Steve - you have no idea that the old entourage never goes away... they just keep it humbled and low profile - waiting for this moment.

-- Smiling fangirl --

I think Dimitrov is something special and I, like you, never get tired of Fed's 'lordliness' as you so perfectly put it. Tennis is still a game of class to me and it's nice to see players like Federer and Dimitrov winning with classy games. How great for the sport would it be if this kid breaks through at a major this year? We need someone to pull a 1997 Guga and surprise everyone. Here's hoping he does.

i read about him a few years ago when he spoke glowingly of federer, saying he was his idol.

lord it over "act in a superior and domineering manner toward (someone)"

federer should don a monogram-less hair shirt (but well-tailored) and wear it for the rest of his career. sufficient penance?

Dimitrov was in the Ramat Hasharon challenger last year, and for some reason the idiots made him qualify!!! He did, but was then beaten in the 1st round of the main draw and I didn't get a chance to see him play in person. Guessing with his ranking moving up I'll never get the chance to see him in my home again...
Also, I sometimes forget that Federer was actually an underachiever, reaching his 1st Slam semi at an age when most of the champs of the past 15 years (Pete, Hewitt, ARod, Rafa, Nole... ) had already won trophies, and Agassi had 3 finals to his name.

The worst bit was when a few years ago he (I think it was Queens) he wore all black (incl. bandana) look in broad daylight. His hair was the "right" lenght then as well.
I'm afraid Dimitrov is not a baby Federer, he is a Federer hybrid.

It's only the first round. We will soon see him winning Top 10 players and his rank to get higher and higher.

Dont really care for Grigor much , I prefer to see some self made quirks in whoever I support rather than a clone ( even if its talented one )unless he had some charisma - which Grigor does not.

Mens tennis is really going to struggle once this Nadal / Fed Rivalry is over if Grigor is the future.

The only newcomer Im imprssed with is Dolgopov ( sp ? ) but apparently he has some sort of physical issues/s that seem to mean he has to go for broke .

Fred - Dont agree with tennis is game of " class " that is precisely the turn off for young kids ( the types that might actually be good who wouldnt consider the sport )

I really dont buy into the whole , groomed to be champion thing - maybe in some instances it works like Nadal , but Nadal hardly comes over as the most imaginative or enterprising when it comes to making his own choices, heck he prob still has to ask Uncle Toni if he can go to the bathroom .

Everyones into this brown nosing so much ,its bit nauseating to be frank , can you imagine his lorship telling reporters hes going to f*** him up before his next meeting with Nadal ?

It would probably make close front pages perhaps and get everyone chin wagging but i doubt I would change the outcome much of the match other than give Roger a tough mountain to climb ( which is the real reason the pros like to do it )

Are they really all that sheepish ?

Maybe this is why tennis ( other rafa / roger ) is so damm boring now, no expression - its all matchplay and head games even when their not on the court.

I have become a Dmitrov fan (incident and all). He was lucky that he was allowed to play quallies for The AO but I suspect his coach's pull had a lot to do with that.
Regardless, it is always cause for celebration when you get your first win at a grand-slam no?

If his career arc is going to be anything like Federer's then he's in for some disappointment at the majors before he hit's his stride. I personally have no problem with him emulating Sire Lordship's style of play but then again I'm a Fed fan and a tennis purist.

However, humans are not clones. I suspect this kid's personality will break through just about the same time as his rankings.

Could not find a live stream for this match but this piece made up for it.

Thanks Steve

I've liked what I've seen so far of Dimitrov - hope he continues to improve this year and can get into the Top 40, as he wishes.

But, what's with the sarcastic "Sire Jacket lordliness" guff ? The last tournament at which Federer wore a jacket was Wimbledon 2009 (a year and a half ago); in fact, the only tournament Fed has ever worn a jacket at is Wimbledon, and then it's only been 3 times. Wimbledon is the oldest of the major tournaments and very classy, which is why Fed paid homage to it by wearing a blazer/trousers/etc a few times.

Also, I've never read anywhere that the other players on the Tour think Roger "lords" it over them, or has indeed ever done so at any point during his 12 and a half years on Tour! It's the complete reverse, according to a fair few of them - and they would certainly know!

Please see susan's (above) post for a description of "lordliness" - Roger does not behave like that.

I saw him live once and although I am a HUGE fan of the tennis game, I understand those girl with their Dimitrov moment. Sorry for saying it, but I completely forgot about tennis :D I couldn't even say the score of the match or the name of his opponent. Women, follow my advice, don't go close to this boy, you will burn. ;-)

This said, the Federer comparison is too much. It's true Grigor has similar technique in a certain way, but he is also different. Let's put it like this, his natural movement is closer to that of Marat Safin. So if you REALLY need to make a comparison, think about him this way- Marat Safin who learned to play like Roger and you'll be closer to the reality than just saying Grigor copied Roger. Knowing the fact Dimitrov doesn't move like Roger (and I am not talking only about moving the feet), you will notice the difference in their games easily.

