Grand Slam Man: Roger Federer beats Andy Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam title

Sunday July 5, 2009 8:36 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Roger Federer and his sixth Wimbledon trophy. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

Roger Federer no longer need chase history; future players will chase him.

The Swiss completed his rise to the apex of tennis yesterday, turning back American challenger Andy Roddick in a wrenching five-set final at Wimbledon, 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14.

Federer’s 15th Grand Slam men’s singles title made him the greatest major champion, surpassing Pete Sampras’ 14 wins. In a surprise, Federer’s predecessor flew to England from California, joining other greats as spectators to history.

The match itself was a Grand Slam first, with a record 77 games played over four hours, 16 minutes. Federer broke serve for the first time on championship point, when Roddick shanked a forehand in the fifth set’s 30th game.

The No. 2-ranked Federer’s historic feat has present ramifications, too. The 27-year-old’s rapid-fire successes this summer, from his first French Open win last month to his sixth Wimbledon title, gave him to the No. 1 ranking, ahead of his Spanish rival, Rafael Nadal, who sat out the tournament with knee trouble.

Roddick, foiled again in his fourth Grand Slam final against Federer, played with controlled brawn from the first serve, defeating all six break points he had faced and weathering Federer’s career-high 50 aces before his shaky final game.

Despite his improved discipline, the 2003 U.S. Open winner blew a 6-2 lead in the first tiebreaker, when he was poised for a two-set edge. Just a few slips in his bold effort dropped Roddick to 2-19 against Federer.

Wimbledon semifinal match predictions for ladies and gentlemen's singles, 2009

Wednesday July 1, 2009 11:20 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

Appearing in amNewYork, July 2, 2009

Fourth round goes forth: Men and women in round of 16 play today for quarterfinal berths at Wimbledon on Monday

Sunday June 28, 2009 10:40 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Novak Djokovic has flown under the radar at Wimbledon so far despite a strong first week. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

The tournament’s middle Sunday allowed Wimbledon’s lawns to rest yesterday before the flurry of second-week matches.

Here is a look at today’s men’s fourth-round contests, which will set the quarterfinal matchups.

Lleyton Hewitt AUS vs. Radek Stepanek CZE (23)

In their first meeting since 2003, the rejuvenated Australian, a Wimbledon winner in 2002, has an edge over the wily Czech. Hewitt wins in 4 sets

Tomas Berdych CZE (20) vs. Andy Roddick USA (6)

Underachieving talent Berdych’s brittleness, combined with Roddick’s inspired play, is the American’s ticket to a fifth Wimbledon quarterfinal. Roddick in 3

Andy Murray GBR (3) vs. Stanislas Wawrinka SUI (19)

The British hope’s draw remains relatively fright-free in the round of 16 as Murray contests another late-afternoon match on Centre Court. Murray in 3

Juan Carlos Ferrero ESP vs. Gilles Simon FRA (8)

The back-from-the-irrelevance Spaniard (Ferrero won the 2003 French Open) encounters the moody Frenchman in a toss-up. Ferrero in 5

Igor Andreev RUS (29) vs. Tommy Haas GER (24)

The capable Russian has no particular edge over nice-guy Haas, a 31-year-old who is healthy and peaking on grass at the right time. Haas in 4

Dudi Sela ISR vs.Novak Djokovic SRB (4)

The 5-foot-9 Sela will not enjoy chasing Djokovic’s booming serves and ground strokes. Djokovic in 3

Fernando Verdasco ESP (7) vs. Ivo Karlovic CRO (22)

Verdasco’s fine return game won’t halt the ace-dealing Croat with poor all-around skills. Karlovic in 4

Robin Soderling SWE (13) vs. Roger Federer SUI (2)

A French Open final rematch again favors the Swiss, a five-time champion on these lawns. Federer in 4Oudin impresses

Finally, attention must be paid to an American women’s player not named Serena or Venus Williams. Bursting into the ranks of real-deal U.S. talents is Melanie Oudin (below), the teenager from Georgia who upset former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia on Saturday. If the unflappable Oudin (“oo-DAN”) is truly a Wimbledon title contender, she will work more magic against 11th-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland today. “My goal has always been, since I was little, to become No. 1 in the world one day,” the breathless 17-year-old said on Saturday.

Roger Federer earns his career Grand Slam at the French Open

Monday June 8, 2009 2:10 PM By Max J. Dickstein

PARIS - JUNE 08: Roger Federer of Switzerland poses with his French Open winner's trophy at the Arc de Triomphe on June 8, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

The tension was gone and Roger Federer was serene.

