*enjoys being a crazy dead-ender*

LOL

Feels like we are doing a gossip column.

There is nothing wrong about what they wear.

*is probably even crazy enough to wait out the pagination horror*

Hey Pete! Thanks for the laughs.

Pete: I take issue with #10 in your list at 12:55, not to mention highly offended.

How dare you forget to mention that, prior to the elephant, James Brown will perform a 3 song-set, opening with a completely retooled "Living In Dubai", followed by a stirring rendition of Tina Turner's "Simply The Best", then an emotional cover of Shania Twain's "Still The One". Then, flanking the elephant will be Andy Roddick and James Blake carrying a red flag with a white RF logo in the middle. After winning, Fed's victory lap will be accompanied by Queen 2009 (with David Bowie on vocals) performing "We Are The Champions".

Other than that, I think you are totally correct.

Oops... sorry for the double post. I thought typepad ate the first one, so in the re-write, I embellished. So the second one is better, so just read that.

Pete:

Thanks for the comedic clarity.

Keep Smiling

*gives silver star to Typepad*

That didn't take too long at all...well done, Typepad. *beams proudly*

*waves to Russ*

You're on a roll, Russ, but watch out for the Humorless Brigade - you'll be perceived as somehow insulting TMF! And it looks like our Jewell has joined us. Hi Jewell!

I don't understand why this Bodo man hates Federer so much when he is almost universally loved and admired by everyone. Do you really have to make such a big deal out of this dress and write all those disrespectful comments? Sure, you are entitled to your opinions but to ridicule Federer with comments like - cruise ship host is totally unwarranted. By the way, Federer dresses up that way because he likes it that way, not so that you can buy the same dress from a store and imitate him. What bull are you talking when you say whatever he puts on can't be bought from stores? Roger Federer is indeed a magnificent ambassador for the sport. If you think he is not, you are a much bigger fool than I thought. If he decides to respect the tradition at Wimbledon by wearing an outfit that reminds us of old times, all you can come up with is a ridiculous article on how snobbish it is. Get a life and try to find T-shirt better than the ugly one you are wearing in the picture. It would also be much better if you can wipe that wise-man smirk off your face when you are consistently proving yourself to be anything but wise.

*waves to jewell*

Bodobasher: every hear the expression, "tone deaf?"

hey pete -
since you seem to be around and reading the comments, my 2 cents:
1) agree the outfit looks ridiculous
2) at the same time, fed's crazy outfits have become a wimby tradition. for the folks in the stands on opening day, i'm sure it was a bit of a thrill to have a bit of pageantry prior to the tennis.
3) in my mind the biggest problem w/ the outfit is just that it was badly designed; it is garish and a mishmash of too many different styles. yes fed should have drawn the line and said no, but where are the people around him?? where was tony godsick? the nike designers?
4)i don't think that just wearing sth that's supposed to look aristocratic is so bad; after all fed's wealth is not inherited,he earned it by working damn hard at his job - isn't the message that if you work hard and succeed you can be whatever you want to be - even a dandy:)
and it's not like he's the only player on tour, those who hate his style can be fans of others like rafa. and i doubt there would be nearly as much excitement at rafa's macho muscles and physicality if it wasn't in contrast to fed's supposed effiminacy. it takes all types to spice things up; fed's a guy people can love to hate; i think that adds passion and brings fans to the sport.
5) so i don't think it's bad for tennis, but it may be bad for fed if he does not realize that he is opening himself up to ridicule and resentment.
6)lastly, if you look around roger's official website you'll see that the outfit got alot of critisism there, including from several longtime, serious fans. fedfans don't drink quite as much kool-aid as is commonly believed.

Hey Pete and Sam. :)

I like to think Typepad keeps its star chart tacked on its bedroom wall, and gloats at night over the gold, silver and bronze sparklies, but it's probably wishful thinking.

I highly doubt anybody would be offended by Russ having fun with something which is meant to be fun. It's taking the high moral ground so solemnly on this issue which people had taken exception to.

kjo - thanks for your take, which is so sensible I'm thinking of having you arrested. It always amazes me that when people are so divided on an issue, one side or the other clings to the idea that they must have the market on the truth cornered.