While they both have stylish, all-around games, I don't see Grigor as that much of a Federer clone, since I think his money shot is his one-handed backhand, while that is Federer's weakness (or, the relatively weakest shot in his strong arsenal.)

Grigor will most likely break in to the top 100 with his Aussie Open result, and then we'll see him playing in the ATP tournaments full time. That's really the only time we can accurately gauge if his whole game is on the Federer caliber. Gasquet had the beautiful all-around game and Fed-like shots too, but it's his mentality that let him down.

I'm rooting for Grigor anyway, whether he goes on to have a successful Federer-like career or a disappointing one like Gasquet, because his game (like the other two's) is just that beautiful.

Susan @ 7:36, I believe the 2011 line (shirt) is monogram-less.

Petewho@
"Everyones into this brown nosing so much ,its bit nauseating to be frank , can you imagine his lorship telling reporters hes going to f*** him up before his next meeting with Nadal ?

That would be something wouldn't it? I share your sentiment on the tour's seeming agreeability but every time Fed has been less than diplomatic in his delivery (just plain frank) the press jumps all over it and him and well you know the rest...

@Plis

Ditto - on the advice to women and the fluidity of Grigor's movement a la Marat Safin (before knee injury).

Dolgopolov is another young player with an instinctive feel for the game and a lot of talent. Maybe we'll see them both in the top ten in a few years

I am hoping Dimitrov breaks through this year and reaches deep into a GS event - maybe Wimbledon or US?

Lets not expect him to be the next Federer or the next anything and allow him the space and freedom to create his own path.

Айде Гриша, всички сме с теб! Мачкай!

he aint going be no fed that's for sure.

Steve wrote: "If, like me, you love Federer’s game but have gotten tired of his Sire Jacket lordliness over the years..."

Just had to get a jab into Federer didn't you.

So will he cry like Roger when he is beaten by Rafael Nadal? Or will he humiliate his opponent before the match: “They will have to wait 150,000 years”? Who said that? Our sissy and arrogant champion! He is lucky to emerge in the era when the competition is low to get 17 GS titles. Has Nadal, the people’s champion, entered the competition at the same time: The number of GS titles of the sissy champion would be reduced to 7. That is very and very low: lower than what the jealous champion A.A. got right? So stop the “worshipping Federer”. He is, unlike Rafael Nadal, mortal and at times ugly too. He smashed a racket when he lost a point to Novak Djokovic, and there is a rumour about his manager’s betting. It’s time for Federer to retire. He does not want to; he has to wait for Rafael Nadal to beat him into a retirement.

At least Federer doesn't use steroids. It's also too bad that Federer is so good at clay, something that has proven to be deceiving as it provides ammo for those who use the H2H with Nadal against him. Don't you think that if Sampras had been as good as him in clay, maybe Agassi would've been either closer in the H2H or even better? Just take out the 10-2 in clay and you see that it isn't as dominant as it looks.

Does he grunt? If not then I'm a fan already and if he plays like FED all the better.

I hate the grunters!!!

To Fred (01/17/2011 at 05:39 AM): Mr. Tignor said that he *has* gotten tired of Federer's Sire Jacket lordliness, not that he never gets tired of it. I couldn't agree with him more.

Dallas, he doesn't grunt.

I've never seen Dimitrov play, but just from what I've heard and read about him, I can't wait to. He sounds like he's the real deal.

I'll need a Fed-replacement when he leaves the game, and the prospect of having one who plays the same kind of beautiful tennis is very exciting.

Thanks for the write up on him, Steve.

Nice to see you cover the AO. Lovely writing as usual.

I have never seem play..but look forward to it. Will look in the various schedule at tourney for his name. We can never get enough creative, elegant, non-grinding, attacking, grunt-free play.

Fed's lordliness...hahaha...

seem = seen him.

Where are my eyes?

Dimitrov doesn't have Fed's speed (yet?). I think he's slightly taller and bulkier than the mighty one too, which might make him a bit more susceptible to injuries.

Plenty of promise though for sure. plays well on all surfaces (he won junior wimbledon, but all his challenger titles came from clay and hard court) and clearly loves winning, which is a crucial trait in all future champions. but let's not get ahead of ourselves - I have no doubt he has the skills and natural talent to be a top-tenner but beyond that... we'll see.

I wish Grigor success.If his up to Federer's legacy - he's welcome! The game needs this kind of talent and style or it'll crush under the brutal ambition of ugly win heroes. Way to go, Grisho, and good luck to your idol!

