Chasing the greats of tennis, Federer wins 5th straight Wimbledon

5 cheers for Roger Federer!..woohoo! (.^__^.)
Last Sunday, July 8, 2007, Roger Federer won for the 5th consecutive time the Wimbledon Finals match against Rafael Nadal, the second seeded tennis player for this tournament.

Isn’t this good news?

I was really happy because I saw it live - - on TV at Star Sports. I told you, I can’t afford to miss it! Let me share to you my own story during the Federer-Nadal finals game.

Before the match started, I was really both excited and nervous about the play. Excited for the fact that I’ll be seeing Roger Federer again on TV and this time it’s for the most important finals match he’d ever have..a finals match that will run the pages of the history of tennis. Federer is a living legend! (.^__^.) And nervous because he will play against a very good player too...

At around 9:00pm, the match already started, and I prepared myself as well. I fixed myself and sat on my fave sofa..ooops! I haven't eaten my dinner yet..later! And besides, I'm not yet that hungry. That can wait...

As the players were called for the coin toss which will determine who will have the first serve, Federer chose the heads...luckily...the toss revealed the heads and so Federer will be the 1st to serve. 1st sign of luck...

As the 1st set goes on..I was confident that Roger will win it, pero syempre Rafael really played well upto the point na head to head na yung match..One miss and it's all gone! My stomach ached a bit during the last part of the 1st set where the score was tied at 6-6. Ewan ko ba kung bakit sumakit yung stomach ko..pati fingers ko, it's trembling!..feel na feel eh noh! At the end, Federer won the 1st set.. 7-6 (7)

2nd set: Nadal took it for 4-6.

3rd set: Federer took it 7-6 (3) ...I noticed that Roger really struggled in order to win a set..see.. it's always a tie-breaker game..

4th set: Nadal took it for 2-6. This is the set where Federer lost his concentration because there was this shot of Nadal to his court where it is supposed to be called out but the replay showed that it's in..so they decided to give the point in favor of Nadal. That's not fair, really! It's out...hate that hawkeye!

**Hawkeye refers to the replay shot shown on the monitors in the tournament so that the viewers as well as the players can see it clearly.**

And then, 5th set: it's the DECIDING SET.

In order to win, the player must get 3 sets. Federer and Nadal took both 2 sets...they're fighting for this last set. If you could only see me during that time..I was really screaming...really nervous..standing up and down of my seat. I even told my Mom that if Roger will lose...I'll cry...it's my first time kasi to watch Roger on Wimbledon..and then he'll lose.

But then, God is really good for he gives the reward for those who deserve it and Federer really deserve it! He played not for the credit, nor for the trophy or prize money. He played for the game and for those people who supported him. He won the last set: 6-2 together with the record of 54th straight victory on Grass! Yey! (.^__^.) But I'll give extra credit to Rafael Nadal too..he did a fantastic game..he deserved to have the runner-up place here...

Now let me share to you the story written by sports journalist. Read what they have to say:

Chasing the greats of tennis, Federer wins 5th straight Wimbledon
By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Tennis WriterJuly 8, 2007

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Locked in the toughest test of his Wimbledon reign, against his only real rival in today's game, Roger Federer summoned the strokes and resolve that allow him to chase records set by the greats of yesteryear.

And after Federer finally overcame Rafael Nadal in a five-set epic Sunday to win his fifth consecutive championship at the All England Club and 11th Grand Slam title overall, tying Bjorn Borg on both counts, guess who was waiting to greet him in a hallway off Centre Court? Borg himself.

They smiled and embraced, then chatted briefly, a tete-a-tete between the only two men in the past century to win Wimbledon five years in a row.

"To see him after the match -- it was very fitting in my point of view," Federer said.

"It made me a bit more proud of myself."

He could swell his chest all he wanted, given everything he's accomplished, not to mention the way he beat three-time French Open champion Nadal 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2 for his 54th straight victory on grass in a taut match filled with momentum swings and marvelous shotmaking.

Federer is No. 1, Nadal is No. 2, and they have met in four of the past six major finals. Federer won both at the All England Club. Nadal won both at Roland Garros. This was, by far, the best of the bunch.

"I win my share. He wins his. We've been at the top for over 100 weeks together. It is like building up to one of maybe the great rivalries," Federer said.

"We sometimes haven't lived up to the expectations in the past ... but you can't always play

five-set thrillers, you know. I'm happy it happened today. I left as the winner. Perfect."

He's taken 11 of the past 17 Grand Slam titles, including three apiece at the Australian Open and U.S. Open. Now Federer's total trails only Roy Emerson's 12 and Pete Sampras' 14 on the list of career Grand Slam titles.

