tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89670348303547773422024-03-14T04:10:24.176+08:00The Game of GraceDuncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-43350943004327102382017-02-13T13:37:00.002+08:002017-02-13T13:42:15.080+08:00The Legend of Federer Continues Rising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let's get things into perspective here.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After the dust has settled on the Australian Open of 2017, we have witnessed a married father of 4 children beat four top ten opponents, win three 5-set matches (2 of them back-to-back) and defeat his nemesis and toughest challenge in the final, to lift the trophy. It is also his 3rd major as a father.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>All this was done at the ancient (by tennis standards) age of 35 after not playing competitive tennis for the last 6 months while recovering from knee surgery.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even for the immortal Roger Federer, this was an utterly astonishing achievement.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We have witnessed something truly historic. At 35 years of age, Roger Federer is the second-oldest male singles player to win a major tournament. The oldest to do so, Ken Rosewall, was not even in my lifetime (1972).</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It will go down as one of his very finest major wins, for all the compelling reasons listed above. The following are some of his other impressive major triumphs:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>WIMBLEDON 2003</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The first is always special and to date this remains Roger's tidiest major win, hitting just 91 unforced errors in his 7 matches.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2006</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This win saw Roger go 7 for 7 in major finals, an astonishing run. He broke down in tears after receiving the trophy from one of his idols, Rod Laver.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2007</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For the first and only time, Federer won a major without dropping a set.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>FRENCH OPEN 2009</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Finally Roger won in Paris, completing his career Grand Slam after losing in the final the previous 3 years. Despite not having to face Nadal in the final, who lost in an earlier round to Soderling, this was a legendary event as Federer tied equal with Pete Sampras' record of 14 major wins.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>WIMBLEDON 2009</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A piece of legendary history was made when Federer beat Roddick in the final, winning his 15th major and becoming the most successful major champion in the history of the sport. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>After poring through piles of statistical data of Roger Federer's 18 major wins, I discovered that he has NEVER hit more winners than in the Australian Open 2017! He hit a total of 402 winners throughout his 7 matches in Melbourne! His attacking instincts are sharper with advanced age, keeping the points short to his benefit. But it's his enduring class and quality that continue to stand out.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There is something sacred about the way he plays.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He constructs points in a holy silence. A muffled audible of exertion on the occasional second serve is the only anomaly. Even the greats have to struggle through some shots.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer creates his masterpieces with no more than the hallowed sound of his feet dancing around the canvas accompanied by the sound of the ball bouncing off the fibres of his instrument of choice - his Wilson paint brush.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Humans' common origins result in godlike gifts and talents which lead us to admire the divine, the unexplainable, the out-of-this-world feats we often see when Roger enters the court.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He was born for tennis.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He has become tennis.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer is not God, but the devotion and loyalty he generates lifts him into a royal, deity-like figure.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Murray and Djokovic bowed out with a whimper, Nadal with a thousand grunts of valiant effort, and though they will undoubtedly make noise again later in the year, it is the hallowed silence of the maestro which speaks the loudest.</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-30957214948937330842016-06-03T12:22:00.000+08:002016-06-03T12:23:53.668+08:00Tennis in Transition - French Open 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tennis is in transition - a horrible term familiar across all sports which describes current players not being sufficiently replaced with fresh, younger players. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We have now reached the semi-finals stage of the 2016 French Open and I have to suggest it has been one of the most forgettable slams in living memory. This is mainly due to the off-court news making the real headlines - Roger Federer announcing he would not be participating (the first such occurence in 16 years), and Rafael Nadal withdrawing through injury after a couple of matches. Roland Garros this year has been deprived of Federer's magic and Nadal's excitement. When you subtract these two kings of the sport from the equation, you quickly realise that tennis is left with the bare bones of survival. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are both exiting prime and entering veteran stage of careers, together with other top ten players such as Wawrinka, Berdych, Ferrer, Tsonga and Gasquet. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's not too different on the women's side as well. Serena is the veteran looking for a few more cherries on top of an almighty impressive cake, but there seems to be a dearth of world class opponents to challenge her, the same situation that Djokovic is facing now.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Tennis desperately needs Dominic Thiem and Garbine Muguruza to step up now!</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tennis needs new heroes to re-capture the imagination once more. Austrian, Dominic Thiem, will have broken into the top ten come Monday and is the most exciting prospect to appear out of the clay court season culminating with his shot at the world #1 Friday. Similarly, Spaniard, Garbine Muguruza has showed promising signs that she is developing into a formidable opponent to not only challenge Serena, but soon enough take over the mantle of world #1.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It is time for the young ones to show their worth. For Thiem and Muguruza, it's time to start making new history.