[amsalpemkcus]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tenn...04/3446745.stm

almost a meditative calm as he reaches for those shots..
Unbelievable talent!! watch out! Sampras... Ofcourse Roddick should just retire prematurely...

for some hi-res pics for Federer fans out there, go here :

http://www.rogerfederer.com/modules....load&cid=1


An article describing the moments after reaching the top spot:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Federer on top of the world after triumph in Melbourne

EVE FODENS IN MELBOURNE

ROGER Federer was close to tears in the Rod Laver Arena yesterday after a masterful performance against Juan Carlos Ferrero not only confirmed his place in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open, but also secured his status, for the first time, as the finest tennis player on the planet.

It was as if the Swiss 22-year-old had won the tournament itself as he celebrated his 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win by sinking to his knees on court, the fans at Melbourne Park showering him with adulation. Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s final against the revitalised Russian Marat Safin, Federer will replace America’s Andy Roddick at the top of the ATP world rankings and he is determined to bask in the glory.

"It’s something I will never have again in my life," said the reigning Wimbledon champion. "Only once in your life can you be No1 in the world for the first time. I really wanted to enjoy it. You cannot describe the feelings inside. I’m definitely a guy who is rather calm on the outside but very emotional inside. I showed everything that was going on inside of myself at the presentation trophy at Wimbledon. It wasn’t far away today.

"It was more of a joy and pride to be the No1, the No1 in men’s tennis. There were some really tough guys around, and I beat them all. Now I have got a chance for the title. I am No1 in the world. I cannot ask for more right now."
"

[ryju]

Sampras is retired.

And I can't believe that nerd Saffir beat André after he made such a good comeback.

[Ω]

I take it that you agree, amsalpemkcus, that he is the "bestest" of the best!

Time will tell. They said the same of Hewitt. Thankfully that has fallen by the wayside.

Sampras in his prime was amazing to watch. Clinical efficiency. Only Aggasi seemed to have any chance against him.

[Ω]

Wonder if Juliette will give him a big sloppy kiss when he gets home?

[amsalpemkcus]

Originally posted by _?_:
I take it that you agree, amsalpemkcus, that he is the "bestest" of the best!

Time will tell. They said the same of Hewitt. Thankfully that has fallen by the wayside.

Sampras in his prime was amazing to watch. Clinical efficiency. Only Aggasi seemed to have any chance against him.

By the way, I am an ok player myself and tennis is my favorite sport...could have gone on playing seriously but it takes a lot for that.. anyway I have been watching Pro Tennis very carefully, and I can say what I have seen of Federer is just pure joy(!), his game is so solid all around and that is a rare thing to see and this should encourage many to hope that he wins all four Grand Slams (how often does that happen?). Yes, anything can happen to one's professional career as you continue to play at a very high performance level; injury, loss of confidence etc. But overall in terms of skill-set "I think" this guy is just unparalleled. What a joy to watch and learn!! Mind you he has that raw competitive personality to go with the game, real hungry guy for sure...funny he doesnt have a coach.

[ASIMO]

Stefan Edberg would kick his butt.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

You mustn't watch TOO much tennis. He always had a coach, Peter Lundgren; they parted ways a month ago, I believe.

greg

[Ratm]

Originally posted by amsalpemkcus:

Its premature. Until Federer proves himself as Sampras did there no real way to tell if he is a champion or not.

[nredman]

Originally posted by amsalpemkcus:

mmmm heineken...oh sorry...Pete will always be the man in my book, although i would like to see Federer and Roddick battle for a few years...like a friendly pete & andre match

[John C. Smith]

ya dood sampras is retired

you're right though-- he does seem to have his shots all under control. I could take him though

[amsalpemkcus]

Originally posted by ShortcutToMoncton:
You mustn't watch TOO much tennis. He always had a coach, Peter Lundgren; they parted ways a month ago, I believe.

greg

..funny he doesnt have a coach (yet)

[Logic]

Originally posted by ASIMO:
Stefan Edberg would kick his butt.

Ivan Lendl and Björn Borg also comes to mind.......

[amsalpemkcus]

Way to go rogi!

cmon!

