Jan 30, 2006

Roger Federer holds the Australian Open men's singles tennis trophy in front of a group of sculptures at Melbourne's Docklands quay January 30, 2006. (Photo by David Gray/Reuters)

from AAP:
Roger Federer retains top spot in the ATP player rankings while Marcos Baghdatis climbed 27 places to a career-high 27th. Federer has 7275 points, 2660 ahead of world No.2 Rafael Nadal and 4490 clear of third-placed Andy Roddick.

from The Advertiser:
Australian is likely to face Switzerland without Roger Federer in next month's first-round Davis Cup clash. Federer, who this week signed the "biggest contract in history" with racquet-maker Wilson, has refused to commit to the February 10 to 12 tie in Geneva until after the Australian Open.

But Swiss sources insist Federer will not contest the tie because of scheduling issues, a decision even more probable after Lleyton Hewitt was forced out with an ankle problem. A close friend of Switzerland captain Severin Luthi, Federer wants to begin his recovery from the Melbourne Park grand slam before making a decision on his availability. With Stanislas Wawrinka, George Bastl, Yves Allegro and Marco Chuidinelli, Switzerland would be fancied to win the tie, even without the world No.1.

from Herald Sun:
Tony Roche may be the flag-bearer of Australia in the Roger Federer camp but dig deeper behind the scenes and you come across Luke Bourgeois. Last night the 28-year-old journeyman from Sydney was sitting a couple of rows behind Roche in his role as hitting partner for the 2006 Australian Open champion.

For the past two years Bourgeois, who is ranked about 350 in the world, has been the man responsible for getting Federer warmed up and ready to play at Melbourne Park. "It is amazing to be a part of it," he said. "He is just a class individual, I mean he had to guts it out there, it was a bit touch and go for a while but it shows what great character he has to be able to pull it out."

Bourgeois, who is mistaken regularly for fellow Aussie Pat Rafter, said the Swiss magician is the most relaxed and normal guy you would find. "It's fantastic being around him. Everything about the guy is class but the funny thing is he is just a normal guy. A normal 24-year-old who loves a laugh and is just so relaxed," he said.

"Before the match tonight he was just joking around in the locker room. You see all the other players and they are just so full-on but it's amazing how cool and calm he is." So how does he manage to even get the ball back against one of the game's greats?

"I won't say I wasn't nervous the first time I hit with him." Bourgeois said. "But he makes you feel so relaxed as well and working with him has obviously done great things for my game. After the first time I hit with him I had one of my best weeks."

Jan 29, 2006 from AP:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer won his seventh Grand Slam title Sunday, overcoming an early challenge from Marcos Baghdatis to win the Australian Open 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2.

The Swiss broke down in tears after receiving the champion's trophy from Rod Laver, the last man to sweep all four Grand Slams in the same year, in 1969. "I don't know what to say. I would like to congratulate Marcos first, well done. I hope you know how much this means to me. I guess it's all coming out now," Federer said. "I've had some hard speeches, but this one is a little rough right now"

"I want to congratulate Marcos and his team on a great effort and my team and the hundreds and thousands of fans who came out, you make it so special. Without you it is not the same." Federer then thanked Laver, his voice breaking one last time, and embraced the 67-year-old Australian.

Baghdatis was solid early, shaking off errors with stinging baseline winners. And it was normally implacable Federer who blinked first. Serving at 5-5 in the first set, the Swiss fended off two break points before committing back-to-back forehand errors — the latter after he halted his service motion after a fan shouted, "Settle, Roger, settle!" Flashing his infectious smile and using his racket to bounce the ball once between his legs before each serve — a move that he picked up from watching Federer — Baghdatis held easily to finish off the set as the crowd roared.

He broke Federer again to start the second set and had two break opportunities to go up 3-0 before Federer fought back to level at 3-3. Baghdatis had three game points at 5-6 to force a tiebreaker, but Federer rallied to break on a forehand from Baghdatis that was ruled long. The Cypriot, who questions calls infrequently, did so again. But TV replays showed the ruling was correct.

Federer ran off 27 of the 37 points in the third set to take control. Baghdatis had played two consecutive five-setters and three overall in the tournament, and the wear and tear started to show. He suffered a cramp in his left calf in the second game of the fourth set, and the brilliant winners came less often as the errors piled up.

Federer won his 11th consecutive game to go up 3-0. Getting treatment on his calf at every changeover, Baghdatis tried to rally one last time and had a break point with Federer serving at 4-2 that would have gotten him back on serve, but Federer held, then broke for the eighth time. A forehand across court set up match point, and Baghdatis netted a backhand to finish it.