</span></b></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-84281354567904834402016-02-03T19:59:00.000+08:002016-02-03T19:59:44.691+08:00Australian Open 2016 Reflections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now that the dust has settled and the trophies presented to the victorious competitors, I have a few reflections from the fortnight at the Australian Open.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Nadal losing to Verdasco in the 1st round.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This was the stand-out moment of the entire fortnight for me. First and foremost, there was some top quality tennis on show. People point out the errors from Verdasco but choose to ignore the equal number of winners he hit. His forehand was on fire and Nadal had no answer to it. After struggling with illness and further injury coupled with a tentaive comeback for the last 16 months or so, the question on my mind is "Why is Nadal still playing tennis? What is his motivation?" The guy has won 14 majors and is a legend of the game. But he is seriously looking weaker with each year and he may not win another major. His records and career stats can only go one way now and I wonder how much longer he can stand to see his stock fall. This will be a key year for Rafa. Can he remain in the top 8? Can he capture another Roland Garros? Just how deep can he go at Wimbledon and the US Open? Can his body handle this busy Olympic year? Will he dump Uncle Toni and try a fresh coaching appointment? There are certainly more questions than answers right now for Nadal.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Angelique Kerber winning the ladies singles title</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who saw this one coming? Not many, apparently. Beating Serena in the final is obviously the best way to triumph and represents a defining moment in the German's career. With the win, she has risen to #2 in the rankings and will now feel the pressure to maintain the sort of performances she showed in Melbourne. To be honest, the draw opened up nicely for her - she only faced 2 seeded players in the entire competition (seed 14 Azarenka in the QF and seed 1 Serena in the final). So she had some luck in that respect. However, she also showed a lot of fight and character, coming from match point down in the very first round to go on win the championship.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Can Kerber now establish herself as one of the world's finest? Will she win another major this year? Can she keep up these performances with added pressure of increased status and high ranking involved?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. The Match-fixing Scandal</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is one I didn't want to mention but had to because of the coverage it has received. The names of Novak Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt, amongst others, are the more recognisable names linked to the scandal, perhaps slanderously. Only time and investigations will tell, but match-fixing is something tennis needs to eliminate as quickly and harshly as possible.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Lleyton Hewitt's Farewell to Tennis</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This was one of the enduring moments of the Australian Open of 2016. He put up a good fight in his final defeat to David Ferrer, and the Spaniard was very discreet in his own on-court interview, preferring to allow Lleyton to enjoy his moment. Hewitt was the pioneer of the baseline game for these modern players. He showed it could be successful when courts were faster than what they are today. He battled injury to play with passion and ignite crowds with his never-say-die attitude and fired-up demeanour. The video tribute to Lleyton featuring Federer, Nadal, Kyrgios and Murray was also an excellent touch as Australia said goodbye to a tennis hero.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Zhang and Konta's Deep Runs</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Two unseeded women, one Chinese, one British. Zhang, a qualifier, reaching the quarters while Konta went all the way to the semis. Zhang defeated Halep in the first round, while Konta knocked out Venus Williams. Impressive statements that led to their quarter-final clash. I was very impressed with Konta's tennis, playing aggressive with a fabulous forehand. Will this be a one-off showing for these two players, or is it the start of something great?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Federer's Masterclass against Goffin</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There have been so many adjectives and metaphors used in an attempt to describe Roger Federer's tennis genius, and it was on display in the 4th round against poor David Goffin. Federer was hitting every shot in and out of the book with such clean fluency and pinpoint precision while dancing around the court like a majestic ballet dancer. His movement was tremendous and his execution of the backhand down the line sublime. It was a real treat, real tennis, and really, really awesome.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Emergence of Milos Raonic</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes, this was the tournament where Milos Raonic really announced himself as a genuine challenger at major tournaments. His route to the semis was achieved with a monster serve and forehand as well as an improved all-round game. Perhaps most impressive was his composure. Nowhere better was this highlighted than in his 5-set win over Wawrinka. He stayed calm throughout Wawrinka's comeback in sets 3 and 4 and then stepped it up in the 5th. If he can stay injury-free he can be a decent challenger to Djokovic with a different power-play style of tennis. He looks ready to go deeper and perhaps cause a shift in dominance of mens tennis.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. Djokovic winning his SF and Final too easily</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As impressive as Djokovic's consistency in hitting balls deep is, his SF and Final victories seemed too easy for him. Granted, Federer finally woke up and gave Djokovic a minor scare in the 3rd and 4th sets of their semi-final, but before that, it really was one-way traffic. As it was in the 1st set against Murray in the final. Despite the 7-5, 7-6 scoreline in the 2nd and 3rd sets, you just never felt Murray was in it and was going to really present Djokovic with any problems. Who is going to test Djokovic in 2016? Who has the ability to step it up and hurt the Serbian #1? Can he complete the Career Grand Slam this year? The Calendar Slam?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. Bruno Soares</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Yes, the unheralded Brazilian, Bruno Soares, won two major events at the Australian Open. He teamed up with Elena Vesnina to win the mixed doubles title, and also triumphed in the mens doubles with Jamie Murray. A memorable tournament for him personally. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>With Hingis and Mirza also enjoying huge success in womens doubles, just how important are the doubles events in tennis? Do we take them seriously? Should they be taken more seriously? Is a doubles major title less significant than a singles major title? Or do they carry equal weight?