Jul 31, 2004 from Reuters:
TORONTO - Roger Federer recovered from a shaky start to tame Thomas Johansson 4-6 6-3 6-2 Saturday to reach the final of the Toronto Masters and extend his winning streak to 22 matches. Federer will await the winner of the second semi-final being played later between defending champion Andy Roddick and Nicolas Kiefer of Germany.

"I'm exhausted, but trying to keep it going," said Federer, adding he was bothered by a cut to the little finger of his right hand sustained opening a can of balls in morning practice. "I really hope I can win this tournament."

The top seed started tentatively, the 99th-ranked Swede breaking him at the first opportunity and holding serve to take a 2-0 lead on the way to claiming the opening set. But Federer secured the early break in the second and third sets to clinch the match.

Jul 30, 2004 from AFP:
TORONTO - Roger Federer had to conjure up tennis magic of his own to break the spell of Fabrice Santoro to reach the semi-finals of the 2.56 million dollar Masters Series.

Santoro carries the nickname of The Magician for his slice-and-dice style which can drive a power-hitter to distraction. But Federer finally tamed the the flamboyant Frenchman 7-5, 6-4, an effort which took one hour 37 minutes.

The performance was far from polished, with the Swiss utilising only three of his 14 break point chances. But the double Wimbledon winner came good when it counted, unleashing an inside-out forehand for the first time in the contest to set up two match points and claiming victory with a steeply angled cross-court winner.

"I had to adapt today," said Federer, whose 21-match win streak matches one of Pete Sampras in 1996 as well as other streaks of Stefan Edberg and Ivan Lendl. "Everyone knows it's difficult to play Santoro. We had a good match today with some good points. But I was playing a bit too defensive, so I had to change," Federer said. "It worked out fine in the end."

The Swiss earned his 13th consecutive victory against a Frenchman, with Santoro the last to beat him - in Madrid, 2002. Federer now awaits the winner of the quarter-final clash between 1999 champion Thomas Johansson and Joachim Johansson.

Against Santoro, Federer fired four aces, 47 winners and 27 unforced errors. He missed on his first six break points of the combatative second set. Early on, Federer looked like rolling to another rout, although Santoro made a stand while trailing 2-5.

The Frenchman held to get one game back and then sprang a surprise as he broke when the Swiss perfectionist missed an approach volley at the net. Within a game, Santoro had levelled at 5-all.

Federer responded to lead 6-5, then piled on the pressure - although Santoro rescued himself after double-faulting to yield two set points. A pair of uncharacteristic Federer unforced errors got the French veteran out of danger and he saved one more set point before the Swiss took the set 7-5 on his fourth opportunity.

Jul 29, 2004 from Canadian Press:
TORONTO - Roger Federer captured two straight-sets victories Thursday to reach the quarter-final round of the Tennis Masters Canada event. Federer extended his unbeaten streak to 20 matches, dating back his third-round loss in the French Open.

"If someone had told me after the French I wouldn't lose a match until now I would've told them this was almost impossible," Federer said. "I'm happy with the way I'm playing. I'm winning my matches in straight sets, I couldn't ask for more."

"Everything now is about out keeping that level, staying focussed and trying to recover for the next match. I'm a bit mentally exhausted. I know it's almost impossible to not lose a match. But once you get going, sometimes it's hard to stop (winning). Let's just see how things go for me."

TORONTO - Roger Federer topped Robin Soderling 7-5, 6-1 in second-round play Thursday at the Tennis Masters Canada tournament. After a sluggish start, Federer seemed more focused in the second set. The world No. 1 used a mix of punishing baseline shots and crafty net play to wear down the young Swede, who turns 20 next month.

Federer was scheduled to play the winner of the Max Mirnyi-Paradorn Srichaphan match later in the day. Tournament organizers will try to squeeze 16 second-round and eight third-round matches in on Thursday because of rain earlier in the week.

Jul 28, 2004 from AFP:
TORONTO - Roger Federer put his experience with rain interruptions at Wimbledon to good use as he completed a weather-hit match at the Masters Series. A full 18 hours after his opening contest with Hicham Arazi first began on Tuesday evening, Federer wrapped up a 6-3, 7-5 victory which puts him through to a second-round contest with Swede Robin Soderling.

The Swiss world number one earned victory after completing the first set the night before in heavy, drizzly conditions. The pair were twice interrupted for a few moments Wednesday, with Federer eventually breaking for 6-5 in the second set and serving it out a game later for a total playing time of one hour, 28 minutes.

Jul 11, 2004 from AFP:
GSTAAD - Roger Federer filled in a small gap in his impressive career curriculum after emphatically earning his first title at home at the Swiss Open. The world number one beat Igor Andreev 6-2, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 to finally claim a Swiss trophy.

"To be honest, when I came here in 1998 as a wild card, I never thought I'd be able to win on clay here," the undisputed current king of the game said. "It's not easy to come straight from Wimbledon. To adapt to the clay from the grass is extremely difficult."