Roger Federer chats with Marcos Baghdatis after they posed for photographers prior to the start of the men's singles final at the Australian Open tennis tournament. (Photo by Mark Baker/AP)	Roger waits to receive the Australian Open men's singles tennis trophy from Australian tennis great Rod Laver after he defeated Baghdatis. (Photo by David Gray/Reuters)
Roger cries while making a speech as he holds the Australian Open men's singles tennis trophy. (Photo by David Gray/Reuters)	Roger cries as he hugs Laver. (Photo by Claro Cortes IV/Reuters)

Jan 27, 2006 from AP:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer advanced to the Australian Open final Friday by beating Nicolas Kiefer 6-3, 5-7, 6-0, 6-2. Federer was sharp — and occasionally brilliant — in beating the German for the seventh consecutive time. Federer will face Marcos Baghdatis in Sunday's final.

The Swiss star broke Kiefer early in the first set to go up 3-1, at one point sprinting from the baseline for a drop shot and flicking a backhand around the post and down the line for a clean winner. In the same game, Federer reached another drop shot and sent a lob over Kiefer's head that the German hit long. Kiefer won the second set after breaking Federer at 5-6. The German wasted his first opportunity with a weak forehand into the net, but Federer sliced a backhand wide on the next.

Federer committed only two unforced errors in the third set — after 26 in the first two sets — to retake control. With Federer serving at 5-0, Kiefer saw his only break point vanish on a shot that was called long but that TV replays showed was on the line. Kiefer held serve to start the final set, but Federer then won five straight games. Kiefer saved two match points while serving at 1-5, then a third as Federer served in the next game. Federer finished it off with a serve that Kiefer whacked into the net.

Swiss flag T-shirts were scattered around Rod Laver Arena, and the crowd was clearly behind Federer against the testy Kiefer, who repeatedly questioned calls. Kiefer was fined earlier in the tournament for swearing and was warned twice about obscenities in the quarterfinals.

"We've had many close and tough matches over the years, he's beaten me a few times and happily I've beaten him more times than he's beaten me," Federer said of Kiefer. "It was tough from the beginning (with roof closed), I thought the conditions were way different than the other night I played against Davydenko and I had to really get used to it," he added. "In the end I really turned it up when I had to."

Federer said he was looking forward to playing Baghdatis in Sunday's final. "I played him here in the fourth round last year. It's been a great effort by him and everybody is talking about the young guns coming, but not really about Marcos, but he definitely has broken through here," he said. "The thought that I've played him three times and beaten him relaxes me a little bit."

from The Age:
The only man to have twice won the grand slam — all four major titles in a calendar year — yesterday met his nominated heir apparent. Australian legend Rod Laver and Swiss champion Roger Federer chatted for more than 10 minutes at Melbourne Park, introduced by Laver's old friend Tony Roche, Federer's coach.

Laver arrived in Melbourne yesterday morning from his home in California, almost exactly a year after he was scheduled to present the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to the winner of the men's singles at the centenary Open on the centre court named in the Rockhampton left-hander's honour. He was a late scratching when his wife, Mary, took ill, but Mrs Laver is well again and Australia's most revered tennis player has made a welcome return.

Laver, 67, had once shared a courtesy car with Federer, the young Swiss whose collection of six major titles is five less than Laver's career haul, but the two had never spoken at length. They did so yesterday before Federer's afternoon practice session, Laver wishing Federer well for tonight's semi-final against Nicolas Kiefer.

Roger Federer watches a ball bounce off his shoulder during his match against Nicolas Kiefer in their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis tournament. (Photo by Tim Wimborne/Reuters)

Jan 26, 2006

Roger Federer chats with tennis legend Rod Laver during day eleven of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park January 26, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sean Garnsworthy/Getty Images)

Jan 25, 2006 from Reuters:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer survived a testing examination from fifth seed Nikolay Davydenko before winning 6-4 3-6 7-6(9-7) 7-6(7-5) to reach the Australian Open semi-finals on Wednesday. The world number one was pushed hard by Davydenko but his sublime skills and unrivalled ability to raise his game when it matters enabled the Swiss master to book his place in the last four against Nicolas Kiefer.

It briefly looked as though Federer might have to go the full distance after the wiry Russian pinched the second set and served for the third. Despite not playing at his very best, Federer broke back when he needed to and then saved six set points before taking the third set in a tiebreak. He won the fourth set in another tiebreak to stay on course for a second Australian Open crown.