[nredman]

he is talented, but the greatest? its alittle too soon for that i think

[funkboy]

If so, Roddick's gotta be pretty close, since Roddick stayed so close to him the entire match today.

[amsalpemkcus]

Originally posted by funkboy:
If so, Roddick's gotta be pretty close, since Roddick stayed so close to him the entire match today.

I agree Roddick got pretty close, I dont think he can get any closer than what he did this time!! so many chances to grab the game for himself.. the guy it appears doesnt have that instinct to win.. you gotta agree though nobody can face Roddicks serves better than Federer..unbelievable reflex this guy has to top it all off..I am so lucky to be watching this guy play and appreciate his graceful game!

[lil'babykitten]

It's just amazing how he can remain so cool and calm, showing hardly any emotion when he's playing!

Incredible to watch

[phoenixboy70]

[philzilla]

Originally posted by lil'babykitten:
It's just amazing how his shorts are so tight, showing his peachy ass when he's playing!

Incredible to watch

kitten, leave it out, just this once

[lil'babykitten]

Originally posted by philzilla:
kitten, leave it out, just this once

ROFL!

That was some great post editing there

[wilsonX]

If this is about "the greatest talent" in tennis history, I would have to say Agassi. Imagine what he could have done if he would have worked as hard as he did with Brad Gilbert much earlier in his career?! But that's a ranking on sheer talent not what was done with it. imho

[Mrjinglesusa]

Originally posted by wilsonX:
If this is about "the greatest talent" in tennis history, I would have to say Agassi. Imagine what he could have done if he would have worked as hard as he did with Brad Gilbert much earlier in his career?! But that's a ranking on sheer talent not what was done with it. imho

Agreed. Sampras was great, but he won the majority of his Grand Slams on grass, the others on hardcourt. Agassi, won on ALL surfaces and continues to impress into his 30's. Unfortunately, I think he has come to the end of greatness. When all is said and done, I believe Agassi will be remembered as one of the top 2-3 tennis players of all time. As others have said, it's too early in Federer's career to put him in that crowd. Two Wimbledon titles does not a "legend" make.

[macroy]

hm... bold statement this early on. Didn't they say the same thing about G. Kuerten? then Hewitt? I think only time can tell - but the potential is definitely there.

For now, IMHO you'd have to give that title to Sampras since he's got the most Slams under his belt (the only arugement against that would be the fact that he didn't win on all four surfaces). Kinda like Nickalus with golf... even though most are predicting Woods to eclipse that; Although the doubters are out there this year.

[lavar78]

Sampras was great, but he won the majority of his Grand Slams on grass, the others on hardcourt. Agassi, won on ALL surfaces and continues to impress into his 30's.

Sampras won half of his Grand Slams (7 Wimbledons) on grass. He also never won the French Open (getting as far as the semis in '96). However, Agassi won half of his 8 Grand Slams at the Australian Open, which, in all honesty, is the weakest of the Slams -- WRT prestige and field. AFAIC, Agassi should be disappointed with only winning one French Open (on what used to be his best/2nd-best surface) and only 2 U.S. Opens. Frankly, Andre's French championship (where he needed to come back from 2 sets down to Andrei Medvedev) was as much a fluke as Gaston Gaudio's will likely be.

hm... bold statement this early on. Didn't they say the same thing about G. Kuerten? then Hewitt? I think only time can tell - but the potential is definitely there.

No, I don't recall anyone saying the same about Kuerten or Hewitt (well, anyone sane at least). FWIW, I think calling someone the greatest talent has a lot to do with potential, realized or otherwise. Years ago, Federer's weakness was his lack of mental toughness. Now that he's apparently solved that, he doesn't really have any discernible weaknesses. He's strong on both ground strokes, he's a good server and returner, he uses a variety of spins, and he's extremely quick around the court. Personally, I think we've seen enough that labeling him the greatest talent in tennis history isn't much of a stretch. No, he's not the greatest player (yet?), but he just may be the greatest talent. Just like Goran said, he makes tennis look way easier than it actually is.