Federer raced through the first two sets on a day of sun and clouds in the Alps, taking a substantial lead after 45 minutes. Andreev struck back in the third set to stay in contention after nullifying a break of serve and breaking the Swiss twice to get on the scoreboard with a winning set.

But Federer, willed to victory by an inspired home crowd in chilly 13 Celcius conditions, took charge in the fourth set, breaking Andreev for 3-2 as the nervous young Russian double-faulted to yield a third break point chance for the seed. Federer recovered from 0-30 down in the eighth game and reached three match points a game later, tasting sweet success on the second as Andreev sent a backhand into the net.

"The first finals in Basel (2000 and 2001) I wasn't the favourite," Federer said of losses against Thomas Enqvist and Tim Henman. "But this time, I thought I had the best chance and went in as the favourite. It's really great to finally lift a trophy at home."

Andreev, playing in the first final off his career, had never even reached a semi prior to this week. "Congratulations to Roger for what he's just achieved. To come from Wimbledon to clay and win both events, he definitely deserves to be number one."

With clouds never far away after morning rain in the Alps, Federer stormed through the opening set, riding a pair of breaks to a 6-2 decision in 23 minutes. But Andreev reacted well in the second set after Federer began with a love game for 1-0. The Russian saved two break points in the sixth game to square it at 3-3. The youngster's luck ran out as Federer applied the pressure, breaking to love for 5-3 and sweeping out to a two-sets-to-love lead on the first of three set points, a classic forehand driver into a far corner.

But after breaking for 2-1 in the third set as faint sun streamed through the clouds at this car-free village, the Swiss favourite got into trouble as the eager Andreev earned a pair of break points in the eighth game. After saving one, Federer couldn't handle a forehand winner down the line as the scoreline tightened at 4-4, with Andreev earning the set with another break in the final game. Federer reecovered in the fourth set with two more breaks to ensure victory.

Federer is preparing for a week of beach holidays before travelling to Toronto to start the hardcourt season in a fortnight. He is keen to get home after a five-week road trip laced with his first hat-trick of titles in succession. "I'm very happy, but I'm very exhausted. I'm so glad to win my first title in Switzerland, even after winning many around the world. It's been a really long five weeks on the road, but it's OK if I win three titles in a row, I can handle that. This wonderful five weeks came to a great end."

The Swiss knows he can't let down his guard in victory. "When you're at the top you have to work very hard, you have to better yourself all the time. Even a small improvement is worth it. otherwise, the other guys will catch up with you."

Jul 10, 2004 from AP:
GSTAAD - Roger Federer overcame fatigue and rain delays to beat qualifier Potito Starace 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 Saturday, advancing to the Swiss Open final. Federer beat Starace in 1 hour, 30 minutes in a match that was interrupted for 30 minutes overall by rain.

"I'm definitely exhausted," said Federer. "I'm very tired, but I'm trying everything I can to do well in front of the fans here because they paid a lot of money to come and I'm having a lot of fun myself. "I hope the final will be only three sets, too," he said, joking. "Three sets in my favor."

After dominating the first set, Federer struggled with his backhand in the second set. Starace finally broke Federer to take a 5-3 lead. Federer wasted five break points in the next game, allowing the 145th-ranked Starace to cling to his serve and even the match.

Federer broke Starace's opening serve in the final set with a nifty short lob at the net. Starace was powerless against Federer's serve and was unable to come back, and the Swiss delighted the home fans by sealing the victory with an ace.

"I took a lot of pleasure in this match. He is a very good player," Federer said. "I have trained with him in the past and for sure you pick up certain things about your opponent in those instances. It was a good match."

from Reuters:
Roger Federer said last year's final, in which he lost to Jiri Novak in five sets, "nearly killed me. So I don't want that again. I feel very tired right now but I hope to recuperate enough this afternoon to play tomorrow."

"I knew Starace was a very good player with an all-round game," said Federer of the Italian. "But practising with him at Roland Garros definitely helped me. I knew what to expect. I am tired, but I feel alright. I am a bit stiff, but that is to be expected. But I think I have one more match in me so I will have to get myself together and do my best."

from AFP:
"I'm really, really tired," said Roger Federer. "Right now, I'd rather skip a stretching or massage session in favour of a hot bath."

"It was tough," he said of coming here a year ago a day after lifting his first Grand Slam trophy at Wimbledon. "I knew Jiri would fight all the way. But I'm in the final again on my least favourable surface in Switzerland. It will be tough, but I'm going in as the big favourite. I have a good card to play Sunday. Last year I was so tired, but now I'm managing everything that is happening to me much better."

Jul 9, 2004 from AP:
GSTAAD - Roger Federer rallied to defeat Radek Stepanek in three sets Friday, winning his second match of the day to reach the semifinals of the Swiss Open. Federer avenged a 2002 second-round defeat to Stepanek, winning 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in an hour and 37 minutes.

