking forward to the US Open because it’s going to be quite something, with Roddick also playing so well right now.”

If Federer and Nadal make it to the final of the US Open, it would give them both an opportunity to show the world who deserves the No.1 spot in tennis. As far as being called the Greatest of all time, Federer still needs to beat Nadal more than once at Grand Slam Finals.

Nadal consoling Federer after beating him at the 2009 Australian Open

Having not managed to blog yesterday, there is quite a lot I want to say today, so it is going to be a monster blog! First thing first as you are possibly still trying to figure out what the title refers to. Some will be wondering if there ever was a King Roger, and the rest of you are scratching your heads trying to remember your school days and Roman Numerals.

Well, let me put you out of your misery, I’m referring to Roger Federer who yesterday in an epic Wimbledon Men’s Single Final made tennis history and finally accomplished what he has been threatening to do the last few years and become the player to have amassed the highest total of Grand Slam Titles ever overcoming the legendary Pete Sampras.

How fitting it was, that Pete Sampras, the man who had held the record for a few years was there in person to witness first hand Roger eclipse his record. It was a fine tribute from one great player to another. It cements Federer’s legacy as the best tennis player ever. I’ve not watched an awful lot of tennis, only hit a tennis a few times with a racquet, but Roger Federer is simply mesmerizing and utterly breath-taking to watch. He is closing in on the upper echelons of sporting greatness, being compared with an all time sporting greats list, but more of that later in the week.

Of course on the other end of the scale to Roger winning, was the unfortunate loser, and for the third time it was Andy Roddick, who put up a spirited and determined display making the 5th set go as far as 16-14. Unbelievable and I for one was glued like a muppet to the TV until the final ball was hit, and the trophy lifted. Roddick deserves a lot of praise, I didn’t give him a chance against Murray, not out of favouritism to the Brit, but because of his all round game. However Roddick astounded me with a dazzling performance and great play and without shadow of a doubt earnt his final spot.

Then in the final, he thoroughly did enough to win the final, but destiny and history were against him. He played magnificently well, overcame Hewitt and Murray, and looked back to his best, a sign of good things to come maybe? Had it not been for the emergence of Federer 6 years ago, I bet he would have won a few more Grand Slams than his solitary US Slam.

Now for the heart-breaking part of the blog, for me anyway. As a little kid there is nothing in the world more cool and exciting than going to an air display. It’s fun, it’s fast, it’s noisy, it is plain and simply BRILLIANT. That enthusiasm has accompanied me into and out of my teens and I still love air shows. I was meant to go to Waddington yesterday, however the news that what for me and many others would be star of the show and worth the entrance fee alone made me keep away and not bother.

This majestic aircraft, the Avro Vulcan was supposed to be flying. She is airworthy and fully ready to rock and roll around the skies and bring smiles to millions of faces with her agility, noise and delta wing. Only one small obstacle, the CAA (Campaign Against Aviation) sorry, my mistake, Civial Aviation Authority decided that some inspection needed to be done and wouldn’t allow the elegant plane to display, which is just a tragedy. She and many people have fought hard, worked hard and donated much needed money to keep her flying, and in the sky is where she belongs. One day, hopefully I’ll have the priviledge of witnessing such an amazing event.

Getting towards the end promise :P Now if you are eating, or about to eat, I suggest you don’t look at the next image. Also if you might complain to me about animal abuse, showing sick images, I kindly suggest you find another website to read Yeah, that is one dog’s head up another dog’s arse!!!! Totally GROSS!! Reminds of another picture which I shall endeavour to find soon :D What that dog must have been thinking to decide that the other dog’s ass was a good place to get it’s face stuck I have no idea, maybe something it was chasing seeked refuge in there, but still, just so very very very wrong :D

DotD, for yesterday and today, seen on a road somewhere in Leicester, an Astra, DA55 NZC. Waiting in a queue for a short amount of time, got to the front as the lights had just changed to red. Son, it was well and truly red by the time you even crossed the white line, naughty and wrong, you Douchebag!!

Roger Federer was 27 years and 332 days old as on July 5.The numbers are strongly significant.Because,they finally adds up to 8(27+332=359,3+5+9=17,1+7=8).

Also,he won the 5-set Wimbledon final.

He has now become the greatest tennis champion by overtaking Pete Sampras.

