Thursday, July 23, 2015

Roger Federer named most marketable sports star

Roger Federer has been named the world’s most marketable sports star, edging out Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and LeBron James in the Top 20 list released by the London School of Marketing.

The study calculated the brand value of the athletes, taking into account their current income from sponsorships as a percentage of their total earnings, and also factored in their social media presence.

"Roger is genuine, honest, down to earth, and gives his time generously to his partners and foundation. Companies look for role models and Roger is as good as it gets,” Tony Godsick, CEO TEAM8, told ATPWorldTour.com.

Tennis players featured prominently in the list, with a total of seven athletes represented. In addition to Federer, four other ATP World Tour players made the cut: Novak Djokovic (No. 7), Rafael Nadal (No. 8), Andy Murray (No. 16) and Kei Nishikori (No. 17).

1. Roger Federer – Tennis
2. Tiger Woods – Golf
3. Phil Mickelson – Golf
4. LeBron James – Basketball
5. Kevin Durant – Basketball
6. Rory McIlroy – Golf
7. Novak Djokovic – Tennis
8. Rafael Nadal – Tennis

9. Mahendra Singh Dhoni – Cricket
10. Cristiano Ronaldo – Football
11. Kobe Bryant – Basketball
12. Maria Sharapova – Tennis
13. Lionel Messi – Football
14. Usain Bolt – Track
15. Neymar – Football
16. Andy Murray – Tennis
17. Kei Nishikori – Tennis

18. Derrick Rose – Basketball
19. Floyd Mayweather – Boxing
20. Serena Williams – Tennis

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Roger Federer Foundation Malawi visit



Love him laughing at his own hairy arms :D. And the kids messing with his hair ♥♥♥

Monday, July 20, 2015

Roger Federer visits Malawi to launch children's program for his foundation













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Tennis star Roger Federer visited Malawi on Sunday to launch a children`s programme funded by his charity foundation, saying he was keen to help one of the poorest countries in the world.

Just one week after losing the Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic, Federer landed in the capital Lilongwe.

The world`s number two player is on Monday scheduled to open a child care centre to improve early childhood development.

"I have always thought children are tomorrow`s future and I really enjoy supporting them and giving them an opportunity to be able to go to school," Federer told AFP on arrival at the airport.

Working with international charity Action Aid, Federer`s foundation has been working in six districts in Malawi since 2011 and aims to reach 135,000 children by 2021.

"I think it`s really important that every child should have this opportunity, so I am trying to help as much as I can," he said.

Child malnutrition is a pressing issue in Malawi, where more than half of children aged between 18 and 23 months suffer from stunted growth, according to a recent study.

zeenews.india.com

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Roger Federer still undecided about hard court schedule

Roger Federer has not completely decided his schedule for the second half of the season, saying he will look at where to play when getting ready for the hard-court season.

The world No. 2 said he had not wanted to announce his tournaments before seeing how Paris, Halle and Wimbledon went.

Federer reached the quarterfinals at the French Open, won his warm-up ATP 500 event on grass in Halle and reached the final of Wimbledon.

Now, he said he will "Sit down, relax with the family, go on vacation, then probably decide in 10, 12 days' time."

Though indicating he will follow his normal schedule, Federer said there were one or two things that could require adjustments.

"Also when I know what's happened with Davis Cup after September, seeing what the situation is for that, and then I'll decide what I'll play in the summer heading into the Open and after that as well," he said. "I still just need to wait for some answers, and at the same time just recover and assess what's been going on really."

Friday, July 17, 2015

Flashback Friday: Martina Hingis' first 6 WTA Finals

A few days ago, fresh off their first Grand Slam doubles titles together at Wimbledon, the No.1-ranked doubles team in the world, 

Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza, became the first doubles team to qualify for the doubles event at the season-ending BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

It will be Hingis' seventh time playing the WTA Finals - here's a look at her first six appearances.

1996: A 16-year-old Hingis qualified in both singles and doubles, falling first round in doubles with Helena Sukova but making it to the final in singles, falling in five grueling sets to Steffi Graf.



1997: After winning three of the four majors that year, Hingis was stunned in the quarterfinals of the WTA Finals by giant-killer Mary Pierce. She fell first round in doubles with Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario.


1998: Hingis fell first round in doubles with Jana Novotna, but she went all the way to the singles title, getting revenge on Pierce en route to the final then taking Lindsay Davenport out for the title.



1999: Hingis didn't let a loss to Davenport in the singles final get her down - she turned that frown upside down with her first WTA Finals doubles title alongside fellow teenager Anna Kournikova.