Federer looked to be in for a much easier night when he made a confident start at the Rod Laver Arena, holding his first three service games comfortably and putting his opponent under pressure with powerful groundstrokes. Davydenko finally cracked under the pressure, committing four unforced errors to drop serve but broke back immediately when Federer produced a sloppy game. The Swiss bounced back, though, to claim a second straight break and grab the set after another string of errors from the Russian.

The first signs that not all was well with Federer began to show in the second set when he struggled to hold his opening service games then dropped serve in the fifth game when he hit a routine forehand long. Federer was unable to make any impression on Davydenko's serve, failing to get a single break point in the set, then dropped serve again to concede the set when the Russian fired a deep backhand that he could not retrieve.

The first seven games of the third set all went with serve before Davydenko broke in the eighth game to serve for the set. Federer broke back again after two unforced errors from the Russian but had to fend off two set points in the 12th game before a brilliant backhand pass forced the tiebreak. The Swiss saved another four set points in the tiebreak, including three in a row, before Davydenko's nerves got the better of him and gifted the set to Federer with a double-fault.

from AP:
Martina Hingis outpaced Maria Sharapova as the most popular player in the number of times her biography has been viewed on the Australian Open's official web site. As of Wednesday, Hingis' biography had been viewed 407,899 times, with Sharapova next best at 272,379, followed by Daniela Hantuchova (198,688), Samantha Stosur (111,143) and Kim Clijsters (106,265). Among the men, Roger Federer had registered 199,581 hits, to lead surprise men's semifinalist Marcos Baghdatis at 160,840 and Andy Roddick (112,691).

from Roger Federer Official Site:
Dear fans

The first competition this year has just been launched! What we are looking for are your best poems. The topic of the peom contest is 'Roger - the artist', the authors of the best three poems will receive a fan-package consisting of a DVD on Roger as well as a signed cap!

Jan 24, 2006 from ATP:
ATP Partner INDESIT has put a one-of-a-kind item up for grabs. Europe's largest household appliance producer is auctioning off a Roger Federer INDESIT Graffiti fridge on e-Bay, with the proceeds to be donated to the Roger Federer Foundation. This artwork/appliance/memorabilia all rolled into one features an illustration of the World No. 1 alongside South African children, customized by famous Chinese artist Wu Yimin.

Federer (pictured alongside the fridge with INDESIT's Marco Rota and ATP Executive Chairman and President Etienne de Villiers) autographed the fridge at the 2005 Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, China, following the trophy ceremony in which he was recognized for finishing atop the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race. Bids can be placed on e-Bay until the close of the auction on Tuesday, January 31st. e-Bay: INDESIT Graffiti customized with Federer picture

Jan 23, 2006 from Australian Open Official Site:
Roger Federer has been pushed all the way by Tommy Haas on Day Nine at Australian Open 2006, but the No.1 seed survived his strongest test yet at the tournament on the way to booking his place in the quarter-finals.

Making his second successive evening appearance at Rod Laver Arena, Federer looked set for another early finish when he took the first two sets, but Haas refused to lie down and fought back to force the match to five sets. Federer wrested back control when it mattered to prevail 6-4 6-0 3-6 4-6 6-2, the victory giving him revenge against Haas on two counts.

Federer cracked 66 winners and committed 58 unforced errors to 31 and 36 from Haas, but the 24-year-old lifted when required with 18 winners to six unforced errors in the final set as he wrapped up the match in 2 hours and 58 minutes. After saving two break points in the second game Federer broke in the fifth game of the match on the way to taking the opening set, and then sizzled through the second set in just 28 minutes as Haas failed to win a single game.

With Federer seemingly on the way to the easiest of victories, Haas surprised by breaking in the sixth game of the third set en route to a 5-2 lead, and hit back further when he broke again in the third game of the fourth set. But after squandering the chance to break with the score at 15-40 when Haas served in the fourth game, a long forehand from Haas gave Federer the break he needed in the sixth game and he didn't waste it as he raced away.

Jan 21, 2006 from AFP:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer had tennis aficionados drooling as he took apart giant Max Mirnyi to waltz into the fourth round of the Australian Open Saturday. The world number one, confronted by the imposing 'Beast of Belarus' camped on the net, was irresistible as he won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 in 1hr 49 min. Federer will now have a match on Monday with unseeded Tommy Haas.

