Roger says more nice things about Murray

batz

batz

G.O.A.T.
But leaves a little sting in the tail:)

Roger Federer has admitted he is wary of the threat posed by British number one Andy Murray as he prepares to kick off his Wimbledon challenge on Monday.

With defending champion Rafael Nadal forced to pull out of the championships through injury, Federer and Murray are now seeded to meet in the 5 July final.

And five-time Wimbledon champion Federer told BBC Sport: "He definitely has a good chance at Wimbledon.

"He handles pressure well and will be a great grass champion for the future."

Murray starts his challenge at the All England Club against American Robert Kendrick on Tuesday, with Nadal's withdrawal leaving him as the highest seed in his half of the draw.

And the Scot is one of the few players with a winning record against Federer, leading their head-to-head clashes 6-2, including victory in their last four meetings.

That, along with his Queens victory last week, has prompted many to install the 22-year-old as one of the favourites to take the title, despite the fact he has never made it past the quarter-finals at SW19.


Federer, who opens proceedings on Centre Court on Monday against Yen-Hsun Lu, agrees: "He has the double-handed back-hand, very unusual, he's a great double-hander, he moves very well for how tall he is.

"I know Queen's is not Wimbledon but I think he takes these things pretty relaxed.

"I think he's become such a good player now it's not going to affect him much and if it does it affects him in a good way."

However, the Swiss has warned against reading too much into his losing record against Murray.

"When it came down to the crunch we've played two times in finals - he played very well but I was able to beat him. Prior to finals he's beaten me," said the 27-year-old.

"I don't want to make excuses but he played me at a time when I had back problems (which) made it hard for me to call on my best performance level.

"He played me the right way and was very successful. He's a great tactician, I like to watch him play - he's a very tough challenge."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8111440.stm
 
zagor

zagor

Bionic Poster
batz said:
But leaves a little sting in the tail:)

Roger Federer has admitted he is wary of the threat posed by British number one Andy Murray as he prepares to kick off his Wimbledon challenge on Monday.

With defending champion Rafael Nadal forced to pull out of the championships through injury, Federer and Murray are now seeded to meet in the 5 July final.

And five-time Wimbledon champion Federer told BBC Sport: "He definitely has a good chance at Wimbledon.

"He handles pressure well and will be a great grass champion for the future."

Murray starts his challenge at the All England Club against American Robert Kendrick on Tuesday, with Nadal's withdrawal leaving him as the highest seed in his half of the draw.

And the Scot is one of the few players with a winning record against Federer, leading their head-to-head clashes 6-2, including victory in their last four meetings.

That, along with his Queens victory last week, has prompted many to install the 22-year-old as one of the favourites to take the title, despite the fact he has never made it past the quarter-finals at SW19.


Federer, who opens proceedings on Centre Court on Monday against Yen-Hsun Lu, agrees: "He has the double-handed back-hand, very unusual, he's a great double-hander, he moves very well for how tall he is.

"I know Queen's is not Wimbledon but I think he takes these things pretty relaxed.

"I think he's become such a good player now it's not going to affect him much and if it does it affects him in a good way."

However, the Swiss has warned against reading too much into his losing record against Murray.

"When it came down to the crunch we've played two times in finals - he played very well but I was able to beat him. Prior to finals he's beaten me," said the 27-year-old.

"I don't want to make excuses but he played me at a time when I had back problems (which) made it hard for me to call on my best performance level.

"He played me the right way and was very successful. He's a great tactician, I like to watch him play - he's a very tough challenge."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8111440.stm
Click to expand...

Nice article but the bolded part is what some people here will use to jump on Fed yet again and will conviniently ignore all the praises as usual.

Still nice to see Fed say something very positive about Murray(as he didn't give him much credit the last few months so it's a nice change),"he handles pressure well and will be a great grass champion for the future" for example.
 
J

joeri888

G.O.A.T.
Federer is a big champion and wants to win, if he loses he immediately questions himself what he did wrong, and what he could take away. he's not that interested in how the other player played. Therefore immediately after a match he can look self-centered and takes away credit from his opponent I think. In general though, He's very nice and respectful towards all his rivals and competitors.
 
