Final Thoughts on the US Open Final 2009

This post was written by Ru-an on September 15, 2009
Posted Under: Uncategorized

First of all I want to thank you all for your touching comments that I got when I woke up today. It turns out I needed them because it seems like Roger’s loss really only sunk in today for me. When I wrote my last post I was really feeling positive, it wasn’t something I made up. But for some reason when I woke up today I felt kind of depressed or something. I guess it must be the fact that Roger lost, because I can’t imagine what else it could be. It’s strange because I wouldn’t have thought the fact that Roger lost could affect me in this way. Did any of you have similar feelings, or am I losing it? I guess Roger has become like a religion for me almost. I mean what this guy has done in tennis is just insanely good and he almost have a divine quality about him.

If tennis was a religion then Roger Federer would indeed be God! I guess it’s really a shock when Roger loses in a major because it hardly ever happens. Anyway there are some other things that I want to talk about here regarding yesterday’s final. There seems to be quite a bit of anger and disappointment among Fedfans about what happened with the line calls and the incident where Roger was arguing with the umpire. I didn’t mention it in my previous post because I didn’t think it had any bearing on the outcome of the match, and if you read the interview with Roger after the match you will see that Roger agrees with me. Roger is too professional to let something like that come between him and a grand slam title.

Some fans seem to be mad at the umpire while others seem to be disappointed in the manner Roger handled the situation. I am neither of those. I think the fact that the umpire told Roger to keep quiet was totally uncalled for and that Roger had every right to reply the way he did. It’s not like he told the umpire he would kill him. Ahem. People need to realize this is professional sport and not church first of all. These kind of incidents happen and it is acceptable within certain bounds. Serena Williams went outside of those bounds when she told a line judge she would kill her. Roger was within those bounds when he told the umpire “don’t tell me the fucking rules”‘. I think it’s naive of people to think that the f word does not get used in professional sport all the time.

It’s not Roger’s fault that the microphone picked up what he said, he was just doing his job. The umpire told him to be qiuet which was uncalled for as well, especially after Delpo was given so much time to challenge the call. As far as I’m concerned the players should decide if they want to challenge or not. All this dragging out of the process does not help. There doesn’t even seem to be a clear rule about this issue in which case Roger’s words to the umpire was even more justified. By the way as I’m writing this post, ESPN is showing a rerun of the match and I just found out that Roger lost his serve at 5-4 in the second set and not 5-3 like I said in my previous post. You should tell me when I make mistakes like these because it can happen from time to time.

Entertaining

Anyway it didn’t make much of a difference because either way Roger lost his serve which pretty much cost him the match. Roger won the first two points to go up 30-0 in that game. So there he was pretty much two points away from the match. Then he made one unforced error and at 30-15 Delpo hit that lob over his head after a drop shot from Roger. At 30-30 Delpo hit two amazing passing shots down the line, the first one of which was called out, and after Delpo challenged the call it showed that it clipped the line. This is how small the margins are in a match like this. Anyway I think those two forehand passes from Delpo is what changed the match for him. It was two incredible shots in a huge moment of the match and therefor he deserved to win the match.

If a guy hits two shots like that at such an important moment there isn’t much you can do. You just have to say too good. Then there is another issue which one of my readers mentioned which is Roger’s low first serve percentage. They believed that is what cost Roger to lose the match. I have talked about this in previous post already. I’ll just add here that if Delpo didn’t hit those two amazing forehands at 4-5 in the second set, then Roger’s first serve percentage would not have mattered. If Roger won those two points then he would have won the match. So the first serve percentage is not what cost him the match, but rather the fact that Delpo came up with the goods when it really mattered. Sure his serve could have helped him further on in the match, but there was also a reason why he missed many first serves.

As the match dragged on Delpo was putting more and more pressure on Roger in base line rallies and that put pressure on his first serve. The same thing happened in the Asutralian Open against Rafa, so it’s not a coincidence. Against Roddick at Wimbledon R0ger’s serve was much better because Roddick is not the same caliber returner and player from the ground that Delpo and Rafa is. It’s much easier to come up with those first serves when the pressure is less. To come back to the incident where Roger argued with the umpire, personally I like to see that kind of thing from time to time. It actually makes the sport more interesting for me. But there comes a point where people go to far, like when Serena Williams threatened to kill a line judge.

