Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Other Sports => Topic started by: capodetutticapi on May 21, 2009, 09:28:15 PM

Title: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 21, 2009, 09:28:15 PM
hope fed could rejuvenate someting at roland garros.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on May 21, 2009, 10:27:56 PM
I not into golf/baseball/nfl/rugby. Anyting else I will b intrested. What sport u thou follow?
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on May 22, 2009, 08:36:15 PM
It will be a tough french open for Federer this year but hopefully he'll live up to his ranking if not better. He may have defeated Rafa in Madrid but the likelihood of him winning over a fit, hungry Nadal at the Open is very unlikely. He may do it in a best of three but a best of five is very difficult. I'm hoping he find some strength on the inside to over come his anxiety and nerves. He still has Djokovic though to get through who can be a tough cookie when he wants to.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 23, 2009, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: weary1969 on May 21, 2009, 10:27:56 PM
I not into golf/baseball/nfl/rugby. Anyting else I will b intrested. What sport u thou follow?
neva follow ice hockey.cyar even name ah player.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on May 23, 2009, 07:44:39 AM
Quote from: capodetutticapi on May 23, 2009, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: weary1969 on May 21, 2009, 10:27:56 PM
I not into golf/baseball/nfl/rugby. Anyting else I will b intrested. What sport u thou follow?
neva follow ice hockey.cyar even name ah player.

Ice hockey might be the most exciting live sport.  If it have a decent college/minor league team in your vicinity I'd recommend it. 
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 23, 2009, 07:32:07 PM
Draw analysis: Who'll soar on the French clay?by Brian Webber, Special to FOXSports.com
Rafael Nadal playing at Roland Garros seems like the closest thing we have to a "sure thing" in tennis. But the vagaries of clay always produce some unexpected results at the French Open. Let's dissect the draws.


Regal Rafa
The French gave up their monarchy a long time ago, but they may want to consider creating a honorary title for Rafael Nadal: the King of Clay. Nadal is going after a record fifth consecutive title at Roland Garros. The numbers are staggering for the Spaniard. Nadal has won 150 of the 155 matches he's played on clay since 2005. The world No. 1 has never lost a match at the French Open — he's never even been extended to a fifth set in a match in Paris. Nadal was riding a 33-match winning streak on clay before he lost to Roger Federer in the finals last week in Madrid.

Nadal could have some challenging matches on his road to another championship. Lleyton Hewitt is a potential third-round opponent. The former world No. 1 won the U.S. Clay Court Championship this year.

Two of Nadal's countrymen could pose more significant trouble for Rafa. Nadal could run into David Ferrer in the round of 16, while Fernando Verdasco is a possible quarterfinal opponent. Verdasco gave Nadal all he could handle in their semifinal match at the Australian Open this year.

There is also the possibility that Nadal could face 10th-seeded Nikolay Davydenko in the quarters. The Russian reached the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2005 and 2007.


Will Andy be dandy in Paris?
Based on the luck of the draw, third-seeded Andy Murray wound up in the top half with Nadal. In our preview of the clay-court season, we failed to give Murray enough credit for his improvement on clay. His work with Alex Corretja has paid major dividends this year. While Murray was bounced in his opening-round match in Rome, he's played well in recent weeks reaching the quarterfinals in Madrid and the semifinals in Monte Carlo.

Murray will have to overcome some challenges if he's going to take on Nadal in the semifinals. The Scot has a tough assignment in his opening-round match against Juan Ignacio Chela, who reached the French Open quarterfinals in 2004.

Murray could take on the hard-hitting Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the third round. If the seedings hold, a quarterfinal match between Murray and seventh-seeded Gilles Simon would be intriguing. While the Frenchman will receive a boost playing in front of a partisan crowd, the enigmatic Simon has underachieved in his clay-court matches this year.



Bottom half: Federer or Djokovic?
No. 2 seed Roger Federer hopes to make history in Paris by winning his first French Open championship this year. Federer is also looking to capture his 14th Grand Slam victory, which would tie Pete Sampras' all-time mark. Federer potentially has a straightforward path to the semifinals. While Alberto Martin could pose some problems in an opening-round match, the Swiss star is the class of his section. If Andy Roddick somehow survives to the quarterfinals, Federer should end the American's run in France.

Federer will carry confidence with him to Paris coming off his win over Nadal in Madrid. However, Novak Djokovic may have played a role in Federer's victory by forcing Nadal to expend so much energy in their classic four-hour semifinal in the Spanish capital. Djokovic may have what it takes to emerge from the bottom half of the draw to take on Nadal (in all likelihood) in the men's final. The Serbian has shined in the clay-court events leading up to Roland Garros, losing to Nadal in the Masters Series events in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Madrid.

Djokovic could play a spicy quarterfinal match against Juan Martin Del Potro. If Novak can win that match, it could propel him to a semifinal win over Federer and Djokovic's first final in Paris.


Women's draw: Surging Safina
World No. 1 Dinara Safina has been defending more than rankings points in recent weeks. While she reached the Roland Garros final last year and played in the championship match of this year's Australian Open, the Russian seems wary of her critics who point out that she hasn't won a Grand Slam title.

Safina, however, has only lost one match since moving to the top spot in the rankings and won consecutive titles in Rome and Madrid. Safina has worked hard to improve her fitness and her control over her emotions on the court. Both should serve her well as she looks to win one more match at the French Open than a year ago.

Safina is the player to beat among the women, but there are other skilled competitors in her portion of the draw. Ninth-seeded Victoria Azarenka reached the fourth round of the French Open last year and could be poised for a breakout performance in Paris. Defending champion Ana Ivanovic has battled injuries and inconsistency in 2009. Ivanovic will try to play through the pain of a knee ailment, but the Serbian has been unable to maintain her momentum from her French Open win last year.


Will it be an all-Williams final?
Venus and Serena Williams find themselves on opposite sides of the draw. We'll pencil Serena into the singles final, but it's unlikely her older sister will be able to make it out of the top half of the draw. Venus has only reached one final in Paris — in 2002, losing to Serena with the title at stake. Safina is playing with too much confidence to lose to Venus should they meet in the semifinals.

 
Will Serena Williams' Grand Slam killer instinct kick in at Roland Garros? (Daniel Ochoa de Olza / Associated Press)

There are objective reasons to doubt Serena's ability to reach the championship match. She lost her opening-round matches in Rome and Madrid and was bothered by a knee injury last week in Spain. Nevertheless, Serena has repeatedly demonstrated an amazing ability to raise her play in the Slams.