@sexy commenter at 10:18AM,
That post just ticked me off, how can you say such unfair comments about Federer just because you support Nadal? No wonder JHL had to snip at you back and say something about Nadal/doping. Btw, crying when you are really passionate about certain things does not make someone sissy, it is just a normal human reaction.

This kid is gonna be big

Thanks for the write-up.
I've been hearing about Dimitrov for years now but have yet to see him play; hopefully that'll change soon if he keeps improving.

An unspoiled version of Fed, huh?

You just wait until his lordiness retires and, as Richard Nixon would say, you don't have him to kick around anymore. Who will you guys make fun of? Djoker and his falcon family? Just won't be the same :(

Of course if Dimitrov keeps beating up officials that could be kinda fun. But he says never again, alas . . .

wow, atleast Gasquet was ranked in the top 100 and had won some matches when people called him Baby Fed.

We should just call this guy who has only won 1 slam match, "Baby GOAT" for good measure, that sounds more appropriate.

"A Grigor Dimitrov moment" doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as "a Federer moment", but I appreciate the DFW homage, Steve. ;)

Tignor in your next life, or even now, you can earn a lot of money as a 'griot' you know. when you love a player, boy the writing is sure beautiful... i have never seen this guy play, but with this writing i sure would.

I have been hearing a lot about Dimitrov and I'm curious to get to see him play. I heard Cahill talk about his amazing physical ability one day. I for one am tired of Fed's Sire Jacket lordliness - so nicely put! Even though I've appreciated his play very much, the persona doesn't do it for me at all. Some fresh talent at the top would be great but Dimitrov's a long way from that yet of course.
Did you see Harrison's match, Steve? How would you compare them?

But we've seen him play BrooklynNY, so we can make these obsevations and give him nicknames. He's also beaten Berdych a couple of years ago in Rotterdam, and took Rafa (when Rafa was #1) to 3 sets in the next match. He beat #32 Llodra last year too.

Still, it's just a nickname, and as I said, he could be next Federer, or the next Gasquet...

BTW, in homage to the real "Baby Fed", here's from his first ever GS match:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw6Asqvru2w

And sorry, Steve, commentator was already calling him arrogant, lol.
But maybe not quite lordly just yet.

@ sexy commenter -
History cannot be changed, and players have to make the best of circumstances they are faced with.

Having said that - I think Nadal was also a bit lucky that he did not have a fully fit Del Potro defending his US open title last year when Nadal was trying to win his first USO.

Does anyone doubt Federer would have won the CYGS at least once if he had that same break of luck with say Nadal being injured and unable to compete at the French when Fed was at his peak(of course thankfully Nadal did not get injured - and I certainly wish him many more years of injury free play)

Nadal is kind of fortunate also that does not seem to be a young potential all time great lurking around and challenging him.

"If, like me, you love Federer’s game but have gotten tired of his Sire Jacket lordliness over the years..."

Actually Steve, whats getting more tired is your getting tired of fed's lordliness even when its doesnt have to be there in a given blog article.

Other than that, it was a great read and will definitely watch out for Grigors game when it chances on tv.

I'm waiting for the next Marat. Grigor = eastern European + bigger build + temper + class + smooth mover + limited success (oh Marat!) + easy on the eyes (according to the smiling girls). Could my long wait be over?

Grigor's test begins now with a match against Stan the man.

Steve how does GD compare with Tomic, Krajinovic and Harrison?

As for Gasquet - I am still hoping he will breakthrough this year like Soderling did a couple of years ago (after milling around outside the top 20) and be back in the top 10.

I'd love Dimitrov to beat Stan, though as that would really do so much for his mental breakthrough. Stan is steady but Dimitrov is an all court player and depending on what form he's in it could be a good match. I wouldn't mind seeing it, but I bet it'll be scheduled in the middle of UK night, and unless immediately before Novak's match, I simply can't afford to lose any sleep in the first week (pun not intended)

@Sexy Commentator 11:46AM
Wrestling match between Rafafans and Rogerlings! Just joking folks, we are now living in a civilized world: we will sort out our problems through dialogues, not wrestling matches. No one questions about Roger Federer’s tennis skill! But a lot of people question if Roger Federer deserves legions of fans. Here is a sportsman, but without a sportsmanship, with an arrogance beyond acceptance level. We all know arrogance comes with success, but we are civilized human beings: we contain our emotions. We don’t show our anger, hatred, discrimination and all the negative feelings. Rafael Nadal is arrogant too, but his uncle helps to get his arrogance in checked. Roger Federer went beyond showing arrogance to demonstrating humiliation. Twice I heard his unchecked humiliation towards the people of players: Americans and Britons. We for sure remember last year and what he said about the waiting of the British for a Grand Slam champion. While ago at a Grand Slam event a US commentator said that there were still two Americans in the men’s draw, and what did our sissy and hairy-arm champion said? He said something like: “Enjoy the moment”. He implied that he would squash any Americans left in the draw when they come into a match with him. Is that what a people’s champion would say? This is the problem I have with Roger Federer and the reason I am not his fan. Athletes, like intellectuals, belong to the elite class of a society. They are role models for the young guys. So they must behave well to deserve millions of endorsement dollars. Moral standard is a personal issue: “jugde not less ye be judged”. Sure it is, but there must be a standard for endorsement, acceptance of a role model and fans. If an athlete sleep with any one he or she wishes, societies must shunt him or her as a role model and demand corporates to stop the endorsement of this athlete. It is the same for attitudes: arrogance and humiliation. Anyone can accept Roger’s humiliation and be his fan is as bad as he is.