The sublime Swiss top seed cruised through the opening set in 25 minutes, breaking Mirnyi in the fourth game. Mirnyi had two struggles to hold service in the third and fifth games of the second set and the giant Belorussian was taken to 10 deuces before he held for 3-2. But the pressure told and Mirnyi cracked in the seventh game, serving a double-fault on double break point for Federer to go on and serve out for a two sets to love lead. Federer only committed four unforced errors in the first two sets of 19 games.

Jan 20, 2006 from AAP:
Tony Roche said Roger Federer's start to the tournament - quick, straight sets victories in the first two rounds - was ideal in terms of form, confidence and fitness. "Confidence is a big thing, and not being on the court for that long will count towards the end of the tournament," he said.

He said Federer had the greatest shot-making ability of any player he had seen and if he stayed healthy, was capable of breaking any records set by players to have come before him. Roche said Federer's big remaining test was to prove he could also conquer clay courts by winning the French Open, the one grand slam title he has not captured.

Jan 19, 2006 from AP:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer advanced to the third round of the Australian Open with an emphatic 6-1, 6-4, 6-0 win over Florian Mayer. Federer finished with 38 winners and closed out the 1-hour, 12-minute match with an ace.

"It's so nice to get quick matches in the heat," said Federer, whose next opponent is 30th-seeded Max Mirnyi. "I thought I handled it well in the heat — I'm very happy with my performance."

The overmatched Mayer tried a little of everything, charging the net and flicking soft drops from the baseline, but nothing worked as temperatures reached 88 degrees. He raised his racket to acknowledge the crowd after winning his first game — the sixth of the match. But he became increasingly frustrated, shaking his head and even looking to the sky for help.

Federer was so dominating that Mayer never had a game point after holding serve to pull to 4-5 in the second set. Always a perfectionist, the normally stoic Federer did seem a little annoyed at his 18 unforced errors that accounted for one-third of Florian's points.

Jan 18, 2006 from ESPN:
By Mary Carillo - I like watching Swiss people play tennis. Roger Federer is the most beautiful tennis player I've ever seen and the classiest No. 1 I've ever known in this game. On the court he is rarely hurried or harried. By moving with grace, speed and stealth, Federer creates shots and choreographs rallies that represent the prettiest expressions of our sport. Off the court, he's a time-bender as well. Somehow, with great ease, he moves among the fans and press with what looks like all the time in the world. He honors his sport, his fans, and all of us who cover it.

Jan 17, 2006 from AFP:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer swatted aside Uzbekistan wildcard Denis Istomin to launch his Australian Open tennis campaign with a straight sets victory. He needed just 1hr 23min to put away the 195-ranked Istomin, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to set up a second round match against German Florian Mayer.

Federer broke Istomin's serve six times, but the mismatched Uzbek got one service break in the second set. Federer was expected to skate past Istomin and that's what happened.

The Swiss champion professed to knowing nothing about Istomin before the match and only met him in the dressing room prior to the encounter. But he was always in command in a mute centre court atmosphere although Istomin came away with seven games, including the one service break.

He could potentially face Lleyton Hewitt in the semi-finals and the Swiss said he was looking forward to the prospect. "I hope it happens to play Lleyton here, but there's a lot of work to go yet to make that happen," Federer said.

His victory comes a day after he equalled Pete Sampras' mark of 102 weeks as world No 1 in the ATP rankings. But he still has some way to go though before reaching Jimmy Connors, who had 160 weeks at the top, and Ivan Lendl (157).

Jan 16, 2006 from The Advertiser:
Pat Rafter believes Roger Federer's biggest danger at the Australian Open is himself. Echoing the opinion of John McEnroe, who contends Federer is the best player he has seen and would have been vulnerable only to Pete Sampras at his peak, Rafter says Federer has only himself to fear.

Rafter says if Federer is fully recovered from ankle soreness, he is virtually unbeatable at Melbourne Park. "There are no obvious weaknesses in Roger's game," Rafter said. "The only guy I've seen in the modern era who would really trouble him would have been Sampras at his best." Federer is the shortest-priced favourite in Open history at $1.50 with TAB Sportsbet.

from Herald Sun:
He is a teacher 11 1/2 months of the year, but every January Roman Horoway becomes one of the world's most important chauffeurs. It is during this fortnight that he drives the world's best tennis players around Melbourne for the Australian Open. Among his ever-increasing star passenger list are Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, the Williams sisters and Tim Henman.

Mr Horoway said knowing when to speak and when to stay silent was most important. "It's a bit like a golf caddie who is told to keep up and shut up unless the player starts talking," he said. "But they're generally really lovely people. After Federer lost that semi-final match to Marat Safin last year, he stuck his head out and thanked all the drivers."