Only hours earlier, in a battle of master servers, Federer defeated Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-7 (5), 6-3, 7-6 (4). "Yes, it was tiring," Federer acknowledged. "I saved energy, as you saw, by playing a lot of serve and volley. The clay is very quick here and it works well."

In the semifinals, the Swiss will meet Italian qualifier Potito Starace, who toppled defending champion and fourth-seeded Jiri Novak 6-4, 6-3. "Starace is a qualifier and it is a surprise to see him in the semifinals here," Federer said. "But he played well at the French Open and certainly has all the qualities to shine here."

Federer easily dominated the opening set, but began to struggle in the second as Stepanek raised the level of his game. He broke to go ahead 4-3, then saved two break points to take a 5-3 lead. But that was his last successful game of the set, with Stepanek sweeping the next four to even the match.

However, Federer dug into his reserves in the final set, breaking to go up 3-1, then holding onto his serve to secure his place in the final four.

from AFP:
GSTAAD - Roger Federer had to avoid a first-set distraction from a noisy helicopter on the way to felling Ivo Karlovic 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). "I'd put him among the top two servers in the world," said Federer, who played the first match of his ATP career here as a wild card in 1998. "The key to his game is really his serve, and that's why it was easy for me to hold. When you play against him, you don't have many chances. You have to take them when they come."

A few hours after winning that rain-delayed match from Thursday, the Swiss standout held off a challenge from Radek Stepanek 6-1, 5-7, 6-4. Federer admitted fatigue after a long day on court. "Six sets of tennis in one day after winning Wimbledon, that's a lot," he said.

"I wasn't serving well against Stepanek, I was getting tired and couldn't push off on my serve. I was disappointed and frustrated when I couldn't serve it out in two sets. But I took charge in the third, breaking him in the first game was important. I then concentrated on holding serve for 2-0."

from Reuters:
Roger Federer beat big-serving Ivo Karlovic in a rain-delayed second round clash in the morning before taking on Radek Stepanek in the sunlit afternoon. "I have played six sets against Karlovic now and four of them have gone to a tiebreak," he said. "That shows how difficult it is to play against his service. I had to work hard to win this game."

Asked to compare the service of Karlovic with that of defeated Wimbledon finalist American Andy Roddick, who holds the record for the fastest, Federer said: "They are both very fast, but I think that Karlovic's second serve is a little stronger."

In both matches, Federer mixed some sublime all-court tennis with unforced errors as his hangover from Wimbledon fortnight took its toll. "Maybe I needed the practise," said Federer. "I did not practise at all for the last two days and now I have played six sets in one day. That has done me some good, but I am tired."

"He gave me a hard time and I felt very tired," said Federer, who broke Stepanek's serve twice to cruise through the first set of their quarter-final. "In the second, my legs were tired, I was down and I just couldn't push myself like I had. I was serving into the tape and not over it and he had confidence and for five or 10 minutes the whole match changed and I just had to start from zero again. I felt that if I could serve better, it would all be all right," the Swiss added.

Jul 7, 2004 from AFP:
GSTAAD - Roger Federer watched as a sculptor worked to immortalise his image on a bust commissioned by organisers at the 544,750-euro (669,000-dollar) Swiss Open. Despite a hectic post-Wimbledon schedule, Switzerland's runaway world number one is fulfilling the third year of an agreement to compete in his home event. Advertisement

"I made an deal and I'm happy to stick with it," said Federer, the best-known of any Swiss sportsman. "But it may be tough in the future, if I keep doing well at Wimbledon."

Federer owes a loyalty to the tournament, which gave him his first wild card entry as a youngster in 1998. As Federer met with Swiss press in a spa-hotel in this VIP village, a sculptor worked to define the facial details of Federer on what will become a life-sized bust of the player. The genuine article - also wearing his trademark pony-tail, happily poised for photos with his image - constructed of a different kind of clay than the type he's normally used to.

"It's just great being back in Switzerland and playing in front of the Swiss people," said Federer, 47-4 so far in 2004. "I'm not putting any pressure on myself, but I'd love to go further than last year." Federer plays for the quarter-finals Thursday against 2.08-metre Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic.

from Maurice Lacroix Official Site:
Roger Federer and Maurice Lacroix Swiss Watches marked their close co-operation on July 7, 2004, with an official launch event timed to coincide with the Swiss Open in Gstaad. Federer and Philippe C. Merk, CEO Maurice Lacroix, provided information about the close partnership. A roundtable talk, chaired by Rainer M. Salzgeber, presenter/editor of Sport News at the Swiss television channel DRS, also focused on sporting and personal issues concerning Federer – including his second victory at Wimbledon.

While in Gstaad – appropriately, in view of Federer’s ATP ranking – Merk presented him with the No. 1 of the platinum version of the Masterpiece Double Rétrograde, of which only 99 will be made. The tennis star will now be able to wear this watch in addition to the mechanical watches Réveil Globe and Flyback Annuaire from the exclusive Masterpiece Collection. Maurice Lacroix is also planning to launch the first Roger Federer special editions in the autumn of 2004. These will primarily be watches of sporty-elegant design.