That is just unacceptable and she deserves to be banned from tennis for that. The commentators at ESPN said she should not have been allowed to play mixed doubles in the final and I fully agree with that. What kind of message does that send? That it’s OK to threaten someones life in tennis? If people want to bitch about someones behaviour then bitch about that. And since when does an umpire tell a player to keep quiet, especially an ambassador for the sport like Roger Federer? Don’t get me started…

Ps. I just saw that Roger was two points away from the win at 5-4 and 30-15 on Delpo’s serve in the fourth set. Del Potro then came up with an unreturnable serve, an ace and a huge forehand winner after a long rally to win the game. Again it proves that Delpo deserved to win this match and that there is really no reason to feel bad about this loss for Roger. Again I want to thank you for being such loyal followers of my blog and helping me to feel better about this loss ;)

Reader Comments

Paul

Allez! It sets him up nicely for the Calendar slam next year, 7 slams in a row would be too much. :)   

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Exactly, he needs this too motivate him for the CYGS :)   

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#1 
Written By Paul on September 15th, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
Paul

Also your bar at the top says

W W SF SF W W W RU W W W RU W W SF RU RU W RU W W F

Change the RU’s to F or your F to RU, that’s annnoying! I’m pedantic like that, sorry :)   

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Thanks for pointing that out. Fixed ;)   

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#2 
Written By Paul on September 15th, 2009 @ 9:32 pm
Dolores

I have a question, Ru-an, hope it is okay for me to ask.
In your previous blog before the US Open Final, you recommended that Roger come to the net more often and not carry on long rallies with Delpo as this is where he would not win. Roger started out doing so, coming to the net, and did so well in the first set, but then as the match went on he practically omitted coming to the net. Do you think that this also was a big factor in his loss? Will appreciate your answer. Thank you.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

No problem Dolores, good question. I think it could have been a factor because it seems when Roger starts feeling the pressure he falls back to the base line. But again if he had won the two points in the second and fouth sets he would have won, and those points had nothing to do with coming to the net. In fact he did come to the net at 5-4 in the second set when he got passed on both occasions. In the fourth set Delpo served two unreturnable serves so again it was not about going to the net.  

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#3 
Written By Dolores on September 15th, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
Cristina

Hi Ru-an,just wanted to let you know that I too feel really sad today after the loss. I really thought that if Roger met del Potro in the final it would mean a 6th US Open, but del Potro really proved to everyone that he is a great player. After winning so comfortably against Nadal in the semifinals and being so close to winning in the French Open semifinal he really had to feel like he had the game to beat anyone. I mean i was really sad yesterday after the match ended because i wanted to see Roger lift the US Open trophy for the 6th time but I think what helps us fans feel better is that he felt great even though he didn’t win ,he had a great summer winning the French and Wimbledon, and in his personal life as well, getting married and having twin girls. Hopefully next year will be just as great, because I do feel like he is playing really well and he is confident in his game. I just wanna say that I enjoy reading your post, you really give us insights into the game. Thanks.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Thanks Cristina :D You pretty much summed up my feelings as well. I also think Roger is still playing very well. The future looks bright.  

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#4 
Written By Cristina on September 15th, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Gemma

Ruan,

Just wanted to say I felt exactly the same as you this morning, totally bummed.

With regard to Federer’s “tirade”, what Roger said was “I don’t give a S—- what he said”. From several reports I read he did not use the F— word at all. Just thought I would mention it.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Well good to hear im not the only one. As for the F word, if you watch the video i posted you will see he used it as well as the S word.  

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#5 
Written By Gemma on September 15th, 2009 @ 10:18 pm
whynotme

Hey Ru-an !

It’s been a long time since I started reading your blog but I never made a comment, I thought this might be the right time to do so since it seems we Fedfans really need some emotion sharing and cheering up !

