That's it, I'm ready to declare it.

The Alonya Bondarenko era is over.

Sigh...oh well, bring on the fresh talent!

"Roddick chases down those balls like a freakin' labrador"

Good to hear! He drives me insane when he watches balls go past him.

Dinara-Serena third set TB and interview
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RWSZEzYJAqU&feature=user

Voks, did you see JJ? Any comments?

Voks - I see your point. Fed having proper fitness preparation in and of itself does not mean he will be old Fed. He gets older, other players continue to believe/improve etc. I do believe one of the underrated parts of Fed's dominance was his fitness. And clearly staying illness/injury free for as long as he did was amazing (and also perhaps had something to do with fitness). My point was merely fitness and practice (repetition of shots so they don't falter when nerves creep in) clearly plays a role. Which is what calls to mind Serena, Justine and even Maria. Its just that us Fed fans were sooo spoiled by his pristine play and clutch play in Big match moments, it is hard to see him falter. Its like watching Tiger Woods loose to a golfer I never heard of before at the 07 Masters - wait he did that. Anyhow, I digress - hope this helped Voks!

well he does have a fair share of passing shots to watch zip by, because the net seems to have some sort of Roddick magnet on it (where do I get one of those from, btw?)

Roddick actually hit a drop volley a moment or so ago!

GO ANDY!!!!!
up 2-1 in second set

Disco is cute (especially with the headband, reminds me of Roger *sniff*), but Andy's one of my guilty pleasures. His game frustrates me at times, and always makes me laugh, but how can you not like the guy?

I think I've just diagnosed his problem.

It's the physical form of Tourette Syndrome.

Commentators say that if Roddick keeps serve-and-volleying this much, he will replace Max Mirnyi as the most dominant serve-and-volleyer on the tour.

one thing that both endears and enrages me about Roddick - he NEVER stays seated until time is called, despite being expressly told to at the start of every match.
little thing but I always notice it.

seriously, whatever is attracting Roddick to that net - bottle it and sell it.

Azarenka and A. Bondarenko played each other twice today, first in singles and then in doubles, and Azarenka won both times. Wonder how often that happens.

OMG, Andy's turning into Tim Henman!! Henman was rushing the net on every point the year he got to the semis of the French Open.

Madrid has been selected via a 'secret' vote to host the US for Davis Cup in September.

Also, the current captain (emilio sanchez) will continue as captain.

The President, Pedro Munoz abstained from voting and the breakdown was: Madrid 9, Benidorm 4, Gijón 2, Tenerife 1.

Looking at the language style of the 1:42pm post on the prior thread, looks remarkably similar to the Undeniable One, who I've exchanged pleasantries with at Steve Tignor's site (see, for example http://tennisworld.typepad.com/thewrap/2008/05/rome-back-to-ma.html ).

There's a monomaniacal aspect to the comments that almost warms me to the poster. Lots of vim there, if not a lot of balance. SO I wouldn't take these thoughts personally - I haven't.

OK so let us consider rankings points after Rome:

Rafa gets 5 points (I think?) for this effort and loses 500 so he will end up with 5930-500+5=*calculates...* like, 5435 points.

Federer last year had 75 points for R16 and this years he got to quarters for 125 points so he ends up with.... 6775+50= ... 6825 points? So Federer just increased his lead big time.

Djoko last year got to quarters for 125 points. If he loses today, he stays at 4750. If he wins today, he gets 225 points for a total of 4850. If he gets to finals, that is 350 points for a total of 4975. And finally if he wins the final (ha! pun) that would be 500 points a total of 5125. Still 310 points away from Rafa.

Now if Rafa pulls out of Hamburg, which is conceivable, that is 350 points down. Fed of course got 500 for Hamburg title and Djoko got 125 for quarterfinals.

Deuce, And then Tiger did it again in 2008 *sigh*

Ryan, I can see the era theme going on here. If we go by tournament, the the "Bondarenko sisters" in doubles would qualify LOL

At least they won the Australian Open.

