Bad news for the rest of the ATP players. Tony Roche says Roger Federer hasn't hit the top of his game yet.
From The Age: 'Freakish' Swiss yet to peak: Roche
NOT only is Roger Federer on the cusp of becoming the greatest tennis player of all time, he is yet to peak because he "hasn't even started to use a lot of his game", according to his coach Tony Roche.
From The Times: Remorseless Federer sets brisk tempo on march into history
Same time, same place, same man, same trophy, same remarkable achievement, same utter dominance. Which leads to the same question: is there anybody who can challenge the glorious sameness that is Roger Federer’s authority over the men’s game? ...
From The Herald Sun: Federer attacks Hawk-eye
ROGER Federer has turned the heat up again at Melbourne Park, slamming the Hawk-Eye line-calling system.
Federer said using the technology on Rod Laver Arena was "nonsense" and putting too much pressure on players.
"I think it's nonsense anyway in the first place," the Swiss master said.
"Now they (umpires) can hide even more behind these calls, that's for sure.
"It makes it really hard for us...
Continue reading "Federer Slams Hawk-Eye, Asks for Changes in Heat Rule" »
I like it when Roger Federer actually sounds human like the rest of us :-)
From The Age: Refreshed Federer happy to get back to his day job
ROGER Federer celebrated Christmas and the new year with friends in Dubai. But the world No. 1 is sure his determination to take a break and "have a life", for the first time in a long time, will not make him vulnerable in the opening days of next week's Australian Open...
"I think it's going to be really tough for people to beat me here. I'm going to make it as hard as possible. Honestly, I don't think Doha plays any role this year," he said.
"You have to look at the big picture. I needed a break, I needed a rest. I wasn't really in the mood to play a tournament the first week of the year, so early.
From The Herald Sun: Federer's killer instinct
ROGER Federer has left Tony Roche with few regrets -- but there is just one, albeit minor...
Of all the sublime winners Federer has conjured in a colossal career, Roche rues the fact he was not courtside for the extraordinary, improbable shot the Swiss artist produced against Andy Roddick in 2002.
Roche, like many others, has seen countless replays of what his eyes, if not his brain, initially refused to comprehend.
Continue reading "Roche Calls Federer the 'Complete Package'" »
The always generous Roger Federer is making good use of his off-season.
From India Times: Federer's visit fans waves of hope
Federer was received with a traditional ‘aarathi' when he visited a primary school for tsunami-affected children, who greeted him with balloons and wished him a merry Christmas. He appeared keen to interact with them, and enjoyed a unique puppet show revolving around the theme of HIV, which the children staged especially for him.
Check out this line in an article on the Russia/Argentina Davis Cup final in The Globe and Mail:
It remains to be seen whether Safin and Nalbandian, who will turn 25 on New Year's Day, can be as inspired at other events as they are during Davis Cup. At their very best, they can legitimately challenge the supreme Federer, who, incidentally, e-mailed the Davis Cup website, which was doing an audio broadcast of the final match, to say he was enjoying the commentary.
I guess we know how Roger spends his vacations now. Now if we could just get Roger to play that first round Davis Cup tie vs. Spain (and Nadal) next year...
Not a bad show...and now I'm beginning to wonder if Rafael Nadal will ever beat Roger Federer again:)
From Chosun: Federer, Nadal let rip in Seoul clash
It was a showdown of low, just-over-the-net strokes passed back and forth on a purple tinted court. At Tuesday¡¯s bout between reigning tennis king Roger Federer of Switzerland and young gun Rafael Nadal of Spain, the audience was treated to an exhibition of the world¡¯s greatest speed and power. The crowd was sending cheers the athlete¡¯s way every time they fired off one of their blazing 200 km/h-plus serves or broke out with the hard shots. In their final match of the season, they were not afraid to pull out all the stops.
The king kept his crown in the end. Federer put out his forehand attacks and serves to beat Nadal 2-1 (6-3, 3-6, 6-3). Shots aimed just a little off the line were particularly effective at goading Nadal into foul-ups...
The YouTube crowd has been generous with the Roger Federer videoclips from today's championship.
Here we have some highlights from the match.
Also a post-match interview.
And finally the trophy presentation and speech.
Wow - what a contrast from last year when Roger Federer was still dealing with his ankle injury. This was a dominating performance and it's hard to imagine anyone coming close to Federer next season (sure, Rafael Nadal on clay perhaps but no way on other surfaces from now on I think).
