Fall 2008. These are days you awaken feeling strangely uneasy, unsettled—not quite sure whether what you’re sensing is the result of a disturbing dream or a replica of reordered reality. Then, it hits you full force as you feint your way through the early morning fog…
Roger Federer is no longer the ATP No. 1 player. Steady now, it had to happen one day, you remind yourself.
You whisper…Roger Federer—World No. 2…hard to say and even more difficult to swallow. Definitely, it is not welcomed, even though inevitable—like birth and death. It is akin to being dumped by your soul mate after 4½ years of a torrid romance.
The lingering loss stuns your soul—like dropping the baton during the anchor exchange of the 4 x 100 when you’re leading—like rain and darkness interrupting play on Centre Court when you have momentum— like being forced to watch never-ending commentary by Brad Gilbert as he describes with orgasmic delight the propensities of Nadal: the man and his game…
But now is not the time to find nobility in stepping aside. Now is the time to gird your loins and mercilessly battle to survive as tennis king of the mountain. Being second will never be good enough for Roger…he fought his way to the top before and once there, made sure he stayed 4½ years.
He will scale the heights again and claim that prized No. 1 ranking, because it is there and it represents a challenge!
Rafa fought like a demented matador to overtake Roger, because the record books will never be kind to someone who was never ranked No. 1!
Even though Rafa reiterated that he was perfectly content as No. 2—that Roger was the best ever and always the player to beat—it had to have eaten away at his inspired Hispanic heart to play second fiddle to a man he defeated regularly.
Nadal was No. 2 for over three years and felt time was slipping away from him. There were other younger players nipping at his sore knees, breathing down his neck, and endangering his hold as one of two at the top.
Early in 2008, Nadal wasn’t exactly scorching up the tennis courts with his hard court campaign! The pundits were already touting Novak Djokovic as the new No. 2 man.
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3 months ago
Let's look at how Roger's $40M in career earnings compare with some other earnings...
He actually made $35M in 2007 and may be about $30M in 2008.
Only until about 2004 or even 2005 Agassi (about to retire) was making more than then #1 Roger. Beckam makes more than Roger consistently.
Tiger Woods made $110M in 2007. He is projected to be a Billionaire by 2010 or 2011.
Top football, basketball and baseball players in the US make around $40M/year in earnings and endorsements.
CEO's and top executives make $15M to $200M a year. Their only talent is to maneouvre their way to the top where the cash till is. There are tens of thousands of them in the world in contrast with just one Roger on this planet.
Let's look at Wall Street. The top five investment banks doled out $35B (yes, Billion) in bonuses (yes, just bonuses) in just one year. Some got bonuses in billions.
The moral of the story is that Roger is way underpaid for his talent. Not that he needs or wants more.
from 3 months ago
Hi TennisMasta1 - You are right, of course, and it is an important point of departure--something that needs to be discussed...everything is relative, as you point out. Thanks for the feedback...I should have considered it before stating my assumptions...jaa
3 months ago
that's what a little faith can do! roger didn't disappoint himself and his fans. talking about the way he played the Olympic doubles quarter-finals against India was as if India were fighting a lost battle and when the swiss team won the gold, it felt very vindicative after his 4th round loss....now i am just hoping that he not only equals Pistol Pete's record but also surpasses it !!!!
from 3 months ago
I loved the doubles competition--not being a follower of doubles. You could see Roger's energy level and determination ratched up...2009 will be his defining year. I am hoping for him, as well. jaa
3 months ago
ok - if this was the first time i read your work - i would ve done the usual honors. 5+POTD
but I think this is the first time - am glittering any of your work lesser than that - i deserving'ly gave this 4 starz
here is why
the article in itself - was excellent, as always, made note of two lines, i loved
here were other younger players nipping at his sore knees,
A lesser champion would have caved, curled up like burnt parchment
i do have a counterpoint - once someone has been at the summit, it fails to hold the same importance anymore, ask MA-SHA, Serena or anyone whos been there - they value slams more than the no. 1 in itself
its a one time gig, the next time, 1 or 2 just is a number - at this point in his career, am sure Rodge holds a slam (even better - roland garros) at higher stead than no.1
2 isnt a problem - 3 is, because you meet rafa that one round earlier .... that a death spiral, thats how lleyton kept going downwards because he kept meeting rodge that one round earlier
---------------------------
nonetheless,
ive always been honest with you right - only reasonf ro 4 starz
you are one of the most unique exemplary writers ive had the privilege of meeting, but a product is held in high stead, only if its existent in the market at the right amounts
over-flooding the market with the same product - will only decrease its value
besides, i think you are such a terrific writer, that you owe it to yourself and branch out and write about other things, other than Rodge
I love his game as much as anyone too .... but i would love for you to branch out and write tennis (and not just rodge)
6/8 articles are about him ....
just a lil' something i want you to think about
cheers
PS - i'll keep playing temp editor until they come through
3 months ago
i rally do hope you took what i felt in the stride .... the last thing i want is to sound negative or discouraging
cheers
from 3 months ago
Hey Long - Yeah, a little disappointed but certainly understand your point of view. I loved this place because I could write, at last, about what moved me. That, I understand, is not the underlying point of this site--which is to discuss tennis. Poetry, after all, is emotion and language. This is journalism and not poetry...sports sells, poetry doesn't...I know.
