Sep 28, 2009 from swissinfo:
Tennis star Roger Federer features on a special stamp to be issued by the Austrian post office next year.

It will show him winning the French Open tennis championship at Roland Garros. The picture was selected by the star and his family.

Sep 26, 2009 from Chattanooga Times Free Press:
As for her favorite part of the Open experience other than reaching the quarterfinals, Melanie Oudin singled out meeting Roger Federer on the practice court and "going shopping at the Adidas store. I also got to meet Justin Timberlake and a Vogue editor at an event during fashion week."

Sep 25, 2009 from Roger Federer Official Site:
Dear Fans

I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from Tokyo and Shanghai as they are two of my favorite cities in the world and the fans have been great to me over the years. After consultation with my team and doctors, I decided to take the difficult decision to withdraw from both tournaments so that I can give my body a chance to rest, rehabilitate and fully recover from a physically challenging year.

from Just Jared:
Hugh Jackman who hosted the 81st Academy Awards in February and won an Emmy for his work recently sat down with Newsweek and lauded Neil Patrick Harris for hosting the Emmys.

“Neil Patrick Harris is going to be the new Federer,” Hugh said about Neil comparing him to top-seeded tennis champ Roger Federer. “He’s going to have the Grand Slam soon. He’s got the Tonys and Emmys and pretty soon he’ll host the Grammys and the Oscars because he’s brilliant.”

Sep 24, 2009 from WWD:
MILAN – Pop icon Janet Jackson headlined the front row at Giorgio Armani, but it was tennis star Roger Federer who caused the biggest racket. "Mr. Armani came to the Davis Cup when Switzerland played against Italy. I told him I was planning a trip to Italy and wanted to return the favor," Federer said, sitting between his wife Mirka and Vogue’s Anna Wintour, who later escorted the couple to Prada.

Sep 23, 2009 from AP:
GENEVA – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could face each other in the first round of next year's Davis Cup after Spain drew Switzerland on Wednesday.

"We have to accept how the draw is. We'll try to beat them in Spain," Switzerland captain Severin Luthi said. "For sure that's one of the toughest draws we can have."

"It's too early to say if Roger will play or not," Luthi said.

Federer and Nadal, the top two players, have never met in the Davis Cup.

"I truly enjoy playing for my country but I'll also have to see where I have my priorities for next season," Federer said after victory over Italy in a World Group playoff last weekend.

from Mirror:
A burning desire to win Wimbledon is one of the major reasons why Justine Henin has decided to return to the professional ranks next year.

The 27-year-old former world number one quit the sport in May 2008 but announced her return on Tuesday, just over a week after Kim Clijsters capped her retirement U-turn with a second US Open title, and Henin believed Clijsters' decision played a small part in her own choice to return to the sport but claims winning Wimbledon is her driving factor.

"Maybe subconsciously Kim's return influenced me," Henin told RTL-TVI. "I have a lot of admiration and respect for what she has done. But it wasn't the determinant factor. Roger Federer's victory at Roland Garros spoke to me much more because it made me think of a lot of things in relation to Wimbledon."

She added: "I felt a lack and maybe for the first time I really felt that Wimbledon was missing from my list of trophies.

"Winning Wimbledon is a dream. It's more than an aim, it's really a dream. I'm giving myself the means to look to achieve great things but will that be enough to win Wimbledon?

from BBC:
Liutauras Radzevicius, the president of the Lithuanian Tennis Union, excitedly touts Ricardus Berankis as a "world champion", before adding that it came as a junior, when he won the US Open in 2007.

"He is quite a strong player but now is in a transformation period, it's his first year as a professional on the ATP tour and he was also injured in the summer.

Sep 20, 2009 from Davis Cup:
GENOA – Switzerland has kept its spot among the world's elite in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas. Roger Federer defeated Potito Starace 63 60 64 in a match, which was interrupted for two hours because of rain, to give the Swiss an unassailable 3-1 lead. Fabio Fognini then gave Italy its second point by beating Michael Lammer 75 76 in the dead rubber.

When Federer stepped on court to take on Italy’s Potito Starace, substituting for Andreas Seppi, at noon, the Ligurian capital showed its grey face, it was already raining, slowly but steadily. Conditions that ideally suit Starace, who has the classical claycourt game. And Starace, who had won all of his previous ten Davis Cup singles, came out off the blocks well. He played with a lot of topspin but also included plenty of dropshots, which were extremely tough to chase down under these conditions.

However, Federer managed to fend off the danger by staying extremely focused on his own service games and got the first break to lead 5-3 after 32 minutes in the ever continuing rain.

His relief was shown by the fact that he then shouted "come on" and punched the fist. "He definitely didn't underestimate me," Starace said.