Everyone knows today's result by now so here's the metaphorical version of events:
From The Times: Federer masterclass casts pall of gloom for pretenders to throne
They prised apart the petals of the Qi Zhong stadium so that the tennis gods could feast their eyes on the acclaim of the latest and most graphic demonstration of Roger Federer’s brilliance. A chill suddenly descended, one that will have been felt by anyone who believes that they can challenge his supremacy next year, or for as long as tennis takes his fancy.
Federer’s third Masters Cup success in four years — he would have won last year, had he not been incapacitated and playing at 75 per cent — was further proof that the Swiss is a special athlete indeed, one in complete command of himself and all he surveys. “The difference is that Roger is completely relaxed with life,” Tony Roche, his coach, said...
Modest comments as always by the Fed:)
From Reuters: This is my time says seven million dollar man Federer
"I've had the best season of my career with all four grand slam finals, winning three, so I definitely feel like I've never played better tennis," said the Wimbledon, Australian and U.S. Open champion.
"I guess we have to say right now I'm kind of going away from everybody. Because there was this moment maybe at Wimbledon or later on in the American summer where people thought (Rafael) Nadal is going to be really close, but he wasn't able to maintain his play.
Roger's blogging from Japan, people. How excited am I?
I love how Boris Yeltsin always elbows in on the action. So Andy Roddick essentially choked--2 df's in his last service game, folks--after a valiant fight back from 2 sets down v. Dmitri Tursunov. Here's the official match report. Here's the AP report. Also, Safin lost to Blake in the dead rubber in two close sets.
As expected, Argentina smoked Australia; the final will be played in Russia. (Lucky mofos! Two-time home court advantage!)
Federer had some choice words for the injury-prone Novak Djokovic post-their tie-deciding match today--which have been censored from the Davis Cup site. The original 3 minute interview that was posted has since been cut down to 1:19 minutes. Listen here to the original version; here's the new Davis Cup site's version. *Ouch*--and for shame, DC staffers!
Frank Deford has a good piece about Federer, Tiger Woods and American myopia when it comes to foreign athletes (and non-intranational team sports) in Sports Illustrated. Read 'American Underdogs'
ETA: And while you're over there, be sure to check out Jon Wertheim's first post-US Open mailbag, which talks bananas, fingers and Sharapova, as well as the (legit?) return of Andy Roddick, and more; and Richard Deitsch on the incestuous bonds between the tennis media and the players (ie. Mary Jo Fernandez and her IMG agent husband; the McEnroe brothers in Sharapova's 'I Feel Pretty' Ad). Scroll down to read "The Bottom One."
Damn, Roger's passing shots are WOW. I can't believe I'm saying this, but come on, ANdy! Let's make a match of this. Two breaks down already? Come on, Andy.
Nice to see Tiger Woods in Roger's box. You can bet Federer wants to floss a little bit. I'm expecting some amazing shots.
Well, Shark-apova did it. As much as I prefer Justine's game and am irritated by the shriekiness, I've got to hand it to Maria for coming out, guns blazing. Sure she's a cash whore, but the girl's got a champion's heart and drive. Kudos!
But have you guys read/seen Maria's post-match press conference? I saw it on The Tennis Channel, but the transcript is up. Lots of banana and on-court coaching talk--apparently her hitting partner/coach Michael Joyce held up four fingers. Sharapova, clearly irritated, dodged the question several times. I didn't see the majority of the match, so I missed it. Did anyone catch this? And was it clear on-court coaching?
ETA: Pete Bodo has a great column on Sharapova's win over at tennis.com.
Martina Navratilova also went out on top, winning the Mixed Doubles title thanks to some clutch serving by Bob Bryan and her own deft touch. And so ends the career of possibly the greatest tennis player of all time. Bravo, Martina!
I miss Misha Youzhny. But am pleased for Federer-Roddick. Fed has looked a little shaky and Roddick has looked crisper and more obnoxious than ever...but may the best Swiss win. Can't wait til tomorrow!
Nadal and Federer played an exhibition this morning in NYC; did anyone go? Here are pictures, here are some more, and here are some more. ETA: Here are even more.
