15-0 Federer

By around 10-games-all in the decider last night, I'd somehow vowed to myself that whatever post I do after the match, it'll be majorly on Andy Roddick. I've written (will be writing) on MY MAN on numerous occasions and me not doing a full post on him will not undermine his credentials -

15.20.1.238

Other than an uncanny resemblance to an IP-address, these numbers mean a lot to all peRFect fans! So other than the title, I felt no need to write about Roger, again... Okay, so before Roger completely takes over me or this post rather, it was Andy Roddick's match to be won; just that the records will not say that and his name will not be engraved on the Winners' list at Wimbledon :-( On the contrary, if I'd said this before the match, even the not-so-ardent fans of Roger would've hanged me to death! For probably the first time, I don't know how Roger won eventually - luck playing a substantial part in it. Kudos to A-Rod for choosing the latter option from the two Vijay Amritraj had spoke about before the match: "A player playing on a Centre-Court at Wimbledon either gets intimated or inspired!"

More focussed than at the two finals these two played here 4-5 years ago, Roddick did show a strong resolve to turn the result in his favour this time around...and he almost was successful in it. A stunning display of serving from both players (Roger served 50 aces in the entire match, much much more than what A-Rod served - know who would believe this against him :-O) and it was just ironic that the only time Roddick was broken, it proved out to be decisive! 6-2 in the 2nd set breaker, 15-40 on Roger's serve in the latter stages of the decider - these are going to haunt him forever, believe me. Then, no wonder and understandably he'd that shattered look during the presentation ceremony. I wouldn't have been surprised even if he'd let flow a drop or two through those telling eyes evident in the picture below...


After reading all this, I bet I've prompted most of you to think why a post on Andy when one on Roger was the obvious, is because I like Roddick - be it just for his court-presence or his humbleness. I haven't seen a better player than him acknowledging his opponents' wins in a more open and honest way...and one thing he uttered during Roger's speech post-match made me feel for him, dearly -
(not verbatim)
Roger: I felt bad when I lost last year (2008) to Rafa, it hurt a lot then...so it's good to win again...
Andy: But you'd already won 5 times before that, Roger!


I'm hoping for a Goran Ivanisevic-like story for Andy...

PS: Times change for the good - this is what I'd to say exactly a year ago, click here.

Roger 1-14 By The Numbers

1 - Roland Garros title (2009) and Rafael Nadal (only player he's lost to in a Grand Slam final)

2 - Ranking at time of Roland Garros title (also '08 US Open and '04 Australian Open)

3 - Australian Open titles won (2004, '06-07)

4 - Times reached final (minimum) in each of the Grand Slam tournaments (only man to accomplish that feat)

5 - Wimbledon (2003-2007) and US Open (2004-2008) titles won and number of times he's lost to Nadal in Slam finals

6 - Sets lost during his title run at Roland Garros, the most of his Grand Slam titles, and how many different players to complete a career Grand Slam

7 - Consecutive years of winning at least one Grand Slam title

8 - Hard court titles between US Open (5) and Australian Open (3); Losses in his streak of 20 consecutive semi-final or better Grand Slam appearances

9 - Countries of opponents he's beaten in Grand Slam finals (Australia, Chile, Cyprus, Great Britain, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, and U.S.)

10 - Record consecutive Grand Slam finals reached between 2005 Wimbledon and 2007 US Open

11 - Appearances at Roland Garros before winning first title (same as Andre Agassi) and number of different opponents he's beaten in Grand Slam finals

12 - Titles won in his streak of 20 consecutive semi-final or better Grand Slam appearances

13 - Last year's US Open where Federer won his previous Grand Slam title; 2000 Wimbledon where Sampras won his

14 - Ties Pete Sampras for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the history of men's tennis

Source: ATPWorldTour.com

The Emperor Strikes Back!

