[article] Shameful Federer Betrayed Spirit of Sport

[bajana]

Just because someone has had back issues in 2003 doesn't mean he's been having back issues SINCE 2003.

True. In fact, I believe he was in fact dealing with it from even before 2003

 

[Kieran]

Wait! He had "back issues since before 2003"?

We're gonna need a source that tells us he also had back issues from 2004-2013, because I'm sure it's the first everybody heard of it. And Roger himself would have mentioned it...

 

[bajana]

Wait! He had "back issues since 2003" or he had "back issues in 2003 and 2013?"

We're gonna need a source that tells us he also had back issues from 2004-2012...

lol. I can only offer this and then the semanticists can have at it:

Like all male Swiss citizens, Federer was subject to compulsory military service in the Swiss Armed Forces. However, in 2003 he was deemed unfit because of a long-standing back problem

 

[bobvance]

People can question Roger's motives all they want but the fact is that he has never once retired from a tennis match, and has only allowed three walkovers in all his years on tour. That should tell you all you need to know. Roger has some qualities that you could criticize but his durability or willingness to play through pain aren't one of them.

 

[bajana]

Wait! He had "back issues since before 2003"?

We're gonna need a source that tells us he also had back issues from 2004-2013, because I'm sure it's the first everybody heard of it. And Roger himself would have mentioned it...

Both 2008 and 2012 were listed as walkovers due to back problems, and again at Wimbledon 2012, on court problems in his match v Benneteau.

It was only the third time Federer has granted a walkover to an opponent. Both times prior it was due to his back, in 2012 against Tsonga in Doha and to James Blake at the 2008 Paris Indoor event.

excerpted from:
http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11885737/atp-world-tour-finals-roger-federer-dramatic-withdrawal-gives-novak-djokovic-title

 

[the AntiPusher]

It appears that Fed is gonna suit it up on Friday.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/

I hope that Gael gets the job done this time against the Mighty Fed.

 

[Kieran]

People can question Roger's motives all they want but the fact is that he has never once retired from a tennis match, and has only allowed three walkovers in all his years on tour. That should tell you all you need to know. Roger has some qualities that you could criticize but his durability or willingness to play through pain aren't one of them.

Totally agree, Bob. He couldn't play, I think that's evident. And obviously he's never been so injured before, because as you say, he doesn't have a record of this. He would, if he was.

It was the WTF final, a huge match. People need to stop doubting him on this...

 

[Kieran]

Wait! He had "back issues since before 2003"?

We're gonna need a source that tells us he also had back issues from 2004-2013, because I'm sure it's the first everybody heard of it. And Roger himself would have mentioned it...

Both 2008 and 2012 were listed as walkovers due to back problems, and again at Wimbledon 2012, on court problems in his match v Benneteau.

It was only the third time Federer has granted a walkover to an opponent. Both times prior it was due to his back, in 2012 against Tsonga in Doha and to James Blake at the 2008 Paris Indoor event.

excerpted from:
http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11885737/atp-world-tour-finals-roger-federer-dramatic-withdrawal-gives-novak-djokovic-title

He's probably had sporadic back issues, but that's not the same as having constant back issues. I realise you're not explicitly saying this, but it could be taken that you are...

 

[bajana]

Wait! He had "back issues since before 2003"?

We're gonna need a source that tells us he also had back issues from 2004-2013, because I'm sure it's the first everybody heard of it. And Roger himself would have mentioned it...

Both 2008 and 2012 were listed as walkovers due to back problems, and again at Wimbledon 2012, on court problems in his match v Benneteau.

It was only the third time Federer has granted a walkover to an opponent. Both times prior it was due to his back, in 2012 against Tsonga in Doha and to James Blake at the 2008 Paris Indoor event.

excerpted from:
http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11885737/atp-world-tour-finals-roger-federer-dramatic-withdrawal-gives-novak-djokovic-title

He's probably had sporadic back issues, but that's not the same as having constant back issues. I realise you're not explicitly saying this, but it could be taken that you are...