The coveted trophy that had eluded him longest — and might have forever, it often seemed — was finally his, ready to join the Swiss star’s crowded trophy case.

“It’s maybe my greatest victory, or certainly the one that removes the most pressure off my shoulders,” the 27-year-old Federer said yesterday after winning his first French Open title. “I think that now and until the end of my career, I can really play with my mind at peace, and no longer hear that I’ve never won Roland Garros.”

Federer’s 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 triumph over 25th-ranked Robin Soderling, under a consistent drizzle, was heavy with the weight of history. After three years of losses in French Open finals against Rafael Nadal, Federer secured his place as perhaps the greatest player ever to compete in men’s tennis.

This major men’s singles title, Federer’s 14th, tied him with Pete Sampras for most all-time, and his victory on red clay made him the sixth man to win each of the four majors. His predecessor on that list, the 1999 French Open winner, Andre Agassi, handed Federer the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

“I’m so happy for you, man,” Agassi said.

It was a sentiment shared by the boisterous crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier, where nervous backers cheered the Swiss from the first ball to the final game, clinched with a 127 mph service winner.

The 24-year-old Soderling shocked the top-ranked Nadal in the fourth round last Sunday. But Federer did not fall in line with other higher-ranked foes done in by Soderling’s cross-court power and steady placement; the second seed’s unyielding quality of play blunted the Swede’s bid for another momentous upset.

Federer weathered a bizarre episode when a man, later identified as “Jimmy Jump,” intruded onto the court and accosted Federer with Soderling serving at 1-2 in the second set — the match’s longest.

(with reporting from the Associated Press)

Reshuffled French Open offers a dodgy assortment of remaining contenders

Tuesday June 2, 2009 3:40 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Top-ranked Dinara Safina of Russia has dominated her competition at the French Open so far, losing only five games in four matches. She plays ninth-ranked Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

By Max J. Dickstein

With several title contenders and both defending champions eliminated at Roland Garros in recent days, only a handful of the 16 men and women remaining appear able to win the French Open.

Here's a look at a few players who are most likely to take the 2009 French Open singles titles:

From runner-up to front-runner: Roger Federer

Ravenous for his first title in Paris, Roger Federer has won 13 Grand Slams; no one else still in the men’s field even has one.

Federer's difficult keeping his game sharp mounted during the first four rounds. He has already dropped four sets — including the first two against Tommy Haas on Monday — as he prepares to face Gael Monfils in their quarterfinal match on Wednesday.

The flipside is that Federer's emotional investment in this tournament has escalated since Rafael Nadal's loss and his various escapes against early-round competition. The circumstances make him the favorite, if an enigmatic one. The Swiss maestro is both the premier player left in the draw and the competitor saddled with the heaviest doubts.Dueling at the top: Serena Williams, Dinara Safina

Second-seeded Serena Williams is tightening her grip on a third consecutive Grand Slam title. On Monday, she easily saw off 11th-ranked Alexandra Wozniak 6-2, 6-1. If we're being real here, Williams is the true No. 1.

Serena and Venus Williams have accounted for 17 Grand Slam titles, three since last summer at Wimbledon. Venus, an early-round upset victim on this trip to Roland Garros, is Serena's doubles partner and, during singles matches, Serena's constant supporter in the Roland Garros stands. Venus, as Serena avows, is the gracious and kind half of their sisterhood. Serena can seem harsh and even undeserving in her public comments, which rarely include credit for an opponents. Recently, she declared that she, not Safina, is the true No. 1 in women's tennis. But Serena's brashness speaks for her undiminished big-time game, which makes her the favorite to win this, and any, Grand Slam tournament.

Top-ranked Safina has one Grand Slam final and no major titles to her credit, but her consistent, elite results that crowned her as the latest women's player to gain the No. 1 ranking. The 2008 French Open finalist, and Marat Safin's 23-year-old sister, could consolidate her No. 1 ranking and status in the Safin family with a winning weekend.

Troublemakers: Andy Murray and Gael Monfils

Between these two young athletes, third-ranked Murray is the superior player. The Scotsman is an all-court tactician who will contend at majors deep into the future. But Monfils is the player of the moment.

The 22-year-old Frenchman demolished Andy Roddick in three blink-of-an-eye sets on Monday, finding winners everywhere he moved. His maniacal speed toward completing the match as night fell on Monday was comical, inconsiderate and scary, all at once. Monfils' switch to a powerful and forgiving Prince EXO3 Rebel 95 racket recently could help push him past Wilson devotee Federer on Wednesday. But Federer will perhaps be his undoing, having beaten Monfils in four sets in last year's French Open semifinals.

