"Feddy Krueger" good, Pete, very good. And the way his backhand slice is working on that court, appropriate in more ways than one.

Freddie Kruger! LOL

I wrote Freddie in reference to the Fred who shows up to play sometimes in lieu of TMF

Dear Pete,

Really enjoy your analysis and great sense of humor! I have been enjoying all the matches in London this week; especially Murray/Fed yesterday. Running out of the house this morning...flicked on the t.v. Novak and Robin had just started...I watched for 2 minutes...then thought to myself before I had to leave..Robin is going to win this in two sets. Just went on TW to see scores and then read your very funny write up. I could not agree with you more on ALL your insights!! Many Many thanks and Happy Thanksgiving! Sheila

Muuray looks positively bestial in that picture. Was he trying to frighten some kid in the audience, or is this his facial expression of choice?

--Liron

"The real prize for Federer this week isn't the title, although he might find it satisfying to win the WTF for a record fifth time"

What kinda record, Pete?
Jimbo with 5 and Pistol with 6 still in the books.

All MAndy needed was that blue light to get him ready for his Trueblood or Twilight or Friday the 13th closeup! LOL

BTW... very good post Pete, as usual.

Amazing, you heard me use the t-word about Nole all the way across a sea and an ocean? It's a good thing I said it in English.

And, MJA, let's not forget Pete's unbroken record of 6 consecutive YEC #1's!

Cotton Jack-

I actually just entered this on the last thread, but I didn't want you to miss it.

Okay C.J.

That (great mind) bit was a bit acerbic I know. I've been reading your post for a while and have for the most part appreciated your posts as being at least reasonably thoughtful. It'was a bit of a cheap shot. I just ran and had fun with it a little. My apologies to thee.

RF need just one set vs. del Potro and he will be winner of the Group A.

Pete,
Very catchy title indeed as he clinched Year End 1 and closed tha gap to 6-4 on Andy by winning their last 2 meetings at Cincinnati and London.

"The real prize for Federer this week isn't the title, although he might find it satisfying to win the WTF for a record fifth time. The real trophy is the year-end no. 1 ranking, and he's already got it."

Totally disagree, though I have belaboured that point enough on here.

CL : Backhand slice was indeed beautiful yesterday.

Sorry about the YEC title count; my ability to count, as usual, is unreliable. And thanks, Sheila, you have a good 'un too.

" RF need just one set vs. del Potro and he will be winner of the Group A. "

Not true.

Fed loses to DP in 3 and Murray wins in Straights then Fed will not top group A.

It will be

Federer 2/1 5-4
Murray 2/1 5-3
Del Potro 2/1 5-4
Nando 0/3 2-6

That would put Murray first according to set scores. And then DP goes in 2nd because he won the match vs Fed....

VC - did you hear the commies say that the court was starting to play faster? Hmm...double edged sword for Fed vs. the Ent? Can't imagine those cannon shots that the Ent unleashes moving any faster than they already do - scary thought - but, OTH, I think if fed can use his slice a LOT and go behind the big guy, court may work to his advantage. I think the Ent has improved his ability to handle slice, but yesterday, even Andy Murray, who handles it as well as anyone not named Federer, was struggling with Fed's slice in the second and third set.

BTW - does anyone know source for the 'missing games' from Fed-Muzz match. Or are they going to remain forever in the same mystery vault as the Rosemary Woods/Nixon tapes?

@MJA : I think he means winning the YEC (or its equivalent) 5 times. I believe only Sampras and Lendl have won it 5 times. Federer is at 4 as of now.

Pete, though not a record, regaining the YE#1 is still the most significant achievement for Roger in this tournament. (VC and I have disagreed on this point several times, but I won't rehearse the argument again.)

I also think a Sod-Fed match in London has an uncertain outcome, and at this stage I would be hesitant to make predictions.

CL : Should be interesting, I think it will be a very close match. Del Potro is a true competitor who fears no one, and now truly believes he can control matches against anyone in the world. And he has every reason to.

I think someone posted videos of the missing games in the previous thread. Mostly UFEs from Murray, with some usual amazing shots from Fed.

