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Federer Too Hot for Chilean

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Roger Federer leapt in the air, threw his sweat bands and bandana into the crowd and marched out of No.1 Court at Wimbledon today with his dream of a successive hat-trick of titles still alive.

The 23-year-old top seed dismantled the Chilean, Fernando Gonzales, 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) in clinical fashion. It took him a mere one hour and 50 minutes

Gonzalez came into Wimbledon with a reputation for blowing hot and cold. But he stepped out against Federer having been the model of consistency throughout the tournament. He was the only quarter-finalist not to drop a set. Gonzalez has also spent the least amount of time on court in disposing of his previous four opponents (six hours and 59 minutes). Not bad going for a player who claimed the other day that there were no grass courts in his homeland.

But when you face a player of Federer's calibre, something has to give. First off, it was the first set. Gonzalez had hauled himself back from 4-1, forcing Federer to capitulate his serve after gaining two break points with a forehand service return clocked at 87mph.

The 21st seed grunted each time he powered his ground strokes from the back of the court, while Federer stayed silent as he figured out how to swing the momentum back into his favour.

It did not take too long. Gonzalez helped him with a series of unforced errors but it was largely Federer's skill and athleticism that enabled him to take the opening set.

Gonzalez, serving, put Federer's nose in front with his 10th error but the Swiss, on the back foot, produced two remarkable shots to seal it. The first was almost like a squash shot. He raced from the back of the court, bent down low and scooped an angled half-volley with delicate dexterity beyond Gonzalez to gain a set point. Then he put so much spin on a defensive return on set point that Gonzalez slammed a forehand into the net.

Gonzalez continued to make errors as Federer tightened his grip. The world No.1 has won 29 titles, with seven gained this year. Add this record to his determination to win his 34th successive victory on grass and it was clear the odds were stacking up against Gonzalez.

An 18th unforced error by the Chilean presented Federer with a two-sets-to-love lead. But it was not just Gonzalez's mistakes that were a factor. Even in the sultry heat, Federer appeared the epitomy of cool as he quietly took control. He has the ability to step up the pace at any given moment. One service break of an opponent is usually enough unless another chance presents itself, a gift seven-time Wimbledon Champion Pete Sampras used to possess.

That is what occurred in the second set as Gonzalez's game slowly disintegrated.

Gonzalez was the first Chilean to have reached the last eight at Wimbledon since Ricardo Acuna 20 years ago. His ace record for the tournament, at 69, was the best of all the quarter-finalists but today his booming ground strokes looked a more powerful weapon.

Gonzalez did not want to go down without a fight and adopted an all or nothing approach. His tactic forced the third set into a tie-break and even Federer's mask of calm was broken as he raged at a line judge: "It is out, man!"

But order was soon restored as an ace on the first of four match points ensured the Federer Express remained on track towards title number three.

Written by Mike Donovan

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Roger in Omen-ous Form

Wednesday, 29 June, 2005

Attention, attention: storm warning at Wimbledon. Thunderbolts and lightning were seen all around No.1 Court early on Wednesday afternoon, despite the fact that the weather was fine. Such were the pyrotechnics and fireworks across the net when Roger Federer met Fernando Gonzalez for a place in the semi-finals, that it seemed very much as if a tempest was raging within the court confines.

Observers of the game knew to expect it. It's situation normal when the Chilean is in town. Fernando Francisco Gonzalez Ciuffardi is a graduate of the all-out-attack school of tennis. If a groundstroke isn't blasted at 100mph, it scarcely has merit in his book. Before meeting Federer, matters were proceeding very agreeably for Gonzalez.

Not only was he the only competitor among the quarter-finalists to have won his four previous matches without dropping a set, but he had spent the least time on court to get this far. It all sounded so good, so promising. The only tiny hurdle to his progress was Federer - quite a promising player, or so one hears.

Within 10 minutes the champion of the last two years was up 4-1. Many observers had forecast that Gonzalez's chances of winning would hinge on how many of his blasting groundstrokes trailed off into unforced errors, and it was a forehand not so much wild as deranged which handed Federer the early break. But the No.21 seed was winding up the powerhouse, and having forced 0-40 with assorted detonations from the baseline, he converted the second breakpoint with a crosscourt forehand timed at 87mph. Yet it was telling that by four games all, the Chilean had already delivered six unforced errors.

