Feb 28, 2010 from DPA:
Zurich - Roger Federer's recovery from a lung infection has progressed enough for the Swiss to start planning to travel next weekend to California with plans to return to tennis for the Indian Wells Masters.

An ATP official in close contact with the world number one said Sunday that the Swiss, while still taking medication for the infection he appears to have picked up several weeks ago during training at his base in Dubai, also says his condition is improving.

Federer, wife Mirka, the couple's twin seven-month-old girls and Federer's sister Diana, flew from Dubai to Zurich early Sunday on a flight delayed three hours until 5 am by the storm which swept through the emirate on Saturday evening.

The world number one has indicated that after a week at home near Zurich, he plans to fly to Palm Springs for the March 10 start of the Masters 1000.

But the trip will be contingent on a clean bill of health from doctors monitoring his infection, which also affected his wife this week.

from St. Louis Globe-Democrat:
Q: Athlete in another sport that you admire?

St. Louis Cardinals' Joe Mather: Roger Federer. The only way I would get a point off him would be if he double-faulted.

Feb 26, 2010 from Gulf News:
"I think I am playing better. I think everybody does. I would say Andy Roddick was not playing as well when he was the No 1," Ivan Ljubicic observed.

"Our sport is going forward and guys are getting better and better. The young ones don't have any weaknesses. You see these big guys — Djokovic, Del Potro, Murray. You cannot see any weakness in their game. Roger [Federer] was the one who raised the level and then everybody else just followed that. Guys like me have to still work hard to get there at the top," Ljubicic stated.

Feb 25, 2010 from Gulf News:
Dubai: Just being nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is an honour in itself, according to the world's best tennis player Roger Federer.

"I have always been excited to be nominated for this award. I've won it four times in a row before and it's always been a nice and enjoyable evening for all of us. I am not saying this just because I won but because it brings together many other sporting greats. The awards are something that is very special to an athlete like me," Federer said earlier this week after announcing his withdrawal from the 2010 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships due to a lung infection on Sunday.

And even if Federer wins it a record fifth time, his schedule will stop him from attending the gala night that he loves so much.

"This year unfortunately I won't be able to be there because I'll probably be in Indian Wells at that time," Federer said.

"Of course, I'd love to win the award again and going by the list, the competition is still stiff as usual. And that's the way it is supposed to be and that's why it is so special to be even nominated."

However, he found nothing wrong in being weighed along with other sportsmen who are involved in team sports.

It took a while for the media scrum to subside, but once it did, the 2010 Barclay's Dubai Tennis Championships men's player's party got underway.

The first flurry of flashes and excited yelps from nearby women came as Britain's Andy Murray by-passed the drinks counter and headed straight for the falcon on Tuesday night. Surrounded by people wanting autographs and photos, the world number four took it all in his stride and obliged happily.

Next up was a fleeting visit from Roger Federer, who is enjoying a break in Dubai after he was forced to pull out of the tournament for the second year running due to illness.

from TENNIS.com:
Roger Federer, speaking to Swiss tabloid Blick, says he is optimistic that he will be fully fit by Indian Wells after missing Dubai with a lung infection.

"This is not like the mononucleosis two years ago, where there was a lot of uncertainty. I think I'll start back in Indian Wells, and when I start, I will be healthy and fit," he said. "But as I said, it's only possible if I get the green light physically [from the doctors]. The worst cases prognosis is a break of six weeks."

Federer said he first felt ill last Tuesday. "After the Australian Open I took it fairly easy... so there's no question of it being from strain. Last Tuesday, I practiced and it quickly went downhill. I felt chills, fever, a lot of pain in my ribs and couldn't breather normally. The fatigue is still there, though it's slowly getting better."

Feb 23, 2010 from Swissinfo:
Roger Federer has said recovery from a lung infection may keep him out of action for up to six weeks, but will not affect his game for the rest of the year.

The world's number one tennis player picked up the infection last week and withdrew from the Dubai Championships, which began on Monday. It is the second straight year Federer has missed the tournament, and the Swiss said “it hurt” to pull out.

In an interview with the Blick tabloid, he said the infection was “very serious”. In training last week he had started to feel chills, fever, extreme rib pain and had trouble breathing.

“The fatigue is still there although it is slowly getting better. I hope that I can get rid of it quickly. A restart is only possible if the entire body gets the green light. The worst case prognosis is a six-week break. I have to accept that,” he said.

Feb 21, 2010 from ATP:
DUBAI - Roger Federer has been forced to withdraw from the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships due to a lung infection.

