Save for the wood racket (and predilection for pre-pubescent boys), Roger Federer models new look after Big Bill Tilden.

MIAMI (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service) Hot on the heels of his victory at Indian Wells,  the world’s number 3, Roger Federer, heads into the Sony Ericcson, considered by many to be the “fifth major,” with the wind at his back.  His recent play has not only revived  talk of his return to top form, but rekindles the debate:   is Federer the greatest player of all time? Some argue that he’s the best since the open era began in 1968, when professionals were allowed to compete with amateurs.  The argument becomes increasingly complex when one considers the game’s evolution, from the more genteel sport played in slacks and sweaters to the breathtaking pace of today’s game.

While he’ll never have the opportunity to compete against the Bill Tildens, Don Budges and Rod Lavers – giants of the pre-open era (Laver played in both) – Federer is determined to show he can perform at the highest levels on tennis’s grandest stage in the restrictive throwback garb seldom seen outside of a Ralph Lauren ad. (more…)

Save for the wood racket (and predilection for pre-pubescent boys), Roger Federer models new look after Big Bill Tilden.

LONDON, ENGLAND (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service) While some argue that his game is just starting to show signs of decline, with Wimbledon drawing near, the conversation inevitably turns to the greatness of Roger Federer.  The ongoing debate among tennis pundits, players across generations and fans the world over is simply this: is Federer the greatest player of all time? Some argue that he’s the best since the open era began in 1968, when professionals were allowed to compete with amateurs.  The argument becomes increasingly complex when one considers the game’s evolution, from the more genteel sport played in slacks and sweaters to the breathtaking pace of today’s game. (more…)

In the ZZZZone. Rafael Nadal catches some Z's mid match in Paris.

PARIS (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service) Rafael Nadal captured his fifth French Open and his seventh career Grand Slam tournament Sunday when he defeated Robin Soderling of Sweden in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.  The win moved Nadal ahead of rival Roger Federer as the number one ranked men’s tennis player in the world.

But what puzzled Soderling and the capacity crowd and Roland Garros was Nadal’s decision to take a nap (see photo) in between the first and second sets. There were raised eyebrows when Nadal didn’t switch sides of the net and simply plopped himself down on his back and went to sleep. (more…)

Save for the wood racket, Roger Federer models new look after Big Bill Tilden.

LONDON, ENGLAND (Sportsman’s Daily Wire Service)  Having attained the career grand slam by winning the French Open, the great Roger Federer has re-ignited debate among tennis pundits, players across generations and fans the world over: is he the best ever? Some argue that he’s the best since the open era began in 1968, when professionals were allowed to compete with amateurs.  The argument becomes increasingly complex when one considers the game’s evolution, from the more genteel sport played in slacks and sweaters to the breathtaking pace of today’s game. (more…)

Good to see the old Federer emerge from months of uninspired — for him — play.  And add a point if you wanted to see Djokovic spanked and sent packing (just to show my contempt I’m not even going to spell check Djokovic). Tonite’s final against Andy Murray should be something…Murray is playing great tennis, has beaten Roger twice in three meetings and has the all-court game to pose problems.  But I don’t see Federer losing — it would seriously fuck with the narrative (a season of frustration salvaged by an Open triumph in front of an adoring crowd of crazy New Yorkers…though, frankly, the crazy New Yorker thing is a bit overblown. I mean, it’s not like you’re getting rif-raff floating in off the street into Armstrong Stadium hitting you up for loose change. It’s mostly corporate types and tennis obsessives).  

BTW, anyone catch any of the post Nadal match interview with Scotsman Murray? Not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, eh?  But what’d you expect from the land of MacBeth and mournful bagpipes, sunny and slap-happy?