2000: Hingis swept both the singles and doubles titles, beating Monica Seles in the singles final and partnering Kournikova for the doubles title. She's the last player to pull off the singles-doubles sweep.


2006: A fantastic singles comeback season led Hingis to qualifying for the singles event at the WTA Finals. She didn't make it out of the round robin but did take a set off eventual champion Justine Henin.


Thursday, July 16, 2015

Martina Hingis: Hall of Fame Global Ambassador

NEWPORT, RI, USA - Martina Hingis, who's one half of the No.1 doubles team at the moment with Sania Mirza, has been named the first Global Ambassador for the International Tennis Hall Of Fame.

Hingis, a former No.1 in singles and doubles and a multiple Grand Slam champion in singles, doubles and mixed, was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2013, and in her new role will play an active part to preserve and promote the history of tennis, and educate and engage the global tennis community.

"The International Tennis Hall Of Fame is a special place. When you walk through the museum, it's awe-inspiring to see the great champions and memorable moments our sport has delivered," she said.

"I was honored, humbled and inspired during the time I spent there for my induction. That said, I know there are many tennis fans who may not be able to make the trip to Newport, and so I'm thrilled to work with the Hall Of Fame to bring their mission and message out to fans around the world in a new way."

Hingis is one of 243 people from 21 nations who have received the highest honor in the sport of tennis - induction into the Hall Of Fame. Hingis' career has only gotten more legendary since then - earlier this year she picked up her 16th major title in the Australian Open mixed doubles (with Leander Paes).

As their first Global Ambassador, Hingis will take part in promotional activities at tennis events around the world on behalf of the Hall Of Fame in the year ahead. Hingis will participate in events in China, as well as in Singapore during the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.

She will also make a trip to Newport, Rhode Island in July to visit the Hall of Fame and tour the Hall Of Fame's new museum, which opened in May after a complete renovation. "I'm really looking forward to touring the new museum this summer," Hingis said of her upcoming trip. "I've heard great reviews and from the photos, it looks like a complete transformation and a lot of interesting exhibits to explore."

Hingis, along with additional Hall Of Famers, will also be featured in a new brand campaign, which is focused on showcasing the history of tennis through the inspiring life stories of the Hall Of Famers. The campaign will run in digital, print and social media in the year ahead. The first print ads featuring Hingis began running this month and the campaign will continue to be built out in the coming months.

"Martina is a tremendous ambassador for our sport in so many ways," Todd Martin, the CEO of the International Tennis Hall Of Fame, said. "She has achieved success at the highest level and has been part of great moments in the sport's history. She is highly engaged with tennis fans worldwide. Through our museum and programs, the Hall Of Fame works every day to preserve and promote our sport's inspiring history. We are excited to have Martina take on this new role to help bring that work out into the global tennis community through her participation in special events and our outreach programs."

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Roger Federer doesn't want pity despite another Wimbledon loss

A horrible trap lies in wait for all of us when discussing an underdog losing a match, and we’re never likelier to plunge headfirst into it than when a legend of the game is beaten by a world No.1 on the biggest stage of all.


We find ourselves applying a peculiar lexicon to the legend, of the kind suitable for some kind of cuddly toy. We reduce him to an adorable mascot for whom victory would have been a bonus, and who no longer experiences defeat as a lacerating wound. We do it because he is not 22 any more, and because he is loved.


Just don’t expect Roger Federer to thank you for it. He may be loved, but he has no interest in being adorable.


What he sought from the Wimbledon final 2015 was victory. He wanted to be the first man to take eight titles here. He wanted his 18th Grand Slam.

If that would have made him, at 33 years 338 days, the oldest champion here since the game turned professional, then so be it. What he absolutely specifically did not care about was next time, or last time, or any other time. He wanted what Novak Djokovic wanted, with the same stinging ambition as the Serb.

The hateful bottom line is this: on this day, Federer wasn’t good enough, and he knows it better than anyone. The champion defended his title 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3. For all the wonder of that second set, Federer had two points to win the first. What if he had led two sets to love? No point asking. He didn’t win it. Saving seven set points on the way to grabbing the second may have been astonishing to witness at courtside or on television worldwide, but it still left Federer an unconquerable distance from victory.


He lost, and he doesn’t want anyone’s sympathy, or – shudder – pity. To accept it would serve only to cheapen all that he achieved in his pomp. If there was no need for allowances back then, there is no need now.

“It’s always a mental and physical challenge to keep going, keep going,” he said tiredly. “I had chances. He got the break in the first set on a forehand I should not miss. Happy that I won the second set but still know I’m a long way away. A pity I couldn’t make more of the momentum. I couldn’t take advantage of the rain. I still won six matches. Lost one.”