Williams could have to overcome Svetlana Kuznetsova in the quarterfinals, with Jelena Jankovic or Elena Dementieva looming as potential semifinal opponents. Serena suggested recently that she is still the No. 1 player in the world despite what the rankings indicate. The American has a chance to validate those words at Roland Garros.


Women's player to watch
Caroline Wozniacki. The Dane has moved into the top 10 in the rankings for the first time in her career. Wozniacki has vastly improved her game on clay. She won the singles title at Ponte Vedra Beach and lost to Safina in the finals in Madrid.

Wozniacki was unable to play last week in Warsaw due to a minor back injury which provided much-needed rest. Wozniacki has competed in the most tour-level events over the last 12 months. With a strong backhand and excellent point construction, the 10-seed will be tough to beat in the bottom half of the draw.

Let's not overlook Maria Sharapova either. The three-time Grand Slam champion has finally returned to the WTA Tour after missing nine months because of a nagging shoulder injuruy. Sharapova only played three matches in her tuneup event in Poland, losing to Alona Bondarenko in the quarterfinals. While Nadia Petrova will be a heavy favorite to knock Sharapova out in the second round in Paris, it's good to see the former world No. 1 back on the court.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on May 24, 2009, 08:16:25 AM
Looked a bit at Safin this morning. He's looking good.

Also Leyton was incredble against Ivo Karlovic. Man running like he possessed.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on May 24, 2009, 02:55:13 PM
Quote from: capodetutticapi on May 23, 2009, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: weary1969 on May 21, 2009, 10:27:56 PM
I not into golf/baseball/nfl/rugby. Anyting else I will b intrested. What sport u thou follow?
neva follow ice hockey.cyar even name ah player.

Ice hockey u mean WWF. D highlights does just have peeps fightin
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on May 25, 2009, 08:05:21 AM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on May 24, 2009, 08:16:25 AM
Looked a bit at Safin this morning. He's looking good.

Also Leyton was incredble against Ivo Karlovic. Man running like he possessed.

I now reading that Karlovic had 55 aces.  A tournament record.  that sound like a record for aces in any loss ever.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on May 25, 2009, 10:47:53 AM
Quote from: daryn on May 25, 2009, 08:05:21 AM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on May 24, 2009, 08:16:25 AM
Looked a bit at Safin this morning. He's looking good.

Also Leyton was incredble against Ivo Karlovic. Man running like he possessed.

I now reading that Karlovic had 55 aces.  A tournament record.  that sound like a record for aces in any loss ever.

Probably at the French but Goran Ivanisevic probably could have had about the same at Wimbledon in the nineties. You may be right about it being the most Aces in a match.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 25, 2009, 02:33:27 PM
Nadal breaks record with opening win at French OpenAssociated Press
PARIS (AP) - The modern day King of Clay eclipsed another mark Monday, this time breaking the French Open men's record for consecutive wins.
 
Top-seeded Rafael Nadal looked his usual dominant self in the first round, beating Marcos Daniel of Brazil 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 for his 29th straight win on the red clay at Roland Garros.

"At the beginning, I didn't quite get the best feelings, but I won in three sets. That's very positive," Nadal said. "I should have won more easily ... but it was a difficult match."

Roger Federer, the man Nadal beat in the last three French Open finals, had an easier time in his opening match, defeating Alberto Martin of Spain 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

Dinara Safina, the top-seeded player in the women's draw, advanced along with No. 3 Venus Williams and unseeded Maria Sharapova.

Nadal's win bettered the French Open record held by Bjorn Borg, who won 28 straight from 1978-81. Nadal also equaled the overall tournament record, matching the 29 straight that Chris Evert won between 1974-75 and 1979-81. Evert did not play at the French Open from 1976-78.

Nadal was broken three times by Daniel, but the top-seeded Spaniard remained perfect on the French Open's red clay as he tries to become the first player to win five straight titles at Roland Garros.

"His backhand is better than his forehand, but I think I made it a bit easy for him," Nadal said. "That's my opinion."

Federer has won 13 major titles, but he still needs to win the French Open to complete a career Grand Slam.

Against Martin, who missed the last two French Open tournaments because of injury and then by failing to qualify, Federer appeared to play effortlessly.

"Once I got the upper hand, things were pretty much in control," Federer said. "I served well when I had to, and mixed it up. That's how I want to play. I'm happy to be through without a fright."
 
Also on the men's side, sixth-seeded Andy Roddick of the United States, No. 10 Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, No. 12 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile, No. 17 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland, No. 23 Robin Soderling of Sweden, No. 24 Jurgen Melzer of Austria, No. 28 Feliciano Lopez of Spain, No. 30 Victor Hanescu of Romania and No. 32 Paul-Henri Mathieu of France advanced. No. 19 Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic lost to Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3.

Roddick beat French wild-card entry Romain Jouan 6-2, 6-4, 6-2 to win a match at the French Open for the first time since 2005.

Safina routed Anne Keothavong of Britain 6-0, 6-0, spraying shots to all parts of the court.

"I was just playing point by point, game by game, and it ended up like this," said Safina, half of the only brother-sister combination alongside Marat Safin to have served as the No. 1-ranked player in the world.

Keothavong had a couple of chances against Safina, but she wasted two break points in the third game of the first set, and led 40-0 in the fourth game of the second but couldn't hold on.

"When that's happening to you all you want to do is get on the scoreboard, but I wasn't able to do that," said Keothavong, who saved four match points before Safina hit a forehand winner down the line. "It just kept getting harder and harder."


Victoria Azarenka and Ana Ivanovic won 6-0, 6-0 at the French Open last year, and Serena Williams did it in 2003.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, survived a sudden second-set slump to beat Bethanie Mattek-Sands 6-1, 4-6, 6-2. She won the match's first five games, while Mattek-Sands asked for a medical time-out during the first set so a trainer could look at her right wrist.

"I'm definitely a third-set player," Williams said. "Once I get to the third set ... I feel a new level coming."

Williams has never won the French Open, but she did reach the final in 2002 when she lost to little sister Serena. Overall, Williams holds a 36-12 record at Roland Garros, giving her the most wins of any player in the women's draw at the tournament.

Sharapova played with a bandage on her ailing right shoulder, and she struggled in the first set before beating Anastasiya Yakimova of Belarus 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.

The unseeded Russian was broken three times in the first set, but she opened the second with four straight wins before being broken once again. Before the start of the next game, Yakimova called for a trainer to work on her lower back.

"I started pretty lousy," said Sharapova, playing in a Grand Slam match for the first time since last year's Wimbledon. "I was just a little sloppy. But I totally changed it around, and I started playing a lot better and more aggressive."