Latecomers to the match could, if they chose, work out which player was prospering by dint of closing their eyes - admittedly an unusual tactic when you can simply watch events in front of you instead. The clue was in the precise note of Gonzalez's noisy exhalations at any one time. "Hey! Hey!" indicated terrifying groundstrokes in full explosive mode, whereas "Ah! Ah!" hinted at a more defensive tactic. Towards the end of the first set, the 'ahs' had it. At 5-6 Gonzalez's tenth unforced error put him at 15-30, and a moment later he double-faulted for 30-40. He served his way out of trouble, but an astounding Federer sprint to the net to make a crosscourt forehand left Gonzalez open-mouthed. Then just as the Chilean was bludgeoning towards another save, he needlessly thumped the ball into the net. For the first time this fortnight, Gonzalez had lost a set.

He was bidding for his first career Slam semi-final, which would have made him the second Chilean in the Open era to manage the feat (Marcelo Rios was runner-up in Australia seven years ago). He was already the first Chilean to make the quarter-finals at Wimbledon since one Ricardo Acuna in 1985, and only the second from his homeland in the entire Open era. But win or lose today, Gonzalez was already a major hero in his homeland, thanks to winning gold in the doubles with Nicolas Massu at last summer's Olympics in Athens. It was his country's first ever Olympic gold in any sport, and when they returned home they were greeted by thousands and feted by the president, no less.

Unfortunately for the millions watching today's match live in South America, Federer was not feeling particularly generous. Nor was he in the mood to hang around and admire the scenery. Suddenly the Gonzalez storm was damped down, and the lightning was all from Federer's side. The champion tore through the second set to win it 6-2. All four of their previous encounters had gone Federer's way, but the Chilean had sworn this one would be different because it was on grass. It should be said that listeners to that comment smiled indulgently at Gonzalez's naivety when he said it.

The idea that Federer - he of the 33-strong match-winning streak on the green stuff - would be in some way easier to defeat on the Wimbledon lawns was a tad fanciful. For a start, Federer's outright winners outnumbered his unforced errors almost three-to-one, whereas Gonzalez's winners were more than cancelled out. For this reason as much as any other, the third set went the way of the previous two, and that was that.

Today's win took Federer one step nearer Bjorn Borg's all time record of grasscourt wins - 41. Mario Ancic was the last man to defeat him on grass, back in 2002 - in straight sets, no less. Difficult to imagine such a thing now. Indeed, it is fairly mind-boggling to assume anything other than Federer adding this title to the seven titles he has won so far this year. If he does, the 23-year-old Swiss will join an exclusive club of seven men to have secured a hat-trick of Wimbledon crowns.

As it is, he is already in his own personal club of one this year. He was in any case the only man to have made the quarter-finals in all three of this year's Slams to date, and hence today duly became the only man to make the semi-finals in all three competitions. He lost to the eventual winner in both Australia (Marat Safin) and France (Rafael Nadal), and intriguingly both players defeated Federer on their birthdays. Seekers of omens, take note: there is no player in the top 200 of the ATP Tour whose birthday falls this coming Sunday.

Written by Kate Battersby

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Federer Learns His Lessons Well

Wednesday, 29 June, 2005

Roger Federer today "weathered the storm" that was Fernando Gonzalez and prepared himself for a Wimbledon semi-final against Lleyton Hewitt. Federer defeated Chilean Gonzalez 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 to keep his hopes of a third successive title alive. But he had to prove his defensive qualities matched his attacking ones against the 21st seed.

Gonzalez claimed there are no grass courts in his homeland, but he made the most of his odyssey at the All England Club this year. Against Federer he stepped up to the plate and all his guns were blazing against the champion. It was all or nothing as the baseliner let rip his thundering groundstrokes and blistering serves. The champion, though, was ready.

He says: "It is always interesting to play against him because you have to weather the storm against him. He hits the ball with so much pace. There's not much you can actually control in a match against him because he always takes the first swing but I still enjoy it because you get good rallies.

"I really had to work hard on my defence and do things I don't usually have to do too often. He's different, quite unique. He dominates from the baseline and you are just trying to get his serve back. But even then he covers his serve with incredible forehands and backhands.

"I'm happy to be through to my third consecutive semi and I am looking forward to playing against Lleyton. This time he is fit, not like in Indian Wells when I beat him in our last match."

Federer has won his last seven matches with the Australian, who was Wimbledon champion three years ago. But he revealed it was his last defeat by Hewitt which sparked the winning run which puts him in the driving seat for the semi-final match on Friday. It came during a Davis Cup tie over five sets in 2003.