</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-49332009750045156852016-01-19T10:08:00.001+08:002016-01-19T10:08:48.981+08:00Muguruza Rising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Monday 26th January, 2015. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Garbine Muguruza gave Serena Williams a scare in the 4th round of the Australian Open. I said during that match that we have a top young player here who will go on to win majors.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garbine Muguruza was born in Venezuela and now lives in and represents Spain</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A few months later she reached the Wimbledon final, losing out to Serena once more.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A year on and Muguruza has risen to #3 in the rankings at the age of just 23. At 6 feet tall she represents an intimidating figure who can mix force with finesse. She made a convincing start to her 2016 Aussie Open with a 6-0 6-4 win over Anna Kontaveit. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I expect her to make the breakthrough with a maiden major sooner rather than later. There is only so much longer Serena can go on, and with no other dominant female on tour, Muguruza can certainly assert herself on the tour.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>At 23, she is only going to get better. Major success is coming.</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-66656948378266652292016-01-14T11:26:00.000+08:002016-01-14T11:26:32.539+08:00Australian Open 18-31 Jan, 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The draw for the 2016 Australian Open is tomorrow and excitement levels are elevating rapidly. The first major of the year is upon us again and the ageless Roger Federer will once more be competing at the hottest slam on the calendar. He has been under the weather but should be fine come Monday. Federer has made it to the last two major finals, showing that he still has what it takes on the big scene.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, it's Novak Djokovic who is the hot favourite to sizzle once more Down Under and add another major to his growing resume. He is in unbelievable form and I'm struggling to reason who can stop him before the final.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stan Wawrinka is one man who has stopped Djokovic in Melbourne, in fact he is the last person to beat him there, 2 years ago in the quarter final. Wawrinka is always dangerous on the hard courts, particularly when his backhand is on song. But there remains too much inconsistency of performance to back him to go all the way.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rafael Nadal is having somewhat of a resurgence following illness and injury during 2014. He is slowly climbing his way back up the rankings but is still a long way from lifting another major, so rudely highlighted last week by Novak Djokovic who slaughtered him 6-1 6-2 in the Qatar final. On the hard courts I would expect Nadal to consider it a success to reach the last eight.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Andy Murray has been runner-up in Melbourne 4 times, losing out to Roger Federer in 2010 and 3 times to Novak Djokovic. He had a great rebound year in 2015 and will be looking to get 2016 off to a flyer with a run to the final once more. now ranked #2 in the world, the Scot will avoid Djokovic until a potential final. Murray would like Wawrinka in his half, leaving Novak and Roger to fight out a possible semi in the other half of the draw.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>That covers the top 5 players in the world, and other than them, I can't see anyone else making huge strides in Melbourne. It will be a big year for Grigor Dimitrov, who with so much potential, had an awful 2015 and will find it necessary to go much deeper in slams to convince the tennis world he is the real deal.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Milos Raonic looks likely to enter the draw at #14 and is one to watch. He has improved his all-round game dramatically from a year ago and can now complement his booming serve with a big forehand and solid backhand. He comes into Melbourne having beaten Roger Federer in the Brisbane final on a wave of confidence and optimism.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For the home boys, Bernard Tomic, Nick Kyrgios, Sam Groth and Thanasi Kokkinakis will all be hoping for a good run in the tournament with Kyrgios the most likely for me to spring a surprise or two.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mens tennis resumes now! Who is your tip for the title in Melbourne?</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-24544643806718389052015-09-05T14:53:00.001+08:002015-09-05T14:53:19.375+08:00Fabulous Fognini stops Nadal in New York 5-setter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The backstage camera filmed Rafael Nadal as he exited the court and entered the locker room after his 5-set loss to Fabio Fognini. The devastating pain engulfing his face was seen by millions around the world. Head hung low like a loyal dog who knows he has betrayed his owner's trust, Nadal trudged quietly behind the scenes while Fognini prepared to address the crowd and the world on his remarkable win.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I felt truly sorry for Nadal in those moments. One of the legends of the game is enduring a horrible year. Age is not on his side. Younger players are losing the fear factor of facing the Spanish star. The feeling was very much that his career is winding down with increased velocity.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was indeed the very first time that Nadal has a lost a major match after winning the first two sets. A historic moment for these two players in that respect.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Four hours earlier, Nadal started this 3rd round match well, and indeed took the opening two sets. Fognini looked to be dead and buried; a routine win seemed to be on the cards. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fognini though, has already beaten Nadal twice this year in best-of-three-set formats, and he came to life in the 3rd set. The Italian began producing a stunning array of shots and decided to play aggressive, forcing Nadal back and splaying him left and right across the court like a chair whose legs have buckled and fallen in all directions under heavy pressure.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafael Nadal seemed to spend large amounts of the match on the stretch</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fognini levelled the match at 2 sets all and such had been the intensity that both players and the umpire went for a toilet break before the 5th set.