CL, RFF posted these youtube clips of those "missing" games in an earlier thread:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6AYFBfdVu8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESbjg0F94YU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUe8WmMW0Tc

CL, the sat link @ O2 went on the fritz. but if u subscribed online 2 the tennistv.com coverage, u can get the entire match on vod

VC - thanks - I think I know where you mean. I tried that video but if buffered like crazy for me...still, might be worth it to try again just to get a look at those game.

Overall, I agree about the Ent - but I do think his confidence is not rock solid....seems to waver a bit. Of course he has been dealing with some injury issues and that can't help. Hoping Fed can get at least the set he needs off him. More if he is very good boy.

Paul Ryan and Ro'ee - thank you very much!

E Nole.. :(

Come on Nadal! Beat Davydenko today!

I think Federer will beat Del Potro tomorrow, at least I hope he does. I certainly expect Murray to beat Verdasco in straights. Murray is patient enough to lull Verdasco into a steady stream of errors and Verdasco error-prone enough not to need much lulling. But Verdasco has managed a set in each of his two defeats and there is money and even a potential semi-final berth (should Fed beat Del Po) on the line, so who knows.

Nadal-Davydenko should be fascinating. Soderling's dominance has made any number of qualification scenarios possible and surely Nadal will be feeling a bit better about his chances after watching the listless Djokovic. I can easily envisage Federer playing Nadal in the semis on Saturday.

Great to get up to the news that Robin won. I don't care how or why, he just did. I have a tiny little hope that he will get to the final.

I also saw that the replay of Fed Murray included the missing games for me to try to watch after work today.

With the emergence of Robin and Caro, I guess many people are wondering why is Scandinavia producing such great players. A long tradition of producing some of the best player to ever come into the game. Borg, Edberg, Mats. Like Caro, Robin is going into the semi after beating the best in the world. Guys, please keep saying he has no chance, Djoko will beat him in straights or he's the weakest player. I'm loving it. He's crushing the top players and taking no prisoners. Men's tennis has never been better. Kom igen, Robin, Sweden's#1! Ja, Jag vill leva, Jag vill do i Norden. Go Robin go!

Well, Fed's got the #1, so we'll see if his motivation lasts another few days. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/Tennis/Media/Videos/2009/Barclays-Baseline-Exclusives/Barclays-Baseline-Wednesday-Highlights-Day-Session.aspx

Ummmm Rafa?.... 5-1? :-(

Say what you will...this is a beating in the making!
(every possible weakness of Nadal - high net clearance, middle of the court play, defensive shots, that lame slice - is made to show)

Unwatchable.

I'm sorry if I said anything mean about Rafa, I was just mad that some of his fans were putting Robin down after Rafa lost to him. I'm watching him and can't help but feel for what he used to be. He will get it back. Hang in there to his fans.

I'm sorry if I said anything mean about Rafa, I was just mad that some of his fans were putting Robin down after Rafa lost to him. I'm watching him and can't help but feel for what he used to be. He will get it back. Hang in there to his fans.

I don't know if it has anything to do with his problem. But if you look at Rafa's body from about three years ago, he was a lot more muscular and a lot faster on the court. He just seem to be missing a lot of easy shot ad the wow shots have been replaced with wtf shots. LOL!

lovely post...federer deserved this No1 ranking.he is the best player on planet from style ,to game plan..the way he handled Murray was fantastic.I wish Roger all the best I hope he will, win tournamemt and win 5 more slams!!!!Regarding Nadal..a shining and fading star .Well I missed his girlfriend in London..MaY Be xisca is not brave enough to see his love hammered by Soderling..Poor Love STory of NaDAL .EVEN GIRL BETRAYED HIM

"With the emergence of Robin and Caro, I guess many people are wondering why is Scandinavia producing such great players."

Yes, that is the question on all of our minds.

The ease at which Robin is beating the top players is unbelievable. 6-1 in the second against Djoko. Not one of the top players has been able to take a set off the mighty Swede! Djoko, "he is playing the best in the tournament."

Hi guys. Nice to read you all, as usual.

Well, forgive me for my redundance, that guy from Spain is really leaner than ever. Strange things must have happened.

I remember a line from Wilanders' analysis (and what a smart tennis viewer he certainly is)some three years ago - maybe in the Eurosport Roland Garos coverage - "background" tennis life frequently is usually very distant from the "public" tennis life (something like that, quoting by memory).