Jan 15, 2006 from Eurosport:
Roger Federer has told Eurosport he is feeling optimistic about his chances of winning the Australian Open. "I had a tough one against Safin here last year which I lost so ... I am feeling good, healthy which is main thing coming into a season," said Federer. "We have had quite a few injuries with Nadal and Safin and Agassi, which is a pity that they are not playing but it gives me a better opportunity to do well here."

"I'm feeling good. I'm happy I'm over the injury now," he said. "The year started perfectly, not losing a set in Doha, playing very well and I am coming here and getting ready for the Aussie Open to get used again to the heat. In Doha, I was playing the night session all the time, which in the end might benefit me here because I've heard there are a lot of night sessions being played."

from Sunday Times:
Ron Yu, who strings rackets for Tim Henman, Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt, regularly works through the night to ensure his player can walk on court with up to 12 rackets. "Federer prefers three different groups of four with slightly different tensions because climatic conditions can vary during a match," says Yu. "Henman likes to have all his rackets the same but changes each time new balls are rolled on the court. Then there are differences in string requirements. Some have their rackets strung with old-fashioned gut strings, most of the younger guys are happier to go with synthetic, and Henman prefers a mixture. At the very top of the game, no one player has the same individual requirements."

Jan 13, 2006 from Reuters:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer, who had to rush from his hotel after Nicolas Kiefer's injury for an earlier-than-expected appearance, completed his preparations for the Australian Open with a 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-1) victory over Max Mirnyi.

The Swiss was surprisingly held to serve in the first set before Mirnyi easily won the tie break. The loss of the first set fired up Federer, who broke Mirnyi twice on his way to taking the second set. The third went to another tie-break, where Federer lifted his game to stroll to a 6-0 lead before Mirnyi got his sole point in the tie break. Federer closed out the match on the next point when Mirnyi's backhand sailed over the baseline.

from AP:
Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt were placed in the same half of the Australian Open draw Friday, meaning they could meet in the semifinals. Federer will play a wild card entry, Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, in the first round of the tournament beginning Monday. Federer could meet Tommy Haas or Richard Gasquet in the round of 16 and his quarterfinal opponent could be Nikolay Davydenko or Dominic Hrbaty.

Jan 12, 2006 from Reuters:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer bounced back quickly from a surprise defeat yesterday to overpower Ivan Ljubicic 6-4 6-3 at the invitational Kooyong Classic. He will next play Max Mirnyi on Friday.

Federer took the first set after breaking the Croat's serve in the 10th game. However, the Swiss dropped serve in the first game of the second set and was visibly annoyed with his lapse in concentration. He broke back immediately and established a 3-1 lead before breaking Ljubicic again in the eighth game with a ferocious backhand pass. Federer then held serve, clinching victory when Ljubicic sprayed a backhand return on a second serve over the baseline.

from AAMI Classic:
Q: What about Roger Federer, you had five cracks at him last year.

Ivan Ljubicic: Five losses, yeah, and four of them were close matches but I always enjoy playing against him because I always learn something, I try to learn something from him, and he's also a nice guy so you just can't hate him; no matter how much times he beats you, you just have to love him, he's a really nice guy.

from ATP Insider:
Chalk up yet another milestone for Roger Federer. When the Australian Open gets underway Monday, the Swiss star will be the sole occupant of third position on the list of most consecutive weeks as World No. 1. Federer, who first rose to the top of the INDESIT ATP Ranking on February 2, 2004, will surpass Pete Sampras's 102-week unbroken reign when the new Ranking is released Sunday. The 24-year-old is also closing in another Ranking record: He will eclipse Bjorn Borg's 109-week stay atop the Leader Board to become the sixth-longest reigning World No. 1 if he continues his circuit dominance.

Jan 11, 2006 from AP:
MELBOURNE - Roger Federer was upset by Tommy Haas at the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament Wednesday, though the loss won't count in his ATP record. Haas fended off three break points while serving for the match and closed a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 win with an ace in the opening match.

Federer mis-hit forehands and backhands against Haas and didn't display the supreme form. He hit 39 unforced errors, to 30 for Haas, and produced only two of his 15 winners on the backhand. Apart from a heavy brace on his right ankle, Federer showed no other signs of the problem. He will meet Ivan Ljubicic in the relegation group.

Jan 10, 2006

Roger Federer smiles as he listens to a question with Nicholas Kiefer, Andy Roddick, David Nalbandian, Tommy Haas and Gael Monfils at a press conference on the eve of the Kooyong Classic. The top men's players use the tournanment as a warm-up to the Australian Open with the Kooyong Classic producing the nine past winners of the Australian Open.

