SportsNation Blog Archives
Roger Federer
Last year marked the first time since 2003 that Roger Federer wasn't a part of the final match at the U.S. Open. Was that the beginning of a trend, or a one-year break from normalcy? With Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both nursing ailments, could the last chance be the best chance for Federer to continue his streak of years with at least one Grand Slam win? SN: Rank men's contenders
Will Novak Djokovic shrug off shoulder?
Novak Djokovic has lost just twice this season, but one came when he retired in the final in Cincinnati in his last Open tuneup, citing a right shoulder injury.
Roger Federer or Andy Murray?
Roger Federer recently turned 30, and tennis players rarely win Slams past that point. Then again, at least in recent times, neither do Brits like Andy Murray, who is still looking for a first Slam.
What about Andy Roddick?
Djokovic is ailing, Rafael Nadal has blisters on his feet and burned fingers, and Federer is old. Do we hear a door opening for No. 21 Andy Roddick?
What's the perfect match?
Djokovic is ranked No. 1, won the Australian Open and Wimbledon and has generally owned 2011. But is he the player you want to see in a marquee match?
- Chat: Greg Garber takes your questions live from the U.S. Open, 3 ET.
- Rank 'Em: U.S. Open men's contenders? | U.S. Open women's contenders?
Most of us can only dream of hitting a forehand like Roger Federer or backhanding a hard grounder like Carlos Guillen. So when they start adding degrees of difficulty that would make a Russian judge blush, consider us more than a little interested -- and jealous.
Federer eased past somebody named Brian Dabul in the first round of the U.S. Open on Monday, but it was a between-the-legs winner down the line that had the crowd in New York on its feet for a sustained standing ovation.
But is the shot Federer pulled off cooler than the behind-the-back flip to start a double play, as demonstrated here by Guillen in a recent Tigers game?
Meanwhile, there's just no pleasing some people. Circus shot or no circus shot, one SportsNation commenter had little good to say about Federer's performance.
- "As a Fed fan, I wasn't too highly impressed. He played very aggressively and did quite well, don't get me wrong. But somewhere in the second set he seemed to let go of the throttle and allowed Dabul to play a few more games than he should have. His break point conversion should have been better, and I just feel he could have put Dabul away earlier. He hit some sloppy errors at times, not that many but they were still there. And I did not at all like the way he had about 3-4 stumbles throughout the match. His return of serve also could have been a bit better. All in all he played a pretty well to beat a clearly overmatched player." -- SN commenter NorseKatz
- Vote: Who will come out on top in each Wimbledon semifinal match?
- Vote: Will Roger Federer ever reclaim the world No. 1 ranking?
Roger Federer may be the greatest tennis player of all time, but is time running out on his greatness in the present tense? The No. 1 seed was eliminated in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon on Wednesday, marking the first time since 2002 that the Swiss master won't be in the final. Federer still has a Grand Slam win this year at the Australian Open, and it's not as if falling in the quarterfinals is an embarrassment that would get you suspended for two years by Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan. But this is Federer we're talking about, and his postmatch injury hints notwithstanding, he's held to a certain standard.
Then again, at least one resident of SportsNation thinks the answer may have less to do with Federer slowing down than something else slowing down.
- "This is not the same Wimbledon surface that Sampras played on. It is clearly much slower. I seriously doubt that Pete could have won as consistently on this grass surface. Same with the current Australian hard court. It is now slower than it was even 2 years ago." -- SN commenter azkaban822
Mark Zabierek (Heinz Field Parking Lot C)
At least Venus didn't claim injury in her press conference like Roger did. Was there a reason to mention the back and leg?
Greg Garber
Great point, Catrice (do people call you Cat?): There was a lot of eye-rolling when Fed dropped the injury card in his press conference. Felt like a rationalization/excuse to me. As Berdych and other have said, everyone's hurting at this point in the tournament. Full transcript
“Roger needs to get his head in the game. Honestly I think Nadal has effected Rogers play. Roger was thinking about being in the Finals not getting to the finals. Rogers coach needs to chew him out and get him serious again. All sports are 90% mental.
” -- Travis-Deal
“I have great admiration for what Fed has accomplished, but Laver will always be the GOAT. Can you imagine what he would have done if he had not "lost" those 5 years as a pro?
” -- happyincinci
It's tough to find a place to dive in after a weekend like we just watched. We'll get to the good (Mark Sanchez), the bad (Jay Cutler) and the ugly (still Jay Cutler) of the gridiron eventually, but when arguably the greatest tennis player of all time says he hit the greatest single shot of his career, well, you've got our attention, Mr. Federer.
Federer not only went between the legs for his winner against Novak Djokovic, he did it to earn match point in a contest that was closer -- and way more entertaining, thanks to Djokovic's antics -- than straight sets indicate.
The catch is the shot of Federer's career and a strong candidate for play of the year in sports might not have even been the best play of Sunday afternoon. Not with Brandon Stokley pulling in the miracle tip against the Bengals and pulling out an old video-game move by running across the field at the one-yard line to kill time.
- Vote: More awkward weekend moment -- Serena at U.S. Open or Kanye at the VMAs?
- Chat: What is Bill Simmons' take? Ask the Sports Guy at 7 p.m. ET.
“Dear Lord! Wow. I loved this match and the way Roger Federer ended the match to win the match point was perfect. It was spectacular and awesome; and I also agree that it was unbelievable. What a way to end a match.