Jul 6, 2004 from Reuters:
GSTAAD, Switzerland - Wimbledon champion Roger Federer took just 46 minutes to beat Tomas Behrend 6-1, 6-1 in the first round of the Swiss Open Tuesday. Federer showed no signs of fatigue despite playing just two days after retaining his Wimbledon crown with victory over American Andy Roddick.

After arriving in the Alpine resort late Monday, the Swiss world number one comfortably moved into the second round of the tournament, where he finished runner-up last year. Federer, who has won six titles this season, outclassed the Brazilian-born German Behrend, who won just two games and was broken four times against the tournament's top seed.

"I came to Gstaad without any expectations," said Federer. "If I play that well again in the second round, of course I'll be happy."

"It's amazing, I'm very surprised myself because I'm extremely tired," Federer said. "I have no very high expectations for this tournament but it seems with my relaxed style I get through these kind of matches. I had only 25 minutes of play on this surface before I play the match and I'm very pleased that I had a win today."

Federer had earlier received a standing ovation and was presented with a traditional, three-meter-long, Swiss alphorn as reward for his Wimbledon victory. Last year he had been given a cow, which he later named Juliette, to honor his first Grand Slam success at Wimbledon.

"It's nice to get the welcome and unfortunately it wasn't such nice weather but still a lot of people were here," said Federer. "I don't know if I can take this (Alphorn) on the plane. It's quite long. It would take me about ten rows in economy to put that thing somewhere! I'll probably leave it at home. Once I get a big enough place I'll put it against the wall and it will remind me of the good times."

In the Roy Emerson Arena, Federer was prompted to play the trumpet-like instrument traditionally used to herd livestock. The Gstaad tournament's top-seed was told by tournament director Koebi Hermanjat he had to play the instrument for the crowd. He got an immediate note after watching two experts play.

"Somehow I did the right thing at the right moment," Federer said of his immediate mastery of the technique. "But then I had to pose again for photos and I tried to do it again and then it didn't work. Under pressure I was strong when the people were listening so that was important."

from AFP:
GSTAAD, Switzerland - A year after receiving an 800-kilogram Swiss milking cow in honour of a first Wimbledon title, Roger Federer was presented with a traditional three-metre-long alphorn with which to serenade his bovine friend.

Officials at the Swiss Open tried to outdo themselves as the double Wimbledon winner returned to his home event following another resounding trophy success on the grass of the All England club Sunday. With millions of dollars in the bank after 17 career titles including three Grand Slams, there is little that the modest 22-year-old needs or wants to buy.

So the tournament handed over another typically Swiss momento - an instrument so long that is has to rest partly on the ground - which he might never have dreamed of purchasing himself. It all happened during a centre court ceremony at the high-altitude clay event where Federer is playing as top seed.

Just a few weeks after Swiss cows completed the summer trek from low winter pastures to the alpine highlands to feed on the sweet mountain grass, city-boy Federer from Basel was temporarily roped into the rural ambience of his home nation. The national sporting idol, clad in t-shirt and jeans, walked out on court to a standing ovation from proud fans and - putting on a dark, short-sleeved Swiss herder's gilet - took a trial run on a huge wooden alphorn.

The musical effect was more than decent, according to the two professional artists who serenaded the winner with a song before he had a go himself. With his cow Juliette - now mother of a calf - described as "lonely" high up in the fields surrounding the VIP village by emcee and former Swiss tennis star Heinz Gunthardt, Federer was goaded into trying to hit a note or two.

"We know you'd never have thought to have bought a cow," said Gunthardt. "Now, you have an alphorn. Please take it with you over the next year and practise a bit." Quipped Federer: "I'm sure they'd just love it when I try and bring this on board a flight, especially when you try and put it in the luggage compartment."

from Telegraph:
On the morning following his 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 defeat of Andy Roddick in this year's Wimbledon final, Roger Federer acknowledged his belief that he has the potential to emulate Pete Sampras's achievement in matching William Renshaw's 19th century record number of titles. "That is a dream of mine," said the Swiss.

Roddick and his other rivals can only worry when Federer suggests: "I'm definitely not bad but I still feel there is room for improvement." Particularly in the area of the game that was Sampras's strongest weapon - serve and volley.

"I'm so proud that I could handle all the pressure that came with being the No 1 contender for Wimbledon. This was the first time that I came to a grand slam to try to defend the title. In future it should be easier when I find myself in the same situation." That, too, will cause a few frowns among other leading players.

Like the American he named as his favourite player when growing up, Federer rarely sheds his air of calmness and serenity. His celebration on Sunday, when he sank to his knees and fell on to his back, was in his opinion equalled only by the one that followed his ending of Sampras's reign on the same court three years ago.

from Times Online:
Juliette will be waiting for Roger Federer today with something new to show off to her boss. The prize cow presented last year by the owners of the Gstaad tournament, by way of appreciation for Federer’s Wimbledon triumph, has not been idling away the hours letting the grass grow under her feet — a lot like her owner.