Actually you’re not the only one who woke up totally depressed this morning, personnally I hadn’t even the will to get off my bed so I stayed in it until around 3pm, trying to sleep so that it could prevent me from thinking about the loss ! Then I decided to finally get up and to do as many things as I could do that had nothing to do with tennis to try to think about something else. Then when I finally felt I had the courage to do so, I went on the internet to read all kinds of articles and posts on the final, to try to “digest” it. And finally I watched Roger’s press conference, and he was so much relaxed, smiley and gracious in defeat that I suddenly realised that there was no need at all to feel bad about that. Since then, I feel much better ! The music “World’s greatest” also helped me a lot :p

As for the “chat” with the umpire, I watched the video time and time angain, and it made me laugh out loud everytime ! He’s so funny when he gets pissed :D Plus, he was absolutely right so nothing wrong about it. And you forgot another incident, when Del Potro pretended he was not ready to receive, right AFTER Fed hit an ace ! This one really pissed me off, but anyway, that was not a turning point so no big deal.

I just would like to thank you for all your posts, especially the one from yesterday because it really cheered me up. And it’s always nice to see that we are not alone in our crazy passion because sometimes my friends really wonder if I’m totally nuts :p

Sorry for the mistakes, I’m French and I don’t speak English fluently unlike you :D   

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Your welcome! :D You said it well ‘crazy passion’. Im sure people wonder if im nuts too and a few have said it, but i think its great that i have you guys to connect with and share this passion. I have big plans for the future of this blog :D   

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#6 
Written By whynotme on September 15th, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
Denise

Here on satalite radio, which actually talks about tennis from time to time, Patrick Mcenroe of ESPN and the commentator agreed that this was a comfortable loss for Roger. He didn’t succumb to Nadal, Murray, or Nole, he’d be very upset, but with his relaxed manner, I feel that he will come back stronger than before.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Calender year grand slam 2010 ;)   

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#7 
Written By Denise on September 15th, 2009 @ 11:57 pm
Veronica

Thanks Ru-an for your final thoughts. I watched the match again as I recorded it and I was more able to really see how Roger lost; whereas when watching live, I get so nervous and just want him to win, I’m not exactly watching tennis at all! I agree with outburst of Roger. He has a point. The foul words were “properly” used although he could have been more controlled but still excusable. Many players have used it less “properly”. Roger was arguing on a legitimate issue whereas Serena was just angry and cursing at the linesman! There’s a difference! Media likes to make big out of this as excuse to criticise perfect Roger. You are right again, Ru-an, there was nothing Roger could do to wrap up the 4th set but if he had, he would have won – that set was the turning point. What I am dissatisfied with Roger was how lame he was in the 5th. It was like he has given up. I know Delpo was getting better and better but did Roger step up? It wasn’t like it was the end of the world. The chances of either of them winning the 5th was 50/50 as far as I am concerned. But Roger was already playing like a loser. If he had tapped once more into his genius in the last set and be more determined (like Nadal – never say die until the last point is won. This you can count on about Nadal. He truly fights 100 percent eventhough he has zero chance against an opponent) No matter how good Delpo was, Roger just didn’t fight hard enough, that is my conclusion. Roger played brilliantly but it was in bursts. This doesn’t mean Delpo does not deserve to win. But if only Roger had fought harder, it might have been a different outcome. Do you agree with me? Delpo replaces Nadal now as the player with all the goods to upset Roger – both sides of the hands are strong, he has the height to destroy balls, the serve, the consistency, the fighting spirit. Nadal never had a good serve and that was a hole for Roger. Delpo has no holes except maybe fitness if he is playing too many matches/sets. Whenever Roger lost a match, his usual reasons were, “I didn’t use the opportunity when it came, you lose some, you win some, I think I played well but he played better, you get unlucky, etc etc.” And I have never seen him say that he needs to improve or work on his game. Arrogance would kill our dear Roger. As they say, “Roger lost to Roger”. He has all the talents, all the skills, it is such a waste if he rest on his laurels now and think there can be nothing more he can improve on. You hear Nadal, even big-mouth Murray and dear humble Delpo saying it all the time that they need to improve. But not Roger. No other player can play like Roger does. No other player has a game like his. He should be so aware of this and so treasure this gift of his and makes sure he takes care of this gift by seeking to improve all the time and make sure he is on top of his game and on top of everybody. Players are getting better nowadays. Roger needs to get better too instead of living in the past and thinks he can still get away with his genius. Even genius needs working on! And the lack of fighting spirit! Run and save one more ball, please, Roger!!! When he is on top of his game, he is like a lion but the moment he senses the opponent is better than him, he becomes lame. He finds it very difficult nowadays to close up games, to convert break points. Look at all the break points against Delpo he couldn’t convert. He needs a coach for this. I love Roger and this is not criticism. I am just so sad that if he doesn’t wake up, it maybe too late because he is not getting younger while others are getting younger and stronger. He should throw in his whole body, soul and spirit into the next 2 years and give it all he can (with permission of Mirka and the twins of course!) and then retire gloriously on top of his game! If he can humble himself and really work on improving his game, his strokes, his mind set (!) he can sweep the four grand slams in the next 1 or 2 years, I am very sure of that; because at this moment in time, he is still above all the rest and has an answer to every player which NO OTHER player has – but ie only if he improve on himself and takes himself a step higher in Godliness! Lol! The thing is he should not lose his confidence. Believe that he is good but not be satisfied with good and seek to continually improve. Is there any way we fans can show love, support or concern for Roger and get this loving message to him, Ru-an? I am so sad to think of all that genius being stagnant. What do you think? After saying all that, I am not saying Roger didn’t step up. This year he has stepped up and come back courageously and won 2 grand slams and beating all the players that he couldn’t beat before. I’m just saying he needs to be constantly watching the players and continue to improve and not think he has reached a point where there doesn’t need further improvement. Delpo is a wake-up call. Next year would be very interesting and it is any players territory. It has become more open now. Roger, the genius, must once again rise above them all!  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