No. 12 Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland, No. 13 Marion Bartoli of France, No. 15 Zheng Jie of China, No. 20 Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia, No. 22 Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain and No. 29 Agnes Szavay of Hungary also advanced to the second round of the women's tournament.

In upsets, No. 23 Alisa Kleybanova of Russia lost to Polona Hercog of Slovenia 6-2, 4-6, 6-1; No. 14 Flavia Pennetta of Italy was eliminated by Alexa Glatch of the United States 6-1, 6-1; No. 26 Anna Chakvetadze of Russia lost to Mariana Duque Marino of Colombia 3-6, 6-4, 6-4; and No. 17 Patty Schnyder of Switzerland fell to Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine 6-4, 6-3.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 27, 2009, 08:32:17 PM
Nadal, Sharapova, Safina, Murray win at FrenchAssociated Press
PARIS (AP) - On a day of adieus at the French Open, Maria Sharapova managed to stick around.

Trailing through most of the third set in her toughest test since shoulder surgery, Sharapova pulled out a 6-2, 1-6, 8-6 victory over 11th-seeded Nadia Petrova on Wednesday to reach the third round at Roland Garros, her return to Grand Slam tennis. 2009 French Open
 
"I kind of started stumbling away. Things went in the wrong direction," said Sharapova, who missed the U.S. Open and Australian Open. "I was just glad I could pick myself up and keep fighting."

That she did: Five times, Petrova was one point away from serving for the match. But Sharapova didn't allow her to convert those chances.

"She really showed, even though she has been out for a while, she's willing to compete till the end," Petrova acknowledged.

Sharapova's French Open continues, as does Rafael Nadal's winning streak at Roland Garros - which he extended to a tournament-record 30 matches - but there will be no more trips to the clay-court major for Marat Safin or Fabrice Santoro. Both are retiring at season's end, and both bowed out Wednesday, albeit in quite contrasting ways, which is fitting, given their polar-opposite styles of play and personalities.

The big-hitting, loud-talking Safin succumbed after a 4 1/2-hour, five-set bit of theater; the spin-mixing, gentlemanly Santoro played all of 8 minutes to conclude his loss to Christophe Rochus in a match suspended the night before by darkness.

"My game style was out of date when I arrived on the tour. I got on the tour in the '90s, and my style dated back to the '70s," said Santoro, who tied a French Open record by playing in his 20th French Open. "So when I arrived, I was, you know, 20 years late already."


Safin, meanwhile, entertained as only he can, diving for shots, kicking at the clay in disgust, and gesturing at fans to make even more noise when they got on his case for arguing calls. The two-time major title winner eventually was beaten by 134th-ranked Josselin Ouanna of France 7-6 (2), 7-6 (4), 4-6, 3-6, 10-8.

"I played terrible," the 20th-seeded Safin said.

He was done as dusk fell, around the time Venus Williams lost the first set of her match against Lucie Safarova. They were told to pack up, because there wasn't enough light.

Winners included No. 3 Andy Murray, No. 7 Gilles Simon - who eliminated Robert Kendrick, making Andy Roddick the only U.S. man left - No. 8 Fernando Verdasco and Lleyton Hewitt, who faces Nadal next.

Safin's younger sister, No. 1-ranked Dinara Safina, won in straight sets, as did defending champion Ana Ivanovic and 16-year-old Michelle Larcher de Brito of Portugal, who upset No. 15 Zheng Jie of China.

Sharapova had a much longer day's work. But that's OK with her.
 
The Russian was so disappointed to miss the U.S. Open and Olympics last year, she couldn't bear to watch on TV. By the time the Australian Open came around in January, Sharapova found herself tuning in, then being inspired to head to the gym late at night.

"I know what I'm capable of out there. I know what I've done before. And I know I can do it again and even better," said Sharapova, once ranked No. 1 and now 102nd.

There were moments Wednesday when Sharapova looked as if she'd never been away, pushing Petrova this way and that - particularly while winning the first set's last five games.

There also were moments when Sharapova appeared a step slow - particularly while losing second set's last five games.

So Sharapova found herself playing her second straight three-setter, with rain falling and the temperature in the low 50s. Both women draped towels over their legs during changeovers, and Petrova donned a jacket.


But Sharapova saved six break points in the final set, serving well when absolutely necessary.

"She didn't give me any chance," said Petrova, twice a French Open semifinalist.

When Petrova sent a forehand wide to end the match, Sharapova covered her face with her fists. A moment later, she glanced at the players' guest seats, normally where her father sits. But he isn't at the French Open, because, as Sharapova put it: "After I won my third Grand Slam, he said, 'Look, I like hiking and skiing a lot,' and he kind of wanted to pursue that. So he's currently enjoying his life."

And his daughter is once again enjoying hers. She smiled as she looked up at her coach, Michael Joyce, who traveled back and forth weekly between Los Angeles and Phoenix with Sharapova when she was rehabilitating her shoulder. As Sharapova beamed, Joyce stood and pounded his right fist over his heart.

Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on May 28, 2009, 05:53:08 PM
Looked at Federer today and he looking like anybody's meal. In every major tournament he is still around to the last day most of the time though, so let's wait the end. Now being down 5-1 to this guy he played is one thing,as he was able to turn up his game and level the third set. Try being down like that against Nadal or Djokovic and he will be in for a quick finish. ;D
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 29, 2009, 08:41:39 AM
Venus knocked out of French Open in third roundAssociated Press
PARIS (AP) - Venus Williams was eliminated from the French Open on Friday, losing in the third round of the clay-court major for the third straight year.

The third-seeded Williams, who reached the 2002 final at Roland Garros, lost to No. 31 Agnes Szavay of Hungary 6-0, 6-4.
 
The seven-time Grand Slam champion was playing for the third straight day. She lost the first set of her second-round match against Lucie Safarova on Wednesday before play was suspended because of darkness. Williams saved a match point before beating Safarova on Thursday.

She was also stretched to three sets in the first round.

Ana Ivanovic had little trouble in her match, advancing to the fourth round by dominating another opponent in a 6-0, 6-2 win over Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic.

The defending champion from Serbia has lost only eight games since being taken to a tiebreaker in her opening match.

"(The) score doesn't indicate how hard I had to work for some points," Ivanovic said. "She started playing much, much better in the second set, and started hitting the ball much heavier. I just played really good and stayed in the moment and did what I had to do out there."

Ivanovic, a former No. 1-ranked player, won her only Grand Slam title at last year's French Open. She lost in the final at Roland Garros in 2007.