Murray plays with the lilting force of an album by Mogwai, a Scottish mood-rock group. Murray has owned Federer (4-0, but never winning in straight sets) since their meeting in Murray's maiden Grand Slam final last September, when Federer outclassed him in straight sets at the U.S. Open. To reach his second major final, where the 22-year-old Murray may be tapped as the favorite, he must emerge from Nadal's bracket. First up is the bold but beatable Chilean striker, Fernando Gonzalez.

Dream runners: Maria Sharapova and Robin Soderling

She is playing her first Grand Slam in a year and has no expectations for herself. He shocked the world by breaking down four-time champion Rafael Nadal. Neither of them seem likely to win a sixth or seventh match in this fortnight.

Book review: "Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal and the Greatest Match Ever Played" by L. Jon Wertheim

Wednesday May 20, 2009 9:05 PM By Max J. Dickstein

"Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal and the Greatest Match Ever Played"

L. Jon Wertheim

224 pages, $24

(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

By Max J. Dickstein

The stunning 2008 Wimbledon final — in which Rafael Nadal toppled the five-time champion Roger Federer — never was adequately chronicled by the writers who gushed over it for days last July.

It was all too much to encapsulate. From the contrast between the men to the weight of tennis history to the world-class quality of the play, the five-set classic cried out for a full-length account.

Enter “Strokes of Genius,” published next month, a gripping narrative of the match.

Sports Illustrated writer L. Jon Wertheim offers both finite focus and wide scope. On one page, he explores the inner physiological state of the contestants during one of match’s many rain delays; on another page, he monitors the fickle movement of the betting lines during the seesaw duel.

The book’s occasionally hyperbolic style lacks the in-game focus of the definitive one-match tennis book, John McPhee’s “Levels of the Game,” which spends paragraphs suspended within a single stroke of a single point of a 1968 U.S. Open semifinal.

But Wertheim’s involving tone is well suited to the sweep of his project, which successfully reawakens the excitement of one of the greatest encounters in sports history.

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and the portentous crow at their epic 2008 Wimbledon final

Sunday March 8, 2009 10:19 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

I viewed the fifth set of the Greatest Match Ever again the other night and noticed a sort of stunning moment that might have been portentous.

Late in the decisive set, as Rafael Nadal balances himself for another tight-spun left-handed serve into the ad court against the tense top-ranked Roger Federer, a large black bird (likely a crow, considering the size and the fact that it was past 9 p.m. that July 6 in London) swoops overhead. Considering that the NBC camera view at the time was overhead and to the rear — as well as the unnatural size of the bird as it flittered blurrily past — the portentous crow's path was likely cut over the Centre Court crowd behind Nadal, in the foreground.

Crows (if that's what this bird was; they are plentiful in London) traditionally symbolize doom, with their dark-sheened feathers, murderous caws and taste for picked-through flesh. This particular avian harbinger fits well in the context of that epic Federer-Nadal match — and even jibes with this point in the match.

Why? Because Federer never won another game.

On serve at 7-6 at the time and digging in to try unsuccessfully to break steely Nadal's serve, the Swiss went on to concede the championship. Nadal won the crow game to hold serve, broke Federer in the next game and held serve again to win 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7. Federer, the five-time Wimbledon champion was dethroned. He lost his No. 1 ranking a month later. Nadal went on to win Olympic gold in Beijing. After Federer saved some face by winning his fifth straight U.S. Open in August, Nadal solidified his No. 1 status with another epic defeat of his elder rival at the Australian Open on Feb. 1.

Federer, arguably no longer the game's best all-around player, has now been beaten by Nadal in Grand Slam finals on clay three times and, once each, on grass and hardcourt. At crucial moments, Nadal's vicious spin has proven to be too much for Federer's backhand and service return game.

And at the crucial moment illustrated above, a crow proved portentous.

UPDATE 3/9/09: Roger is trying out out former Agassi coach Darren Cahill in a bid to troubleshoot his fall from No. 1 and break point futility against Nadal. Cahill, of Australia, has been a black crow of sorts over Roger, taking a stern, realistic line on the growing lopsidedness of the Federer-Nadal rivalry in his capacity as a commentator of late for ESPN. What's more, my cousin Jake responds: "I look forward to the white dove that will flit by at Roland Garros as Nadal surrenders the fifth set to a rejuvenated Roger."