Ivan Ljubicic chats with Roger as they leave with Andy Roddick from a press conference on the eve of the Kooyong Classic, in Melbourne 10 January 2006. (Photos by William West/AFP)

Jan 9, 2006

Roger Federer shopping on Collins Street with girlfriend Mirka off-court on Monday, January 09, 2006. (Photo by Manuela Davies/tennis.info)

Jan 7, 2006 from AP:
DOHA - Roger Federer won the Qatar Open for the second straight year Saturday, beating Gael Monfils 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the final. Federer became the first player to win consecutive titles in Doha since Stefan Edberg in 1994 and 1995.

"It's a beautiful start to the year, winning a tournament without dropping a set," Federer said. "It also shows that the ankle problem I had toward the end of the last season is behind me." This was Federer's fifth title in the Middle East — he also won three straight Dubai Opens (2003-05). The Qatar Open was his 43rd career final, of which he has won 34.

Federer said he had trouble at first judging the Frenchman's serve. "He has the potential to be in the top 10," Federer said. "But it's a tough task and he needs to work hard and be consistent, at least reaching the semifinals of some Grand Slam events."

"Some of his shots I would say were teasers," he added. "You have to pick the right shots when you come in because he moves really fast and hits good passing shots."

Monfils broke Federer in the first game and held serve to lead 2-0. But Federer broke back in the sixth and eighth games to go up 5-3. Federer then held to close the set. In the second set, Federer broke serve in the opening game but Monfils hit back immediately. Federer led 40-15 in the seventh game but couldn't finish it off as Monfils forced deuce with inspired play. Monfils then delivered an ace and a lob to win the game and lead 4-3.

In the 11th game, Federer again had a chance to go a break up after leading 40-30, but Monfils ripped an ace to go ahead 6-5. Federer then capitalized on errors to win his next service game, forcing a tiebreaker. Monfils' powerful serve forced an error by Federer in the tiebreaker. A few more mistakes by the Swiss allowed Monfils to lead 5-3, but Federer responded and evened the score. A smash from near the net sent Federer up 6-5, and he completed the match with a stinging forehand.

"It's almost like Wimbledon [in the Middle East], I play and I win. It's really nice to win back-to-back titles, it makes you want to come back and win a third time. He [Monfils] is young, has a different style from other players and a great opportunity to do very well in the future. I really had to watch out, I was down very quickly as it took me a few games to figure out how to play against him. Then he was very close in the second set and I really had to come up with some very good tennis."

Jan 6, 2006 from AP:
DOHA - Roger Federer continued his strong preparation for the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Tommy Haas in the semifinals of the Qatar Open on Friday. The Swiss player will face Gael Monfils for the first time on Saturday final.

"Monfils is a very good player who had a lot of good results already last year. He's young and upcoming and he's maybe just looking for the breakthrough like [Andy] Murray in Bangkok last year or [Tomas] Berdych in Bercy," Federer said.

After tougher earlier matches, Federer appeared in a hurry on Friday. He broke Haas in the seventh and ninth game to seal the first set. Federer played an nifty backhand chip shot from the baseline that carried just over the net, leaving Haas at the back court. Federer broke through in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead, and finished off the match with an ace.

"That game (the first break of serve) was huge," acknowledged Federer. "It put me ahead and may have broke him mentally a little bit. I started to play better and broke him a second time. I was pleased with my performance. I feel I am getting better. And the ankle is not giving me any problems."

Jan 5, 2006 from AP:
DOHA - Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals of the Qatar Open with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Marcos Baghdatis on Thursday. He will meet Tommy Haas for a spot in the final.

Federer said he is approaching the performance level he prefers after an ankle injury hampered him at the end of the 2005 season. Baghdatis made the Swiss star work for a spot in the semis. "I knew before the match that Marcos is a tough player to beat," Federer said. "I am now getting a feel for the big games."

Federer won his first two service games at love, but couldn't get an early break of serve as Baghdatis matched him shot for shot. At 5-4, Baghdatis had a double fault to give Federer the set.

"I'm pleased with the way I played," said Federer. "He's a good player and a tough one to beat. This was a dangerous match I thought. From the start I knew that, and to get through comfortably is a good sign. I played well at the big moments which gave me confidence and I had the feeling that I'm serving good, and the movement is still holding up. My basic game could be a little bit better at times but I am pleased with the way it is right now."