I personally love the snobbery of tennis. Haven't we all been aspiring to a gilded if unattainable life that Roger embodies if not enclothes?

thankyou for Mirka/Roger dialogues, got a few lols.

"I like to think Typepad keeps its star chart tacked on its bedroom wall, and gloats at night over the gold, silver and bronze sparklies, but it's probably wishful thinking. "

You're such an optimist, jewell.
*ponders choice of afternoon tea*

This Murray match is fun. (His outfit without the jersey thing is very nice and neat.)

And I wish we saw more of Mo...he's so funny and sweet. :)

*hands Sam a beer* - I'm at beer time. :) If it's too early for you, you can keep it for later. :)

Yes, I heard the expression and your tone is very clear for me and for anyone who can see it. We all know Federer is your favourite writing subject so that you can easily grab everyone's attention, but try writing something meaningful and respectful next time. I don't mean you have to write eulogies everytime but criticism doesn't have to be so senseless and biased, opinions don't have to be so derogatory and caustic.

I would love to read Steggy's impression of Fed's outfit, :(

My impression: It's a little too Wacko Jacko for me.

I'm also addicted to smileys...must be turning into Sherlock.

Well, there are worse things... ;-)

actually, not only is it beer time here, it's also way past cooking food time...

Bye, everyone, have lovely evenings. :)

Well Pete, you know we readers respect you and all, but since you're being deliberate disrespectful and childish with this one, allow me to follow suit:

You're old. Young people like me infinitely prefer Roger's outfit to Tiger's. The golf audience is about 20 years older on average than the tennis audience, so Nike is going with the right strategy there. I seriously don't think you or anyone has a better grasp of sports fashion trend than the biggest manufacturer of sports goods.

You're a great tennis commentator, but please stop making fashion commentaries like this if you don't want to look like an old has-been.

Sorry for being rude, but you started it.

Pete: To paraphrase, a relaxed Russ is the most humourous Russ

Russ is on a crazy roll here. The "humorless brigade"? Sometimes it is sooooooo true ...boy o boy.
Russ, the 'Wilanderular support'? That went almost unnoticed. I love this dead-end dead-beat threaders. Didn't someone said earlier that Wilander is a frustrated wanna-be Federer coach? The chosen who COULD have made Fed get his RG? I can only imagine that conversation.

Of course, if this entire article was an irony/parody, then so was my previous comment.

THis post was a waste of time and neurons. The jacket is kinda lame, and im a big fed fan. He has always struck me as a guy who was into fashion and rather stylish, albeit the blazer and this latest jacket are a bit much for me, I dont think one should read into so much. Bodo seems like a typical older american guy now, with his "man up" and be a tough guy mentality. Tennis is not football, and its likely never to appeal greatly to the average team sports jock dude, but who cares. Tennis is more of an individualistic sport and while roger may be persueded to wear these outfits by nike, hey may think they are cool. He is european anyway and my impression of euro tennis players is that they often have more stylistic flare, long hair, and all, and would probably be regarded as girly men by the average american sport jock. While i agreee the outfit is not cool, i think the writer took it a bit too far and perhaps manufactured much of the content of that story.

Thank god someone a in high position in tennis journalism has finally pointed this out about Federer.

When he first came on the tour, I thought he was great. As much as I admire his game, I now hope he loses every time I watch him -- he needs to learn some humility.

jewell: Thanks - will have to save the beer for a little later. ;-)

If we're talking fashion, let's not leave Murray out of the conversation. He's looking downright cavalier in his new duds from Fred Perry. My pick for the fashion winner.

Steve X - that was kind of sweet, respectfully disrespectful. You're a good kid. But don't make the mistake of thinking that all young people think alike. Or that they'll be young forever. Enjoy it while you can!

Mr. Peter Bodo:

Why are you always trying to bring Rodger Fedderer down? You write like a very jealous man of the money,dress and success of Rodger Fedderer's accompolishments! You write as if you want the entire world to join you in criticizing and attacking Rodger Fedderer! Do you really hate Rodger Fedderer? Why are you so resentful of this person? It shows up in your writing!

John_

Strawtree, Im not sure that because someone cares about fashion means they dont have humility. That seems like falacious reasoning to me. It seems perfectly reasonable to me that one could really enjoy fashion, spend an hour a day looking at lame fashion magazines, enjoy hair products, but still have humility. This just seems like a bias on your part.

