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After all the fuss we were left with Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic playing for “player of the year” honors at the 2008 Master’s Series Championship Tournament in Shanghai...

Lady Luck Deserts Roger Federer...Again

by J.A. Allen (Columnist)

80

1472 reads

Opinion

November 16, 2008


After all the fuss we were left with Nikolay Davydenko and Novak Djokovic playing for “player of the year” honors at the 2008 Master’s Series Championship Tournament in Shanghai. 

 

I wonder how many pundits picked this pairing to conclude events.

 

I would lay odds that these two were not projected into the final round, however, Djokovic was the likely player to emerge from the gold group.  Regardless, this final was an anti-climax to an excruciating week for tennis fans and particularly for Roger Federer fans.

 

It is no surprise that Djokovic won 6-1, 7-5.  The ATP tried to exaggerate the importance of the victory by categorizing it as “devastating.”  The only “devastating” thing about the tournament occurred on Friday. 

 

Approximately one week before, Roger Federer was forced to withdraw in Paris with a bad back.  This occurred the same day that Rafael Nadal had to forfeit his match with Nikolay Davydenko after losing the first set 6-1. 

 

Nadal’s knees would not stand up for further competition.  Roger gifted James Blake a walk-over into the semis in Paris.  Tournament officials at this Paris Masters event referred to this as “Black Friday” as both top seeds packed it in.

 

Since Nadal had sewn up the year-end number one ranking, he opted not to partake in the season-ending festivities in Shanghai.  Roger, on the other hand, packed his back brace and headed east.

 

There was still business to conclude.  He was, after all, the defending champion.  He hoped to equal Pete Sampras and Ivan Lendl in winning his fifth Master’s Championship crown and he wanted to sure up his number two ranking.    

 

It was one more week until the end.  Maybe he thought he could muster up enough strength and energy to go through and win.  His theme song became “luck be a lady tonight.” 

 

The draws came out.  Roger, the number one seed, was grouped with Gilles Simon, Andy Murray, and Andy Roddick in the red group.  Novak Djokovic, the number two seed in the gold group, drew Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Nikolay Davydenko and Juan Del Potro. 

 

Lady luck had taken a powder, although at this stage in his career and at this time of year, it really did not matter to Federer who he played. 

 

All participants were top 10 players and all capable of defeating him, but it would have been to his advantage to play the entourage gifted to Djokovic because he had beaten all of those guys regularly.

 

So Djokovic stormed through his round robin matches, stumbling only once to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, one of the new French forces to be reckoned with.  Davydenko also managed to win his way through, losing only to Djokovic. 

 

In the meantime, Roger had his hands full and because of his back, he could not practice going all out, especially serving, as he tried to stretch his potential playing fitness. 

 

When he met Gilles Simon, he began well, winning the first set, but he could not sustain his effort as Simon increased his.  Roger lost in three sets 6-4, 4-6, and 3-6. 

 

When Roddick pulled out with a bad ankle, it was a gift from the tennis gods and Roger was able to defeat Radek Stepanek, Roddick's replacement, in straight sets 7-6, 6-4.

 

The turning point of the tournament came on Friday when Roger faced a red-hot Andy Murray.  He needed to win to move on. Murray was already guaranteed his place in the sun—should I say, in the semis!

 

Luckily, Roger could summon his “A” game.  He played a magnificent match and took the first set from an often befuddled Murray 6-4.  The game was afoot.

 

In the second set, Roger fell behind 2-5 but clawed his way back to a tie breaker.  Roger employed serve and volley against the staid Scott and kept him reeling from a constant assault.  Unfortunately for Roger, the tie-break went Murray’s way and Andy evened the match with one set each. 

 

At this point in the match, Roger called the trainer to work on his back that was progressively tightening.  It soon became impossible for Roger to serve effectively. 

 

Murray quickly went up 3-0 in the final set.  The crowd solidly behind Federer, watched the champion closely, wondering if he might concede for the first time in his career.  He did not.

 

Instead he leveled the third and final set at three games each.  With his first serve wanting and with all the pain he was enduring, Federer finally fell to Murray on his own serve after staving off eight match points.  Murray took the final set 7-5. 

 

Roger’s heroic efforts created the match of the week.  Murray was playing against a wounded Federer and still had to stretch his considerable skills to win. 

 

In the end the win cost Murray and he lost to Davydenko the next day in the semi-finals.