“She’s got a baby,” Federer said. “I already have two cows. Tomorrow, I’m getting there to see her, then we’ll see what happens. I’m fine with two at the moment. And she should be comfortable because she spends a lot more time on grass than I do.”

Roger Federer was forced to lower the microphone a couple of notches so that he could be heard by the dinner-suited throng. If Maria Sharapova had wanted to get one over her fellow Wimbledon champion, the three-inch heels clinched it.

Federer had kept the young woman waiting a few minutes at the champions’ dinner on Sunday evening, the standing ovations granted to both proof positive of the affections in which they are held. Tim Phillips, the chairman of the All England Club, introduced those on either side of him as the princess and the king of the Championships — appropriate judgment on a weekend during which their stories unfolded in colourful majesty.

Jul 5, 2004 from Reuters:
LONDON - The front page headlines spread out before him, a broad, white smile crept across Roger Federer's face. "I'm so proud... so proud I could handle everything, handle all the pressure," he mused, almost to himself, as he leafed through the morning's newspapers.

"The sense of satisfaction is unbelievable. The worst thing would have been to lose early at Wimbledon, but to defend it... well, it is just amazing. It was all so new to me, I had never done this before, come to a grand slam as the champion."

"It will be much easier going to Australia as champion now," he told Reuters. "Now that I have done it at Wimbledon, now I know I can handle the pressure. I mean, the pressure was unbelievable -- the pressure I put on myself. In the early rounds I did not really enjoy it. I guess once I got to the semi-finals, the quarters even I was thinking 'well, okay... I could live with this'. But I won. Now I am glad it is over... this was my dream, it was my dream to win it again."

His final against Roddick, the owner of the fastest serve in tennis, was billed as a clash of styles. Federer was only too aware of this. "Yeah, I know... it was like 'Mr Service' against 'Mr Finesse', but I hit more aces than him. I am never going to serve as fast as him. I would have to change my whole service action. But I can serve consistently and that is what it is about for me."

ZURICH - The only thing that can stop Roger Federer now is himself, former tennis champion Martina Hingis said Monday a day after her Swiss countryman captured the Wimbledon title for the second year in a row. "At the moment, only he can beat himself -- although he has become very strong mentally," Hingis was quoted as saying in the Swiss daily Blick newspaper.

"Before the Wimbledon final I thought: 'If anyone can beat Roger then it's Andy Roddick.' But that was not the case." The level-headed 22-year-old came back from a set down to beat world number two Roddick in four sets.

Swiss newspapers Monday carried page-sized pictures of Federer on the floor after winning the final and congratulated him for sticking to his motto of: "It is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice."

Hingis said Federer now had to make sure he stayed focused on his training and is prepared to 'say no.' "The whole tennis world is after you -- fans, media, sponsors and tournaments. That takes up a lot of time," she said.

from AFP:
LONDON - Two-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer has warned his rivals he will be even harder to beat if he gets time to practise. The Swiss star came from a set down to beat Andy Roddick in a rain-interrupted Sunday final despite not being entirely happy with his performance.

"There is room for improvement but it is very difficult as there are so many tournaments it is difficult to find time to practise," he told BBC Radio on Monday. "I would like to serve and volley more. I did that last year but somehow the confidence was not there this year."

He attributed his ability to fight back against his American opponent to the experience gained last year when he defeated Mark Philippoussis in the final. "I think my consistency and the experience of winning last year gave me motivation and confidence to win here again. I played great tennis at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year. I'm a better player this year but to play so well was surprising."

And he also had words of encouragement for 17-year-old women's champion Maria Sharapova, who won the title on Saturday against defending champion Serena Williams. Federer believes women's tennis is now as competitive as it has been for a long while.

from New York Times:
On the Fourth of July, Roger Federer wore down Andy Roddick, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3), 6-4. Brad Gilbert, Mr. Winning Ugly, was outcoached by the mentor in the mind of a 22-year-old tennis artiste, who has now won two of three Grand Slam tournaments all on his own.

"He's never worked as hard as he has since he hasn't had a coach," said a most reliable source, Federer's mother, Lynette. "He's gotten to know himself, and his tennis." The happy mom was off the mobile phone with her husband, Robert, who remained home in Switzerland to avoid the tension of live tennis. Now Lynette Federer was celebrating with family and friends in red Swiss caps what she called a confirmation of the coming-of-age performance Federer put on here last year.