END UPDATE

In Australian Open final, Rafael Nadal triumps over Roger Federer, leaving the 13-time Grand Slam champion in emotional shambles

Sunday February 1, 2009 10:04 AM By Max J. Dickstein

(Photos by Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

The numbers tell the tale best. Rafael Nadal has won three of the past four Grand Slam events. Roger Federer, the 13-time major winner, owns just one of the past five titles.

What’s more, Nadal has won six of eight major finals at the same age (22) when Federer had won two of two. If Federer is to add more Grand Slam titles, he must do so against Nadal, a possibly historic young force with a 13-6 career edge over the 27-year-old Federer.

Federer fans will find no consolation in the loss in balmy Melbourne on Sunday; their champion, seemingly playing from behind all evening, dropped serve at 15-40 in the first game. Something — perhaps a nagging fear of the unsolvable Spaniard — was amiss with the Swiss. Federer landed only 51 percent of his first serves, robbing himself of a weapon he uses customarily to erase break points; one of his six key double faults cost him the third-set tiebreaker.

Federer truly cowered in the 34-minute fifth set. As Federer shanked through the final games (he finished with 64 errors), Nadal moved swiftly toward a new championship.

But why did Federer break down and cry bitterly during the ceremony? He has done so as a winner before — offering the crowd his tears of overwhelmed joy. On Sunday, I think his tears flowed out of recognition that he had not only contributed mightily to his own defeat in this match, but also to future meetings with Nadal. Indomitable as a front-runner but less steely in his seesaw battles against Nadal, Federer's spirit broke like a leaking dam.

"I wasn't able to enjoy this win too much after seeing Federer in the state that he was in after losing the final. It leaves you a little shaken," Nadal said later. "I think that mentally he made such a mountain of it that he came crashing down, but that can happen to anybody."

Here is a sharp and notable perspective.

Column: Roger Federer prepares to face a Spanish lefty (Rafael Nadal?) in the Australian Open final

Thursday January 29, 2009 1:27 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Photo by Getty

By Max J. Dickstein

Roger Federer, one win from tying Pete Sampras with a 14th major title on Sunday, has nothing — and everything — to prove.

He is one of history’s greatest athletes, but Federer’s best-matched contemporary, Rafael Nadal, owns a 12-6 record against him. Federer has made 19 straight Grand Slam semifinals, but a major title on clay, at the French Open, still eludes the 27-year-old Swiss.

Whether it is top-ranked Nadal or the sizzling 14th seed, Fernando Verdasco, a Spanish lefty will be second-seeded Federer’s foe in the Australian Open final. (The Spaniards played Friday, a day after Federer crushed Andy Roddick, 6-2, 7-5, 7-5, in the first men’s semifinal.)

Federer’s career doesn’t parallel those of Patrick Ewing or Dan Marino or other all-time greats who couldn’t “win the big one.” Federer has already done so 13 times over. Rather, the perception is that this tennis player’s accolades, more sterling with each Grand Slam, do not yet reflect the utter perfection he could achieve.

Federer is like a master builder who has lain the foundation for his greatest project and built its first 13 floors. Now, with time and 22-year-old Nadal as his opponents, Federer is trying to complete the project by tying Sampras’ record Sunday and then by winning this June on Paris clay — cementing his legacy.

Australian Open surprises: Who will stun tennis fans this time?

Wednesday January 14, 2009 3:19 PM By Max J. Dickstein

By Max J. Dickstein

When the tennis year crackles to life at the Australian Open each January, unheralded players make stunning runs to their first Grand Slam final.

Consider the past three men’s runners-up: Marcos Baghdatis (unseeded, 2006), Fernando Gonzalez (10th seed, 2007) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (unseeded, 2008).

What emboldens these men? Do they negotiate the change from northern winter to Australian summer better than others? Are these showmen consumed by the sense of possibility that pervades the year’s first major?

For whatever reason, a Cinderella tale is likely to unfold again at Melbourne Park, where first-round play begins Monday.Yes, the champion is almost certain to be defending champion Novak Djokovic, top-ranked Rafael Nadal, three-time Aussie champion Roger Federer or fourth-ranked Scotsman Andy Murray.

Fans’ hearts, however, might belong to a new breakout star. Here are three possibilities:

Sam Querrey: The free-swinging San Franciscan, ranked 39th, uncorks a huge serve that keeps him in any match. Steadily improving at 21, he can crack up an interview room, too; his sense of humor will help him keep things in perspective on the court.

