Roger's AO Semi vs. Andy
Clearly Andy was the better player that day, even though Roger didn't exactly play badly. He looked to me to be tired, probably from the Tsonga match. I was amazed to learn that he had never, in his very long career, played five-setters back to back. That's impressive and kind of weird. Andy just never gave him many opportunities so Roger did the best he could. He fought hard. The National Post said he "fought like a cornered rat". That's not a description one generally reads about a classy guy like Roger, but in a way it's true. He fought hard and scrambled the entire match, always behind Murray, except for the tie-breaks.
Speaking of classy, Roger lost his cool due to frustration and shouted something at Andy, who smirked back at him, but by the end of the match they both seemed relaxed and friendly again. The heat of the battle can get to a fella.
If the fifth set had gone to a tie-break I'd bet Roger would have won it, despite the exhaustion. However, would he have had any gas left in the tank to defeat Djokovic? We'll never know, but I would rather see him go out in the semi with some dignity intact, than to see him get demolished the way he was in the Olympics gold medal match.
Roger Federer is a champion and he will be back better than ever. Just hope he can maybe improve his stamina, so he can keep up with the youngsters. He's doing a fantastic job of making life miserable for them still. I'd like to see him holding a majors trophy again and really make the punks remember who is King. You listening, Rafa? If you're coming back for the clay season you'd better be ready for the FedExpress at Roland Garros. ;-)
Speaking of classy, Roger lost his cool due to frustration and shouted something at Andy, who smirked back at him, but by the end of the match they both seemed relaxed and friendly again. The heat of the battle can get to a fella.
If the fifth set had gone to a tie-break I'd bet Roger would have won it, despite the exhaustion. However, would he have had any gas left in the tank to defeat Djokovic? We'll never know, but I would rather see him go out in the semi with some dignity intact, than to see him get demolished the way he was in the Olympics gold medal match.
Roger Federer is a champion and he will be back better than ever. Just hope he can maybe improve his stamina, so he can keep up with the youngsters. He's doing a fantastic job of making life miserable for them still. I'd like to see him holding a majors trophy again and really make the punks remember who is King. You listening, Rafa? If you're coming back for the clay season you'd better be ready for the FedExpress at Roland Garros. ;-)