I dont agree with you about the fighting, i think you are a bit harsh. Roger did everything he could even in the fifth set but Delpo was too good. I think there must come a point where you give the other guy credit for being too good. I dont think Roger could have played much better, it was really just touch and go. I mean Roger is a genius but he is not God and he can’t win every match forever. Thats taking it a bit too far. Lets give the guy a break, he is human after all ;)   

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#8 
Written By Veronica on September 16th, 2009 @ 1:37 am
Dippy

After a good night sleep, I woke feeling a whole lot better though a few things that is not right and I need to get it off my chest and wounded heart (ughh still sad over Roger’s loss)

1. Umpires: very bad job at officiating matches, umpire did not step in when Serena started to wave her racquet at the line judge after FF. She should have stopped Serena immediately and keep her in check. Why wait till the lines judge ran for her life to the umpire on then only decided to take action.

2. Hawk-eye: I love this technology but players should not ask umpire if the ball is in or out. Isn’t that why each player has 3 challenges. Just make it a rule not to ask umpire each time when they want challenge. It would not irritate other player – exhibit A, Roger arguing with umpire yesterday. Its a stupid question to ask umpire anyways, if in doubt just challenge it.

3. Like American football or basketball, perhaps have secondary umpire in case the lead umpire is in doubt or sleeping on their job. Just communicate via walkie or something for quick consultation.

Before anyone jump on me, just let me go about my rant. It sounds radical and perhaps silly but at least it keep all players honest(I think). I am tired of reading comments about Roger’s cussing (I’m on side Roger’s side coz the ump really deserves it) which again media is playing it out of portion here. Best part they are comparing it with Serena’s daytime soap drama, which I will immediately stop visiting those sites.  

