The Year in Review

I was pumped!  Roger’s 2009 schedule came out in November of 2008 and he was scheduled to play the Davis Cup in the US.  I was preparing my tennis schedule and was planning on going to the Davis Cup since it was in the US, Indian Wells for the first time, the usual trip to Miami and Cincinnati, the US Open, and potentially Shanghai with my parents.  I couldn’t wait for it to start.

The Davis Cup venue is announced to be in Birmingham which is perfect – driving distance from my home in Atlanta.  I purchase tickets during the pre-sale and the seats are in a great location.  February comes around but I hear some bad news: Roger has decided to withdraw to rest his back so he can have a strong 2009 season.  I contemplate still going since I am a tennis fan, not only a fan of Roger, but decide to save my money and vacation time for potentially another tournament.  I sell my tickets for a little less than what I paid for it, fortunate to not have lost too much.  Oh well, I’ll just have to wait another week for Indian Wells to see Roger play.

The time passes by and finally…Indian Wells has arrived!  As the week progresses, I am having a blast.  I see Roger practice every day, talk to him briefly after his practices, and have great seats for his matches (even catching a doubles match of Roger and his buddy Yves Allegro against the Bryan Brothers).  I buy some tickets that are practically in his box and watching the matches here is an amazing experience.  When Roger hits some big shots or wins important points, he looks at his box and pumps his fist.  Since you are so close, you feel that he is directing his fist pumps right at you as you cheer him on.  The best part of sitting here was making friends with a nice lady sitting in the first row who introduced me to a tennis editor.

Before his quarterfinals match, I even joke to him after one of his practices: “Roger, I might need you to give me a ride to Miami, the plane ticket prices out of California are ridiculous!”  He smiles and asks me if I am going straight there and I reply “No, I have to show my face at work at least one day.  I have been here for almost two weeks!”  He smiles again and replies “I know, I have seen you here every day!”  He plays fairly well during the tournament, battling Verdasco and Gonzales before Andy Murray eliminates him in the semifinals.  Although he has not completely found his top form, there is optimism that he will do well in Miami.

A few days later, I find myself in a Miami practice court.  Roger finishes his first practice and as he is signing autographs, I tell him, “Hey Roger, how are you?  Long time no see!”  He glances at me, smiling, and says “Yeah, right” and laughs.

Roger comfortably disposes of his first few opponents before facing Roddick in a night match.  He wins the first set easy, but loses it late in the second set.  I remember Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter talking trash to him and Roger telling him to shut up.  I am taken back at first but realize Porter is cheering between points, trying to pump up the crowd before a player is about to serve, and yelling obscenities at Roger.  His lacking knowledge of tennis etiquette is clear throughout the match.  The third set is tight and Roger breaks late after being down 0-40 to win the third set at 6-4.  Roger celebrates his victory and after his interview, hits three tennis balls in the crowd.  I am fortunate to catch one of them, thrilled to be so lucky.  As I secure the ball in my hand, I let out a huge scream of delight!  My friends around me crack up at the sight of me being so happy and acting like a little kid.

Roger’s next opponent is Djokovic in the semifinals.  Roger wins the first set comfortably at 6-3 but suddenly the wind picks up.  His footwork suddenly is a little off and he is not hitting the ball cleanly.  Djokovic is simply hitting balls in play, waiting for Roger’s error to give him the point.  After Roger hits a routine forehand in the net, he smashes his racket at the ground.  I gasp in surprise and do not really know what to do.  The entire crowd is stunned and after he walks to his bag and gets another racket, the crowd cheers hard for him.  Roger is frustrated and loses in three sets.

I leave to the player’s exit with a few fans and we see his coach, Severin Luthi, get the car ready.  He stops the car in line with me and since his window is down, I call his name and tell him “You’re doing a good job, good luck in Wimbledon and the French Open.”  He smiles, waves, and thanks me.  Roger appears shortly after, signing a few autographs before entering the car and driving off.  Roger looks a bit sad and I feel for him.  Next time I will see him will most likely be in Cincy in August.

The French Open comes around and Nadal surprisingly loses to Soderling.  It seems like it is Roger’s tournament to lose and he comes close twice!  He was down a few times and almost seemed out, but he fought back each time.  He is down two sets to Haas and is facing a break point.  If Haas can break, he will be serving for the match.  Roger hits a good serve and after a weak return, Roger crushes an inside-out forehand that barely catches the line.  This energizes him and he holds, breaks the next game, and cruises to victory.  He is due to play Del Potro in the semifinals.