John J. - Yes, I am sitting here, seething with jealousy and resentment. Roger is everything I am not, and it sure makes me bitter. I can do nothing but try to tear down this glorious and wonderful man; I am eating my own guts out about it! If only I could be Roger, if only I had all those Grand Slam titles, that fabulous clothing sponsor, that. . . jacket! But I can't so I sit here in the dark, torment raging in my soul, imbued by a hostility that I am powerless to check. . .

good enough for you?

Pete
You said "Weenie". You. Said. Weenie - as the sagacious Butthead (as in Beevis) would go, "Hehuh Hehuhuh, Pete said Weenie". And then you analyzed "Sprezzatura" in popular context within a sports paradigm in a nonchalant scholarly manner. The committee pardons you. You are pardoned. I am not sure about you 'being saved', but sure pardoned.

PS: I am imagining the soundtracks Russ outlined - with Blake and Roddick flanking the elephant - and in a very happy place giggling.

Triple F: Picture it - the elephant kneeling down at the center strap, and Roger sliding down its forehead and trunk for the coin toss.

Rajah, you bet!

I don't care how Roger dresses. As long as it's decent what difference does it make? But Roger is narcissus. He's in love with himself. He loves adulation and media praise. He blubbers like a baby when he loses, but is amused when other players are upset losing to him. Very unattractive trait. Very Jewy.

Just checked in to see how many pages this thread was up to...thanks for the chuckle Pete. This really turned out to be a great one...who knew there were so many passionistas out there ready to defend TMF come he** or highwater (or high collar).

Perhaps all of TMF's gold trim takes the place of the illusive Olympic gold medal for singles???

Pete,
Exactly my feeling.
I didn't know how NIKE would up last year's fashion, but it seems
their imagination has no limit. For next year I envision " Federer and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat!"

I also agree that Roger deserves better.

Altogether NIKE has to fire the whole ATP fashion department and just concentrate on Sharapova's outfits.

"""
Triple F: Picture it - the elephant kneeling down at the center strap, and Roger sliding down its forehead and trunk for the coin toss.
"""

Pete, if you can somehow swing this, it would be the most awesome thing ever :-). Run it by Roger when you get to SW19. He's whacky enough to take you up on it.

You should find something more important to feel sorry about, Karen. Surely you know someone who lost a pet turtle recently?

OK one last thing:
re the talk about "modesty" and how feds' outfits don't seem to show much of it:
I think, watching fed thru the years, there's no question that he likes to preen; he likes to feel like a star. i think fed just has a passionate appreciation for talent/beauty/accomplishment. he has talked about how becker/edberg were his "idols" in his childhood, also how much he admires some musicians, i think he just has an admiration for stars and is proud to consider himself one of them.
and a last thing which i think is overlooked in the fed character. if you read interviews by those who knew him well in his younger days, he is often described as "lazy." a tennis teacher from his childhood has said she never thought he'd get far as while his talent was obvious he hated to practice or work out. former coach peter lundgren has also said he was hard to coach as he could be lazy and unmotivated. he's admitted as a youngster he avoided homework, blew off practicing piano, used to miss early morning classes b/c he couldn't get out of bed, etc.
it is not easy to be saddled with both burning ambition and a temperment that is not what we call "type A." that fed was able to win his internal battle and focus to the point of becoming an overachiever instead of an underachiever is no mean feet and has always been what i've most admired about him. (admire as opposed to appreciate as i appreciate his flowing movement and play). i think fed still struggles w/ motivation (notice how often he publicly thanks mirka for "pushing him".) that he was able to turn his dreams to reality despite not naturally being a workhorse i think makes him extremely proud. the outfits, the calling attention to his own accomplishments are his form of self-reward. think of the gold outfits as fed putting his own "gold star" on his homework.

****
Triple F: Picture it - the elephant kneeling down at the center strap, and Roger sliding down its forehead and trunk for the coin toss.
******

lol! that was good!

wow "Ginnana", how many different ways can you make yourself sound ignorant in that message?!?!? Well done

Be careful what you confess, Zolarafa, you'll also be accused of being an old, American (what could be worse!)refrigerator-repairing homophobe, overwhelmed by the glorious rising tide of Euro-metrosexuality!