[wilsonX]

Originally posted by lavar78:
Sampras won half of his Grand Slams (7 Wimbledons) on grass. He also never won the French Open (getting as far as the semis in '96). However, Agassi won half of his 8 Grand Slams at the Australian Open, which, in all honesty, is the weakest of the Slams -- WRT prestige and field. AFAIC, Agassi should be disappointed with only winning one French Open (on what used to be his best/2nd-best surface) and only 2 U.S. Opens. Frankly, Andre's French championship (where he needed to come back from 2 sets down to Andrei Medvedev) was as much a fluke as Gaston Gaudio's will likely be.


No, I don't recall anyone saying the same about Kuerten or Hewitt (well, anyone sane at least). FWIW, I think calling someone the greatest talent has a lot to do with potential, realized or otherwise. Years ago, Federer's weakness was his lack of mental toughness. Now that he's apparently solved that, he doesn't really have any discernible weaknesses. He's strong on both ground strokes, he's a good server and returner, he uses a variety of spins, and he's extremely quick around the court. Personally, I think we've seen enough that labeling him the greatest talent in tennis history isn't much of a stretch. No, he's not the greatest player (yet?), but he just may be the greatest talent. Just like Goran said, he makes tennis look way easier than it actually is.

Check this out this assessment from someone who has played both (Sampras and Federer) and probably is a better judge of tennis talent. http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slu...&type=lgns where it's said, While Agassi praises reigning Wimbledon champion Roger Federer of Switzerland he still doesn't compare him to Sampras. "I've seen Federer compared to Pete, but playing against Federer doesn't seem the same atall. "History will tell. "Pete's record is in the book, he's one of the greatest ever. "Federer has incredible, incredible ability, and a career of great achievement ahead of him."

And if you're going to define "talent" without using outcomes then why use outcomes (results) to discredit Sampras or Agassi's "Talent"?

I believe it was Federer himself who at this years Wimbledon said this is only his 3rd grand slam title appearance...but then again we're not using outcomes to define talent are we...

[lavar78]

Originally posted by wilsonX:
And if you're going to define "talent" without using outcomes then why use outcomes (results) to discredit Sampras or Agassi's "Talent"?

I'm not discrediting either. I was merely saying that (IMO) Andre's results haven't lived up to my expectations based on his talent. Someone who hits the ball that cleanly and authoritatively shouldn't have one "fluke" (again, IMO) French Open win. BTW, I think Andre's comments have more to do with the type of player each was. That involved not only talent, but also intelligence, dedication, stamina, tenacity, and a host of other things.

Anyway, you're being too extreme. Obviously, talent and results are related -- I never said otherwise. However, results aren't the only way to judge talent. Anyone who saw Len Bias play knows he was very talented -- that didn't change when he died before playing in the NBA. Monica Seles is one of the most-talented tennis players of all time -- is she somehow less talented because some maniac robbed her of some prime years? I don't think so. I have nothing but respect for the talent of Pete Sampras, but I don't remember people saying Roy Emerson was the most-talented tennis player when he held the record for Grand Slam victories. I also don't remember people saying Andre and Pete weren't talented until they won a certain number of majors. That being said, Andre's serve was suspect for a good chunk of his career. Likewise, Pete's backhand was attackable. Stroke-for-stroke, Federer is a more complete (and thus, more talented) player than either of them IMO (and those of people like Ivanisevic, who also played against all three, and McEnroe).

[wilsonX]

To put what I said more plainly, talent and results are not necessarily related. If talent is about potential and athleticism in a particular sport, then it should be obvious that an athlete can be talented but fail to develop said gifts. For example, Jordan was the most talented basketball player ever, what made him the greatest basketball player ever was his incredible work ethic and devotion to the fundamentals of the game.

So yeah you did bring up results/outcomes to lessen the accomplishments of Agassi for one (fluke win and all...). For those who follow tennis, its a commonly held belief that
Agassi pissed away his talent by not working hard enough at times in his pro career. The talent was still there, but you couldn't tell that from the outcomes.

[lavar78]

Originally posted by wilsonX:
To put what I said more plainly, talent and results are not necessarily related. If talent is about potential and athleticism in a particular sport, then it should be obvious that an athlete can be talented but fail to develop said gifts. For example, Jordan was the most talented basketball player ever, what made him the greatest basketball player ever was his incredible work ethic and devotion to the fundamentals of the game.