I look at the other side of the draw and put things into perspective.  If Roger beats Del Potro, he would have a good chance to win his French Open trophy for the first time in his career.  He had amazing records against all his potential opponents.  Knowing how much this title would mean to Roger and knowing how much of an honor it would be to watch him complete his career Grand Slam, I convince myself to make the effort to go.  I pack my things and take them to work, hoping he has an easy victory over Del Potro.  He somehow survives the match, barely getting a spot in the finals.  After my friend that has a buddy pass falls through, I end up using my airline miles to fly to Paris.  I arrive Sunday morning to Paris, ticketless, and purchase a lower level corner seat from a scalper outside Roland Garros.

As soon as I enter the grounds, I run into Roger’s father and best friend.  I ask Mr. Federer how he is doing and he responds “Not so good.”  I figure he is nervous but realize later that he was sick and went home.  I see Roger practice before the final on the main court and witness Roger play possibly the most determined match of his career.  Although Soderling is playing great tennis, Roger will not be denied on this day.  Roger is outplaying Soderling and when things appear to possibly get close with a tiebreaker in the second set (which Roger wins 7-1 by essentially playing a perfect tiebreaker), Roger is one set away from his career Grand Slam!

After Roger converts an early break in the third set, he serves for the match.  On match point, he hits a solid serve which Soderling returns into the net.  Roger falls to his knees, filled with tears of joy.  I look at his box and they are all celebrating with each other.  It is a nice sight to see.

I meet with some fans and catch Roger on his way out of the stadium four hours later.  I usually try and get an autograph when he is signing for other fans, but I extend my hand.  As he is signing, I ask Roger “Can I shake your hand Roger?”  He shifts the sharpie from his right hand to his left hand and shakes my hand, looking up to see whose hand he is shaking.  As I tell him “Congratulations Roger!” he smiles at me (possibly recognizing me) and thanks me.  Definitely icing on the cake for me!  #14 is done!

Next big tournament is Wimbledon.  Roger coasts through and since Nadal has withdrawn, I am bummed that I will not be able to get a chance to watch Roger potentially win #15.  Murray, a hometown favorite is playing Roddick and I do not think Roddick has much of a chance.  Ticket prices are through the roof since Murray is British and I simply cannot afford it.  As the Murray-Roddick match takes place, I follow it online and surprisingly Roddick is leading.  I make a crazy bet with myself that if Roddick wins, I will fly to London.  As Roddick completes the victory, I am not even prepared!

I call a friend in London asking if I can stay with her, and get ready.  I am not sure how I did it, but I managed to shower, pack, buy my airplane ticket, go to the bank, drive to the airport, and go through security within 2 hours!

I am unable to find a ticket to the match and decide to take money to the grounds in case somebody has an extra ticket or wants to sell their ticket.  I have no luck as match time gets closer and closer.  I see Justin Gimelstob and greet him, explaining my circumstance.  I notice fewer and fewer fans entering the stadium and as the ticket gates close, it sinks in.  I sit by a nearby bench outside the stadium feeling completely devastated.  I had to buy an expensive last minute airplane ticket, flew almost ten hours, and I was literally a few feet away from the final.  I could hear the crowd cheering but see nothing.

I realize I would eventually have to get up and watch the match with friends on Henman Hill.  Bummed at the situation, I sink my head down and try not to give up.  I look up and see Justin Gimelstob walking right at me.  He tells me he has an extra ticket, offers it to me for free, and we enter Center Court.  He walks me to my seat but the usher does not let me sit in the seat since I am not an All England Club member.  I am frustrated and thank Justin for trying.  He even jokes to the usher, “C’mon, this is Roger’s #1 fan, he flew all the way from the US!  You have to let him in!”  Since the usher does not change her mind, he gives me his ticket and I head to his seat and he sits in the All England Club area.  As I walk down, I cannot believe it – it is one row behind the player’s boxes!

I watch the end of the first set, and although Roger loses, I do not lose hope.  This is my first trip to Wimbledon and I feel the atmosphere is a bit strange.  I feel like I cannot cheer because it would not be proper.  However, after Roger comes back from a 6-2 deficit in the tiebreaker in the second set, I lose it!  After both players split the next two sets, the marathon fifth set begins.  The last set is amazing and I get tense after Roger saves two break points by hitting a good serve and a tougher-than-it-looks swinging volley.   After Roger wins the match on a Roddick shank, I feel extremely lucky and honored to witness #15!