I mean, that knee tendinitis/parents divorce story, there must be something else.

Samantha @4.01pm,

"With the emergence of Robin and Caro, I guess many people are wondering why is Scandinavia producing such great players."

Yes they are wondering since noone from any other country has ever produced comparable results.

Freddy Krueger indeed.
Nice read Pete.

(still trying to remember that Wilander's quote): "background tennis" (life and facts) is usually miles away (and is uglier) from the "public", broadcasted tennis world.

The Nadal of this days reminded me from this. Wilander thesis was that something was happening to Federer in that time.
Well, my bet is that this year Nadal's storyline was in someway different from what really happened.

Remember we are talking about the nearest version of the super player (mentally and physically speaking - technically he's very good, but not perfect).

I liked the second set from Rafa-Nikolai and some of the Nole-Soderling.

But, the French commentators started to discuss Rafa losing weight and then the lady mentioned a rumour: he's been caught doped and "asked to stay home". On RDS TV.

His movement is still problematic alas...

And I don't like Soderling, the person; first of all he looks unkempt for a pro ( at minimum he needs new shoes, shirt, shorts and not worn ones ).

RULES:
if players are tied by W-L ----- then first come H2H, and 2nd set ratio and 3rd games ratio

means if davy wins he is in semis, if he lose he is out even if djokovic lose (or wins) vs. nadal

You're a "game lover" and you don't like Robin because he's "unkempt"! Site rules prevent me from making further comment.

JohnC,

I don't care much about his personality either lol

His tennis is hum hum, except the power part.

"The mighty Swede", that brings back wonderful memories of Edberg in his prime. I really don't think Robin's in that league just yet even though he's made great progress. You could just as well say "the mighty Russian", Davydenko, all 5 feet, 6 stone of him, who's looking brilliant these days.

hmmm. looks my prediction of fed/soderling final may materialize.

bummer that nadal fizzled out. really, despite him being the 'guy that won't go away' from fed's perspective, all their finals have proved riveting...even the RG blowout in 08. i mean, the sheer brilliance of nadal in that final was staggering. especially against fed who had been playing really well himself.

i don't get as jazzed about fed/murray - it's more that i want fed to beat murray since there is always so much hope surrounding andy and he consistently fails to live up to the hype.

now that novak has his PR-disaster family on a short leash i can tolerate him a little more...but the chest beating still makes me cringe.

where's a girl to turn these days for scintillating matches?

my faves this year:
AO semi - nadal and verdasco. i get tired just thinking about it. the fact that rafa played this and then swept the final in another 5 setter was remarkable.
AO final - gut wrenching...and then roger sobbing
Madrid semi final - 3rd set tie breaker between Nadal and Novak was epic and a nail biter to the end
Madrid final - fed where had you been? pundits claimed nadal to be tired and fair enough but roger was hitting some of the cleanest clay court strokes i have ever seen.
FO final - 'nuff said. history made on so many levels
Wimbleon final - more history. and the craziest fifth set. andy so close...
US Open quarters - fed and soderling. fed was mopping the court with soderling when the swede found his mojo and caused quite the scare.
Us Open - melanie oudin's run. always a sucker for an under dog run. she was so darn cute and heartfelt.

once women's tennis becomes interesting again, maybe some of their matches will make it on my list.

Roger deservs everything of this and more...

What is given you can´t take away...TALENT ALWAYS PREVAILS AGAINST STRENGHT.

What you found...you can lost it....That´s Nadal case.

I stand firmly on a point a made a few years ago.

80% of Nadal so called greatness is indeed,thank´s to Roger,the one thing that gave Nadal that aura that everyone was talking,was as simple as beating Roger ILL(specially in F.O. 08)the in W.08 and then with back problems in A.O.09. THAT´S IT.

Most of the best players in history,did not win the F.O. because clay is the surface that gives more options to less talented because of it´s speed,you can give balance with hardwork.

I think Nadal has been a clay court great and all the stuff,but that´s it.

If you got a two handed backhand,if you don´t get SCARED(because of his anoying yell,or jumps and stuff,all kind of stuff that he SELL) and basically IF YOU GO FOR YOUR SHOTS,YOU CAN BEAT HIM E-A-S-Y.