Novak Djokovic reached the third round in the men's tournament, quickly completing his suspended match by easily winning the final set and beating Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine 6-3, 6-4, 6-1.

The fourth-seeded Djokovic won the first two sets Thursday, but the match was stopped because of darkness. He broke Stakhovsky to open the third set and had little trouble the rest of the way.

"It's not pleasant when you don't finish a match in one day," Djokovic said. "But I was lucky to come back and be two sets up."

Djokovic won his only Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open, but the Serb has reached at least the semifinals at all four major tournaments.

No. 29 Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany also advanced to the third round, beating 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 in another match suspended by darkness Thursday night.
 
Later Friday, top-seeded Dinara Safina was scheduled to get back on court, as were four-time defending champion Rafael Nadal and third-seeded Andy Murray.

On Thursday, Jelena Dokic's professional comeback took a painful turn.

The Australian was leading fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva in the second round of the tournament when she twisted her body into position for a backhand. Not too long after that, she retired from the match in tears.

"Don't know what it is yet," said Dokic, who reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open after a three-year absence from Grand Slam tennis. "It was very painful, and I just hope it's not too serious."

The withdrawal, with the unseeded Dokic leading 6-2, 3-4, sent Dementieva into the third round at Roland Garros along with Serena Williams, and Jelena Jankovic.

Roger Federer also made it through, rallying from a 5-1 deficit in the third set on his least favorite surface to beat Jose Acasuso of Argentina 7-6 (8), 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2. Fifth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro and No. 6 Andy Roddick also advanced.


Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on May 29, 2009, 08:50:47 AM
STEUPSSSSSSSSSSS VENUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on May 29, 2009, 05:18:28 PM
Saw a bit of Venus today. As usual she and Serena could be so lethal on a good day and so amateur on another.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: kaliman2006 on May 31, 2009, 10:38:25 AM
The apocalypse has just happened....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8075864.stm

Champion Nadal falls to Soderling 
FRENCH OPEN
Venue: Roland Garros Date: 24 May - 7 June
Coverage: Live on BBC Red Button, live streaming and daily text commentary on BBC Sport website, updates on BBC Radio 5 Live plus second week commentary on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra. TV coverage on Eurosport.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
Nadal was on a 31-match unbeaten run at Roland Garros


World number one and defending champion Rafael Nadal saw his 31-match unbeaten run at the French Open come to an end with a shock defeat by Robin Soderling.

Nadal, who was bidding for a fifth straight Roland Garros title, lost 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in one of the biggest upsets in tennis history.

Soderling's win comes a month after was beaten 6-1 6-0 by Nadal in Rome.

"I told myself this is just another match," said the jubilant Swede, 24, who will now play Germany's Tommy Haas.

"All the time, I was trying to play as if it was a training session.

"When I was 4-1 up in the (fourth set) tie-break, I started to believe."

Soderling, seeded 23, had lost his previous three matches against Nadal but seemed a man transformed on Court Philippe Chatrier.

He unleashed one formidable service game after the next, while his relentless, pinpoint groundstrokes forced Nadal to constantly scramble just to stay in contention.

When the Swede took the opening set it was the first time Nadal had dropped a set at the French Open since the 2007 final against Roger Federer.

The Spaniard struggled from the outset against a player with whom he was involved in an unsavoury spat at Wimbledon two years ago.

Nadal was broken in the fourth game as Soderling went 4-1 ahead and again in the crucial eighth as the free-flowing, uninhibited Swede continued to find the corners with devastating accuracy.

He deservedly claimed the opening set when the champion netted a backhand.

Despite missing his usual fluency, and visibly rattled by Soderling's unrelenting assault, Nadal broke for the first time to lead 2-1 in the second set, only to surrender his advantage in the 10th game.

Nadal would then have been expected to storm past the 6ft 4in Swede but Soderling executed a fine backhand volley to go to 5-5.

The Spaniard did, however, run away with the tie-break to level the match when a Soderling forehand flew long.

Soderling, coached by compatriot and 2000 finalist Magnus Norman, refused to yield, breaking to lead 4-3 in the third set before backing it up for a 5-3 advantage.

He took the set when Nadal netted another weary forehand off yet another deep Soderling drive.

Nadal broke to lead 2-0 in the fourth set, but Soderling hit back immediately as another tie-break loomed.

And when it arrived Soderling clinched his famous win on a second match point when Nadal went wide with a pick-up.

 
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: sinned on May 31, 2009, 10:58:00 AM
wow. talk about a shocker. federer partying tonight
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on May 31, 2009, 11:40:22 AM
as a Federer fan I doh know what to think about this.  I'd like to think that Federer woulda been able to do the job himself.

so it go.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on May 31, 2009, 04:38:23 PM
I doh know if federer would be partying for 2 reasons.
1. He can't afford to relax now that Nadal gone
2. The normal group of fools on TV will always say how he only win b/c Nadal not there if he does win it.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: sinned on May 31, 2009, 05:12:52 PM
well not literally partying.

but no nadal, no djokovic, federer has to up his game and win this title. i'm a big fed fan and i believe he will do it.

actually last September after the US open i posted on here that i think this french open was the one federer would have the best chance to win because nadal will either get worn down or injured.

fed can't afford to be overconfident - but I can.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on May 31, 2009, 06:41:26 PM
maybe fed could finally win de french.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on May 31, 2009, 07:46:12 PM
Quote from: capodetutticapi on May 31, 2009, 06:41:26 PM
maybe fed could finally win de french.

4 real
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: fari on May 31, 2009, 07:49:33 PM
i want fed to do it but he still have to get past murray, davydenko and others.  if he does win it though he will stake his claim as one of the greatest in history without doubt.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on May 31, 2009, 08:51:13 PM
This was the shock of the day, the week and the year, I feel, in any sport. No way did I expect to see Nadal beaten in this French Open. This is equivalent to Federer losing to Nadal in the Wimbledon Final 08. It will be a scorcher in Wimbledon 09 because of this result. Nadal will be ready to prove a point. This may not be a straight forward thing at all for Federer because we know how he suffer from nerves. I put him in the same bracket with Asafa Powell, nerves when he back up against a wall. LEt's see what this year's French will have in store for us.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on May 31, 2009, 10:45:48 PM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on May 31, 2009, 08:51:13 PM
This was the shock of the day, the week and the year, I feel, in any sport. No way did I expect to see Nadal beaten in this French Open. This is equivalent to Federer losing to Nadal in the Wimbledon Final 08. It will be a scorcher in Wimbledon 09 because of this result. Nadal will be ready to prove a point. This may not be a straight forward thing at all for Federer because we know how he suffer from nerves. I put him in the same bracket with Asafa Powell, nerves when he back up against a wall. LEt's see what this year's French will have in store for us.