"I don't know how much longer I can keep it up," the 25-year-old Federer said, "but I definitely feel like I'm mentally and physically still fit to go on for many more years."

As close as the 21-year-old Nadal is to a barrier -- the Spaniard does lead their career series 8-5, after all -- Federer's main challenge for some time has come from trying to live up to standards set in the past.

Even if Federer doesn't necessarily look at it that way.

"He has so much passion for the game," said his mother, Lynette.

"He's not playing for the record books. He's playing for the game."

On Sunday, on his game's grandest stage, Federer finished with a 24-1 edge in aces and a 65-50 edge in winners. Numbers hardly do justice to his excellence or elegance with a racket in hand, however.

"He's an artist on this surface. He can stay back. He can come in. No weaknesses," said Borg, whose Wimbledon run was from 1976-80.

"I believe if he continues the way he's doing and stays away from injuries and has the motivation, he'll be the greatest player ever to play the game."

And those words were spoken before Borg watched Federer's latest virtuoso performance from the front row in the Royal Box in jacket and tie.

Federer also dressed formally for the occasion, sporting his tailor-made, five-piece Gatsby getup, from the white dinner jacket with the gold "RF" on the left breast pocket to the white slacks replete with belt loops. Even his shoes were special, with four tiny red circles patterned after the Swiss flag, each marking a year he won a Wimbledon title. A fifth circle needs to be added now.

Still, just when it looked as if Federer might turn the sunny afternoon into a coronation by taking a 3-0 lead, Nadal won the next three games. Just when it looked as if Nadal might be in charge, breezing through the fourth set, Federer broke twice in a row to end the match.

Each did what he does best -- and managed to show a flair for his foe's fortes.
Nadal is terrific at the baseline, forcing opponents to hit great groundstroke after great groundstroke just to win a single point. Yet there was Federer, hanging in there on the longest of rallies; he won half the points that lasted at least 10 strokes. Federer believes he's the best server around, yet it was Nadal who kept producing easy hold after easy hold.

"I tried to play as aggressive as possible," Nadal said.

In the first set, he played serve-and-volley on one point, as if to say,

"See, I can do that, too." And Federer conjured up a cross-court forehand passing shot on the run, as if to reply, "Yeah, well, I can do THAT, too."

Because of all the rain that jumbled the schedule and sapped some of the tournament's energy, Nadal was playing on a seventh consecutive day. His right knee was treated during the fourth set, but he said that wasn't a factor.

"Tired? No, no. Not tired," said Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni.

"He played the first four sets completely even. Even."

Federer has won 34 matches in a row at Wimbledon, and this was the first to go five sets. He's played in 13 Grand Slam finals, and this was the first to go five sets.

And he was growing frustrated, both by Nadal's relentless play and by what appeared, to Federer, to be questionable rulings by the instant replay system making its Wimbledon debut. After one call in Nadal's favor, Federer cursed in disbelief.

"It's killing me today," Federer told the chair umpire.

Nadal had his chances in the final set. At 1-1, 15-40, he held two break points, but pushed a return long, then missed a forehand wide. At 2-2, 15-40, Nadal sent a return long, then Federer produced a 127 mph service winner.

"It was a tough moment to be in," Federer said. "I was nervous."

Those dangers averted, ahead 3-2 in the fifth, Federer grabbed hold of the match, getting to love-40 on Nadal's serve. Finally, more than three full sets after the last time he had broken, Federer came through, ending a 14-stroke exchange with a forehand winner that kicked up a cloud of chalk.

Federer hit three aces in the next game to hold, then broke Nadal again. When he converted his second match point with an overhead winner, Federer dropped to his knees -- the way Borg used to celebrate.

Waiting for the trophy ceremony, Nadal slumped forward in his chair, hanging his head.
"Losing in the fifth set," Nadal said later. "It's not easy, no?"

ATP - THE DREAM COMES TRUE!Roger emulated the legendary Björn Borg when he captured his fifth successive Wimbledon title with a 7-6 (9-7), 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 2-6 and 6-2 win over Rafael Nadal in a thrilling final today.

It was Roger’s 11th career Grand Slam title, taking him within three of Pete Sampras's record of 14 and was his 54th consecutive grasscourt win.

"Each win is special but to play a champion like Rafa and equalling Björn's record it makes it very special," said Roger who was later warmly embraced by the man whose Wimbledon record he'd just equalled.