After holding comfortably to give his team the opening set, Federer played better and better. He found plenty of different angles and even showed a few of his trade mark miracle shots, which got huge appreciation from the home crowd as well. When the Swiss led 4-0, it was finally agreed to interrupt the match as conditions definitely became too slippery and dangerous.

Both players then had 140 minutes in the locker room to review the first part of the match and prepare their strategy for the second. However, not much changed in the encounter: Federer continued on his streak, finished the set to love and then got an early break in the third. Encouraged by the home crowd, Starace didn't accept his destiny without a fight however and hung in but never had a serious chance of breaking Federer. After 103 minutes, Federer gave Switzerland the win with a backhand volley which Starace was unable to answer.

"I’m very happy to have won the point for Switzerland so that we can play in the World Group again. I'm very happy with the quality of my game today, as I definitely didn't feel the best and had a problem on my leg, which has troubled me a bit since the final of the US Open."

"I have to go on holiday badly. I have a problem with my leg, I have a problem with my arm — everything is hurting," he said. "And I've got to do some baby-sitting. I've been spending a lot of time on the tennis court the last few weeks."

It was not only Federer’s 12th consecutive win in Davis Cup competition, but also the 15th time that the maestro has contributed at least two points in a tie. He now has reached 37 match wins for Switzerland, overtaken Heinz Günthardt and is joint second with Marc Rosset in the national honor roll. For now, he still is 12 wins shy of Jakob Hlasek but it's rather likely that he'll pass the mark of the former top ten player in the next years.

Despite losing his fifth encounter with Federer, Starace couldn't have many regrets:

Sep 19, 2009 from AP:
GENOA – With Roger Federer sitting out, Switzerland lost a doubles match to Italy in a Davis Cup playoff but still lead the series 2-1.

Simone Bolelli and Potito Starace defeated Marco Chiudinelli and Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (3) Saturday.

In Thursday's draw, Federer was selected to team with Wawrinka, reviving the team that won the Olympic doubles title last year. But Switzerland captain Severin Luthi decided to rest Federer in favor of the 117th-ranked Chiudinelli.

from Daily Mail:
By Piers Morgan - Amid all the sleaze and violence, there was one moment of extraordinary sporting genius last week that lifted the spirits - Roger Federer's under-the-legs shot in the US Open.

For sheer outrageous audacity and technically brilliant execution, it was the most stunning thing I've seen since Kevin Pietersen reverse-swept Muttiah Muralitharan for six.

Sep 18, 2009 from Davis Cup:
GENOA – The Switzerland team is on the fastest possible track to keep its spot among the world's elite in Davis Cup after Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka gave the Swiss a 2-0 lead against Italy with straight-sets wins.

After sealing a 63 64 61 win against world No. 64 Simone Bolleli, which gave the Swiss team the second point, Roger Federer got the nicest possible reward. Not only the Swiss supporters but the whole crowd of the Centro Sportivo Valletta Cambiaso gave Federer a long "standing ovation" for his impressive display which had lasted exactly 100 minutes.

"Given the circumstances, I am extremely happy with my performance," the world's best player said, "we have expected it much tougher today, but of course, we are very happy to have such a great start which gives us all the options for the weekend."

Federer played on a good level from the beginning and was able to break Bolelli at the right moment at 4-3. In the second and third sets, he broke in the third game and then held on against an opponent, who gave him a serious fight despite the clear result.

from Goal.com:
Juventus star Alessandro Del Piero was in Genova yesterday, where he attended the presentation ceremony for the Davis Cup tennis play-off between Italy and Switzerland.

‘Pinturicchio’ seemed in a good mood, despite his recent injury woes, and watched the training session of his good friend and world No 1 Roger Federer.

“It doesn’t take much to admire a champion like him,” Del Piero is quoted as saying in Il Secolo XIX.

“Tennis is a nice sport. I will try and explain to him the forehand, as it’s not going well lately…” he joked.

from Playbill:
Question: What brings you to the States this summer?
Elaine Paige: Well, I've come to the U.S. Open. I'm becoming a bit of a tennis fan and keep following it around wherever it is! I've been out to Key Biscayne this year to see the tennis there and Wimbledon. I thought, "You know what, I'm not working this summer. I'm going to go and see the U.S. Open as well!"

Question: Anyone you're particularly rooting for at the Open?
Paige: Well, my man is [Roger] Federer. I just think he is absolutely the king. He's just the best, so graceful, and I enjoy watching because he's so beautiful to watch.

Sep 17, 2009 from ATP:
Roger Federer took a break from Switzerland’s Davis Cup preparations on Thursday in Genova to meet Italian football star Alessandro Del Piero.