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#9 
Written By Dippy on September 16th, 2009 @ 1:50 am
Mel

Hey Ru-an,

Whenever I feel sad about something that’s happened to Roger, I just come to your blog and I feel so much better. I want to thank you for that. You’re one of the best Fedfans out there and your blog is a real joy to read. I feel the same way you do about Rog losing the USO to Del Potro: a mixture of regret for Rog but happiness for one of the sweetest, most respectful, talented young stars out there. Some sample quotes from Del Potro: “I have two dreams: to win the US Open, and to be like Roger. I have done the first; the second will take many more years.” Also, when asked what he would buy with his 1.85M in prize money: “I don’t know. Maybe a cheesecake for my birthday.”

Now, how can anyone begrudge this adorable young man anything? I’m a fan of Roger’s first, but Del Potro’s second. And I really think this is the second best possible outcome. So glad it wasn’t Rafa completing the career slam! *whew* So, positive vibes all around! Can’t wait for AO 2010!

P.S. About Roger bawling out the umpire: the guy totally deserved it, he was being unfair. Every player has argued with the officials at some point in their life. Djokovic just did it during his semifinal against Roger! The important thing is Roger collected himself afterwards and went on doing his job. Good for him.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Thanks for this great comment, it was really nice to read and you are always welcome! :D Loved the cheesecake part.  

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#10 
Written By Mel on September 16th, 2009 @ 2:09 am
Cloe

Thank you for you for your blog Ruan. Being a ‘crazy’ Federer fan myself I was consoled to read your post today after this loss and also woke up feeling very much ‘down’. I could hardly watch the match myself and still can’t understand why I get so emotionally involved . . . It’s like time stands still and sometimes all I can do is check the live scores and pace up and down adding some prayers! My friends tease me a lot about this and offer me their condolences when Fed loses. I guess we all went through so much when he seemed to ‘slump’ and never lost faith when the media and people said he was ‘finished’ or some such rhetoric, and it seemed, even happy that this was so! We were so proud of him and happy for him as he proved them wrong. A 6th US Open title would have been so wonderful, but… I guess it wasn’t to be. But here we can all commiserate or cheer together and I will add my voice to all the fans who await the future with hope.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

I think we can all identify with you as a fan. I think Roger must have the coolest and most loyal fans of all, and deservedly so!  

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#11 
Written By Cloe on September 16th, 2009 @ 2:17 am
Paul

Hey Ruan, remember Federer is playing Davis cup this weekend against Italy. With the GOAT and Wawrink playing, and the fact Italy have no one of any real note, this should be an easy win for the Swiss and a good easy best of 5 match for Roger to get over his loss.

You doing a preview for it?  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

I dont know if there is much to preview but i will make a post about it some time. Its good to hear he will be in action. Dude im low on energy today :(   

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Paul

Paul Reply:

Do you have MS excel? if you do I will e-mail you a nice sheet I’ve made showing that Roger is alomst certain to get year end number one.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

No i dont have MS excel :( But i know that Roger is almost certain to be year end nr 1 :)   

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#12 
Written By Paul on September 16th, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
ines

Thanks Ru-an for your supporting words,I was missing your blog but I haven´t internet not even cablevision,at least I couldn´t watch on TV Delpo´s life an other stupid things..I´M STILL FRUSTRATED AND IN YOUR BLOG i find support,you know people said”it´s not the end of the world”, they don´t understand what an idol real means…
Delpo is a King in my country, here there are no many things to be happy, economy, corruption…and now he will be received by our unclasless president, they are going to use this poor guy…
I know this lost in Roger¨s career was just a small bump and it takes nothing away from the achievements he´s had so far.I know this but I want him to win everytime.Life can not be so perfect, it´s normal to make up for the dream but it hurts.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

I know what you mean Ines. I also want Roger to win everytime and if when he doesn’t life sucks :( But like you said this is no big deal and he had an awesome year, much better than we expected! This is a minor!  

