Nov 30, 2007 from ATP:
Roger Federer could collect Outstanding Athlete of the Year honors for the third year running and has been chosen as one of the United States Sports Academy nominees on the 2007 online ballot.

The winner will be selected through an online vote by sports fans worldwide on USATODAY.com and MSNBC.com, with the poll open from December 1-24, 2007.

Last year, the ballot attracted nearly half a million votes from around the globe and Federer repeated as Oustanding Athlete of the Year after receiving the highest number of votes in the combined male and female categories.

Golf superstar Tiger Wood, who was named the 2006 Academy Male Athlete of the Year, joins Federer among the 12 nominees on the 2007 male ballot. Belgian Justine Henin and American Venus Williams represent tennis nominees on the female ballot and will look to succeed Maria Sharapova as Female Athlete of the Year.

from Tennis Week:
Tennis Week's Best of 2007 issue hits newsstands nationwide this week featuring Maria Sharapova’s editorial debut with her own page on life, style , and tennis. Tennis Week is increasing its frequency to 8 issues in 2008.

Other highlights from the December edition include:

Nov 28, 2007 from Live News:
Roger Federer last night turned his sights to the Australian Open, saying he was looking forward to the chance to defend his title on the new Plexicushion surface.

"Once again, I am very excited to start the new year's grand slam season in Australia and to try and defend my title once again," the Swiss said.

"I am looking forward to the new surface and especially playing in front of the Australian fans. They are some of the best fans in the world."

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said it was appropriate that Federer's next tilt at greatness was at Melbourne Park.

"He is forever part of tennis folklore here. Who will ever forget Roger and Rod Laver in 2006, or his elation at winning our event last year," Tiley said.

"Roger is a class act and I think tennis fans throughout the world are very grateful to be witnessing one of the greatest careers in the history of our game."

Nov 27, 2007 from Tennis Week:
The Tennis Channel will web cast last week's three exhibition matches between Roger Federer and Pete Sampras plus the exo between Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet free of charge on www.tennischannel.com next week. You can watch the entire match or select a specific set to view. All matches will be posted for free on TC's web site starting next week and will remain on the site at least through the end of the year, according to the Tennis Channel.

Here’s the first date each will be available at www.TennisChannel.com:

Nov 26, 2007 from USTA:
The Bryans Davis Cup lore stretches back to 1990, when their father and then coach Wayne took the boys to a first round US-Mexico Davis Cup in Carlsbad, CA.

Just before they walked on court and clinched the tie over Leonardo Lavalle/Jorge Lozano 6-4, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-1, then US doubles duo of Rick Leach and Jim Pugh stopped to talk to twins.

"Ricky is such a class guy," Bob said. "Even though he had a big match coming up, he came up to us and asked us how we had done in a tournament the week before. We had known his family for along time, but he didn't have to do that. He's just like Roger Federer - no pretension off court."

Nov 24, 2007
MACAU - Pete Sampras fired off his trademark powerful serve in a shock upset of world number one Roger Federer in Macau on Saturday to post his first win in their three-game Asian exhibition series.

Sampras never faced a break point and converted one of two against his opponent as he handed Federer a 7-6 (8), 6-4 defeat in 70 minutes in the packed arena at Venetian Macao resort.

Federer was able to outhit Sampras early but the American held his own with the powerful serving and crafty volleying. The first set went on serve. In the tiebreaker, Federer had set points at 6-5 and 8-7 but Sampras saved both. The American went up 9-8 on a missed return by Federer then took the set with a forehand return winner on the Swiss player's serve.

Federer ran into trouble early in the second set, falling behind 30-40 in the third game, but recovered to hold serve. Federer pushed Sampras to deuce in game eight but the American produced an ace to get out of trouble and level it up.

At 4-4, Federer fell behind on his serve again. A forehand error gave Sampras break point, which he converted with a forehand winner. Sampras held serve again the next game and closed out the match on a Federer backhand return that sailed long.

Both players hit 14 aces during the match. Sampras made 15 unforced errors to Federer's 13, while Sampras won 14 points at the net to Federer's six.

"My goal this trip was to win one set, I was just trying to make it competitive," said Sampras. "When I won the first set I was pleased I was keeping it competitive and making Roger work a little bit."

He added: "The court was so fast it was tough to play and tough to return. It was tough for Roger because I was serving very well. The court was very fast and I can still serve quite well. It was tough to break and Roger has also had a long season. It was also our third match; we had a long flight delay yesterday and also had to fly four hours."

"It's also a tough situation as I know Roger's game. But he's a great player, he has got things in his game that I couldn't do. These are exhibitions and are a bonus for us, but I thought our level was pretty high and competitive."

"I was happy to win, but lets not get carried away, it was very fast and Roger has had a long year, a great year, and I am sure he is looking forward to a little vacation."

Sampras predicted that Federer could beat his record of most Grand Slam wins "The major record, he's got so much time. He's 26 and he's got the next four years to be in the pinnacle of his career so I see him breaking that, if not next year, pretty soon."

With Federer finishing four years in a row as number one, Sampras believes it is only a matter of time before the Swiss betters him in that respect as well.

"I don't say that lightly. He knows it's a lot of work but I know the game well enough to know he's a class above everyone. That being said, these kids are hungry, (Rafael) Nadal and (Novak) Djokovic and (Andy) Roddick. These guys are going to want to push him but I still feel like Roger has an extra gear, especially when it comes to the majors."

Federer praised his opponents serve, saying he still could compete at the top five level in the world on a fast surface. "We delivered a great level of play. Unfortunately I didn't win today but the surface was really quick and Pete was playing really well and hardly making any mistakes."

"It's been tough beating my idol the last two times. I'm happy that he got me at least once," Federer said, but adding, "I hope we can do it again in the future. I'd like to get him back."