Kei Nishikori: The Japanese 19-year-old, ranked 59th, stands into baseline rallies like a seasoned pro. He fought his way into the round of 16 at last year’s U.S. Open, the other major played on hardcourts.

Juan Martin Del Potro: The 6-foot-6 Argentine won four straight tournaments last summer behind a booming serve. He’s ranked No. 9 and the tennis world expects much from the 20-year-old this season; a run to the final is within his grasp.

UPDATE Jan. 22: Kei Nishikori and Sam Querrey were knocked out in the first round, both in straight-set losses

Only Juan Martin Del Potro soldiered on to the second round.

So back to the drawing board on the Aussie predictions angle. Yikes!

Venus Williams, once a popular pick to win the Australian Open, is a seven-time major champion — twice on New York’s hardcourts at the U.S. Open. Those facts made the “Why not Venus?” buzz at the only other hardcourt Grand Slam seem reasonable.

In an Aussie Open preview on Jan. 15, I took the Williams bait. “At 28, she’s still producing great tennis,” I wrote then.

But Williams looked like an ineffectual soul-searcher during her second-round loss on Thursday; she played like her own worst enemy and made me feel like a fool.

When I prognosticate, I am revealing the results of honest reflection on the ability of a particular pick.

I’d prefer to be sincere and wrong than correct while riding a mindless bandwagon. In this case, I have been all of the above — except correct.

— Max

Looking back on sports in 2008: More highs than lows

Monday December 29, 2008 3:45 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Michael Strahan shows you who's Super Bowl champion. (Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

Top that, 2009.

With a field rich in historic achievements from Beijing to Glendale, Ariz., ranking 2008’s best sports stories is difficult. amNewYork gave it a shot and came up with these:

1. PHELPS AND BOLT TAKE BEIJING

The convergence of two of the world’s greatest athletes, Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, marked the Games of the XXIX Olympiad for all of history. Phelps won all eight races he entered — seven in world-record time. With 14 gold medals in two Olympics, the Baltimorean swimmer earned eternal consideration as the greatest Olympian. Bolt, the dynamic 6-foot-5 Jamaican sprinter, set records in the 100 and 200 meters with energy to spare in China.

2. GIANTS SHOCK IN SUPER BOWL

The Giants’ 17-14 upset of the perfect Patriots could hold the No. 1 spot, too. With 97.5 million viewers watching the action in Arizona, the Giants topped an 18-0 team that would have otherwise been anointed history’s best. Big Blue’s Super Bowl roll continues. Heading into the playoffs at 12-4, the Giants could repeat as champions on Feb. 1. What’s already being repeated — by other NFL teams — is a Giant-like emphasis on a ferocious pass rush and stout running.

3. SPAIN OWNS WORLD SPORT

Rafael Nadal, of Mallorca, defeated five-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer at the All England Club in the greatest tennis match ever played, but his ascent to No. 1 is just one of his country’s fine athletic achievements this year.

Spain won the quadrennial Euro Cup for its first major soccer title since 1964, overcoming its choker image against powerful Germany. Spanish athletes also claimed a third straight Tour de France (Carlos Sastre), tennis’ Davis Cup and a close-call silver medal behind USA Basketball’s Redeem Team in Beijing.4. METS, YANKEES CLOSE STADIUMS, OPEN WALLETS

The closing of 85-year-old Yankee Stadium assured a nostalgic year even as the team playing there missed the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

The Bombers acted swiftly, committing a total of $423.5 million to first baseman Mark Teixeira and pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, incensing other teams and making a bid to purchase entry into the World Series in their $1.6 billion new home.

The Mets shuttered Shea Stadium, but not their penchant for late-season collapse. For the second straight year, the Mets squandered a comfortable first-place lead in August. Their acquisition of $137.5 million ace Johan Santana in February — and elite closers Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz this fall — may spare them another collapse in their first season at Citi Field.

5. CELTS RECLAIM THEIR NBA GLORY

In a swift rebound for a proud club mired in mediocrity, the Celtics

united title-hungry All-Stars Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett and blitzed to a league-best 66-16 record. In the playoffs, tireless Boston set a record for games played (27) and, against classic NBA Finals foe Los Angeles, won its 17th title.

6. BRETT’S JETS FLAME OUT

The Jets (9-7) were by turns captivating and embarrassing as they started 8-3, crumbled and now hit the off-season confused and broken. At least they gave it a shot with Brett Favre, an all-time great quarterback who scarcely played like one after emerging from retirement.

Eric Mangini’s firing yesterday is the latest twist in a bewildering saga.