 

So Djokovic won without a serious challenge from anyone, but that’s the way it goes sometimes when lady luck sits in your corner.

 

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80 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. J.A. Allen 7 months ago

    Hey Rege - where did you read this news--I would be interested in tracking this down for an article down the road, unless you are working on something along these lines?? Let me know! jaa

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  2. Vinny Do 7 months ago

    federer says he won't play exhos no more for the next few years; it's only the grand slam tournaments now; he should have rested the rest of the year from paris onwards; injuries starting to creep in; that's no good

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      I think he did it just to stay ahead of Djokovic...what is he like 10 points ahead? If that is important and it seems to be to Roger, anyway! Yeah, it was painful to watch the end of the year after his back deserted him! But i do think he is set to honor his commitment to Borg and McEnroe...we shall see. Hey, good to hear from you, Vinny! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      shuda wulda coulda ... 20-20 is a great vision !

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  3. Alex Ferguson 7 months ago

    Andy Murray's been 2008's player of the year. Hands down. Can't wait for Australia.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Andy has been the best since the Open...but prior to that you have to give the nod to Nadal. He stormed through the clay season and Wimbledon and took the Olympics. Murray will be the next best, once Roger steps aside...

      I, too, am looking forward to Australia--so much at stake and so many exciting young players--but, I am stuck on Federer and want 2009 to be his!! jaa

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    • Vinny Do 7 months ago

      nadal for player of the year! fed-tie-murray-tie-djokovic how can someone be player of the year without a slam?? newcomer of the year: Tsonga

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      agree -

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Yes - I love Tsonga, too. Fun to watch and he has all the tickets! jaa

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  4. Long John Silver 7 months ago

    i kinda wud take a different stance ....

    why - here is why

    when Joker won the Masters year ending c-ships - I dont know how to exactly place this article in the larger scheme of things - because

    this article speaks about everythin other than the meat in the sandwich (Joker) ... it leaves the espresso and talks about the whipped cream

    in the sense - today is about Joker, and with all due respect, I dont particularly care why lady luck did to Roger

    Joker did play Jo-Willie who beat him - and for all purposes cost him No.2 - i wud say thats bad luck, i wud say thats competition

    again - the protagonist of the article is what I have a problem with ... we wont speak about Santa Claus on Halloween now do we

    cheers - wonderful effort

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      I just knew you would take issue with my point of view which is ok. I don't mind. I happen to believe that the real story of the tournament was Murray vs Federer and not Davydenko vs Djokovic - which as you and Rob pointed out was no contest really...hence, no story...nothing but an empty coffee cup to speak about...

      Sometimes the last man standing isn't the real issue or the focal point. So Rob will write his article about the smug and difficult Djokovic and you will cheer about it and feel he has done the right thing. Right? I just struck the first blow so that you all will have a target! Get it--I get to say what I want and you can be critical and we both win!! I didn't think you would ever get here! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      sure - the focal point can be whatever you want it to be

      but if you are gonna claim Rodge was unlucky

      i certainly have a point in arguing the same for Joker -

      its not smugness, i mean Joker did win

      i certainly wud think he is unlucky cos he was one single win away from capturing no. 2

      and relegating fed to 3 - possibly even causing him to meet rafa in semis in OZ

      so - we have to agree to disagree on that one

      you always knew Niko isnt gonna do **** ! Niko never does

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      i do like all of em ... hence its easier for me than you

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Long - I like them all, too. I really do. I think I am being perfectly objective here by stating that Federer was the story in this tournament. I don't dislike Djokovic, or Nadal or Murray. How could I and still like tennis??? I just happen to favor Federer at this point in time...well since 2001!

      But I try hard...with you to show me the way. jaa

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    • Rob York 7 months ago

      Well, the joke's on you: my piece isn't really about Djokovic!

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      So - who?? Will i see it soon? jaa

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Thanks for calling this a "wonderful effort." I do appreciate that...jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      i did really cry - after reading your work jaa ...(where is my Kleenex )

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Did you really cry? Or are you being a bit sarcastic, again...there was nothing in this to cry about--you are driving me crazy!! jaa

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  5. karen wilson 7 months ago

    JA, totally agree with you that the real story of the tournament was Muzza vs ROG. He almost pulled off that miracle that he spoke about the day before. Seeing him pull even having been down 2-5 in the second was just unbelievable; heartbreaking to see him "felled" with a trainer in the third and seemingly contemplating withdrawal although later hearing his comments : "I NEVER QUIT - maybe if you hit me between the eyes" and then going on to play the most jaw dropping shots; saving 6 match points and levelling at 5-5 !!!