Sentinel

Sentinel

Bionic Poster
I just came across this in the NYTimes after his US Open win. Made me remember the posts about how he trolls this forum :)

His vulnerability spurred a cottage industry of cure-alls for Federer’s game. “All sorts of crazy people started writing me and trying to reach me, telling me I need some help either mentally or physically,” Federer said. Laughing ruefully, he added, “People come out of the closet and think they can start helping me now. It’s just a pain. This sort of puts them to rest a little bit, and calms down the phones at my parents’ house a little bit, which I’m happy about.”
Click to expand...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/sports/tennis/09men.html

I hope i am not going off topic or derailing ...
 
mandy01

mandy01

G.O.A.T.
I did not read any of this in his presser so I'm wondering where this came from..
That said he's hundred percent correct.
He's not saying he lost because he was injured but he def. was affected and the main indicator of that was his first serve percentage which was extremely low even in the matches he won.
Also I dont understand how some of the TW posters consider themselves so qualified to decide what a top level player should say.I still fail to understand why a player cant give reasons for his losses.
He def. knows more than the these posters do about himself.
 
Last edited:
A

Aabye

Professional
mandy01 said:
I did not read any of this in his presser so I'm wondering where this came from..
That said he's hundred percent correct.
He's not saying he lost because he was injured but he def. was affected and the main indicator of that was his first serve percentage which was extremely low even in the matches he won.
Also I dont understand how some of the TW posters consider themselves so qualified to decide what a top level player should say.I still fail to understand why a player cant give reasons for his losses.
He def. knows more than the these posters do about himself.
Click to expand...

I agree with you for once about that particular comment, but when Nadal does the same thing (note his loss to Soderling) people jump on him.

Honestly, other comments Federer does come off as a little self-centered in his press conferences. Perhaps though, like joeri888 suggests, I am mistaking self-reflection for a belittling of his opponent.
 
zagor

zagor

Bionic Poster
Aabye said:
I agree with you for once about that particular comment, but when Nadal does the same thing (note his loss to Soderling) people jump on him.

Honestly, other comments Federer does come off as a little self-centered in his press conferences. Perhaps though, like joeri888 suggests, I am mistaking self-reflection for a belittling of his opponent.
Click to expand...

Hardly anyone really jumped at him,"Nadal is arrogant" thread was a sarcastic response to all those criticism Fed receives from certain Nadal fans all the time no matter what he says.Rarely anyone considered Nadal's interview after Soderling's match to be truly arrogant,it was just an average pro interview after a bad loss,nothing more,nothing less.
 
A

Aabye

Professional
zagor said:
Hardly anyone really jumped at him,"Nadal is arrogant" thread was a sarcastic response to all those criticism Fed receives from certain Nadal fans all the time no matter what he says.Rarely anyone considered Nadal's interview after Soderling's match to be truly arrogant,it was just an average pro interview after a bad loss,nothing more,nothing less.
Click to expand...

No, there was some picking apart of one or two remarks in general. And then after his injury came out people were saying he was going on back on everything he said in the presser.

However, Federer does get a lot more flack. Arguably because he can be a little less tactful at times. (More "honest" if you prefer)
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
mandy01 said:
I did not read any of this in his presser so I'm wondering where this came from..
That said he's hundred percent correct.
He's not saying he lost because he was injured but he def. was affected and the main indicator of that was his first serve percentage which was extremely low even in the matches he won.
Also I dont understand how some of the TW posters consider themselves so qualified to decide what a top level player should say.I still fail to understand why a player cant give reasons for his losses.
He def. knows more than the these posters do about himself.
Click to expand...

He only had a bad back for the final set at TMC. How does he explain all of the other losses?
 
P_Agony

P_Agony

Banned
maximo said:
Murray > Federer.

At least Muzza is genuine unlike Federer.
Click to expand...

Yes you are right. I mean, a guy with 14 majors, 20 straight semi finals, 237 weeks as world #1 and the guy considered by many the greatest ever is not genuine. :-|
 
vtmike

vtmike

Banned
maximo said:
Murray > Federer.

At least Muzza is genuine unlike Federer.
Click to expand...