Also, the ATP's put together a video of Rafa's press engagements--TIME, Sports Illustrated, People, to name a few. Sure the video has got training wheels on, but still nice to see Rafa. I'm very excited for all the coverage he's going to be getting. I'm hoping they book him on some TV, too. Watch the video.
I added this to the post below on the NY Times article, but didn't want anyone to miss it. Choice quote: He's beautiful. He's really really beautiful in the way that most American sports fans would associate with Michael Jordan. Where is almost seems like it's a mutation, or somebody from a slightly different species whose relationship to physical laws is somewhat different.
Word.
Brilliant author David Foster Wallace's much anticipated article on Roger Federer (and Rafael Nadal, to some extent) for the NY Times is finally here. It hangs on an analysis of Fedal at Wimbledon--and the absolutely perfect symmetry of the Rafa-Roger rivalry. Apollo and Dionysus.
All you Federer fans out there will know exactly what he means, I think, when he says:
Beauty is not the goal of competitive sports, but high-level sports are a prime venue for the expression of human beauty. The relation is roughly that of courage to war.
The human beauty we’re talking about here is beauty of a particular type; it might be called kinetic beauty. Its power and appeal are universal. It has nothing to do with sex or cultural norms. What it seems to have to do with, really, is human beings’ reconciliation with the fact of having a body.
Roger Federer as Religious Experience
Also from the NY Times: Facing Federer
Patrick McEnroe breaks down Federer's game.
ETA: Radio interview with David Foster Wallace on NPR about the article and the interesting article footnotes, which are less footnotes than extended digressions.
Yep. Federer looked flat out there from the start and Murray broke him a ridiculous amount of times (7). Huge feather in the cap of coach Brad Gilbert; and a serious breakthrough for Murray, who definitely held his own out there. The kid's got game. Here's a match review.
This is Roger Federer's first straight set loss in something like 190 matches (l. to Kuerten at 2004 French Open in 3rd round)... just OH MY GOD.
Wherever he is, Sean Connery just had a stroke. So did the rest of Great Britain.
More links to come. Jaw to stay open for a couple of days, I think.
ETA AUDIO: Murray Interview, Clip 1 and Clip 2; Federer, Blake, Baghdatis and more.
Meanwhile the defeated Federer claimed to feel no disappointment at not having the chance to try and break Lendl's record, set in season 1981-82.
"No, I'm not (disappointed)," he said. "There's no reason to be because I'm on an incredible run.
"You always expect a loss once in a while. So when it happens, why be disappointed if I win over 90% of my matches."
And the 25-year-old also predicted tournament success for Murray this week - provided he can keep his level of performance up.
"He could. I think he's playing well. He's definitely got to still improve many things," Federer added.
"He played a good match today. Youngsters play good on the day. If they play good for the entire week, that's the other question."
Read 'Murray: I Can Be the Best'
*AP Photo/Al Behrman.
There are a ton of Federer-Gasquet pics. Thanks, Peacemaster!
Federer wins it 2-6 6-3 6-2 against Gasquet! That was a HELLUVA match. Gasquet mauled Federer in the first set and I really thought it was going to be a comprehensive beatdown. I know, I know, how silly of me. Props to Federer for scraping out of the first game of the 2nd set from 0-40 down and then raising his game when it mattered. And props to Gasquet for playing such beautiful, beautiful world-beating tennis. And damn ESPN again (a common refrain over here, I know) for not showing the trophy ceremony. ETA: Here's Roger's speech on video and video highlights of the match (Thanks, Mark!)
But on to more important things. The irritating Sean McDonough announced that he's come to the end of his tennis odyssey (or nightmare, for us viewers) with ESPN. He's headed back to Boston and baseball tomorrow.
Well, we couldn't have Fedal, but I'll take Gasquet and Federer trading beautiful backhands anyday.
First, Gasquet took out a tired Andy Murray yesterday in straight sets, with a masterful display of his all-court play. You get the feeling that in the next few years as the young guns develop--all of whom have and want more versatile games than the Hewitts and Roddicks of yesteryear--tennis is only going to get much, much more interesting. Power has been tamed, folks. The all-court game is back.
Speaking of which, Fernando Gonzalez has been working on diversifying his options--witness his backhand slice--and the dividends are clearly paying off. After being blown off the court 6-1 in 20 minutes, Gonzo shrugged it off and played some spectacular tennis for 2 sets. Roger did have a few hiccups (as he usually does) and it was good to see a third straight opponent force Roger to dig in and beat him. Bravo, Gonzo! (And bravo, Malisse and Tursunov!) Here's a match review.
