Djokovic is obnoxious. He bounces the ball a RIDICULOUS number of times before he serves. He routinely makes fun of other professional tennis players (his peers) with his over-rated impersonations. The only thing that rivals his level of obnoxiousness is Sharapova's ridiculous grunting/screaming on every single shot.

Federer has class. Nadal has class. Sampras, Agassi.. had class. Djokovic does not have any class and it does not appear likely he ever will. He's got a lot of talent, but that's it.

As a Federer fan, it was quite a disappointing semi-final to watch.
It didnt live up to the blockbuster status it was simmering to.
From the match statistics, there was an equal amount of unforced errors (32?) from both players.
It indicates that Federer wasnt on top of his game, as evident from his earlier round matches.
His backhand shots flew wide from the Tipsarevic match. As highlighted by an earlier comment, he felt the pressure and scowled once too many times.

Pressure from the need to win? Yes, thats the monster he mentioned in the press conference.
Pressure from the other players? No. He has been there long enough. His game is rounded enough to handle almost every player's repertoire.
Pressure from Novak? Definitely not. He looked well and in the lead during the 1st set.
Pressure from himself? Yes. He was competing to bring out the monster in him. Delivering convincing service games, brilliant volleys and breathtaking passing shots.

He has one which sent Novak sprawling.
Yet he had numerous satelite forehands, and cannot hold his service at many an unbelivable occasion. 5-4 and 30-15 up in first set.

He doesnt need a coach to change his game to match the power players. This loss makes him recognize the other players are closer in the rear mirror.

It takes a great champion to recalibrate and bounce back.
I am hopeful it will happen and show in the rest of the year.

1 swallow does not make a summer.
That is the first lesson Novak will have to learn.

Hi,

I agree with many people here: Andrea, Gene, Jnyredeye, etc

Oz,
It's ok, btw the translation of Rafa's blog can be found at: http://vamosbrigade.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=3442&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=330 forums, but you need to create a free acount.

His last entry was:
Thank you all

25 January.- Hi everyone.

Well, this is my last blog from Melbourne. Before I say anything else, I would like to apologise for not sending it yesterday but, as you can imagine, I arrived back at the hotel rather late and didn't feel like doing anything. I'm really sorry. I hope this final blog before leaving for the airport will do you.

I imagine there are lots of questions about the match. I think the answers are to be found in what I said to the press. I say 'imagine' because I haven't been able to look at what's in the newspapers yet. There's a very simple answer to the question about how the match went: Tsonga beat me and he beat me very soundly. No excuse, nothing to be said, except to congratulate him on the great match he played. I think tennis is like a set of scales and when one player plays very well the scales dip to his side and prevent the other from playing well. That's what happened in my match against a VERY inspired Tsonga.

Likewise, I'm very pleased with the start I've made to the year. The Chennai final and these semi-finals in the Australian Open better my start to the season last year. I don't think the people who follow and support me should be disappointed because I am not. Of course I wanted to win, of course I would like to have been in the final on Sunday, but... I don't think there's anything else to be said about the match because it has all been said in the press.

So last night, when I had finished all my post-match work, we went back to the hotel. Toni, Rafa Maymo, Benito, myself and Carlos Costa, my manager, who had also been there. In the car, we decided (as it was already late) to stop at a McDonalds (I know, I know) and take the food back to the hotel. I ordered two fishburgers, french fries and cola. I don't usually eat these things and even less during a tournament, but I wound things up here yesterday and we felt like doing it.

I'm leaving for the airport now. I'm going back to Mallorca to have a few days rest and start a mini pre-season training period. Practising hard to be in good form for the next tournaments that start in no time.

I want to take this chance to thank many people for all the support they have given me these weeks. Like the Spanish journalists that travelled to Melbourne to follow the tournament, who were here for many days, in a very distant place, with very difficult hours (Pedro, Miguel, Joan, Juan José, Sebastián and Zubi). I already thanked them in the press room, but I don't think they heard me above the noise. And also the many specators there were at the matches and practice sessions with Spanish and Balearic Islands flags. I don't know if they came here from there or live here, but we felt their presence and would like to thank them.

