Federer

[GeneK]

Last night while surfing the channels I saw Roger Federer playing the Hopman Cup in Perth... his first appearance in 6 months following a knee injury. The 6 month layoff was not apparent and he appeared to be in great shape. A huge crowd showed up to watch his first match. He was all smiles, obviously enjoying the limelight. It's easy to see why he's so popular - the guy is poetry in motion. I tried to avoid the tendency to follow the ball on the screen and watch his footwork which just looks effortless.

No doubt Roger in playing in the fourth quarter of his career. Maybe he's slipped notch below Murray and Djokovic. But with his skills, and if the stars are in alignment, it's not inconceivable him winning another major.

To paraphrase Richard, Roger has "brought back the elegance". I for one hopes he sticks around for a while.

[guido]

I have always liked Nadal's constant hustle but Federer is pure class.

[SteveP]

Beautiful game.

[DCT]

I have always liked Nadal's constant hustle but Federer is pure class.

Good observation! Federer has a chance on grass that's for sure.

[WFSTEKL]

Good observation! Federer has a chance on grass that's for sure.

If he is on grass is there a risk for a positive?

PS: Touché, Darren.

[GeneK]

My man.
Federer d Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Yo Darren: not just on grass.

[DCT]

Incredible effort by Fed. After the fourth set and Nadal breaking early I thought there was no chance for Fed.

[rowdyhillrambler]

Seems like mid 30s is peak for Tennis??? I watched the women's final yesterday, Venus and Serena are smack dab in the middle of their 30s.

Other than cycling, tennis is the only sport I watch. Beautiful stuff.

[thomas]

What a great tournament the AO has been this year. Fantastic matches. Took Fed 3 five setters to take it. If Beethoven, Einstein, and Da Vinci were combined into a tennis player, that person would play like RFed.

[guido]

Certainly one for the ages. I wonder if it would have been different if Nadal hadn't had such a long game against Dimitrov firday.

[holliscx]

Nadal was right there. I thought the difference was Federer's serve late in the fifth set he had a 15-ace advantage, but Rafa said Roger was the better player and deserved it.

Didn't love the injury timeout before the fifth. Funny injuries always take a backseat when you're winning. But as a Rafa fan I was happy to lose yesterday and know Federer fans felt the same.

“Tennis is a tough sport,” Federer said. “There are no draws, but if there was going to be one, I would have been very happy to accept a draw tonight and share it with Rafa.”

[guido]

Two world class gentlemen. We are quite privileged to get to watch them!