    This had to be the match and the story of the tournament.

    Here's hoping ROG will rest that aching back and weary body and come back fresher than ever in 2009 and keep all those baying wolves at bay !!

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      i do agree thats - thats the match of the tour.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Yes!! thank you for agreeing with me! the rest of the tournament as far as drama is concerned was like chewing air!! Federer was the real story and even though Djokovic won, he provided no drama and inspired no great stories!! He had the path of least resistance paved for him, and he still couldn't win the one game that mattered!! Thanks, Karen! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      some of Sampras' wimbledon victories have been no drama one

      Fed won Hewitt 6-0 7-6 6-0 in 05 Open final

      how is it - that when a player you like crushes the opposition - its stellar

      when a player whom not many people crush the opposition - its undramatic

      least resistance for Joker - gotta be kiddin me .... rodge isnt the real story of the tour. am sorry to burst your bubble -

      Joker is -

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      remember this comment then - everytime when rodge wins a tour. w/o defeating raf, (esp. the french), joker and andy

      this one comment will come back to hurt you

      path of least resis - thats right - jo-willie is cake and joker devises his own draws, the last i heard

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Well Long - we shall have to respectfully disagree on this one...that's all right...i respectfully disagree with most people about some things...you can write a rebuttal - although I think Rob is writing something about this grand victory...then i can disagree with him or you!! we make the world go round! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      yep -

      agree to disagree .... i do sincerely think Joker is the tag - you think Rodge

      fair enough -

      but do remember - than when i oppose you, i dont do it for the sake of it or I dont like rodge (i love rodge), but when i oppose, i do truly believe in what i say

      not meaningless

      cheers

      ps: am going to quantum of solace tonight - cant wait !

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  6. Vinny Do 7 months ago

    djokovic doesn't deserve 1.24 million!

    i don't care what anyone says!

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Wow - that is alot of change! I agree with you! Spread the wealth around! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      yeah - and thats easy to say sitting your sweet couch !

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Hmm- thought you would appreciate that - of all people, Long! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      that was for Vinny - not you -

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    • Vinny Do 7 months ago

      I don't like the couch Long and like i said 'i don't care what anyone says' he doesn't deserve 1.24 million! well - no player does for beating a few other players really, but hey that's professional sports, but have you made a dollar from playing tennis? can you really say that djokovic is 1.24 million times better than you?? keke or say you make 600 bucks a week, can you say that he is 5000 times better at his job than you are at yours??

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  7. karen wilson 7 months ago

    Joker was the winner of the tournament. THE STORY and the HERO of the tourney was hands down ROG!

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  8. karen wilson 7 months ago

    FOREVER ROGER !!!!!

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  9. Rob York 7 months ago

    I don't disagree with you that Federer's status was the most compelling storyline of the week, and that his match with Murray was the crescendo. The title, though, suggests that somehow Federer has been a victim of bad luck time and time again. This year he did get a toughest draw, but last year his opponents were Gonzalez, Roddick and Davydenko, whom he had a combined record of 35-1 against.

    Didn't see anyone complaining then.

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      thats PRECISELY my point

      many a times, when rodge has been handed decent draws - no one complained otherwise right

      its not fair to do it now .... but fed fans are passionate, i realise that, but there is a thin line between reason and passion

      completely agree RY ! DEFINITELY not buying this 'martyr' argument from jaa on this one

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    • Rob York 7 months ago

      Virtually all players get more tired and injured more frequently as they approach 30, and that was bound to happen to Federer eventually. With 13 majors and four years as No. 1, Lady Luck doesn't seem to have "deserted" him more than any other player.

      No one should take away from Federer's accomplishments, nor do we need to take away from others. Djokovic played the best over a five-match period: he deserved the title.

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      COMPLETELY AGREE ON THE fact that it is unfair to say Joker had a soft draw ..... just not the case - jo-willie is not easy

      if it wasnt for that - like i told in my latest article, joker might ve got to no.2 if it wasnt that game

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Ahh, what can i say to sway you - obviously not much - but, if you take the year as a whole, it has been one where just a little luck on Roger's side might have made all the difference in the world. His bout with mono, his close matches with Nadal, his draws, and finally his weariness....lady luck was not nestled in his lap this year...that is all i was trying to say...

      he had so much to accomplish this year and so little room to maneuver...luck vacated...

      and i know that other players faced similar situations...Ancic, Hewitt were ill and injured...luck not there for them, either...

      i wasn't trying to comment on anything other than Roger's fate this year--it was not a general treatise on the tennis scene...it was a slice, one view, and i invite rebuttal - you write your slice, your view...that is all i ask...jaa
      Rob - can't wait to read yours!