I´m not taking anyone of this week,just Cilic.

The other thing I was saying,that I would find it certainly courious,is once the new rule of antidopping came out,the guy talks about injury,and went away of the game.....came back and he is thinner and weak.

Who was the first guy who yell with the rule of 365,and who was the first to defend party guy Gasquet,just to make a point.

All of the jumping,leg moving in the change overs,all the running without feeling pain....

He said now that the days go by,and most people do not remeber that he was injured in the french,FALSE,he was not.

He said do when he loses to DEL POTRO in Miami,in the third,and then he was encouraging Djocovic in Rome to make fun of him,telling everyboy that he was in his best shape.

I think Agassi revelations go waaaaaaaaaaaay far of him...I think he is trying to say something.

Nadal has lost nothing,the other tennis players just opened his eyes.

The first one who prooved it was Nalbandian the fat,with 20 pounds more for playing,he destroys Nadal 2 times only looking him at the face and going for his shots,he almost destroys him this year.

I can be totally wrong,but one thing I´m sure,you CAN NEVER,EVER,COMPARE a good player,WITH A LEYEND.

SPELL CHECK.

Anyways, poor Nadal.

Here's to Soderling and Davydenko for the semis from group B: combined 0-infinity against Fed. A very happy Thanksgiving indeed, complete with the sacrificial turkeys

And congrats to Kolya for finally nailing Rafa's coffin shut for 2009, and hopefully well beyond ranking points wise. Lots of points to defend coming up for Nadal in the next 5 months. Lots of points to lose too. Could be he'll fall to #3 and then #4 fairly soon.

If you say spell for me im trying my best,english is not my prime language...

Nadal had defeated Federer on

1. Grass : Wimbledon
2. Hard Court : Australian Open
3. French Open : LOL fed is a bunny there

Nadal leads Federer- 10:5

So whose the better player???

Nadal is done...his style of play doesn't lead to longevity. kind of puts Federer's achievements in perspective. Go Federer! Win the WTF AND finish the year as #1.

Mike Tyson can knock out The GREAT ALI 100 times,who would be better?

Nadal can win 10,20 more matches to Federer,great,that would proove my point,that his TITLE,the guy who beat´s Federer.

Good for him!

Take the 4 matches of 2008,FEDERER ILL,and it would be 9-8

If Federer plays Nadal ten times in a row,he will win 9,because W.O. do not count....

Abdominal pain in the US OPEN 09,please,HE TREASURES HIS HEAD TO HEAD AS MUCH AS HIS LIFE....HE RUN AWAY...

NADAL CAN BEAT ROGER,FLASH NEWS,SO BENNETTAU,HRBATY,GASUET,ETC´S

AS BOB MARLEY SAIS SO

TIME WILL TELL

MAYBE HE NEEDS TO GET MORE JUICE IN HIS DIET,JUST TO GET PUMPED...

R.I.P.

It’s sad that the villainous Freddy Krueger -- fictional stalker and child murderer -- is mentioned in the same sentence as the proven, great, sporting and beautiful Roger Federer. Unlike Krueger, Federer was never killed off as a major championship and ranking threat at any point. Unlike Pete Sampras (who dipped to No. 2 or No. 3 several times during the six years he was year-end No. 1), Federer dipped to No. 2 only once and arguably still had a better Grand Slam record than Sampras at his very best.

Most (astute) Federer watchers knew during his blip in 2008 that his day would come again. It was just a question of when not whether. Federer was never permanently vulnerable. Federer’s losses at Basel and Paris recently should be seen as simply run up practice for this more important year-end championship.

Bottom-line, had Federer’s 2008 season and part of his 2009 season not been impacted by his illness, back injury and/or other issues, he could have not only continued his Number 1 ranking without interruption he would probably have won 3 to 4 more Grand Slam championships, including possibly a calendar year Grand Slam. It took those factors to derail the Federer Express and help give Nadal his few months in the sunshine of No. 1 Player.