The very long and agonizing wait was all worth it, Roger. The pains and heart-breaks of losing Wimbledon and Australian Open... the uncertainty for months of drought for a title... when everyone thought you’re on your way out... the doubts for years if you could be called the Greatest Of All Time without a French Open title to complete the other 3... Now, the score is settled. Even if for now this is just your second title for the year, it's the sweetest one that you've got.

"[In the modern game], you're either a Clay-court specialist, a Grass-court specialist or a Hard-court specialist...or you're Roger Federer" - Jimmy Connors

 

I just love it when a champion who is put down by everybody comes back to show his true class - to serve a reminder to people that they didn't make him the champion that he was (I'd say is) and there's no way that they are the ones who write him off. Super show, Roger.

 

In fact, Roland Garros 2009, I thought, was Roger's worst display at a Major with respect to his usual dominance and he literally scrapped past in a couple of matches leading to the Final; but the Final had its own touch of Federer-magic, regaining ascendancy before long. Although many, before yesterday's triumph, considered not having won the French Open to be a disaster for him, he's had 20 consecutive semi-final or better appearances in Grand-slams guys - that's bloody consistency for you - not just a stat! And now - beware of the wrath of The Emperor in the year 2009 - 16 at the end of the year - WOW! :-)

 

If I may say so myself, it's an honour to live in the same era as the GREATEST Tennis player ever! Immortality!

"God, It's Killing Me..."

I don't remember the last time I was so attached to a sporting personality - emotionally and otherwise; but then Roger Federer is not just "a sporting personality" for me! He's far more than that... Today, Roger cried, so did Rogerhan :'( And for those who think this was a sissy display of emotion, may please stop reading this post! Perhaps, it was necessary for him to let it out at that moment; equally, for us to believe that he's a human after all!!! Regardless of the result, I would be the last one to change loyalties :-) Roger will always be MY MAN! Take a break, come back stronger. I know you will :-) Roland Garros, SW 19 and the Flushing Meadows are awaiting you, Rog! And yes, congratulations to Rafa for the title as well as the sportsmanship he showed.

Greetings to THE Roger Federer

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Rog!

A very unique birthday for you - 08.08.08 and to top it off, the Olympics have also kicked-off as I am writing this, wow!!! Goodluck for the Games and am sure, you're gonna end up as a champ, alles gute :-)

The traditional German Birthday song goes something like this -

Hoch soll sie leben! (Long may she live!)
Hoch soll sie leben! Dreimal hoch! (Three cheers!)

While the cat's away the mice play, eh?

How ridiculous to see the others scrapping over your trophies while you're absent, Roger. They're like a pack of desperate vultures. It reminds me of the time after Sampras retired and before you blasted your way onto the scene...

Tennis was just waiting for that spark of genius to set it alight. Then fate/life/destiny/whatever said "Ladies and gentlemen I give you Mr.Roger Federer" and we all jumped with joy. Now we're waiting for "Ladies and gentlemen I give you the new, improved Mr.Roger Federer Part II".

I read somewhere that you were described as being "as smooth as a bar of Lindt chocolate". How true. I look forward to you coming back and putting these Milky Bar kids back in the kindergarten where they belong.

A Letter to Roger - completely heartfelt

Roger,

I’m sure you’re disappointed but you should be really proud to have been a part of such an epic final, and the way you fought and played is exceptional and inspiring.

It’s suiting really that it was a dark day in Wimbledon when you lost, but you’ve got so much to be proud of and your fans are always proud of you…nothing can take away everything you have achieved and you will never be forgotten for the champion you are. You know, it’s been a long while since I’ve watched one of your losses and not shed a tear out of sadness, but tonight I haven’t.

I like to think you have taught me a better attitude towards sport and competition, and a stronger belief in what I do. It might sound corny but that’s all I can think of to say. It’s hard to see you lose sometimes because it doesn’t feel right, but it’s better than not seeing you at all. We’re so lucky to have you around and not surprisingly, we never want you to leave. Never stop, Roger. You are a champion in every way and always will be. I don’t know if my words mean anything to you but they’re true.

Love and Respect,
Rogerhan