Time to bring out this epic post ;)

malakas said:
MAXIMOMMY!!
TROLLING IN A THREAD NEAR YOU! since 07-26-2008
9c0de4d977448b416ad71322a3d63de7.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Sentinel

Sentinel

Bionic Poster
P_Agony said:
Yet again the arrogant Federer gives no credit to Nadal and Djokovic.
Click to expand...
Other than some phony remark that Nadal deserved to play on day one on center court and not himself. Such collossal arrogance :)

I hope Murray reaches the final and is declared GOAT by this learned forum.
 
N

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
zagor said:
Hardly anyone really jumped at him,"Nadal is arrogant" thread was a sarcastic response to all those criticism Fed receives from certain Nadal fans all the time no matter what he says.Rarely anyone considered Nadal's interview after Soderling's match to be truly arrogant,it was just an average pro interview after a bad loss,nothing more,nothing less.
Click to expand...



This is true with every athlete. When they have a devastating loss, they never, ever attribute it to the play of their opponent. It is just not within their character to do such things. Why? They must maintain their ego and confidence.
 
zagor

zagor

Bionic Poster
NamRanger said:
This is true with every athlete. When they have a devastating loss, they never, ever attribute it to the play of their opponent. It is just not within their character to do such things. Why? They must maintain their ego and confidence.
Click to expand...

True for the vast majority of proffesional athletes as sometimes you have nice guys like James Blake but for most athletes it does hold true,especially for the ones that are at the very top like Fed or Nadal.I really don't think you can dominate any sport without having huge amounts of confidence and a huge ego.
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
NamRanger said:
This is true with every athlete. When they have a devastating loss, they never, ever attribute it to the play of their opponent. It is just not within their character to do such things. Why? They must maintain their ego and confidence.
Click to expand...

I just gave you an example that disproves your theory, which you conveniently ignored last night.

I posted some of Sampras' interview after his loss to Safin in the US Open final.
 
N

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
Clydey2times said:
I just gave you an example that disproves your theory, which you conveniently ignored last night.

I posted some of Sampras' interview after his loss to Safin in the US Open final.
Click to expand...



Oh please. You really think Sampras thinks what he says? He is the epitome of a politically correct speaker in a press conference. I think it's very hard to attribute losses to yourself when you get absolutely embarrassed as Sampras did. However, if you really think professional athletes think that way, go ahead. I guess years of Sports Psychology just gets thrown out the window when talking to you.



If you knew anything about Sampras outside of the press room, you would know that he was the ULTIMATE competitor. He had such a large ego that it translated to his game. I mean, who else has the balls to go for a 120 mph second serve on breakpoint down. That just doesn't take confidence, that just takes blind arrogance in your own game. And it worked, because Sampras believed that he was that damn good. Because he was THAT damn good.
 
Last edited:
S

sureshs

Bionic Poster
Remember it is NOT an excuse when Fed brings up his back problem to explain losing. Because he himself says it is not an excuse. But of course it is his duty to point out he had back problems. The same problems which don't bother him when he wins.
 
A

Aabye

Professional
NamRanger said:
Oh please. You really think Sampras thinks what he says? He is the epitome of a politically correct speaker in a press conference. I think it's very hard to attribute losses to yourself when you get absolutely embarrassed as Sampras did. However, if you really think professional athletes think that way, go ahead. I guess years of Sports Psychology just gets thrown out the window when talking to you.
Click to expand...

It doesn't really matter that a player believes what they say, so much as they are honest with themselves. Also, they should try their best to "meet with Triumph and Disaster, And treat those two impostors just the same."

But you know, everyone always quotes that line when talking about Wimbledon, but the better quote from "If" for a topic such as this is probably: "If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken, Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools..." There are knaves aplenty mucking up the internet and even professional journalism, so I doubt very much that they care one whit about whether or not anyone thinks they are arrogant.
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
NamRanger said:
Oh please. You really think Sampras thinks what he says? He is the epitome of a politically correct speaker in a press conference. I think it's very hard to attribute losses to yourself when you get absolutely embarrassed as Sampras did. However, if you really think professional athletes think that way, go ahead. I guess years of Sports Psychology just gets thrown out the window when talking to you.



