The end of Federer?
BEIJING -- He shook James Blake’s hand after losing to him for the first time, having beaten him for years, and it was over Roger Federer. His Olympic hopes, his No. 1 ranking.
Rafael Nadal will finally, officially, pass Federer in the world rankings Monday.
Rafael Nadal will finally, officially, pass Federer in the world rankings Monday.
"I’m disappointed,” Federer said.
(AP)
"I’m disappointed,” Federer said.
Blake beat Federer 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) in the Olympics quarterfinal, Federer’s fourth loss in his past eight matches.
It’s over for Roger Federer? Did I just say that? A few weeks ago he was in the Wimbledon final, losing a classic match to Nadal that gave the game a signature moment resonating beyond the tennis world. It set up maybe the best rivalry in sports.
Now, Federer is questioning his practice schedule, his tournament schedule. I remember when the TV people, so desperate to find an imperfection, would point out if he had a hair out of place.
"When you lose maybe five matches (in) a year," he said, "it’s a different type of confidence you have."
It has been an amazing unraveling. Just 11 months ago, he was dominating the sport like no one before him. And this wasn’t a major, but all the best players came, and it was always set up for another classic Nadal-Federer final.
Earlier in the week, Federer held a press conference for the world’s media, and the place was packed and buzzing. He said he wasn’t staying in the Olympic Village because he had enjoyed the experience four years ago, but was too overwhelmed by autograph and photo requests from other athletes.
And he said this:"It’s the one tournament I based my year around."
Suddenly, Roger Federer is losing to everyone, no offense to Blake, who miraculously is two victories from becoming the dominant force in American tennis. Andy Roddick has lost it entirely, staying home and losing to some nobody. Even the Williams sisters were eliminated from the Olympics Thursday.
"I’m speechless," Blake said. "This is unbelievable. It’s not very often you get to say you beat the No. 1 player in the world any time, but to do it at the Olympics with `USA’ on your chest. . ."
He talked about taking inspiration from Michael Phelps, Dara Torres and other Americans. He’s staying in the village to feel a part of this.
Meanwhile, it’s over for Roger Federer. No, I can’t believe that. But it’s not just that he’s No. 2 now. He isn’t even able to reach the final to play Nadal, the match that would draw everyone’s interest.
Suddenly, he’s not holding up his end of the bargain.
And I wonder if he’s about to pull a Bjorn Borg on tennis. Just fighting off the rival _ in Borg’s case, John McEnroe _ and then, when the rival inches past, validating the rivalry, just disappearing.
The difference is, though, Federer loves this. He said he is inclined to fight to get his No. 1 back.
Someone asked Blake if he feels bad for Federer.
"I’m sure he’s flying home on his private jet and he’s doing OK for himself," Blake said. "(He) seems to have his family happy and healthy around him. And I think he’s still going probably to go down as the greatest of all time. I can’t cry myself to sleep over Roger Federer."
Federer can get this back, but he’s going to have to loosen up on the court, take more chances. And it’s a test of what’s inside to see whether he can regain his confidence.
He has remained classy, but also shown cracks personally, grumbling at being treated like yesterday’s news when he was only a few points from winning Wimbledon.
He doesn’t think it’s over, anyway.