I meet with some fans and although we wait a long time for Roger, he drives out without stopping.  Since the match went so late and he had so many interviews after breaking the record, and the Champions Dinner to attend, he didn’t have time to stop.  He explained this in person a week later to the same fans that were waiting while he was honored in his hometown for being an outstanding citizen!  Maybe a little disappointed to not congratulate him, but very content to witness him achieve #15!

The next tournament on my list is Cincinnati.  I am fortunate to not only get a media pass, but have my parents visit me to also watch the tournament.  Roger beat his first few opponents and suffered a scare against David Ferrer when he is down a break in the third set.  He then plays Andy Murray in the semifinals.  Murray had his number the last few times they had played, but Roger prevails by playing great tennis.  He wins the second set tiebreaker, 10-8, advancing to the finals.  I overcame my nerves and at his press conference, I managed to ask Roger if he preferred to play Nadal or Djokovic in the finals.  He chooses his friend Nadal, but unfortunately Djokovic beats Nadal in straight sets.

Roger plays great in the final.  He breezes through the first set and all he needs is a single break in the second set to secure the tournament championship.  Things are looking great for the US Open…Roger is playing close to his best tennis and he always has success at the US Open.

The US Open arrives soon after and I decide to stay at the tournament as long as Roger is playing.  Roger’s first few matches are easy, straight set wins.  Against Soderling in the quarterfinals, things become a little interesting.  Roger starts the match on fire as he bagels Soderling in the first set.  He is controlling the entire match, his arsenal firing on all cylinders.  The second set is a little closer with Roger winning 6-3.  In the third set, Soderling seems to relax and begins firing winners from all over the court.  Soderling manages to survive the tiebreaker 8-6 and forces a fourth set.  Soderling’s play is improving and since Roger started the match at such a high level, his game has nowhere to go but down.  Soderling has a set point in the fourth set tiebreaker but Roger manages to save it.  Roger eventually pulls through to take the tiebreaker 8-6 and earn a trip to his 22^nd straight Grand Slam semifinal.

Roger’s next match is against Djokovic and it will simply be remembered by one shot – the shot.  With Roger leading 30-0 on Djokovic’s serve, he is two points away from reaching his sixth consecutive US Open final.  Djokovic serves and after a few shots, he tests Roger’s quickness by hitting a drop shot.  Roger makes it to the net and flips it over, leaving the entire baseline open for a lob.  Djokovic hits a nice lob just inside the line which Roger hustles to, firing a tweener through his legs for a winner!  Roger jumps for joy and lets out a big scream to the left side of the crowd.  The replay is shown many times in the stadium as the fans appreciate the spectacular shot.  Even Roger’s mild-mannered father jumps out of his seat in amazement!  Djokovic has a wily look on his face, shaking his head in amazement, as he walks back to serve.  Roger takes the match soon after, and although he does not play his best match, he does enough to earn a spot in the finals.

Roger is facing Juan Martin Del Potro in the finals on Monday since bad weather causes a delay in play.  As the match begins, Roger appears determined and comfortable while Del Potro seems a little bit nervous playing in his first Grand Slam final.  Roger takes the first set 6-3 as he is moving Del Potro all over the court and bringing him in with his backhand slice.  The second set is a different story as it goes into a tiebreaker.  Del Potro hit some big shots and finds his forehand groove as he is crushing forehand winners in the corners to tie the match at 1-1.

Roger wins the third set as Del Potro once again shows his nerves by double faulting the set away down 4-5.  With Roger up two sets to one, it looks promising.  However, Del Potro forces a fourth set tiebreaker and instead of playing tight, he is relaxed and controlling most of the points.  Roger’s first serve percentage is declining quickly and his footwork is beginning to be a little bit off.  Del Potro takes the fourth set and at this point, the majority of the crowd is on his side.

The match is shifting and as the fifth set starts, Del Potro is firing winners and Roger moves as if he is tired.  Roger is struggling with his serve and seems to be overwhelmed with Del Potro.  The crowd and adrenaline are energizing Del Potro as he wins the final set 6-2.

The ATP World Finals are in London this year after previously being held in Shanghai.  Roger’s #1 ranking is on the line as Nadal could surpass Roger with a strong tournament.  Roger is in the group with Verdasco, Murray, and Del Potro while Nadal has Djokovic, Davydenko, and Soderling in his group.  I am confident Roger will maintain his year-end #1 ranking since the people Nadal is facing are people who have had recent success against him.

