[Sjengster]

For a change. OK, cheap jokes aside, it's interesting to note that nearly all the big titles Federer has yet to win lie on French soil (yes, even the actual venue for the Monte Carlo tournament is just over the border in France). We all know Roger found it hard to learn French when he moved to the national tennis centre in Switzerland as a teenager, obviously he has his preferences in European tournaments.

I notice he's won only one title in a Latin-speaking, predominantly Catholic European country: his first, Milan 2001. Virtually everything else is in German-speaking events, plus Rotterdam this year and of course Wimbledon. His last loss in Germany was to Philippoussis in Hamburg 2003, correct? It's worth mentioning, considering how everyone goes on about Roddick's preference for American events.

Note: I don't know whether any of this is significant, it's probably just a coincidence. I'm not suggesting he's some kind of Protestant supremacist or anything.

 

[SUKTUEN]

I don't understand

 

[TenHound]

Just what we want to think about now - Dirtball

 

[Sjengster]

Yes, Madrid and Paris are such dirtball events.

 

[Skyward]

We'll see how he does this year. If he can deal with such an unpleasant venue as Cincy, he should be able to find winning ways in Madrid/Paris some day.

 

[Dirk]

He won Marseille which is in France so to you Sjengster. I do agree that germany is his home away from home. US is creeping up though.

 

[RogiFan88]

Dirk, I was going to say that but you beat me to it.

I for one w love to see Rogi play one of the best clay tourneys, BARCELONA! If he can at least play it before RG, it w give him a b good idea who he has to beat to win RG.

I have been thinking about Rogi not winning RG, MCarlo and TMS Paris for some time... as well as Madrid altho he DID make the SF vs. Juanqui who eventually won it in 2003 -- a very good SF it was too despite Rogi's loss.

He just said that he hasn't really given Madrid and Paris much of a shot so perhaps when he decides to put his mind to it, he can win them.

 

[Sjengster]

He won Marseille which is in France so to you Sjengster. I do agree that germany is his home away from home. US is creeping up though.

Damnit, I knew I'd missed one title out somewhere! OK... that's on the Mediterranean coast as well, so he can definitely play well in that area, what with the Rome final that same year too.

 

[Doris Loeffel]

You make France quite big - starting in Madrid and ending in Rome - oh I forgot it's JesusFed time when Cesare had it's empire

 

[TheMightyFed]

As long as TMS and GS are concerned yes this is an unconquered country... if he wins Roland Garros with Nadal around it would be a really great achievement IMO, the only question mark on his great record...

 

[yanchr]

Let's see the 2 TMS at the end of the season first. I think it's a matter of time for him to win Madrid and Paris but never in one year, because there is always Basel in between, or will he ever quit Basel once he wins it? I doubt it. He always picks his tournament with much sense. I think this year, either he will attend Madrid/Basel or Basel/Paris. And he has a big chance in both if he takes it very seriously like in Cincy while taking good care of his health. I believe at the end of his career, he will have both Madrid and Paris in his pocket at least once.

As for the others, obviously it's the surface that prevents him. I firmly believe he will conquer one day, esp that field of the most stubborn dirt in this world.

 

[Whistleway]

Dirk, I was going to say that but you beat me to it.

I for one w love to see Rogi play one of the best clay tourneys, BARCELONA! If he can at least play it before RG, it w give him a b good idea who he has to beat to win RG.

I have been thinking about Rogi not winning RG, MCarlo and TMS Paris for some time... as well as Madrid altho he DID make the SF vs. Juanqui who eventually won it in 2003 -- a very good SF it was too despite Rogi's loss.

He just said that he hasn't really given Madrid and Paris much of a shot so perhaps when he decides to put his mind to it, he can win them.

Great point abt Barcelona !! I doubt he goes there next year though

 

[1sun]

it shall be soon

 

[SUKTUEN]

hi~~~