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#13 
Written By ines on September 16th, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
Hope

Dear Ruan
Has it occurred to you that perhaps Roger really didn’t want to win that match? That he was secretly trying to bring Del Potro into the match and hoping Delpo could come up with a win?
I can’t help but feel Roger wanted Del Potro to win to rub it into Murray’s and Djokovic’s faces that what they could NOT do, Delpo did. Roger was happy for the boy and said his joy at winning reminded him of his first win at Wimbledon.
I believe Roger only loses matches he does NOT want to win. And Del Potro could NOT have won that match without a little help from Roger. The boy hero worships Roger and is probably his NO 1 fan.
I think we should look at this loss without passion. Roger doesn’t want to win everything. I believe this loss gives him the motivation to go for the Grand Slam next year. I know he will win in Australia, France and Wimbledon next year. I wasn’t sure of the US Open before now. Now I am sure he will win it.
I’ve always believed Roger will win at least 23 GSs!
As for the umpire, he should not be allowed to oversee a match that big. He will probably be demoted. He made too many errors and Roger had every right to tell him not to shut him up. The cheek of the man!  

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irock

irock Reply:

Hey hope.one thing i want to ask you did federer want to lose oz or wimby to rafa.It was just that roger wasn’t so good that time .that was a temporary Slump in form due to Mono and Back.Wee saw him taking french and Wimbeldon.As i see in US open federer’s first serve let him down.and del potro took advantage of that .And also as Ruan mentioned Federer was two points away from The title.It was the excellent shotplay at the crucial moments that allowed Delp to win
And why would Roger try to snub Murrya and Djoker by losing himself.Anyway i also think fed will win about 20 GS titles.No offence  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

No that hasnt occured to me because in my opinion Roger would never lose a match of that importance on purpose, nor would he any other match. But if it makes you feel better you are welcome to believe that :)   

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#14 
Written By Hope on September 21st, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Hope

Dear Ruan and Irock
I did not mean that Roger lost the match on purpose, I meant that he did not have the killer instincts that he normally displays in finals on Monday. That gave me the impression that he did not mind NOT winning the match. That is different from wanting desperately to win – like Wimbledon or French or even the Aus and last year Wimbledon.
If he had been playing Murray or Djokovic, he would NEVER lose concentration at the vital stages. Roger served 11 double faults – when did he EVER do that? Double faulting is a sign of lack of concentration or some injury. Perhaps his legs and arms were already hurting.
Roger did not purposely lose that match, he was simply not that determined to win it. I record all his matches and I have watched that match twice. He had all the chances to win but did not take them. I don’t think Del Potro could have won that match without a little help from Roger.
Perhaps we should put the loss to Divine Intervention, rather than Roger losing or Del Potro winning. At the end of the day, it does not make sense – that loss.
However, I agree with you, that loss will have no bearing on Roger’s future wins at GSs. As far as he is concerned, the match is over and he looks forward to the next GS, which I am sure he will win.  

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Ru-an

Ru-an Reply:

Well that makes more sense than what you said before. I now see what you mean, that if he played Murray or Djokovic he would have had a better killer insyinct than against Delpo. I think that is true, but its not like Roger didnt really want to win this. I just think he became over confident or something. I dont realy want to entertain the possibility that it was ok for him to lose against Delpo, cos that would mean that he is losing some of his drive and that he wont be doing as well in the slams in teh future. Could it be some kind of sub conscious thing where he felt he has achieved all his main goals now and he is now becoming a father. I dont know. I dont think so though.  

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#15 
Written By Hope on September 22nd, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Hope

Yes Ruan
I think perhaps it is a subconscious feeling. Not that he had achieved all that he wants but that he feels somehow people would like to see someone else win for a change. I believe the crowd was on Del Potro’s side as I am told the Wimbledon crowd was on Roddick’s. I believe Roger felt the crowd did not want him to win even though they love him. Somehow I feel that made him make less of an effort to go for the win and because he likes Del Potro, he did not mind the loss. (He would never have been so generous against Murray or Djokovic, Nadal has become a non-contestant in my opinion. And all his talk of injury really does not wash.
But I think now Del Potro is saying too much – wanting to be No 1, wanting to win the masters in London etc – Roger will be ready for him next time. No more gifts! Losing that match took nothing away from Roger’s greatness. I have no doubt he will keep winning GSs.
I believe Roger loses only when he doesn’t care to win.  

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#16 
Written By Hope on September 22nd, 2009 @ 1:47 pm

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