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The 5th set was ridiculous to say the least. I have never seen anything like it. From 1-1 to 5-4 there were 7 consecutive breaks of serve. It seemed that both players had a sudden mental block when it came to holding serve. It did however, make for exciting tennis, and the quality from both players remained high. </b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabio Fognini was fabulous in his 5-set win over Rafael Nadal</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In the end Nadal just couldn't handle how early his opponent was striking the ball. Fognini finally managed to hold serve to take the match and progress to the 4th round. Nadal made a hasty handshake and barely said a word - I thought Fognini's performance deserved a little more than that, despite the bitter disappointment for the Spaniard.</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-24776716373213551542015-09-04T12:45:00.001+08:002015-09-04T12:45:22.265+08:00Petra Cetkovska puts on a display to defeat Caroline Wozniacki<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Unheralded Czech, Petra Cetkovska, put on a terrific display to see off 4th seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7-1) in the final match of the night session.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Earlier, Roger Federer had despatched of Steve Darcis in 80 minutes with another commanding performance, running away with the match 6-1, 6-2, 6-1.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But the headline from the night session this time was Petra Cetkovska. That was just absolutely brilliant! Brilliant! If it was Roger Federer, everyone would be raving and purring over such a remarkable display of all-round tennis.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cetkovska hit the ball consistently deep, had a great backhand, awesome forehand, taking the pace off it at times to find more acute angles, opening up the court, and came to the net and volleyed well. She also saved 4 match points with some fearless attacking tennis, before converting at the first time of asking in the final set tiebreak.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thoroughly enjoyed that match, though I wonder if Cetkovska can recover both physically and mentally for the next round?</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-10850399262905754192015-08-31T15:03:00.000+08:002015-08-31T15:50:36.547+08:00Matches to look out for in the US Open 1st round<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The 4th and final major of the year is upon us. Serena Williams is seven matches away from completing the Calendar Year Grand Slam and equalling Steffi Graf's record of 22 major titles. Novak Djokovic comes to Flushing Meadows hoping to win his 10th major to complete a highly successful year winning 3 of the 4 major titles.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is my selection of matches to watch out for in the US Open 1st round.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. All eyes will be on #1 Serena Williams in her first round match against Vitalia Diatchenko. If she starts well, talk will only grow over her chances of clinching the Calendar Year Grand Slam.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. An all-American tie including Coco Vandeweghe and Sloane Stephens features in the top half of the ladies draw. Vandeweghe put on an impressive showing at this year's Wimbledon while Sloane Stephens tries to elevate herself into major contention.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. The demise of Eugenie Bouchard has been rapid and has seen her slip to seed 25 for this year's US Open. She has caused a stir over her unsportsmanlike behaviour in the Davis Cup and is in real need of a re-imaging on the court. That always starts with winning matches, and in the 1st round she will be up against Alison Riske of the United States. Expect the crowd to be behind the home player. Bouchard needs to turn the corner soon.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Perhaps the tie of the women's 1st round is 7th seed Ana Ivanovic versus feisty unseeded Slovak, Dominica Cibulkova. This is an intriguing match-up. Ivanovic has fought her way back to form while Cibulkova has struggled to live up to her own high standards following her thrilling run to the final in Melbourne last year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. On the mens draw, two really good players who have never made the breakthrough on the major scene. Fernando Verdasco, the 'other' left-handed Spaniard versus Tommy Haas, the German who continues to defy his age. Both players struggle with consistency, but on their day can play some top tennis. I favour Verdasco in this one, but it could be a good match.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Another golden oldie, Lleyton Hewitt, is in his farewell year on the ATP World Tour as his retirement from the sport draws ever closer. He will definitely be looking to go out with a bang during the penultimate major of his career. He is well-loved and respected throughout tennis for his battling skills and he will be ready for a typical battle in the 1st round against Aleksandr Nedovyesov.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Wherever there is Roger Federer, there will be an admiring audience. The Swiss legend is in town again, in some of the best form of his career, eyeing an 18th major title after his back-to-back wins over Murray and Djokovic in Cincinnati. He is up against Leonardo Mayer, the 33rd ranked player who held 5 match points against Federer earlier in the year, but couldn't convert. May be a little closer than most expect but I still back Federer in straight sets.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. The first of the two tastiest mens 1st round match-ups involves teenager Borna Coric versus 14-time major champion Rafael Nadal. Coric is a rising star on tour who comfortably beat Nadal in Basel last year before the Spaniard went on a lengthy injury/illness layoff. Nadal has never recovered his full form since then and has endured a torrid year, falling to defeats to players ranked outside the top 100 amongst others. I class this as a potential upset but still expect Nadal to call on his experience to pull him through this one.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. For me, the most intriguing match of the 1st round is Andy Murray versus Nick Kyrgios. You could say Murray drew the short straw with this 1st round tie. (We are glad it wasn't Wawrinka who ended up with this one!) Kyrgios is under intense scrutiny after he brought the game into disrepute with his disparaging remarks on court aimed at Wawrinka recently. He is fast becoming the bad boy of tennis, though his opponent, Murray, is not exactly a saint either. Kyrgios has the ability and weapons to win this match, so this is another potential upset, but it really depends on the state of his mind and his ability to block out what could be a very hostile crowd.</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-46315409117142214842014-01-10T13:43:00.000+08:002014-01-10T13:43:55.334+08:00Australian Open 2014 draw<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger endured a tough year in 2013, winning just one title in Halle, with his most notable defeat coming just a week later at Wimbledon, where he fell to Sergey Stakhovsky in Round 2.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's a new year, a fresh tennis season, and the draw for the Australian Open was conducted this morning.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is the top half of the draw, where Roger is located:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm not even going to bother analysing anything beyond the 1st round, though a re-match against Stakhovsky would be welcome in the 3rd round should results pan out accordingly.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer's first match is against Australia's unheralded James Duckworth, but the pick of the round will obviously be Nadal vs Tomic in a night session on the Rod Laver arena.</b></span></div>