He added: "Rafa is a fantastic player who will be around longer than me so I'm happy to win again before he takes them all. It was a close match and I told Rafa at the net that he deserved it as well. Today I was the lucky one."

"Roger has had an amazing season and to win five Wimbledons in a row is fantastic," said Nadal, the triple French Open winner. Roger said: "I was drained mentally and physically. It was a huge occasion, the record was on the line... It just adds up and puts more pressure on you."

"To have Borg, Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Boris Becker sitting there watching... I will take very special memories of this final."http://rogerfederer.com

http://sports.yahoo/ten

Today, 2 very important games will happen:

1st: UAAP Season 70 match UST vs. UE.

It's the first game of UST for this new season and it just so happen that they'll try to win against UE, a very competitive team. Since UST lost 2 of it's key players, Jojo Duncil and Alan Evangelista because of age issues..the team this year will try to defend it's title against 7 university rivals, including DLSU this year. It will be a tough season talaga..especially that UST will defend it's title and at the same time the host school..it puts a lot of pressure for the varsity players, I suppose. Game will start at 4:00pm which will be held at the Cuneta Astrodome. Sayang nga kasi hindi ako makakapanood ng game..ang layo kasi nung venue..dun sa part ng Roxas Boulevard pa. Siguro kung sa Araneta Coliseum or sa Ultra, okei lang..but in Cuneta Astrodome..never mind! I'll just watch over the television..there will be a much clearer view. I'm really excited to watch this game..finally I can see Dylan on TV. (as if naman nagsawa na akong makita siya personally..hehe)

Go USTe..Go Dylan! (.^__^.)

2nd: Wimbledon Finals: Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal

This will be a very good match to watch, can't afford to miss it. Again Roger Federer's nemesis Rafael Nadal will try to win the Wimbledon title for the 2nd time. But for Roger Federer's part..it will be his 5th consecutive win on Wimbledon if ever he'll win. Of course he'll win..I'm really praying for that. Actually, nakakainis kasi lagi nalang si Nadal yung gustong i-challenge si Federer sa finals..wala bang ibang opponent diyan..medyo dangerous challenger kasi si Rafa! Everytime they're playing for the title, I'm having second thoughts if Federer will win..Rafa is really driven to win. Last time at French Open (clay) Rafa won leaving Federer at the runner-up place, but now it will be a different story. RFed will win..I'm sure!

Oh, by the way, another reason why I can't afford to miss this finals match is the opportunity to see Roger playing..he's really awesome! He really looks good..I usually scream for joy whenever I see him..he's good..he soo handsome too! (.^__^.)

Let me share to you the Semi-finals game of Roger Federer vs. Richard Gasquet!

July 7, 2007
ATP - ROGER STILL ON COURSE FOR HISTORY
Roger is just one step away from his fifth Wimbledon title! He will meet Rafael Nadal in tomorrow's men's singles after defeating Richard Gasquet 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 today.

At first, Gasquet showed no ill-effects of last night's thrilling five-set victory over third seed Andy Roddick. Seeking to keep alive his bid for a record-equalling fifth straight title, Roger had to save three break points to keep his nose in front in bright sunshine on Centre Court. But our star raised his game when it mattered most to break Gasquet in the 12th game of the set to take it 7-5.

Watched by Bjorn Borg, the man whose record he is aiming to equal, Roger clearly took heart from that hard-fought success and it began to look ominous for his 21-year-old opponent, making his debut in a grand slam semi-final.

Gasquet had to call for a medical time-out after the second set to receive treatment on his left ankle. It did not appear initially appear to be too serious, especially when he produced a running forehand winner which had Roger raising his eyes skyward in disbelief, but the latter star responded with six aces in his next two service games to remain on level terms at 3-3.

Roger is now more than ready to equal the record of Bjorn Borg and claim his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title.

"Never, ever - and I think the same for him - did we think we were going to win Wimbledon so many times," said Roger of Borg, who was watching from the Royal Box today.

"Now I'm in the position to equal his great record. I saw him sitting there today, thank God only in the second set so I could concentrate on the first set first. It is tricky when you see him sitting there because he is a living legend. It is a boost, but it can also be a negative thing if you put too much pressure on yourself. In the end you've got to block it out, whoever is sitting there. I have so much respect for him that it is great that he's here. I hope I can do the job tomorrow."

Nadal, meanwhile, did not have to fight for his place in the final. Djokovic explained a blister sustained during his win over Baghdatis had become infected, and painful enough to make him seriously consider whether to take to the court at all.