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      jaa - just because we are contradicting you, it does not mean ... that me and rob are doing it for fun

      we do actually believe in the counter-point -

      so the hands off statement of - you writers yours and me mine - wont do anything

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Hey Long - you sound so put out--I thought we were having fun here...believe me, i take you seriously. always have, always will....jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      no - not put off ... am hardly put off

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      You are really confusing me here! Not fair--to be too obtuse...i gottal see where you stand really! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      ohh no jaa -

      i guess since ive only been slapstick and super sarcastic in the f-1 house - its confusing you

      you can say, tell, argue - absolutely anything with me - i might completely disagree with you too

      but please always keep in mind .... very little things in the world piss me off

      will always be fine, thats why you never see me making this whole song and dance about wanting to leave, because someone called me names or anything like that

      cheers -

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      i did respond to your comments on my article just now too -

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Ok Long - but please, do not call me names! Unless they're nice names...soothing names...jaa

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  10. TennisMasta1 7 months ago

    Murray said:
    "Nadal's had one of the best years in tennis over the last 20 years and he's (Roger) still not that far behind him. He's maybe lost a few more matches than normal but it's not totally surprising. Normally he loses like seven matches a year, which is ridiculous."

    Folks, it is not like Roger was fully fit and played as well as he normally does and Nadal still overtook him.
    It speaks to the greatness of Roger that Nadal needed "one of the best years in tennis over the last 20 years" and Roger his "worst in five years" for Nadal to overtake Roger. No one talks about it.

    Despite Djokovic, Murray and others playing so well, Roger is still #2. That's simply incredible. If you just read all that stuff in the press and didn't follow the rankings you'd probably think that Roger fell off the top 10 or even the 20.

    The best matches of the year involve Roger. He has to be the greatest warrior in tennis. Despite his poor record (we all know that the last thing he does is choke, so it must be terrible luck indeed) in close matches he still fights like no one else. Look at the scorelines in his losses. Eventually the law of averages will come into play and Roger will win some very close matches against these young pretenders. But chances are if he is feeling well he will simply win his matches comfortably and doesn't need the luck other players need to win.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Welcome to the debate--I was hoping you would chime in because i always agree with you!! Your points are excellent as usual and I am so glad you made them.

      The piece wasn't in depth--it was closure for me and for Fed's fans...perhaps, not objective, enough for my boss!! He gives me a hard time but then i keep him on his toes!

      I am so sorry that i slept through all of this conversation! When i left, all was quiet and i had lost my spot on google!

      Roger has been the story of the year--despite Nadal's worthy and excellent ascension to the top. Your remark earlier in another article about search results and how many Federer tolls is a story in and of itself.

      The more he loses, the more fans embrace him...they sense the turmoil and the struggle and they want to help him over the top...storybook stuff...tugs at my heart strings...jaa

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    • Rob York 7 months ago

      This is an interesting point, because Federer fans ought to emphasize what their man has accomplished this year. His worst GS result this year was a semi ... then two more finals and a 5th straight US Open at a time when people were actually starting to bet against him. Yes, he had a rough year, but that was bound to happen to him sooner or later, and he rose to the challenge. You can blame mono and bad luck for him not winning more, or you can stress his perseverance through it all.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Hey Rob - I agree, it is time to point to all of Roger's accomplishments. That is what he is doing now that his year is over...concentrating on the positives. I will try that tact, as well...move forward and forgo pity! Right! jaa

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  11. karen wilson 7 months ago

    Don't think anyone is trying to portray ROG as a "martyr". They said he started feeling poorly around Xmas time; he managed to make it all the way to the SF in AO - this despite the fact that it turned out he was suffering from Mono. The results, by ROG's standards, were "poor" thoughout the season though just about any other player would have been overjoyed to have reached so many finals/SF. As Paganini has said, ROG was never able to practice the way he was accustomed and was ALWAYS playing catch up. ROG never complains when he loses; doesn't blame anything or anyone else. Frustratingly, the press and media are always quickly ready to "bury him".