Andy rushing the net?? I wish I could see this.

Geez Andrew--don't you know that facts are things that are true with no falsehood and they are important in that things that are factual have truth with factness to prove their factality? Duh.

Andrew: I'm frazzled as hail, so my opinion might be off kelter but do you think the Fed is just mentally not TMF at the moment...I think his fitness is there now, he's going for balls that he didn't even attempt to get in IW/Miami...it's more of I don't have the unshakeable belief anymore, those BH shanks look nervy...he got there in time and just shanked them wide...not even close...and he kept shanking them, without self correcting, even more frazzling, it was the exact same swing with the exact same result...

Any help in calming my nerves will be greatly appreciated...

"The Alonya Bondarenko era is over."

Ryan, bite your tongue. :)

If it is over, maybe I can revive it for her? Yowsee.

Hmmm, is she old enough for me to say that without committing a felony?

Of some interest today is that Federer actually won more points than Stepanek, 88-82, yet lost the match. We all know that in tennis this is theoretically possible, but that it does not happen often.

Someone with more time on their hands might go back and check the ATP or WTA site to see approximately how often.

vetmama, I have to agree with the Tourette's diagnosis, the guy cannot stop twiching. What I don't get either, and maybe you die hard Roddick fans could help me out here, is why he's constantly touching his "little Andy". I mean if he's afraid it's about to fall off, then he should a) seek immediate medical attention and b) wear some kind of brace to make sure that if it does fall off, it won't stray too far.

Or maybe it brings him good luck, I don't know, but it's annoying.

For me Roddick is really a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide kind of player. He's so annoying to watch and I could do with a bit less attitude, but off the court he's funny, charming and really smart. If he could just stop touching himself...

0-30 hole for Robredo.
two net dumps and it's 15-40.
Roddick misses BP #9 & 10 so it's deuce.
Roddick powers a FH on Disco's 2nd serve and knocks down Robredo's advantage.
CC FH and Robredo gets ad back.
service winner and he eventualy holds.

still one break in it, Roddick serving 3-2.
one break is enough yeah? it's all good.

Robredo holds (with the help of a lucky net cord) to avoid a double break, after being two break points down.

Noooo FED! *sigh*

C'mon Andy!!!!!!!!!!

So Andy was moonballing in previous match and is rushing to the net today? I'm off to check it out

Dunlop Maxply, it's happened quite frequently in Federer's losses in the past, including his loss to Nadal in Rome 2006.

I am not touching the "little Andy" issue. not while he's on my screen anyway...

Disco gets a BP, and I'm regretting saying one break is enough.
Roddick gives it away with a double fault.

trying to process this. can't.

I'm really, really impressed with Roddick's performance. Wonder if he regrets skipping Monte Carlo?

Roddick double-faults twice in one game; back on serve at 4-all.

Poor Roger. Roma was his tournamnet to win, once Rafa went out.

Don't get broken Andy!

WAY TO DF ON GAME PT. NO MORE DFS!

Is there a link to Fed's presser?

Did Tommy just break ADHD Andy?

Sorry, my 2:28 should have said, "3-all"

Beckham, good point re getting to shots he didn't get to in IW and Miami. So footwork is back, but the inconsistency in his shots, isn't this the second part of fitness and practice. One tournament his serve is awful the next his forehand his off, now today its his backhand. Am I wrong in thinking shot consistency comes with adequate practice?

Dunlop: he did it against Nadal in Dubai 2006 F also, I can think of more but it's just too depressing, le sigh...another one of those things he's patented...le sigh...

Andy still has that hot date with the net, but at this stage it's leading to heart palpitations on my part.

Robredo is seizing this for all it's worth.
and he holds at 15.
Rowdy serving 3-4.