Well this exercise will definitely teach me to read this board and keep my mouth shut. To think all I was doing was correcting a poster who said Fed had back issues since 2008, and me with my big trap thought I'd point out it the 2003 incident.
<crawling back into the woodwork now>

 

[Kieran]

No, Bajana, don't crawl in anywhere, it's nice to read other views, but we can all expect to be occasionally contradicted... :hug

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Both 2008 and 2012 were listed as walkovers due to back problems, and again at Wimbledon 2012, on court problems in his match v Benneteau.

excerpted from:
http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11885737/atp-world-tour-finals-roger-federer-dramatic-withdrawal-gives-novak-djokovic-title

He's probably had sporadic back issues, but that's not the same as having constant back issues. I realise you're not explicitly saying this, but it could be taken that you are...

Well this exercise will definitely teach me to read this board and keep my mouth shut. To think all I was doing was correcting a poster who said Fed had back issues since 2008, and me with my big trap thought I'd point out it the 2003 incident.
<crawling back into the woodwork now>

Bajana, don't crawl back. Just develop a thick skin. That is very important especially when
dealing with some of the posters.

On the topic, as Bajana said it is true that Federer has had back problems long ago. Once
Masterclass actually posted a link to an interview by Fed on that as well.

Having said that, most probably it is not continuous issue although regularly reappearing at periodic intervals.

 

[Kieran]

Having said that, most probably it is not continuous issue although regularly reappearing at periodic intervals.

Thank you, sir! Though I'm not so sure it's regular. I'm very surprised, however, that Federer mentioned it in an interview. I thought this kinda thing was verboten... :snigger

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Having said that, most probably it is not continuous issue although regularly reappearing at periodic intervals.

Thank you, sir! Though I'm not so sure it's regular. I'm very surprised, however, that Federer mentioned it in an interview. I thought this kinda thing was verboten... :snigger

I am not going to get into argument over the semantics of continuous, regular and sporadic.
and waste my time.

Mastercalss, can you post that video again here for people to refresh their memory.

 

[Kieran]

Having said that, most probably it is not continuous issue although regularly reappearing at periodic intervals.

Thank you, sir! Though I'm not so sure it's regular. I'm very surprised, however, that Federer mentioned it in an interview. I thought this kinda thing was verboten... :snigger

I am not going to get into argument over the semantics of continuous, regular and sporadic.
and waste my time.

Mastercalss, can you post that video again here for people to refresh their memory.

There's no need to. I can look at almost any Federer interview and see him mention his injuries.

You and I are in agreement. It wasn't continuous...

 

[brokenshoelace]

Wait! He had "back issues since before 2003"?

We're gonna need a source that tells us he also had back issues from 2004-2013, because I'm sure it's the first everybody heard of it. And Roger himself would have mentioned it...

Both 2008 and 2012 were listed as walkovers due to back problems, and again at Wimbledon 2012, on court problems in his match v Benneteau.

It was only the third time Federer has granted a walkover to an opponent. Both times prior it was due to his back, in 2012 against Tsonga in Doha and to James Blake at the 2008 Paris Indoor event.

excerpted from:
http://espn.go.com/tennis/story/_/id/11885737/atp-world-tour-finals-roger-federer-dramatic-withdrawal-gives-novak-djokovic-title

You do understand that this doesn't mean the injury has been troubling him SINCE 2003 (or before!) right? Because this makes it sound like it's a continuous, almost chronic injury. In reality, they're just separate injuries to the same area. Big difference.

Don't be too dramatic. Part of being on forums is disagreement. The same way you were correcting someone, I was correcting you. Don't crawl anywhere.