Haas is looking forward to playing Federer, saying the match would be an important test before the Australian Open later this month. "Facing a player of Roger's caliber gives you an idea where your game is," Haas said. "Obviously, he is one of the best players ever and also a great guy off the court." Haas also thinks he could beat Federer again. "I'm happy he does," responded Federer with a half-smile. "If he didn't think that there would be no need to play."

"Tommy and I have played some big matches in the past, the last time I beat him in Halle on grass. It's always been on big occasions; he beat me in the Olympic semifinals in Sydney (in 2000), then I won in Paris one year to qualify for my first Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai (in 2002), and then in Basel.

from ATP Insider:
IN DOHA: ROGER FEDERER visited the Emir's horse stables on Monday, where magnificent Arabian thoroughbreds live in air-conditioned stables and admired some of the best horses in the world. Horseracing is a very popular sport in the Arab countries

-- > ROGER FEDERER, NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO, CHRISTOPHE AND OLIVIER ROCHUS took part in Kids' Day activities at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, the site of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2006.

Jan 4, 2006 from AFP:
DOHA - Roger Federer showed rare glimpses of irritation as he struggled to get past Fabrice Santoro in the second round of the Qatar Open. The world champion with the glass-fibre temperament found the Frenchman's unique double-handed style and crafty mix of tactics so effective that he never once broke serve throughout a 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/5) success.

Federer's skilful power was often still awesome, but he twice missed kills from inside the service line and once appeared to tell some of the crowd to be quiet. There were also moments of unfamiliar frowning amidst the characteristic skill and grace although afterwards Federer denied that the mental battle had been a problem.

"The last thing I want to do is get frustrated and I never do," Federer countered. "Maybe I used to when I wasn't up to it, but now I have proved myself so much that there is never a sense of frustration against anyone, no matter how big their serve, how good they are the net, or how good they are at mixing up their games, so that is a big advantage to have in my game."

Santoro's entertaining magic came from his ability to stroke the ball with slice on both wings, and suddenly to appear in unexpected positions to volley. However, Federer was never in trouble on his own delivery, and took the first set tie-break with something to spare, by seven point to two.

But he had more difficulty in the second set tie-break, going a mini-break down and then seeing Santoro save two match points and bring the scoring back with serve again at 5-6. Federer then came up with a superb topspin return to the feet, making Santoro half-volley short, opening up the court for a backhand drive which the 33-year-old former champion could not contain. Federer served 11 aces and never faced a break point in the 1 hour and 35 minute match, he next plays Marcos Baghdatis.

"It's a different match than (you get) against anyone else. No-one else plays a forehand slice these days. That changes things up. It's a very interesting match-up every time. You have to really play with your mind," Federer said. "Never losing your service is always good. I maybe have to play a little better on my break points and set points, then the match might have turned out a little easier."

Jan 3, 2006 from ATP:
Roger Federer hit top gear in his first appearance of 2006, blitzing Ivo Minar 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes in the first round of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open at the Khalifa Tennis Complex. The Swiss was broken when serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set, but broke his opponent right back for the fifth time in the match.

Federer played in a right ankle support that he wore during his comeback tournament at Tennis Masters Cup last November, but said that his ankle came through the match well. Federer next plays Fabrice Santoro and will look to extend his winning streak against the French wizard to seven matches.

Federer has won his first tournament of the year in three of the past four years (Sydney 2002, Australian Open 2004 and Doha 2005). The Swiss is poised to move into third position for the most consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the INDESIT ATP Ranking when he surpasses Pete Sampras's 102-week streak at the beginning of the Australian Open on January 16.

Federer: "It is the new year and you want to do well again. The pressure is back on and the last thing you want to do is to start the year with a loss. I was happy with my movement on the court, which is very important especially after my ankle injury in October. I was also pleased with the way I hit the ball, so no complaint for a first match back really."

"It's great to find some momentum early in the season. I was confident because I was playing well in practice."

"(Fabrice Santoro) will not be easy for my second match of the season, he has a tricky style but I am sure it will be a great match for the fans."

from The Peninsula:
DOHA - Roger Federer feels that Martina Hingis' return to competitive tennis after a three-year break is one of the best things to happen to the game. Federer told a press conference here yesterday that he didn't think that Hingis was making a mistake by coming back to the WTA Tour after a long break.

Federer said he was confident that Hingis could still achieve a lot on the Tour. "I was quite happy when I heard that she had come back," he said. "I was hoping that one day she would find the courage to do it. She's even won her first match and I think that's great for tennis," he added.