His temper was once so bad, his mother confided, the family wondered if John McEnroe was a distant cousin. Other parents used to ask how she and her husband put up with such dysfunctional behavior from Roger, their youngest child. "We'd say, 'We don't like it,' " Lynette Federer said. "He'd have his tantrums, he'd throw the rackets, waste his energy. But he just needed time. In his childhood, in school, in his tennis, he always learned how to go over the hurdles. Every time he banged his head, he improved. I think Roger's learned self-discipline, to step back, not rely on somebody."

from Newindpress.com:
LONDON: Tim Henman's exit from Wimbledon in the quarter finals might have quashed Britain's hopes of getting the title home, but they have a new reason to cheer now. For if reports are to be believed, reigning tennis champ Roger Federer is very nearly British. According to The Sun, Federer had a great-great-grandmother named Mabel Chamberlain who is thought to have been English and lived somewhere in the UK. His mother Lynette is from South Africa and father Robert, 58, is Swiss. Lynette's mother and grandmother were also South African.

"I think there may have been an English great-grandmother called Mabel in the family. I remember my mother mentioning her. But we have always thought there was a British ancestor somewhere along the family tree," his mother was quoted as saying. Roger, 23, won his second successive Wimbledon title yesterday beating America's Andy Roddick 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4.

from ThisisLondon:
Maria Sharapova delighted the audience at the Wimbledon Champions Ball at the Savoy by asking for help to raise the microphone to accommodate her more than 6ft height - thanks to high heels. When her speech ended, Roger Federer, the men's champion, had to ask for the microphone to be lowered to his level. Federer said: "You are going to have to take this down - is that normal?"

Federer said: "As long as I am in the Masters at the end of the year then I have no time. They know what the situation is and so we will just have to see what happens. As far as I know, my parents and the military have found an agreement that is for a few days. I don't know if that is per year or the next couple of years. I think everybody is happy."

from Globe and Mail:
Roger Federer is happy to be heading to his homeland. "I prefer to go to Gstaad and share this [2004 Wimbledon title] with the people at home and my friends rather than just to go alone with [girlfriend] Mirka [Vavrinec] to an island somewhere."

Jul 4, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
Roger Federer confirmed his position as the world's No.1 tennis player by winning his second consecutive Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles title today. In a final twice interrupted by rain, Federer defeated the second seed Andy Roddick of the United States 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in two hours and 30 minutes.

Although the final was played on America's Independence Day, Roddick was unable to celebrate with another Grand Slam to accompany the US Open he won last September. Instead, Federer fought back after coming close to being overwhelmed by Roddick's all-out attack plan in the first set, and ended up winning his third Grand Slam and his second this year following victory at the Australian Open in January.

Federer is now unbeaten in 24 straight matches on grass, a sequence second only to Bjorn Borg's historic streak of 41 set at Wimbledon between 1976 and 1981. The longer the final went, the more assured Federer's play became and he ran out a deserved winner in the early evening sunshine to collect the first prize of £602,500.

Roddick and his coach, Brad Gilbert, had concocted a game plan to counter Federer's all-round skills. The 21-year-old American, normally a baseline player, charged the net regularly behind his powerful serves and the champion was jolted out of his stride by this tactic. Roddick broke serve in the third game and was comfortably in control of the first set when rain halted play for 34 minutes with Federer trailing 2-3. On the resumption, he still could not find the answer to Roddick's all-out aggression and the No.2 seed clinched the set after 31 minutes of play.

Although Roddick had a break point in the opening game of the second set, Federer had now settled into something more approaching his best and he raced to a 4-0 lead, helped by successive Roddick double-faults. But the American, racing around on to his hammer-like forehand whenever possible, chipped away at that advantage and pulled level at 4-4 before Federer could steady the boat. Even so, the set seemed headed for a tiebreak until, with a 6-5 lead, Federer enjoyed an outrageous piece of luck with a dead net cord that took him to set point. He needed no further invitation to get back into the match, driving an unreturnable forehand down the line.

Roddick still went after his man and broke for a third set 2-1 lead. He was protecting that advantage with the score at 4-2 in his favour when the players were driven from the court by more rain. When play resumed after half an hour, Federer was a man transformed. He held serve to love and then captured the Roddick serve to level at 4-4. His own serve was never broken again. When the third set was decided by a tiebreak, the Swiss opened it with an ace, followed with another and, helped by a couple of Roddick errors, won it by seven points to three. It was the first tiebreak Roddick had lost at this year's Championships after winning five in a row.

Still Roddick was going flat out for glory, and coming so close. He missed four break points in the fourth set which would have given him a 3-1 lead, and two more got away from the American in the sixth game. So, instead of the 5-1 lead he could so easily have been enjoying, it was 3-3 and he was duly punished. Roddick was immediately broken to love and when, at 5-4, Federer stepped up to serve for the title after two hours and 27 minutes there was no stopping him. He struck his 11th ace, punched away a forehand volley, and moved to match point with one of his sumptuous backhands down the line. Then, just to show who was boss, he walloped ace number 12 before sinking to his knees on the baseline and then bursting into tears as the Referee, Alan Mills, congratulated him.

Admitting he had been surprised by Roddick's attacking plan, Federer said, "Andy also deserves this title, and I hope we are going to play many more times at this place. To have won my favourite tournament twice in my career is just incredible." Roddick was generous in his praise for the champion. "Roger played too good," he said. "I threw the kitchen sink at him but he went to the bathroom and got a tub. But, God willing, I will be back. This is one of my favourite places."

