The world No. 1 demolished Rafael Nadal yesterday in a 6-4, 6-1 clinic and ousted David Ferrer Sunday 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in another show of dominating tennis. The victory gave Federer his fourth Masters Cup title as he put to rest any mumurings about the possible changing of the guard at the top of the tennis game.

This is what Federer had to say about the match: “I suprise myself at times, obviously. Once I get on a roll, it’s so hard for my opponents to come back. I don’t allow them.”

Really…we hadn’t noticed.

And here is what the defeated Ferrer had to say: “Roger is the best player in history. You don’t enjoy a beating like that. He can do it all. I’m not on the same level.”

Thanks for your time Ferrer and congratulations on finishing the season at No. 5 in the world. Good luck the next time you face Federer, you’ll need it.

Post from: EveryJoe

A Victory in Tennis

It wasn’t even close at the Masters Cup in Shanghai. 6-4: Game Federer. 6-2: Game Federer. Raise your hands and smile and tap your racket. Roddick…just shrug and raise your eyes towards heaven. I think someone might have mentioned a few days ago about Federer being in Roddick’s head….

Oh, I think that might have happened here, now that I think of it :)

But – Roddick is still in – he finished second in the Red Group behind Federer which means the duo may meet again in the final.

Let’s just have a little round of golfer’s applause for that.

Post from: EveryJoe

And now we know…

Thank you, and good day sir. The two are actually good friends – accordingly. I don’t personally know that. I mean…I think I may have lost Nadal’s cell number. I knew I needed to hang on to that but, shucks, guess I can’t get in touch with him for our weekly lunch. Bumm-er.

Anyway. They’re both in. Yay. But it’s always interesting – and I’m sure a nerve strainer – when your fate is in someone else’s hands. For Nadal – Ferrer pulled through.

Post from: EveryJoe

Two Spaniards Still In

Even though Roddick beat Gonzalez who beat Federer, Federer has a 14-1 record against Roddick.

But Federer’s loss to Gonzalez was the first time he had lost two matches in a row in four and a half years. Is Roddick getting another stab at an opportune time?

Okay, I’m done now. I’m done trying to weigh the odds and I’m tired of bringing up supporting evidence for each side. I think Roddick is capable of beating Federer. His game has improved so much from the days where he just served up bombs in a silver dish.

Yes, I think Roddick is capable but I don’t know that he can. Kind of a contradictory statement – so in simple terms – I think Roddick has the ability and the skill to pull off a win over Federer but I’m not sure he can get Roger out of his head long enough to do it.

The mental game is huge and too many times people underestimate it. But, the beautiful thing about tennis is that we shall indeed find out.

Post from: EveryJoe

Andy Roddick 2-0 in Shanghai

The Gold Group – obviously – has the other top four players in the world: Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Richard Gasquet and Novak Djokovic.

Perhaps Ferrer said it best, “It is a tough draw…but all opponents are very difficult here as it is only the top eight players in the world.”

Yes, it’s hard to get an easy road to victory when the worst player in the group is ranked No. 8 in the entire world.

I would imagine some players – namely the No. 1 and 2-ranked players – are breathing a sigh of relief that one name is noticeably absent from the pool: David Nalbandian.

Nalbandian is currently No. 9 in the world and was to be the first alternate if someone withdrew. Nalbandian has decided to forego travel to Shanghai in hopes of being able to play and will continue his training instead.

I’m sure Federer and Nadal are anxious to get back on the court with Nalbandian – at some point. A true competitor always wants another shot at the person who beat them, but Nalbandian beat them both twice in the past two tournaments.

I’m guessing both Fed and Nadal are okay with taking a bit of a break from facing Nalbandian across the net.

Post from: EveryJoe

Top Eight Set for Masters Cup

I’m a day behind, but Spaniard David Ferrer clinched the sixth spot for the Masters Cup which leaves *drum roll* two spots left! Woo! (Speaking of, on a swimming roster today, there was a person who’s last name was “Woo.”)

Fernando Gonzalez and Tommy Haas are serving the front of the pack as the race for the final two spots resumes at the Paris Masters series tournament Sunday.

Stay tuned for more Masters Cup watch.

Post from: EveryJoe

Masters Cup Watch

Roddick’s position in Shanghai was sealed when his competitors failed to advance in Madrid. Roddick is the fifth player with a guaranteed spot at the event, three remain.

So – woo! Roddick keeps hanging around. He’s not on the same level as Roger Federer and he’s not mentioned near as much anymore but he’s the top-rated American. And he’s on course to wrap up his sixth consecutive season ranked in the top 10. Nothing sluffy about that, now is there?

Post from: EveryJoe

Andy Roddick Secures Masters Cup Slot