An Open mind Aug 30, 2009
By grabbing the French, where Federer had lost three in a row to Nadal, he joined a select fraternity of six, the only men to hold all four majors: Brit Fred Perry, Californian Don Budge, Aussies Rod Laver and Emerson, plus Las Vegan Andre Agassi - he the last 10 years ago, completing his set at the French. The pressure vanished from Federer s shoulders when an off-key Nadal was grounded in Paris by an unlikely Swede, Robin Soderling, and he reestablished himself with a sixth Wimbledon title. (Boston Globe)
• The toughest title Aug 30, 2009
Others claim tennis legend Rod Laver is the best ever. Laver won the Grand Slam (winning all four major tournaments in the same year) twice, in 1962 and 1969. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Federer is back where he belongs: top of world Aug 29, 2009
As Federer-the-father bids to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win three consecutive major championships in a single season, and the first since Bill Tilden in 1920-25 to win six straight titles at the American Grand Slam tournament, its his nemesis, Nadal, who looks to be in need of a boost. Its Nadal who recently relinquished the No. 1 ranking; hes now at No. 3. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Murray to meet Del Potro in Rogers Cup final Aug 16, 2009
" The 22-year-old Murray has a chance to become the first British player to win the event formerly known as the Canadian Open. The last Briton to reach the final was Roger Taylor, who lost in 1970 to Rod Laver. Murray, already the highest-rated British player since ATP rankings were introduced in 1973, is the first person other than Nadal or Federer to hold the No 2 spot since July 18, 2005, when Lleyton Hewitt was second behind Federer. Murray has 8,850 points, 185 more than Nadal. "Five years... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Illusion of success Aug 14, 2009
Touring Australia for the first time in a decade, Copperfield now brings a swag of new tricks to the Rod Laver Arena tomorrow night in An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion. It's an all-new show,'' Copperfield says, before adding, ''But they're not tricks; I like to call them illusions usually. (The Age, Australia -- Entertainment)
No. 6 Cilic upended by qualifier at Legg Mason Aug 5, 2009
Marin Cilic upset by Somdev Devvarman at Legg Masont Legg Mason Tennis Classic - ESPN. Updated: August 5, 2009, 1:24 AM ET. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Ball’s roll comes to a halt in final Aug 4, 2009
He was attempting to become the lowest-ranked winner in 2009 and the first Australian champion in Los Angeles since Rod Laver in 1970. He and his father Syd became the fourth father-son duo to reach an ATP Tour final, joining fellow Australians Fred and Sandon Stolle, Phil and Taylor Dent, and India s Vijay and Prakash Amritraj. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Uncle confirms Nadal will return at Montreal Aug 4, 2009
Following grueling vetting and scrutinizing, here's why the quartet of Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of tennis. Are you wondering what the conspicuously quiet ATP World Tour executive chairman and president, Adam Helfant, has been up to since taking over the reins seven months ago. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Pink favours Fev, kicks A00001EC8rena goals Aug 3, 2009
I actually know the city now, she said backstage at Rod Laver Arena last night where, with her 13th performance, she officially broke the venue s record for consecutive shows ... Her circus-themed Funhouse tour will eventually play for 17 nights at Rod Laver Arena to more than 220,000 fans. (The Age, Australia -- Entertainment)
Unsuitable? Swimming’s dilemma exposes deeper problem Jul 29, 2009
(Rod Laver observed at Wimbledon this year it was meaningless to compare the wooden-racquet wielding players of his and previous generations with today s nuclear-armed champions. . (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Baby steps no impediment for Federer: Sampras Jul 28, 2009
REUTERS 28 July 2009, 09:31am IST. LOS ANGELES: The arrival of twin girls in Roger Federer's life will have no negative impact on the Swiss master's tennis career, according to Pete Sampras. (India Times, India)
McEnroe's team fined for unprofessional conduct Jul 26, 2009
Following grueling vetting and scrutinizing, here's why the quartet of Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of tennis. Welcome to the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, where in lieu of sandy beaches and Andy Roddick, we give you cornfield-strewn highways and a cast of unknowns. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Roger Federer becomes father of twin girls Jul 26, 2009
After finally winning the French Open in his fourth final, Federer became only the third man in the open era (post 1968) to win all four Grand Slam titles, after Rod Laver and Andre Agassi. The Swiss had lost the three previous finals against four-time champion Rafael Nadal, who was surprisingly beaten in the fourth round. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
The Thrill List Jul 11, 2009
Evonne Goolagong instead of countryman Rocket Rod Laver. Let the debate begin -- and we invite you to chime in with. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Wimbledon Review 2009 Jul 11, 2009