In these post-match Q&As, he excels at betraying as little of his private hurt as possible, remaining at his most elaborately unruffled answering questions which effectively request that he bleed in front of the media. But the truth was evident in what was unsaid.

Witness his demeanour throughout the trophy presentation. Without ever erring towards the unsportsmanlike, he could hardly bear to look at Djokovic even fleetingly. Set aside any thoughts of dislike between them – the Swiss used unusually strong language this Fortnight to refute suggestions by Djokovic’s coaching consultant Boris Becker of any such thing. So let’s be clear – what turned Federer’s stomach was defeat.

“You walk away empty-handed,” he said. “For me a finalist’s trophy is not the same. Everybody knows that. I would have loved to win. There’s no doubt about that.”


He could not bring himself to gaze upon the famous golden trophy in the hands of another. When he was required to walk a circuit of the Centre Court with the plate he earned as runner-up, it was apparent in his body language that there could be nothing worse requested of him – and above all things, he could not lift the plate to the crowd. After all, someone might think that this was the trophy he actually wanted.

“I’m not going to accept losing and say it’s normal because I lost against the world No.1,” said Federer. “It’s not normal. I’ve beaten him. I’m one of the few guys that’s got a chance. I believed I was going to come through as the winner. I’m right there. My game is good.”


Courtesy is one of Federer’s on-court signatures, so do him the courtesy of judging him by the standards you judge all others. If you must make allowances, then make allowance only for brilliance – his own, and his opponent’s. Make allowance for that mind-blowing second set. Make allowance for the fact that out of seven billion people on this planet, the only one nearer to touching perfection in the art of tennis was on the opposite side of the net.

The sporting super-elite are not interested in coming second. What drives their necessarily lop-sided existence is a near-manic focus on victory. Nobody gets to be a legend by accident. It’s no use imagining that Roger Federer does not possess the same raging need to win on the basis that he looks nice and is a polite sort of chap.

What was it he said on court in those moments after defeat? Ah yes: “I am still very hungry and motivated and a match like this is very helpful.”

That chilly little phrase, “very helpful”… terrifying. Take it as read – Roger Federer lost, and that knowledge is burning him alive.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Roger Federer once agan falls to defending champion Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon Final



 Sportsman till the end :)




Roger Federer Tumblr tag

Novak Djokovic took sole ownership of eighth place in the all-time Grand Slam championship title winners list Sunday when he captured his ninth major crown.

The top seed clinched his third trophy at The Championships when he defeated second seed and seven-time former champion Roger Federer 7-6(1), 6-7(10), 6-4, 6-3 on Centre Court.

It was his 200th Grand Slam match win and also his third triumph at the All England Club, which equals the mark of his coach, Boris Becker, the 1985-86 and 1989 winner. Djokovic is the first man to retain the Wimbledon title since 2007.

"It's a great privilege to play against Roger, who is a great champion," Djokovic told BBC television on-court. "He has done so much for our sport on and off the court. It's a great honour to play him again. I was aware coming onto the court, that Roger would play his best when it matters the most. He pushes you to limits."

By winning the 54th title of his career, Djokovic earned £1,880,000 in prize money and 2,000 Emirates ATP Rankings points. He is now 48-3 on the season, which includes six trophies.

Federer admitted, "Novak not only played great today, but also this year, last year and the year before that! Well done, Novak, you deserved it. At the end he was rock solid. I didn't play bad myself, so I can be very happy. That's the way it goes. Once more, it has been a privilege to play here."

Djokovic saved two set points at 5-6 in the first set, then won 14 of 15 points - including a commanding performance in the tie-break. At the end of a pulsating final, he moved to 176-7 lifetime at majors after winning the first set (13-1 versus Federer). But Federer continued to press, although he could not convert two break points at 2-2 in the second set.

Djokovic stepped up and when Federer struck a double fault at 4-5, 30/30, it gifted Djokovic a set point chance that he did not win - striking a forehand long. Federer responded immediately in Djokovic's next serving game, which lasted eight minutes. Federer rattled the tape with a searing forehand on break point, 30/40, but Djokovic held on for a 6-5 advantage.

In a dramatic tie-break, which was full of tension, Federer fought off set points at 3/6, 6/7, 8/9 and 9/10. He saw one chance at 8/7 pass, before sealing the 66-minute set on his second set point chance to get back into their 40th meeting.

Djokovic broke Federer's serve at 1-1 in the third set. By 4:21 p.m., a rain shower saw the players scurry back to the locker room. At 4:41 p.m., the battle resumed and although Federer was more aggressive, Djokovic proved to be impenetrable - winning 94 per cent of his first serve. He closed out the 32-minute set with a hold to love.