"I didn't sleep during the night because there was a lot of bleeding and I was barely walking this morning," he said. Djokovic was forced to retire at 4-1 down in the third set.

http://rogerfederer.com/

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten

Oh, poor Djokovic..I really want him to win against Nadal. Actually, my next favorite tennis player after Federer is Djokovic..he's soo good to! (.^__^.)

This semi-finals match happened last July 7, 2007.

7-7-7.. It's a lucky day!

Look at this cool picture..this was taken from a church near the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club where the tournament happens:

French Open Finals - 2007

Men's Finals
June 10, 2007 - Sunday
ATP - PARIS STAYS A DREAM
Roger’s dream of the Grand Slam has once again been destroyed by Rafael Nadal. Our star simply committed too many errors with Rafa showing a very constant performance: 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6.

“I am a little sad about the way I played,” said Roger.

“I have not accomplished what I had planned. But this was certainly not the last time I played here, I’ll try again next year.”

Roger beat Nadal in the Hamburg Masters final in May to end the Spaniard's record 81-match winning streak on clay, but he never really looked like winning today. He failed to convert his first 11 breakpoint chances, putting pressure on his own serve by repeatedly allowing Nadal to hold. Nadal saved 16 of 17 break points and broke serve four times in 10 chances. He had only 27 unforced errors to 59 for Roger.

Nadal relentlessly probed his opponent's weaker side, sometimes forcing Roger to hit half a dozen backhands in a rally. Roger did have chances to take command at different points in the match - but unfortunately never really succeeded.

Women's Finals
Allez Justine! Henin wins fourth title

June 9, 2007
For the fourth time, Justine Henin proved that she's by far the best clay court player of her generation. In another airtight and almost perfect performance, the Belgian won her fourth Roland Garros title with a 6-1, 6-2 destruction of Ana Ivanovic in the final on Saturday.

“It's my magic garden and my second home” Henin said of Philippe Chatrier court.

“It's the only court in the world where I have such a great feeling. It's amazing.”

After double-faulting to be broken in the opening game of the contest, Henin amped up her game and completely suffocated the 19-year-old Serbian, attacking her second serves, launching huge forehands and scurrying about the court retrieving any and all huge shots that Ivanovic threw at her. Henin served big and intelligently to specific areas, moved her high variety backhand around the court and stayed keenly focused during the entire match.

Six Grand Slam titles
Henin has now won six Grand Slam titles, four of them being crowns in her beloved Paris. In her four title runs here, she has not even been pushed in a final, never dropping a set and losing only 13 games in victories over Kim Clijsters (2003), Mary Pierce (2005), Svetlana Kuznetsova (2006) and Ivanovic. The fleet mover has not lost a set since needing three to down Kuznetsova in the fourth round in 2005.

“I keep fighting on every point. I don't want to give anything to anyone,” said Henin,

who became the second player in the Open Era to win three straight Roland Garros singles titles, joining Monica Seles, who achieved the feat between 1990 and 1992.

The 25-year-old also became the first player to win four titles since all-time great Steffi Graf, who won the last of her six crowns in 1999.

Sources:
http://www.rogerfederer.com

http://www.yahoo.com/ten
http://www.rolandgarros.com


**Okei.. I've watched the women's and men's finals live on Solar Sports channel and I'm quite happy for the results, except that my bet for men's lost. But it's really alright..sometimes the best of all can experience defeat.. ;)

For Henin and Ivanovic..I really expected that Henin will win the match because it's her fave surface..she can even be regarded as the "Queen of Clay"..she had won a number of grand slam titles in Roland Garros and she really moves well on that surface.

For Men's...of course I want Federer to win..but I think the article above was right..
"Paris stays a dream"...
but until when will he be dreaming??
While watching, I was really happy by the support given to him by those who watched in Centre Court last June 10..Just like this:

If I would be given the chance to watch the games at Paris, for sure I will do the same..Because..I'm a fan! (.^__^.)
I wonder how Roger feels if he's playing for the title in front of thousands of crowds like this...Pressured? Happy? Excited? Satisfied?



Even though Federer lost..it's alright! There's still more time to make-up for the errors and to play great tennis in clay court. Next year...STOP DREAMING! (.^__^.)
Here's more pictures: Hope you'll enjoy especially for those avid tennis fans!

**Change of trophies look nicer on the pics..might as well suggest it!
Hmmmm... Better wait for next year.. (.^__^.)

Happy Father's Day to all Fathers in the world!

