SportsNation Blog ArchivesSN Blog Archives Roger Federer

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.

lakersyankeesgirl

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
devilfishin

guess that is how Orton throws the deep ball. Like hitting it off the cart path on your drive.

-- devilfishin

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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?

49erlakeshow

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
fx772k1

Oudin has the potential to make it to the final, but the winner will be either Serena or Kim.

-- fx772k1

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"SportsNation" on TV is finally here. Check out the big stories of the day, cast your votes and watch on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET!

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.

Roger Federer

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.

Andy Roddick

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.

Manny Ramirez

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.

Joey Chestnut

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.

Rasheed Wallace

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.

Steve McNair

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.

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For The Record

July 5, 2009
Jul
5

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.

redsoxer

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
8underpar64

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

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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
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)
Who do you like tomorrow: Serena or Venus?

Greg Garber
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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CHAT IN PROGRESS

NASCAR in-race chat!
  • JTF (Bayonne, NJ)LOL Kurt standing on the doorframe as his team pushes the car down pit road
  • Bosco (Alabama)Pretty good race this week!
  • brian (akron, ohio)could JJ blow this historical opportunity...this is finally good for NASCAR...DRAMA!!
  • K. Lee DavisGoodnight folks! Be safe, be good and be back here next Sunday! OUT!