7. TIGER ROARS ALONGSIDE ROCCO

Tiger Woods gutted through a U.S. Open playoff victory before undergoing badly needed reconstructive left knee surgery.

The interplay between the 14-time major champion and his scrappy but deferential journeyman opponent, 45-year-old Rocco Mediate, left the world transfixed by the men’s sportsmanship.

8. PHILLIES LEAVE NO DOUBT

The Phillies walked the walk this season. They surpassed the rival Mets to take first place in the National League East, motored past the Brewers and Dodgers in the playoffs and delivered Philadelphia its first World Series since 1980. Their opponents, the stalwart, worst-to-first Tampa Bay Rays, enjoyed a spirited run of their own.

9. CLEMENS’ DUBIOUS LEGACY

Mentioned as a performance-enhacing drug user in baseball’s Mitchell Report last December, seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens launched an angry and vigorous character defense, swearing his innocence before Congress and suing his accuser for defamation. Legal rulings pend, but public opinion has swung against the 354-game winner.

10. MILESTONES IN AUTO RACING

Clinching his record-tying third straight NASCAR title, Jimmie Johnson left more hyped young stars in his Chevrolet’s exhaust and sparked talk of a Johnson era. In Formula One, Britain’s Lewis Hamilton became the sport’s first black champion and, at 23, its youngest.

Federer wins fifth straight U.S. Open title in a flash

Monday September 8, 2008 9:31 PM By Max J. Dickstein

Roger Federer of Switzerland at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2008. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

By Max J. Dickstein

mdickstein[at]am-ny.com

For Roger Federer, there’s nothing like two late-summer weeks in New York to get things right.

The Swiss star dismissed Scottish challenger Andy Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 Monday evening to clinch his fifth straight U.S. Open title and 13th Grand Slam championship.

-Click here to see photos from the Federer-Murray match

-Click here to see photos of Roger Federer through the years

Only an hour and 51 minutes after the match began, Federer cracked an overhead on his second match point; a ragged Murray shunted his forehand reply into the net and Federer fell to the hardcourt in celebration. Federer had coverted his seventh of 10 break points before the set over the packed and adoring Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

"To take this home is incredible," Federer said on the court before he received another seven-pound, Tiffany & Co. trophy and a check from the USTA for $1.5 million. "It means the world to me."

Federer thanked the 23,763 fans “from the bottom of my heart” for answering the call to support him in his quest to finally win a major title in 2008. With this one, the five-time Wimbledon champion became the only man to win five consecutive titles at two major tournaments.

Federer’s 12th title came at this time last year, when he defeated Novak Djokovic in a more suspenseful straight-sets victory. But a semifinal loss to Djokovic in Australia, and painful losses to top-ranked Rafael Nadal in finals at Roland Garros and an epic match at Wimbledon this season had tarnished Federer's sterling record. The 27-year-old was ranked No. 1 for 237 weeks before being unseated by Nadal last month.

But Federer had his flourish back at this tournament, which culminated in a dominant dismissal of Murray, a first-time Grand Slam finalist who appeared ragged at times playing his third straight day of tennis.

"I've got the better of him the last two times we played," Murray said of his 2-1 career edge against Federer entering the match, "and he set the record straight today."

Whether Murray was serving or returning, Federer’s all-court attack often sent Murray staggering after booming ground strokes from either wing and sharp volleys at the net, where Federer won 31 points on 44 approaches.

"Today, I think I really chose the right tactics against Andy, who himself is a good tactician," Federer said.

Tropical Storm Hanna dealt the 21-year-old Murray a scheduling blow, forcing him to play two straight days of high-level tennis against Nadal in their semifinal, which he won on Sunday. Federer dispensed with his semifinal opponent, the third-seeded Djokovic, on Saturday, enabling him to rest on Sunday.

— Max

-Click here to see photos from the Federer-Murray match

-Click here to see photos of Roger Federer through the years

Roger Federer triple-bagels Andy Murray in simulated U.S. Open final on Nintendo Wii

Monday September 8, 2008 12:00 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Andy Murray (6) versus Roger Federer (2)

2008 U.S. Open men’s singles final

simulated with "Top Spin 3" (2K Sports) for the Nintendo Wii

The contestants enter Arthur Ashe Stadium. I'm playing as Roger Federer against a computer-controlled Andy Murray. (all photos by Max J. Dickstein)

First Set

Roger Federer opens as server. He comes out tight but blazing in the opening points. His serve is irregular, including one double-fault, but Federer cracks four Murray-yanking winners to take the game 40-15.

