The razor
If the simplest explanation is probably the correct one (Except in the Philippines, where as Butch points out the most bizarre explanation is probably right), then the reason for—or at least a major factor in—Roger Federer’s two losses this year is mononucleosis.
With The Fed temporarily incapacitated, who will seize the moment: Nadal or Djokovic? Neither. The beneficiary of Roger’s absence is Andy Roddick, who beat them both en route to the Dubai final. Roddick’s game has serious flaws (human backboard), but he has the grace to acknowledge them. After beating Djokovic he said that sometimes he can play tennis and not just serve. Good work, Andy. And who ultimately benefits from the resurgence of Roddick? The Fed.
Answers to questions you might be asking, unless you wandered onto this site purely by accident >>>
March 9th, 2008 at 12:58
And here I thought it was djokovicleosis and murraytitis. I hope he avoids the samprastosis bug. Dalawang tulog na lang. The Federer-Sampras match is reportedly sold-out. Even though it’s just an exhibition, I think it’s a must-win for Fed; otherwise, sports reporters and tennis analysts are gonna have a field day with it.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:58
You’re probably right about your Roddick analysis because, amongst other things, he has a much bigger psychological obstacle to overcome against Federer compared to his record vs either Nadal or Djokovic. But kudos to Andy for changing his schedule this year to play at the Dubai Open for the first time. He reasons “If I’m going to get a crack at those guys, sometimes that means you have to chase them around, and if that means going to Dubai, that means going to Dubai. The field is just so strong there and I feel like you have to go after it sometimes, and that’s what I feel I have to do.”
March 14th, 2008 at 10:31
Hi Jessica, Its my first time in your blog so forgive me if I ask you a lame question— Are you a fan of ‘THE’ Roger Federer? Because I am– Him and Hantuchova but shes a different story hehehe. Ive been a big fan since your ‘talkback’ days. Remember that radio show? I miss that….
April 12th, 2008 at 20:32
I’d put it this way: his game got figured out.
He’s no worse than he’s ever been. It’s just that now, they (the OTHERS) figured out a way to beat him. Worthy to note however that they (the OTHERS) took years to figure out how to beat him. Perhaps, they even formed a secret society devoted to doing all sorts of things to score a win over the mighty Fed.