Last of all, I want to tell you that I read the comments by fans and other people that are published in the press and digital newspapers. I would like to reply to them one by one but it is not possible for me. Thank you to those that support me and to those that don't, I always fight and attempt to win with hard work and humility. If I win I try to show I know how to carry it and if I lose I also try to be a good loser. [If I win I try to show I know how to win and if I lose I also try to show I know how to lose.]
Best wishes to everyone and thank you!

Rafa

Translated by nou.amic for www.VamosBrigade.com

And here are the questions-answers

'My uncle advised me not to play the elimination of Davis'
1. Hello Rafah, although I am a fan of Federer, I love your game. I would like to know if you have a lesion on your knee is a concern for your career? (Ojala que no). Successes and good luck.
Hello. Thank you. I have no injury and the knee. That was in the U.S. Open. And, fortunately, I am fine.
2. Hello Rafah. Congratulations on what you have done so far. Sharapova vs. Henin in the final play, but I see that the women's game seems all the same, hitting only hit and hit the ball. Do not use as many resources used in the masculine, what do you think should be much difference between the male and female circuit? What expectations have on the games of men against women? A huge hug from Venezuela

I think the game is different, mainly by force. It is normal that. But there are girls who play very well. I do not fully understand the question about expectations.
3. Hello Rafah, you write in Peru. I agree that Tsonga was difficult to stop, almost impossible at that level. With all due respect, and we apologize for the question you will. Apparently, almost all realize that you have to work more on get in the planes and in shock attack on the network, unless your uncle Toni Do not you think you should agradercele much for your help and try to find another coach who help you in the above, in addition to attacking more on the network? It is a commentary of a Peruvian who wants to be seen as world number one, and I know what lograrías improvements if only 70% in those areas. My respect and my admiration for you Rafah. I hope you do get this question because I notice that you spend only simple questions to answer. Thanks.
Thanks for the advice. Believe me that Mark knows what I have to do and I too. The problem is to reach it. It is not so easy, especially when your opponent is playing so well. I think I played well yesterday, and if you look at the statistics, not only committed four errors forced in the first set. Imagine how well they played Tsonga.
4. Rafa Hello! I know that is not yet defined at 100% but is it true that you think come to Peru for the Davis Cup? The truth that it would be a GREAT gift to all Peruvians amateur tennis here playing and having the demonstrating how good you are. Thank you and success!

My uncle advised me not to go and Spain has a very good team. Thank you and I hope to be next time. Greetings to all fans Peruvians.
5. Hello Rafah. I had the opportunity to talk with you a while in an elimination of Davis in Majorca against Holland, when you were still a promise that everyone talked about, but still not significantly-with forgiveness-'exploited' I seemed an uncle simple, maturity rare at your age and with a unique mentality when it comes to meeting the challenges. Today, four years later and not many victories incredible, and you read it seems the same: realistic about your chances, but without arrogance or endiosamiento. How to do this in your environment, so familiar, and how your way of being? Thank you and still offers joys and good example. We need you.
Thank you. My family is very important to me in all areas of my life.

I hope Tsonga wins :)

You can't force the number of forehand errors that Fed had. Those were purely his own undoing.

Sure, credit Djokovic for playing a solid game, but if you need evidence of Fed-dog's normal dominance in forehand to forehand battles look no further than last year's final vs. Gonzo. Fed clearly wasn't at the top of his game, and yes I agree it was in his footwork.

And for the life of me I couldn't understand why he didn't make a mid-match adjustment to the serve and volley tactics he is so capable of producing when his groundies are off, so I have to think there was some mental fatigue playing in there somewhere. I have often wondered how anyone can maintain that level of motivation day in and day out, and now that he's been spanked, I do not doubt for a moment that will make him hungry again.