Powell is a rank hound at d big 1's Federer have nuff grand slams
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 01, 2009, 05:32:08 AM
Federer is down one set this morning against Tommy Haas. He should win though.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 01, 2009, 06:23:43 AM
Federer down two sets and 3-4 in the third set.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 01, 2009, 08:44:51 AM
Federer wins.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: sinned on June 01, 2009, 10:04:22 AM
close call but he started rolling late. not the most inspiring of performances but it'll do.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: fari on June 01, 2009, 02:04:30 PM
roddick lost again...poor fella, he need a bushbath
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: richpy on June 01, 2009, 03:22:02 PM
Deep down, I feel Federer happy Nadal lost.  I would!
It was looking like a lost cause, ah mean, the man tried everything. However, he must make this one count, so the pressure is probably greater now. The thing is, if he does take the French, I feel he go take Nadal in years to come, now that the pressure would be off.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on June 01, 2009, 03:47:25 PM
Quote from: richpy on June 01, 2009, 03:22:02 PM
Deep down, I feel Federer happy Nadal lost.  I would!
It was looking like a lost cause, ah mean, the man tried everything. However, he must make this one count, so the pressure is probably greater now. The thing is, if he does take the French, I feel he go take Nadal in years to come, now that the pressure would be off.
if fed eh win this year,one must question him as being de greatest to ever hold ah tennis racket.of course he must b glad nadal out.i would b.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 02, 2009, 05:24:43 AM
Recorded and just finished watching it. Federer is really the peoples champion. Did anyone see the response from the crowd when he won the game to go up 5-4 in the third? Literally they were breathing a sigh of relief when he won that game to stay in the match in the third set. The return from every bathroom break, the end of the fourth set, the chance to go up 5-2 in the fifth set and finally at the end of the match, the crowd was totally behind him.

The best though was after they done and packing up. No one left the stadium and the crowd was going bananas for this man, shouting Roger, Roger, Roger untill he left the arena. Nadal is loved and respected by the tennis community but no one is loved more than Roger Federer.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: dwolfman on June 02, 2009, 10:28:35 AM
Quote from: richpy on June 01, 2009, 03:22:02 PM
Deep down, I feel Federer happy Nadal lost.  I would!
It was looking like a lost cause, ah mean, the man tried everything. However, he must make this one count, so the pressure is probably greater now. The thing is, if he does take the French, I feel he go take Nadal in years to come, now that the pressure would be off.

I don't think it's all that deep down. I agree with his view though that it's not relevant at the moment. He still needs to get to the finals and as we saw it's not an easy road.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: kaliman2006 on June 02, 2009, 11:17:36 AM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 02, 2009, 05:24:43 AM
Recorded and just finished watching it. Federer is really the peoples champion. Did anyone see the response from the crowd when he won the game to go up 5-4 in the third? Literally they were breathing a sigh of relief when he won that game to stay in the match in the third set. The return from every bathroom break, the end of the fourth set, the chance to go up 5-2 in the fifth set and finally at the end of the match, the crowd was totally behind him.

The best though was after they done and packing up. No one left the stadium and the crowd was going bananas for this man, shouting Roger, Roger, Roger untill he left the arena. Nadal is loved and respected by the tennis community but no one is loved more than Roger Federer.

Well, as much as the French public love Federer, it is going to be firmly in Monfils' corner on Wednesday.

After all, they are French first and Federer admirers second.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 02, 2009, 06:38:55 PM
Quote from: kaliman2006 on June 02, 2009, 11:17:36 AM
Nadal is loved and respected by the tennis community but no one is loved more than Roger Federer.

Well, as much as the French public love Federer, it is going to be firmly in Monfils' corner on Wednesday.

After all, they are French first and Federer admirers second.
[/quote]




True. They will back Monfils all the way but if is anyone they doh mind beat they boy is, Federer. If he beats Federer they will expect him to take the Open.

My prediction is federer in four sets.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on June 02, 2009, 07:01:54 PM
meh gyul sharapova out.DAMN.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 02, 2009, 08:59:16 PM
Soderling imitating Nadal in 2007 making fun of his mannerisms.

http://www.youtube.com/v/BwvgnYDTTQ0
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 02, 2009, 10:17:50 PM
Definitely no love was lost between these two. That was a nice take 'down memory lane'.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: kaliman2006 on June 03, 2009, 11:06:30 AM
Serena lorse.

There goes my interest in the women's singles.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on June 03, 2009, 08:24:33 PM
Quote from: kaliman2006 on June 03, 2009, 11:06:30 AM
Serena lorse.

There goes my interest in the women's singles.

Cosign
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 04, 2009, 10:51:46 AM
If anybody still watching. Who allyuh feel go rreach the finals for the men? I feel the final will be between Fernando Gonzalez and Federer. This could be Fernando's chance to win a major.

Edit: Looking at the Women semifinal between Safina and Cibulkova. Cibulkova have me lusting over them legs. ;D



Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Andre on June 04, 2009, 12:33:12 PM
look at this Samantha Stosur muscles.

(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/2e/fullj.077436c783798c94fe8e5544c91a434a/077436c783798c94fe8e5544c91a434a-getty-tennis-fra-open-roland-garros.jpg)
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/3d/fullj.d8be4ee3b79b693ae9b56f887c672972/d8be4ee3b79b693ae9b56f887c672972-getty-tennis-fra-open-roland-garros.jpg)
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 04, 2009, 12:42:53 PM
(http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/bridget/AustinPowers.jpg)
That's a Man Baby!
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 04, 2009, 01:00:03 PM
Stosur have some nice ones too but I've been a close admirer of Svetlana Kuznetsova. Another fantastic looking chick is Elena Dementieva.

