Federer News

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BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
It's just like doping. I have the same assumption. If top players can figure out how to bend the rules without getting caught, I'm sure they will. All of them.

You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
 

Sartorius

Hall of Fame
£5 on the grandmaster. It's happening.

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MeatTornado

Talk Tennis Guru
You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
I hate that I agree with this.
 
You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
I doubt Agassi used meth to dope but there were other stories about him
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
I doubt Agassi used meth to dope but there were other stories about him
No, he didn't use it as a performance enhancer, but he still failed a sanctioned drug test, then used the Gasquet excuse ("I drank from a glass used by a meth user at a party"). His lie was accepted, he was not disciplined and it was all swept under the rug. Also remember he dropped out of the AO on the eve of the event, when he was the prohibitive favorite, because of "other stories about him." You nailed it right there. I was an Agassi fan too, but look at Gil Reyes. :unsure::unsure:
 

Gary Duane

G.O.A.T.
You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.
I actually agree with you. But there are gray areas, and in my mind those are the things that are not illegal YET, because they are too new. In other words, it's a "cops and robbers thing". As fast as an organization bans one thing, something else will be used that is not yet illegal. I'm not even blaming anyone. If I were a professional athlete and I could use substance A, B and C, not (yet) banned, and I did not think it would hurt me or lower my life expectancy, of course I'd use it.

In fact in my profession it is now common for professional musicians to use beta blockers. It steadies their hands. I'm fine with that. So the only issue is if it is allowed or not allowed in a sport.

What I am saying is that in my day there were no beta blockers, so each one of these things that helps performers/athletes is another thing that at first some people might not even know about.

No accusations from me, just my take on life from watching how the world works for decades...
 

chjtennis

G.O.A.T.
No country in the world beats France's love and support for Roger (including Switzerland) !

Look at that, this is only a practice session with Chardy




There are people who don't agree Federer is the greatest player of all time, but I think even they have to agree that Federer is the most popular player the sport of tennis has ever seen. Borg was big, but Federer seems to have broader fan base across the world. Wherever he goes, he gets huge following. He is loved by elderly & young and ladies & gentlemen. He is also well respected because he carries himself very respectfully. I've followed tennis well over 30 years, but have never seen anyone like him. His styles on and off the court are beautiful and exemplary.
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
Federer is the most popular player the sport of tennis has ever seen. Borg was big, but Federer seems to have broader fan base across the world.
Of cource Borg existed in the pre-Internet age, and also when only the slams (in later rounds) were even televised. The coverage of tennis was very sparse and in America, is was a big deal to see Borg on TV. Federer is more popular than Borg anyway, but the Internet and streaming matches has only increased his popularity to white heat levels, almost all over the world. It was a completely different world in terms of media coverage.
 

chjtennis

G.O.A.T.
Of cource Borg existed in the pre-Internet age, and also when only the slams (in later rounds) were even televised. The coverage of tennis was very sparse and in America, is was a big deal to see Borg on TV. Federer is more popular than Borg anyway, but the Internet and streaming matches has only increased his popularity to white heat levels, almost all over the world. It was a completely different world in terms of media coverage.

Still, I think Federer just is a greater personality overall. He is a perfect role model for the youth. I'm not saying Borg wasn't, but Federer is just on another level. People generally recognize people with great personality and I think that's why Federer is loved so much. He is a mature and secure person in mind.
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
Still, I think Federer just is a greater personality overall. He is a perfect role model for the youth. I'm not saying Borg wasn't, but Federer is just on another level. People generally recognize people with great personality and I think that's why Federer is loved so much. He is a mature and secure person in mind.
I agree and never said otherwise. Federer is by far the most popular and famous tennis star in the history of the sport. Borg was not a role model at all (nor should athletes be forced into that role, IMO). He's declared bankruptcy twice, had sex with 13 year old girls at Vitas' Long Island pad (source: Mac and Borg's first wife Mariana), had foursomes with Rod Stewart and snorted enough cocaine to fill a decent-sized living room. Role model? Hell no, but that wasn't something coveted in the 70's.
 