So yeah you did bring up results/outcomes to lessen the accomplishments of Agassi for one (fluke win and all...). For those who follow tennis, its a commonly held belief that
Agassi pissed away his talent by not working hard enough at times in his pro career. The talent was still there, but you couldn't tell that from the outcomes.

Um, it looks like we're agreeing.

[wilsonX]

Not really?

" Andre's results haven't lived up to my expectations based on his talent" -Lavar78

This is a thread about talent, not results. "the greatest talent in the history of tennis"?

And if we're talking about having awesome strokes then Rios has to be considered (Tennis Magazine, August 2004, p. 45).

[wilsonX]

dbl post sry.

[macroy]

Originally posted by lavar78:
I'm not discrediting either. I was merely saying that (IMO) Andre's results haven't lived up to my expectations based on his talent. Someone who hits the ball that cleanly and authoritatively shouldn't have one "fluke" (again, IMO) French Open win. BTW, I think Andre's comments have more to do with the type of player each was. That involved not only talent, but also intelligence, dedication, stamina, tenacity, and a host of other things.

Anyway, you're being too extreme. Obviously, talent and results are related -- I never said otherwise. However, results aren't the only way to judge talent. Anyone who saw Len Bias play knows he was very talented -- that didn't change when he died before playing in the NBA. Monica Seles is one of the most-talented tennis players of all time -- is she somehow less talented because some maniac robbed her of some prime years? I don't think so. I have nothing but respect for the talent of Pete Sampras, but I don't remember people saying Roy Emerson was the most-talented tennis player when he held the record for Grand Slam victories. I also don't remember people saying Andre and Pete weren't talented until they won a certain number of majors. That being said, Andre's serve was suspect for a good chunk of his career. Likewise, Pete's backhand was attackable. Stroke-for-stroke, Federer is a more complete (and thus, more talented) player than either of them IMO (and those of people like Ivanisevic, who also played against all three, and McEnroe).

I think folks are reading too much into this... based on your views then, the most talented player may NOT be the BEST player.. correct? Then the MOST "Talented" tennis player ever could have been a lawyer who decided to not pursue the sport as a career. Thus, he/she never realized that talent.

Bottom line, most of sports typically give credit to the BEST, not the most talented. Perhaps we can take the Pistons as a prime example...definitely not the most talented... but obviously the best this year.

Of course, we're all debating on one person's opinion... might as well argue over which color is The BEST.

[wilsonX]

Originally posted by macroy:
I think folks are reading too much into this... based on your views then, the most talented player may NOT be the BEST player.. correct? Then the MOST "Talented" tennis player ever could have been a lawyer who decided to not pursue the sport as a career. Thus, he/she never realized that talent.

Exactly.

Bottom line, most of sports typically give credit to the BEST, not the most talented. Perhaps we can take the Pistons as a prime example...definitely not the most talented... but obviously the best this year. [/B]

Definitely

Of course, we're all debating on one person's opinion... might as well argue over which color is The BEST. [/B]

Well said.

[lavar78]

Someone said it should be Sampras because he has the most Slams -- the implication being that Federer is undeserving because he hasn't won as many Slams. Someone else said it should be Agassi because he's won all 4 Slams and he's played well well into his 30s -- the implication being that Federer is undeserving because he hasn't won enough and played long enough. I was merely saying that the Andre argument shouldn't be based on results because his aren't as impressive as they should be.

Out of all of the players that I've seen extensively (i.e., the last 20 or so years), I'd say the most talented players (off the top of my head) are Sampras, Agassi, Federer, Marat Safin, Rios (yes, he has loads of talent) (with honorable mention to Carlos Moya, Patrick Rafter and Yvevgeny Kafelnikov). IMO, Federer is the most complete. There isn't one thing he doesn't do well and he makes all of it look effortless. I think that's the reason so many consider him the most talented.

Originally posted by macroy:
I think folks are reading too much into this... based on your views then, the most talented player may NOT be the BEST player.. correct? Then the MOST "Talented" tennis player ever could have been a lawyer who decided to not pursue the sport as a career. Thus, he/she never realized that talent.

