The Bests: Roger Federer

Roger Federer was born 8 August 1981. He is a Swiss professional tennis player who as of August 2012 is ranked World No.1 by the ATP. Several sports analysts, tennis critics and former and current players consider him to be the greatest tennis player of all time. Federer was born in Binningen, Switzerland near Basel, to Swiss national Robert Federer and South African-born Lynette Durand, of Dutch and French Huguenot ancestry. He holds both Swiss and South African citizenship. He grew up in nearby Münchenstein, close to the French and German borders and speaks Swiss German, German, French and English fluently, Swiss German being his native language. He was raised as a Roman Catholic and met Pope Benedict XVI while playing the 2006 Internazionali BNL d'Italia tournament in Rome. Like all male Swiss citizens, Federer was subject to compulsory military service in the Swiss Armed Forces. He owns several men's world records of the Open Era: holding the number 1 position for 295 weeks overall, a 237-consecutive-week stretch at the top from 2004 to 2008, winning 17 Grand Slam singles titles; reaching the finals of each Grand Slam tournament at least five times (an all-time record); and reaching the Wimbledon final eight times.

Federer has appeared in 24 men's Grand Slam finals, with ten in a row, both records, and appeared in 18 of 19 finals from the 2005 Wimbledon Championships through to the 2010 Australian Open. He is the only man to reach the semifinals of 23 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, from the 2004 Wimbledon Championships through the 2010 Australian Open. At the 2012 Wimbledon men's championship, he reached his 32nd Grand Slam semi-final and seventh trophy, both records. At the 2012 US Open, he reached a record consecutive 34th Grand Slam quarter-final. He has also won the most matches, 247, in men's Grand Slam tournaments. He also won the Olympic gold medal in doubles with his compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and the Olympic silver medal in singles at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. He is one of seven men, and one of four in the Open Era, to capture the career Grand Slam, and one of three to do so separately on clay, grass, and hard courts.

However, in 2003 he was deemed unfit because of a long-standing back problem and was subsequently not required to fulfill his military obligation. Federer himself also credits the range of sports he played as a child—he also played badminton, cricket and basketball—for his hand-eye coordination. Federer has stated in various interviews that he is an avid cricket fan, having met Sachin Tendulkar twice. "I was always very much more interested if a ball was involved," he says. Most tennis prodigies, by contrast, play tennis to the exclusion of all other sports. In later life, Federer has been friends with the golfer Tiger Woods.

Federer supports a number of charities. He established the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 to help disadvantaged people and to promote sports. In 2005, he auctioned his racquet from his US Open championship to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. He was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF in 2006. At the 2005 Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, Federer arranged an exhibition involving several top players from the ATP tour and WTA tour called. Federer currently plays with a customised Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 90 BLX tennis racquet, which is characterised by its smaller hitting area of 90 square inches, heavy strung weight of 364 grams, and thin beam of 17.5 millimeters. His grip size is 4 3/8 inches (sometimes referred to as L3). Federer strings his racquets at 21.5 kg mains/20 kg crosses pre stretched 20%, utilizing Wilson Natural Gut 16 gauge for his main strings and Luxilon Big Banger ALU Power Rough 16L gauge (polyester) for his cross strings. When asked about string tensions, Federer stated «this depends on how warm the days are and with what kind of balls I play and against who I play. So you can see – it depends on several factors and not just the surface; the feeling I have is most important.» Federer also shares the Open Era record for most Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open with Agassi (4 titles), at Wimbledon with Pete Sampras (7 titles) and at the US Open with Jimmy Connors and Sampras (5 titles). Federer's ATP tournament records include winning six ATP World Tour Finals, winning 21 ATP Masters 1000 titles (a record shared with Rafael Nadal), playing in the finals at all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, and, matching Agassi, winning seven.

Federer won a victory in the second round in the United States

In the second round of the Open Championship United States Swiss tennis player Roger Federer played against German Bjorn Phau B.. Winning in three sets, 6:2, 6:3, 6:2 won a Swiss athlete.

In the third round, Federer will face Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, who in the second round in four sets to beat his compatriot Albert Ramos.

Rafael Nadal: Davis Cup is my goal

Third world Spaniard Rafael Nadal hopes to recover from a knee injury in the Davis Cup matches between Spain and the United States.

«My goal is the Davis Cup. Main rebuild knees and back on the Court when the pain doesn't bother me. Recent months have been just intolerable for me. After Roland Garros my condition has deteriorated sharply, and after Wimbledon, it became clear that I will not be able to continue their statements without proper care for my knees,» - said Nadal.

We remind that the Davis Cup semifinal between Spain and the United States will be held from 14 to 16 September in Spanish street map.