The first match against Verdasco is Roger’s easiest match on paper.  Verdasco comes out aggressively and takes the first set after breaking Roger in the first game.  Roger fights back in the second set, breaking Verdasco and running away with the match after a solid third set.  Roger is fortunate to squeak out a come from behind win against the Spaniard.

The next match is a highly anticipated match against Andy Murray.  A similar pattern emerges: Roger is broken early and loses the first set.  The last two sets is a complete turnaround as Roger easily claims victory with a 6-3, 6-1 score.  Roger has now fought back twice and won the third set in convincing fashion.

The next day, Roger accepts the year end #1 trophy before the morning singles match.  He is beaming and gives a nice acceptance speech, thanking his family and team for his success.  It is clear how much the trophy means to him.

His final round robin match is against Del Potro and in order to qualify for the playoff rounds, Roger has to win a set.  As the match begins, the pattern continues.  Roger is broken early and Del Potro takes the first set.  It reminds me of the latter part of the US Open match, which is not good.

The second set is close and the players enter a tiebreaker.  With Del Potro up a mini-break early on, Roger is in trouble.  Del Potro is up 5-3 in the tie breaker when Roger hits a short return off a serve.  Del Potro steps into the court and tries to drive the ball deep in the court, but fires the ball into the net.  Instead of being up 6-3 and on the brink of eliminating Roger from the playoffs, he keeps only a 5-4 lead.  Roger rattles off the next three points, claiming the second set by following in a drop shot and hitting a volley into the open court.  As he hits the shot, he understands he had secured his spot in the playoffs and fought his way back into the match.

Roger has his chances early on to break Del Potro but Del Potro saves the break points and breaks Roger.  After a few holds, Del Potro claims the final set 6-3.  Roger wanted to win, but he did enough to qualify for the playoffs

A tired Davydenko is Roger’s next opponent.  Roger holds easily by serving well and Davydenko saves two break points early in his first service game.  Davydenko lacks the confidence to beat Roger but takes advantage of a poor service game by Roger.  A surprising 6-2 set by Davydenko has the entire O2 arena in shock.

Roger claims the second set and as the third set is neck-to-neck, Roger is up 5-4 on Davydenko’s serve.  After a long rally, the crowd is hysterical after Roger hits a slice overhead in response to a Davydenko smash.  Davydenko is caught off guard at the net and dumps the volley into the net.  Although Roger is only two points away from winning the match, a few errors and good serving by Davydenko allow Davydenko to hold and eventually win the set 7-5.  Roger’s final match of the year is a little letdown since Roger is unable to win the tournament, but he accomplished his goal of ending the tournament: maintaining his #1 ranking.

I look back at the year and it has been amazing for Roger!  I witnessed Roger struggle early in the year in Indian Wells, searching for the high level of his game which he is capable of playing.  It continued in Miami against Djokovic in the semifinals when he obliterated his racket, unable to connect on his bread-and-butter forehands which he makes seem so routine.

With Nadal taking an early exit and Roger winning a few tight matches, Roger finally completed his career Grand Slam at Roland Garros.  It was nice to see him full of happiness, but also the relief of finally getting the monkey off his back.

He continued his hot streak into Wimbledon and broke Pete’s record of Grand Slam titles by outlasting Roddick in a marathon fifth setter.  He finished strong at the Cincinnati Masters by beating Murray in the Semifinals and Djokovic in the finals.

Although Roger lost in the finals of the US Open, he was able to once again reach another Grand Slam final.  He secured his #1 ranking with a good-enough showing at the London ATP finals, fighting back multiple times.

Before the 2009 season, if Roger was told he could only win two matches this year, I am confident he would have picked the French Open final and Wimbledon final.  Roger even made it to the finals in the other two Grand Slams, losing in the fifth set.  He may not have achieved a calendar Grand Slam, but he achieved a “Roger Slam” – French Open, Wimbledon, and two twin girls!

Looking back at 2009, it has been incredible.  I watched Roger play 78 sets at 7 tournaments, consisting of 28 matches, three of them Grand Slam Finals, and was lucky enough to witness #14 and #15 (in addition to #13 last year too).  It will be difficult to top 2009, but I am anxiously waiting for a great 2010 from Roger!

Topics: Bad News, Big Shots, Cheer, Cincinnati, Cup Venue, Davis Cup, Driving Distance, Fist, Having A Blast, Indian Wells, Parents, Plane Ticket Prices, Pumps, Quarterfinals, Shanghai, Tennis Fan, Tennis Schedule, Vacation Time, Year In Review, Yves Allegro

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