” -- lakersyankeesgirl
“guess that is how Orton throws the deep ball. Like hitting it off the cart path on your drive.
” -- devilfishin
It's a bad year to be a Russian woman or a man named Andy at the U.S. Open. Unfortunately, since Andy Murray's surprising fourth-round loss eliminated the last of either category, that maxim doesn't offer much insight on what's to come in the Big Apple. Luckily, SportsNation bloggers like bball4life578 are here to assist with predictions.
"The Cinderella story continued for the US teenage sensation in Oudin as she took out Nadia Petrova after in 3 sets after a horrible first set. Wozniacki did the same against Svetlana Kuznetsova the other night, so something's got to give. Watching Wozniacki, her second serve is very weak and she'll have to go against a crowd which will be 100 percent behind Oudin as well as a feisty opponent in Oudin. Count me in as a believer in Oudin. I think her Cinderella story continues into the finals." -- Read the full post.
Oudin's match is Wedneday's headliner, but it's not the only Open story. Rafael Nadal lost the first set of his fourth-round match but survived (with a fist pump that has Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle wondering if you think he's surpassed Tiger Woods on at least that count -- watch it here). And after fans in the stands backed Kim Clijsters against Venus Williams, will the comeback mom be the crowd favorite against Serena Williams?
- Phenomenon check? Only one in five voters plans to watch Oudin's quarterfinal.
- 48 percent of SN says neither Murray nor Dinara Safina will ever win a Grand Slam title.
- Chat: Live from the U.S. Open with Bonnie Ford and Greg Garber, 4 ET.
- Vote: Are you rooting for Serena Williams or Kim Clijsters in their semifinal?
“Kim Clijsters is BACK and she WILL BE THE 2009 OPEN CHAMP (hopefully against Oudin)..I would love to see Melanie win it all though, but I am not keeping my hopes up on her yet.. But Kim will beat Serena and take it all.
” -- 49erlakeshow
“Oudin has the potential to make it to the final, but the winner will be either Serena or Kim.
” -- fx772k1
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After a weekend packed with tragic and triumphant sports news, hosts Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd can't wait to debate your answers to the questions below.
Vote: Would it be fun to hang out with Roger Federer?
The tennis great has 15 Grand Slam titles, untold millions and the gold-trimmed clothing, but he presents a very corporate, polished image.
Vote: Is there such a thing as a good loss?
Andy Roddick earned respect but no Wimbledon title in his epic final match against that guy in gold on Sunday.
Vote: Would you boo or cheer Manny Ramirez?
Padres fans have had their chance. The "suspension is over" tour continues this week with stops in New York and Milwaukee.
Vote: Should ESPN show more competitive eating?
For some people, hot dog buns crumbled in water and mouths crammed with food are revolting. For others, like Joey Chestnut, it's a Fourth of July tradition or lunch.
Vote: Which team is the favorite to win the Eastern Conference?
The Cavaliers made the first move, acquiring Shaq. The Magic lost Hedo Turkoglu, and the Celtics added veteran Rasheed Wallace.
Tweet: How will you remember Steve McNair?
After news of the former Titans quarterback's death came out Saturday, NFL players spoke of his competitiveness and toughness.
What is "SportsNation" TV and how do you make your voice heard on the broadcast? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opionions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
Before the Wimbledon final began, Andy Roddick had already lost. Or so thought almost 70 percent of SportsNation, and we assume Pete Sampras (a 12-hour flight to watch just one match? That's some serious Federer faith).
Fast-forward about four hours, 456,789 tiebreaks and the match was at a 14-14 deadlock in the fifth set. At times, it even looked like this might finally be Andy Roddick's moment. But then, as if the tennis gods woke up and said, "Roddick might win Wimbledon? Wait, this isn't right. Something must be done," Federer broke Roddick's serve for the first time and won his 15th Grand Slam title.
After all was said and done, do you think Wimbledon '09 was the best you've ever seen? Does it top '08's Federer-Nadal battle? Ravi Ubha says no. But what does SportsNation think? Vote and discuss below.
“Congrats to both players; what a match! It is sad Roddick had to lose, because he played well enough to win. But that's what makes Federer so good. Fantastic stuff.
” -- redsoxer
“Andy should be proud the way he played Sunday and for the entire tourney. He just keeps running into the greatest of all time.
” -- 8underpar64
There will be no weather delays for the finals this weekend at Wimbledon. The Williams sisters raise the roof on Saturday, and Andy Roddick tries to rain on Roger Federer's march toward slam win No. 15 Sunday.
Women's final: SportsNation gives Venus slight edge
Men's final: Two-thirds of SportsNation favors Federer
Vote: Wimbledon Finals
Adi (Toronto)
Hi, Greg. 16 of last 17 slams, 21 consecutive slam semis, 20 total slam finals, what is left for Roger to conquer? How does he stay motivated? Do any of the Andys really have a chance?
Greg Garber
This is the question going forward, Adi. I think Fed's struggles last year, physically and mentally, actually motivated him to get better. That, and losing three Grand Slam finals to Rafael Nadal in a span of eight months. Pete Sampras admitted recently that he had a tough time getting up for the Cincinnatis of the world, but he was always fired up for the Slams. I think Roger will be like that, too.
Ray Gordon Reid (San Jose)
Greg Garber
Ray: The sisters are 10-all in their WTA career matches and have split their four previous Wimbledon matches. I'll take Venus in this one. She's going for three straight at All England and her sixth overall. Full transcript.
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