Good article. Envy I did not have a chance to watch any portions of the match. About the copy-cat and imitation of Federer's stile, let me share a story with you. Some twenty years ago in the same country Bulgaria, I did entered the National Radio station. A very popular talk/entertainment life show.
After my first two appearances, a bunch of editors came up with the idea that I was imitating the voice of the leader broadcaster. A simply, nonsense idea. You either have a voice or you are not, it comes with the birth. Later I was recognized as one of the best in the business without any second-guessing. Dimitrov is as pure as anyone else who ever had a tennis racquet in his hands. There may be similarities between his stile and Federer's but that is where everything ends.
I am a Federer's fan, I am trying to be honest.
Jordan

Sire Jacket lordliness, Steve? Seriously? Can only hope Fed acts out the personality/behaviour you've described and refuses you interviews or talk to you at his pressers! I'm not bored with Fed or his game and much prefer the great original to the cheap rip-off!

Grigor beat Berdych & took a set off Rafa in Rotterdam 2007, when he was a young hot junior. I just happened to see him on TV & my jaw dropped like it did when I saw Justine playing, then unknown. Brilliance is brilliance. You can't hide it. and his fabulous heart-throb smile. When I saw him play again over a yr later, his body had really changed. he looked too tall from the neck down & was having trouble with his longer body & bigger feet. Also his temper. Also the stronger, older guys on tour. But brilliance is brilliance. After 2 yrs of struggle, he's no longer with Lundgren, he's with McNamara and went on a tear last yr through the Challengers. So Stevie, get us the story on that, won't you?? yeah, his stroke prep is like Rogi's, but the movement/footwork is not; Greeg is taller, lankier, and more loose-knit. Plus his feet are bigger. Those aren't Rogi's lovely, disciplined feet!

Will there ever be another Peter Sampras or Stefan Edberg???

Hello,

Here's a video a news site from his home country. Enjoy :)

http://www.livesport.bg/news/tennis/s/775627127

very curious to see this guy. Perhaps, as with artists, it could begin with imitation... but if there's real talent, he will use that basic technique as a starting point to find, eventually, his own style.

But the Fed jabs are indeed getting more tiresome than his perceived lordliness, no matter how accurate that may be -- perhaps there's a grain of truth, but it's magnified by.. oh, 150,000? ;)

@Sexy COmmenter

Roger doesn't censor himself. Perhaps sometimes he should. Sometimes he's trying to be funny, and fails (150,000 yrs, etc). He has said he feels it's his duty to the press/fans to answer questions honestly, his logic being... otherwise what would be the point of pressers? His candor comes with a risk, and he takes plenty of heat for it. Rafa's a lovely guy, but he really shouldn't even bother with press conferences; Roger and Rafa have conflicting values in this regard. But to say he's deliberately humiliating people based on a few minor comments over the course of all these years... who's supposed to be overly sensitive again? Oh right.. Fed fans.

does anyone have any links to the Dim vs Golubev match?

"The game needs this kind of talent and style or it'll crush under the brutal ambition of ugly win heroes."

Total B.S. from one of Lord Federer's tiny fans.

Thanks for the clip, John W. Last yr he was wearing a headband & looked a bit like a mushroom. He also looks like he's grown into his height. all good signs.

I've never posted here but have been following tennis.com for a while now. It's a new year so I thought I'd give it a go at my Santa's wishlist for tennis.com 2011 --

For Steve & the other bloggers - Stop fuelling stupid hate surrounding Fedal! Honestly it's annoying! Why are bloggers and anonymous commentors the moral police of tennis players?

Steve honestly I write here because I think you can do better than the obvious attention grabbing crap that Bodo spits out. I'm tired of the personal jabs the bloggers and the commentors are spamming this site with day in day out.

With an official sounding website called tennis.com, I want analysis on the tennis, to find how the players are playing, improving, the strategy, the match-ups, what they're doing right/wrong on court, things I can't see or know as the lay-person - INSIGHT!

I don't see any quality in any of the articles here on the blogs or even in the match analysis. Please tell me you guys do have some technical understanding of the game? Otherwise maybe I should be writing the articles? Steve do pass this on to your fellow colleague bloggers and editors.