I will think about what you said and come down...slowly...
The sun is still shining and the Madrid Masters starts Monday...jaa
from 3 months ago
no - thats not my intention at all .... but sit back with a cappuccino (or red -whatever is your favorite drink) .... and think about it
and whichever decision you come up with - i 'll go with that
there is tremendous potential untapped - tap it ....
from 3 months ago
we took care of your read count for this on hah !
from 3 months ago
It is a problem--I spend too much time in Rogerland...one of those incurable fans. I have chastised myself often about this ridiculous preoccupation!! The problem there is too many people talking at the same time!
This forum at least required form and objectivity! You have to approach the material broadly...or at least from a broader perspective. I love writing. I can write about anything. So I'll tell you what I will do--I will write about women's tennis...I'm not quite sure what the point will be...maybe Sharapova--maybe the Henin-Clisters retirements. I am not a fan of the Serbs but that could be residue from Djokovic. Actually I am a bigger fan of men's tennis...but, that is ok...
By the way..what is "HAH?" read count?
Any other thoughts?? jaa
from 3 months ago
you were worried that not many people read your work last time around
this time its almost 1000 - thats cos last time, it never really came out of the factory
please do write about Rodge, i would hate for you to not do that, but broaden .... thats all am asking
if youa re very uncomfortable - me dont wanna emphasize this issue - you gotta feel comfortable doing it
you know what - you wont be able to stop it though, if you like someone as much as you do Rodge, you would wak up one day and start writing - thats the way it goes
cheers - let me know what you think -
from 3 months ago
do whatever you feel MOST comfortable with - but just think about it
from 3 months ago
It is OK - actually sometimes I just go where the words take me. I start out writing about one thing, and along the way find something else more interesting...not very well disciplined, I'm afraid. But don't worry--I'll keep writing...jaa
3 months ago
I felt that Roger was magnificient during 2008. He never gave up and fought back when it seemed everyone was against him. You captured the struggle...great piece. Thanks Maggie
from 3 months ago
Thanks, Maggie...you are kind to comment! jaa
3 months ago
Here is a thought - the final 8 in Shanghai; a springboard into 2009? Prediction piece. Maybe Long would like that? Although, I love reading about Roger! Maggie
from 3 months ago
Sounds interesting...aren't you interested in trying it? jaa
from 3 months ago
JA - thought this might be more your thing! Hope you give it a try. maggie
from 3 months ago
I am thinking about writing this but hardly know where to begin. I am not a writer! Help! maggie
3 months ago
as they say, Never let your Optimism wane. Its a Virtue as necessary as its valuable...
and One thing is for sure, Roger Federer is simply not going to remain at the World Number 2 position for long, that is inevitable, like it or not. This guy KNOWS what it takes to be up there, what it takes o STAY up there and more importanly, come next year, he will know exactly what will hurt the World Number 1, exactly how much the World Number 1 has to scramble to etain his ranking.If anyone is going to make life hell for Nadal next year, I believe, it will be Federer
also If anyone, He has got the weapons to Hurt Nadal on all surfaces. All this time, he has had it. He has been unable to use them effectively mainly because he is the world Number 1, U are expected to win everytime, everywhere, against everyone, On even the surface which you cannot call your best. In a way, U are expected to win on the most unfavourable conditions consistently. This doesnt apply to every Number 1, It applies to this genius from Switzerland who has changed the dynamics of the sport completely...
But come 2009, Its going to be Nadal under the Radar, It will be Federer who will be the Challenger, and Nadal will have to defend bucketloads, this time as the One who is expected to win. Will he be able to do it? As for Federer, There is no question of his energy, That he will have from his compettitiveness and willpower... Nor about his skill or Character, He has proved it over the years. Not even his relevance in the sport today, US open Closed the Issue. But Will Federer, who is not necessarily past his prime, But definitely not in the ripe of it, be physically 'fit' enough? I believe yes for the latter, He is a Clever guy, he is taking a break from the sport at just the right moment.