All that said, I fear for Fed and everyone else on the tour if Tsonga can consistently maintain the kind of game he played all over Nadal. I mean c'mon...a backhand overhead drop volley??? That's ridiculous! In some ways I felt like we were witnessing the next generation of shot making, whether or not Tsonga will be the one to maintain the new level he showed the world.

Allez!

Soquelista,

About your "we were witnessing the next generation of shot making", I think Nalbandian also showed some modern tennis at the end of 2007.
As spectators, we can only be happy :)

As for Fed serving and volleying, I for one, wouldn't have the confidence, if I feel that I'm not moving well/fast enough...

Take care

who thinks roddicks the best

It doesn't take much for a player to lose the edge as a slam winner. Roger was lucky to win both Wimbledon and the US last year. Rafa missed some easy break point oppurtunities, and Novak blew two sets by not converting set points. Mc Enroe never won a slam after the age of 24, Becker and Edberg, only one each. Counter puncers peak around 20-2, baseliners, 22-25, and serve and volleyers, 25-28. Federer is basically a counter puncher who can step up and baseline, and occasiolnally serve and volley. If he is going to continue to dominate, he's going to need to get to the net more. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't win more than two or three more slams, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he wins a half dozen more, but Novak hasn't peaked yet, and Donald Young is a coupla years down the road.....we'll see....Fed is due for some kind of injury, and a chronic problem year (like Sharapova had last year) could put him at 28 with no more slams than he has now.....it would be tough to dominate at that point....Sampras could do it with that serve, but Roger's game goes way down if he loses a step.....any one think this "virus" thing may have been poisoning?

It doesn't take much for a player to lose the edge as a slam winner. Roger was lucky to win both Wimbledon and the US last year. Rafa missed some easy break point oppurtunities, and Novak blew two sets by not converting set points. Mc Enroe never won a slam after the age of 24, Becker and Edberg, only one each. Counter puncers peak around 20-2, baseliners, 22-25, and serve and volleyers, 25-28. Federer is basically a counter puncher who can step up and baseline, and occasiolnally serve and volley. If he is going to continue to dominate, he's going to need to get to the net more. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't win more than two or three more slams, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he wins a half dozen more, but Novak hasn't peaked yet, and Donald Young is a coupla years down the road.....we'll see....Fed is due for some kind of injury, and a chronic problem year (like Sharapova had last year) could put him at 28 with no more slams than he has now.....it would be tough to dominate at that point....Sampras could do it with that serve, but Roger's game goes way down if he loses a step.....any one think this "virus" thing may have been poisoning?

It doesn't take much for a player to lose the edge as a slam winner. Roger was lucky to win both Wimbledon and the US last year. Rafa missed some easy break point oppurtunities, and Novak blew two sets by not converting set points. Mc Enroe never won a slam after the age of 24, Becker and Edberg, only one each. Counter puncers peak around 20-2, baseliners, 22-25, and serve and volleyers, 25-28. Federer is basically a counter puncher who can step up and baseline, and occasiolnally serve and volley. If he is going to continue to dominate, he's going to need to get to the net more. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't win more than two or three more slams, but I also wouldn't be surprised if he wins a half dozen more, but Novak hasn't peaked yet, and Donald Young is a coupla years down the road.....we'll see....Fed is due for some kind of injury, and a chronic problem year (like Sharapova had last year) could put him at 28 with no more slams than he has now.....it would be tough to dominate at that point....Sampras could do it with that serve, but Roger's game goes way down if he loses a step.....any one think this "virus" thing may have been poisoning?

Once Fed gets healthy and strong again...he will move on to the North American hard
courts and take back the titles that slipped away from him in Indian Wells and Miami..
shutting up that snot nosed Serb AND Nadal ..Canas or whoever else is in his way.