Here are audio interviews with Federer, Gasquet, Murray and Gonzalez, an audio wrap of the day, and video highlights.
That was a SPECTACULAR MATCH. 7-6 6-7 6-3. When Xavier first got out there you could tell he thought he didn't have a chance, and was so incredibly relaxed. But you could almost see it register in his eyes that, hey wait a minute, I could actually win this, in that first set tiebreak. Malisse confirmed as much in his post-match presser (audio). In any case tennis would be very much enriched if he could replicate that level of play often.
Sure Federer was shanking a few balls, but I love how Roger just loves to compete. In his on-court interview, a smiley Roger said "I thought it was a very exciting match, also for the players, of course."
In his post-match press conference he made the same point that Berdych had made when he beat Rafa--when you grow up with someone, there's less of an intimidation factor:
"I used to play him in juniors, under 16s, and he used to toy with me back then...I think once you're about the same age, I think the player always believes in his chance." Listen to Roger's interview.
It's the sibling rule. How can you be intimidated by someone whose awkward adolescent phase, teen tantrums and ill-advised fashion choices you've lived through?
*Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
A nostalgia post; Roger was so adorably awkward. And GREAT suit. Here's the video. More video here.
Federer turns 25 today. What does he want for his birthday? I'm sure it has something to do with Rafa and a beatdown at the end of the week.
Here's a fun article about Roger Federer and some overzealous fans: 'Legs Apart'.
*Illustration Created by Caricature Zone
Rafa reaches Borgian levels of teen girl adulation in Toronto; Federer on his more expansive fan base:
“The way he acts, the way he dresses is more toward the younger generation,” Federer said about their respective fan bases. “I'm more all the way through the group of ages. When I look I have so many fans from different age groups it's unbelievable.”
Read 'Federer, Nadal would make an ideal final for Rogers Cup'
We've waited long enough for Fedal to re-enter the scene. I, for one, am shitting myself. They both practiced today and even some players watched. Now that's respect. The draw ceremony is at 2pm Saturday.
What have they been up to post-Wimbledon? Rafa's been fishing, riding rollercoasters and hanging out on the beach with Xisca; Roger's been...doing something else.
No not that Legolas, this one. Is great hair a prerequisite for some strains of fandom?
Granted, it is a fabulous haircut.
On a (barely) related note, inane article #55,000 from the cesspool that is iVillage on men and their hair (#38).
The NY Times has a nice piece on recent Hall of Fame inductee (along with Pat Rafter), aka Roger Federer's first tennis crush, Argentine Gabriela Sabatini.
Read 'Off the Court, Sabatini Is Still in Her Prime'. Here's an article about the Hall of Fame honorees.
Really great piece about Roger Federer's infamous blazer and masculinity in tennis over at The Dees Diversion:
A lot of people did not like the blazer, and that's fine; it is a matter of taste. Except for those many men, including a number of sportswriters, who went berserk over Federer's "prissiness." And here I thought the metrosexual (has there ever been a more offensive term?) man was "in" in the West. There is nothing prissy about Roger Federer, but perhaps good manners and a lot of poise, both on and off the court, count against him in certain circles.
This criticism of Federer's blazer advances a conviction I have had for some time--that because tennis is largely a mental sport and is not violent, some men who play it feel a bit insecure about the masculine aspect of their athleticism.
I'm thrilled about the prospect of Roger Federer being interviewed by genius author David Foster Wallace for the NY Times's sports quarterly, as well as Interview Magazine's Billie Jean King-Federer interview.
Now that Nadal and Federer have defended their respective turfs, they move to neutral ground this summer on American hard courts. Nadal has the edge 2-1 on the surface, but do you think Federer's finally over the hump with Nadal? Fed's had sooo many lopsided "rivalries" that he's turned around (Hewitt, Henman, Nalbandian) that it will be very interesting to see if the Wimbledon win over Rafa is the beginning of a seismic shift in their head-to-head.
Anyway, we'll all be watching--and so will a lot more people! It seems the rivalry has caught the attention of non-tennis fans, like those beefy, big-mouthed and bonehead-y ESPN commentators, lol.