Finally... I've got time to update my blog again! (.^__^.)
Classes had officially started since Wednesday, June 13, 2007 and, unfortunately, I was LATE! Oh yeah..right..first day of classes and then late agad? Really proves that I'm not a morning person..really lazy in the morning...can't help it!
But, honestly, it isn't my fault..it's that TRAFFIC! Why is it that it's so traffic that early in the morning? I was really comtemplating about that when I was caught stranded somewhere in Manila and then it hit me..why should I be so stupid? Of course, lots of students have the same start of class schedule like mine..7:00am. Elementary, Highschool and College - all levels! But, of course, take into consideration the excitement that all students feels especially that it's the FIRST DAY OF CLASSES.
I'm going to have a big PROBLEM on the next couple of days, that's for sure!

And then when I arrived at school and was about to run coz time is really running out for me, there's this one incoming freshman who asked for my help to look for her classroom. Our college has a bit weird system of arranging the classroom numbers that's why those who were new will not be able to find it at once..it'll take them ages because that's what happened to me last year. Anyway, I accompanied her to her classroom without any complains (though I was a bit reluctant because I was already late for 30 minutes), that's the real attitude of a certified Student Assistant, isn't it? No complains - just keep it to yourself!

When I arrived in our classroom at the 3rd floor (good thing we're a floor lower than last year!) , my Literature teacher was already there giving her 1st day reminders and instructions. I had a sure feeling that she already marked me absent..but I think it's unfair because it's the first day of classes. Aren't there any consideration? =)
Though I want to ask our professor if she marked me absent, I thought that, perhaps, my reasoning was really nonsense! Besides she might get angry or get irritated with me...that'll reflect on the grades that she'll give to me for this semester. I must play safe..can't afford to have a 1st day bad shot!

I've met my other professors except for our Business Administration subject. I think all of them were nice..I just don't know if they're nice in giving out grades. Medyo papakiramdaman ko muna sila..they might change, which is a possibility.

I'm happy that it's Sunday already...I'm a bit tired because majority of our professors gave out assignments and homeworks already. They're pressuring us agad. Is it really like this if you're on the 2nd year of college?
Hmmmm.. Maybe.

Shucks..I forgot na to post about the Finals match of Federer and Nadal during the French Open last time..can't believe it! I totally forgot it! I'll try talaga to post it though it's super tagal na..Next post above this will be about that..both mens and womens finals!
As of now, I missed watching Federer on TV playing great tennis. His next tournament will be Wimbledon at Great Britain which will start on June 25. And, as expected, Roger is again seeded as no. 1 player to grab the title for the 5th time!
Take note: 5th time!
That's really awesome!
And by the way Federer's website http://rogerfederer.com/ already changed it's color from orange to green for the Wimbledon tournament happens on Grass..at it's the end of clay season. No more King of Clay this time..(.^__^.)

Okei...till here nalang!
Bye.. =D

Time is really running out! I didn't even felt my summer vacation.
It's just.... GONE! Good-bye.. ='(
Tomorrow will be the start of our classes for this academic year, 1st semester. I'm really excited to see my blockmates and friends and our new classroom now that we're on the 3rd floor. Of course who will ever forget our professors? I'm also happy to see them...but not that excited. =P

As what you can see, my past blog entries had all been about the French Open, or to be precise, about the French Open games of Roger Federer. The tournament's over now and champions have defended their title.
It's hard for me to say this...Well, here it goes: Roger Federer lost to Rafael Nadal for the 2nd time at the French Open Finals. Rafa is still the undisputed King of Clay! I've watched it live last Sunday and Federer really done his best to win, ( I really mean it!) but it's not just meant for him. He played a fantastic game but his opponent just played better.
For the record, Roger Federer has 10 wins and 2 losses for all the Grand Slam Finals he had namely Australian Open (3), Wimbledon (4), and US Open (3) so 2 of his losses came from that French Open!!!!
I'll post the finals game next time...both of the men's and women's finals.
As of now, I'll just share to you what happened last Thursday..(.^__^.)

June 7, 2007 - Thursday
It's our last work day for Student Assistants this semester so as the last day of enrollment in UST. This time only a few students we're required by Sir Nuevo for work will not be that heavy. I like to call ourselves "The Secret SA's"...isn't it cool?! Only 7 students were informed that there will be work that day so we were advised to keep our mouth shut so that the others will not know about this.

As soon as we arrived at school we're immediately assigned to our designated spots and as for me, Sir Nuevo assigned me to stay first inside his office so that he can have someone to give instructions immediately.
Hwwwhhhaatt?! Ako lang talaga yung nandun sa loob because busy si Sir sa pag-eentertain ng iba't-ibang students and parents na may kanya-kanyang problems. Actually, at first, it's a bit boring kasi wala pang inutos agad si sir. I started to get the newspaper and read about the headline and the sports bulletin (quickly looked for any tennis news) and then texted some of the SA's and asked them if they got loads of clients na. Well, buti nalang konti pa...at least I'm not missing a lot of things...or I mean a lot of people!