One year I was at the US. Open hitting with some Junior players and this player walked up to me and asked if she could join us. I thought it was another Junior in the Open so I said, 'sureeee'. All the officials and everyone cleared the court of all the kids and told me its all yours. Start hitting with her and noticed a swarm of spectators right around the court oohing and ahhing at every shot. Played with her for about ten minutes and then another Playing Professional walked in an took over my spot to hit with the girl. Never thought anything of it untill the following day and saw the chic playing a semifinal match, I was totally blown away to recognise this to be the girl I was hitting with the day before, turned out to be Dementieva.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: WestCoast on June 04, 2009, 01:01:47 PM
Quote from: Andre on June 04, 2009, 12:33:12 PM
look at this Samantha Stosur muscles.
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/3d/fullj.d8be4ee3b79b693ae9b56f887c672972/d8be4ee3b79b693ae9b56f887c672972-getty-tennis-fra-open-roland-garros.jpg)
Quote from: Bitter on June 04, 2009, 12:42:53 PM
(http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/bridget/AustinPowers.jpg)
That's a Man Baby!
I concur
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: 100% Barataria on June 04, 2009, 05:54:16 PM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 04, 2009, 01:00:03 PM
Stosur have some nice ones too but I've been a close admirer of Svetlana Kuznetsova. Another fantastic looking chick is Elena Dementieva.

One year I was at the US. Open hitting with some Junior players and this player walked up to me and asked if she could join us. I thought it was another Junior in the Open so I said, 'sureeee'. All the officials and everyone cleared the court of all the kids and told me its all yours. Start hitting with her and noticed a swarm of spectators right around the court oohing and ahhing at every shot. Played with her for about ten minutes and then another Playing Professional walked in an took over my spot to hit with the girl. Never thought anything of it untill the following day and saw the chic playing a semifinal match, I was totally blown away to recognise this to be the girl I was hitting with the day before, turned out to be Dementieva.

Yuh eh pull de digits on de sly?
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 04, 2009, 06:44:50 PM
To this day man does gih me ole talk with that. ;D
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 04, 2009, 08:31:59 PM
Aye. Hear some wicked psychology Del Potro using on Federer. Everybody know he(Federer) does suffer from serious nerves so he waving the apple infront him. Ah love it. ;D

http://www.tennis.com/tournaments/2009/frenchopen/frenchopen.aspx?id=177334 (http://www.tennis.com/tournaments/2009/frenchopen/frenchopen.aspx?id=177334)
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: STEUPS!! on June 05, 2009, 08:26:35 AM
Quote from: kaliman2006 on June 03, 2009, 11:06:30 AM
Serena lorse.

There goes my interest in the women's singles.

there goes my interest in the entire tournament :-\
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: 100% Barataria on June 05, 2009, 08:41:00 AM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 04, 2009, 06:44:50 PM
To this day man does gih me ole talk with that. ;D

Small ting, yuh probably dodge a bullet.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 05, 2009, 08:56:36 AM
Don't blame Federer for Rafa's success

Fifteen years from now, Roger Federer will walk past the Grand Slam trophy case on the way to his study and glance at the voodoo doll of Tommy Haas propped up next to his 2009 French Open trophy.

Just a little extra reminder of the one he almost shanked away in a fourth-round match Monday.

For as well as Haas served, moved around the court and used a high kick on his returns -- which always has given Federer trouble on clay -- the real reason Federer nearly blew his chance to play someone other than Rafael Nadal on Sunday was the uncharacteristically high number of unforced mishits he sprayed around the court during the first two sets. Maybe it was the wind. Maybe he wasn't feeling himself. Or maybe the pressure of once again being considered the favorite at the tournament he wants to win most got to him. Whatever the reason, there could be no escaping the fact that, with his nemesis sitting poolside in Mallorca, this would be Federer's best shot in five years to complete a career Grand Slam.

At age 27, he hasn't run out of opportunities. But at 27, the opportunities aren't nearly as plentiful as they used to be.

However, even if Federer never wins at Roland Garros, he has done enough already to be considered one of the all-time greats on clay. Here's why.

When looking at players within the parameter of all-time greats, we should ask two simple questions: What did they win? Whom did they lose to?

With Federer, the latter obviously is key.

Since 2004, the only men to have beaten Federer at the French are four-time champion Nadal and three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten. Together, they have a 67-9 record in Paris, including Nadal's first loss at Roland Garros this week. If Federer makes it to the final for a fourth consecutive year, he will join Nadal, Ivan Lendl (three French titles) and Bjorn Borg (six) as the only players to do so. In a conversation about consistency on clay, to be mentioned in a group that owns 12 French Open titles among its players suggests you're more than just good on clay. Sure, he was bounced out of the first round in Paris three times early in his career. But the same thing happened at Wimbledon, and no one questions his place in history there.

Obviously, Federer has won Wimbledon. He hasn't won the French. But as he demonstrated against Haas -- down two sets to none, then 3-3 in the third -- Federer is every bit as resilient a champion on clay as he is on any other surface. To compare him to Sampras because neither has won the French is like comparing Rex Grossman to Dan Marino because neither won a Super Bowl. Sampras, who failed to win a tournament on clay in the last seven years of his career, was routinely beaten on the surface by myriad unseeded players. But Federer -- who beat Nadal to win the Madrid Open on clay last month, ending Rafa's 33-match clay winning streak -- isn't nearly as vulnerable. He was pushed by Haas, but he didn't break, and that's the mark of a champion.

If the French is the bar that defines clay greatness, consider Federer's 27-4 record since 2005, with all four losses coming at the hands of a man many consider to be the greatest clay player. It's not a stretch to say Federer would've eclipsed Sampras' record 14 major titles by now -- perhaps we would be wondering whether Roger could reach 20 -- had it not been for Nadal.

The cruel part of it all is that Nadal's early exit sort of places Federer in a no-win situation.

If he doesn't claim the French this year, not only his place in clay history but also his stake as the greatest player ever will be questioned. If he does win, it won't be against Nadal, so it will feel as if something is missing. As we saw in the five-setter against Haas, other players won't just hand over the title to Federer. But without defeating Rafa, there's a psychological asterisk stuck next to the eventual champion's name, as if he's only borrowing the title until next year. Kind of like when Richard Krajicek won Wimbledon in 1996, ending Sampras' streak at three. Sampras came back to win four more in a row from 1997 to 2000, relegating Krajicek to more of a hiccup than a Wimbledon champ. Or when Michael Jordan "retired" the first time, and then the Rockets grabbed a couple of championships. Sure, Hakeem Olajuwon was a great player, but when MJ captured a second three-peat, we saw Houston's success was more about who wasn't playing than who was.

But just as Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Karl Malone are still considered all-time greats despite not beating MJ in the NBA Finals, Federer already has established himself as one of the greatest clay players -- and ironically, he has the long history of getting his butt kicked by Nadal to thank for it.

Generally, players shouldn't be rewarded for coming in second. … But sometimes it's difficult to fault them when you see the guy in first.