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-62049658694240053022013-06-25T15:09:00.000+08:002013-06-25T15:10:01.072+08:00Federer eases to 1st round win against Hanescu<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I didn't believe my wife. I had just seen Federer win the first set before attending to my English class. When I returned to the living room my wife told me the match had finished. What I now saw on the TV were highlights!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wimbledon 2013 has begun and I'm super excited as always at this time of year. Much excitement was made over the killer of a draw in the bottom half. With Nadal's catastrophic defeat in the first round to Steve Darcis, it doesn't look too bad now!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer walked onto Centre Court as the defending champion, donning a smart white jacket with orange trim, clearly dressed for the occasion.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And the match itself lasted just 68 minutes in a 6-3, 6-2, 6-0 victory for the Swiss. It was a walk in the park to be honest, and Federer also broke his own record for the fastest set of tennis - taking the 3rd set 6-0 in a time of 18 minutes.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A great start for the King, and with Nadal now no longer around in his quarter, we're looking towards a possible semi against Murray.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Next up in Round 2 is Sergey Stakhovsky.</b></span></div>
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-11609662450210717432013-01-25T22:11:00.001+08:002013-01-25T22:11:29.791+08:00Federer falls to rising Murray in semis<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer unfortunately lost his semi-final match to Andy Murray, but it wasn't without a fight. He eventually succumbed 4/6, 7/6, 3/6, 7/6, 2/6.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As much as I dislike Andy Murray, I have to credit him for a very solid performance, great serving, and even when he surrendered his serve at 6-5 in the 4th set for the match and lost the ensuing tiebreak, he still composed himself well to take the deciding set.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer was always behind in the match, served very poorly by his high standards, and it wasn't his best match. Well done Murray for being the better player on the night and getting Federer frustrated at times.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm still proud of Federer for fighting and making a match of it, forcing the contest to 5 sets and giving his all again. It is important too, to be gracious in both victory and defeat. It was a pleasure seeing him play, even if the end result wasn't what we wanted.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>He's made ten consecutive Australian Open semi-finals or better - that in itself is an achievement to be proud of!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We look forward to seeing you in action again Roger!</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-86337154285147625562013-01-23T22:23:00.001+08:002013-01-23T22:52:39.787+08:00Fantastic Federer overcomes Tsonga storm!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer held his nerve and kept his cool to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Rod Laver arena in 5 pulsating sets tonight.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What a match! It was so tense and I was nervous as Tsonga rattled serves past Federer and won numerous long rallies. There were a few moments in the match when I wasn't feeling too confident about Fed's chances. But the great man pulled through and I'm so proud of him!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer won the important 1st and 3rd sets, both on tiebreaks, but Tsonga wouldn't go away. If it wasn't for his errors at vital times, the outcome may have been different.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer is 31 but showed no signs of fatigue as the match rolled into a 5th set. The final score read 7/6, 4/6, 7/6, 3/6, 6/3 to the Swiss in a little over three and a half hours.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Credit goes to Tsonga for a great performance too. The Frenchman appeared to be in the zone, on serve and with his dangerous forehand. He had Federer on the stretch a number of times.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But Federer's game held firm and I'm absolutely delighted with this win. I'm sure he'll take a lot of added confidence into his semi-final with Andy Murray after this match, and here's hoping he can make another major final!</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-826768951674705602013-01-22T09:51:00.000+08:002013-01-22T09:51:38.762+08:00Flawless Federer beats Raonic in three<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer defeated Milos Raonic in straight sets last night to set up a mouthwatering QF clash with Jo-wilfried Tsonga on Wednesday.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer comfortably won the match 6/4, 7/6, 6/2, taking his H2H over Raonic to 4-0. He also reached his 35th consecutive major quarter final.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was a clean and impressive performance from Federer who controlled the match from the baseline against his considerably younger opponent.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fans appreciate Federer's tennis; photographers also are kept busy snapping pictures of this legend:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer is currently playing the best tennis at the Australian Open. If it continues I would feel very good about his chances of winning major #18! The backhand has looked solid, the forehand is a dream, his serve is efficient, and he's keeping the errors down low.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep going Roger, we love to see you perform!</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-32466274167816796232013-01-21T13:41:00.000+08:002013-01-21T13:41:03.636+08:00Stanislas Wawrinka a true hero!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like many people around the world, I enjoyed the amazing tennis match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer's understudy, Stanislas Wawrinka last night.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This 4th round match lasted 5 hours and 2 minutes, with the #1 seed Djokovic winning by a scoreline of 1/6, 7/5, 6/4, 6/7, 12/10.