Maria Sharapova became the second No. in the World

The WTA (Women's International Tennis Association) 6 August published an updated rating tennis players. Still the best is Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. 

The Olympic tennis tournament finalist Maria Sharapova moved up from third to second place. 

Winner of Wimbledon London Games American Serena Williams still retains fourth position. 

WTA Ranking. Situation on 6 August: 

1 (1). Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)-8820 points 

2 (3). Maria Sharapova (Russia)-8720 

3 (2). Agnieszka Radwańska (Poland)-8260 

4 (4). Serena Williams (United States)-8045 

5 (5). Samantha Stosur (Australia)-6195 

6 (6). Petra kvitová (Czech Republic)-5275 

7 (7). Angelique Kerber (Germany)-5225 

8 (8). Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark)-4206 

9 (9). Sara errani (Italy)-3620 

10 (10). Marion Bartoli (France)-3400

Federer refused to participate in the Masters in Toronto

World Swiss Roger Federer withdrew from the tournament Masters-1000 series-in Toronto, which will be held from 6 to 12 August. 

«I am very disappointed that it must withdraw from the tournament in Toronto because I love this city and these competitions. I will need some time to recover. Hope that I can return to Canada a year later,» - commented his decision tennis player. 

We remind that Federer reached the final of the Olympic Games, beating Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, 3: 6, 7: 6 (7: 5), 19:17.

Sharapova: Received great pleasure from a photoshoot

Russia's Maria Sharapova spoke about shooting for the Russian fashion magazine. 

«It was a very interesting photo shoot. It seemed to me that I like has gone in a different era, since I had a retro-style clothes. On the photograph were stunning people with a great sense of humor. And the best part is that coincided with the celebration of the photoshoot my birthday in Santa Barbara,» - wrote Sharapova in his blog on Facebook.

Maria Sharapova: My goal is participation, not medals Olympics

The main thing is not victory, but participation, said third world Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova.

Russian is the standard bearer of the Russian team at the opening ceremony of the summer Olympic Games in London. 

One of the best tennis players of the planet assures that for her participation in the games is more important than medals. 

«The Olympics for me is something special. It seems to me to represent my country at this competition with anything not comparable. Join here for me even more important than the medal. Find a place at a tournament where at one time passes so many different competitions in different sports-all this gives great experience and not to be forgotten. This will be my first Olympics, what I have dreamed of since childhood, so I can't wait for the launch,» - said Sharapova. 

The opening ceremony of the Games will be held on the evening of 27 July. The Olympic tennis tournament begins the next day.

Venus Williams: I'm waiting for the Olympics

American Venus Williams admitted that the Olympic Games in London are a special event for her. 

“I'm waiting for the Olympics in London with particular excitement. I have never worried about if I can get to the game. I was at the top of the rankings and had no problems. I perceived as tribute to the Olympics. But this time I had to really fight for the right to speak at the Olympics. I really want to bring a medal of the United States, would be great if this turns out to be a gold medal,” – said Williams.

Mikhail Youzhny: '' not going to say how semi-final between Federer and Djokovic ''

Russian Mikhail Youzhny, who lost in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon Swiss Roger Federer with a score of 1: 6, 2: 6, 2: 6, refused to give a prediction for the semi-final between Federer and Novak Djokovic. 

"It's difficult to say, match for the match. Federer has always played against me very well, but his relationship with Djokovic are quite different. And how the struggle between them in the semifinals, I say do not say ". 

The South also talked about how to be prepared for the Olympics, which will be held on the courts of Wimbledon. 

"On Earth in Gstaad or on Earth but also in Moscow. And then, for three to four days before the start of the Olympic tournament, come here. Sit on the grass for a long time I didn't want to, because this year it had enough matches. You see, the grass is a special coating. It is not always the correct ball bounce, and therefore lost technique. In addition, there is a grass-specific footwork. 

From experience I can say that for me personally, the lengthy training sometimes are not herbal in plus and minus. Therefore, before the Olympics I would be better to lay a base before returning to the grass, - "Said Mikhail Youzhny.

Novak Djokovic: "I feel good, and last year's title gives me confidence»

Defending champion Novak Djokovic Wimbledon (1), in the quarter-finals of the tournament, beating the current German Florian Mayer (31) by a score of 6: 4, 6: 1, 6: 4, spoke about the match. 

"It took me a while to adjust to the conditions, because the last three games I played under the roof. It was a bit windy, but overall, I'm happy with my performance today. 

Floriana have had chances to get back into the game in the third set, like the first, but I kept myself in the important moments in your hands ". 

For a place in the final of the competition for the first time at Wimbledon Djokovic» will meet Roger Federer (3). 

