Roger Federer ends Djokovic streak to move into Shanghai Rolex Masters Final

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Roger Federer produced what could be his best tennis of the year to upset Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in their semi-final Saturday at the Shanghai Rolex Masters.

In their 36th meeting, Federer snapped the two-time defending champion’s 28-match win streak on Chinese soil as he reached his 39th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final and stays in pursuit of Djokovic for the year-end World No. 1 Emirates ATP Ranking.

The Swiss, who will return to World No. 2 in the Emirates ATP Rankings on Monday, will face Gilles Simon in the final, hoping to win his first title in Shanghai on his second try (l. to Andy Murray in the 2010 final). The Frenchman defeated Feliciano Lopez to reach his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 final (l. to Murray in Madrid in 2008). Federer leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 4-2.


“I'm not going to come into the match and play terrible,” said Federer. “It just won't happen - not in the finals, not against Simon. That's the confidence I have right now.”


With victory in Sunday’s final, Federer would narrow the gap between him and Djokovic in the battle to finish as year-end World No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings this season, with 1000 point still up for grabs at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris and 1,500 points at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

In his 52nd ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semi-final, Federer needed just one break point to take the lead and eventually the first set in 48 minutes. The 22-time Masters 1000 champion broke the World No. 1 again in the opening game of the second set and maintained the one-game lead. The Serbian saved two match points on his serve before Federer served out the match in one hour and 35 minutes.

Federer faced and saved only one break point the entire match, hit 35 winners, seven aces, and won 20 of 35 points at the net.

This 36th meeting tied Djokovic and Federer for second with Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe for Most Open Era Match-Ups. With the win, Federer now leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 19-17.


“I think I did not play too bad,” said Djokovic, whose win streak in China included his two Masters 1000 titles in Shanghai (2012, 2013) and three straight titles in Beijing (five overall). “It's just that he played everything he wanted to play. He played the perfect match. I think he's going to tell you how he felt, but that's how I felt he played. He played an amazing match.”


“It was a great match, I agree,” said Federer, who will play for his 81st tour-level title on Sunday. “I think I played very well. There was nothing in the game today that wasn't working. I think it was a high-level match. I'm unbelievably happy with the way it went.”


A win for Simon would put him in a small group of players not named Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal or Murray who have won an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title in the past 41 tournaments.


The four aforementioned players have accounted for 37 titles, the only exceptions being Robin Soderling in Paris (2010), David Ferrer in Paris (2012), Stan Wawrinka in Monte-Carlo (2014) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Toronto (2014).

atpworldtour.com

Roger Federer sets up semis clash with Novak Djokovic at Shanghai Rolex Masters

Roger Federer continues his quest for his first Shanghai Rolex Masters crown after defeating Julien Benneteau 7-6(4), 6-0 on Friday for a spot in the semi-finals..


In his 52nd Masters 1000 semi-final, Federer will face two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic, who defeated Barclays ATP World Tour Finals hopeful David Ferrer earlier on Friday to win his 28th straight match on Chinese soil.

Federer, who will overtake Rafael Nadal as World No. 2 in the Emirates ATP Rankings on Monday, hit 11 aces and 34 winners in the 69-minute match.

"I thought I played very well against Bautista Agut, but maybe tonight was a bit better,” said Federer. "Especially once I got in the lead, it's nice to have those great 10, 15 minutes where you can stretch it, really. That's what I was able to do. So this probably was my best match so far."


Federer and Djokovic have met on 35 occasions, with the 17-time Grand Slam champion leading their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 18-17. Djokovic beat Federer in their last hard-court meeting in March in the final at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Indian Wells.

“Roger is one of the best players ever in the game,” said Djokovic. “There is no clear favourite. I think every time we play against each other, it's a thriller. It's really a big challenge for both of us. We need to bring our ‘A’ game in order to win.”


"I think we always play tough against each other," said Federer about Djokovic. "I think we're both in good shape right now. We both enjoy playing here in Shanghai.