Pspace - you're on, and while I think Roger might find it amusing, IMG would want a huge fee for the stunt and Nike would want branding rights to the elephant's you-know-what!

Watch out Pete, typepad might freeze with animal activists getting in on this thread. Elephant rights and all...

TF2 - well, that would round out the posse of right-thinkers out to get me, wouldn't it?

"Be careful what you confess, Zolarafa, you'll also be accused of being an old, American (what could be worse!)refrigerator-repairing homophobe, overwhelmed by the glorious rising tide of Euro-metrosexuality!"

Wow Pete, youre really getting a bit defensive and throwing out some generalizations. Not sure if your response is to my post, but your going overboard. I myself am an american, and not particularly young (35) but I recognize that euros have a different style than the typical american jocks, brighter colors, tighter shirts, and the flowing locks. Just think Lopez as the prototype. Fed is not that much different than those guys in that respect, but he's obviously a much better player. I think Rafa is obviosly really into fashion as evidenced by the pink shirt, which i think you dissaproved of as well? I guess you get that a lot on this post from euros, that is they think that all americans are this way or that way, but we americans tend to think euros are this way or that way. I think its just tribalistic human tendencies. Fed is a pretty boy, but to assume that he's doing it to purposfully annoy more tradtional jock typoes is a bit absurd, and perhaps even egocentric. The dude likes clothes and style, get over it you homophobic, republican, joe the plumber, refrigerator repairman!

""Nike would want branding rights to the elephant's you-know-what!""

Ouch! Watch out, Pete. The PETA ppl will be after you in a second. They're a lot worse than Fed KADS.

LOL.

TB,
come on!
Would you have defended this outfit if it was worn by someone else? Let's imagine Tiger Woods playing golf in an outfit like that and Golf is more fashion-friendly than tennis.
The belt, the coat, the vest, the murse (manpurse), ...it is just too much for the eye!

Rafa's shirt was just a different color. It was not the combination of thousands of gadgets!of course, you ask me, I want the sleeveless back, but that's another story.

"old, American ... refrigerator-repairing homophobe, overwhelmed by the glorious rising tide of Euro-metrosexuality!"

Ok ... "old" I think I understand. And I'm pretty sure I can wrap my brain around refrigerator-repairman. But why would you call yourself a word that sounds like another word? That just makes no sense.

And if there's a rising tide doesn't that mean there's flooding? WAIT - Am I in danger of getting wet? I don't even own duckboots. Can I turn my umbrella upsidedown and float in it?

I assume "metrosexuality" is some kind of weird thing with subways but right now I'm more concerned with the flooding.

Why can't I understand and interpret your writing, Pete? Is there NO ONE here that can step in and help EXPLAIIIIIIIIN it to me???

I. Am. So. Confused.

**whimper**

i love roger federer the tennis player, the way he plays and now with all the biggest records in his sights...but pete is so correct here...

the guy is a dweeb when it comes to these marketing plans nike conjures up with him in it...look at how stupid he looked with the ad with tiger woods and derek jeter...

and now this outfit...totally moronic!

who is advising this guy on this stuff??!!...

i mean look at what he does with nike and then what rolex does with him...just consider the salient points pete has crafted very eloquently in the article...the "legendary", "tradition" sell with the brand marketing through the way rolex has captured his image is truly with class where as nike has just made this guy to look like an immatured little prat...sorry rodge, love the tennis, can't stand the imaging!...

I am against using elephants for coin tosses, both because of animal rights and also the damage to the grass.
But I firmly believe Roger can pull off the Technicolor dreamboat, the hat and a nice golden pair of spectacles! :)

going back to repairing refrigrators. have a nice day everyone!

Wow the attack on Pete is crazy. Pete's post was perfect for Day 1 - lots of good debate but the personal attacks are uncalled for. Last I saw, the top of this page says Peter Bodo's Tennis World. That mean's Pete can right whatever is on his mind on a given day.

C'mon people - stop with the personal stuff and have some fun with this. That's what its meant for...geez.

oops, before I leave,
I think Andy Murray's outfit is more "traditional" than Fed's. And Andy looks awesome in it.