The Swiss superstar picked up the infection last week and has not recovered sufficiently to take his place at the $2 million ATP World Tour 500 hard-court tournament.

He is expected to be out of action for a further two weeks and is now scheduled to make his first appearance since capturing the Australian Open title at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, in March.

"I'm hoping to be back for Indian Wells," said Federer on Sunday. "But of course there are no promises. This is something that with proper treatment will be finished.

"I've been taking it easy, relaxing as much as possible. My breathing is a bit difficult and everything feels a bit slow. I can't take any chances until I'm fit again. It could be better, it could be worse."

from The National:
“I have not had much court time here over the last three years and I’m really disappointed about that because I’ve had so much success here in the past,” Federer said.

Federer admitted to being shocked by the debilitating problem. “I’ve been taking it easy after Australia.

“That was my first goal, to get relaxed and everything. I went to Switzerland, I came over here almost 10 days ago now. I went to Ethiopia as well and since I came back I’ve been practising really hard. Tuesday was my last day of practice and on Wednesday I couldn’t get up anymore. It’s been tough because I was in decent shape and ready to go and excited.

“I was healthy and I survived the whole travelling from Australia back and forth and finally getting to Dubai and into the practice routines again. But I just can’t play.”

Federer tried to be upbeat. “I’ve had a few things like this happen during my career and I’ve always managed to come back strongly,” he said. “I guess looking back at the glandular fever thing you’ve got to be careful.

from Gulf News:
Federer told media assembled in front of the Burj Al Arab that he was "disappointed" he could not play.

"This is the first time I've had it. The breathing is difficult now and I feel I'm not fine yet. I am tired and the doctor says I should not be doing any serious sports for at least another two weeks and I can't take any chances," he said.

Speaking exclusively to Gulf News at the Burj Al Arab hotel, Federer commented on Tiger Woods' recent televised public apology to his fans, officials and family after he was involved in a series of extra-marital affairs. "It's been hard to watch from far away but I would love to see him back on the golf course. It is what he does best," he said.

"Tiger is a good friend of mine," said Federer. "What's happened to him has been hard to watch over the last three months right down to when he made his apology. I am sure he's headed in a better direction now. The worst has passed.

"I hope that he can also work things out with his wife Elin because they are very nice people — obviously for the sake of their kids as well."

When asked if he was always at hand to support Woods through the ordeal, Federer said, "I have supported him, but I haven't had any contact with him. He has been where he knows he has been (in therapy) but my support does not change. I wish him the best."

from Commercial Appeal:
While the entertaining playing style of Ernests Gulbis would make for good television, the 21-year-old says he is not particularly fond of watching the sport on TV.

''I never watch tennis ... unless I'm playing,'' he said. ''I may watch (Roger) Federer because you enjoy how he plays. He plays such beautiful tennis. But I don't watch sports on TV, maybe the NBA.''

Feb 18, 2010 from BNP Paribas Open:
Indian Wells – The BNP Paribas Open will hold a “Hit For Haiti” exhibition on the evening of Friday, March 12, that will feature former BNP Paribas Open champions with a combined total of 44 Grand Slam singles titles, and is expected to raise a minimum of $1 Million for Haiti relief efforts, it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director.

Larry Ellison, who recently purchased the tournament, decided to coordinate a second Hit for Haiti exhibition after seeing the success it had at the Australian Open. The event will feature Roger Federer and Pete Sampras playing Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi. The event will be broadcast live on the Tennis Channel beginning at 7:30 PM PST.

The net proceeds from ticket sales to this session will be donated to the American Red Cross for their relief efforts in Haiti. Fans will also be able to donate to the relief effort through text messages and on-site contributions throughout the evening and event. In addition to these fund-raising efforts, Ellison will make a personal donation to this very special cause.

In addition to the exhibition, the evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Salute to Heroes ceremony, where the tournament will recognize veterans, military personnel, police, firemen and women, and Red Cross volunteers on Stadium Court for their efforts in the community and around the world. The ceremony and tennis exhibition will be followed by one main draw match.

Feb 17, 2010 from ATP:
MONTE CARLO - Roger Federer was formally recognised for his triumphant return to the top spot in men’s tennis on Wednesday, as the 2009 ATP World Tour Awards were announced.