After 30 minutes, at last, I already received an instruction. He asked me to accompany an incoming male freshman to look for his section so that he can have his schedule na. Unfortunately, wala yung name niya sa list of successful applicants. Sobrang naawa ako sa face niya nung nalamn niya yun...nagpareserve pa naman daw siya ng slot for Commerce where he got passed marks during the Entrance Exams. Buti nalang may nahanap sa solution sa problem niya. Yung nga lang, SUPER TAGAL! Nag-slow down daw kasi yung system ng UST that's why mabagal din mag-update. If I'm not mistaken mga 5 hours siya naghihintay...super kawawa talaga. Buti nalang hindi siya nag-iisa...marami siyang kasama!
Well, what matters the most is that their names were cleared in our college and that they'll have a sure seat in one of our classrooms on the 13th of June.

Some say that athletes will be enrolled on the last day, so it means today is the day that we'll be seeing them. I'm not expecting much or, should I say, expecting someone to see for I'm too busy attending to the instructions that I have to fulfill. I think I've been walking from our college building to the Seminary Gym for at least 5 times already. It's a bit far, you know plus take into consideration the heat of the sun!

Speaking of expectations, honestly, I don't have any...until I saw one.
When I was about to leave the gym and was about to proceed to our building AGAIN, I saw someone familiar. I've seen lots of faces which were familiar to me but this one is different. (wonder how different it is..)
And then suddenly, I just said "Shucks, si Dylan"...
haha..talagang may ganong factor pa! Yeah, okei, I saw him but I'm a bit shy to say Hi or even give a smile or a wave because it's been a long time since I've seen him. We still have classes back then and I think he had forgotten me na. (expect that for there's a lot of people,both girls and boys, stalking him and proudly claims themselves as his close friends..Well I'm not one of them, not this time!)
And then, just when I was about to remove my eyes from him, he saw him and..uhhmmm..well, the rest is history. I can't explain what had happened...just imagine if you want to! (.^__^.)
I was about to say the very used line "Hey! Long time no see ah!"..but I was out of words to say that time. It's just like...uhmmm..it feels like...oh! never mind! There's no right word to describe it.
And then I just heard my co-SA asked me.."Marielle, close kayo?"
(oops..I forgot that I'm with someone all along that thing happened!)
All I could say is: "YES(?)"

After that everything went on smoothly. I got my payment already and I'm so happy to have it finally secured on my wallet. I've got plans for it...I just have to look for the list I've done last time. But of course, the best thing to do is to save some of it for...maybe for emergency purposes. But still I want to see the product of it! (.^__^.)

Quarterfinals and Semifinals Match:

June 5, 2007 - Quarterfinals: ROGER BLOWS PAST ROBREDO
Roger produced a truck load of jaw-dropping tennis at the French Open today as he brushed aside Tommy Robredo 7-5 1-6 6-1 6-2 to sweep into the French Open semi-finals.

"It's never easy to play Tommy especially on clay, it's his favourite surface," Roger said. "Sadly, I had too many errors in the second set but overall it was a good test."

"I don't lose sets 6-1 that often, you know," Federer said, "so you're like, 'Oh, come on.”

Robredo looked at his mini-victory this way: "It was as if I had said, 'Hello! Wake up!"

"In the second set, for some reason, I just couldn't really figure out how to play him or the way I want to play him," Federer said. "I didn't figure it out

He just started playing so good," said Robredo, who won his first career match against Federer back in 2002 but has lost the eight meetings since.

"Not looking for excuses, but you know, it was windy. And I didn't play well in that set, that's for sure," Federer said.

"But he played solid. Didn't miss much. Used his forehand very well."

Federer also acknowledged a strategic error, saying he was "hitting too flat instead of looping the ball a bit more and using the wind."
The match started in familiar fashion, with Roger racing into a 2-0 lead as he put on his serious game face on the Court Chatrier.

But credit to Robredo, who dug in and managed to break back to level things up at 2-2.

The remainder of the set went to serve, until Roger typically, upped his game at 5-5 to break and ultimately take the first set 7-5.

Then our star's form dipped dramatically and he landed just 28% of his first serves in a second set he lost convincingly. It was the first set Roger had lost at a Grand Slam since the final of the US Open last year, an 11-match-in-a-row record he shared with John McEnroe.