Accompanied by his wife Sonia and his brother Stefano, Del Piero presented Federer with two jerseys – one with the number 1 and the name Roger written on it, and the other bearing his own name and autograph. He also offered Federer a pair of his shoes, assuring him that "they don't stink".

Similar to Federer, a five-time recipient of the Stefan Edberg sportsmanship award, the 34-year-old Del Piero has received accolades for his gentlemanly conduct and in 2007 was presented the Golden Foot award in recognition for his sportsmanship and playing ability.

from AP:
GENOA – Roger Federer will play every day when Switzerland faces Italy in the Davis Cup playoffs.

Federer believes his form can hold up after losing to Juan Martin del Potro in New York on Monday.

"I've had to do this before once after the Australian Open. I went to play Romania on clay and I was able to win all three points," Federer said, recalling his performance in Switzerland's 3-2 win in the first round of the 2004 World Group. "I'm hoping I can do it again."

In Thursday's draw, Federer was picked to play Simone Bolelli in Friday's singles. Stanislas Wawrinka will open the best-of-five series for Switzerland against Andreas Seppi.

In Saturday's doubles, Federer and Wawrinka will team against Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace. The reverse singles are set for Sunday on the red clay courts at the Valletta Cambiaso club.

The winner team will play in next year's World Group, potentially giving Federer a chance to finally win a Davis Cup title.

"It's definitely one of the goals. I've tried for many years. I've been on the team since '98. I started as a sparring partner and alternate, then I made my debut in '99 against Italy. In 2003, we had a good chance but Australia was very tough," Federer said, recalling Switzerland's loss in the 2003 semifinals.

Federer was on another roll at the U.S. Open, but his level appeared to drop in the fifth set against Del Potro.

"I think he played well. Unfortunately I didn't play my best at the end," Federer said. "Of course, everyone is tired at the end of a Grand Slam, but I don't think that's why I lost."

With the U.S. Open final played on Monday because of rain delays over the weekend, Federer only arrived in Italy on Wednesday.

"As a tennis player, you get used to traveling and jet lag, surface changes and ball changes. It's part of our everyday life," he said. "I've done it for many years, but this is definitely tough because New York finished late and we are on clay.

NEW YORK – Roger Federer has been fined $1,500 for using a profanity while arguing with the chair umpire during the U.S. Open final.

CBS microphones picked up the exchange during its live broadcast of the match.

Sep 16, 2009 from AP:
GENOA – Top-ranked Roger Federer arrived in Italy on Wednesday to play for Switzerland in the Davis Cup.

The Swiss team had allowed Federer to decide on his plans until after the U.S. Open.

"I never had any doubt about coming," said Federer, wearing the red jacket of the Swiss team. "The doubts were created by others. It certainly wasn't me."

The World Group playoffs begin Friday on the red clay courts at the Valletta Cambiaso club.

"I obviously have to get over my jet lag, considering the fact that I'm coming from New York, but everything else is fine," Federer said, according to the Italian tennis federation.

Stanislas Wawrinka, Stephane Bohli and Marco Chiudinelli are also on Switzerland's team, while Italy will use Andreas Seppi, Simone Bolelli, Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace.

The winner of the best-of-five series will return to the World Group next year.

"Obviously Switzerland is the favorite, but Italy is a good team and you never know," Federer said.

Sep 14, 2009 from ATP:
NEW YORK – Juan Martin del Potro beat Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 on Monday at Flushing Meadows to capture his first Grand Slam title. It was the Swiss’ first loss at the US Open since 2003, when he fell to David Nalbandian in the fourth round.

Federer was facing his sixth different opponent in the US Open final, and came into the encounter with the edge. Whereas he was appearing in a record 21st Grand Slam final, the 20-year-old del Potro was playing in just his 14th Grand Slam tournament. Additionally, the Swiss had won all six of their previous meetings.

Federer came out ready and set the tone as he repeatedly earned break point chances in the young Argentine’s first service game. Though del Potro saved the first four chances, Federer came up with a brilliant shot on his fifth try – racing across the baseline to hit a cross-court winner.

Del Potro forced Federer to serve out the opening set by digging himself out of a 0/40 hole in the eighth game, but then was broken at love in the first game of the second set as he double-faulted on break point. With Federer two points away from clinching the second set, an overturned call set up break point for del Potro and gave the Argentine renewed vigor as he got back on serve with a winner to make it 5-5. With Federer still unhinged from the overrule, del Potro came back to win the tie-break.

Del Potro determined the outcome of the third set as he double-faulted twice in succession to put Federer just six games away from the title.