Federer says: "That match gave me a lot of confidence because he had beaten me on many occasions before that (seven). I really had the feeling I could almost dominate him for three entire sets. And I had never had that feeling before against him.

"I was two sets and a break up and serving for the match. Although it was a killer to eventually lose, it gave me a lot of confidence knowing that against Lleyton I can actually get my act together. I think that is why I have been able to turn around the series in my favour (9-."

Meanwhile, Federer defended the Wimbledon seeding committee against suggestions that Hewitt should have been seeded two and not three to reflect his world ranking. He says: "It is a tough call. The rules are the way they are. It is the only tournament in the world where it is like this (seedings not necessarily following the rankings to allow for grass court records). But it is understandable. We're at Wimbledon. I understand everything that Wimbledon decides because this is where it all started."

Written by Mike Donovan

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Dominant Johansson Beats Nalbandian

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Thomas Johansson became Sweden's first semi-finalist at Wimbledon since Stefan Edberg in 1993 with a strong performance to beat David Nalbandian of Argentina on No.1 Court today.

Johansson's victory by 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 6-2 in two hours and 17 minutes was his best result in a grand slam since he won the Australian Open in 2002. The win will also raise hopes of a first Swedish winner at Wimbledon since Edberg's second and final Wimbledon title in 1990.

Johansson dominated the quarter-final after a closely fought first set with chances either way as Nalbandian lived up to his reputation as a clever tactician on grass following his run to the Wimbledon final in 2002.

But Nalbandian had ten break points against him in the first ten games. He lost serve in the third game but managed to break back in the eighth game when Johansson had one of his least inspiring periods of the entire match.

The first set tie break virtually settled the destiny of the quarter final. Johansson took an early lead of 4-1 and then progressed to 6-2 with a leaping smash. Nalbandian played cleverly to fight off three set points but missed a backhand on the fourth and Johansson was on his way after a 73 minute first set.

Clearly lifted by taking such a demanding set Johansson struck out boldly to win the Argentine's serve at the start of the second set and a second break in the eighth game provided a two set lead for the 30-year-old Swede.

Briefly, and unsuccessfully, Nalbandian rallied at the start of the third set with six chances to take Johansson's serve. But he missed five of them before gaining the sixth chance with a fine cross court backhand and then forcing a forehand error from Johansson.

Nalbandian now had to consolidate his position if he was to turn the match around and win this first meeting with Johansson. Instead Johansson took command again with an immediate break of serve and a disconsolate Nalbandian fell out of the running, losing serve twice more and conceding the match on the first match point with a missed forehand volley.

This was a hard hitting baseline duel with both players prepared to try for precisely hit drop shots to break the rhythm of the rallies. But Johansson was always able to find the bigger shots so vital to success on grass.

Johansson, playing in his ninth Wimbledon and now the oldest survivor but there were 21 men older than him in the starting field. Johansson had shown plenty of evidence of good form before Wimbledon when he was a semi-finalist at Queen's Club and played well at Nottingham until he had a groin injury.

Johansson has a good track record around the world. But he has never been this far at Wimbledon and no one dare take him lightly now.

Written by Barry Newcombe

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Woodbridge Says It's Time To Go

Wednesday, 29 June, 2005

Todd Woodbridge, the most successful doubles player in the Open Era history, surprised the world of tennis by announcing his retirement from the men's doubles tour this evening.

The defending Men's Doubles Champion, who has 82 doubles titles to his name, called a press conference at 7.10pm to say he was 'calling it a day'.

The Australian had hoped to notch up 10 Wimbledon Men's Double's titles, but his dream came to an abrupt end when, partnering Mahesh Bhupathi, he was knocked out of the second round by qualifiers.

"Things didn't work out according to plan," he told reporters. "I didn't even come to this tournament planning to retire. But I felt I had so many good, strong memories here, it was the right place to do it and the right time in my career to do it."

For the past three years the Australian has won the Men's Doubles event with Jonas Bjorkman. He also took the title with the Swede in 2000 and, alongside Mark Woodforde, was the holder between 1993 and 1997.

The news comes shortly before Australia prepares for the Davis Cup. "I had to make an announcement because our Australian Davis Cup team is getting ready to play the quarter-final against Argentina," he continued. "I felt it was unfair to sort of sit on the fence for a few more days for them. They need to be clear on what they've got to do."