Federer won his fifth consecutive Wimbledon medal on July 8,2008Victory of Federer can be numerologically analysed. The analysis is made on the basis of three points:- 1)Influence of number 8 in the life of Roger Federer. 2)Influence of number 5 in his life. 3)The numerological phenomena of repitition of history To begin with let us examine the influence of number 8.Roger Federer was born on August 8,1981.The birth date is 8.Besides, the month-August- is the 8th one from January.Also,addition of the date,month and year gives 35,which adds upto 8((8+8+1+9+8+1=35.Further adding,3+5=8). Federer is reported to have begun playing tennis at the age of 8.He is the first player to earn $8 million in prize money in one season.On February 26, 2007 Federer moved past Jimmy Connors’s 30-year-old mark and began an unprecedented 161st consecutive week on top of the men’s rankings to eclipse Jimmy Connors.Interestingly,numbers 26 and 161 represent 8(2+6=8 and 1+6+1=8). Secondly,we can see the influence of number 5 on Federer.This influence is attributed to his name.Numerologically,his name number is 50 which adds upto 5(5+0=5).Name number is arrived at by adding together the occult numbers all the letters of the name,as shown below:- r+o+g+e+r+f+e+d+e+r+e+r =2+7+3+5+2+8+5+4+5+2+5+2 =50(5+0=5) Federer etched his name into wimbledon’s roll of honour in 2003 by becoming the first Swiss man to win a Grand Slam singles crown.Note that 2003 adds upto 5(2+0+0+3=5).Also,in the year 2003 ,he was named player of the year. Thirdly ,we have to consider the theory of the repitition of numbers.While analysing events that occurred at an interval of 9 years or multiples like 18 ,27,36,it is possible to deduce that the most dramatic events happened at these times.The theory of dramatic events within a period of 9 years-or multiple of 9,such as 18,27,36 etc may also be taken into account. Bjorn Borg was Wimbledon champion in 1976,1977,1978,1979 and 1980.So,in 2007-that is ,after 27 years- Federer equalled Bjorn Borg’s record of five successive wimbledon crown.

At the age of 26(2+6=8) he was named champion of champions by the aclaimed L’Equipe news paper for the third year.

Interestingly,the occult number of Pete Sampras is 8.

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) – From his front row seat in the Royal Box, Pete Sampras watched as Roger Federer broke his record for most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis history. After Federer overcame Andy Roddick in a marathon, five-set serving duel Sunday for his sixth Wimbledon title and 15th Grand Slam championship, Sampras was left with no doubt about who is the greatest male player of all time. «I have to give it to him,» said Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who never thought his record of 14 major titles would be surpassed so soon. «He’s won all the majors. He’s won 15 now.

He’s going to win a few more here. So in my book he is (the greatest). The issue will always generate debate and argument, especially in trying to compare players of different generations, such as Rod Laver and Bill Tilden. But there is no denying that Federer has firmly cemented himself as the finest player of the generation and, at age 27, the favorite for other major titles to come. «It’s not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but, man, it’s been quite a career and quite a month,» said Federer, who completed a career Grand Slam by winning his first French Open a month ago. «It feels amazing, but this is not why I’m playing tennis to break all sort of different records.

But it’s definitely one of the greatest ones to have. It took 4 hour, 16 minutes, five sets and 77 games for Federer to secure the record Sunday in another epic Wimbledon final. Federer served a career-high 50 aces and overcame the resilient Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 _ the longest match and longest fifth set in Grand Slam final history in terms of games.

And he did it all after saving four break points in the second set tiebreaker, when he was so close to falling two sets behind. After going 0-6 on break points, Federer finally broke the American in the 30th game of the fifth set _ with Roddick shanking a forehand on the first match point. «It’s staggering that I’ve been able to play so well for so many years now and stay injury-free,» said Federer, who won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003. «I’m happy I broke the record here because this is always the tournament that meant the most to me. It definitely feels like coming full circle, starting it here and ending it here.

Sampras flew in from California on Sunday, making his first appearance at the All England Club since playing this tournament for the last time in 2002. He arrived in the Royal Box after the third game of the match. Accompanied by his wife, Bridgette Wilson, he sat next to Spanish great Manolo Santana and a few seats from Laver and Bjorn Borg. When Federer walked from his changeover chair to the service line, he gestured to Sampras in greeting. «In a way, I still feel like we share (the record) because he was such a wonderful champion,» Federer said. «He still has one up against me here at Wimbledon.

It’s nice that he shows appreciation for what I’m doing. Federer is the third player to win six Wimbledon championships _ Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven. «He’s a stud,» Sampras said. «He’s only 27.