"It's always nice to play with Roger, so I gladly walk him another match. At Grand slam tournaments he has for a long time was a model of stability and the highest class, so play with him on the grass of crucial test for me. Grass is ideally suited to his game, so the match promises to be interesting. He won here six times and, of course, wants to prove that he is able to do it again. He has won more Grand Slam titles than anyone else, and perhaps the most successful player in the history. It has all the existing tennis titles, and he still is hungry to new ones. I immensely respect it, but we all have the same rivals. When I'm on the Court, I don't think any of his merit, nor about the place in history. I just want to win the match. 

I am from the beginning of the tournament play well and hope to continue in the same spirit. Over the past two years, I put in a game on grass, won here last season, has already reached the semifinal. So I feel good in this tournament and this cover. But last year's title still gives me faith in myself, " - Said Novak Djokovic. 

Serena Williams: '' I will play calmly, almost like in training ''

American Serena Williams commented on the upcoming Wimbledon semi-final against Belarusian Victoria Azarenka. 

"She has this season better than I did. It has already achieved great success, won a Grand Slam tournament. It even seems to have the advantage. So I'm going to play quietly, almost like in training, "-said Serena Williams.

Match Nadal and Djokovic in the anniversary of Real Madrid will not take place

An exhibition match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, on 14 July, will not take place. The Spaniard said on Facebook: 

"I'm sorry, but I have tendonitis, and I won't be able to play a charity match with Novak at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Apologize, especially to the fans who have already purchased tickets, making its contribution to this important cause. 

We match Nadal and Djokovic had to pass within 110-year anniversary of the football club Real Madrid, and the income from it-directed charity funds Real Madrid and Nadal.

Ivanovic will create its line for Adidas

Ex-world No. 1 Racket Ana Ivanovic, concluded his speech at the Wimbledon after defeat by Victoria Azarenka, told that working on your own clothing line, together with its sponsor Adidas.

A year ago, Djokovic became the first racket of peace

Novak Djokovic celebrates one year on top of the world rankings, told about his achievement. Recall that the first time Djokovic became the first world July 4, 2011 year after won his first Wimbledon (defeated Rafael Nadal). 

“To be the best in the business has always been my goal, I always wanted this. I have devoted my entire life to this sport, and last year I won your dream and achieved No. 1. 

When passions subside, tournament finishes, I still want more, want more victories. Now I'm showing the best tennis in my life and want to continue for as long as possible. But the ranking I especially don't think - I focus on this tournament and if I will show high results, rating will come himself,” – said Djokovic.

The Bests: Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova was born April 19, 1987, Nyagan, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Tyumen oblast, Soviet Union. She is a professional Russian tennis player. Only among Russians (both women and men), who's 6 times in the finals of a Grand Slam singles title. 

Masha's parents came from Gomel. A few months before the birth of daughters they moved to Siberia due to unfavourable environmental situation due to the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, located in Ukraine, only 100 km from the Centre of Gomel region. Maria started tennis at 4 years, by the time her family already lived in Sochi. Interestingly, the father of Masha, Yuri Viktorovich Sharapov, was friends with Alexander Nikodimovičem Kafel′nikovym, father of Yevgeny Kafelnikov and gave her first racket Eugene. In 6 years, Sharapova had a chance to play with Martina Navratilovoj, when she gave a model lesson of tennis in Moscow. Navratilova, after talent in young tennis player, still quite strongly advised the father to give Masha in American tennis Academy of Nick Bolletteri. 

Adult tournaments, held under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation, Masha debuted in 2001, in Sarasota, where, however, lost in the first round. But in a year in Columbus, even without being in the women's Tennis Association, won the start of rival was then among the 300 best in the world. Coach Mary was then her father. Father of Mary, which sought to develop tennis talent, daughter of the great Council of gods, and in 1995, the world moved with Mary in the United States. 

Having achieved considerable success during the games at various Tennis Championships, July 3, 2004, Maria won Wimbledon. She beat in the final of the women's single level double winner of this tournament, pool Serena Williams. As Sharapova became the first rossiânkoj to win Wimbledon. This victory allowed her to become world no. 1-8. 

In January 2008, Sharapova became the face of Sony Ericsson signed an exclusive contract for four years. From August 2008 to March 2009, due to a shoulder injury (eventually leading to surgery) from appearing on the superficial Sharapova. Trial return took place in Indian Wells, where she played one match dual discharge (together with Elena Vesninoj). However, the next tournament, and the final return to the tour, was played only in the middle of may in Warsaw, where she reached the 1/4 finals, yielding Alëne Bondarenko of Ukraine. 