“He's playing a great season again. I'll give it the best shot I have. I think I have a good game at the moment. It is my first tournament back after vacation, so I really hope I can come up with some good shotmaking and solid play because that's what it's going to require against him. There are not that many secrets out there. We've played each other too many times at this point."

atpworldtour.com

Maura Tierney talks about her new cable drama "The Affair"

Maura Tierney is dipping her toe into unfamiliar waters, and we're not talking about those off the shore of Montauk; the Emmy nominee is heading to cable with The Affair.


Tierney spent almost 10 years on ER, NBC's hit medical drama. Before that there was nearly 100 episodes of the comedy NewsRadio. Stints on Rescue Me, The Good Wife and a short-lived legal drama The Whole Truth followed, but now Tierney is heading to Showtime for the provocative new drama costarring Dominic West, Ruth Wilson and Joshua Jackson.


"Initially, I had really wanted to work on cable television. I was on network TV for about 15 years or so, which I loved. I was on two amazing shows on network, but I've never worked without those kinds of constraints, so I really wanted to work in that environment," Tierney said.


The Affair tells the story of, well, an affair. Tierney plays Helen, the wife to Noah (West), and mom to four kids. The show tells the story of Noah's affair with Alison (Wilson) from their two points of views. And for Tierney, her first cable drama starts off with a bang.

You kick it right off with a sex scene.

Yes, I know, I know! I was more thinking about the subject matter freedom, not that, but that was really interesting to me. Sarah Treem, who wrote it, I think is really talented, she's a playwright. I think she's a wonderful writer. I like that the show is built around the two different perspectives of the two characters.

Will we ever see your perspective?

I believe…I'm not sure because I don't ask any questions. Some of the other cast members ask questions, I don't just because, I don't know, I'm OK not to. But I do believe if the show continues to next season…the viewpoints will expand. Not just to me, but to some of the other characters.


Right. As I watched I was wondering, "How many seasons can this last?"

I think the whole thing is going to be a memory piece. That's what's special about it, I think. I think two things: It's special that it's a memory piece and that it's a difference between a feminine and masculine perspective on events, a memory. I like that.


When I watched, I vaguely knew what the show was about, but I didn't realize it'd be split. Everything, down to the clothes was different.


That's what's fun about it. It's not just they remember different—everything's different. I get to play two different characters, sort of, which is really fun.


Do you prefer one perspective to the other?


I like it when I'm in Ruth's [Wilson] perspective because it's more of a stretch for me. In her character's perspective, I'm very chic and intimidating and kind of cold…It's fun to play. It's not like me, but it's more fun because she's a little bit of a bitch. I like that. Not so much in the pilot, but down the line.


The Affair seems like something I have ever seen on broadcast or cable.


Yeah! I think it's really, really fun.


Is that what kind of drew you to the project specifically?


Yes. I liked the writing a lot and like that I essentially get to play two different versions of the same person.

It's definitely provocative.


Totally.

I think that's the right word.


No, I think it is.

What's your elevator pitch to people?


This is what I say: It's called The Affair, it's about an affair. [Laughs.] It is what I say!

The subject matter, adultery, can turn people off in a way. Did that worry you at all?


No. Does it turn people off?


I feel like it does sometimes. Like, happily married people?


But sometimes happily married people—someone has an affair. There are weird statistics that sometimes when infidelity occurs, the person who cheats says, ‘I was happy in my marriage.' It's a mysterious thing what keeps people together...I think infidelity is difficult, monogamy is difficult and marriage is difficult. It's sort of like, what's that little trip wire that makes the thing happen, that goes wrong?


At this point, do you prefer drama or comedy?


I've been doing dramas for a long time. Actually, this year I was looking to do a comedy. I thought it'd be really fun, that's the stuff I was reading. Then I was offered this role and it was too good to not take. I do miss comedy, yeah. But I try to be funny on the show. You'll see, my character is kind of funny.

TV revivals are all the rage these days.


Mhm.

Would you ever do an ER TV movie?


I mean, probably not. I don't know, it depends on who wrote it...They did it already!


The 20th anniversary is coming up.