    After Basel, where ROG was playing magnificently, his back let him down and sadly did not allow him to commence Shanghai with his usual freedom and free-flowing game.

    Not trying to make excuses and certainly ROG isn't either, but without the "bad luck medical probs" of 2008, we just might have seen a different result in Shanghai.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Yes, Karen, you have hit the nail on the head exactly...Roger is not making excuses for his performance or for his lack of luck. He feels he played his best and that is good enough for him! But when I saw his draw this year - I knew it was going to be tough...and if he had Djoker's draw i certainly would not have complained...the point is the culmination of everything....bad luck-played a huge role for Federer! Thanks! jaa

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  12. Gil 7 months ago

    'Roger’s heroic efforts created the match of the week.'

    lets put it...One of the Matches of the Year rather...

    Even though I do think Federer was very much unlucky at Shanghai this year, I am happy all th same for Djokovic. Yes he didnt face the competition the winner of the Master's Cup is expected to, But He is the Man who began 2008 with the Bang, and Now he is the One who ended it with the Bang.
    One cant categorize him as undeserving...

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    • karen wilson 7 months ago

      Not undeserving as Joker indeed won his matches and walked off with the trophy. However.....will never stop believing that AO would have been ROG's had mono not reared it's ugly head and probably Shanghai as well had the back problem not resurfaced. But alas it's all history now......

      l look forward with hope and anticipation for a refreshed, invigorated, healthy ROGI, who seems intent on firmly making his mark again in 2009. ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ ROG --- show 'em all who's BOSS !!

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Hi Gil - You know, Djokovic was not even on my radar when i wrote this...he won the tournament and deserves the kudos for that...which, by the way, he is receiving, and once again the focus will shift as he tries to repeat at the Australian....he is ready, i guess, to repeat...

      i guess whether he won or not wasn't the point in my article...i have a hard time understanding why that is so difficult for you all to accept!! I am just saying that part of the reason was his draw--he was lucky and Roger was not!! thanks for the comments! jaa

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Hey Karen - Yes, we shall all eagerly await 2009 and the Australian - praying for Roger's return to health and good luck!!! jaa

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    • Gil 7 months ago

      Yeah, I wasnt saying U were having a Go at NoJo...
      Just saying that Lucky/Unfair draw or not, he did win it and yes indeed walked away happily with that coveted Trophy which even Nadal hasnt managed to take a Bite of yet!
      But it happens in Tennis, Sometimes Players do get easy drws, then in the next tourneys get the Tough ones, Its unpredictable these groupings...

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      You are absolutely right - fuel for the fire for us to debate! thanks for pointing that out! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      Karen - yeah

      If only my dad was not a carnival worker - i probably wud have gone to school instead of shooting the breeze too

      if only hah !

      trust me i wud never stop believing that too

      - am afraid your argument holds as much water as - my claim to being Issac Newton - am moved by your tale by the way - wisps wisps

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      We are so easily persuaded by such cogent remarks - right? Fantasy reigns here as well as anywhere wouldn't you agree...if only, if only...enough to make you cry!! jaa

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    • Long John Silver 7 months ago

      yea - thats a crappy argument at BEST

      IF ONLY point -

      if only hewitt might have not double faulted at

      6-1 4-1 40-30 ... in that game - which you know jaa ... you know what am pissed about am sure

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Yeah, i know and i understand...jaa

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  13. TennisMasta1 7 months ago

    Karen says ' "Frustratingly, the press and media are always quickly ready to "bury him". '

    This was my point earlier about his IMG folks. I think they can directly and indirectly work toward managing the media and the press. Afterall, they do it with everthing else.

    Do you think that the press and media would get away if they did the same with Williams' sisters?

    They feel they have nothing to lose with Roger. Just listen to the horrendous commentary by the pathetic duo of Jason and Robby on the ATP Masters TV. They are sitting out there enjoying themselves by boisterously cheerleading Roger's opponents and gorging on needless criticism of Roger. And they cunningly and blatantly spin everything in the opponents favor - even when Roger plays a great point (which is most of the time). It makes me sick to my stomach that I have to pay to be subjected to these two shamelessly unfair commentators.

    Unless Godsick believes that bashing and burying his most valuable customer Roger is the way to increase his networth, I don't see why he doesn't do his basic job - to take care of his client.