He’ll contend here for many years, and the U.S. Open, and all the majors. If he just keeps it going and stays healthy, he could go to 18, 19, potentially. The guy, he’s a legend. Now he’s an icon.

It’s been quite a turnaround for Federer from a year ago, when his run of five consecutive Wimbledon titles was snapped _ along with his aura of invincibility _ by Spaniard Rafael Nadal in a classic final that ended in near darkness at 9-7 in the fifth set. With Sunday’s triumph, Federer reclaimed the No. 1 ranking he surrendered last August to Nadal, who missed this year’s tournament because of knee problems. «Of course, I would have loved to play him again,» Federer said. «You never know how he would have played. He had the injury. I’m happy at least I became No. 1 in the world by winning the tournament, not just by him not playing at all.

It’s supposed to be that you win big matches, big tournaments. That’s how you get back to (No. 1). Some people were writing off Federer after he lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final in January and broke down in tears. Federer continued to struggle early in the season before winning the French Open.

Now he’s the third man in 40 years to win the French and Wimbledon in the same year, joining Borg and Nadal. «This year is crazy,» Federer said. «Things didn’t look so good when I lost in the final of the Australian Open, which was still just an unbelievable result. But to come through and battle back and win Paris and now Wimbledon back-to-back, something Bjorn did a couple of times, it’s amazing. Playing in his record 20th Grand Slam final and sixth in a row, Federer beat Roddick for the third time in the Wimbledon championship match, adding to his victories in 2004 and ‘05.

He extended his overall mastery over the American to 19-2, including 8-0 at Grand Slams. «He’s a true champion,» said Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open winner. «He deserves everything he gets.

Turning to Sampras, he said, «Sorry, Pete. I tried to hold him off. Roddick later withdrew from the U.S. Davis Cup team’s quarterfinal at Croatia, citing a right hip flexor injury. The U.S. Tennis Association announced Monday that he would be replaced by Mardy Fish.

The statistics in the final were astounding: Federer’s 50 aces were one short of the Wimbledon match record held by Ivo Karlovic. Federer had a total of 107 winners, compared with 38 unforced errors. Roddick had 27 aces, 74 winners and 33 unforced mistakes.

The match started to turn Federer’s way when he saved four break points in the second-set tiebreaker. Down 2-6, he ran off six straight points to level the match. Roddick missed a relatively easy high backhand volley on the fourth break point. But even after dropping the third set, Roddick didn’t let up.

He broke once in the fourth set to even the match. The fifth set went back-and-forth with the players slugging huge serves at each other, offering few chances to break. Finally, serving in the 30th game with Federer ahead 15-14, Roddick blinked.

He misplayed a forehand to set up match point. After a contest featuring so many brilliant shots, Roddick missed badly on another forehand to end it.

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It was historic day on the centre court that witnessed a nerve-racking final between Swiss Ace Roger Federer and man in form from US, Andy Roddick. After almost 4 hr. contests, history was created. By winning the final, Roger has 15 grand slam titles surpassing Pete Sampras 14 slams win. Federer clearly proved that he is the greatest in the history of tennis. I think this record is surely going to be unbroken for a long time. 

The thriller final showed how tough it is to beat Federer in best of 5 set match. Feel extremely sorry for Roddick though. He played his heart out and kept Federer on toes till the last serve. I think the difference was in last two points. That was only time when Federer was able to break Roddick’s service and that was enough for him. This is what makes great champions. They know when to give something extra to make them extraordinary.

 It was really one of memorable final and what a day it was on the centre court with legends like Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Laver watching the match. I feel we all are lucky enough to witness the historic player of the tennis at his best. Though Nadal was not around, but injuries are part and parcel of any game and who knows Federer might had kept some undiscovered shots for Rafa

Roger you simply rock and you will be my best tennis player ever…cheers..!!!!

Pics Courtesy : 

http://sports.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

LONDON – Akhirnya Roger Federer berhasil memenuhi ambisinya untuk menjadi petenis dengan gelar sebanyak 15 selama di turnamen grand slam. Melalui pertarungannya di final Wimbledon 2009, ranking kedua dunia itu punberhasil menaklukkan petenis Andy Roddick asal Amerika Serikat, dengan scor 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), 3-6, 16-14.

Dan gelar keenam bagi Federer di London itu akhirnya ditentukan setelah ia berhasil mematahkan servis Roddick di game ke-30 set terakhir. Itulah satu-satunya break yang bisa ia selesaikan dari tujuh kali kesempatan yang berlangsung selama 4 jam 16 menit tersebut.