It’s a misperception that Nadal is “The Guy Who Won’t Go Away.” Nadal has gone away in every year. He wins in spurts when he pushes his body beyond its human limits (i.e., unsustainable game) but then his body predictably breaks down and he goes away for months at a time. Other top ten players, including Federer, could have taken Nadal’s approach to the detriment of their tennis longevity.

Federer’s place in sports history -- not just tennis history -- has been further cemented. And Federer's naysayers over the past two years are looking like inept analysts.

Just My Opinion:

It´s been a long time since I read my mind in a post.

BRAVO.

EVERY SINGLE WORD,SENTENCE IT´S 100000% TRUE.

Talking of tennis and Roger Federer,is just not fair...for Roger.

He is way ahead and in 20 years or so,we will be able to say that we saw him,others would say that saw him live...

Bravo again!

Just My Opinion:

It´s been a long time since I read my mind in a post.

BRAVO.

EVERY SINGLE WORD,SENTENCE IT´S 100000% TRUE.

Talking of tennis and Roger Federer,is just not fair...for Roger.

He is way ahead and in 20 years or so,we will be able to say that we saw him,others would say that saw him live...

Bravo again!

And is this the ridiculous reply from Federer fans because the Nadal lost?
Nadal this Nadal that, he he he, enjoy because maybe you're going to cry soon
As Djoko says: "Soderling is the best player in this tourney"
Yes, he is and if he plays the final against Federer, he will win for sure.
Then it will be my opportunity to talk........
RELAX.........

Federeske,

Applauding and agree with every word of your post 6.56PM!

In all fairness the year needs to finish the same way it started.
Please someone make Federer cry like a baby--now, that was a sight!

held hostage, he will, he will cry again, sight!!

The comments here are rapidly deteriorating. Too bad, because Pete has done a lovely and funny piece and the comments from the beginning up to 6:50 were rational, objective and interesting to read. I’m a Federer fan too but somehow, I find some of his other fans posts very, very hard to stomach.

Yes Suze, some of his other fans posts are very hard to stomach
But it doesn't matter, sooner o later the water will become to bed

RIP

"sooner o later the water will become to bed
RIP"

A thought so profound I'm still struggling with its inner significance.

OK JohnC, I've used a wrong words, I meant *the water will comeback to the bed" or "to the river"
Got it?

Fleetseb at 3:30
"
RF need just one set vs. del Potro and he will be winner of the Group A. "
Not true.
Fed loses to DP in 3 and Murray wins in Straights then Fed will not top group A.
It will be
Federer 2/1 5-4
Murray 2/1 5-3
Del Potro 2/1 5-4
Nando 0/3 2-6

That would put Murray first according to set scores. And then DP goes in 2nd because he won the match vs Fed...."

You are wrong.. and the earlier one that is if fed wins one set he is" most likley" true...
Here is how it works.. If murray and Delpo win in two and three sets respectively.. then the first criteria is H2H.. So since Fed beat Murray, Murray beat Delpo and Delpo beat Fed.. the H2H goes out of the way.. so the next is sets in which Murray leads so he qualifies.. So if murray beats verdasco in straight sets he is through irrespective of what happens in Fed-Delpo

Now if Fed takes a set from Delpo then Fed and Delp will be tied in terms of set wins.. (h2H doesnt apply as that logic already has been ruled out.. u cant apply that multiple times!!!) So now u have sets in which both are equal in W-L terms.. So it boils down to % of games won.. Now Unless fed does very badly against delpo in two sets.. he should go through.. beacuse he crushed murray and verdasco in the third sets whereas Delpo did miserably against murray and scraped through against verdasco 7-6 in the third.. So my guess is Fed takes a set of Del po he is through

Bottomline Fed to qualify just needs to win one set against Del Po incase Murray wins in straight sets..

What about Davydenko? Now here are 2 guys, who keep beating Nadal; Soderling and Davydenko. But those 2 guys can't beat Fed!

And Fed struggles with Nadal. I still think it mostly was "upstairs" if you know what i mean.

Hilarious stuff.

Oh BTW, a main reason Nadal has a winning record over Fed is he used to chase down every ball like a rabbit. Now he can't do that anymore (so called knee issues)..., so now he is very beatable, because he just doesn't have the talent Fed has. Never did, never will...and it is showing now by his losses.