For the commentors - Have a look at all those so-called celebrities and sports stars around the world and then look at Federer. I'd take Fed as my role model any day over the whole bunch of them. Fed and Rafa are both great in their own way, you prefer one over another that's fine, I do too, just stop with the nit-picking. I'm pretty sure Federer has done more for his sport and for this world than any one of us here than to be constantly crucified for every little thing he says/wears/does. Stop your bitching, it's childish and annoying.

Honestly folks, it's 2011, time to stop the crap, a whole decade has passed. I wish for quality in the blogs, articles and comments this new decade. Otherwise I might just not come back here, I'm pretty sure a whole lot of people have already switched off for the same reasons.

-- The wishful thinking of an anomymous tennis.com blog reader. --

Here is the link to Dimitrov vs Golubev 1.30 min video:

http://www.boozho.com/view.php?v=2f336d1d

Just curious how old Sexy Commenter is? I am guessing 13?

I for one am delighted to see Dimitrov's progress, not least because I foresaw it more than a year and a half ago - a few weeks before the Guardian tennis correspondent in the UK spotted the same thing. It may have been from the paid-for seats at Queens, but it's good to be ahead of the curve, so to speak.
I've followed his progress ever since, and that too has reminded me of Federer: the occasional release of temper and the lesson learned that to become great, you have to get all that stuff under control.
I still think he's going to be a player...
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/196576-grigor-dimitrov-the-young-roger-federer-in-waiting

Yep, Steve... your childish sniping at Fed is so transparent. No lordiness there.. just pure CLASS, apparently something you wouldn't recognize if standing in front of you. He is one of the greatest ambassadors that professional tennis has ever had in history.

He has been given the ATP sportsmanship award for 7 years in a row (voted on by his peers). That says it all.

Stick to writing about tennis and leave the moronic cheap shots out... it doesn't become you...

should *really* let this go, but Steve's taking part in it makes it worthy of response (in other words, "He started it!!!)...

Someone @3:08 says:

"...Have a look at all those so-called celebrities and sports stars around the world and then look at Federer. I'd take Fed as my role model any day over the whole bunch of them. Fed and Rafa are both great in their own way, you prefer one over another that's fine, I do too, just stop with the nit-picking."

^THIS! He has a different sensibility, devoid of the common [in our culture.. and in Uncle Toni's] view that self-deprecation is a virtue. This really seems to rub people the wrong way, which is understandable enough, but it's largely a matter of taste and upbringing; occasionally the criticism is fair, but usually it's extremely unfair and petty -- and, often, malicious. There really seems to be a personal edge to the "journalism" and "commentary" about Fed, accompanied by a desire to turn Rafa into a saint -- when, really, both are humans... quite lovely ones, too!

one to watch. but that incident in Helsinki was beyond the pale, so let's hope he does work through his issues.

wallflower, I like your analogy to the stylistic evolution of an artist.

Well all of Fed's ardent fans are turning out in defense. Lol. That's right he walks on water.

Oh, I dunno...Steve is 'allowed' to be tired of what he perceives as Fed's "lordliness." Different strokes, etc.

I kinda like that about Fed...the way he strides around court like a big cat who just ate a very tasty canary. That he rarely, if ever, drops his shoulder, even when things are not going well. The casual flick of his head and the way he holds the towel out to the ball kid like the 57th Lord of Squireness who always knows the butler will be there. The casual and easy grace with which he 'helps out' the butlers by sending the balls back down to the correct end of the court. The imperious saunter and the lordly almost disregard for who the opponent is - "doesn't matter, because I am going to beat you anyway."

I quite like that about Fed. But I can see...and have certainly been told enough times..that others don't. Just because I am right and they are wrong I don't see why I should give the misguided and unenlightened such a hard time. ;-) Is only when they get things factually wrong that a hard time is well and truly deserved.

@Texastennis
"Well all of Fed's ardent fans are turning out in defense. Lol. That's right he walks on water."

glad you're so amused (and mature about it), but don't think anyone said (or even implied) anything like that.

"the way he strides around court like a big cat who just ate a very tasty canary."

lol, CL :)

Wallflower - really - someone claimed he's done more for tennis and the whole world than any other person. That seems close to walking on water to me:-)

Over the years Fed has become such a "cool customer" and rarely shows any emotion. This may be mistaken by some as arrogance or lordiness. Those of us who have followed his career and watched him mature from the beginning know better. He has earned his spot as "tennis royalty" and richly deserves it. A true champion through and through!