    And as a serious fan of Roger I blame him also. Being too trusting and open is simply inviting trouble. Look at what Obama is doing to the same media that basically was on his side all along. He is shrewdly keeping them at a distance and using and managing them just as it suits his needs.

    Look at how Tiger manages the media. He was gone for ever but the sychophant media does nothing to say anything even trifle critical of him. They only gingerly ask him as to when he would actually return. You can see the palpable fear in the media as they cover Tiger. One wrong thing they say or write about him they can be out of their lucrative jobs. It is the combo of Tiger and IMG that created that protocol, but also the impregnable wall against his opponents. Does anyone on the PGA tour talk of taking on Tiger, let alone trash talk? Because that is a sacrilege. Not that Tiger is any less talented than Roger is, but his opponents are brainwashed to only aim for #2, never even secretly wish to become #1. The only player who challenged Tiger was Vijay Singh and he was the only one who dethroned Tiger at #1 for about half a year. Whereas it is celebrated on the ATP tour when youngters show unbridaled ambition in wanting to beat and Roger and become #1. See all the things Djokovic says about Roger against whom he actually has a losing record of 2-7.

    You hit a hot button here :) This topic needs a whole book by itself.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Hey TennisM - absolutely and without a doubt...a treatise in the making about sports and media and the art of handling both to your advantage....i love your remarks. I am going to write about this--unless you want to because you certainly have the words to do it...jaa

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Then, too, I truly would hate it if Roger became reclusive and unreachable. I think that is part of his charm-his innocence and his admiration of his fans! Truly one remarkable and fascinating man...he is like a kid sometimes yet so mature about his life and his game...

      That became what I did not like about Sampras--being so close off. I love it that Roger always takes time to sign every scrap of paper people direct his way...he loves his fans as much as they love him. that is truly astonishing in this day and age...jaa

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  14. J.A. Allen 7 months ago

    So Lady Luck fades away into obscurity, like everything in here...but i liked her and i thought she was fun while she lasted...thanks for all the comments and the dialog about the role of luck in sports...like life, it plays a part--but generally we create our own luck, I think.

    It was fun while it lasted...see you all again, soon...jaa

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    • Chris F 7 months ago

      What a somber end to a lovely discussion. Can't wait for Australia.

      Roger Federer: 2009 Wimbledon Champion. :)

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  15. J.A. Allen 7 months ago

    Hi Chris - didn't mean to cut you out because i never tire of talking about tennis...so chat away and i will stay here with you. I just assumed lady luck had run her course - naturally, there is always more and more when Roger is in the house! Thanks! jaa

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  1. Mag May 7 months ago

    Hey jaa - wanted you to reach 90 comments!!

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Rege - I shoulda known! You just never know when or where you are going to pop up! do you? thanks...it is a great goal! jaa

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    • Chris F 7 months ago

      "As Roger would say", eh? Personally, I think if Roger was trying to get this to 100 comments, he would loudly exclaim "COME ON!!!" Love it when he does that...

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  2. J.A. Allen 7 months ago

    Hey- Thanks Maggie! What a treat! Who woulda thought??? jaa

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  3. karen wilson 7 months ago

    Hadn't realized this dialogue was continuing.........JA, don't think ROG will EVER become reclusive and unreachable. He seems to thrive on his adoring fans around the world and their numbers just continue to grow. I've seen him signing autographs after matches and like you said, he'll spend more than an hour getting his scrawl on anything that comes his way. It's just incredible too how ROGI's appeal spans the generations.

    The media.........as we all know, they take someone to the peak and relish bashing them down again. On to a new story.......

    ROGI just won't go away that fast.

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      Yeah, Karen - this comment blog grew and grew! Thanks to everyone who commented, btw! I watched Roger and Blake and McEnroe and Borg yesterday and what a ham Roger is! It was so fun to see him laughing and showing off for the crowds. It would be so out of character for him to be withdrawn and petulant - we want him to last forever! jaa

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  4. karen wilson 7 months ago

    I was so sorry I was unable to see that match. I read alot about it and it seemed ROGI was having a blast. Hoping to see the special tourney in Abu Dhabi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait. I can't get enough of our ROG :)

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    • J.A. Allen 7 months ago

      That will mark a new beginning - 2009! I am glad he has some time off after this week. I want him rested and raring to go by the start of the year...i think 2009 will be very special for Roger and all of us--his fans! thanks for stopping by and sharing some time with me! always appreciate it...jaa

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