Indeed. I thought we were discussing the most talented player who actually plays/played (high-profile) tennis. At any rate, you're right -- this is all about opinion. For what it's worth, some might say Detroit wasn't the best team this year. All we really know is that they were better than the teams they faced. Perhaps they were one controversial decision on a Derek Fisher prayer away from going down to San Antonio or Minnesota? We'll never know, so we can speculate until the cows come home. That's part of the fun.

[Agasthya]

Roger is unstoppable. Rolled over Roddick again today. That's three times in a row.

[nbnz]

Originally posted by Agasthya:
Roger is unstoppable. Rolled over Roddick again today. That's three times in a row.

From BBC Sport...

"I'd like to congratulate Roger but you are starting to become very, very annoying," Roddick joked during the post-match ceremonies.

[amsalpemkcus]

Originally posted by nbnz:
From BBC Sport...

More like "goddamnit! I get intimidated when I play you now!!"

linkage

Edit: more succintly put

"It's all about handling his serve," Federer had said before the final. He allowed Roddick a mere four aces, while Federer, with his slower but immaculately placed delivery, unleashed 14, including three in a row from 0-40 at four-all and another when he was break-point down in the opening game of the second set.

[nredman]

Originally posted by amsalpemkcus:
More like "goddamnit! I get intimidated when I play you now!!"

linkage

Edit: more succintly put

"It's all about handling his serve," Federer had said before the final. He allowed Roddick a mere four aces, while Federer, with his slower but immaculately placed delivery, unleashed 14, including three in a row from 0-40 at four-all and another when he was break-point down in the opening game of the second set.

federer will never beat andy at getting some from mandy moore so there

[MacNStein]

Originally posted by Logic:


Ivan Lendl and Björn Borg also comes to mind.......

Borg in his prime, none better.

[Mrjinglesusa]

Originally posted by nredman:
[img]SNIP[/img]

federer will never beat andy at getting some from mandy moore so there

Not any more (in case you hadn't heard, they broke up months ago). And Agassi just became the oldest ATP tour winner since 1989 beating Hewitt 2 out of 3. Also holds record for most Masters Series wins (17). Fifth (808) in career wins. Also leading title holder among active players with 59 (Hewitt is 2nd with 21).

[wtf_reporter]

federer's gf/coach/manager (Miroslava Vavrinec) is cute:

[wtf_reportar]

GO!!!!! Federer!!!!!!!!

something's gotta give my ass!!!

stupid aussie press!

[wtf_reporter]

he he he broke hewitt's serve at the very start!! he he he

[wtf_reporter]

AWESOME!!!!!! wizardry!!!!!! leading 5-0 first set!!!! he is the man!!!

even if you dont really care for tennis, watch this game!!! this kind of talent doesnt get displayed too often..

[Mrjinglesusa]

6-0 first set. Just broke in first game of 2nd. Federer is displaying talent I have never seen in a player. Absolutely unbelievable. Keep in mind Agassi pushed him to 5 sets in the wind in the quarters. This is turning out to be an embarrassing final for Hewitt.

[wtf_reporter]

Dont count Hewitt out, he is a real piss and vinegar fighter! although Federer has to help him out a bit, as he has done just that!

[wtf_reporter]

well, i think its over for Hewitt now..

[wtf_reporter]

Roger Federer wins US Open
September 13, 2004 - 8:53AM

Roger Federer makes a return against Lleyton Hewitt during the men's singles final at the US Open tennis tournament in New York. Photo: AP



Swiss maestro Roger Federer produced a devastating display of tennis to crush Lleyton Hewitt in a one-sided US Open final at Flushing Meadows.

Federer's landslide 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 victory made him the first player in open-era history to win his first four grand slam finals and was bound to fuel predictions of the 23-year-old going on to surpass the 14 majors that Pete Sampras accrued during his illustrious career.

Federer is also the first man since Mats Wilander in 1988 to capture three grand slams in one season, emulating the Swede's successes at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

The world No.1's victory gave him his ninth title of the year and improved his phenomenal win-loss record to 65-6 in 2004, and 23-1 in the four majors.

It was also Federer's 12th straight success in a tour final and 17th consecutive win over a top-10 opponent.

The defeat was Hewitt's first in a grand slam final and the Australian barely had a chance after the top seed made a merciless start the match.