Well, I would like to bookend this great post.

The only conclusion I have reached after reading seven pages worth of comments is Roger’s outfit is still god-awful!

Elvis has left the building and will be playing tomorrow afternoon on Center court.

zolarafa, i said several times that i thought the outfit was lame, but all of pete's interpretations of the significance of the outfit are a bit much.

****
Elvis has left the building and will be playing tomorrow afternoon on Center court.
****

you guys are killing me!

Meow, Meow!!!! is all I can say!

TB,
lol!
It's OK to defend the outfit because it is Roger who is wearing it.
And all we are judging here is the outfit. Not Roger. As Pete says, Roger deserves better. This is an awful outfit, almost ridiculing an all-time champion. NIKE people must be out of their mind.

I see this will never end.

I want everyone who likes Roger's outfit to rent "Zoolander".

Imagine if the main character played tennis.

You get me point.

It is called "caricature".

"You should find something more important to feel sorry about, Karen. Surely you know someone who lost a pet turtle recently?"

Wow! Professional journalism at its best.

I guess Roger is alienating the true crowd that Pete wants as tennis fans - fashion critics.

Seriously though, the last two paragraphs explains Pete's reaction - TMF is scaring away potential customers. He is hurting Pete's business (because don't we all want more tennis fans who are ignorant enough to judge the game by how a player dresses?)

TB: you get the "human buzzkill" award of the day. Congratulations.

Yes, George, there is that. You should all be so lucky.

Consider your hopes dashed, Julia, but I'll be happy to contribute to your favorite charity from my copious earnings.

Pete, it's a pity you don't get to come and hang in the comments section much more. This has been a blast. Off to play some tennis, in appropriate attire, of course ;-).

Feel free to ask for your money back, Mallory.

Funny! Just yesterday I was saying how great Ricky Barnes looked vs. stodgy old-school Tiger Woods. Andy Murray recently said that Andre was his favorite player as a kid because he loved his look - alot of us did! If he wore it today, we would have cause for concern, but come on, it was the 80's!

Anyway - I don't think anyone wants your fashion advice - so please stick to tennis.

Also, enough with the homophobia.

Jeezzz pete, i didnt mean to kill your buzz.

Put a fork in this post, please.

"Roger sliding down its forehead and trunk for the coin toss."

Couldn't he kind of snowboard, like Legolas in The Lord of the Rings? (I think it's the third one.) That would show the requisite amount of flair. :)

(I am completely fascinated by this thread now...can't tear myself away, LOL.)

I do think Ginnana's comment was a bit out of order, though.

Ok, don't shoot me. This is from Steve's blog:
*********
Still, the Times can't resist a nice, scathing review of Roger Federer's jump-the-shark opening-day fashion statement. Patrick Kidd writes, "Roger Federer's new outfit for this Wimbledon season is, he assures us, "modern" and "military." Switzerland's chief contribution to warfare over the years has been a folding tool for removing stones from horses' shoes and opening cans of corned beef, so perhaps he should leave the military assessment to others." Kidd then goes on to speculate that perhaps next year Federer will bring a chihuahua on court with him in his golden bag.
**********

feel free to keep spouting generalizations, the masses eat that stuff up!

Rafa chose to wear sleeves (HE wanted to look more professional). And I think this author's a fag from all the feminine things he's saying

Julia,
Are you serious about your son being in hospital? If so, all the best to him and lots of hugs.

Oh, yeah, TB, "the masses" really eat this stuff up. Sheesh.

I kinda like this showbiz-y Roger, as long as he continues to play top notch tennis. This whole thing has been hilarious, and Roger is geekily adorable:)

although, the invective level is quite ridiculous now...maybe I can tear myself away, after all...

Federer has a 10 year $13,000,000. Yeah, that's thirteen with six; zeroes behind it. However rediculous the outfit...He's not being used rest assured.

Six minutes, Typepad? Wow. *bestows gold star with pride*

although I do wonder if you had help with that one. :)

Julia - sorry to hear that about your son. I hope you both hang in there.

[Moderator note - Julia is a troll using about 20 different names here. All posts gone now.]

since you make ur living out of writting like this, its ok.

Right on Pete Bodo, Real nice article, well written , very descriptive and substative insights and observations.