As for the First Qn...lets Wait and watch.
from 3 months ago
Hi GilRush--from your mouth to God's ear...what you say is so right on...right to the quick. I guess I am impatient, waiting for it to begin and praying it goes the way we have visualized! Some very interesting observations...thanks for sharing! jaa
3 months ago
When I read your stuff it is like hearing myself talking. I read your articles and liked them very much. Hope to see you write more. I am a big Roger fan, too. And, I used to like Borg! Look forward to more. solo
from 3 months ago
Hi h...Borg and Federer--quite a duo - for their fans. We may get to see them play doubles in November unless Roger decides to call it quits for the year, especially after the Year End Masters Cup Championships in Shanghai! Let's hope there is plenty to write about from now until Australia! jaa
from 2 months ago
It will be great to Roger play again in Madrid--sure hope he wins it all! solo
3 months ago
jaa-I read your poem! Federer-nobody does it better and loved it. Glad to find you here, too. Just let me stand up and cheer that we have you writing about Roger as long as it lasts! Big fan here!
from 3 months ago
Hi Rege - I thought it was pretty gauche to try to publish my tribute to Federer after the US Open...but, I gave it a shot. Pretty much ignored, as I suspected...so thanks for the acknowledgement! Love to write about the Federer...jaa
from 3 months ago
hey, my pleasure! rege
from 2 months ago
I think Roger is starting his climb this week! Great to see him back in Madrid. Wouldn't you say?
from 2 months ago
I think Roger is starting his climb this week! Great to see him back in Madrid. Wouldn't you say?
3 months ago
Here's why I'll never stop reading your works on Federer ever...coz your writing is just magic ... lyrical.. poetic ... majestic .. hypnotic and what not! I dont have adequate words to describe your writing!
Nothing really to say about the article... your writing leaves me spellbound and speechless!
Keep writing!
5 stars!
from 3 months ago
Thank you so much--it means a great deal to me to win your approval. I've waited a long time to find such an audience! You, too! jaa
3 months ago
you know, when i read this article, i found myself reminiscing about all of these events and the part where you have written,'you whisper,....' i found it hard to believe then and and am still finding it hard to believe.the emotions with which you have written your article, they are something that i can co-relate with. a very nice article.....[actually a great article!]
from 3 months ago
Wow - thanks so much for this...I will treasure it. Roger and his tennis invite emotion and I am so grateful to be part of his support system...a very small part...jaa
2 months ago
really think you write so well - such a way with words. it seems to me that you are one of roger federer's most passionate fans. You are undoubtedly the most passionate i have ever read.
as a nadal fan i am fascinated by the depth of the federer fan's love for federer, and disillusioned and confused by the same fan's need to dismantle nadal. i can't say my admiration for and delight in nadal's accomplishments and talents involves an equal disdain for federer's.
but if i do not understand or agree with your opinions in all cases, i am first a great fan of your writing and so i would love to read more. maybe something not about federer? or with a different angle on him?
from 2 months ago
It is disappointing that someone writing here cannot be more objective. If I step back I do admire what Nadal has accomplished. He is, and will be a champion for years to come. As a fan of Roger's I have to look at Nadal's campaign as an assault. I must come down on Roger's side.
It is competition. It engenders passion. Just as I cheer loudly for my college football team and have nothing good to say about the opposition--the same applies here. I have heard Nadal fans say unfavorable things about Roger--it is all natural.
But you are right. Roger never makes degrading remarks about Nadal. He respects his opponent and Nadal is always very complimentary about the Swiss maestro. I shall try to cloak my inner demons and be more sensitive to everyone's feelings...thanks for your comments...I hope you keep reading...jaa
from 2 months ago
I think it is part of the sport's world to praise what we like and to denigrate what gets in the way of our man or woman or team winning. Maybe we need to be kinder. But as a fan of Roger, it is hard not to dislike Nadal - or at least what he does- which stops Federer from winning!
from 2 months ago
Hi Rege - I agree...but, we do need to be more sensitive, I guess. If the players are civil, the fans should be, too! jaa
2 months ago
J.A. i finally read all of the comments here - after i wrote mine. your articles about federer are inspired and passionate and that's good. i realize i am being selfish when i ask you to write about something else. it's not you at all - it's just that there is so much written about federer everywhere that i crave something else.
i can really relate to this: "It is a problem--I spend too much time in Rogerland...one of those incurable fans. I have chastised myself often about this ridiculous preoccupation!!" Replace "Rogerland" with Rafaland" and you've got me. i am quiet about it, however, because friends and family tend to be federer fans. And as you can see, i'm not really comfortable with, as Rege put it, "the sport's world [tendency] to praise what we like and to denigrate what gets in the way of our man or woman or team winning."
Thank you for your comments and for the great articles. i will keep reading.
2 months ago
Hi Ivy - You know we all have our favorites for whatever reason. I think my decision to write at all came from writing inside Roger's fan site. I realized I did have some ability that I wanted to test. What I have to realize is that it is different writing for Roger's fans than it is in writing for everyone. As a fan - I can understand your preference.
I am trying to write about other topics as I can. It has been good for me to test my objectivity. My passion for Federer will always be there...and hopefully, there will be other times to write about Roger and his world! Thanks for your very special comments...it means alot to me! jaa
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