Woodbridge added: "The seed has been planted in my head for a couple of weeks. I think it germinated here when I didn't play too well in the dubs."

The Sydneysider described his best memory as his first Wimbledon win with compatriot Mark Woodforde in 1993. "Coming from Australia there are two goals, I think, as a player and they're to play Davis Cup and win Wimbledon. The moment you become a Wimbledon champion, you take a step up as a tennis player. That was probably the first time where I felt I had made it as a player."

Woodbridge cited his reasons for retiring as "completely personal". He has not won a tournament since January and promised he would call it a day when he began losing matches.

But he will have fond memories of The Championships, where he has also notched up two Junior Doubles titles, a Mixed title and one appearance in a singles semi-final. "All of my greatest results came here," he said. "[Wimbledon is a] place that sometimes people come here and they don't feel comfortable, they feel nervous. I came here and felt like I was absolutely at ease, at home, and enjoyed every time I could walk out on the court.

"I think I held the place with so much respect that mentally I focused better here and I kept my temper in check. Everything I did here was very purposeful. You know, that's why for me this was the best place to retire."

But it's not over yet. With his Australian partner Samantha Stosur, the 34-year-old won his Mixed Doubles match today and will appear in the quarter-finals tomorrow.

Written by Helen Gilbert

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The Swede Scent of Success

Wednesday, 29 June, 2005

Thomas Johansson will be playing on Wimbledon's Centre Court for only the third time when he faces Andy Roddick in the semi-finals on Friday.

"I think I played Roddick or maybe I played Becker," he said of his previous experiences. "I don't know. I've only been on the Centre Court twice."

Johansson's career almost ended in 2003 because of a knee injury. But he has recovered so well that he is now going through what he calls "one of the best weeks of my life."

He said: "Wimbledon has such a great history. I think it's the biggest tournament of the year and now I am in the semi-final. I just feel great. I am so happy to be able to play the tennis that I did today and hopefully on Friday I can play a little bit better."

Johansson talked of the time he was out of tennis with his knee problems and said: "A lot of people did not think I was going to be able to come back. But I love to play tennis. And when you are away from tennis you miss it a lot. I was working really, really hard to come back and to be able to play tennis again against all these young guys that just popped up when I was injured. I am really happy to be back a lot stronger than I was before."

Johansson described the court today as slow. "You could easily stay back," he said, "which I do pretty much all the time. But you can also play serve and volley. But I think it's a lot slower this year than maybe five years ago. I don't know if it is the court or the balls. For the moment I'm not complaining."

"I am happy to be in the semi-final. I think I have a good chance against Andy. It's going to be a very tough match and I have a lot of respect for him. If I play my best tennis I think I have a shot."

Johansson said that against Nalbandian, "I was returning really well. So even when he served well, on his first serve, I got it back. The way I was hitting the ball I felt great. So I could go for my shots a lot more than I maybe used to, especially on my backhand."

Written by Barry Newcombe

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Hewitt Quick to Praise Federer

Wednesday, 29 June, 2005

One match in particular will stand out for Centre Court ticket holders this Friday. Former Wimbledon Champion Lleyton Hewitt, who is ranked No. 2 in the world, will be taking on world number one and current defending champion Roger Federer in what promises to be a sparkling semi-final encounter.

The Australian, having defeated Feliciano Lopez in straight-sets earlier today, is naturally delighted. This is the furthest he has reached in the tournament since he lifted the trophy in 2002.

Last year he was packing his bags after being defeated in the quarters and in 2003 he made a shock first round exit. But Hewitt is not getting ahead of himself. He admits to having lost to the Swiss master in all their meetings over the past two years, but is quick to point out that Federer has pretty much dominated every player during this time.

Hewitt said: "He's obviously the best player in the world for a reason and he's really taken his game to another level in the last couple of years. Obviously he's got to be very confident against anyone, and especially in Centre Court where the last two years he's pretty much made his own."

The 24-year-old described the defending champion as "not having big weaknesses" and an ability to win even if he is having an off-day. "You've got to go out there, clean your service games up, wait for your opportunities," he said. "You're not going to get a whole heap. That's where he's really gone up the last couple of years. I think he's playing the big points really well."

Indeed, Hewitt will be hoping to produce the same form displayed against his Spanish opponent today. While cheap points from Mr Federer will no doubt be few and far between, the Australian's serving will be key in encouraging a few to fall his way.