Federer needed only 18 minutes and the loss of just five points to wipe out Hewitt's record of not having dropped a set in the tournament.
Advertisement Advertisement

Andre Agassi described Federer's forehand as "nasty" before their quarter-final last Wednesday and the rampant Swiss used his most potent weapon to strike five clean winners in the first set today.

He committed only two unforced errors and had Hewitt staring down the barrel of the most humiliating defeat in grand slam final history.

The onslaught continued early in the second set as Federer broke the 2001 champion to establish a 2-0 lead before Hewitt finally got on the board after exactly half an hour with a backhand winner down the line.

Hewitt then created break-point opportunities on successive Federer service games, only for the Swiss to hold on both occasions to go up 5-3.

But the Australian was clearly working his way back into the contest and was rewarded for his doggedness when he finally broke the world No.1 after saving three set points in a 13-minute game to level at 5-5.

Hewitt then held to love, but Federer steadied to force the tiebreaker, which he won comfortably after opening up a 4-0 lead.

With victory now firmly in his sights, Federer raced through the last set in just 25 minutes, triumphing fittingly with another big forehand winner to close out the match in 1 hour 50 minutes.

Hewitt's run to the final and 16-match winning streak over the American summer catapulted the 23-year-old South Australian back to third in the rankings behind Federer and Andy Roddick.

He is also now third in the 2004 Champions Race and in with a strong chance of finishing the season as the world No.2.

Federer earned a cheque for $US1 million ($A1.46 million) for winning his fourth grand slam title, while Hewitt collected $US750,000 ($A1.09 million), which included a $US250,000 ($A363,821) bonus for taking out the inaugural US Open Series Challenge.

AAP

[amsalpemkcus]

And... he continues to command and conquer!!


---------------------------------------------------------
Federer beats Roddick to win Thailand Open
-
Sunday, October 3, 2004

(10-03) 06:36 PDT BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) --

Top-ranked Roger Federer routed an injured Andy Roddick 6-4, 6-0 Sunday to capture the Thailand Open, joining John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg as the only players to win 12 straight ATP Tour finals in the last 25 years.

"It would be nice to break their record, but I'll take one tournament at a time," said Federer, who has won 10 titles this year. "I hope to play well until the end of the season."

Federer needed just 58 minutes to defeat the second-seeded Roddick, whose elbow was sore from his semifinal victory over Marat Safin.

Federer has won three majors this year -- the Australian Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open. He started the streak in Vienna, Austria, last October. He reached the semifinals at Madrid, Spain, and quarterfinals at Paris before winning the Tennis Masters Cup final in Houston to close the 2003 season.

"I came here not knowing what to expect," the top-seeded Swiss said. "I never believed I would win 10 titles in one year."

Roddick looked troubled from the start Sunday and struggled to hold serve in the opening game as Federer ran him all over the court. The American faced three break points and he used his signature big serves to save them all before firing a 112 mph ace to take the first game.

Roddick fought through the first set, but his elbow caused him more difficulty as the match went on. He hit a backhand into the net to drop the first game of the second set and lost another service game with a forehand error to fall 3-0 behind.

Roddick received assistance from his trainer for five minutes after the third game, but Federer won the next game easily on serve for a 4-0 lead.

"It was tough for me out there," Roddick said. "After I lost the serves in the second set, I didn't feel good."

In the deciding game, Federer hit a volley and set up a match point at 40-30, closing the match with a forehand winner.

Roddick said he entered the final still weary from his 7-6 (1), 6-7 (0), 7-6 (2) win over Safin.

"I've been exhausted since yesterday and even slept in the locker room," he said.

Roddick hopes to regain his No. 1 ranking in 2005.

"I have two months off to think about that before I start next year," he said. "I'll go for it next year."


URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...936EDT0192.DTL

[nredman]

Originally posted by amsalpemkcus:


Roddick hopes to regain his No. 1 ranking in 2005.

"I have two months off to think about that before I start next year," he said. "I'll go for it next year."


URL: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...936EDT0192.DTL

maybe by then amsalpemkcus's lips will be surgical removed from federer's ass.

[amsalpemkcus]

Originally posted by nredman:
maybe by then amsalpemkcus's lips will be surgical removed from federer's ass.

jealous?!! you can do more than that at front end if you wish!