Nov 23, 2007 from AFP:
MACAU - Pete Sampras is hoping to beat Roger Federer for the first time this weekend but admitted Friday it was tough to compete against a man at the top of his game.

Federer leads two-nil in their three-match Asian exhibition series. Sampras has yet to win a set this week against a man who has taken his place as the world's greatest player.

The US star told a news conference at Macau's Venetian resort that challenging Federer was hard work.

"It's a tough challenge for me and really I know that for Roger in his shoes it's a little tricky. He's expected to beat me. Hopefully I can pull off a set... but it's tough. He's a finely tuned machine. Even though it's an exhibition he's still trying and still playing hard."

Sampras described Thursday's match in Malaysia, in which he pushed the Swiss to two tie-breaks, as "pretty competitive."

Federer said Sampras had raised his game in Kuala Lumpur from the first match in South Korea, adding: "I think Pete has a chance."

"I thought the level of play (in Malaysia) was excellent. It was really a quick court... the way Pete played it was definitely much better than he played in Seoul," Federer said ahead of the Macau match on Saturday.

"Pete was maybe the greatest player ever and it is an honour for me to play against him. This exhibition series is great for the game and helps to promote tennis in Asia."

Roger Federer and Pete Sampras were late arriving in Macau from Malaysia after bad weather forced their private jet to divert.

But when they finally touched down they were rushed straight into their publicity duties, stepping sheepishly -- tennis rackets in hand -- onto a black gondola floating on the canals at the huge resort complex.

from PA:
Pete Sampras believes Andy Murray is among a small group of players who can challenge the dominance of world number one Roger Federer.

"I think Andy has a lot of potential. He has had to deal with some injuries but he is part of a crew that can threaten Roger. Roger is still the man to beat, but it is possible," Sampras said.

But Sampras insists Federer's opposition falls short of the standard of Pat Rafter, Andre Agassi, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker and Jim Courier, who formed the American's main challengers when he dominated in the 1990s and early part of this decade.

"The crew behind Roger is really, really good, but he is also great," added Sampras. "But I had more major winners up against me versus the rising stars behind Roger."

Federer also acknowledged Murray ranks among his nearest challengers.

"It is interesting time for me in my tennis life right now. I am facing the new generation such as Rafael and Novak and I think it is going to be fun over the next few years with other young talent like Andy Murray, Richard Gasquet and Marcos Baghdatis looking to make the next step," he said.

Nov 22, 2007 from AFP:
KUALA LUMPUR - Roger Federer defeated Pete Sampras 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) on Thursday for the second straight time in three days at an exhibition match in Kuala Lumpur.

Both men held serve to take the first set to a tie-break with the Swiss maestro inching ahead when Sampras hit a forehand into the net.

The American hit back to bring the tie-break back on serve but Federer hit a scorching forehand winner down the line for his second break to bring the score to 7-6.

Serving for the set, Federer hit a winning backhand volley to wrap up the first in 41 minutes. It was a similar affair in the second set which also went to a tie-break before Federer dug deep to run out eventual winner 7-5.

"I am really, really impressed by the way he's been playing. He's got the most incredible serve you know. I can't read it, he serves it to the line, he serves harder than me," said Federer. "I think if he was still playing he would be a top five player."

Federer said he knew that Sampras would improve after their first match in Seoul "and tonight he didn't prove me wrong."

Sampras acknowledged Federer's superiority in the match. "I am happy with my performance tonight. I hung in there right until the end," he said.

"I had a taste of what the best is and I think Roger has that extra gear," said Sampras. "He has good volleys and he has this little backhand flick that honestly, I have never seen before... it's something that I didn't have."

Sampras, however, has no plans to make a comeback at 36. "No. It's a tough lifestyle and I'm happy with a great wife and great two kids relaxing in Los Angeles," he told reporters.

Sampras, retired for five years, brought back memories of his no-nonsense style of play during the match and later lamented the demise of serve-and-volley tennis that he put to such good use over the years.

"Serve and volley is extinct," he said. "In my day we had some great serve-and-volley players. There was myself, Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker, Goran Ivanisevic and others.

from Malaysia Star:
KUALA LUMPUR - A heated argument between a photographer and a security bouncer at a hotel here nearly marred a press conference by tennis greats Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.

The players had arrived earlier yesterday in a private jet at the Subang airport and were scheduled to meet the press prior to their Clash of Times match at the Melawati Stadium in Shah Alam tonight.

After both stars had emerged from their limousines at the hotel entrance, they posed for pictures with the hotel’s general manager in the lobby.

When the more than 20 photographers moved towards them to get better shots of the trio, burly security bouncers prevented their intent by using force.

An annoyed photographer then screamed at one of the bouncers, who in turn retaliated with threats. A few more photographers then joined in the war of words.

As both photographer and bouncer threatened each other, Sampras and Federer, who were nearby, looked dumbfounded. They were then led away by security officers to a holding room before the press conference.

The event organisers and hotel management managed to prevent another incident between the photographer and bouncer during the press conference with some coaxing and apologies.

Federer later laughed off the incident. "I guess you are all probably glad to see me here – there’s too much excitement," he joked.

The 26-year-old world number one spoke later that he had heard wonderful things about Malaysia, and was keen to visit its beaches on his next vacation.

During Sampras’ interview session, "Pistol Pete" said he was enjoying his retirement from tennis, but that he was looking forward to facing Federer again tonight after their exhibition match in South Korea on Tuesday.

"Yes, I’m enjoying my life now and I’m happy to be able to sleep in my own bed and not having to travel regularly around the world.

from New Straits Times:
Tempers were somewhat frayed as some photographers and security personnel got involved in a slanging match but that did nothing to take away attention from the two men sharing centre stage yesterday - tennis greats Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.

World No 1 Federer is ruling the scene akin to the way Sampras did and in tonight's Clash of The Times, the former was honest as to who would win.