Duel ketiganya yang mempertemukan kedua pemain di final Wimbledon itu menjadi pertunjukan kekuatan untuk servis mereka. Roddick yang mencatatkan servis tercepat 230 km per jam pun membuka dan menutup game pertama dengan ace. Keduanya kemudian bergiliran memenangkan game, tapi Roddick berhasil mencuri angka dengan melakukan break dan menutup set pertama dalam waktu 39 menit.

Ketatnya pertandingan membuat angka kembali terjadi di set kedua. Saat terjadi tie-break, Roddick berhasil memimpin scor 5-1, lalu menggenggam tiga kali di set point. Namun, gagal karena unggulan keenam itu justru melakukan kesalahan sendiri dan membuat Federer berhasil merebut lima angka berturut-turut.

Dan kejadian serupa terulang lagi di set ketiga di mana kedua pemain saling mempertahankan servisnya hinggadi putaran game ke-12. Saat tie-break, giliran Federer sekarang yang memimpin hingga 6-3. Roddick hampir mengejar, tapi Federer berhasil memanfaatkan servisnya dan memperoleh winner sebagai penutup set di pertandingan tersebut.

Di set keempat, Roddick kembali mematahkan servis lawan pada game keempat dan terus memimpin hingga 4-1. Kekuatan pertahanan yang diperagakan juara Amerika Terbuka 2003 itu membuatnya berhasil mempertahankan servis dan menutup set tersebut dengan scor 6-3.

Set penentuan pun benar-benar membuat semua penonton menjadi tegang. Namun, duel yang berlangsung hingga lebih dari pukul 16.00 waktu setempat membuat jatuhnya sinar matahari membentuk bayangan hampir di setengah lapangan. Set kelima ini berakhir dalam waktu 95 menit saat Roddick gagal melancarkan forehand.

Dan dengan gelar ini, Federer menjadi satu-satunya petenis yang berhasil mengoleksi 15 gelar juara grand slam. Jumlah ini melebihi Pete Sampras, yang meraih gelar ke-14 di Amerika Terbuka 2002.

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They’ll be dancing in the street of Basle tonight, after the Swiss doyen of all things magical on a tennis court Roger Federer beat Andy Roddick with an indefatigable effort to claim his 15th major.

Federer now supersedes ‘Pistol Pete’ Sampras to stand alone on the most number of majors in history.

Hearts most go out to Andy Roddick, however, he has been simply awesome at Wimbledon this year and had he not slipped up in the second set tie-breaker then the Texan might have been adorning tomorrow’s back pages.

As it is, his record against Federer stands at 19-2 and not in his favour. This massive discrepancy got me thinking about great sporting rivalries which inevitably end as one sided contests.

1. The Ashes

Australia, Australia, Australia…the biannual tournament has belonged to the Aussies in recent history. Despite England’s win in 2005 there is no opportunity to hide from the statistics in the last quarter of a century: Australia 10 wins England 4. Shocking!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZF9ldyTFE0

Will our boys put these statistics right this summer: here’s to hoping!

2. England vs Germany

The England U21’s annihilation at the hands of their German adversaries got me thinking what it is about our Teutonic brothers that flummox the English on the football pitch. Like a race to put towels on sun beds the Germans seems to have a sporting edge with results to back them up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXPJD32746Y

Seven of the last ten international matches have gone in the Germans favour. Let’s just hope we don’t face them in South Africa next year.

3. Spurs vs Arsenal

North London rivals, these two share a mutual distaste of each other comparable to any other great footballing rivalry in England. Gunners fans can be so sure about their victory that they can start composing their bragging messages on the Friday before the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duHse4_iItg

Spurs have not beaten their bitter rivals in the Premier League in ten years.

Give me a shout on your top three.

En haut du panthéon du tennis

Quel match, quel match fantastique, quel match extraordinaire, quelle finale de rêve, quelle victoire sensationnelle, quelle beauté, quelle joie! En gagnant à Wimbledon ce dimanche après un match d’une rare tension (voir le déroulement incroyable de la rencontre sur tsrsport.ch), Roger Federer a prouvé à ses détracteurs qu’il est l’incontestable et incontesté meilleur joueur de tennis de tous les temps, si ce n’est le meilleur sportif de tous les temps. Et si quelqu’un n’est pas d’accord, qu’il change de planète!