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I was amazed at the onslaught that Wawrinka threw at Djokovic from the very start right until the very last point. He attacked at every opportunity and it was so unfortunate for him that he ended up losing the match.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was a fantastic contest and Wawrinka really elevated his level so high and the quality of tennis from both players didn't diminish as the contest ticked over 4 and 5 hours. It was thrilling, tense, exciting, nerve-racking; we experienced the ecstasy of victory and the agony of defeat in the very same moment when Djokovic watched his backhand fly past Wawrinka at match point #3.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stan the man won the love and respect of just about everybody after his amazing performance. His backhand is just the stuff of dreams, as sweet as any shot of any player in the world. If you don't follow tennis so closely, it would have been difficult to figure out which player was the #1 seed.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As a fellow Swiss, Roger Federer fans are extremely proud of Stanislas Wawrinka for his Herculean efforts last night. We salute you Stan, you've inspired us all! Your backhand winner to save match point #2 was out of this world and is by far, the shot of the tournament!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Looking forward to Roger Federer's match with Milos Raonic later today!</b></span></div>
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-41243894159615575002013-01-19T22:42:00.000+08:002013-01-19T22:42:07.816+08:00Federer beats Tomic; records 250th major win<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer beat Australia's Bernard Tomic in straight sets in Melbourne, 6/4 7/6 6/1. In the process, he became the first man ever to win 250 matches at major tournaments.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer's class shone through, despite a valiant effort from young Tomic in the 2nd set, where Federer rallied from 4-1 down in the tiebreaker, to take it 7-5.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The tiebreaker really knocked the stuffing out of Tomic and Federer breezed through the third set to wrap up his 3rd consecutive straight sets win at Melbourne this year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Up next in round 4 is the dangerous Milos Raonic. Federer's last couple of meetings with the Canadian have been extremely close affairs, with the Swiss coming out on top. We may see a couple of tiebreakers in this one, but I feel confident that Federer will make it to the quarters.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I was particularly impressed with Federer's backhand against Tomic. It looked solid all the way through, and I barely remember a single error from the backhand wing.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's a joy watching Roger play, but especially when he has that winning look in his eye . . .</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GO ROGER!!!</span></b></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-73890393573179899932013-01-11T15:51:00.001+08:002013-01-11T15:58:09.772+08:00Federer's draw for Australian Open 2013<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The draw for the Australian Open 2013 is out and Roger Federer has a 1st round match against Benoit Paire.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>From then on, it gets more tricky, with a likely 2nd round clash with the unpredictable Nikolay Davydenko. I don't want to look beyond that. I'm intrigued as to how rusty Federer may or may not be after not playing a competitive match since November.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger won't have much time to get in a rhythm as he'll need to be on the top of his game right away, at least from the 2nd round onwards.</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">I'm excited for Monday, in particular a men's 1st round clash between Janko Tipsarevic and an in-form Lleyton Hewitt, who has just beaten Raonic and Berdych back-to-back this week.</b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">It's been a long time waiting to see Roger play again, so let's hope he can go deep in Melbourne!</b></div>
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-19441602485156875192012-12-17T18:01:00.000+08:002012-12-17T18:01:02.901+08:00Why I love Roger Federer #5 - the single-handed backhand<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The single-handed backhand is a thing of beauty.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXPrFwGq8Ks/UM7nTqR0c-I/AAAAAAAANi8/m6k20vhbRcs/s1600/federer-makes-a-backhand-return-to-nadal-in-their-mens-singles-finals-clash2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXPrFwGq8Ks/UM7nTqR0c-I/AAAAAAAANi8/m6k20vhbRcs/s400/federer-makes-a-backhand-return-to-nadal-in-their-mens-singles-finals-clash2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Firstly for its flexibility.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Secondly for its aesthetics.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit to http://www.flickr.com/photos/zawtowers/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thirdly for its rarity.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger's is one of the best single-handed backhands there has ever been. And there are only a handful around today, including most notably Richard Gasquet, Nicolas Almagro, Tommy Haas and Feliciano Lopez.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer can do so many things with his backhand. Topspin cross-court or down the line, gentle slice, cutting slice, defensive lobs, backhand overhead volley, backhand drop-shot and reach more balls that other guys with a double-handed backhand can't. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The single-handed backhand of Federer is particularly good at finding impossible cross-court angles by reducing the power, or by using incredible power to blast the ball past his opponents into the open court.</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-90849066917624678472012-11-23T13:03:00.002+08:002012-11-23T13:03:47.703+08:00Why I love Roger Federer #4 - The Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;">Roger Federer just looks like a legend every time you see him. He has grown into the position with ease.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this legendary image of Federer</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">I love his look when you just know that either he's totally zoomed in and focused on his job, or he's angry and will take it out on the ball . . .</b>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer is an image of calm on changeovers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in defeat, he still looks every inch a champion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer looking up to the divine, a piece of which, lives in him</td></tr>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-54905682890332182442012-11-19T23:02:00.001+08:002012-11-19T23:02:37.377+08:00Why I love Roger Federer #3 - The Passion<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love Roger Federer's passion for the game of tennis...