When Federer when the semi-final vs Djokovic. and after dat u could see the body language of Nadal he was no where vs Murray. It was becoz Fedrer was back of his mind coz he knew he had to face a wonded TIGER which is impossible. So he could not play good
Federer on Tennis court is poetry in motion. It was said of Muhammad Ali the boxer that `he floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee'. Well Federer on a Tennis court is like a butterfly, moving from side to side or vertically with smooth steps and even when he whacks the ball with tremendous force, what is evident is only the stroke on not the viciousness of the whack. A slice here, a chip there, a drop shot, using every possible angle, wrong footing opponents repeatedly - well he is a magician and the tennis racquet is a magic wand in his hands. This year was a bad year for Federer. Just a week back in the last issue of `Sportstar' Paul Fein, a Tennis correspondent, gave 10 reasons why Federer will never be the same again. Well, no one can ever be the same for ever, especially when age catches up with them. In his article, Paul Fein found fault with the single handed backhand of Federer, stating that it is a liability as against the double handed backhand of Nadal, Djokovic, Marray and others, which is as good as a second forehand for these players. But, if one had watched the single handed backhand of Federer in the Semis and the Finals of the US Open this year, it was absolutely magnificent and an asset. It is traditional tennis. One also remembers a similar backhand of Justin Henin. Traditionalists can go on and on about the beauty of Federer's game. Well, as I said, a chip here, a slice there and the opponent dies without bleeding! Poetry in motion indeed!
Re: He slices and chips his way to victory!
by truth and artifice on Sep 09, 2008 10:39 AM
'traditional' tennis, Mr. Vasu, was played with wooden rackets and naturally-laid-and-prepared surfaces, not artificial ones!!!!
Re: He slices and chips his way to victory!
by VASUDEVAN V on Sep 09, 2008 10:56 AM
Truth and whatever it is: Even if the surfaces are artificial and the racquets no more wooden, when a traditional single handed backhand is played, it certainly pleases me. May be you are pleased by muscle power and bullying players! To play such traditional shots in modern Tennis and still survive - well that is what is great about Federer. Don't you agree?
In an article in Tennis Week in 2007, the tennis historian Raymond Lee statistically analyzed the all-time best players. ROD LAVER topped his list ahead of Tilden and Borg (tied), Roger Federer, Gonzales, Rosewall, Budge, Ivan Lendl, Connors, Sampras, McEnroe, and Kramer. for starters, please look up Rod Laver on wikipedia, specially the section 'Place among the all-time great tennis players'
Federer wins slams without insulting opponents. He doesn’t shout or yell or raise his fist or show any other gestures that are now common with other champions.
His calmness on and off the field should be a role model to youngsters. Play any sports in good spirit, respect your opponents and never give any gestures that would rub salt to the defeated. All this qualities for a sportsman can be seen there in Federer’s behaviour.
Re: Good sportsman
by PUNEESH on Sep 09, 2008 11:22 AM
well...i agree that respect for your opponent is a must when you r a sportsman...however to shout something like..'Come On' or fist showing is not to degrade or insulting your opponents...it is just to pep you up to bring your best game......normally players do this when they go to sleep during the match and they themselves realize that they have to bring some energy to the table to bring their focus......
In an article in Tennis Week in 2007, the tennis historian Raymond Lee statistically analyzed the all-time best players. Laver topped his list ahead of Tilden and Borg (tied), Roger Federer, Gonzales, Rosewall, Budge, Ivan Lendl, Connors, Sampras, McEnroe, and Kramer. for starters, please look up Rod Laver on wikipedia, specially the section 'Place among the all-time great tennis players'
Re: Tennis the true game of gentlemen
by Venugopalan on Sep 09, 2008 10:27 AM
If you are mentioning Ivan Lendl then mention Jimmy Connors, John Mcenro, Bjorn Borg, Pat Cash etc.
Re: Tennis the true game of gentlemen
by selvi rajan on Sep 09, 2008 10:21 AM
you left out Rafa.He is also very humble and hardly ever questions the chair umpire unlike others who always argue.
Re: Tennis the true game of gentlemen
by Vishwanath CB on Sep 09, 2008 10:30 AM
Yes Selvi rajan,
Rafael Nadal is also a thorough gentlemen. It's this trait of simplicity and humbleness that make the great players... In the semifinal match, which Nadal lost against Murray, he gestured to murray to shake hands first with the chair umpire.. It was such a moment to cherish.. Really a great champions...