Note: This interview occurred prior to the 20th anniversary of ER's premiere in September]

Yeah, but when they ended the show everybody came back. I feel like they did that already.

You never know.   Strange things have happened, especially lately. Do you want to add anything about The Affair?

I think it's going to be a really fun show. The idea is to have the audience not know who to root for, which couples to root for. Hopefully we'll do that and hopefully it'll be fun.


The Affair premieres Sunday, Oct. 12 at 10 p.m. on Showtime. You can watch the first full (edited) episode now below.

eonline.com

Roger Federer battles hard in first match at Shanghai Rolex Masters

Roger Federer saved five match points on Wednesday as he opened his quest for a first Shanghai Rolex Masters title.

The third seed, who finished runner-up to Andy Murray in the 2010 final, beat Leonardo Mayer in a 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(7) second-round victory, which lasted two hours and 42 minutes.

"I think I got unbelievably lucky today," said Federer, who went on to call it his "greatest escape thus far".

It was the second-most match points he has saved in his career. Federer saved seven match points in his 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(10) first-round win over Scott Draper at the 2003 Western & Southern Open.

Federer will play No. 14 seed Roberto Bautista Agut during Thursday’s night session.

Mayer led 3-1, 40/15 in the first set, but Federer dug himself out of trouble. Federer saved one set point when Mayer served at 5-4 and he finally converted his fifth break point opportunity when his Argentine opponent hit a forehand into the net. Federer won four straight games to clinch the 61-minute opener.

Mayer immediately bounced back, breaking Federer in the first game of the second set. He committed just eight unforced errors and won 80 per cent of his first service points to take their first meeting to a decider.

Federer, who began to serve and volley, saved two match points from 4-5, 15/40 in the third set. Mayer will particularly rue missing a short backhand, with Federer at the net, on his first opportunity. Federer saved the second with a big forehand down the line.

Mayer led 5/2 in the tie-break, but could not convert three more match point chances at 6/4 and 7/6. Federer clinched his first match point opportunity with a stunning lob winner.

Mayer is now 1-17 lifetime against members of the Top 10 in the Emirates ATP Rankings.

"Wasn't quite happy with the way I was playing at times," admitted Federer, who was making his first main draw appearance since the US Open. "I was trying to go for an all-time record of missed volleys tonight... The eyes weren't following balls perfectly, I wasn't reading the plays maybe as easily as I was before my vacation.

"But every match I get, every minute I spend more on the court is going to be helpful. I'm happy I get another chance today."

Federer has an ATP World Tour-best 57-10 match record on the season, which includes three titles at Dubai (d. Berdych), Halle (d. Falla) and the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati (d. Ferrer). He is attempting to lift the 81st trophy of his career this week.

atpworldtour.com

Roger Federer could go back to #2 in the world after Shanghai Masters

No. 3 Roger Federer is poised for a boost in his world ranking as he prepares for the impending Shanghai Rolex Masters. With Novak Djokovic locked into the No. 1 seed, only 285 points separate Federer from No. 2 Rafael Nadal, according to the updated ATP singles rankings.

Federer is in perfect position to strike, and he will do just that.

After winning in Cincinnati and putting on an impressive display at the U.S. Open, the Swiss earned some much-needed time off before he makes the final push for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Due to the impressive form Federer displayed earlier this season, he carries plenty of confidence and momentum into Shanghai.

Federer's confidence was on display when speaking during a press conference, via ATPWorldTour.com:


Of course, the wish is to win the tournament here. I've never been able to win it other than the Masters Cup here, but never when it was a Masters 1000.

That is the goal, no doubt about it. I feel my game is good enough now, but the field is very strong. Tough draws for all the top guys. A lot of guys are fighting to get into the race for the World Tour Finals in London, so there's a lot of pressure on many of the guys.

Adding to Federer's high comfort level in Shanghai was an enormous greeting upon his arrival, via Live Tennis:

Fans Flock to see #Federer as he arrives at Shanghai airport
While Federer's confidence appears to be off the charts, the same can't be said for Nadal. The Spaniard has struggled in his return to tennis following a wrist injury.