I really think I remember Andy saying in an interview that he was probably ADHD when he was younger, but never diagnosed. lol He could have been kidding though - I say that alot just joking around too.

if Novak's match goes the same way the other three matches have gone today, the doubles match that follows will start at 2 in the morning!! What a great way to promote doubles...

Totally agree Swiss Viking:
"For me Roddick is really a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide kind of player. He's so annoying to watch and I could do with a bit less attitude, but off the court he's funny, charming and really smart. If he could just stop touching himself..."

The main thing that should concern Roger/Jose right now is his ability to maintain his intensity and focus throughout a match. I don't think this has anything to do with mono or conditioning.
The physical deficiencies he had through Miami are essentially gone. From a technical standpoint, he is in fine shape.

Fed has lately shown a consistent pattern of being unable to hold after a break, or losing tiebreaks after being ahead. The fact that he would hold after a break was almost a given; not so now. There are several TBs where he was up and then let slide. I see this as a precipitous decline in mental toughness. Hopefully someone in his camp is paying serious attention to the fact that
Roger is losing many more 7-5/7-6 matches than he is winning them.

Deuce: he's had whole months in which it seemed like his forehand or backhand is off. I don't know if we can blame even fitness for this.

I do think the match with Karlovic threw him off his rhythm in terms of playing a baseline game.

Negative body language from Roddick. Commentators note that he doesn't get broken often, so very frustrating when it happens to him.

Aw Andy nooo. Okay, hold. Pls hold.

Ana up a break in the second. Serving at 5-4.

Andy's picked a bad time to develop a glitch in his serve.

*The fact that he would hold after a break was almost a given; not so now. There are several TBs where he was up and then let slide. I see this as a precipitous decline in mental toughness. Hopefully someone in his camp is paying serious attention to the fact that Roger is losing many more 7-5/7-6 matches than he is winning them*

Bingo. He knew to keep up the intensity vs. Karlovic but not vs. Stepanek???

I don't think this is a case of "oh, two tails".

We've seen this pattern repeated far too many times this season for it to be the case.

Whitney: Oh good, that sort of makes me feel better. Around my fam, I'm always calling him "ADHD Andy" but I get nervous posting it because it's rather politically incorrect. ;)

Roddick holds at 15 with a lot of big serves; he seems to be using the frustration to pump himself up.

negative body language is nothing but expected in a Roddick match.
but so far this tourney I've been impressed by his concetration and general demeanour on court, as well as his play.

DFs are creeping in now though. thankfully he aced the hail out of it.

4-4 Robredo to serve.

and on and on and on,

I can't believe I'm actually enjoying this match!!

garglesnurf!!!! No more DFs Andy! I don't care if you're up 40-0!

Amit: thanks...just what I needed, someone to confirm my frazzledness...I was looking for a hail no, Beckham, it's all in your head...thanks very much...

Well, Beckham, the roll Federer was on, and frankly, is still on in the sense that he is over 1,000 points better off than a guy who may well end up on the list of all time greats himself, has really thrown people off in terms of what to expect.

The fact that Federer went the better part of four years winning match after match in which his opponent, like Stepanek apparently did today, played the match of his life, well, if you saw it at all be sure to tell your kids and grandkids about it because you may not be seing it again for a while.

All those people who thought that guys were giving up then were simply not watching carefully enough. What, the other players were intimidated when he only had 6 Slam titles but now that he has 12 they have more confidence? Please.

It was almost thirty years between Borg and Nadal, to make one obvious comparison.

It was twenty years between McEnroe's 1984 year and Federer's 2004 -- run.

I all other years, you had great players. Just great players who lost 10-15 matches a year instead of 5.

Robredo holds at love for 5-4.

Come on, Tommy!

Really, though, what a strange tournament.

I don't know if any of you are familiar with any Hindi movies, but there's this utterly stupid song from a movie called Kal Ho Na Ho entitled, "It's the time to disco!" that I always think of when I see Robredo. Who is hanging in there more than I thought he would.

wow... what does garglesnurf mean?

love hold to Robredo.
so gutted that Roddick couldn't capitalize on his lead, because he really was playing impressively. he deserve a win here.