Laura John, 14, from Southampton performs the coin toss to decide who serves first between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick in the final of the Men's Singles. Laura was representing CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young, a charity for families effected by sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, SADS. (Photo by Camera Press/Rota)

Federer falls to his knees as he retains his Wimbledon title in style. (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)	Federer wipes his eye as he holds the winner's trophy. (Photo by Anja Niedringhaus/AP)
Federer on the roof with Tim Phillips, Chairman of the All England Club. (Photo by Chris Raphael/AELTC)	Federer and Ladies Champion Maria Sharapova with their trophies at the Wimbledon Ball at London's Savoy Hotel. (Photo by Rebecca Naden/AP)

from BBC:
Federer has had plenty of time on Centre Court and so was happy enough to warm up on the normal practice courts. Word soon spread among the sizeable crowd already inside the All England Club and every possible vantage point was taken to catch a glimpse of the champion. The BBC Sport tactical scouting tip? Watch out for the Federer backhand. And the forehand. And the serve's pretty good too. Oh, and the volleys....

Jul 3, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
Wimbledon champion Roger Federer needed less than half an hour to win his men's semi-final against Sebastien Grosjean on Centre Court today and advance to his second successive final at The Championships. Leading overnight by two sets and 4-3 in the third, the Swiss 22-year-old ran out a 6-2, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) winner in a total time of one hour and 59 minutes, but he only managed to clinch the victory on his fourth match point.

Federer looked a little sluggish and his best stroke, the forehand, was malfunctioning too frequently for the comfort of his own high standards, but he still saw off the determined Grosjean, who also lost in last year's Wimbledon semi-finals. On the resumption, Grosjean held serve to take the third set to 4-4, but fell behind once more on a Federer service game containing two aces. When he next served, however, Grosjean was in trouble and needed to save two match points with good deliveries that stretched Federer into returning errors.

Then, for only the second time in this year's tournament, Federer was broken. He fell break point down on a wild forehand mishit and dropped serve with another forehand error. So Grosjean stepped up to serve for the set - and failed. Unveiling the full range of his marvellous strokes, the Swiss delivered a smash, profited from two Grosjean errors under pressure and then imperiously passed the Frenchman as he came in with a cross-court forehand to take the set into a tiebreak.

Here, the Federer fightback was even more breathtaking. He granted Grosjean a 4-0 lead with some loose shots before buckling down to the task in hand, with rain clouds again threatening to disrupt the proceedings. He swept the next five points, missed a match point at 6-5 but wrapped up the tiebreak, and the match, by eight points to six with a trademark smash.

Roger Federer, the best player in the world, reached his second Wimbledon final today with a composed performance against Sebastien Grosjean. But the defending champion confessed he has not always had the ice-cool exterior displayed in the rain-hit semi-final against the 10th seed from France. He said that controlling his temper was the key to launching his career to the top. Federer has been described variously as a showman and a magician on a tennis court. His abilities have won praise from a stream of former champions such as John McEnroe and Boris Becker. He has waved his racket like a wand and drawn gasps of disbelief from spectators.

Technically and tactically he has usually got it right, either serve and volleying or obliterating the opposition with powered groundstrokes from the back court or a bit of both. His hand-to-eye co-ordination has given him timing, while his balance and agility allow him to cover the angles. He has a touch and feel with few equals and is known for his grace and elegance.

Pete Sampras had his big serve, Federer is known for almost every shot. McEnroe said: “I’d give him an A or an A plus for his backhand and an A plus plus for his forehand.” Federer makes the game look easy. On top of all that, he has a calm temperament reminiscent of five-times Wimbledon Champion Bjorn Borg. And he showed plenty of all these attributes in overcoming Grosjean.

But he has only made a successful Wimbledon double possible after a journey that began as a youngster prone to on-court tantrums. The Federer of 13 years of age used to smash rackets, cry and yell and generally behave in an uncontrolled way on court. It was displayed in seven successive defeats against Danny Schnyder, brother of women’s professional Patty, in a junior tournament in his native Basel.

He was chastised for his on-court behaviour by his parents Lynette and Robert, who introduced him to the game. The turning point came in 1998 after an outburst after losing in the opening round at the French Junior Open. A sports psychologist came in. A few weeks later Federer won Junior Wimbledon and was on his way.

His decision to sort his temperament problems was evidence of the open-mindedness he possesses. Federer does not fear trying something new, such as splitting from Peter Lundgren, who coached him to the Wimbledon crown last year, and going solo to win the 2004 Australian Open a month later. As three times champion John McEnroe said: “He’s living proof you don’t need a coach.” Federer seems to accept the view point, to a point.

from St. Petersburg Times:
"As a tennis fan, you have to think Roger Federer is the most amazing thing to watch," three-time Grand Slam winner Lindsay Davenport said. "I mean, the way he plays, the way he moves, the way he acts. If you were to mold a perfect tennis player, that would be him. "I think he's incredible. I could sit down and watch Federer all day long."