LZ Granderson is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine and a regular contributor to Page 2. He can be reached at l_granderson@yahoo.com.

article here (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=granderson/090601&sportCat=tennis)
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 05, 2009, 11:18:13 AM
Federer down 2 sets to 1 in his semi now.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 11:25:33 AM
Quote from: daryn on June 05, 2009, 11:18:13 AM
Federer down 2 sets to 1 in his semi now.

Ah know, 1-1 in third. Ah hoping he f ight back.

Edit:2:19 :  4-3 Fed  5th set
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 05, 2009, 11:50:58 AM
5th set now.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:04:29 PM
Del Potro like he hit the wall.
Federer in complete control of the 4th and now 5th sets
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 05, 2009, 12:17:32 PM
5th set even now. 3-3.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:20:11 PM
Del Porto cracking up again.

Federer not looking solid at all, he have just enough to win.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:20:11 PM
Del Porto cracking up again.

Federer not looking solid at all, he have just enough to win.

Bitter you seeing the match or wah?
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:25:21 PM
6 - 4 Fed
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 05, 2009, 12:31:26 PM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:20:11 PM
Del Porto cracking up again.

Federer not looking solid at all, he have just enough to win.

Bitter you seeing the match or wah?

http://www.justin.tv/livesoccer_x_
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 05, 2009, 12:33:26 PM
Fed wins.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:37:04 PM
Quote from: daryn on June 05, 2009, 12:31:26 PM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:20:11 PM
Del Porto cracking up again.

Federer not looking solid at all, he have just enough to win.

Bitter you seeing the match or wah?

http://www.justin.tv/livesoccer_x_


Oh ho

This match almost went down to the wire. At least he pull through.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:39:45 PM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:22:00 PM
Quote from: Bitter on June 05, 2009, 12:20:11 PM
Del Porto cracking up again.

Federer not looking solid at all, he have just enough to win.

Bitter you seeing the match or wah?

The interwebs is the best!

I about to watch some cricket dey
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 12:41:33 PM
I have the site saved on my comp but I forget to check that oui. ;D
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: dwolfman on June 05, 2009, 02:56:12 PM
Soderling vs. Federer in the final. I didn't realise how good a record Fed has on clay.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 03:53:19 PM
Quote from: dwolfman on June 05, 2009, 02:56:12 PM
Soderling vs. Federer in the final. I didn't realise how good a record Fed has on clay.

Yeah man. For the last four years he's been in the French Final. Just the king has beaten him in those. Other than Nadal Federer has dismantled everyone embarrassingly.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: dwolfman on June 06, 2009, 02:30:57 PM
Quote from: pass(10trini) on June 05, 2009, 03:53:19 PM
Quote from: dwolfman on June 05, 2009, 02:56:12 PM
Soderling vs. Federer in the final. I didn't realise how good a record Fed has on clay.

Yeah man. For the last four years he's been in the French Final. Just the king has beaten him in those. Other than Nadal Federer has dismantled everyone embarrassingly.

I knew what he's managed at Roland Garros, it's what he's done in other clay court tournaments and his overall record on the surface that suprised me.

Safina still doesn't have a Grand Slam title losing 6-4, 6-2 to Kuznetsova. Men's final tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: sinned on June 07, 2009, 05:27:49 AM
federer has been magnificent on clay. if not solely for rafa nadal, federer would probably already have already won a few French titles and maybe considered the greatest clay court player of all time. he's definitely the best clay court player never to have won a french thus far.

hopefully that changes today. go roger!
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 07:21:21 AM
Federer looking focussed today.
I think Soderling is going down in straight sets.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 07:49:20 AM
Federer is mentally weak that is why I am not a fan! If Soderling finds a way tuh make him second guess him self watch him crumble. Blasted Soderling take out Nadal and this the sh!t he puttin down in the final. Tennis fans crazy yes! Federer's wife almost had the baby yes!
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 07:51:46 AM
Must have been a Nadal fan!
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 08:05:57 AM
Is 13 grand slams the man win, and you calling him mentally weak?
He seem to be plenty tough in the last few matches coming from behind.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 08:05:57 AM
Is 13 grand slams the man win, and you calling him mentally weak?
He seem to be plenty tough in the last few matches coming from behind.

How many of those grand slams did he come from behind to win? Is the same reason Nadal reduced him to tears plus is one of the reasons he has not been able to beat Nadal when he has fallen behind. Front runner, you plant doubt in his head and he loses confidence! He is a great player for all he has accomplshed but not the greatest- Nadal was the only competition he has gotten over the past 7-10 years. Sampras would have demolished him!
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 08:50:37 AM
Swiss teen Federer ends Sampras' Wimbledon run
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/2001/wimbledon/news/2001/07/02/wimbledon_monday_ap/

Sampras vs Federer on Wimbledon 2001:

Some stats about the historic match in the Round of 16. It was the only time they both met and since Sampras has retired, Federer holds a 1-0 lifetime head to head against him. Going into the match:

Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: fari on June 07, 2009, 10:15:04 AM
the man did it today...i made my lil 2 yr old son sit and watch championship point with me.  netjets had a commercial ready and waiting oui, it was funny too.   next month he have a chance to make it 15 at his favorite tournament...wimbledon.  stay tuned.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: TriniWoman11 on June 07, 2009, 10:45:22 AM
Did anyone see the attack?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw2-QCXVN2s
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: sinned on June 07, 2009, 10:56:12 AM
Quote from: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 08:05:57 AM
Is 13 grand slams the man win, and you calling him mentally weak?
He seem to be plenty tough in the last few matches coming from behind.

How many of those grand slams did he come from behind to win? Is the same reason Nadal reduced him to tears plus is one of the reasons he has not been able to beat Nadal when he has fallen behind. Front runner, you plant doubt in his head and he loses confidence! He is a great player for all he has accomplshed but not the greatest- Nadal was the only competition he has gotten over the past 7-10 years. Sampras would have demolished him!

I'm sorry but that's foolishness. Nadal is a great player who got the best of Federer. No one else has even come close to dominating Federer. 20 straight slam semis to prove it. Is it right to call someone a frontrunner because he's always in front - NO! He has been behind against some players and came back to win and it's only Nadal who has given him trouble. Look at this tournament and count the amount of times he came from behind.

Nadal beating Federer is not a confidence thing - Nadal's game has been and is better than Federer on clay. Nadal was in amazing form at the US and Wimbledon and both matches were tight. Don't mistake Federer's emotions for weakness. And don't be biased by the media bs.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 07, 2009, 11:06:04 AM
Quote from: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 08:05:57 AM
Is 13 grand slams the man win, and you calling him mentally weak?
He seem to be plenty tough in the last few matches coming from behind.