Federer leads 1-0

In Murray’s opening service game, Federer plays aggressively from the baseline, using both the forehand and backhand wings. He robs the serve advantage from Murray at 15-40 on the second break point.

Federer leads 2-0

The game is well underway

Roger consolidates the early break at love, keeping the points short with near-line-painting drives to both sides of Murray’s court. Roger has now struck 11 winners against one error. Murray has one of each.

Federer leads 3-0

Federer is better by one star in each category.

The Swiss No. 2 again breaks Murray, who is apparently not gifted with speed enough to chase down Federer’s finishing strikes from the dry white paint of the baseline.

Federer leads 4-0

The 27-year-old Federer, who lost the No. 1 ranking to Spain’s Rafael Nadal Aug.18, holds at love. He begins to feel guilty for wondering whether Murray is doing an early-career impression of late-career Tim Henman. It was Federer, after all, who said after winning his 12th overall Grand Slam in New York last year that his greatest thrill was to beat younger guys who would challenge his dominance, such as 2007 U.S. Open runner-up Novak Djokovic. "New guys challenging me — this is my biggest motivation out there," Federer said then, having just turned back Djokovic in three sets in the 2007 U.S. Open final. "Seeing them challenging me, and then beating them in the finals." Murray, 21, certainly fits the mold of the young challenger to Federer. The 22-year-old Nadal, a five-time Grand Slam champion whom Murray beat to reach this final, is in another class than his young contemporaries — Federer has acknowledged that.

Federer leads 5-0

With more thunderous and precise ground strokes that are impossible for to reach for scurrying Murray, Federer breaks his opponent at love. At first set’s end, with 22 winners against two errors), the four-time defending U.S. Open champion owns a winner-to-error ratio of 2:1.

Federer wins 6-0 and leads Murray one set to love.Second Set

Federer opens as server. For the first time, the would-be greatest player of all time begins to move forward to the net, crushing one short ball and volleying another point away in his favor. He holds serve at love.

Federer leads 6-0, 1-0

Murray, moving poorly to Federer’s bright strikes and aiming his replies inaccurately, loses his serve at love.

Federer leads 6-0, 2-0

Federer, the “Lord of Swings,” as Bud Collins has called him, begins to shorten points into this repeated, three-step process: sharp serve, weak reply, clean winner. The champion does this by serving cross-court bullets from the edge of the doubles alleys. Murray musters blocked-back, lobbish returns. Federer whacks each of these replies across the court, far from Muray, for winners, The server takes the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th straight points of the second set.

Federer leads 6-0, 3-0

Murray loses his serve at 15-40 but ends at 14 the consecutive-points streak with whih Federer opened this second set. It’s hardly a consolation. Murray has already thrown his racket to the pavement (it bounced back into this hand). Lately, in short rallies, Murray’s feet cannot stay with Federer’s frozen-rope offerings, invariably aimed across the court from where Federer met the ball.

Federer leads 6-0, 4-0

The former 237-week No. 1 holds at love in his most dominant game yet.

Federer leads 6-0, 5-0

Continuing his dominance into a twelfth straight game, Federer breaks at love. In two flawless sets, Roger has 43 winners against two unforced errors. Murray has won just four points, with two winners and five errors.

Federer wins 6-0 and leads Murray two sets to love.

Third Set

Federer opens as server. He holds at love. Federer has no aces or service winners in this match, but he typically draws such weak returns from Murray that the sixth seed’s last eight service replies have led directly to Federer winners.

Federer leads 6-0, 6-0, 1-0

Murray again wins no points on his serve, losing at love. Federer entertains himself at break point with a foray to the net for a deeply lobbed volley. It’s Federer’s 51st winner.

Federer leads 6-0, 6-0, 2-0

Murray wins a point by firing a ground stroke at the service line, where an overaggressive Federer has his feet, but the Swiss still holds, at 15.

Federer leads 6-0, 6-0, 3-0

Federer sends a volley at the net into the tape to lose the first point on Murray’s serve, but then ends four straight long rallies with unreturnable deliveries. It’s win Federer’s eighth break of the match.

Federer leads 6-0, 6-0, 4-0

It isn’t pretty, but Murray hits three shots wide to help Federer hold at 15. Now is probably time to mention the fact that, according to the USTA, the last triple-bagel (triple-6-0) win at the U.S. Open was between defending champion Ivan Lendl of Czechoslovakia and Barry Moir of South Africa, in the first round in 1987. To equal that vanquishment, Federer still needs to break Murray’s serve a ninth time.