Dimitrov may well break out, but I'm surprised so many people are singing him praises so early.. Why? Because he's a poor competitor. He's arrogant like hell. In most important maches he lost he complained about everything and everybody but himself. Correct me, if I'm wrong, but his coaches have complained (publicly) numerous times about his temper. Showing umpires appears to be his hobby. Helsinki last month? He was beaten convincingly by Berankis, yet still managed to put all blame on the umpire and linesmen. You think that's bad? Then take a look at this:
http://youtu.be/u3VGp3aKB8g
I know it's old, but I doubt Federer ever did that... Anyways, I hope he matures and becomes a fine champion, but that is yet to happen.

wallflower, Texastennis: Why don't we..uhm.. pass some commentary about Agassi and see what happens? :)

Fed's a truly great player. Certainly a champion. That's enough for me. He doesn't have to have other divine qualities for me to appreciate that:-)
After thirty-five years of watching tennis, I'm still bemused why fandom in some forms involves investment in all around perfection. I didn't see a one of them in that team who could meet that standard. Laver might be the closest but since he was before even my time, I can't say that for sure - older statesman role may be misleading too.

I believe Fed was a very unruly player in his teens wasn't he?

I'm regretting I refreshed this page now.

I wrote "more.... than any one here" as in more than any casual readers of this website, NOT Fed has done more for the world than anyone in the world. Try to read properly before trolling folks.

Also, I'd say the same about the crap that comments here (for the trolls as in on this website) spit out about Rafa too. You don't like someone's style, etc, cool that's fine, but you don't go around name calling and nit-picking. Really, it's all very childish, annoying and unnecessary.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'll regret replying this since that's just gonna spur on the trolls so I'm done.

Guess 2011 won't bring any more quality to this site.

Arun, I know.. don't worry, I'm done. suppose that sometimes wallflowers get, well-- mad as hell, and just won't take it anymore, lol. Seriously, just letting off steam, think I've reached a Fedal equilibrium that should last a while.

@Texastennis, I happen to agree completely with your 5:07! Indeed, it seems people need (or think they need) something/one to "believe" in.. thus my comment about both (and all) of them being merely human, but apparently quite nice ones. So... Kumbaya! ;)

@Someone, fwiw, I thought your intent was clear. this is a frustrating medium, though.

should know better than to get drawn in, but here goes...

Sexy Commenter @10:18am: "Or will he humiliate his opponent before the match: “They will have to wait 150,000 years”? Who said that?"

I don't know who said that, but it wasn't Roger Federer, prior to last year's AO final, if that's what you're implying. I just happened to see the re-play of the semi-final between Federer and Tsonga, including Courier's post-match interview. Here's a link with the relevant portion beginning around 4:30.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rh6IO_sZys

(speaking about Murray): "I know he'd like to win the first for British tennis in... what is it, 150,000 years? (Courier invokes the BBC and Federer clarifies) no, that was more to think of Andy, the poor guy... has to go through those moments over and over again... it would be so nice for him to win... you know, he's done tremendous. I'm looking forward to a great final... he's a nice guy..."

that's some serious trash talk! do you sincerely believe he was trying to humiliate Andy Murray? more like sympathy for Murray and a not so veiled dig at the British press and the intense pressure they put on Murray to be the saviour of British tennis. something Federer would know about from his friendship with Tim Henman.

but people see what they want to see. you intensely dislike Federer, and that is absolutely your right. I just want to correct your comment that Federer said, "They will have to wait 150,000 years," and the perception that he was trying to humiliate Andy Murray.

Lol, CL. Yep, that's pretty much my take too :)

Feds was indeed a bit bratty in his teens tho' it doesn't seem to the extent of Dimitrov.

There was however a cute article that came out this past year about the infamous incident when a 16 / 17 year old Fed was fined for "lack of effort." They even interviewed Fed.

Apparantly what happened is that he'd just won junior wimby and been given a wild card to Basel where he played Agassi on center court. After those high profile events he found himself in the boonies in some Swiss regional event. Back to the farm after he'd seen Paris, so to speak.

According to the tourney director, he "casually double-faulted about twice per service game" tho' I suspect that's exagerated. Anyway, Fed said he still remembers the tourney director coming on court, saying "You're not giving your best effort, Mr. Federer." And Fed answered "I don't care," lol.

He was still being helped by both Carter and Lundgren at that time, so they both formed a united front and told him if he ever pulled anything like that again he'd get no more help from either of them.

The rest is history, so to speak. And btw, he won that Swiss regional tour (won the next 2 events of the series).

i also saw some of the dimitrev match. his backhand is fun to watch and does look like roger's, esp when he comes over the ball. a few times he left them short, like roger does, which is something he needs to avoid against better players. will try to catch the match with stan.

steve, where are you going to be today?

@Sexy Commentator 1:19 pm
You really should get off your high horse and relax. I guess according to you all athletes should behave like robots, show no emotion and keep saying "I was lucky to win and my opponent did not have a good day". So what if he cried when he lost. I am sure he was not the first to do it. Plenty of footballers cried when they lost a final which brings the 99 champions league final to mind. His comments about American and British tennis? They are true and they have been the jokes people like to tell for a while now. American tennis sucks and English people spend all their money training football players.