"Federer is great player. I have been retired for five years now and it will be very difficult," said Sampras, who holds the record of 14 Grand Slam titles.

Federer is just two shy from equalling that, and probably going on to set a new record and Sampras said he held no grudges against the Swiss star. "He has changed his game so much and he is very good for the game. I believe that he has made it bigger."

The rust in Sampras' game was obvious when they two met in Seoul on Tuesday, with Federer winning 6-4, 6-3 and it isn't likely to be any different in tonight's clash before a capacity crowd of 12,000 at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.

"It is not easy to play someone who is at his peak. To do that, you have to play constantly. I believe I did okay in Seoul but it is difficult."

Asked why he agreed to play Federer, Sampras said it was a unique opportunity. While Federer may be the undisputed king today, he said Sampras was his all-time star.

from pitpass:
A1 Team Switzerland drivers Neel Jani and Rahel Frey are used to attention from fans, so it was a novel occasion as the roles were reversed in Malaysia on Wednesday, when they met Switzerland's top sports star Roger Federer on the eve of the Malaysian Independence Tennis Festival.

Current world number one Federer, 26, is in Malaysia to play 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras in a series of exhibition games, and both Jani and Frey were on hand to welcome them both to the official cocktail reception, held at the exclusive JW Marriott hotel in Bukit Bintang upon invitation from Tan Sri Francis Yeoh managing Director of YTL Corporation BHD listed on Bursa Malaysia.

Both of Switzerland's A1 Grand Prix drivers had the chance to be on stage with the two tennis legends, who arrived direct from Seoul. A1 Switzerland tantalizingly invited Federer not only to watch this weekend's A1GP round in Sepang, but also offered the five-time Wimbledon champion the opportunity to test the 550hp Lola chassis that the team currently campaign.

Sadly, Federer had to decline the opportunity, as prior commitments prevent him from attending the weekend. However, the A1 Switzerland drivers enjoyed the opportunity to meet and greet with one of their country's sporting heroes. "I played fanclub tonight and waited to meet Federer as he was late arriving," said a delighted Neel Jani afterwards. "But I was not disappointed. Federer looks so cool and determined, I have always admired him and watched him play as often as possible on TV, and my dream was to meet him."

from PRWEB:
Tennis Channel has exclusive U.S. telecast rights to the exhibition series between Pete Sampras and Roger Federer during Thanksgiving week this month.

In the tradition of Ali vs. Frazier and Riggs vs. King, the 14-time Grand Slam-champion Sampras, 36, will take on the 12-time Grand Slam-champion Federer, 26, in a three-match exhibition tour in Asia from Nov. 20-24. All three competitions will air live or same-day delay on Tennis Channel followed by prime-time replays each evening at 8 p.m. ET.

Live and Same-Day Delay Schedule:

"It's rare in any sport for fans to actually find out what would happen if a legend from the past were to take on the greatest player in the game today. This will literally be history in the making right before our eyes," said Victoria Quoss, executive vice president of programming and network strategy, Tennis Channel.

from Israel Diamond Industry:
Gitanjali Gems' Wimbledon Jewelry collection includes a 24-carat gold, diamond-encrusted tennis ball valued at $90,000. The ball will be presented to Roger Federer, the winner of this year's Wimbledon Championship.

Gitanjali has a three-year license to promote and market jewelry under the Wimbledon brand. The collection, which includes high-quality bracelets and pendants, will be available at all of Gitanjali's retail outlets.

from Xpress:
Jim Courier admitted Roger Federer’s achievements were not appreciated enough. "I think that one thing people miss out on when they look at Federer’s dominance, is what he’s doing and just how devastatingly good he is. Because if he slipped for just a little bit, [Rafael] Nadal would beat him at Wimbledon or [Andy] Roddick would beat him and these other players would have three to four slams each but Federer has 12," he said.

from AME Info:
Ten Sports' campaign for the announcement of the 2007 US Open, comprising three 15-second teasers and a 30-second main promo, has won the silver in the Best Sports Campaign category at the Promax/BDA Awards, which were declared on November 15 during this year's Promax/BDA Asia at The Arts House in Singapore.

The campaign concept was 'the US Open is taking the US by storm'. It featured three prominent American landmarks - Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty and the lights at World Trade Centre - and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - the two top ranked players in the world. The whole campaign was fully animated.

Each of the teasers had the landmark monuments getting startled by a whizzing tennis ball, while the main promo revealed it as a shot from Federer, which goes out of the stadium, startles all the monuments, and then comes back for Nadal to hit a return.

Nov 21, 2007 from Bernama:
KUALA LUMPUR - Roger Federer and Pete Sampras arrived in the Malaysian capital today amidst much media attention and fanfare. They will play in front of a sell-out crowd at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam tomorrow, in what is the second of a three-match series in Asia featuring the two greatest players from their respective eras.

"Asia means a lot to me, so I'm very excited to be playing here tomorrow night," said Federer at the pre-match press conference held at the Carlton Convention Centre, next to where the players are staying at the Ritz Carlton Residences.

"I hope we can deliver better tennis than yesterday," added the Swiss, who was mobbed by excited fans upon his arrival at the hotel. "It's a tricky situation. I've a lot to lose, but it is the same for Pete. But after the first match, it'll be easier for both of us, it'll be more relaxing, and the level will be higher with every match we play."

Sampras added: "I held my own yesterday and I hope I can play better tomorrow night. I'll try to be more patient, try to come in (to the net) and do what I do best."

The idea of playing challenge matches in Asia was first mooted by Federer after the two aces, with 26 Grand Slam titles between them, played for more than three hours earlier this year in Los Angeles where Sampras resides.

Federer and Sampras have met only once in competition, with the Swiss winning a five-set thriller in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001. The 36-year-old Sampras last played competitively in the 2002 US Open, which he won.