</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7hfXYDjo0/UKpGRchRngI/AAAAAAAAMew/4jJvNz7oJxg/s1600/115151697_crop_650x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_n7hfXYDjo0/UKpGRchRngI/AAAAAAAAMew/4jJvNz7oJxg/s400/115151697_crop_650x440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer shows his passion after beating Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros in 2011</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We usually see Federer keeping cool and calm on court, not giving anything away, keeping his emotions under control.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But it's a special moment when he explodes into life...</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww1u0q9IzR4/UKpGvYKQAfI/AAAAAAAAMe4/95CfYsfc7Wc/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ww1u0q9IzR4/UKpGvYKQAfI/AAAAAAAAMe4/95CfYsfc7Wc/s400/28.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer celebrates a point at the World Tour Finals in London in 2010</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love the moment Federer shouts "Come on!"</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyAaz4ZGG2Q/UKpHMmYr6vI/AAAAAAAAMfA/ZeZSQI-3OLQ/s1600/Roger+Federer+Australian+Open+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyAaz4ZGG2Q/UKpHMmYr6vI/AAAAAAAAMfA/ZeZSQI-3OLQ/s400/Roger+Federer+Australian+Open+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer shouts "Come on!" after getting the vital break in the 5th set against Gilles Simon at the Australian Open in 2011</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I shout with him on all the big points...</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_W_z9cFNxQ/UKpHt3f97SI/AAAAAAAAMfI/j6E-7DdJGwY/s1600/Federer-WTF-2010-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_W_z9cFNxQ/UKpHt3f97SI/AAAAAAAAMfI/j6E-7DdJGwY/s400/Federer-WTF-2010-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer shouts in joy after beating Rafael Nadal at the World Tour Finals in the championship match in London, 2010</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's the passion, dedication, commitment that show us all just how much Federer cares about winning, and if not winning, then losing after having given everything he's got.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KEG1rms9bA/UKpJqe1lsbI/AAAAAAAAMfQ/RGqN6q6zoJc/s1600/Roger-Federer-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_KEG1rms9bA/UKpJqe1lsbI/AAAAAAAAMfQ/RGqN6q6zoJc/s400/Roger-Federer-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer reacts after beating Tomas Berdych in five sets at the Australian Open in 2009</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep the passion alive Roger!</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-4680975809050738932012-11-17T10:44:00.000+08:002012-11-17T10:44:02.446+08:00Why I love Roger Federer #2 - The Federer Forehand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is a series of why I love Roger Federer, detailing every aspect of his game, on and off court.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today is the Roger Federer forehand. It is a thing of beauty, unique amongst his peers in execution and beauty. I particularly love the forehand up the line and the inside-out forehand.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6YrdsVnVPY/UKb38eO9BMI/AAAAAAAAMWQ/UHMd6HAo2wU/s1600/Federer_Forehand_Pink_Shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C6YrdsVnVPY/UKb38eO9BMI/AAAAAAAAMWQ/UHMd6HAo2wU/s400/Federer_Forehand_Pink_Shirt.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer gets set for a forehand</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L0k4G5x8IA/UKb4M7mqC5I/AAAAAAAAMWY/X2hLfXYh0-A/s1600/fed+forehand+vs+murray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L0k4G5x8IA/UKb4M7mqC5I/AAAAAAAAMWY/X2hLfXYh0-A/s400/fed+forehand+vs+murray.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer prepares to strike a forehand</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ_qgOGlbIk/UKb4rLYtTiI/AAAAAAAAMWg/-ZLf9bQgrVU/s1600/federer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJ_qgOGlbIk/UKb4rLYtTiI/AAAAAAAAMWg/-ZLf9bQgrVU/s400/federer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer prepares for the moment of impact on his forehand</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyT6lWT6ENg/UKb46f7sNmI/AAAAAAAAMWo/5y7Cg2aACII/s1600/84443014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cyT6lWT6ENg/UKb46f7sNmI/AAAAAAAAMWo/5y7Cg2aACII/s400/84443014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federer skips around the backhand to hit a trademark inside-out forehand</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sM_qBhal1U/UKb5Jjfv-xI/AAAAAAAAMWw/8hT0dD1LzqE/s1600/darth+federer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sM_qBhal1U/UKb5Jjfv-xI/AAAAAAAAMWw/8hT0dD1LzqE/s400/darth+federer.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this image of Federer's forehand in action</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDgalEVE16w/UKb5WloA7TI/AAAAAAAAMW4/rczc3lDRCqw/s1600/federer_forehand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDgalEVE16w/UKb5WloA7TI/AAAAAAAAMW4/rczc3lDRCqw/s320/federer_forehand.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the follow-through on this Federer forehand!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have a look at Federer's forehand in slow-motion. It's amazing!</b></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ji914RSFrew" width="560"></iframe></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-17840284782938407842012-11-15T14:27:00.000+08:002012-11-15T14:27:34.424+08:00Why I love Roger Federer #1 - Footwork<div style="text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m2fi2o4k7XU" width="420"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love Roger Federer's footwork. Who doesn't? He moves around the court like a graceful gazelle. This video is just one of a whole host of examples I could pull up.</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-c1aeC1EGI/UKSLHhMyglI/AAAAAAAAMUU/ka5XZNbJHBs/s1600/federer-footwork.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-c1aeC1EGI/UKSLHhMyglI/AAAAAAAAMUU/ka5XZNbJHBs/s400/federer-footwork.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-33173295597790174602012-11-13T15:10:00.000+08:002012-11-13T15:10:16.512+08:00Federer finishes runner-up in London<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer sadly lost the WTF final to Novak Djokovic, 7/6 7/5 at the O2 Arena on Monday night.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer was bidding for a third straight WTF title, but just came up short against the Serbian in what was a very close match.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_LUmDMgnEw/UKHw131DDuI/AAAAAAAAMPU/YERwafmc9NE/s1600/djok+with+trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_LUmDMgnEw/UKHw131DDuI/AAAAAAAAMPU/YERwafmc9NE/s400/djok+with+trophy.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Novak Djokovic kissing the WTF trophy after beating Roger Federer 7/6 7/5 at London's O2 Arena</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fair play and congratulations to Novak Djokovic. It is testament to Federer's longevity that even at 31 years of age and father of two, he is still pushing Djokovic and Murray in the prime of their life all the way.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer was up 3-0 in the first set and 2-0 in the second set, only to let Djokovic back in on both occasions.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtlQcayOSwY/UKHxfTc2k2I/AAAAAAAAMPc/BKz0aweOTP4/s1600/rog+with+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtlQcayOSwY/UKHxfTc2k2I/AAAAAAAAMPc/BKz0aweOTP4/s400/rog+with+plate.jpg" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer with the runners-up plate at London's O2 Arena. He lost a close final match against Novak Djokovic, 7/6 7/5 on Monday night</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I know this is not the picture we wanted to see, but we congratulate Roger for reaching the final for an amazing 8th time, and salute him for the great year he has had.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now Roger, get some good rest, and see you in Melbourne in January!</b></span></div>