Roger then clearly shifted a gear, sending his winners whistling around the Chatrier Court like bullets in a Wild West shoot-out. He clearly underlined that he is in great shape on any surface.

Roger will next face Nikolay Davydenko, the Russian fourth seed. Go, Roger!

June 8, 2007 - Semifinals:ROGER REACHES THE FINAL!
Roger is just one step away! He reached his eighth straight Grand Slam final today with a hard-fought 7-5, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (7) win over fourth-seeded Nikolay Davydenko at the French Open.

"It was one of the toughest matches I have ever played,” Roger said after his ninth victory in series against Davydenko.

“It was very close and I could just as well have lost in three sets. I am extremely happy with this result.”

Roger is hoping to win a first Roland Garros title to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win the Grand Slam – four consecutive grand slam titles – a feat he acknowledged "would boost my career in an incredible way". Should Nadal win his semi-final it would certainly be the match of the year because of the stakes.

"If [Federer] wins the French Open, he'll be the greatest player of all time," said John McEnroe, who knows how much frustration clay can cause. McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg are among the grand slam champions who never won the French Open.

In beating Davydenko, Roger has reached his eighth consecutive major final, breaking the record he shared with Jack Crawford (1933-34). He has won 27 consecutive grand slam matches, three shy of the record Laver set in 1969-70. Roger’s last loss was the one to Nadal last year.

Way to go, Roger!

http://rogerfederer.com

Just a comment:

I've watched live on TV the Semifinals match and it's really a tight-hand gripping, breath-taking match I've ever seen. I mean, it's really a tough one! I even thought that Federer will lose against Davydenko..luckily he got back on track and finished the match on 3 sets!

Finals against Nadal will be shown live tomorrow (Sunday) at Solar Sports ch. 35. I'm too excited for it! Watch it live! (.^__^.)

Roland Garros (French Open 2007)

After the Masters Series Cup in Hamburg, Germany, another major event for tennis had started last May 27, 2007 and it's the Roland Garros or popularly known as the French Open 2007. Different tennis players, both men and women, having different nationalities had come together to battle for the same reason: To grab this grand slam title this year from the defending champions Rafael Nadal (Spain) for men and Justine Henin (Belgium) for women.

What is Roland Garros by the way?

Well, let me give you a bit of it's history...

Officially the "Tournoi de Roland-Garros" (the "Roland Garros Tournament" in English), the tournament is often referred to as the French Open. It is named after its stadium, which is in turn named after the World War 1 pilot.

The French Open began as a national tournament in 1891. In 1925, the French Championships opened itself to international competitors with the event held on a grass surface alternatively between the Racing Club de France and the Stade Français.

For the 1928 Davis Cup challenge, a new tennis stadium was built at Porte d’Auteuil.

Named for a hero of World War 1, the new Stade de Roland Garros, and Court Philippe Chatrier, was built with a red clay ("terre battue") playing surface.

Back to present:

During the opening day in Paris, France things haven't turned out smoothly for rains and a cold weather had welcomed the players as well as their spectators...this continued upto the 2nd and 3rd day.

Anyway, by this time everything's okei now! Lucky players who won had advanced to the quarterfinals while others went home and accepted their bitter defeat. Good thing Roger Federer is still hanging on and is continuing his winning streak in clay! Let me share to you some bits about his games! (.^__^.)

May 29, 2007 Round of 128: A CLEAR START

Roger was able to finish his match against Michael Russell (ATP 68) today after play was suspended because of rain yesterday. He wrapped up a straight-sets first-round win over the American: 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Resuming second up on a sun-kissed Philippe Chatrier today, Roger - aiming for a first title at Roland Garros - was in just as clinical mood. And he was happy with the way he played in his opening match this year. “I was in a comfortable position going into today, so that was a good situation to be in,” he said.

“I played okay I thought. I served well. I didn't get much chance on his serve, and from the baseline I played well when I had to. So it was a good opening match for me.”

Roger will now face Frenchman Thierry Ascione (ATP 168) in the second round.

May 30, 2007 Round of 64: ROGER CRUISES INTO ROUND 3
Roger celebrated a clear victory over Frenchman Thierry Ascione in the evening of the second round at the French Open today.

He prevailed 6-1, 6-2, 7-6 (10-8) in the day's last game on Suzanne Lenglen court. Our champ broke Ascione (ATP 168) twice in the first set, in the second and fourth games, and twice again early in the second set to establish a firm grip on the contest with just 48 minutes played.

The third set, which lasted more than an hour, was not quite as straightforward for Roger, who was broken when serving at 5-4 up, having squandered two match points in that game.