 

[mrzz]

Spy cameras got this:

Federer comes from the buffet table with some granolla and yougurt and meets two fellow Swiss at breakfeast.
-- Morning guys. Beautifull day, isn't it? (*)
-- Yeah, beautifull day. Have you tried their black bread? It is very good.
-- Really? I'll grab a piece.
Severin Luthi is the one talking to Federer. The other one, a young physiatrist, only muttered an embarrased 'morning, Mr Federer'.
-- After casually chew some more bread, SL starts a difficult topic.
-- Look, Roger, you better not practice today...
-- Why the hell would I miss practice today?
-- Well, people are not buying the injury thing.
-- How the hell they're not buying it? I gave a speech! I said sorry! I made my best sorry smile. What they wanted? They wanted me to cry again? I'm sick of it...
-- I don't know Roger, but they're not buying. The comments on the ATP site are not too good, the people on the foruns are not buying it.
-- On my site?
-- Of course they are buying it on your site. But...
Federer sighs. -- Ok, I see. You are probably using that one as reference.
-- Which one?
-- That one where you have a funny moniker. The one full of Rafa fans.
-- Well... that too, but that's not the only one. Anyway it is exaclty them you have to convince.
Federer sighs again. Slams the table -- Damn! All right, all right, I won't practice.
Silence.
-- Damn!
--Look, Roger, I know it is hard, but we have to do it. We'll say it on the presser. We'll have to adress Stan's match too.
-- My life is a living hell... why can't he do it alone?
-- Well, we have to look like a team. But, hey, this is funny, right? They all think is Mirka.
-- Yeah, yeah... at least she can control one of the twin girls... I'll have to fix this myself again.
The physio was listening carefully to everything, trying desperately to find an inteligent remark. He got up to get himself some coffe, and put up all his courage to say:
-- Well, at least the boys are still young. Boys are always worst, right?
After he leaves, Federer looks at Luthi, gets up, and while leaving says angrily:
-- Make sure this guy is fired by the afternoon.

(*) translated from Swiss German

Scene 2:


Marco Chiudinelli finds and abruptly approaches Stefan Edberg in one of the hotel corridors.
-- Stefan, please, I am hearing Stan crying in his room, you gotta do something about it.
-- Really? Are you sure? Okay, but...
-- Yes, I am sure. Please, please, you need to help.
-- Ok, ok, but I really do not know what to do. I don't even know if I am supposed to do something. In fact, I do not have a clue about what to do.
-- But you gotta do something.
-- Wait a second, I'm not your team captain, I'm not even Swiss. Why would I know what to do about a grown man crying in his bed? Why don't you look for Severin?
-- I don't know where he is. I found you.
-- Well, for starters, go to his room.
-- I don't know where it is.
-- What the hell are you doing here, then? Aren't you part of this team?
-- I am sorry, I went shopping with Michael, ok.
-- yeah, yeah, ok. Why don't you speak to Stan?
-- How can I speak to him? I don't speak french! Io sono italiano svizzero! Parlo italiano! Stan's english is even worst than mine!
-- Boy, you people are complicated. Let's find Severin, then.

Rush, rush, there they go. They find him in the lobby.

-- Severin, Marco says Stan is crying in his room. I don't think he wants to leave it and go to practice.
-- There he is, then. What in the world can I do about it?
-- Well, I guess that you were, you know, used to these situations..
-- Me? Hell no! Why would I be... oh, I see..
Luthi stops to take a breath, calms down and speaks at a slower pace.
-- Look, that all was staged, ok? The guy is a top pro, he trained years for that.
The other two look a bit perplexed, but Luhti goes on.
-- Anyway, let's find him, Roger will know what to do.
Off they go. Walk, walk, walk, run, run, run, knock, knock, knock.
-- Roger!
-- What you guys are doing here? Shouldn't you all be on court, with Stan?
-- That's the problem, he does not want to leave his room. Marco says he is crying. Could you hear if he was saying something, Marco?
-- I don't know, I don't speak french... maybe something like "Je suis un bébé... " I don't know the rest.
-- "pPeurnichard" -- Federer completes, while they could hear a child crying. -- Scheisse!! What a jerk! Why are you guys asking me for help, that's your job, Severin!
-- I know, I know, but I was without ideas...
The child keeps crying. Roger gets really angry:
-- Ideas! That's why I pay you two idiots for! Ideas! Why anyone but me can't have a single fucking idea?
-- ZAVRI SAKRA HUBU!!!
The four men suddenly stop, scared.
-- Mighty Thor, what was that?
-- PRESTAT PLAKAT SAKRA!!!
Complete silence. The child has stopped crying.
-- That was Mirka, I think she had enough from the boys.
-- I just had an idea! I had an idea!! I had an idea!
Severin walks timidly to he room where the scream came from. -- Mirka?
-- WHAT?
Mirka is red faced, the hair is a complete mess.
-- Hi... sorry, your husband's country needs you.
-- My husband's country is a land of sissys. What the hell do you want from me? Can't you see I'm occupied with these devils?
-- We need you to talk to Stan..
-- Stan?! That cry-baby? Perfect, I would loooove to talk to him just know.
After some debate, the fivesome take Stan's room direction. Federer stay some steps behind, and whispers to himself:
-- Just perfect, I'll be the hero again.