The 28-year-old superstar collected Player of the Year, Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award and ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite presented by RICOH honours. Federer was Player of the Year for the fifth time after finishing as the 2009 ATP World Tour Champion and his fellow players selected him for the sportsmanship award for a record sixth consecutive year, surpassing Edberg, who was a five-time recipient over eight years. In a poll of fans, Federer was voted ATPWorldTour.com Fans' Favourite for a record seventh straight season. Federer received 52% percent of all votes, followed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

“I am very proud of these recognitions,” said Federer. “It was a great achievement to once again finish the season at No. 1, especially in a year that was so special for me off the court with my marriage and birth of my daughters. It is also very humbling to be awarded the sportsmanship award again by my fellow ATP players, many of whom I have known for a long time. Additionally, I would like to thank my fans for voting me as the Fans’ Favourite. I always try to exhibit fair play and be a good sport, and it is the fans that inspire me to play this wonderful game.”

Feb 16, 2010 from Calcutta Telegraph:
Although Roger Federer has dominated the singles field for the better part of the last seven years, players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and now Juan Martin del Potro have also made a considerable mark. Why then men’s doubles have been dominated by the same names, such as Bryan brothers, Daniel Nestor, Nenad Zimonjic, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Martin Damm, for the last decade?

Paes replied: “In singles, it’s difficult to maintain the momentum year after year. That is why Roger Federer’s achievements are unparalleled in the current era. But in doubles, it’s more about skill and technique. It’s game where you need a lot of strategy. That’s why only a select few pairs dominate doubles.”

Feb 15, 2010 from UPI:
LONDON - Roger Federer has tied Ivan Lendl for the second-most weeks ranked as the No. 1 tennis player in the world.

Federer, as of Monday, has been the top-rated player for 270 weeks, matching Lendl's total. Only Pete Sampras's reign of 286 weeks at No. 1 is longer.

from Geneva Lunch:
Didier Defago has won a second gold medal for Switzerland in the men’s downhill race at Whistler Mountain in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, after Simon Ammann in ski jumping. Defago, from Morgins, was until recently not even sure he’d make the cut for the Swiss team. The 32-year-old gives Switzerland its first Olympic gold in the downhill event since Pirmin Zurbriggen won in Calgary in 1988.

Defago is a close friend of another Swiss sports winner, Roger Federer.

Feb 14, 2010 from AFP:
"We live off shooting commercials," said Petr Cermak, caretaker of the vast complex of buildings and land on the southern outskirts of Prague.

"Roger Federer and Claudia Schiffer have recently shot commercials here," Cermak said, pointing at the studio number six, covering an area of 2,000 square metres (21,500 square feet), where workers are setting up for the next commercial promoting a beer brand.

Feb 11, 2010 from Reuters:
ABU DHABI – Usain Bolt, Roger Federer and Serena Williams are among those nominated for the 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards, the academy announced on Thursday.

The awards recognize sporting achievements for the calendar year 2009. The winners will be named on March 10 at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 9, 2010 from AP:
ZURICH – John McEnroe thinks Roger Federer is the best men's tennis player of all time.

McEnroe said Tuesday he ranks the Swiss star ahead of Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.

Promoting an ATP Champions Tour event in Zurich, McEnroe said Laver was his idol and Sampras was the greatest grass-court player ever. But the American left-hander said Federer was the greatest of all.

Feb 6, 2010 from Times LIVE:
Q: Who is your most difficult opponent on the Tour?

Gael Monfils: Roger Federer for sure, because he is the best player in the world.

Feb 5, 2010 from Swissinfo:
A Facebook group calling for Swiss tennis star Roger Federer to become the face of the country’s 100 franc note has attracted more than 30,000 fans in five days.

The group was set up on February 1 following Federer’s Australian Open title win, with the slogan: “The greatest tennis player of the world should be represented on the 100 franc note.”

The free daily newspaper 20 Minuten reported the idea had the backing of former Sport Minister Adolf Ogi, quoting him as saying: “I personally would be happy about it. But I know that this is very difficult to implement in practice.”

According to the newspaper, the Swiss National Bank, the country’s central bank, is not considering the idea.

Die-hard fans on the group aren’t giving up just yet. As one member, Brigitte Jansen put it: “Federer not only on the 100 franc note, but on all notes.”

from ATP:
A poll of 1,400 sports fans, conducted by Barclays Spaces for Sport, has revealed that tennis is recognised as producing the most positive global sports role models.

Five-time ATP World Tour Champion Roger Federer was voted top male sports role model with 18 per cent of the votes, while former tennis player Steffi Graf was the top female role model with 20 per cent.

The poll also revealed that sportsmanship (66 per cent), health and fitness benefits (57 per cent), teaching discipline and abiding by rules (60 per cent) are all considered more significant benefits of playing sport than actually winning (22 per cent).

from Reuters:
CHICAGO - Forbes estimated in its second annual "Fab 40" list that Tiger Woods still represents the top sports brand by athlete, with an estimated value of $82 million. David Beckham ($20 million), Roger Federer ($16 million), Dale Earnhardt Jr. ($14 million) and LeBron James and Kobe Bryant ($13 million and $12 million, respectively) rounded out the top six.