"Roger would be one of the few people that I would pay to watch tennis," Martina Navratilova said. "He's an artist on the court. And he's a very gentle, sweet man off the court."

"Roger is unbelievable," Serena Williams said. "His game is so smooth. He's just so perfect out there."

Jul 2, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
Another day of depressing weather left the men's semi-finals in the balance, with the champion Roger Federer apparently poised for a straight-sets victory over France's Sebastien Grosjean. Federer was leading 6-2, 6-3, 4-3 when deteriorating conditions meant the match's outcome would be decided on Saturday.

Grosjean's achievement in reaching the semi-finals without conceding a set did not last long once he had to face Federer's power. The Swiss broke in the first game and was comfortably holding on to that lead at 3-2 when the first serious disruption came after just 22 minutes' play. As rain persisted throughout the afternoon, the match was halted for four hours and 40 minutes before resumption was possible in early evening sunshine.

Federer then smoothly completed the service game he had been in the process of winning to go 4-2 ahead and stretched this to 5-2 by breaking the US-based Frenchman to 15. He served out the set with an example of the power he possesses in abundance by thundering two aces past Grosjean. The first set had lasted just 30 minutes of actual playing time.

Having reaped no reward from playing his normal baseline game, Grosjean opted to start coming in to test Federer's skills on the passing shot. At first it paid dividends as Federer's superiority was questioned, with Grosjean tucking away some neat volleys. There was also the occasional miss-hit from Federer to aid Grosjean, though even those tended to be extravagant strokes. One of these, a forehand that flew well out of court, brought a bellow in French from Federer of "rubbish."

However, there was much more sublime tennis than rubbish from Federer and Grosjean's hopes did not survive longer than the first six games of the second set. He then dropped serve for the third time and was broken again as he served to stay in the set. In a flurry of glorious shots, Federer had conceded a mere four points on serve in that 33-minute second set.

In the third set, it almost seemed as if Federer was teasing his opponent. Three times in his first four service games, the defending champion fell love-30 behind, only to move into another gear, almost on to another planet, with glorious ground strokes looped into the furthest corners of the court. Federer had just established a 4-3 lead in the third set when the skies darkened again and the players were driven off by another downpour. Just 65 minutes' play had been possible between the rain.

from Eurosport:
If Roger Federer defends his Wimbledon singles title, the Swiss public will not present him with a cow, as they did last year, at a tournament immediately after the Championships in Gstaad. But the 22-year-old has promised to visit Juliette, and her calf, when he plays there next week. Tournament directors are planning "a different surprise" - one idea that has been mooted is to award the returning Federer with his weight in cheese.

Jul 1, 2004 from AP:
LONDON - Top-ranked Roger Federer and No. 2 Andy Roddick head the list of 27 of the leading 30 men's players who will compete in tennis at the Athens Olympics. Justine Henin-Hardenne leads the women's entry list, which features seven of the top 10 in the rankings, including Venus and Serena Williams.

"This is the best field we have had for tennis in the Olympic Games," International Tennis Federation president Francesco Ricci Bitti said Thursday. Tennis returned as a full medal sport in 1988. "It took a few years for the players and the fans to understand what an honor and a privilege it is to compete for your country at the Olympic Games but the response that we have received shows that the Olympics is now one of the most important events in tennis," Bitti said.

The Athens tournament, Aug. 15-22, will have 23 of the top 30 women in the rankings. Federer will be Switzerland's sole entry in men's singles and will play doubles with Yves Allegro. He is currently in the Wimbledon semifinals after winning the tournament last year.

July 2004 from Tennis Magazine:
PRO GAME: Wimbledon Preview: Greener Grass By Peter Bodo - Roger Federer proves that style and variety can still be a winning combination.Tennis at the All England Club has long been considered about as artful as a rock fight. But this year, thanks to the versatility of the world’s new No. 1s, Roger Federer and Justine Henin-Hardenne, the grass-court game should shine with a rich, deep glow.

"I remember my first Wimbledon, when I was a junior in 1998. From the first day, I loved it. I was thinking, 'This is Wimbledon. I made it to Wimbledon. It’s the greatest.' Now I can watch all the other players. Now I can play on the courts I’ve seen all my life on TV. I can play on the same courts where all the stars warm up, and have even played some of their early round matches. Then came my first match. I was so nervous, at first I hit every serve into the net. I remember thinking, 'This can’t be! I’m not this bad, I don’t serve so bad. Something is wrong.' So I went up to the umpire--you have to imagine, this is at Wimbledon--and I said, 'Excuse me, sir, can you please check the net? I think it is too high.' And I would never think the net is too high if that wasn’t the case. Not at Wimbledon! The umpire comes down from the chair. He checks the net very carefully. He looks at me and says, 'The net is correct.' That’s when I realized I was just so nervous because this was Wimbledon."