On en a entendu des vieux crabes accoudés à un bar, des jeunes nabots insolents dans le bus, de naïves nunuches au téléphone, de tristes sires lors d’un repas en famille. Tous, tous ces impardonnables, n’avaient de cesse de gloser et encore gloser, convaincus de leur certitude immuable: “Il est fini Roger”, “Federer a sa carrière derrière lui”, “Il ferait mieux d’arrêter avant d’être ridicule”, “Il a gagné trop d’argent et il n’a plus envie”… Et encore, et encore. De malins limiers autopromus fins connaisseurs de la balle jaune…

Heureusement, une poignée d’irréductibles, dont votre blongo et assurément notre ami Van Breukelen, n’en déplaise à ses détracteurs peu compréhensifs, n’ont pas arrêté de croire en sa grandeur, persuadés que le Roger allait immanquablement ressurgir un jour. Certains que ce ATP 2 allait vite devenir un cauchemar lointain, rongeant leur frein derrière leur écran en espérant que le chouchou allait retrouver son tennis. Certes, tout n’a pas été facile et le désespoir a souvent pointé son oeil narquois. Roland-Garros et Wimbledon 2008 ainsi que Melbourne 2009 ont été durs à vivre. De même que tout le début de l’année 2009.

On en connaît plusieurs qui ont presque perdu la raison durant ce match

Et puis l’étincelle est revenue, grâce à la blessure de Nadal, diront les mauvaises langues. Un enfant, un mariage, une activité souriante sur facebook. Le retour des victoires. L’inimaginable à Roland-Garros. Et maintenant un Wimbledon de toute beauté, peut-être le meilleur de ses six succès sur le gazon londonien. Avec une finale d’anthologie, rien de moins, pour couronner le tout.

Et chapeau à l’adversaire. Jamais un match contre Nadal n’aura été aussi tendu, même la finale de l’an passé. Andy Roddick a été totalement à la hauteur du rendez-vous. Il a servi comme un roi durant 5 sets, il a failli mener 2 sets à 0, il a failli prendre le service du maître dans la 3e manche. Il a failli plein de choses, mais il a failli tout court en définitive. 16-14 au dernier set, un score fou pour un match fou.

Du coup, le monarque des courts reprend tous ses droits: la place de numéro un mondial, celle de génie incontesté de Wimbledon, celle de magicien du revers. Et Roger conquiert du même coup l’Everest du tennis: avec ses 15 titres en Grand Chelem, il détrône l’ancien prince de Wimbledon Pete Sampras. Jamais personne n’a fait mieux. Le meilleur joueur de tennis de tous les temps, que l’on vous dit.

Un seul regret: et les larmes? Point de vraies larmes, comme Roger nous y avait habitué lors des finales. Plus d’eau dans le corps après 4h30 de match ou trop c’est trop? Après tant d’émotions, le roi devait n’avoir qu’une envie: quitter son palais verdoyant pour aller dormir. Qu’il se repose, le roi! Et nous aussi, parbleu!

blongo

Crédit photos: Klinx et fabvirge sur Flickr

Those are words I thought I’d never type. But his post-match speech was revealing. Pretty pathetic praise for Andy. I heard no words about how great Andy played, nor did I hear much respect for Pete Sampras. Just a few words about wishing Pete would show up at Wimbledon more? Shame on you Roger. Shame, shame.  When Tiger beats Jack Nicklaus’ record, you can bet he will have a lot to say about the man he just surpassed. But Roger has been reading his press clippings. He thinks he’s better than everybody else, couldn’t even bother to name “those guys” that Andy immediately recognized. You know, Borg, Santana, Rod Laver… 

So to sum up, this was not Roger’s greatest moment. You got lucky, Rog. Rafa Nadal owns you. The computer says you’re #1, but that too, comes with an asterisk. 

Much love for Pete Sampras for refusing to concede Roger is the greatest ever when he’s standing next to Rod Laver, who won 2 grand slams and would have won many more if he hadn’t turned pro to feed his family. Pete is right that Roger has the numbers, but as I’ve written many times, statistics don’t ell the full story. And I love that Rod Laver said hey, Roger is the best in his era. He is, at least for now. That ought to be enough.

Dopo una finale epica contro lo statunitense Andy Roddick, il campione svizzero Roger Federer ha vinto la finale del Torneo di Wimbledon. Punteggio finale del match-maratona: 5-7, 7-6, 7-6,  3-6, 16-14. Federer entra nella storia conquistando Wimbledon per la sesta volta e aggiudicandosi il 15° torneo del Grande Slam. Supera così il record di Sampras.