The pressure continued to build on Federer in the fourth set, as Djokovic's returns continued to pepper the lines and he earned the break for a 3-2 lead. Federer held off two break points at 2-4, but could not deny Djokovic, who struck a forehand winner into space to wrap up a memorable victory.

Federer, now 40-7 in 2015, had been attempting to lift his 18th Grand Slam championship crown. It was his 10th Wimbledon final (7-3 record).

atpworldtour.com

This loss was a lot less heart-breaking then last year (since it wasn't as close).  

The disappointment will once again take some time to get over, before I can sincerely congratulate Novak on his win.  

Federer fans can take solace in the fact that Roger didn't play badly, even had a few chances. Novak was just slightly better this day.  

The 2nd set tie-break will no doubt go into tennis history as one of the classics.  

Thank goodness for The Swiss Miss Martina Hingis, she single handedly helped lessen the pain of yet another lost opportunity with her 2 doubles titles at Wimbledon.  

Something tells me Roger will be back next year though. 

For now there's still the U.S. Open in NYC.  Off to hard courts we go!. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Leander Paes & Martina Hingis Final Press Conference

Martina Hingis reigns supreme at Wimbledon with 2 back to back doubles titles!







Martina Hingis Facebook Fanclub

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LONDON, England - Martina Hingis and Leander Paes put on an absolute masterclass against Timea Babos and Alexander Peya to win their second mixed doubles title of the year together at Wimbledon.

The No.7-seeded Hingis and Paes never faced a break point and won almost three times as many points - 55 to 20 - to beat the No.5-seeded Babos and Peya in 40 minutes on Centre Court, 6-1, 6-1.

Having won the doubles title at Wimbledon the night before alongside another Indian, Sania Mirza, Hingis is the first player to win both doubles and mixed at Wimbledon since 2004 (Cara Black).

It's also the 18th overall Grand Slam title of her career. She has five singles, 10 doubles and now three mixed. By major it's nine Australian Opens, two French Opens, five Wimbledons and two US Opens.

"Well, I think that was the best we played pretty much since Australia in all the matches. I think it's pretty exciting to come out like this in the finals of a Grand Slam," Hingis said after the match.

"Beating Bryan and Mattek was definitely a huge win that day. It was my second match in that day. I'm grateful to have had Leander on my side to pull me through that one. And today I had a great night after last night, so... a good night's sleep, and I was ready to go all the way in another final today."

Hingis was asked how it felt to win two Grand Slam titles with two Indian players in two days.

"Well, with Leander we played World TeamTennis for the last two years. I'm already looking forward to playing together again in two weeks. And with Sania, we only started in March this year. But since then it's been a great ride for me. I already feel like a quarter Indian. I've been to India three times already, last November, in February - no, the fourth time. Meeting the Prime Minister and everything."

And what clicks so well between Hingis and Paes specifically?

"Leander is just a great person who I know is always a great help, whether it's practice or off the court. We make each other better. It's even more important to get along off the court than on the court."

2nd mixed doubles title with Leander having won this year's Aussie Open. 

Great tournament for Hingis!.  Just like Roger Federer she's proving that age really is just a number :).  

Hingis became the second player to win both titles at Wimbledon since 2004. 

Who knows maybe she'll be just as successful at the U.S. Open in 7 weeks time.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Martina Hingis & Sania Mirza Wimbledon Final Press Conference

Martina Hingis & Sania Mirza Wimbledon Doubles Champions!



























LONDON, England - Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza cemented their status as the No.1 team in the world by capturing their first Grand Slam doubles title together. It wasn't easy by any means, though.

After splitting two very close sets against two-time Grand Slam champions Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina, Hingis and Mirza - who were playing just their second Grand Slam together - saw their hopes of a first major fading away as they fell behind 5-2 in the third set, just a game away from going out.

But a fierce rally saw them draw level at 5-all, and after a roughly half hour break for the Centre Court roof to be closed due to fading light, the No.1-seeded Swiss-Indian duo came out stronger, breaking the No.2-seeded Russians one last time then serving it out for a gritty 5-7, 7-6(4), 7-5 victory.

It was a milestone for both of them - Hingis won her 10th Grand Slam doubles title, and first since the 2002 Australian Open with Anna Kournikova, and Mirza won her very first Grand Slam doubles title.

Mirza is now the first Indian ever to win a Grand Slam women's doubles title.

Hingis and Mirza, already the No.1-ranked team in the world, will now return to No.1 on the Road To Singapore doubles leaderboard, the journey to the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global.