Federer pretty much played the exact game he has all throughout this clay season:

—aggressive with the FH CC; FH DTL needs work, but the CC FH is setting up nice opportunities at net
—come to net whenever he can so as to finish points/not extend rallies
—finishing power with the BH when not moved (hit a few lasers today)
—took the BH earlier and drove it...really liked watching it.
—Actively practicing (from the Schwartzman practice video) and executing BH drop shot on return Lool

He looked really good out there.
 
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Ann

Hall of Fame
I do too, but we already know the ATP did nothing when Andre tested positive. We already have proof they look the other way when a huge name is involved. Unpleasant subject and it shouldn't be addressed in the Fed News thread, but in other threads, if you get my drift.
Well I for one completely get your drift and anyone that has eyes should also understand exactly what you're talking about.
 

JoshuaPim

Semi-Pro
You assume some haven't been caught and the ATP simply looked the other way. They did that with Agassi when he tested positive (after using meth) and he gave them a transparent excuse and they overlooked the failed drug test. Does anyone really think if any of the big three tested positive for illicit substances that the ATP would suspend them? That would impact them massively financially and leave a stain on the sport. Players like Gasquet or Clic can be thrown to the wolves as "proof" tennis is clean, but the big names would never be disciplined if the powers that be knew they were using PED's. Agassi already proved that. Tennis is always first and foremost, a business. And they will do anything to keep the top guys protected.

That doesn't make any sense. Were the Big 3 already doping when they won Slams aged 19, 20 and 21? If they were, they would have been thrown out because there were bigger names around at that time, who should also be doping according to your logic. And do you really think Gasquet and Cilic would stay quiet if they thought they were being made an example of while the Big 3 escaped? What a load of nonsense. Not to mention the biggest female cash cow, Sharapova, being outed when she was caught. Take off your tin hat.
 

Ann

Hall of Fame
That doesn't make any sense. Were the Big 3 already doping when they won Slams aged 19, 20 and 21? If they were, they would have been thrown out because there were bigger names around at that time, who should also be doping according to your logic. And do you really think Gasquet and Cilic would stay quiet if they thought they were being made an example of while the Big 3 escaped? What a load of nonsense. Not to mention the biggest female cash cow, Sharapova, being outed when she was caught. Take off your tin hat.
Calm down and be respectful on this thread.
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
Please go make a separate thread about doping allegations so the mods delete it, instead of trying to mess up a fan thread.

Thanks.

Now, where were we? Ah yes. Good opening match by Roger against a journeyman dirtballer, but it doesn't mean much for the tournament. Who's he got next?

I would argue today was a good day for Fed to get his confidence going, as his returns and forehand and serve were firing on all cylinders. That is positive regardless of who he is playing. Good to get those feeling great before getting tested.

However, since he won't play till Wednesday, he won't really be able to build off that since a lot of practice sessions would be in between.

If Fed can have the same result vs Otte (don't know him, but he has not beat anyone of note recently), then he can start to feel good and take those positive feelings forward.
 

MeatTornado

Talk Tennis Guru
I would argue today was a good day for Fed to get his confidence going, as his returns and forehand and serve were firing on all cylinders. That is positive regardless of who he is playing. Good to get those feeling great before getting tested.

However, since he won't play till Wednesday, he won't really be able to build off that since a lot of practice sessions would be in between.

If Fed can have the same result vs Otte (don't know him, but he has not beat anyone of note recently), then he can start to feel good and take those positive feelings forward.
His form tends to vacillate anyway. He looked amazing round 1 of Australia this year too. Then he really struggled (by his standards) against Evans in the next round. By the time he got to Tsitsipas, it looked like all the progress he'd made with his forehand was gone.

I'm trying my best to just enjoy each match and not worry about how it shapes the rest of his tournament. He's not supposed to win this title anyway, so it doesn't really matter if he's building up his form or not. At Wimbledon I'll be a lot more scrutinous and over-analyzing what each round means for the next opponent, because the end goal there is the title.
 

Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
His form tends to vacillate anyway. He looked amazing round 1 of Australia this year too. Then he really struggled (by his standards) against Evans in the next round. By the time he got to Tsitsipas, it looked like all the progress he'd made with his forehand was gone.

I'm trying my best to just enjoy each match and not worry about how it shapes the rest of his tournament. He's not supposed to win this title anyway, so it doesn't really matter if he's building up his form or not. At Wimbledon I'll be a lot more scrutinous and over-analyzing what each round means for the next opponent, because the end goal there is the title.

Can't argue with that analysis, he does tend to lose momentum from round to round quite often, probably due to age. Especially with his serve.

With a quick match and 2 days rest, this feels as if he has a first round bye.
 

MeatTornado

Talk Tennis Guru
Can't argue with that analysis, he does tend to lose momentum from round to round quite often, probably due to age. Especially with his serve.

With a quick match and 2 days rest, this feels as if he has a first round bye.
I don't mind looking at today as just a full speed practice session and the tournament is only 6 rounds long. Works for me!
 

Rogfan

Professional

I really like how the Great Man confirmed himself what people already knew: seats were filling up in tsitsipas's match and by the time he entered there was not an empty seat. Haters would call it bragging or arrogance. While early years the kind of "I'm a very genius player" was more like he was so confident that he couldnt find a more humble way to describe it, what I'm hearing in this interview is he wants to remind the world he's still the most popular and most love so dont mess with me.

Just loving it!
 

chjtennis

G.O.A.T.

Sounds like he's got a bit of sinus problem. Hope he is not too sick and gets well soon and does the best he can! I just want to see him playing at optimum level, that's all. Wouldn't ask him to win the whole thing, even though that would be so great, but just hope to see him operating at 100% of his capabilities at this stage. It's also true that he never just retires from any matches usually. Until about 5 years ago, I don't think he had ever done that.

Courier: "Why did you ask to play on Sunday?"
Federer: ".... If I lose, I'll get more days off, hahaha..." Classic, funny Roger interview!
 
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Lleytonstation

Talk Tennis Guru
Sounds like he's got a bit of sinus problem. Hope he is not too sick and gets well soon and does the best he can! I just want to see him playing at optimum level, that's all. Wouldn't ask him to win the whole thing, even though that would be so great, but just hope to see him operating at 100% of his capabilities at this stage. It's also true that he never just retires from any matches usually. Until about 5 years ago, I don't think he had ever done that.

Maybe I am wrong but I don't think he has ever retired mid match. Ever. But during the match he looked to have a bit of a cold, he has that Swiss nose look I see when he gets sick. Then again it could be nothing.
 

chjtennis

G.O.A.T.
Maybe I am wrong but I don't think he has ever retired mid match. Ever. But during the match he looked to have a bit of a cold, he has that Swiss nose look I see when he gets sick. Then again it could be nothing.

I don't recall any occasions where he retired during a match, either. The last walk over before Rome this year was against Djokovic at WTF a few years ago. Prior to that, I don't know when he retired since he turned 20. Maybe never. And I really hope he doesn't have a cold.
 

Bobby Jr

G.O.A.T.
You're citing the worst tennis related site on the internet though, one which linking from this forum is banned.

Not only that, you're citing the most epically rubbish writer on that site who is mostly responsible for the site being banned here. He fabricates stuff daily in order to have a story.
The most annoying thing about tennis media/commentators these days regarding Roger -

fednews.png
 

oldmanfan

Legend
Great pictures:)

Thumbs down for the schedule tho.He should have been scheduled to play tomorrow.

Thx! I really liked these from the bunch I saw on twitter.

As for Wednesday's scheduling for 2R, I'm guessing they added the Sunday start (15th day) to make sure that all 1R matches are completed by Tuesday in case of rain/etc., bc 1R slam matches are normally started on Monday, not Sunday. Not sure if there will be many Tuesday matches this year?

I think the 2 days rest between 1R and 2R for Fedr is good for him. His tournament is basically a 6-rounds tournament now in case he gets that far ;).
 
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