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-29583406132799631262012-11-12T12:34:00.000+08:002012-11-12T13:02:25.452+08:00Federer beats Murray; reaches WTF final for 8th time<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Roger Federer breezed past Andy Murray in the semi-finals of the World Tour Finals (WTF) in straight sets.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer's 7/6 6/2 win saw the Swiss Maestro reach his 8th WTF final, where he will face Novak Djokovic in the defence of his win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga last year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer effortlessly slipped into gear against Murray after misfiring somewhat in his previous two matches against del Potro and Ferrer.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZp3OU7KM8s/UKB426auiVI/AAAAAAAAMNQ/w7aML8AQmlQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZp3OU7KM8s/UKB426auiVI/AAAAAAAAMNQ/w7aML8AQmlQ/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer celebrates after beating Andy Murray in the semi-final at the O2 Arena in London</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>While Murray grunted and foul-mouthed around the court, Federer played tennis in sacred silence. Here are the highlights of the match:</b></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O18FW57tIt0" width="360"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Come on Roger, one more hurdle!!!</b></span></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-42198378878070931902012-11-11T00:41:00.000+08:002012-11-11T00:41:27.521+08:00Federer falls to del Potro; still in semis<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In a strange match, Roger Federer played well for two sets before falling away in the third.</b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDsbK01T5xk/UJ6BZNCuAzI/AAAAAAAAMGg/pzK27ZZKZpI/s1600/fed+prepare+to+serve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NDsbK01T5xk/UJ6BZNCuAzI/AAAAAAAAMGg/pzK27ZZKZpI/s400/fed+prepare+to+serve.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer sets up to serve to Juan Martin del Potro at the O2 arena in London</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer started the match very well, dominating proceedings in the first set before playing a horrible tiebreaker.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVm95CsZXM4/UJ6B46B5AuI/AAAAAAAAMGo/PCyj4ZjjsMI/s1600/fed+forehand+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVm95CsZXM4/UJ6B46B5AuI/AAAAAAAAMGo/PCyj4ZjjsMI/s400/fed+forehand+winner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer hits a forehand winner against Juan Martin del Potro at the WTF in London</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Federer broke early in the second set, which then went with serve, Federer taking the set 6/4.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, del Potro broke early in the decider for a 3-0 lead. Federer couldn't make any inroads on the Argentine's serve, and del Potro gave Roger plenty to think about heading in to the semi-finals tomorrow.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2C_TOfiG4Y/UJ6CkaGJ2cI/AAAAAAAAMGw/GQMqQFyolR8/s1600/fed+at+break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2C_TOfiG4Y/UJ6CkaGJ2cI/AAAAAAAAMGw/GQMqQFyolR8/s400/fed+at+break.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer pauses for thought during his defeat to Juan Martin del Potro at the WTF in London</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As it stands, del Potro will advance as group winner courtesy of his head-to-head result against Federer, meaning Roger will face Djokovic in the semis.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>However, if David Ferrer manages to beat Tipsarevic later, there will be a 3-way tie at the top, and Federer will emerge as the group winner over del Potro, courtesy of sets won/lost difference. If that scenario unfolds, then Roger will face Murray in the semis tomorrow instead.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Who would you prefer Roger to play in the semis?</i></span></b></div>
Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8967034830354777342.post-3500047477497802392012-11-09T11:17:00.000+08:002012-11-09T11:17:08.865+08:00Federer does enough against Ferrer; reaches semi-finals at WTF<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Roger Federer defeated David Ferrer at the WTF yesterday, winning 6/4 7/6</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(5) </span><span style="font-size: large;">in a haphazard display.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDHrrTGYi_g/UJx0JOWHq9I/AAAAAAAAMFM/XfEKQMQ0EhA/s1600/fed+stats+vs+ferrer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDHrrTGYi_g/UJx0JOWHq9I/AAAAAAAAMFM/XfEKQMQ0EhA/s400/fed+stats+vs+ferrer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see from the stats, Federer didn't serve particularly well and made way too many errors, especially off the backhand side. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But as usual, even when he didn't play at his best, he did enough to win, and came up with some incredible shots along the way. I loved his flicked backhand winner down the line.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUildpf_kvQ/UJx0hWnpsaI/AAAAAAAAMFU/YF006aqPHAk/s1600/fed+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUildpf_kvQ/UJx0hWnpsaI/AAAAAAAAMFU/YF006aqPHAk/s400/fed+face.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roger Federer wipes his face during the match with David Ferrer at the World Tour Finals 2012 in London</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Roger Federer has now guaranteed qualification for the semi-finals with a 2-0 record, his wins both in straight sets against Janko Tipsarevic and David Ferrer.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next up is Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Tipsarevic last night to keep his hopes of qualifying alive. Del Potro will most likely have to beat Federer to have any chance of making the semi-finals, so it's all set up for an interesting match!</span></b></div>
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Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.com0