He will then arrive onto European red clay EARLY......and THIS year pull off a victory in
Monte Carlo...and possibly Rome...shocking Nadal this 2008 year...the BIG MO will be on his side now...taking him into Roland Garros in sublime form and snatching the French Trophy away from a beat up Nadal in five grueling sets. His ELUSIVE Slam will be his...

naysayers disappear and the universe will be in PERFECT balance once again. Peace.

right on the money, tom absolutely agree. The Tipsarevic match took a lot of wind outta him probab cuz of his virus. After that......he wasn't the same Fed. But his opponents will be very sorry if they think that he won't resurrect cuz this loss will only make his will-power stronger.

Yes and i do think that Roger needs to come to the net more and finish the points off faster. He has that gud a game & serve that he can do that. He seems very casual at the net. Mayb its time he hired a coach for guidance....

jojo, I agree that fed was lucky to win the uso 2007,that match should have least gone 5. at the french semis, kolya kept choking away the lead. But... fed is no way a counterpuncher. even in defensive mode fed is aggressive. he is always making the player come up with the hardest shots to hit. he is still the game best shot maker. he has gotten better on serve... it was his serve that kept him in the wimbledon final 2007,he really gotten a wicked cross court backhand fo 2007 final. He has not had any serious injuries,like nadal that is true.novak has peaked,in the sense that his game cannot get any better..and he is beatable. Nalbandian also beat him in madrid 2007 ,easily.fed game is definitely dependent on his movement.I think that lendl was able to dominate,or play well in his late 20's so it depennds on the player. agassi was #1 in his 30's and was very competitive if it wasn't for his back he could have played 1-2 more years on the top 6 level.( he is better than kolya and would give djok. trouble). sampras could have won more( just the fact he is better than agassi,who won slams and reached #1 at the end of his career) but his desire decreased a lot ...I am not sure if it was because of his back injury 1999. but,some good points.

Why does everyone want to make an apology for Federer. This match was just like the US open, only this time Novak wasnt nervous. Novak even said he moved better this time than in the US open, where he was uncomfortable with the situation.
Federer didnt say his movement was the issue until the press brought it up.
Did he have a virus infection at the Us because he was second best there too!

Dream on "kingdavid". Old geezer Fed will go home with empty hands from Grand Slams.

Federer's juggernaut has been hitting a few more roadblocks in the past year. These are players who are no longer afraid of the "golden one" (who is so enamored of himself that he wins his challenges only 30 percent of the time; he thinks he's so good, he can't believe his balls are out).

Truly he is a great talent, one rarely seen in our lives. He is also full of false humility and when he loses as he did against Djokovic, he pouts like a baby(read his interview), gives little praise to the play of those who beat him and at best his compliments can be considered backhanded.

While I've admired his gift, his veiled arrogance is showing more and more as he loses. That I have never admired. The younger ones like Nadal and Djokovic are a different breed. I remember when Nadal beat Agassi at Wimbledon and then stepped back and encouraged the crowds' continued outpouring of affection for their retiring hero. Djokovic has always been honest about his belief he can be #1 and doesn't hide behind false hypocritical humility. Instead he embraces the journey with a youthful joy and zest for life.

Tennis is not meant to be a showcase of one man's talent; it's a battle, a graceful, beautiful, strenuous battle. Seeing people sit in fear of Federer's talent and not play their game has been painful to watch for those of us less enamored or idolatrous. Ford wrote a great article of how Djokovic said the players need to stop being afraid of the man and play him. It's what many of us have said for years.

It's refreshing to see how many are now willing to step up.

I agree with Matts Wilander who said that Federer must be a bit relieved. Every time he plays he has the weight of history, records, etc. on his shoulders. I think it's taken its toll on him in the past year.

Also, I'm an exercise physiologist. I can tell you with no doubt that his food poisoning affected him. Even if he looked strong in the first 2 rounds and thought himself to be 100%, I knew it would catch up to him. his body was fighting an invading bug. He hadn't eaten properly in a week. He didn't have match practice on the new surface. I'm amazed he got as far as he did. The body's ability to produce glycogen and ATP (adenosine triphosphate, not the Association of tennis professionals) is hampered. The muscles and brain are fueled by glycogen. What happened is exactly what can be expected. He was a little slow physically AND mentally.