Off-court tidbit ...

http://www.barclaysatpworldtourfinals.com/News/Tennis/2009/Tournament/Finals-London-Calling-Four.aspx

Murray & Djokovic Rap For Bryans

After being turned down by Davis Cup buddy Andy Roddick to record a rap for their new album because he was “a little embarrassed to do it,” doubles stars Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan turned to Top 5 players Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to do a star turn on their album “Let It Rip”.

“We asked Murray, and he said yes. Djokovic said yes. They were the first two guys we asked. They said, Okay, anytime, guys,” explained Bob, who wrote the lyrics for Murray and Djokovic-themed raps. “We took the computer with a microphone to their rooms at the hotel. They did it. Andy Murray was actually getting a massage. He was like a little bit asleep. He was like, Okay, let's go for it. Took him three times. He was a little off for the first couple times. He eventually started getting the rhythm and nailed it.

“He didn't have time to practise. I don't think anyone can critique Andy because, like I said, he was getting a massage. I gave him my iPhone with the lyrics. He's like, All right, let's give it a try. I want to thank the guy because not a lot of people would do that for us. We're going to be fans of the guy for life, obviously friends for life for him doing that for us.

“Then Novak was loving it. Anytime he can kind of show off, he was dancing. He actually hasn't heard the song yet, Novak. We're looking forward to playing him the song. It turned out pretty good, I thought.”

The dynamic duo also revealed they are hoping to get Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on board and have already penned lyrics for their songs. “Federer, I don't know,” said Bob. “He's a great guy. He's a good friend of ours. But we didn't want to ask him… We actually wrote a verse for him and wrote one for Nadal. We got to make it past the agent.”

Ade, do you never seen the talent Fed chasing down every ball like a rabbit when he has played against Nadal? I do
Federer is so beatable as Nadal. He was, he is and he will and sooner than you think

"It's ironic. Soderling the last player qualified to WTF but 1st player to enter semi, Nadal 1st in both qualified and eliminated at WTF."

Thank you Tigress!

tigress-AU is not tigress. different person.

thx to the person who posted the youtube games. (i don't have tennis channel where i live, but did seem the games on south african sports channel-don't ask).

The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Gannu: sorry, it doesn't work that way. If Federer loses to Del Potro, the only scenario in which he advances is if both matches finish 2-1 in sets. The H2H comes back into play if one player is superior in sets. So if Murray wins 2-0, he's through: if Del Potro wins 2-1, he has the same sets record as Federer, but goes through on H2H.

that's 'did see'

jesus two uninvited guests breach security, enter state dinner at the White House, and even mingle with the vp and get within feet of obama. bragged about on their facebook page. Secret Service--major fail. balloon boy redux. more reality tv wannabes.

kudos to sod but hope fed prevails!

I don't understand this round-robin.Federer hasn't lost any of his matches. He has only lost 2-sets. Both Murray and Vadasco have lost to Federer. Why wouldn't Federer merge if he only takes 1-set off of Del Potro. I know that Federer will win because he's a very proud human being and after they awarded him with that ceramony giving him his end-of-year #1 trophey, he will not want to look bad after receiving that. He also knows how to play Del Potro and knows what he did wrong at the US Open. He said that he studied the clips afterwards and knows what he did wrong. Also, Del Potro isn't playing his best in London.

ADE at 9:21: WORD squared , cubed and to the 100th power. Once Nadal's rabbit fetching abilities are hampered and his real game is axposed, the enormous qualitative gulf between Federer and him becomes too evident for anyone to deny. Any Top 10 player (except Minion Verdasco) can regularly beat this very average player.

goodness.. brain fail. did see the 'match'. thank you south african supersports. broadcasting live...

Now, now, Tigress. One could describe Rafa as many things, but "very average player" ain't one of them, on any metric. The guy has won 6 majors and 15 shields, with a career w/l second only to Borg.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

(It's not hard, but you may need to practice.)

I agree with Mr. Bodo.

Rafael Nadal will have to write off February to December 2009.

ahhhh rog is ending the year at number one, right were he's supposed to be!

As a tennis fan, you can only hope for rafa's return next year to better tennis. I think playing on clay in Barcelona will bring his level of play and joy of playing back up. At 23 it's hard to believe rafa's best tennis is behind him.

