What did Federer say about FO, right after winning at Hamburg.

Click here.

Djokovic moves on to No. 4 in the world for the first time.

 

Djokovic made sure his forward movement stays alive, by reaching the semis at Roland Garros, and boosting his ATP world rankings to No. 4 for the first time.

He is just 30 points shy of taking over the No. 3 spot from Davydenko.

Here are the latest numbers:

1. Federer – 7515 points.

2. Nadal – 5225.

3. Davydenko – 3040.

4. Djokovic – 3010.

5. Roddick – 2930.

Roddick’s best and most humorous press conference after Australian Open match against Federer.

For freaks, not paying attention, Roddick was destroyed and humiliated on the court by Federer. But he still showed up for the PC and had fun.

I love him for that. He doesn’t get all freaking serious about stuff. He exhales and makes it easier, on himself and everybody else in the room.

Click here.

Nadal – You have to take your hat off for him.

He has displayed tremendous maturity since stepping on the big stage, from his teenage years to today.

Barely days after turning 21, he has already achieved what no other human has – three straight Roland Garros at age 21. Open era, shut era, whatever.

He has been humble and graceful, both in defeat at Hamburg, and in win at Roland Garros. 

Unlike Federer who has shown signs of getting testy when he doesn’t get his way, Nadal has never berated any fellow player, despite provocation.

He went through a tough time last year, but took it like a man without lashing out at anything or anybody. His track record is spotless.

As much as Nadal deserves credit for it, Uncle Tony’s big contribution in that, cannnot be ignored. That is a living example of the numerous benefits of having a mature and bright mind in your corner. If done with meticulous care, it can only do good.

Hope he learns from the Hamburg experience, and gives himself a decent break, to get ready for the grass-court season.

With other parts of his game coming together this year, he is in better shape than ever, to make a serious run at the No. 1 ranking by year end.

Can someone please book Bud Collins in the retirement center.

Bud, the clothes you wear on vacation, are not the ones you wear at work. There is a freaking difference there!!!!! I wonder what you wear on vacation. I hope you do wear something.

Did you see his interview with Nadal right after the match? That was the only time in the history of mankind, when the entire human race cringed at the same time.

Are you freaking kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s an embarrassment. Excruciating to watch.

Puuulllllleeeez, have mercy and take your show indoors.

What did Federer, Djokovic, Gasquet and Nadal had to say about winning, before Roland Garros started.

Here are some players talking about their chances pre Roland Garros.

Click here.

Federer refuses to talk to Bud Collins.

Remember Nadal’s interview with Bud Collins right after the final? Well, there was supposed to one with Federer too, but Federer declined.

Was it the frustration of losing the match? Duh. But he had no trouble speaking at the award ceremony seconds earlier, and was happily or unhappily, chatting with the media, after brushing aside Collins.

Was it dislike of the American media or was it the clown Bud? Do you think he could have refused the request to Al Michaels or Bob Costas?

Whatever it was, it was absolutely distasteful.

You know, they say if you really want to know what kind of a person someone is, go and travel with him. The stress and the anxiety will uncover the real human.

The freaking point is this: The real test of anyone’s character is when adversity strikes. We all can be gracious, decent and magnanimous when things are rolling our way. It’s when the chips are down, that the real character emerges.

This is not the first time, Federer has shown his not-so-nice side. Remember the ‘one-dimensional’ remark to describe Nadal after the early losses, or that ’Nadal is being coached on the court’ stuff. 

You have to be a consumate professional, irrespective of how hurt you are inside. It’s easy to follow our instincts, good or bad. To reign them in, whenever appropriate is what makes a human shine.

Prize money leaders this season – 2007.

Here are the money machines as of June 11. 

1. Nadal – $3,277,245.

2. Federer – $2,660,645.

3. Djokovic – $1,562,705.

4. Gonzalez – $903,730.

5. Davydenko – $821,720.

6. Youzhny – $671,495.

7. Canas – $660,595.

8. Ljubicic – $650,130.

9. Chela – $608,035.

10. Roddick – $597,720.