Rowdy serving to stay in the set.
he's out pacing the court about 2 seconds after he sat down.

Beckham: re your 2:23pm - I think there's a genuine element of luck when sets get to 4-4 in a tie-break. A Federer may be able to win 65%-75% of these, but he won't win 95-100%.

Today, Stepanek played two absolutely clutch points in the TBs: at 4-4 in the first, and at 5-6 in the second. Sometimes, that's all you need.

One tiny thing I did noticed was that Federer won the point of the match to go 4-1 up in the second set TB, then stepped up to the line to serve while the crowd was still applauding. He had to pause to let the applause die down, which may have just let Stepanek get his breath back. The Czech then cracked a strong return to get one minibreak back. Of such tiny things are wins and losses made.

To be honest, I was more concerned with the way Federer played the first ten games of the second set. He just seemed to lose his rhythm in a way I hadn't seen since RRH in the first round of MC. This time, his opponent didn't let him off the hook in the end.

I was really impressed with Roddick's attitude in Dubai - never got down on himself or lost it from the matches I saw.

Jackie - yeah it is not very PC - I'm waiting on someone to call me out for it. But I definatly have attention problems and lots of nervous energy like Andy does. I guess I'm a spaz too.

stay in the match* more importantly

>little bit of frazzle.

Crazyone - is he tinkering with his shots too much so they are Rafa ready? Do you believe this has to do with the inconsistency? Still doesn't explain the serve not working all the time.

And Ana takes the second set.

I haven't done this in a very long time:

Cheer for Disco Tommy.

Kal Ho Na Ho is a great movie =)

On to the third set in Berlin.

Dunlop Maxply:

*All those people who thought that guys were giving up then were simply not watching carefully enough. What, the other players were intimidated when he only had 6 Slam titles but now that he has 12 they have more confidence? Please.*

Thank you, thank you! This needs to be stated a million times, and still there will be some people who don't understand.

Vamos Tommy!!! It's up to you to hold it together for the Spanish Armada

Ana is seriously fighting back. She does not want the Serb "mini-era" to end And a lot of point to lose if she loses (Maria will move to 2nd and she will drop to 3rd in rankings).

Meanwhile Svetlana has now dropped to 5th will Jelena moves up to fourth since she defended her last year QR final showing. Serena still remains at 6th and if Elena goes to further than the SF she moves to 7th and Anna Chakvetadze drops to 8th while Venus drops to 9th. If Elena loses at the SF she moves to 8th and Venus drops to 9th.

Whitney: I'm a TOTAL spaz. Like, I was known for it in school. No worries. I guess that means we can call him whatever we want, right? :)

DEUCE.

A DF??? Andy no!!

Crazyone:

Considering all that he's been through, he's doing okay. The elite Roger would have risen to the occasion today. He almost did. He's not there yet. He's playing himself into peak condition, which I hope will bear fruit in June. If he falters at R.G. then I will be seriously worried.

Dunlop Maxply: right on your 2:35pm.

And BTW, I do plan to do some analysis on point scores. When I get the time.

That was supposed to be "in all other years"

Also, those who cite "intensity" are on the right track. I don't know if for me its reducible to one word. Its that quality all champions have to not get frustrated with the situation, not allow themselves to think "what a day, I'm playing the worm and he's zoning on me"

Federer has every right to be frustrated. Good luck to Stepanek playing worry free in some other match. Its only against Federer or Nadal at the moment that these guys have absolutely no pressure. And if you don't think that guys like Stepanek can play well when they know they have nothing to lose, well, again, look more closely at the way these matches go.

Roddick double-faulting a lot (6 in this set) but winning points from the net. 5-all.

crazyone, Kal Ho Na Ho was quite fun and It's The Time To Disco spent some time as my ringtone.