October 3, 2009, Maria won her first tournament after a break due to injury — Toray Pan Pacific Open, becoming the first in the history of the premier WTA tennis player neseânnoj hit right away in the second round next tournament is the Chinese Tennis Open Championship. 

In 2010, Sharapova had been conquered by 21 and 22 3rd tituty WTA at Memphis and Strasbourg, respectively. Relatively fortunate was summer season, during which She twice travelled to the finals on grass in Birmingham, then the hard in Stanford University (lost to Victoria Azarenka) and Cincinnati (hard trehset match – 6-2 6-7 2-6 — was defeated by Kim Clijsters). 

2011 year in sports career by Maria Sharapova began with relatively good performance at the Australian Open is a professional tennis player was able to go out in the fourth round, which easily gave way to a young German tennis player Andrea Petkovic (2-6 3-6). Then after a small break (tennis player withdrew the February tournament in Paris), Sharapova successfully participated at the major tournaments of the American series in Indian Wells, she reached the semi-finals, losing the first rocket world Carolina Wozniacki (1-6 2-6), Miami reached the final, where it lost to Victoria Azarenka had garnered a good form (1-6 4-6). A great success was the victory at a major tournament in Rome the uppermost; win during the tournament, Wozniacki and Azarenka in the final, Sharapova defeated 6-th was avstralijke to Samantha Stosur (6-2 6-4). The end of the season also was a good ground for Mary; the courts of Roland-Gaross it for the second time in his career has reached the semifinals, losing only the future winner of the tournament of the tennis player Li Na (4-6 5-7). Next after French Open tournament Maria became Wimbledon, statement which also proved to be successful: for the first time since 2004, she performed in the final of this tournament, but unlike last Wimbledon finals to take the title.

The History Of Meetings Djokovic and Nadal

Today, in the final of Roland Garros will be 33-I met Novak Djokovic (1) and Rafael Nadal (2). At this point in a personal confrontation with the score 18-14 leads Nadal. He also won 11 of the 13-nation meeting on the ground, including two this spring. 

Recall, the Spaniard victory will win a record seventh title at the French open, and a Serb could win the fourth Grand Slam tournament in a row and get nekalendarnyj and career Slam.

Andy Roddick: “Andy Murray knows how to play”

American Andy Roddick commented on the chances of Fourth World racquets appointed Andy Murray to win the Grand Slam tournament. 

“I think Andy copes with the situation. He knows how to play. It seems to me that he's the best player in history, to win the Helmet. But this one is certainly strong enough to do so. My entire career struggled with Roger Federer, but Andy fights with three such Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Andy in a difficult situation, but I think he will win the Helmet. 

Will not try to predict when. But he will win. It is too strong to be left without "Helmet". He handle them all. The best chances on fast surfaces - the Wimbledon, at the US Open. He knows how to build practical jokes, he can think of, and it helps to feed. It should only raise the percentage of hitting the first ball,” – said Andy Roddick.

Novak Djokovic: “So Miami is for you, Grandfather”

The champion of tournament in Miami the first racket of the world Novak Djokovic has thanked fans for support. 

“All greetings. First, I want to thank all of you for words of support which you sent me throughout last several weeks and after my success in Miami. We with my command have spent there excellent week. Right after the ending I have departed on small vacation, therefore and have not written to you then. I devote the victory to my grandfather Vladimir whom always we send me a heap of positive energy. It the fighter and my hero. Since the childhood it learnt me to surrender never. So Miami is for you, Grandfather,” – said Djokovic.

Maria Sharapova: “It will be great to play with it again”

Russia's Maria Sharapova shared her thoughts about the upcoming semi-final in Rome against Angelik Kerber. Opponents have already met twice this season - Melbourne Sharapova won and lost in Paris. This will be their first encounter on the ground. 

“It will be great to play with it again, but on the ground the left play harder due to rotation, they attach to ball. This is the semifinals. To reach it, the player must show a good game, so that it would be difficult to.” – said Maria.

Maria Sharapova: “No. 1 and played for the full schedule”

Russia's Maria Sharapova commented on the claim to the WTA. 

“First, it's probably more injure than everyone else 's, but she became world no. 1 and played for the full schedule. In the past year, it is all filmed with games, but had a full season, and two days after she was shot, she is already trained. So it's sometimes hard to tell which it is. 

If I'm hurt, I don't care, I'm fine or not, shines shines me zero points in the rating-I miss the tournament because health is more important. 

We have a new system mandatory tournaments, and she is very successful because all the top world group play. Sometimes it happens that someone is injured, and then have to pay a fine or to participate in any promotional activities. But if you have an injury, the play is not necessary,” – said Sharapova.