Federer would also be negatively affected by his own double faults. He gave del Potro the mini-break in the fourth set tie-break with a double-fault, and then hit his 11th double fault to give the Argentine his third championship point in the final game of the match.

Sep 13, 2009 from Guardian:
NEW YORK — Roger Federer edged out Novak Djokovic to claim a place in the final of the US Open and keep his quest for a sixth straight title at Flushing Meadows on track.

Reigning champion Federer beat the world No4 7-6 (7-3), 7-5, 7-5 in a hard-fought match of long rallies and tenacious returning.

Federer's consistency was matched by moments of outright brilliance at crucial times. The Swiss champion secured three match points by hitting a winning shot through his legs.

from AP:
LOS ANGELES — Jack Kramer, a tennis champion in the 1940s and '50s and a promoter of the sport for more 60 years, died at his home in Los Angeles, his family said. He was 88.

Kramer died late Saturday from a soft tissue cancer that was diagnosed in July, according to his son Bob Kramer.

In the days before he died, Bob Kramer said his father had been following the U.S. Open in New York.

from PA:
Tom Cannon, professor of strategic development at the University of Liverpool, said: "We estimate that a combination of the 'Murray Effect', the new Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the redevelopments at Wimbledon, increased likelihood of success in the Davis Cup and the impact of players like Nadal and Federer who transcend the sport, could add £400million to the economy - a huge impact, especially given the current recession."

Sep 10, 2009 from USA Today:
A USA TODAY statistical analysis of the men's tour over the last decade illustrates what has become increasingly conspicuous to students and casual observers of the game. The serve, relative to the return, has diminished in importance. But rarely, if ever, has it been statistically modeled.

Last year, for instance, the most accurate statistical barometer for predicting a top-10 finish in the year-end rankings came in two return categories: points won returning first serve, and break points converted.

In 1999 and 2000, by contrast, serving categories dominated, with service games won, aces and second serve points won most closely aligned with a high season-ending ranking.

from ATP:
Marco Kreukniet, Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands: Is there a player who has never lost a set against Roger Federer?

Greg Sharko: Franco Squillari of Argentina is the only player with at least two wins against Federer who has never lost a set, winning in the first round of Hamburg in 2001 (63 64) and in the first round of Sydney in 2003 (62 63).

Richard Riegger, Berlin, Germany: Who won the most ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles in one year? And which is the longest streak in reaching consecutive Masters semi-finals (compared to Federer's record in Grad Slams)?

Sep 9, 2009 from US Open:
Q. We heard Roger Federer introduced himself to you. What was that like?

MELANIE OUDIN: It was really nice. His agent actually introduced us, and he told me congratulations. I was going to tell him congratulations too, and I totally forgot about that he just had, you know, twin girls and all that stuff. My mind just kind of froze getting to meet him.

Sep 7, 2009 from New York Times:
Count Robert Federer among the throngs of ecstatic Melanie Oudin fans at the United States Open. The father of Roger Federer who was scheduled to play at Arthur Ashe Stadium after Oudin’s fourth-round victory over Nadia Petrova, was smiling and bouncing and shaking his head in delight as Oudin made her way off the court and Roger Federer made his way on.

“She’s really something, isn’t she?” Robert Federer said. “She just keeps doing it to these Russians.”

Sep 5, 2009 from New York Observer:
By John Koblin - Roger Federer's number one fan, Anna Wintour, was perched in her regular seat in the second row of the players box this afternoon during a surprisingly tough third round win over former U.S. Open champion, Lleyton Hewitt.

After the match, I bumped into Anna and asked if she was at all nervous today, especially after Roger dropped the first set to Hewitt.

Sep 4, 2009 from New York Post:
Anna Wintour's admiration for Roger Federer hasn't abated since "The September Issue" was filmed. The Vogue editrix gushes over the tennis ace to photographer Mario Testino in the documentary. On Wednesday night, she sat in Federer's box with her boyfriend, Shelby Bryan, and applauded heartily as the Swiss ace won in straight sets. She was gone before Serena Williams took the court.

Sep 3, 2009 from New York Times:
The bulk of the spectators had shifted all the way to the far side for glimpses of the practice courts: Federer was on Court 4, Serena Williams on 3, Venus Williams on 2, and later, Kim Clijsters took her slot on Court 5, the closest to the waiting fans enclosed behind a metal barricade.

There, about three dozen people had jammed into the seven-foot-wide holding area, clasping oversize tennis balls, magazine covers, pictures, T-shirts and bare arms for a precious scribble from the stars.

Federer’s father, Robert, was taking pictures of other people taking pictures with his son. It was not for the family album, but, Robert said, “for Roger’s Web site.”

Federer was patient, answering fans who wondered when his next match would be: Saturday.