"This match is good for the game," he said. "There's a small window left for me to do this, maybe only a year or so. In golf, they could have Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods play together any time, but for tennis it's quite difficult. It's a long trip from Los Angeles (to come to Asia) but it's well worth it."

Match favourite Federer, 26, admitted that a win was not guaranteed against Sampras, despite their 10-year age gap. He said: "I know how good he still is. It's not impossible for him to beat me."

The "Clash of the Times" is one of three events in the Malaysia Independence Tennis Festival, which also features the "Clash of the Titans" and the Malaysian Open ATP Challenger Series tournament.

from AP:
KUALA LUMPUR - Pete Sampras said Wednesday he is not planning a comeback to competitive tennis, stressing that retirement has taken its toll on his skills.

Sampras lost to Roger Federer in an exhibition match Tuesday in South Korea, and has no illusions about turning the tables on the Swiss star in another showpiece in Malaysia on Thursday.

"I have been retired for five years now and to play the world No. 1 and someone who is at the peak of his game is not easy," Sampras told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.

"The hard part is to raise my game to a level to match Roger and it's not easy unless you are playing constantly," Sampras said. "But I did OK (in Seoul) although I must admit I am older and certainly not any sharper."

The 36-year-old 'Pistol Pete' added that "a comeback to top level competitive tennis is definitely not on the cards."

Federer, who is a decade younger than Sampras, maintained that Sampras "didn't embarrass himself" in Seoul.

"People sometimes tend to forget the past greats and remember only the present. For me Sampras is one of the greatest names in tennis," Federer said. "Believe me, he still has a fair bit to offer."

Nov 20, 2007 from AFP:
SEOUL - In an exhibition match in the South Korean capital, Roger Federer beat Pete Sampras 6-4, 6-3 in a match lasting just 61 minutes.

The Swiss ace is at the peak of his powers, lifting his fourth Masters Cup title on Sunday, whereas Sampras retired from the professional game in 2002.

But the American legend had been working hard on getting back in shape and is unbeaten in three starts on the Jim Courier Outback Champions seniors tour, his first serious tennis since hanging up his racket.

In a fast-paced opening set the two players traded two games apiece before Sampras broke Federer's serve in the fifth game. The American won the following game with his signature serve and volley attack to establish an early advantage.

But Federer came back to win the next four games and the set, breaking his opponent's serve twice in the process with an array of shots.

After taking the first set 6-4, Federer took four of the first five games in the second set. Sampras showed signs of life in the sixth, winning it easily with the help of his booming serve. But the 36-year-old American could only muster one more game against the 26-year-old Swiss.

Serving for the match leading 5-3, Federer was stretched to deuce when he badly mishit a return on 40-30. But he won the next two points for the victory.

"It was a little tricky situation. I'd been playing well and Pete's been retired for five years," Federer said. "I expected myself to win tonight. I am very happy with my performance but I think Pete's still playing very, very well."

Federer admitted he was "tensed up a bit" because he was facing one of his heroes. But once he found his rhythm, the Swiss was off and running.

"Pete was one of my idols growing up and it's great to play him," Federer said. "It wasn't easy for me, it wasn't easy for him as he's been retired five years. I am number one and everyone expects me to win."

"When I found my range, Pete missed a few too many shots," Federer said. "I was maybe lucky to win the first set. Then I got on a roll and started to relax. I enjoyed the match very much."

Sampras hit 10 aces in the match compared to Federer's six and put up a good fight. But it was not enough.

"I feel a little disappointed," Sampras said. "But I made Roger sweat a little bit tonight. I can still serve quite well but the hardest thing for me is movement. I was a little careless up on the net and missed a few easy balls. But I think I will play well in the next match."

"I feel pretty good. I made it competitive, which was my goal. Obviously Roger is the best player in the world and I retired five years ago. I am grateful that he invited me."

from Tennis Week:
Roger Federer joins the eclectic group as one GQ Magazine's Men Of The Year in the new December issue of GQ. The magazine recognizes the 12-time Grand Slam champion as "Court King." Clad in a white Armani Exchange t-shirt, a stylish Federer resembles the young Warren Beatty in the black-and-white photo shot by Liz Collins.

Hall of Famer Bjorn Borg praises Federer in the article that accompanies Federer's photo.

from Scotsman:
He's the fictional tennis player that the ATP believes would prove invincible. He's got Andy Murray's brain - not to mention the Scot's distinctive curly locks - Roger Federer's hand-eye co- ordination, Andy Roddick's blistering serve and Richard Gasquet's stylish back-hand.

The ATP, working with the University of Central Lancashire, revealed yesterday that it came up with the idea of creating this 6ft 5ins bionic player to see if it was possible to have a more complete game than world No 1 Federer.

After piecing together the best attributes of the top players in the world to make 'the ultimate tennis player', former British No 1 Andrew Castle and university lecturer Dr David Fewtrell concluded that the superhuman performer would be a rival for the dominant Swiss.

"Imagine facing the ultimate player," said former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash. "The power of [Rafael] Nadal mixed with the speed of [Novak] Djokovic and the hand-eye co-ordination of Federer. It's a scary prospect, and I wouldn't like to be on the opposite side of the net to this guy!"

The presence of Murray - who is No 11 in the ATP rankings and hit the headlines last week after splitting with his coach, Brad Gilbert - is a further sign that the current British No 1 is considered one of the world's best players.

"With Nadal's legs for speed, Djokovic's feet for agility and Murray's brain for his tactics, this player would be unbeatable," explained Castle. "I strongly believe Andy Murray has the talent to be Britain's top player of all time. I have rarely seen anyone who wants to win more or lose less and he has the game to back it up."

from Independent:
By James Lawton - Was it just a few months ago when we were speculating on the imminent demise of Roger Federer when he was pushed so hard by Rafael Nadal in the defence of his Wimbledon crown? But then genius always operates on its own time scale.