Having not played in a competitive tournament since Wimbledon—where he was upset in the Round of 16 by Nick Kyrgios—Nadal entered the China Open in Beijing with unfavorable results.

After defeating Richard Gasquet and Peter Gojowczyk, the world No. 2 faced Martin Klizan in the quarterfinal. Nadal won a first-set tiebreak; however, a match total of 37 unforced errors and just 21 winners from the Spaniard allowed Klizan to take the final two sets.

During a press conference after the loss, via Tennis.com, Nadal almost appeared to have lost faith in the remainder of the season, "I am going to work hard with the right attitude to play better than what I did today. I will be happy if I finish the season and I am able to take a one-and-a-half-week holiday, then practice for one month in perfect conditions to try to start the next season with positive feelings."

SI Tennis also noted Nadal's lowered expectations going forward:

Rafael Nadal tempers expectations after China Open loss to qualifier http://www.si.com/tennis/2014/10/03/rafael-nadal-loses-china-open-martin-klizan … #CO14

Nadal has never won a title in Shanghai, and his current condition—both mental and physical—doesn't bode well for his chances to acquire the feat. This presents Federer with a big opportunity to leapfrog him in the world rankings.

In ATP Masters 1000 events, 1,000 points goes to the winner, 600 is awarded for reaching the finals, 360 to the semifinals, 180 for the quarterfinals, 90 for the Round of 16, 45 for the Round of 32 and 10 for the Round of 64, according to ATPWorldTour.com.

Should Federer continue the torrid pace he was on before vacationing and Nadal's struggles force him out early once more, there will be a change in the pecking order by the tournament's conclusion. All signs indicate that this is a likely scenario.


bleacherreport.com

Martina Hingis & Flavia Pennetta in the running for BNP Paribas WTA Finals in Singapore

Alla Kudryavtseva and Anastasia Rodionova weren't able to seal their spot in the doubles field at Singapore, but they and two other teams still have a chance to secure one of the two remaining berths.


Alla Kudryavtseva and Anastasia Rodionova had a chance to clinch a berth at the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global with a semifinal win at the China Open on Friday, but fell short.


Therefore, the last two qualifying teams for Singapore won't be confirmed until at least next week.


In addition to Kudryavtseva and Rodionova, Garbiñe Muguruza and Carla Suárez Navarro and Martina Hingis and Flavia Pennetta are still in contention.


Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, Hsieh Su-Wei and Peng Shuai, Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina, Cara Black and Sania Mirza, Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears and Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik have already secured spots.


Errani and Vinci, defending WTA Finals champions Hsieh and Peng, Makarova and Vesnina and Peschke and Srebotnik have teamed up before in the WTA Finals, while the remaining qualifiers and potential qualifiers would be playing in the season finale together for the first time.


wtafinals.com

Roger Federer & Stan Wawrinka to play exhibition match in December

Swiss tennis fans in Zurich are in for a pre-Christmas treat as their two best players Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka are joining forces for an Exhibition night on behalf of the Roger Federer Foundation.


The pair, who are the most successful players of all time will be playing for The Match for Africa 2, following on from the first successful exhibition night held four years ago, to sell-out crowds, in Hallenstadion in Zurich.


"I'm looking forward to playing Stan in Zurich in late December. It will be a fantastic evening and I hope we can meet a large number of our fans and play a great match,” said Federer, as the planned night has already received a warm response from Swiss fans.


Wawrinka will be making his first appearance, after scooping his first Grand Slam title in Australia and backing that up later in the year with his first Masters title in Monte Carlo, as well a being part of the Davis Cup team that will contest the final later this year against France.


"It's always a pleasure to be on the court with Roger,” he said, “and I'm looking forward to being part of a great night of tennis for an even more important cause. Helping children in need is something that means a lot to me."


As well as the top flight tennis on show, there will be a group of nine performers from Southern Africa and a Swiss performer, who not only sings, but plays tennis joining the musical part of the night.


The Match for Africa 2 will take place on Sunday 21 December.

livetennis.com