Feb 4, 2010 from Roger Federer Official Site:

Austria's postal services issues a stamp honouring Roger as the world's best tennis player. The 65-centime stamp shows Roger winning the French Open 2009 (the photo was taken by Paul Zimmer), accompanied by the text "Best Tennis Player of the World". It has been designed by renowned Austrian stamp artist Renate Gruber. This limited edition of only 300,000 stamps will be available on February 8th, 2010. The timing could not have been better after Roger's triumph in Australia, winning his 16th Grand-Slam title. Further honouring Roger, the Austrian Postal Service is launching a silver edition, too. The «Roger Federer-Numiphilum Collection» has a size of 20x26 mm and is 0.1 mm thick. This special edition costs 15.99 Euros, only 2,000 of the stamps are available at selected shops of the Austrian Postal Service.

Feb 2, 2010 from The Times:
By Owen Slot - En route home from the Australian Open… Roger Federer marches past me at passport control during the interminable transfer process at Dubai. He has been beaten there by Andy Murray who was sitting at the front of my Emirates plane. And no, I’m getting no upgrade for the mention of Emirates, though maybe they’ll tuck that away for future reference.

Federer looks fresh and dazzling as ever. Murray did not overly trouble him and nor, clearly, did the 13 hours from Melbourne. Murray, alternatively, wears his trademark stubble and slightly dishevelled look. Different players, vastly different personalities, but same way of travelling. In an age of private jets, here are two of the titans of tennis travelling on standard scheduled airways. I like that.

from Sportinglife:
Scottish star Stephen Hendry believes China's Ding Junhui will be a future world champion.

Hendry will meet Ding next weekend in Beijing at the 188cup.com Challenge, a two-day, 25-frame battle where the East's most successful player meets the all-time great.

And just as Roger Federer reckons Andy Murray is too good a player not to win a Grand Slam event, so Hendry - owner of a record seven world titles - says Ding's time will come.

"When Federer said that to Andy Murray I put it into a snooker context and thought who that might apply to - and the first name I came up with was Ding Junhui's," Hendry told 110sport TV's 'ON-Q' magazine.

Feb 1, 2010 from AP:
MELBOURNE – Australian Open champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams maintained their No. 1 rankings when new rankings were released Monday.

Federer will begin his 268th week as the ATP's No. 1 and match Jimmy Connors, currently in third place, for total number of weeks as world No. 1.

Pete Sampras leads the career list with 286 weeks at No. 1, followed by Ivan Lendl with 270.

from Wilson Tennis' Blog:
Federer’s continued success is due in part to Wilson’s ever evolving technology and BLX is no exception. Federer switched to his new Six.One Tour BLX racket at the beginning of 2010.

“Wilson continues to provide rackets with the most cutting edge technology and this racket really gives me the extra feel I look for,” Federer said after claiming the Australian Open title. “My new BLX racket provides me with the extra edge I needed to succeed.”

Since 2004, he has reached at least the semi-finals of every Grand Slam. He continued his Grand Slam streak with a 23rd consecutive semi-final appearance.

“It’s an incredible feeling to continue this streak and my success at Grand Slams,” Federer said. “This 16th title means the world to me and I hope to keep this streak alive.”

from Sports Illustrated:
Kim Clijsters bows out. Juan Martin del Potro, the winner of the previous major, tweaks his wrist and loses in round four. Nadal, the defending champ, can't finish his match. The takeaway: As much as it's discussed, Federer's streak of reaching the semis of 23 straight majors is still underrated.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were not the only ones to soar in Melbourne last week. Jim Courier's on-court interviews with the players were fantastic. The player-turned-broadcaster (Courier has worked with Australia's Channel Seven for the past couple of years in addition to his work Stateside) did a great job of humanizing the players.

"I'm not doing this as a journalist; it's entertainment," Courier told SI.com. "They know I'm not going to ask anything controversial. I'm not going to ask anything I wouldn't ask myself. You can only express yourself so much playing tennis. This is a chance to show some personality. A guy like Nikolay Davydenko will turn this into his own comedy act, and you'll never get a player in a better mood than after they've won a Grand Slam match. Trust me, if I had to interview the losers, it wouldn't go as well."

from The Age:
Apparently, Roger Federer's kids are freakishly talented, too

''They check in, they board the plane, I carry the luggage,'' said Roger, of Charlene Riva and Myla Rose. And to think they're only six months old.