Federer, Nadal Take Rivalry to Hardcourts / Also, here's what must be the first article to compare Federer to a 'knitting lady.' and ETA: Sampras' 14 Slams No Longer a Lock for Federer / Roche on the Rivalry
Too cheap to get Wimbledon Live? Watch the final on YouTube: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 (Match point) from Chinese TV (MP from German TV).
Also: Here's NBC's coverage of the awards ceremony and its aftermath, complete with Rafa whistles, the Nadal-Fed low-five, the post-trophy victory laps,and Bud Collins' post-match interviews--with Bud's cringeworthy Spanish and Fed's admission of Rafitis. John McEnroe commentating.
Federer's Pre-Final interview / Rafa's GREAT Pre-Match interview (BBC, John McEnroe, Stich) / Rafa's Post-Final Interview /Federer interview with French TV. Fed's full video press conference is available here.
Here you go. Amelie and Roger look great! Thanks for the link, momofan!
A great win for Roger and wonderful news for tennis fans. The rivalry's on! The American hard court swing is gonna be very, very interesting. Well, I am extremely satisfied with that Wimbledon. I'm gonna watch the ESPN Wimbledon wrap up at 3, and then not think about tennis for a few hours, lol, before posting thoughts on the fortnight.
Here are a match report / Federer's interview / Nadal's interview / Federer headlines / Nadal headlines /audio excerpts of the interviews.
ETA: ESPN's got video of Roger's press conference/his Sportscenter interview with Chris Fowler Interview, and more / Jimmy Connors on the Final / Christopher Clarey on the Final
An hour and fifteen minutes to go. I did my absolute best to wake up late enough so that I wouldn't have to suffer the rabid pre-match jitters that I'm feeling now. Music, lots of wine, and a late night out...what more does a girl have to do?
Here are a good match preview, Federer's pre-match interview, and Nadal's pre-match interview. Here's a (Spanish) video discussion between Nadal and Spain's only Wimbledon Champ, Manuel Santana (plus beer gut). More stuff on the Federer news page, the Nadal news page, and in this post here.
I think all of us Fed fans out there know that this is a must win for Roger. If Rafa wins, more people than Mats Wilander will be questioning the size of his balls, and the value of his recent dominance--over a field that will seem diminished by Rafa's owning of the guy who owns them. The most important person doing the questioning will be Roger himself.
And imagine the humiliation of walking off-court with that cream blazer--which reads like royal robes tailor-made for a victory lap--with the following pounding in your ears: that you may not be the best of all time, nor even of your generation. That you've swindled the whole world with your elegant strokes and aristocratic manner just like an impoverished prince mesmerizing New Money. Watching Federer is a pleasure of course--and tennis is truly The Beautiful Game (sorry, Soccer fans)--but at the end of the day, you play to win. And it's the win that matters in the long run, no matter how ugly.
But what a huge, huge victory for Nadal if he takes it, and he will begin his own Greatest-Ever arc for entirely different reasons from Roger, because Nadal would have proved that he can complete the Grand Slam--and more.
Enjoy the match, and may the best man (on the day) win!
ps. Some shameless self-promotion, check out my Team Roger and Team Rafa t-shirts, etc.
ETA: Santana on Nadal. Really nice piece.
Federer d. Bjorkman 6-2 6-0 6-2
Roger massacred Bjorkman beautifully, as expected. Bjorkman maybe said it best in his pre-match interview: "we'll see how long it's gonna last." Well, just 77 minutes of whoop-ass, as Brad Gilbert might say.
Here are a match report / Federer's interview / Bjorkman's interview.
Nadal d. Baghdatis 6-1 7-5 6-3
Baghdatis fought the good fight after swallowing his nerves (it took most of the first set). But wow, what a match we will have Sunday. Federer v. Nadal for a shinier spot in the history books. Bravo, Nadal.
Here are a match summary / Baghdatis' interview / Nadal's interview.
This will be the match of the year. So who's your pick to win?
From the Wash. Post: Federer v. Nadal in the Wimbledon Final
ETA: Connors on the dream final / Grass acts go head to head / Nadal transformed from king of clay to genius on grass / the NY Times on Fed v. Nadal /Keys to Victory on Sunday
Federer could be The GOAT, from the mouth of Pete Sampras.
1. Nadal v. Baghdatis
Who would have thought these 2 would make it this far this year? This match marks a real changing of the guard in tennis, as the old grass court elite struggles or retires. Despite Rafa's 7-5 6-0 demolition of Baghdatis on the fast courts at Indian Wells this spring, I think they both have a really good shot. This could be a classic!