Back to lurking...

consolation?
- roger gained points.

what's bad?
- exposing chinks in his mental armour.
- possible setback when it comes to regaining his aura.
- still not winning a tournament he has yet to win.
- not gaining the match experience that he wants.

4 > 1. that's enough for me.

match suspended in Berlin due to darkness? Don't they have flood lights or something?

I use the word garglesnurf in lieu of other less appropriate four letter words =)

I agree with Voks here or on the other thread: we can start talking about the end of the Fed era if by SEPTEMBER FED HASN'T WON ANY SLAM. For me, that's the way to see it: who could have foresee Rafa's exit or for that matter Fed's to Stepanek?? So many things can happen until then. Fed is back in control of his fitness and health and that's the most important for the moment.

ryan: that cooment about Bondarenko/end of the era was hilarious!!!

Andy double-faulting???? Won! And the public cheers a lot for Roddick actually!

Robredo holds for 6-5; commentators say his serving percentage in this set is 80%.

Ana's match is suspended due to darkness.

Get to the TB!

GO ANDY!!!

(and little andy too)

I hope Roddick can pull this win out- it'd be a solid clay court win

Oh Rani, I liked the movie, and the song is catchy, though I still think it's stupid :P

It should be Tommy's theme song.

*FORESEEN*

and on and on and on could Robredo actually be winning!

the public is so totally for Roddick!!!!

aiaiaiaiaiai...not a good day for the nerves.
C'mon Andy!

Come on Disco Tommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roddick holds at love to go into a tiebreak. Commentators say he's winning 86% of the points when his first serve goes in, only 31% when it doesn't.

> It should be Tommy's theme song.

crazyone, totally brilliant.

Have you heard that Bolly-tune "Where's the Party Tonight?" Now, that's stupid ;).

any Fed fans still alive out there? still breathing? i just had a BIG cookie and a large java, and it is giving me some solace...

Fed played well at the end, a tad unlukcy, but im SO glad he fought back, that bodes well... Wormie played the match of his life, remember...i hate it, but onward, and i cant wait for Higueras to show up, Fed u cant do it alone forever ... just ruins my weekend is all, it makes my day to watch TMF in full flow, all seems right with the world when he does...

Seriously, while I'm utterly crestfallen that Rog lost, I don't feel that sense of desperation like I did earlier in the season ... and I don't have that "Oh no, is he really losing it" feeling, either. He's playing well - better than last year during this stretch, some might argue - and lost to a fine opponent by a nominal margin. Look, he gained some points, Rafa's out anyway, he played great tennis leading up to today and even including today, etc., etc. I'm moving on.

how did Andy get better after he split with JC? He's had much bigger wins since then-- perplexes me...

The Federer press conference is up here:

http://www.internazionalibnlditalia.it/1/default.asp?LNG=EN

And he gets this absolutely right: "

But, you know, after getting, you know, sort of back on even terms, it was just a big disappointment to be broken yet again. And then, you know, having to break him again, I guess it just used up too many lives. Unfortunately, I couldn't sort of win the tiebreak. I don't know how I lost it, but it happens sometimes, I guess."

He just used up too many lives today. And Stepanek played well.

who knew that Roddick could play that well on clay?

Is this the beginning of a new era?!

Garglesnurf ... LOVE IT.

Time to use it now - garglesnurf, Rowdy Roddy's about to win this thing.

I'm stunned a reporter asked him this question:

Q. Many people say that this year is the beginning of the end. What do you think about?
ROGER FEDERER: Next question, please.

In my professional opinion (haha) I think Connors put alot of added pressure on Andy. Just an observers opinion and means absolutly nothing - but I think it was a daunting task for Andy to do well under the eye of someone like Connors.

Q. Many people say that this year is the beginning of the end. What do you think about?

ROGER FEDERER: Next question, please.

:) .. doesnt knw wht to reply

sweetest sublimessst drop shot right on the line by robredo

What an awful question to be asked after a loss. Poor Roger.