"I served extremely well today," Hewitt recalled. "I knew it was something I had to pick up against Lopez and I was able to do that. Over the last 18 months or so I've really served pretty well in general. [it] just makes the game that much easier if you're getting some cheap points off your first serve."

When it comes to playing the big points, Hewitt compares Federer with Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras at his peak. But like all true champions, he has the will to go all the way. "I believe I'm capable of winning the match. It's not going to be easy and I've got to play one of the best matches that I've got, but I believe that I can do it," he added resolutely.

Written by Helen Gilbert

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Venus Beaten by Belgians in Doubles

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

The names Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters will always attract the crowds and on No. 2 Court this afternoon there was not a spare seat in the house. The occasion was the third round of the Mixed Doubles involving No.8 seeded Williams and Mark Knowles against the twelth seeded Clijsters and Olivier Rochus.

The match always promised to be a close affair and the fans on the court known as 'The Graveyard' were revved up from the outset. As people tiptoed in the standing area to catch a glimpse of their favourite players, shouts of 'Come on Venus', 'Come on Kim' rang around the stands in anticipation.

But from the start of the match, the higher seeded pair emanated a somewhat sombre aura, broken occasionally with smiles and conversation. They had only scraped through the previous round 6-4 in the third and the day before Knowles had gone out in the men's Doubles to a pair of qualifiers.

On the other side of the net the mood was almost joyous, with the Belgian pair clearly there to have fun. This was mirrored in their chirpy conversation, the constant smiles - even during the hard times - and Clijsters' bouncy demeanour. The way Rochus had to look up to his partner to discuss tactics - he is only 5ft 5in after all - also played a part.

But his height didn't pose a problem. In the first set Rochus was quick round the court, leapt for lobs and hit groundstroke winners with tremendous pace. Clijsters, on the other hand, missed a number of easy volleys.

After a short rain delay, Knowles and Williams snapped up the first set in 24 minutes. However, the Belgians were not deterred. They kept their spirits high, chatting and slapping hands between nearly every point. They were the underdogs, had nothing to lose and began to gel as the second set unfolded, taking the second set comfortably to level the match at a set apiece.

During the final set, both parties tightened up. Knowles drew on his specialist doubles knowledge to eek out the finest angles of the court, throwing in drop shots and precision lobs. Williams, who had been powerful but erratic in the previous set, finally got the combination to work and Clijsters and Rochus stood strong at the net. Their bravery paid off and the underdogs scooped the match 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Written by Helen Gilbert

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Martina Marches to Semis

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Eighth seeds Martina Navratilova and Anna-Lena Groenefeld defeated Vera Douchevina of Russia and Shahar Peer of Israel in the quarter-finals of the ladies' doubles, 7-6 (7-5), 6- 4. They have yet to lose a set at this year's Championships.

Whilst tennis legend Martina needs no introduction, her 20-year-old doubles partner Groenefeld is less widely acclaimed. The 5ft 11in German has a powerful game and makes good use of her long reach. Her ground strokes today were almost invariably flighted or powered to skim the nets and bounce low, making it very difficult for an effective return. Navratilova focused her game on deft touches and intercepts at the net.

The unseeded Douchevina and Peer put out the 17th seeds Els Callens of Belgium and the Swiss Emmanuelle Gagliardi in the previous round. Vera Douchevina was the 2002 Junior Wimbledon singles champion, where she defeated compatriot Maria Sharapova in the final. Most recently, she was the runner-up at Eastbourne, losing to Kim Clijsters.

The Russian has formed a new partnership with fellow 18-year-old Shahar Peer of Israel. Peer played mixed doubles with Britain's Andy Murray at this Wimbledon, going out in the first round.

Navratilova and Groenefeld almost raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set, with Peer not really having a chance to settle. But just at this critical point, the Israeli proved her mettle by taking the next service game to love. This was the beginning of an impressive fightback by the Israeli/Russian pair.

Navratilova had a few jittery moments, conceding points on one or two uncharacteristic unforced errors. The crowd was enjoying a set that ebbed and flowed before culminating in a tie-break that was won by the eighth seeds.

The second set was another tightly fought, tense encounter, with Groenefeld's confidence and winning strokes growing as the match progressed. Both pairs increasingly forced their way to the net, displaying some sparkling, quick-fire rallies there. Navratilova and Groenefeld eventually won the telling break of the Peer serve, enabling Groenefeld to serve safely for the match.

Written by Sally Easton

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