Our star will play Italy's Potito Starace in the third round.

June 1, 2007: ROGER ROLLS ON round of 32
Roger sprinted through to the last 16 today, polishing off Italy's Potito Starace in only 91 minutes with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-0 rout. "It's hard to judge if I'm getting better because the conditions were really difficult for me in the first two rounds," Roger said.

“I'm happy I haven't lost a set. It came naturally today, especially in the third set. I was playing well, my serve was working well."

Roger will next meet Russia's Mikhail Youzhny, who has not won a match in nine all-time tries against our No. 1, including losses this year at the Australian Open and in the final at Dubai.

"He's an excellent player and he usually plays better against the better players," Roger said of Youzhny.

Of course Roger is also dreaming of the final – against Rafa Nadal.

“That would be a dream of us all, that final,” he commented.

“I’d say it is an advantage that I’ve now defeated him on all surfaces. But the final is still far away.”

June 3, 2007 - Round of 16: STILL TO DROP A SET!
Roger matched John McEnroe's record streak of 11 straight-set wins in Grand Slam matches by beating Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 6-4 6-4 to reach the French Open quarter-finals today.

John McEnroe had set the best mark in the Open era in 1984 from the second round at Wimbledon through to the U.S. Open quarter-finals.

“It was not easy. But I stayed totally calm,” Roger commented and added: “I don’t know why, but the fans here are supporting me in a great way”.

Roger turned on the style after a sluggish start today to extend to 10-0 his perfect record against Russia's Youzhny, seeded 13th here.

"He's dangerous on every surface, he moves well, and I knew I had to be careful. He challenged me at first and I had to stay calm and react, which I did. I'm pleased with my match,” Roger said after the encounter, lasting two hours and 25 minutes.

He next meets Spaniard Tommy Robredo, seeded ninth. Roger clearly leads the head-to-head 7-0. He also beat Robredo on his way to the Australian Open title 2007.

Rafael Nadal will play his next round against Lleyton Hewitt – certainly a match to look forward to – on Monday.

http://rogerfederer.com/

http://sports.yahoo.com/ten

Loves the blue shirt so much! (.^__^.)

Go Roger! =D

Yesterday, June 1 (Friday), is our enrollment day! And still we, Student Assistants, were required to work and assist our batchmates. What's the good part about being a S.A in this: During our enrollment kasi students are required to fall in line and wait for their turn to have a slot for P.E courses, NSTP and to pay for their tuition fees. They also need to wear their complete white uniform and their school I.D. But we S.A's don't need all of these! We just have to go straight ahead (no need to fall in line) and wear our casual clothes ( just bring our S.A. I.D) and we're finished!
At least now I can get the P.E course I've ever wanted. Say good-bye to dancing and say hello to basketball! I got tired of folkdance and social dance last year...I think it's enough already and it's time to make a change. Thank God he allowed me to choose sporty PE subject. I can already feel the UAAP sensation!! I'm excited to grab that basketball and dunk it!
Well, I think I need first to listen to my P.E professor whoever he/she is.
Good thing is that some of my blockmates will also be my PE classmates. Sama-sama na talaga kami para same schedule!
Actually, at first, I really wanted to have tennis, oh I mean Table Tennis for my PE. Pero I've decided to have it on my 2nd semester of this year nalang together with Melanie. I've promised kasi to join them in basketball before so I have to keep my promise. (.^__^.)

Speaking of tennis, may nakita ng venue si Melanie na pwede pagtennisan...kaya lang medyo malayo ako eh...sa SM North Edsa and nde pa siya in terms of membership. It's fine..pero it's better to find some other place. We're not in a hurry but I'm really excited to buy my tennis racquet soon!
Roland Garros (French Open 2007) had already started a week ago in Paris, France. Of course, Roger Federer had joined that competition. Luckily, I'm able to watch some of his games at Solar Sports pero yung iba lang talaga..ang dami kasing players na kasali doon so marami ring games yung kinocover nila...I love to keep an update here in my blog about Federer's game. Hmmmm..maybe tomorrow!

June 13 is fast approaching and classes will start again. Oohhh..I'm gonna miss this summer! I'm back again to studies and the sad truth is that my schedule will start at 7:00am! I'm not a morning person..it's hard for me to wake up that early...5:00am?! I'll just pray that my angel will wake me up so that I won't be late on my first class. What's my first class nga ba?? hmmmm... LITERATURE... oh no! I hope that class will not be boring.

Cge, till here nalang. I still have to study my new class schedule and try to watch some tennis games! (.^__^.)