After mopping up the Tennis Masters Cup for the fourth time in five years, and becoming the first player to win more than $10m (£4.9m) in one season, he said he had completed his "breakthrough" year.

Nov 19, 2007 from Korea Times:
Two of arguably the greatest players in the history of tennis, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, will showcase their top-level talents before South Korean fans in Seoul on Tuesday night.

In one exhibition match, dubbed as Super Match VI, sponsored by the Hyundai Card, the former and current world No. 1s are going to face each other for the first time since 2001.

"This match can stand comparison with any big match and is the best Super Match ever,'' said a clerk of Sema Sports Marketing, the organizer of the match. "It will help not only improve Korean tennis, but also develop other sports in Korea.''

Sampras, a native of California who retired in 2002, is now playing at the Outback Championship Series, a group of tournaments for former ATP players who have met certain criteria during their careers.

"I'm excited to play Roger. I've practiced with a lot more intensity, a lot more seriously the past few weeks to make sure my body stays healthy,'' Sampras said on his arrival Sunday at the Incheon International Airport.

from Timesnow:
"I'm up against a very big challenge against Roger. He's prime and he's playing great last week, and I've stepping it up my practices, in terms of pushing a little bit, but being a little big older and retired for five years, I'm maybe not quite as sharp as I used to be, but I still feel like I can play well and I'd be competitive against him," said Sampras on Monday.

"Playing one of my favourite players of all time, and he's sort of an idol too. It's a different situation, someway it's a great honour, but it's not easy at the same time. So I'm just looking forward to really playing a nice match and hopefully enjoying myself as much as I can. I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and I'm happy that Pete was able to make this long trip," said Federer.

from Donga:
Lee Hyung-taik, the Korean tennis star, has special memories about Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, the old and new champions of tennis who will play a Hyundai Card Super Match in Seoul on November 20.

Lee played the two on the ATP tour twice each, and lost in all of them, but was able to learn something about of the top players in the world.

Lee will broadcast the match with Samsung Securities coach Joo Won-hong. He will be able to share his experiences on the court against both players.

Lee Hyung-taik played Federer in Wimbledon’s first round in 2003, and met him again in the Monte Carlo Masters Series. Both games were close contests.

Lee’s first encounter with Sampras was the fourth round of the 2000 U.S. Open, which Lee will never forget in his tennis life. Lee qualified for a major tournament for the first time in his life and defeated players one after another to face Sampras in the fourth round to contest for a ticket to the quarter-finals at Center Court with 20,000 spectators. Lee says, "That was the first time I played in front of such a crowd. I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere."

Lee lost the first set in a close tie breaker, and the game by 0-3. He faced Sampras again two years later in Toronto and won the first set, but unfortunately lost again.

Lee Hyung-taik analyzed the two players, saying, "They are similar in that they both execute short returns, but Sampras is a powerful serve and volley player, while Federer hits accurate and unexpected shots."

He added "Sampras is rather blunt, whereas Federer has many friends despite his reserved manner."

Who will be the winner of the first Korean friendly between Federer and Sampras?

from The Times:
...Murray, remember, has not been beyond the fourth round of a grand-slam tournament. Roger Federer was 19 when he vaulted that barrier at the 2001 French Open, and the world No 1 said yesterday: "Murray has had a breakthrough year. He would have easily been at the Masters [Cup] had it not been for injuries, but now he has to take that next important step which is to reach a grand-slam quarter-final. When you are young, that can prey on your mind, but once you have reached a quarter-final, a lot of the pressure is off you. I’m interested to see who Murray is going to pick."

from The Globe and Mail:
Federer the fashion plate has lately taken to wearing a more form-fitting shirt with genuinely short sleeves as well as shorts that are more trim than the norm.

That is all by design, according to his agent, Tony Godsick of IMG. "Both Roger and Nike," Godsick said, "spend a lot of time together discussing what looks good, feels good and most importantly, what's functional. Some people prefer a baggy and unpolished look. Like Roger's game, he is meticulous in his dress and performance. It's just who he is and what he prefers."

Nov 18, 2007 from Eurosport:
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer produced another masterclass in serving to sweep aside David Ferrer 6-2 6-3 6-2 and claim his fourth Masters Cup crown in five years.

Federer won six breaks in total, two in each set - including the final one of the tennis season - to underline his dominance of the men's game and potentially take his 2007 earnings to over $10 million.

"I'm so happy," he said afterwards. "This is the year-end tournament championships and only the best make it through. For me to win it again is fantastic."

"Congratulations on a great year to David. Well done to David's team - it's a long year and hopefully we will see you again next year."

"This is the end of a long season and I'm looking forward to some holiday," said Federer. "I hope to come back stronger next year."

In the first set, Federer raced 30-0 up on Ferrer's serve and would have had three break points if his challenge against an out call had been successful. It was not and the Spaniard fought back to hold and take the lead.

The Swiss attacked on his serve to hold then broke for the first time in the match. He gained the chance by saving deep in the right corner with a delicate lob that forced Ferrer back and when he reached the ball, Federer was at the net to volley.

Federer was as lethal on his service as he was against world number two Rafael Nadal in the semi-final. Ferrer could not get a look in when the world number one had the ball in his hands and gave up another of his own service games to go 4-1 down.

Federer's third ace won him the sixth game of the set and he looked capable of taking it 6-1 despite going 40-0 down in the seventh, Ferrer struggling with the length on his forehand. The latter found enough to close it out for 5-2 before Federer executed another love game for the set.

Ferrer started the second set with a hold but was undone yet again on Federer's service as his drives repeatedly went long. In the third game of the set he found the confidence to match his illustrious rival's strokeplay but his errors continued.

A clinical pass won him that game, yet the determination of Federer while saving is daunting in itself and almost took it from him. With the fight fresh in his mind he again faced Federer's serve - and once again he submitted to it, albeit because of a pair of clinical backhands that flashed his way.