2. Federer v. Bjorkman
Though it's nearly impossible to imagine Roger Federer losing to Jonas Bjorkman, I still think that Bjorkman's doubles-enhanced net play and match experience will serve to make this a tougher win for Roger than those over his previous more highly touted opponents. Bjorkman is also under absolutely no pressure and that can always spell trouble.
Here are a couple of articles about the match ups:
Federer, First-timers seek final place / Nadal Eyes Maiden Wimbledon Final / Cyprus looks forward to heroics from Baghdatis / Nadal makes light of surface tension
It looks like it'll happen. Marcos Baghdatis (News/Posts), of course, could very likely crash the party, but I think Rafael Nadal (News/Posts) is incredibly eager to face Federer (News/Posts) in the final this year. And usually if Nadal wants it, he finds a way to get it. Roger, watch out!
Here's a GREAT Sports Illustrated piece on the potential match up: Read 'Head Games'
On and off the court, the Men Rule
Nice bits on Federer's Prada-Nike jacket, Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray's style.
Best in Show: Federer d. Ancic 6-4 6-4 6-4
Well, another straight sets win for Roger Federer, with more brilliant play. Ancic played well, but did not do himself justice; John McEnroe was berating him all match for abandoning the net play that had gotten him this far in the tournament. However, perhaps it wouldn't have helped; Roger himself thought he put in "an incredible performance."
Here are a match summary/Roger's interview/Mario's interview.
Upset of the Day: Baghdatis d. Hewitt 6-1 5-7 7-6(5) 6-2
Marcos Baghdatis had some brilliant moments himself in toppling Lleyton Hewitt in 4. He's earned enough points to displace Andy Roddick (News/Posts) and enter the top 10 for the first time. Just gorgeous shotmaking (his forehand has got to be one of the best out there) and his mom is adorable.
Here are a match summary / Hewitt's interview.
Match of the Day: The 3rd seeded Mens' doubles team of Knowles/Nestor took out 8th seeded Aspelin/Perry in the longest doubles match in Grand Slam history. It took 2 days, over 6 hours and FORTY FOUR games in the 5th set to finish this. Bravo! Here are a match report and Knowles/Nestor's interview.
Choke of the Day: Radek Stepanek served for the match at 5-4 in the 4th set and served three double faults. Jonas Bjorkman ended up winning 6-4 in the 5th set. Great effort regardless for the 27 year old Czech, who has never been this far in a major. Bjorkman, at 34, is now the oldest man since Jimmy Connors' 1987 run to reach a Wimbledon semi, and the hardest working man in tennis. He's got a doubles quarterfinal tomorrow and a mixed doubles 3rd round match coming up, too. Last time Bjorkman made a grand slam semi was the 1997 US Open. Here are a match review / Bjorkman's interview.
Biggest Letdown: With 2 rain delays and the marathon length of Bjorkman v. Stepanek, Nadal v. Nieminen had to be postponed until Thursday. It'll be the first match up on court 1.
Factoid of the Day: Mary Carillo let slip that happy couple Radek Stepanek and Martina Hingis were actually childhood sweethearts; they dated in their teens.
What a great day for tennis! Especially after such a dull one yesterday.
1. Federer v. Ancic: This is supposed to be a date with destiny--can Federer vanquish the last man who defeated him at Wimbledon? Sure, Super Mario's a serious fighter and has a monster serve, but I think we all know the answer here. (Sorry, ancicfan!)
2. Nadal v. Nieminen: Can Rafael Nadal make the finals of Wimbledon? It sure as hell looks like it. I think Rafa really announced himself as a comer on grass at Queen's Club, when he split sets with eventual champ Lleyton Hewitt and then retired with shoulder strain. The most important thing for Rafa at Wimbledon is confidence, and by making the quarters--even with a pretty unintimidating draw, despite Agassi in the 3rd--he's certainly earned some. I think Finland will have to settle for an historic quarterfinal.
3. Hewitt v. Baghdatis: The young upstart or the resurgent veteran? I'm going with Marcos just for the storyline.
4. Bjorkman v. Stepanek. I'll just be watching to see if Hingis shows up in the players' box. Good luck to them both.
Here's Covers.com's odds-based picks.