Anybody can be as arrogant as they like as long as they have the game to back it up. If they don't then the joke will be on them. Simple as that.

(last one...!) Holds2Love, that's a good example of the game of 'telephone' that Federer usually loses. It's what happens when a guy is willing to be spontaneous and candid -- to veer off the script. A few times he does reveal a certain 'smallness' stemming from insecurity, but most often it's just a total misconstrual that refuses to give the benefit of the doubt.

But according to Brad Gilbert and Chris Fowler, Fed saying "I'm playing great" is psychological warfare. And though his answer about Nadal's pressers (in response to... a question about Nadal's pressers!) was totally reasonable and actually somewhat thoughtful, according to them it's a "dig" that poor Rafa would need to rise above.

But why this matters to me so much is probably something I should sort through myself... honestly am so done with this now.

and still interested in experiencing a Dimitrov Moment.

Someone,

I do understand your frustration, but as you know it's the buck that's making this site go round, hence the demand and supply law kicks in. Add the other 80% into it all as the main ingredient and you get the mumbo-jumbo with an occasional pearl thrown in.

Beggars can't be choosers.

I would be grateful for any effort and contribution, any crumb or gem you can drop here.
I'm sure there are a few others who would, too.
It's pretty dismal in the UK for the exactly same reason. Most people are unfortunately not counting their blessings and unable to see wood for the trees.

Steve Tignor..
I think you of all persons, must be gratefull just like the tennis fans all over the world to witness the brilliance of Federer.
He is a hero, but people do not realize how great he is. See only his records and his gameplan. It's unbelievable. This guy is at the age of 29 still the best technique player of the ATP Tour. No doubt about that.
He made tennis look so easy but it is so difficult to do it. Everyone, including you, are writing him off, everything, he silence you again..So be quiet!
Federer is a real champion and has a great love for the game. He did come from far. Nadal's game isn't that great if you compare it with Feders game. If he stops with playing tennis, then tennis will be boring again..
I hope he will let you see, how a great champion is..

It's always interesting to watch top juniors learn how to navigate the Big Boys' tour. Some guys have instant success, some need a few years to "ripen", some never do much at all. But I've never attended a slam and not done some "scouting" of the juniors.

CL, what a great defense of/ode about Fed and his lordliness. I like it too, and I think the adjective fits. I also think he's nice, generous, friendly and supportive of tennis generally. But he does have that lordly thing going on at times.

By the way, what's a Sire Jacket?

Kristy - +1 on CL

@noleisthebest

I wouldn't say I have any gems - me, just a tennis watching couch potato like everyone else here (well actually everyone else probably aren't couch potatoes, just me!)

The way I see it, if the end goal for the bloggers is just to have more comments because it shows people are reading, well that's a bit inaccurate. Clearly in Bodo's column most of the people are just there posting the match updates and pre-post match comments most of the time, which makes up the majority of the comments.

So what's the difference between posting the match updates here, there or anywhere else, doesn't really mean readers are reading or prefer one blog over another because of the Fedal jabs.

Sure I like to read about my favourite player too, who doesn't, but when the blogs keep on repeated fuelling petty hate and snideness amongst the less mature fans, and this isn't a nadalisthebest.com or fedisthegoat.com website but TENNIS.COM, I take objection.

You get a website called TENNIS.COM - you should take that privileged name seriously and write about TENNIS. When I go to DICTIONARY.COM I expect definitions of words right? Not some hearsay rumour gossip mill about slangs do I?

For me, I'd be just as happy to read about a particular stroke, style, court positioning, etc my fav player takes rather than the re-hashed jabs and personal digs over and over again.

And for the people commenting, isn't there anything else people want to comment about, questions you want to consult fellow commentors and the bloggers than just xx is better than yy because yy can't speak properly? Like for me, I'd wanna know what tactics my player was employing against other player in a particular match or period, not just wild sweeping statements like "playing more agressive" but where in the match did they employ a particular tactic, move, give some concrete examples! Etc etc etc, there are many things about the game itself I don't understand as a layperson, even the psychology of it (no not the personal attacks "psychology"), and that's what I'd like to know from the "experts" here.

Surely that can take up 100 comments at least when it's about your favourite player and/or an important tournament like the AO?

Anyway, really really signing off now. Bed time!

someone talks some sense.

Someone,
before I head off to bed too, I remembered my poor dad' words from my moaning teenage years. Every time I complained about not having this or that, him being strict etc, etc, he'd tell me jokingly: Hey let me know if you find somewhere better, and take ME there, too ;)

Enjoyed most of this article Steve but i'm so tired of your nasty remarks about Federer. Those who can play, the rest write articles.