 

[Kieran]

:clap :clap :laydownlaughing

 

[Fiero425]

:clap :clap :laydownlaughing

When you get to your 30's, your body is going to betray you; no matter how much you train and manage it! By this time, massages after each match is probably a must or he wouldn't be able to get out of bed the next day! If he had back issues, he probably knew very early he wouldn't be able to compete in that WTF Final Sunday! That was a real shame to do to the public, the crowd, and most of all his own team mate! I can't wait to see it tomorrow! They'll invoke this drama; promise! :nono :dodgy: :cover

 

[masterclass]

Did you see the post I responded to? That new poster was talking about Roger inventing an injury...Also Dear Miss Billie has been throwing a little poison around implying Roger should have played, wasn't hurt that bad, etc.

Yes, I admit, I am having some fun with the situation, I am entitled, I think, after all the crap receiving as a Nole fan.

What I think is that Federer was tired, then had to fight with Wawrinka late into night, never got his proper and usual post match massage and recuperation so when he woke up the next morning, he was sore. I believe that. As to how much he was hurting and if he could have played or not, that is open to personal interpretation and it is just a matter of how much you believe Roger, and how much others don't believe him. But no, anybody who disagrees with his highness is a troll. :snigger

Somebody who has been in finals over 100 times is not aware of proper ATP etiquette when it comes to trophy ceremonies? I guess it is possible. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. I usually do it with everybody.

Here you go again with Trophy etiquette and drama. Are you still for real about this? If you didn't read the posts I made in the Finals thread, the ATP runs this tournament and made the arrangements with the players knowledge and all agreed on how things would go. There was no rule breaking. There is no written rule on how to conduct post match ceremonies, other than the players be present if possible. All of the bigwig ATP officials were present, including CEO Chris Kermode, who had been on top of the situation since earlier in the day when Roger said he had been injured and might not be able to take the court. As the day went on, he took painkillers, massage, tried to warm out of it, but it was no use. He finally decided he wasn't able to compete and he informed Mr. Kermode, who then had to invoke plan B (Murray, Henman, McEnroe, Cash).

It was discussed and decided that since he was forced to withdraw from the final due to injury, Roger would come out earlier with Mr. Kermode and make his apology to the fans and not take the stage away from Nole so he could get his full applause when it came time to get his trophy. I believe Roger even received his runner-up plate out of sight. It was an unfortunate and uncomfortable situation, and they did the best they could. End of story.

Roger Federer, well into his 34th year, has never yet retired from a singles match in over 1200 career matches and only withdrawn from a match 3 times, which says a lot. As a top level athlete, it means he has most likely played through pain or illness many times while saying nothing, or maybe mentioning it later, and only in the most extreme cases has he pulled out. It is most unfortunate that some people are extremely quick to play the lying or exaggeration card considering that likely unmatched record of extreme dedication to the sport. But maybe they've never played sport at anywhere near that level to know what it takes to achieve that.

Let's hope Federer does not have to retire in France at the Davis Cup Finals. I recall back in 1985 when Jimmy Connors had to withdraw before the Chicago final against McEnroe with a back muscle problem, then the next week was pretty much forced to go the WCT finals, as he pretty much said that you couldn't skip that tournament unless you were dead. He played one match and won against Krickstein, but then had to retire after a set against Lendl.

Respectfully,
masterclass

 

[brokenshoelace]

mrzz, I want to have a word with your dealer. I need him for ermmm...research.