Tigress:

Do you have a clue as to how ridiculous it is for you to label Rafa as "very average player," when Rafa has defeated Federer 13 times out of the 20 times they have played?

Do you?

I can assure that no one on the ATP tour considers Rafa to be a "very average player."

What do you think that says about your analytical abilities?

Rafa is a great player but Roger is the GREATEST!!
LONG LIVE TMF!!

"The comments here are rapidly deteriorating. Too bad, because Pete has done a lovely and funny piece and the comments from the beginning up to 6:50 were rational, objective and interesting to read. I’m a Federer fan too but somehow, I find some of his other fans posts very, very hard to stomach."

+1. What a waste of a very good article.

Tigress, I feel sorry for you. [] I can't believe that your poor comments are showing out in one blog so respecful like this one where supposedly posters have to talk about tennis correctly

Fed is showing no signs of relinquishing the top spot. 2010 will be quite interesting.

Well, trying to get the discussion back on track, Pete wrote in his post "odds are that he will" in relation to Federer's reaching the SF stage.

Let's try to put some numbers to this.

Both Federer's and Del Potro's form has been a bit uneven so far. I think I'd give Federer 70% odds of beating Del Potro; the odds of Federer losing in straights is on the order of 10%.

Let's give Murray an 80% chance of beating Verdasco, with a 50:50 chance of winning in straights (ie 50% 2-0, 30% 2-1).

Then I estimate that there is a 6% chance of a three way tie: a 15% chance that Murray will win in straights and Del Potro will post any kind of win, and a 3% chance of Murray in 2 sets and Del Potro in 3. There is a 6% chance of a Verdasco win and a Del Potro win.

Call that a 76% chance of Federer qualifying directly, and a 6% it goes to games won scenario. About an 80% probability overall. So I think Pete's "odds are that he will" statement is well grounded.

the other guys wish they were as average as rafa.

Tigress- As a Fed fan, I cringe whenever you go into attack mode. Please try to show some respect, for the sake of this board.

One sad side effect of the anonymity of the web is that people seem to feel that entitles them to act like []. Don't be part of that, it just brings the dialog down to the lowest form of behavior. Would you tolerate it from your kids?

Disagreement with another poster is fine, but posters are reminded to stay within the Site Rules.

Pete, nice post. I had to look up who was Freddy Kroeger though.

Andrew, thank you for you analysis on Roger's chances to qualify for the semis. His 5th Nr-1 is most important for his curriculum vitae.

BlueDog at 12:28. Word, word and word.

Federer gives a clue about his change in form.

What changed in 2009? "During the clay season, before and after Rome before I married, I did two weeks of training", Roger said. "I realized that I had to take more risks physically. I was a little afraid of hurting my back even when everything was going well. These trainings were the key".

http://tinyurl.com/yhzfu47

Hilarious translation by the way. Before I married = "fair of marry me"

Darth Federer, Count Federer, Feddy Kreuger... what next? :)

" I had to look up who was Freddy Kroeger though."

LOL. Nightmare on Elm Street. Scary film, especially the first one which made me afraid to sleep in my bedroom alone for quite awhile. Whereas Pete's title for this piece made me laugh and break into giggles from time to time.

Suze,

Thank you. I looked in wikipedia and found all the information about Freddy. I haven't ever watched a scary film. That's me trying to avoid nightmares.

Wikipedia is really amazing because it's said that there are songs about Freddy (in Spanish) that I've never heard before.

Whoops, guess I didn't leave enough to the imagination...

Thanks zenggi. That's an interesting bit on Fed taking more risks.

Hey, everyone. :)

LOL @ Feddy Krueger, so incongruous, but I see what you mean. :)

"Coming into the WTF, Federer appeared vulnerable." I think you underestimate Federer's ability to deliver under pressure and on the big occasion, Pete. Of course that is easy to say now, after two wins. :)

And while it would've been nice to see Rafa get something out of these WTFs, the reality is, despite decent fall results, he's only beaten one top 10 player since Madrid, and his play has not been that brilliant - I think most Rafa fans were expecting him to go winless or perhaps to win one match, not that he would surge to the SFs and take over the year-end #1 - that always seemed something of a stretch. :)