Jan 2, 2006 from AFP:
PARIS - Roger Federer has been named "Champion of Champions" for 2005 by French sports daily L'Equipe. The world No.1 received 676 points in a vote by L'Equipe journalists placing him well ahead of second placed Valentino Rossi, MotoGP world champion, who got 387 points and third place went to Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso (324 points).

"I am very proud, especially if you look at the previous winners. Rossi and Alonso had an incredible season too. The three of us, we had a very good year, I was elected, and it's just great. Last year I was close but Hicham El-Guerrouj deserved it more than me because it was an Olympic year. I'm not going to say 'me at last', but it does feel really good."

Federer is the only the second tennis player to win the L'Equipe award in its 25-year history after Andre Agassi in 1999. "Roger Federer is admirable not only for his successes," L'Equipe commented. "He also is the incarnation of perfection on a tennis court - powerful and at the same time elegant. He is without doubt the leader of a new generation of champions in all sports early in this new century."

from Reuters:
PARIS - Wimbledon is Roger Federer's favourite tournament and he would rather triumph there again than win a first French Open. Asked whether he would swap his Wimbledon crown for the only grand slam title to elude him, Federer told Monday's issue of sports daily L'Equipe: "I should but I don't think so. Wimbledon will always be closer to my heart, even if I realise that winning at Roland Garros would enhance my resume," said the Swiss.

Federer, who lost only four matches last season, said: "I am proud of my season. Losing only four matches is amazing when you look at the level of men's tennis." The highlight of his 2005 run, he said, was beating Andy Roddick in the Wimbledon final. "That day, I had no doubts about my game," he said. "Feeling that is exceptional. Sometimes, it strikes me from the first game and I know there is no chance I might lose."

from Tennis X:
Roger Federer finished No. 1 in the Xinhua News Agency's list of the world's Top 10 athletes, with Maria Sharapova finishing at No. 7 ahead of No. 10 Lindsay Davenport.

from Gulf Times:
Roger Federer stepped out of the Doha airport on New Year's Day, looked at the shining sun and absorbed its early morning warmth. Then, in a manner that sounded almost like a warning to his rivals, he declared, "I am feeling great and excited."

"It's a great feeling going into the new season and I am excited," Federer told the Gulf Times after he was received at the airport by Qatar Tennis Federation President Sheikh Mohammed bin Faleh al-Thani and other officials. "No matter what your past achievements are there's always a bit of suspense when you start off again," he added. But, almost in the same breath, he wondered whether there is such a thing as a new season. "Really, it's never ending these days the way tennis is played," said Federer. "Sometimes it doesn't feel like you are making a new start."

from NEWS.com.au:
James Blake says he sees no end in sight to Roger Federer's dominance of the men's game, describing the Swiss star as arguably the greatest player ever. Asked if 2006 could see a changing of the guard, Blake said he couldn't see it happening anytime soon. "I would never, ever say that to Roger (Federer). I hope (the media) don't," Blake said. "He's so good, I think tennis fans are going to be getting more and more excited as he gets closer to Pete Sampras' (Grand Slam) record."

Blake gave a glowing assessment of the world No.1's ability. "I never played Pete (Sampras) in his prime," Blake said. "(But) it's tough for me to imagine anyone playing better than Roger has played in the last couple of years." Blake said he could not see anyone toppling Federer from the number one position "until he relents".

Jan 1, 2006 from Reuters:
DOHA - The new year means business as usual for Roger Federer whose resolution is simply to continue to dominate the tennis tour. "I don't feel like it is the beginning of a new season. There is hardly any break between seasons," Federer told reporters when he arrived at Doha International Airport on Sunday.

"The tennis calendar is almost round-the-year. It's almost continuous, so much so that I don't feel anything new," the Swiss said. Federer will start the new season by chasing his 34th career title at the $1 million Qatar Open, which begins on Monday. "I had a good run in 2004 and I was able to match it in 2005 too. Obviously I am aiming at a repeat of that in 2006 as well," he said.

Since being beaten in the Masters Cup final, Federer has been training hard with coach Tony Roche in Sydney. "We spent Christmas together but a lot of time was spent on the court for an intense preparation for 2006," Federer said.

The Swiss ace, who admitted he was disappointed by the loss to David Nalbandian and by his defeat by eventual champion Marat Safin in the Australian Open semi-finals, said he felt he could continue to dominate the game in 2006. "It's a huge priority for me to maintain the number one ranking during 2006. The Australian Open, in two weeks' time, should provide the clue as to what lies ahead in 2006," he said.