If you knew anything about Sampras outside of the press room, you would know that he was the ULTIMATE competitor. He had such a large ego that it translated to his game. I mean, who else has the balls to go for a 120 mph second serve on breakpoint down. That just doesn't take confidence, that just takes blind arrogance in your own game. And it worked, because Sampras believed that he was that damn good. Because he was THAT damn good.
Click to expand...

I didn't say that Sampras didn't have an ego. You're changing your tune now. You said that all top athletes do not give credit to their opponent. You said any athlete who dominates would blame their own performance rather than give credit to their opponent. I just proved you wrong.
 
N

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
Clydey2times said:
I didn't say that Sampras didn't have an ego. You're changing your tune now. You said that all top athletes do not give credit to their opponent. You said any athlete who dominates would blame their own performance rather than give credit to their opponent. I just proved you wrong.
Click to expand...



I didn't change my tune, and I'm tired of arguing with you at every turn. If you don't think athletes have monstrous egos, you need to get your head checked.



Sampras can say whatever he wants in a press conference. Oh Safin played great! But if you want to believe what he said in a press conference, then go ahead. I'm pretty sure Sampras was more pissed at himself for playing craptacular tennis for the most part then anything.




I mean, by your logic, I guess Nadal really believes Federer is a better player than him, despite the fact that Nadal owns him in H2H and is the current world #1. That's simply bullcrap and you know it. Press conferences mean jack diddly squat. It is what the players do on the court that shows their competitive nature. Each and every successful elite level athlete will never back down, and never admit to themselves that their defeat was caused by the play of their opponent. If you can't understand such simple Sports Psychology, I don't know what to tell you.
 
Last edited:
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
NamRanger said:
I didn't change my tune, and I'm tired of arguing with you at every turn. If you don't think athletes have monstrous egos, you need to get your head checked.



Sampras can say whatever he wants in a press conference. Oh Safin played great! But if you want to believe what he said in a press conference, then go ahead. I'm pretty sure Sampras was more pissed at himself for playing craptacular tennis for the most part then anything.




I mean, by your logic, I guess Nadal really believes Federer is a better player than him, despite the fact that Nadal owns him in H2H and is the current world #1. That's simply bullcrap and you know it. Press conferences mean jack diddly squat. It is what the players do on the court that shows their competitive nature. Each and every successful elite level athlete will never back down, and never admit to themselves that their defeat was caused by the play of their opponent. If you can't understand such simple Sports Psychology, I don't know what to tell you.
Click to expand...

You're the one who started quoting press conferences. If press conferences mean "diddly squat", why did you quote a Rafael Nadal press conference? You can't do one thing to prove your point and then cry foul when someone beats you at your own game.
 
N

NamRanger

G.O.A.T.
Clydey2times said:
You're the one who started quoting press conferences. If press conferences mean "diddly squat", why did you quote a Serena Williams press conference? You can't do one thing to prove your point and then cry foul when someone beats you at your own game.
Click to expand...




Nadal press conference. Now your credibility has been just thrown out the window, because I can tell you don't even read my posts.
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
NamRanger said:
Nadal press conference. Now your credibility has been just thrown out the window, because I can tell you don't even read my posts.
Click to expand...

I changed it before you even posted. You said Serena Williams and then quoted a Nadal press conference. Don't try and squirm out of it. I changed it before you even replied.

Now answer the question. If press conferences mean diddly squat, why did you quote one? It was you who started it. Here, I'll refresh your memory.

NamRanger said:
Nonsense? Why is it Serena Williams is still successful on the WTA tour today, despite being WELL past her prime age? It sure as heck isn't her physical fitness, nor is it the fact that she has an amazing game (as she is outclassed by quite a few players today in alot of aspects). She is just one of the most mentally tough players out there, period.






Q. It was a great four‑year winning period. All things had to end, and it happened today, your series of wins. Did you expect such power tennis fromSoderling before the game? Were yousurprised during the match of the way he hit his ball consistently so hard,especially on the forehand, but also in general?

RAFAEL NADAL: No. No, no. He didn’t surprise me,because I know how he play, how dangerous he can be. Yesterday I didn’t play my best tennis. No, I didn’t attack in no one moment. I play very short, and I make him very easyto play at this level.