Federer leads 6-0, 6-0, 5-0

Federer gets into Murray’s ninth service game with his powerful forehand, taking the first two points with cross-court winners. At love-30, Federer wins two straight points with a little-used weapon: the one-handed backhand slice down the line. Murray, the first-time Grand Slam finalist, flails at each of the final two winners and loses. Federer won all 18 games of the match, including nine of 11 break points and 72 of 79 points played overall — 64 of them were winners.

Federer defeats Andy Murray, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. Match duration: 21 minutes.

Andy Murray can't reach slice backhand down the line from Federer and ...

... the new five-time U.S. Open champion pumps his fist in celebration.

The final statistics

— Max

Federer, Roddick, Blake, etc.: Practicing at the U.S. Open

Saturday August 23, 2008 5:30 AM By Max J. Dickstein

I've been enjoyed this new Nikon D60 digital SLR camera I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I put it to work yesterday at the U.S. Open, training it on a few men's tennis stars who were at practice.

Click here to see 90 photos of Roger Federer winning, losing, and at play through the years

(All photos by Max J. Dickstein/amNY)

No. 2-seeded Swiss Roger Federer, serving and smiling, hit with Rainer Schuettler of Germany for an hour and a half at in Arthur Ashe stadium.

Following Federer at 1 p.m. on Ashe were ...

Americans Andy Roddick, above, and James Blake, below.

Later that afternoon...

France's Richard Gasquet pounded out a serve on the Grandstand court.

And in Louis Armstrong Stadium ...

Gael Monfils of France, top, played points against Andy Murray of Britain, below.

Click here to see 90 photos of Roger Federer winning, losing, and at play through the years

— Max

The tallest man in tennis, No. 14 Ivo Karlovic

Saturday August 23, 2008 4:56 AM By Max J. Dickstein

Six-foot-10 Ivo Karlovic at the Empire Hotel party Friday night. (Photo by Max J. Dickstein/amNY)

I was probably the only person in New York who took photographs of No. 14 seed Ivo Karlovic practicing Friday and then photographed him at the Heineken Light-sponsored players party at the Empire Hotel. The 29-year-old Karlovic is the player directly responsible for knocking Roger Federer out of the top spot in the world rankings. He did so by beating Federer in two tiebreakers at Cincinnati on Aug. 1, 7-6(6) 4-6 7-6(5).The 6-foot-10 Croat’s ranking is a career high, and he told me at the party that his fine results are due particularly to the training work he’s put in. “I’ve been working on my physical game,” he said.

It would seem unlikely, but if Karlovic entered the top 10, he’d be the only other big server among that elite group in the men’s game. The other is Andy Roddick, who trails only Karlovic (701 aces) with his 523 aces this year.

Karlovic at practice in Flushing Meadows Friday afternoon. (Photo by Max J. Dickstein/amNY)

Karlovic, a surprisingly quick mover who mixes a good deal of serve-and-volley into his game, faces Jan Minar in the first round of the U.S. Open this week. He's in top-ranked Rafael Nadal's quarter of the men's draw.

— Max

Nadal closes in on Federer

Sunday June 8, 2008 4:23 PM By Max J. Dickstein

(Photo: THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty Images)

Roger Federer’s humiliation yesterday at the hands of Rafael Nadal, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0, was both stunning and unsurprising

A gulf still exists between the top-ranked Federer and most of the men’s field in terms of talent and ability, but the 26-year-old Swiss has been shaky in recent matches against his top pursuer, No. 2 Nadal, consistently blowing leads, or — in yesterday’s case — chances for leads. It is occasionally astounding to see Federer, acclaimed for his "match-tough" mental strength, dump several shots low into the net on key points.

Nadal, 22, looks quite able to end Federer’s four-and-quarter-year hold on the No. 1 ranking by winning a Wimbledon title this July.

— Max J. Dickstein

Shaky Roger's crisis of confidence

Sunday May 18, 2008 7:32 PM By Max J. Dickstein

(Photo from Getty Images)

Viewers of Sunday morning’s telecast of the Hamburg Masters final saw two matches.

One was the Master Series tournament final between the tennis' two greatest nemeses, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Nadal won that match 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-3.

The other was the match within the tremulous, top-ranked Federer, who squandered wide leads in the first two sets and exhibited an occasionally cranky demeanor. The 26-year-old Federer has one title this year, at Estoril, and an aberrant seven losses.

This continuing crisis of confidence handicaps the 12-time Grand Slam winner heading into the French Open next week, where Federer has wilted in two straight finals, in 2006 and 2007.

— Max Dickstein