Ferrer continued to impress on one point then throw away the next as he held, unsuccessfully challenged Federer's serve then went break point down.

One flat winner in particular showed his ability to impose himself upon the rally, but he could not save his serve when it mattered, thumping one long and wide to gasps from the crowd.

Another Federer ace closed out a love game for 5-3 and he broke on his third chance for the set. The exchanges contained one of the best rallies of the year, ending with a cross-court backhand from Federer that landed right on the line.

The Spanish number two won two break points in the first game of the third set but Federer held his nerve to save them both before holding. The score became 1-1 thanks in part to a brilliant Ferrer lob, only for Switzerland's finest to move back ahead.

The crucial moment of the final set arrived when, at break point down, Ferrer failed to volley with conviction and gave Federer the chance to dive across and send back an improbable forehand. Ferrer could not react at the net and volleyed out.

For there until the final game the serve dominated. Ferrer should have won another game at the last, but with the score at 40-15 in his favour, Federer played a backhand winner and excellent volley for deuce.

from Tennis Masters Cup:
ATP World No. 1 Roger Federer capped another breathtaking season with his fourth Tennis Masters Cup title in five years after defeating Spaniard David Ferrer 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in Shanghai Sunday.

Played before a capacity crowd at the futuristic Qi Zhong stadium and set against the backdrop of the sound of Swiss cow bells and a Spanish trumpeter, Federer improved his unbeaten record against Ferrer to 8-0.

Appearing in his 70th career final, Federer improved his record in title matches to 53-17. He is 4-1 in Masters Cup finals, losing the 2005 title match to David Nalbandian in a fifth-set tie-break.
Only three other players - Ilie Nastase, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras - have won the circuit finale four or more times, with Nastase winning it four times (1971, 1972, 1973, 1975), Lendl winning five times (1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1987) and most recently Sampras winning five times (1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999).

By winning the title Federer became the first player in history to win more than $10 million in a season. He came into the event with $7.4 million in 2007 earnings and added $1.2 million for winning the title with a 4-1 record. The Swiss also collects $1.5 million from the $3 million ATP Masters Series Bonus Pool, taking his season haul to $10,130,620.

Federer was also presented with a new Mercedes CLS 500.

Coming into the tournament Federer had already won the ATP 2007 Race, locking up the year-end No. 1 South African Airways Ranking for the fourth consecutive year. (Sampras finished year-end No. 1 a record six consecutive times.)

On Monday, November 26, Federer will mark his 200th consecutive week as ATP World No. 1.

Federer finishes the season with a 68-9 record. He won eight titles including his third Australian Open, fifth consecutive Wimbledon and fourth consecutive US Open. For the third time in his career he won three Grand Slam titles in the same season.

In his four seasons at No. 1 Federer has not lost more than nine matches in a year, dropping nine this year, five in 2006, four in 2005 and six in 2004.

Federer suffered just his third loss in six Tennis Masters Cup campaigns when he was beaten 7-5 in the third set by Fernando Gonzalez in his first group match. But he rebounded to claim four straight wins without dropping a set against Nikolay Davydenko, Andy Roddick, Rafael Nadal and Ferrer. The Swiss now boasts a 26-3 lifetime record at Tennis Masters Cup. He has failed to reach the final just once: in 2002 when he fell to Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals.

After capping his best season on tour with a run to the Shanghai final, Ferrer will finish a career-best No. 5 in the South African Airways Rankings. He went undefeated through the round-robin stage with wins over No. 2 Rafael Nadal, No. 3 Novak Djokovic and No. 8 Richard Gasquet, and in the semifinals dismissed Andy Roddick 6-1, 6-3.

Right from the outset of the final Federer made Ferrer do the running. And in a change of tactics from his semifinal win over Rafael Nadal, Federer used his slice backhand more often to break Ferrer's rhythm and also regularly attacked the net, winning 20 of 27 approaches.

The Swiss hit 30 winners to Ferrer's 10, finishing with a blistering crosscourt pass past the incoming Spaniard to close out the match with his sixth break of serve.

After playing so well in his four Shanghai victories before the final, Ferrer made an uncharacteristic 38 unforced errors to Federer's 29.

from The Times:
Paul Kimmage: "So is genius a blessing or a curse?"

John McEnroe: "It’s both, probably. There’s no doubt Roger Federer is a genius and he actually seems to enjoy it. I’m amazed at that. How the hell is this guy enjoying this so much? I really respect that. Unlike Pete [Sampras] for example, who didn’t want to be around anybody or talk to anybody and who walked around between points like this [he stands and walks across the floor staring at his shoes], Federer is around the locker rooms for hours talking to everybody. He’s in the NBC production truck and there’s a special on. ‘Oh, can I see it?’ I don’t know how you do that, but it’s very impressive. And some of these other guys, they all seem to get along with each other, which I guess is okay on one level, but there’s demons developing. You look at Roddick and he is getting some scarring and even Nadal with his injury stuff, it’s not going to be easy."

Nov 17, 2007 from Tennis Masters Cup:
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer claimed the most lopsided win in his storied rivalry with Rafael Nadal to race into the Tennis Masters Cup final in Shanghai.

After holding his nerve in a tense first set, Federer blew open the match by winning 13 consecutive points at the start of the second set before closing out a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Federer produced one of the best serving performances of his career, putting 81 percent of first serves into play and, in the first set, firing four consecutive aces.

The ATP World No. 1 hit with conviction the topspin backhand that has so often let him down against Nadal. He was confident on return, opting for a more aggressive topspin backhand rather than his slice. And he found the time he needed to dance around his backhand and unleash the full force of his mighty forehand.

After his early challenge, Nadal fell well short of his best form. His groundstrokes lacked their normal penetration and he made a number of clumsy unforced errors.