How many of those grand slams did he come from behind to win? Is the same reason Nadal reduced him to tears plus is one of the reasons he has not been able to beat Nadal when he has fallen behind. Front runner, you plant doubt in his head and he loses confidence! He is a great player for all he has accomplshed but not the greatest- Nadal was the only competition he has gotten over the past 7-10 years. Sampras would have demolished him!

so a man have to come from behind to win?  People does say the same thing about Tiger Woods: he never win a major he wasn't leading to start the last day.  

You making a circular argument: he win a lot of titles because he had no competition.   But the reason people does say he had no competition is that he didn't have any peers who win multiple titles.  This of course is because he was beating them going and coming etc etc etc.

Up until last season, only one man used to beat Federer and he could only do it on one surface.

talking about last season, it never had a tennis player so good that winning the US Open, making it to the finals of Wimbledon and the French and the semis of the Australian would be considered a down year.
  
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 07, 2009, 12:59:29 PM
Quote from: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 07:49:20 AM
Federer is mentally weak that is why I am not a fan! If Soderling finds a way tuh make him second guess him self watch him crumble. Blasted Soderling take out Nadal and this the sh!t he puttin down in the final. Tennis fans crazy yes! Federer's wife almost had the baby yes!

You may have some reasoning behind your statement but reason fans are so committed to seeing him complete the win is because he has played the game with such honour giving the sport the respect that everyone think it deserves. With that he is considered a great talent that many think they have never seen in their time, only Rod Laver or a guy called Pancho Gonsalves has dominated the sport the way he has. With that said Laver is still well behind him in consecutive finals. 
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 07, 2009, 01:14:08 PM
Quote from: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 08:35:41 AM
Quote from: Bitter on June 07, 2009, 08:05:57 AM
Is 13 grand slams the man win, and you calling him mentally weak?
He seem to be plenty tough in the last few matches coming from behind.

How many of those grand slams did he come from behind to win? Is the same reason Nadal reduced him to tears plus is one of the reasons he has not been able to beat Nadal when he has fallen behind. Front runner, you plant doubt in his head and he loses confidence! He is a great player for all he has accomplshed but not the greatest- Nadal was the only competition he has gotten over the past 7-10 years. Sampras would have demolished him!

He had occasions where he's been tested and came out victorious to win championships. Such realised talent is hardly threatened when at it best. Everyone knows when Nadal back him on a wall he has rarely come through shining.Every top player has had a person or two that has been their bogey. Just that a particular style may not suite you. You can't discredit the performance because he was present when no one else was. The fact that he made the final says he was up to the challengers. If Nadal was unable to be there it was his loss.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 07, 2009, 01:20:44 PM
PARIS (AP) -- Pete Sampras says Roger Federer already earned the title of best tennis player in history, even before winning the French Open.

Sampras tells The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Los Angeles that he's happy for Federer, who won his first championship at Roland Garros on Sunday. It's Federer's 14th Grand Slam singles title, tying Sampras' record.

Says Sampras: "I'm sure he's going to go on and win a lot more."

Sampras retired after winning the 2002 U.S. Open.

Says Sampras: "Now that he's won in Paris, I think it just more solidifies his place in history as the greatest player that played the game, in my opinion."
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on June 07, 2009, 02:19:24 PM
fed has de potential to win at least 20 gran slam titles.he became de 6th man to have won all 4 major events.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: daryn on June 07, 2009, 06:02:59 PM
I wonder how much Fed does get paid to remember to put on the watch for the cameras before lifting the trophy.

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/writers/jon_wertheim/06/07/french.open.wrapup/roger-federer-1.jpg)
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: weary1969 on June 07, 2009, 10:19:25 PM
Quote from: daryn on June 07, 2009, 01:20:44 PM
PARIS (AP) -- Pete Sampras says Roger Federer already earned the title of best tennis player in history, even before winning the French Open.

Sampras tells The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Los Angeles that he's happy for Federer, who won his first championship at Roland Garros on Sunday. It's Federer's 14th Grand Slam singles title, tying Sampras' record.

Says Sampras: "I'm sure he's going to go on and win a lot more."

Sampras retired after winning the 2002 U.S. Open.

Says Sampras: "Now that he's won in Paris, I think it just more solidifies his place in history as the greatest player that played the game, in my opinion."

Big on u Pete
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: dwolfman on June 08, 2009, 09:49:51 AM
Quote from: giggsy11 on June 07, 2009, 08:35:41 AM
How many of those grand slams did he come from behind to win? Is the same reason Nadal reduced him to tears plus is one of the reasons he has not been able to beat Nadal when he has fallen behind. Front runner, you plant doubt in his head and he loses confidence! He is a great player for all he has accomplshed but not the greatest- Nadal was the only competition he has gotten over the past 7-10 years. Sampras would have demolished him!
Doesn't the fact that only the one player has dominated him (and that only recently) seal his place as one of if not the greatest? He's so good that no one else even gets a chance to get out in front, it is a mark of his ability. If what he's done is so easy then more people would be doing it and he'd be losing far more matches.

As for different generation time period that is and there will always be speculation as to who was better than who. Now that he's done Sampras is remembered as almost infallible, but there were times in his career where he was critisized for a variety of things and it was generally only at Wimbledon that he was considered unbeatable. Federer has been considered unbeatable on all surfaces, except when playing Nadal. You don't have to be a fan of the man to appreciate that he's a great in his own right.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: dwolfman on June 08, 2009, 10:39:20 AM
What Roger Federer hasn't accomplished (http://msn.foxsports.com/tennis/story/9656032/What-Roger-Federer-hasn't-accomplished-yet) yet.  ;D
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: capodetutticapi on June 08, 2009, 04:23:11 PM
fed great and in time to come will become even greater.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: richpy on June 08, 2009, 05:27:45 PM
Right.

Pressha off now.

Thunder between Federer and Nadal now!
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 08, 2009, 07:26:15 PM
Quote from: richpy on June 08, 2009, 05:27:45 PM
Right.

Pressha off now.

Thunder between Federer and Nadal now!

IF he can get over his injury. It has been rumoured that he may not be playing Wimbledon 09 anymore becuase of an unknown knee problem. It is said the doctors can't figure what is causing the injury.
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: dwolfman on June 09, 2009, 09:01:43 AM
Isn't he having problems with both knees?
Title: Re: 2009 French Open.
Post by: pass(10trini) on June 09, 2009, 09:55:38 AM
Quote from: dwolfman on June 09, 2009, 09:01:43 AM
Isn't he having problems with both knees?

I'm thinking so. He always has the knees wrapped.
1]; } ?>