I think that without the pressure of the Roger slam, the calender slam, Pete's record, and the enormous bullseye on his back every time he plays, he might be able to relax a bit and have fun playing again. I'm glad he was able to admit that he feels the pressure. He is after all, a young man with enormous expectations on his shoulders.

He has a month now to get healthy and prepare for what is next. I'm happy for Novak. He's a great player, but I don't think Roger's ready to give up #1 just yet. Safin beat him in '05, and he bounced back quite nicely.

It's not Fed you should worry about sliding, it's Nadal. He hasn't been impressive and to be beaten by Tsonga? That manner? Look at what Fed has to overcome to reach the semis - Stomach illness, a lack of warm-up tournament, an impossible expectation of the guy called HISTORY, Tipsarevic, Blake, Berdych. And of course Djoko is no pushover - he is, by the way 20 years old at his fastest prime. I think, Djok will crush Tsonga because Tsonga is a fluke and should never have won in the first place againts a world no. 2. It's Nadal's that's the problem. Federer will win the French.

Come on guys! We're looking at the most dominant player that ever lived. It's unbelievable that Roger's kept throught all these years such an incredible rhythm, winning tournment after tournamente. He's in a 15-straight grand slam SF streak, so those saying that this defeat means the end of an era couldn't be more wrong. Expect Roger to bounce back at the us hard courts.

Come on guys! We're looking at the most dominant player that ever lived. It's unbelievable that Roger's kept throught all these years such an incredible rhythm, winning tournment after tournamente. He's in a 15-straight grand slam SF streak, so those saying that this defeat means the end of an era couldn't be more wrong. Expect Roger to bounce back at the us hard courts.

Well it wasn't a virus was it? I thought they said it was food poisoning? At any rate after being ill for a wekk, and ill enough to check into a hospital overnight, yes two weeks, three weeks, maybe even four weeks down the line one's body is still in recovery. Especially if you've lost weight the way Federer did. It's clear for all to see. Federer was not "himself" he was not "flying" around the court. He was a step slow. He had a lot of chances on his raquet, especially in serving for the first set and to break in the second and he could not take them. It's going to be interesting now, because the Joker is going to be in for something special when he plays Roger again.

In any other Slam of the year, maybe a case of "stomach virus" or food poisonning, whatever you call it, would not impact the performance of an athlete as much as the Aussie. Let's not forget the HEAT is brutal down there and the body is already working overtime dealing with it without having to cope with a weakened immune system. I have had a case of severe FP when I was in my twenties, young and fit, and it got me down for three straight days in bed, so sick I thought I was going to die (and indeed people have died because of that).
I have no doubt that bout of illness has impacted Fedex' performance on the court and contributed to his playing under par against fitter and talented opponents. Some posters have scoffed at that "excuse", noting it didn't seem to impede his serves. Maybe not, but a weakened immune system will wreak havoc to your stamina and ability of your body to recuperate quickly from overexertion.
I have always been amazed by Fedex ability to stay fit and avoid injuries during all those years when many otherwise talented opponents had to deal with various injuries (even Nadal!), but he is HUMAN after all like many have noted, and we can't expect him to keep going on and win every tournament in sight.
Let's just hope he will get his 100% back after this experience and adjust/improve his techniques to deal with all those talented young turks snapping at his heel ever closer now.

"...Arnaud Boetsch, the former French pro who sat in Federer's box tonight, said the virus had taken its toll."
---------------------------------

Yeah! And the name of that virus is Novak!

"Federer didn't move as well as he usually does."
-----------------------------------------------------

Taht's right! But, why don't you Tom say that the reason for his poor move was Djokovic's stunning play???

Novak tied federer's legs and hands with racket without touching him!! This is the best nagician deed ever after Houdiny!

"Federer didn't move as well as he usually does."
-----------------------------------------------------

Taht's right! But, why don't you Tom say that the reason for his poor move was Djokovic's stunning play???

Novak tied federer's legs and hands with racket without touching him!! This is the best nagician deed ever after Houdiny!