Yet the first set could easily have gone Nadal's way. In the fifth game he led 0/30 only to see Federer serve four consecutive aces. (Although the official scorecard shows four straight aces, Federer isn't sure about the fourth one. "I don't know if it was four straight aces, because I think he might have touched the last one.")

Nadal had a break point at 30/40 in Federer's next service game and another sniff at 15/30 in Federer's next service game. And all the while Federer was serving at 83 percent!

Nadal did not face a break point until the final game of the first set, when he found himself down 0/40. He saved the first but Federer caught him with a down-the-line forehand winner to clinch the set.

Federer then blew open the match with his 13-point sweep at the beginning of the second set. He made seven of eight first serves and broke Nadal to love.

Nadal's first double-fault of the contest handed Federer his second break of the set. At 5-0 down Nadal managed to pick up a game but Federer wrapped up the victory on his first match point.

It was the most lopsided result in their 14-match head-to-head series, which Federer now trails 6-8 after winning five of their past seven meetings, including his Tennis Masters Cup semifinal victory 12 months ago.

Nov 16, 2007 from AFP:
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer returned to his vintage best as he thrashed Andy Roddick to qualify top of his group for the Masters Cup semi-finals on Friday.

The defending champion has lost three times in recent weeks but he roared back to form with some exhibition tennis, dismissing the fifth-ranked American 6-4, 6-2 in just 61 minutes.

Federer has not lost to Roddick since 2003, a run of 11 matches including three Grand Slam finals. The Swiss triple champion sets up a last-four showdown with arch-rival Rafael Nadal on Saturday, while Roddick will play David Ferrer.

Federer indeed struck with nonchalant ease in the third game, defeating Roddick with a delicate stop-volley and a triple parry at the net before the American double-faulted to go a break down. Looking relaxed and in control, Federer duly went a set up in 33 minutes as he punched another volley past the American.

Roddick, pounding his foot with his racquet in frustration, was two breaks down in the second before holding serve, and was never in the running as Federer took the first match point with a stylish forehand.

Federer had earlier reached his sixth successive Masters Cup semi-final courtesy of Nikolay Davydenko's 6-4, 6-3 win over Fernando Gonzalez.

Roger Federer will make a special guest appearance on Episode 8 of the BlackRock Tennis Champions Podcast, which will be available to download from Tuesday, 20th November. Downloadable from iTunes or the BlackRock Tour of Champions website.

Federer quizzes Bjorn Borg about how to win the French Open, John McEnroe about his greatest tennis regret, and then fields questions from the two tennis legends. Who would he have supported if he had been courtside for the Borg vs. McEnroe Wimbledon finals? Will he still be playing Rafael Nadal in 25 years time when, like Borg and McEnroe, they will be in their early 50’s and late 40’s respectively.

Nov 14, 2007 from Eurosport:
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer crushed fourth-seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 6-3 at Shanghai to claim his first Red Group win and steady his Masters Cup title defence.

The first set looked to be heading for a tie-break with both men remaining on serve through the first seven games without any break points being played.

Federer ultimately showed some of his finest in the eighth, booking a double break point after a series of ferocious backhands set up an easy volley winner.

He then converted the opening break of the match by drilling another beautiful defensive backhand into the awkwardly stretched racquet of Davydenko, who meekly cut the volley attempt into the net.

Leading 5-3 and serving for the opener, however, the slew of errors that seemed to plague both men struck Federer and he gifted an immediate break back to the Russian number one.

But Davydenko demonstrated that he was more prone to bigger mistakes than Federer, hitting his first double fault to gift the number one a set point and then firing an overhead smash attempt well out as he back peddled away from the net to surrender the opener.

Federer then looked in total command in the second set, breaking in the fourth with a blazing forehand return that forced Davydenko to send a backhand error well wide after a long baseline rally.

The Swiss easily held serve in his next game then stretched his lead to 5-1 breaking in similar fashion to how he won the opening set after a second Davydenko double-fault preceded yet another volley error at the net from the Russian on break point.

Though Davydenko began to stage a bit of a fightback after Federer was unable to serve out for the match on his first opportunity, the set and the match never appeared in doubt.

Federer responded to the break back and subsequent love-service hold by the Russian with an authoritative display in the ninth game.

The Swiss opened up his final service game with an overhead smash at the net, followed up with a service winner and then a gorgeous angled backhand volley winner at the net, before confirming the victory on his first match point by drilling a forehand at the bewildered Russian, whose subsequent backhand was well long.

from Donga:
World number one Roger Federer, who has raked in 7.43 million dollars in prize money after winning seven tournaments this year, is set to visit Korea for yet another spectacular match.

Federer is given the royal treatment in every country he visits. But to the Korean staff’s surprise, he was unbelievably down to earth and easy to deal with.

Many superstar athletes that have visited Korea have made headlines with their meticulous directions on the littlest details, even when it came to ordering a simple meal.

But Federer’s requests were straightforward and simple. All he would ask for were typical pre- and post-game meals and nothing more.

At 5:50 pm on November 20 he will play his one time idol, Pete Sampras, in the Hyundai Card Super Match held at Jamsil Indoor Stadium. He was brimming with anticipation about the upcoming match in an interview yesterday.

At age 13, he frequented tennis courts as a ball boy and dreamed of tennis greatness. He said "Ever since I was a child, I would watch, imitate, and emulate Sampras’ backhand. And now it’s part of my own arsenal. It feels unreal to be facing that same Pete Sampras on the court, and I am extremely excited."

Nov 13, 2007 from Reuters:
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer was honoured in Shanghai on Tuesday after finishing the year as the world's top player for the fourth season in a row.

"This year was very special because I was behind Nadal and won it back," said Federer in an on-court ceremony before the Spaniard's match against compatriot David Ferrer.

