The Friday Five: Pre-Mature Death Bells For Federer

Roger Federer is still the king

By Maud Watson

Return of the King – It seems like only yesterday a sobbing Australian Open finalist Roger Federer had the critics convinced that his star was fading fast.  But after an amazing summer that saw him complete the career Grand Slam as well as break Pete Sampras’ record for most Grand Slam singles titles, it is evident the death knells on Federer’s career were premature.  Today, Federer’s star couldn’t be shining brighter, as with his three-set win over home favorite Andy Murray in the round robin competition of the ATP World Tour Finals, Federer became just the second man since Ivan Lendl to regain the year-end No. 1 ranking. So while Federer himself has declared he’s in the second half of his career, and although he is 5-6 years older than his fiercest competition, there’s no doubt that the Swiss maestro is still the man to beat.

Surprising Swede – Another player who is also enjoying himself at the ATP World Tour Finals is Swede Robin Soderling, who is making his premiere appearance in London thanks to the withdrawal of Andy Roddick through injury. Soderling has made the most of this golden opportunity, taking out both world No. 2 Rafael Nadal and world No. 3 Novak Djokovic in successive straight-set matches.  His dominant victories have made him the first player to qualify for the semifinals.

On the Mend – American Andy Roddick was spotted in the audience at the O2 Arena and was greeted by thunderous applause.  The American admits he’s envious of his fellow peers who are out there competing, but he does have some positive news. His knee is healing quicker than anticipated, and the doctor has given him the green light to start hitting the courts. Not only is the American optimistic of starting the New Year off right, but he’s also doing some serious talking about playing the 2012 Olympic Games. Roddick opted to sit out the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, but with his booming serve and the tennis competition of the 2012 London Games slated to be held at the All England Club, who could blame Roddick for relishing the opportunity to go for Olympic glory on those hallowed lawns?

He’s Ba-ack…Maybe – Remember that Spanish guy named Carlos Moya? It turns out that he hasn’t officially retired. Having recovered from surgery, the former world No. 1 is looking to play an exhibition in Buenos Aires in December. One of the most popular players on the tour, fans from all over the world will have high hopes that Moya will be able to put together another good year or two before hanging up the racquet.

Clothes Make the Man – While it was announced earlier this week that Andy Roddick was sticking with his current clothing sponsor Lacoste, Novak Djokovic has opted to switch from Adidas to Sergio Tacchini. It is a ten-year deal that Djokovic is eager to embark on, stating he is happy to join the Italian clothing company that once sponsored his idols John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. The Tacchini team must also be happy with the Djokovic catch, as currently the biggest names that wear the apparel are Tommy Robredo and Ivo Karlovic, and the last man to win a major while wearing the Sergio Tacchini duds was Juan Carlos Ferrero at the 2003 Roland Garros Championships.