So when one player bad,must lose. That’s what happenedtoday. I have to accept with the samecalm when I win than when I lose. Afterfour years I lose here, and the season continue.

Q. Were you surprised that he was able to sustain the level of play that hedid throughout the match? Did you expecthim, at some stage, to perhaps have a little dip, which he never really did?

RAFAEL NADAL: Well, you know, when, for ‑‑ I playedvery short, you know. I play veryshort. I didn’t play great. I didn’t play with calm at no one time duringall the match.

That makes him easy toplay at this level during all the match, no? So was my fault, and more than ‑‑ well, sure, he did well. He did very well, but I didn’t ‑‑ yeah,I think I didn’t play my best tennis. And I didn’t play not my best tennis, no? I didn’t play my tennis, and for that reasonI lose. That’s it.

I congratulate him and keep working hard forthe next tournament.


Q. Wasit the wonderful game level of Soderling on this surface, or because you wereon a bad day or any other phenomenon, like you played in Barcelonathen in Madrid? Maybe you played too many tournaments.

RAFAEL NADAL: Stop it. Stop it. Had I played my bestlevel against Soderling, maybe the results would have been different. But he played a very good level of tennis andI didn’t play well, so the results are what they are.

I didn’t play at mybest level. I have days like this, andthis was one of those days. I hadsomeone playing very well in front of me.


Q. Were you surprised by the level of his game?

RAFAEL NADAL: No, not at all. I’ve seen him playing quite a few times, andthat was not a surprise. It was my gamelevel that was a surprise to me today.



Sounds exactly like what I said. Or are you going to say Nadal is an arrogant fool like Federer?
Click to expand...
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
Bump.

I'm still waiting for your reply, NamRanger. You can't just contradict yourself after all the stuff you've been saying and then hope it will just go away. :)
 
mandy01

mandy01

G.O.A.T.
Clydey2times said:
He only had a bad back for the final set at TMC. How does he explain all of the other losses?
Click to expand...
He had a bad back after the AO..You can deny it all you want.
Note-Not during the AO..He himself said that.
That said,back was one of the factors and not the sole reason..it has also got to do with Murray playing very well and Roger himself said that.
 
Last edited:
I

illuminati

Rookie
the truth is federer has never had a problem, its just his ego cannot handle defeat. when ur winning everything for 4 years in a row, and when u lose a few, its hard to accept it. so ur mind plays tricks with u about, this and that and injury this and illness that.
 
mandy01

mandy01

G.O.A.T.
illuminati said:
the truth is federer has never had a problem, its just his ego cannot handle defeat. when ur winning everything for 4 years in a row, and when u lose a few, its hard to accept it. so ur mind plays tricks with u about, this and that and injury this and illness that.
Click to expand...
Sure..in that case Nadal has been faking all of his 'career-threatening' injuries.
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
mandy01 said:
He had a bad back after the AO..You can deny it all you want.
Note-Not during the AO..He himself said that.
That said,back was one of the factors and not the sole reason..it has also got to do with Murray playing very well and Roger himself said that.
Click to expand...

How about Madrid and Doha? Bad back there also, or was that mono? I can't keep track. How about Cincinnati?
 
C

Clydey2times

Hall of Fame
mandy01 said:
Only and only Dubai and only about his tactics.He was imho, right.
Click to expand...

He was right, even though Murray won the match? Even though Murray won the previous match against him in straight sets? Sure, Federer is such a swell guy that he's handing out advice straight after a loss. It obviously had nothing to do with sour grapes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

serbiavic
Peak Murray
Replies
17
Views
1K
Tenez!
Tenez!
D
Federer, Murray, and Serena's view on Nadal's withdrawal.
Replies
14
Views
2K
OTMPut
OTMPut
BeatlesFan
Fed says Cilic's 2014 USO match was the greatest performance against him
Replies
41
Views
3K
Smasher08
Smasher08
MatsPhilander
Roger Federer can win another Grand Slam
2
Replies
83
Views
6K
SpinToWin
SpinToWin
A
"Novak Djokovic has made me a better player", says Roger Federer
Replies
28
Views
1K
Lleytonstation
Lleytonstation
Top