Comments on: BREAKING NEWS: ROGER FEDERER PULLS FROM DUBAI, DAVIS CUP

By: freakyfrites

freakyfrites — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:03:48 +0000

Hi Bobby! Roger seems so apolitical that I almost think he doesn’t realize the full implications of his withdrawal/his residence in Dubai/championing of the region in general. I honestly think the injury is real, at least in the way that it’s a personal issue that has nothing to do with the tour or tour politics. But who knows? We’ll see if he or Rafa (who has also officially withdrawn from Dubai) speak up at all – I hope they’re asked to.

By: bobbynorwich

bobbynorwich — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:13:53 +0000

Brilliant move by Fed. He gets to finesse out of a looming public relations quandary in Dubai next week when Ram’s visa is denied. As an ATP Board player rep and a resident of Dubai, he’d have to make a statement of some kind. That’s a no-win for Fed, better to be safely ensconced in neutral Switzerland for the week. Withdrawing from Davis Cup gives cover to his Dubai withdrawal. Truly brilliant.

By: freakyfrites

freakyfrites — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:06:14 +0000

Hey CGO,

OH NOOOOOO! That does suck. But you know what, you’re going to have a fantastic time! First of all, it sounds like you have a great group of friends to share the trip with. And you got the kids taken care of which means there could be some cocktails involved. And Roddick and the Bryan Bros are going to put on a great show. And Stan Wawrinka is a great player who will make the matches competitive. So I’m still jealous!

I don’t know about the head vs. back. In a way, I’d almost rather have it be the head, because head problems can be cured and back problems tend to be chronic. It’s gonna be a real test of Fed Fandom as we wait for Roger to hit 14 and 15. But I know he can do it!

By: CGO

CGO — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:41:23 +0000

“how disappointing would THAT be?” Let me tell you….VERY!!!! I decided to bite the bullet and get the scalper tickets, “It’s once in a lifetime” Right??? Why not, so went in with some girlfriends, had to make all the child care arrangements to have our little girls trip to go “ooh and ahh” over Roger…..I was counting down the days….until yesterday. Disappointment does not even come close to the emotions…but stuck with a ticket that I paid too much for, I will not get to wear my FED FAN red/white swiss shirt, I will have to go cheer for Andy Roddick, but I have convinced myself that we are going dammit and we are going to have a good time whether we like it or not! I just hope Fed can pull it together and get #14 if not 15, before he pulls a Borg and disappears. That would be crushing for all of us true Fedophiles. I hope it is just the back and not the “head” as some seem to think.

By: freakyfrites

freakyfrites — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:05:44 +0000

Hey Rich! Yeah, the back thing seems pretty out of left field. I’m all for the top players resting up (hello, Rafa!) and this part of thes season is both grueling and expendable so it makes sense. But I agree about Davis Cup – it was going to be sooo exciting! Now it’s just a matter of the Bryan bros doing their thing and Roddick and Co. beating whoever isn’t Wawrinka (of course they could go ahead and bat Wawrinka, too.)

All the hardcore fans who bought tickets must be sooo disappointed. More fuel for the whole “Davis Cup every two years” fire.

By: RiCH

RiCH — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:59:12 +0000

Oh no! One never knows with these PR’ed statements. Has the back issue become chronic (which, unfortunately, they usually do) or is it a mental break after the post-match pool of tears in Oz?

Hard to say but if he needs time I guess he needs time – he’s def earned it. Good thing I decided not to travel to the Davis Cup tie – how disappointing would THAT be?

*thanks lucky stars*
*counts extra pennies in broke down piggy bank*