"someone talks some sense."

who's on first

I agree that Someone raises some good points. For example, I am still waiting for someone (haha) knowledgeable to give a thorough analysis from a technical standpoint of the change Nadal made to his serve for the US Open. and there are so many other meaty discussions about technique, strategy, history, etc. to be had.

I just looked at the videos posted of Grigor and noticed he's wearing Nike (Fed's) color scheme as well. Did he switch from Adidas to Nike?

Whoops just looked at his picture above..it appears that way.

Hi Steve.

Was about to give my keyboard a workout with a gentle tap on the back of your head..... Then I realized that I do not comprehend what you wrote: "If, like me, you love Federer’s game but have gotten tired of his Sire Jacket lordliness over the years.." What precisely is Sire Jacket lordliness?" Perhaps my ability to read is a tad less haughty than your ability as a scribe.

I just assumed that your comment was likely gratuitously pejorative. Pity that you and I did not have his drive nor his skills, is it not, Steve? Alas. Perhaps he is not the quality scribe you and I are.

I too love Federer's game; have seen him up close many times. I love the sublime elegance, the seemingly effortless play, the astounding ratio of output and APPARENT effort.

Must be just arrogance, right, Steve. Indeed. But for the paltry 4 hours daily spent on footwork drills alone. And the there is all the hitting tennis balls stuff. Then practicing those pesky between the legs passing shots. Then, the "lordly' Mr. Federer, I bet, gets some phyisio to work on his relaxed body. And then his many other commitments. The whole husband and father thing ....

Reminds me of somebody you know who after 10 years of toiling like no other (to dispense with the pretty literary stuff - worked like a dog doing stuff most would never do), became an overnight success.

Writing with no expectation whatsoever of a clarification from you.

Best.

sm

It will certainly be interesting when this kids makes it to U.S. television.

As for Steve or anyone else getting tired of Federer's lordliness. First, I am not sure what that means, exactly, and Second, due to the combination of Federer's ability and the fact that he takes advantage of that ability to compile record after record WITH the fact that he has now had to endure however many hundreds of press conferences in several languages -- well, what do you expect him to say?

Nadal, well, its not clear to many English speakers exactly what Nadal has to say, because he is not that fluent and his English language pressers are so completely banal that nothing can be gleaned from them at all.

I think its just very difficult, at this stage, to come up with new stuff to write about Nadal and Federer, so for Nadal its " . . . getting down to the serious business of lowering expectations" and for Federer its "lordliness"

Certainly, this is the longest sustained rivalry of excellence I have ever seen.

that Susan is not me, btw. i believe steve was a top player at university.

CL lol!

tennis player

"Nadal, well, its not clear to many English speakers exactly what Nadal has to say, because he is not that fluent and his English language pressers are so completely banal that nothing can be gleaned from them at all. "

What has Rafael's language skills have to do with this post? Steve was writing about Dimitrov, his similarity with Roger and we have a totally uncalled for comment like the one above. Really.

susan, "tennis player," lol

Steve, you should stop your jabs at Federer because you did not have the moral courage to critique Nadal for promoting a half million dollar watch, at a time when so much of the world struggles through destitution/poverty the effects of war,etc.
Anyone who would celebrate that disgusting symbol of materialism has no concept of reality, only the obsession with his own affluence and life of dreadful excess.
You would perform a greater public service challenging Nadal's values than judging Federer's mannerisms.

Case in point re: juniors making the transition to the big leagues - Donald Young beat Marin Cilic here in Melbourne - five years ago, in the juniors. Compare and contrast. Young takes a total of 6 games off his contemporary.

*from upthread*

wallflower: FWIW, I share your thoughts. Just trying to see the funnies that the pot/kettle situation of the "You're getting defensive. lol" comments around these parts can bring us. That's all. :)

Grigor Dimitrov will be playing his second round Australian Open match on TV courts and all of us will be able to watch him live.

In an attempt to hit a fifth consecutive victory and reach the third round of a Grand Slam, Grigor Dimitrov will be facing world # 19 Stanislas Wawrinka.

The match is the fourth one on court # 2, after two female and one male match.

Thank you wallflower and someone.

Totally agreed with the being honest in the presser mindset. What's the point if the players only said what is politically correct??

Anyway, people like sexy commenter will always try to put down Federer just because deep down PROBABLY he feels Nadal is PROBABLY not going to overtake Fed in tennis achievements.

Only time will tell who will achieve more in tennis. But at the meantime please stop putting the other down.

Dear sexy commentator, your comments are great and correct, please show your Facebook or e mail so all Rafa fans can communicate with you

Sexy Commentator-

That is not going to happen. Not today. Not next week. Not even next year. Now I will agree with your implicit statement- that dreaming is a good thing. Maybe just not everyday, all the time.