Nov 12, 2007 from AP:
SHANGHAI - Roger Federer lost consecutive matches for the first time in 4 1/2 years, falling to No. 7 Fernando Gonzalez 3-6, 7-6 (1), 7-5 Monday at the Masters Cup.

The defending champion lost for the first time in 11 meetings against Gonzalez. It snapped Federer's 15-0 record in round-robin play at the season-ending tournament.

The last time that Federer lost two matches in a row was in 2003 when he fell in the third round at Hamburg, then the first round at the French Open.

Federer broke Gonzalez in his first game before wrapping up the first set in just 29 minutes. The Swiss had dropped just nine points on his own serve heading into the second-set tie-break. Gonzalez, who had only won two sets in their previous meetings, ran off to a 6-0 lead and evetually closed out the tie-break 7-1.

Gonzalez had break points for the first time in consecutive games in the third set but couldn't convert. Federer squandered five break points of his own.

Nov 11, 2007 from AFP:
Roger Federer on Sunday rode to the defence of fellow Swiss Martina Hingis, who inspired him as a young player, dismissing suggestions she could have taken drugs.

Former women's number one Hingis, 27, announced her retirement on November 1 after admitting she was under investigation for a positive test for cocaine.

Her manager confirmed during the week that she will fight her positive test. And Federer, 26, insisted that he would be backing Hingis in her fight to clear her name.

"I can't ever imagine in any way that she took drugs," Federer said in an interview with the weekly Le Matin on Sunday.

"I really hope that she can prove her innocence. I support her," he said. Federer revealed that Hingis, one of the teenage stars of the game in the 1990s, was a player who had inspired him.

And he pointed out that it was alongside her in the Hopman Cup that he won his first title in January 2000, a year before he claimed his first ATP crown in Milan.

"I know she has said she was proud to have in some way helped me at the beginning of my career," said the 12-time Grand Slam winner who has 52 titles to his name. "At the time, mixing with her, playing in doubles with her, was a privilege for me."

Hingis has insisted she is "100 percent innocent" and that this was backed up by a negative result on a hair test, which can show whether or not someone has taken cocaine.

The Swiss star, who has five Grand Slams to her name, first retired in 2003 due to persistent ankle injury problems, but returned to the circuit in 2006.

Meanhile, Federer said he feared that suspicions of match-fixing and betting would damage the game.

"We cannot and should not cheat in tennis. It's a sport in which there is a lot of money, it's true, and some can be tempted to cheat."

Nov 9, 2007 from Reuters:
SHANGHAI - World number one Roger Federer won a four-way shave-off in Shanghai on Friday in an unusual warm-up for the Tennis Masters Cup.

Appearing at a publicity event for a vibrating razor, Federer demonstrated his skills with a blade to 1,000 youths at a Chinese coming of age ceremony.

Introduced as the world's sexiest man, Federer also said he wanted to play until he was 35 -- and that he wants Brad Pitt to play him if a movie was made about the Swiss player's life.

"I still want to play for a very long time. Up to 35 I definitely want to play," said the 26-year-old in between dishing out shaving tips. "I still feel fit and healthy."

Dressed in a charcoal suit, Federer chose "Fight Club" star Pitt over fellow Hollywood idols Johnny Depp, Matt Damon -- even Denzil Washington and Jet Li -- to play him in a film.

"Brad Pitt did some tough movies and I'd like mine to be a tough movie too," said Federer, who will be bidding for a fourth title at the Masters Cup beginning on Sunday.

"Comedy would be fine too but I'm more a tough-guy movie kind of guy."

Federer finished his appearance in downtown Shanghai by shaving alongside three baby-faced Chinese 20-year-olds, who appeared not to know one end of a razor from the other.

Nov 6, 2007 from DPA:
Shanghai - Early arrivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic stepped up their preparation on Tuesday for the eight-man Masters Cup starting Sunday while the doubles draw was rocked with the withdrawal of the dominating Bryan twins due to an elbow injury to Mike Bryan.

"I like to get there early and get over the jetlag and get used to the surface and hopefully finish well," said Federer, who arrived on Monday evening.

Nov 5, 2007 from Bernama:
KUALA LUMPUR - Tickets for the exhibition match between 14-time Grand Slam title holder Pete Sampras and World number one Roger Federer at the Malawati Stadium on Nov 22 are sold out.

Entertainment Group Limited managing director Lincoln Venancio said in a statement today that the tickets for the public for the historic clash were sold out as the match are considered "a real once-in-a-life time opportunity".

"This is a truly an historic match. Sampras is making a return to the court to play Federer who has dominated tennis over the past years in amazing fashion," Venancio said.

The Hong Kong-based Entertainment Group Limited is the promoter for the event which will be held at the 12,000-seat Malawati Indoor Stadium in Shah Alam, at 8pm, to celebrate Malaysia's 50th year of independence.

"Some fans are comparing this classic to the Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier boxing match, to Pele and Maradona playing on the same football pitch or to Van Gogh and Picasso working on the one single painting," Venancio said.

He said fans from various parts of the world were expected for the match as over 10 per cent of the tickets were sold to fans outside the country.

Nov 1, 2007
PARIS - David Nalbandian beat Roger Federer for the second time in less than two weeks on Thursday, earning a 6-4, 7-6 (3) victory in the third round of the Paris Masters.

The result evened the series between the two 8-8 and ended Federer's streak of reaching the final in eight straight tournaments — going back to May.

Nalbandian took a perfect start, opening up a 5-2 lead. Federer fought bravely and had saved five set points when Nalbandian eventually took the set with a superb cross-court forehand winner.

November 2007 from Inside Tennis:
‘Federerian’ Perspective of the Month: Reflecting on all the money he’s earned in his career, Federer noted, "I’ve made an incredible amount of money, but in the end it doesn’t come down to material investment. It’s the people around you, the places you visit. They mean more than having a fast car or spending a few hours on a private jet."