It is almost impossible to compare players across eras with Rod Laver in particular being mentioned as a possible competitor for that title. However, Federer is just 27, it is still very possible that he could dispel any doubt on the matter. (Suite101.com)
Seles at head of class Jul 11, 2009
Gimeno, along with such Hall of Famers-to-be as Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, and Pancho Gonzalez, were guinea pigs for the resident honcho, Jimmy Van Alen, who brought the outlaws to Newport in 1965-67 to test his revolutionary scoring methods. They were the tiebreaker pioneers. (Boston Globe)
Wimbledon confirm move to prize money equality Jul 8, 2009
When Wimbledon pioneered Open tennis in 1968 the men's singles champion, Rod Laver, won 2,000, while Billie Jean King, the ladies' singles champion, won 750, only 37. 5% of the men's prize. (Yahoo News -- Women's Issues)
GERY WOELFEL: Jennings act getting old fast Jul 8, 2009
A side note to this unforgettable match: Federer won his historic 15th major title not only in front of 37-year-old Pete Sampras, who had shared the Grand slam record with Federer, but also 70-year-old Rod Laver, 53-year-old Borg and 50-year-old McEnroe. Collectively, Federer (15), Sampras (14) Borg (11), Laver (11) and McEnroe (7) have won 58 Grand Slam singles championships. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Garber » Jul 7, 2009
Rod Laver, 11-time Grand Slam winner: It's an unbelievable effort to have 15 Grand Slam titles ... Rod Laver was my idol, and he won two Grand Slams ... Bill Tilden to Don Budge to Rod Laver to Pete Sampras. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Federer captures record 15th crown Jul 7, 2009
The tennis gods as well as Sampras, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, all in front-row seats must have enjoyed every moment of the 4-hour, 16-minute tussle. Federer, who can make it all look so easy, was forced to work darned hard to eclipse Sampras' mark, and Roddick was left heartbreakingly close to finally winning Wimbledon. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Wimbledons battle of 16-14 Jul 7, 2009
And he spoke of the honor he felt in playing tennis in front of such great champions as Sampras, Manuel Santana, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, who sat shoulder to shoulder in the front row of the Royal Box. "I hope one day my name will be up there with theirs," Roddick said. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
SelenaRobertsViewpoint An uncelebrated asset makes all the difference for Roger Federer. Jul 7, 2009
Sampras was on site at Wimbledon, seated in the box of legends alongside Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, to watch Federer pass his all-time Slam record of 14. "Seven years, you let me have it," Sampras said in the Nike ad. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Thorpe moves to scuttle doping claims Jul 7, 2009
July 06, 2009 07:42pm AEST. IAN Thorpe has provided the country's drug testing agency with medical evidence in an attempt to clear his name of doping. (Yahoo News -- Swimming)
Federer breaks Andy Roddick's heart and Pete Sampras' record Jul 7, 2009
There was Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver and, most appropriately, Sampras, who was asked who was the greatest of them all. "I have to give it to him (Federer)," said Sampras. (Sydney Morning Herald)
EDIT: Wimbledon Magic Jul 7, 2009
The sport has evolved so much since the days of Arthur Ashe and Rod Laver that comparing players from different eras is irrelevant. Contrary to appearances, tennis is not merely a test of human skills where technology plays no role. (India Times, India)
FedEx is the greatest of all time, says Sampras Jul 7, 2009
Australian legend Rod Laver, the only man to win two calendar Grand Slams, praised the Swiss star s ability on the court. Roger is one of those who keeps the ball in play, has miraculous forehands and backhands, said the 71-year-old. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Federer makes Grand Slam history Jul 7, 2009
The issue will always generate debate and argument, especially in trying to compare players of different generations, such as Rod Laver and Bill Tilden ... Roger Federer, second right, poses with the Wimbledon Trophy with former tennis champions Bjorn Borg, left, Pete Sampras, second left, and Rod Laver at the All England Tennis Club in London on Sunday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Best ever? Laver just won't buy into that Jul 7, 2009
Rod Laver is hesitant to make comparisons between the game's greats, preferring to nominate champions of distinct eras. "That to me, that is a pretty good compliment to your game, to your tennis, over your career," Laver says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Federer climbs to top at place it all began Jul 6, 2009
Also on hand were Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. Roddick said: "Sorry Pete, I tried to hold him off.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Swiss master edges brave Roddick for a record 15th Grand Slam title Jul 6, 2009
Sampras, and fellow greats Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg were on hand to watch Federers bid for history, as were Hollywood giants Woody Allen and Russell Crowe, such was the attraction of the Centre Court blockbuster. Federer, in a record seventh straight Wimbledon final and 20th Grand Slam title match, saw Roddick save four break points in the 11th game of the opening set and he immediately paid a heavy price. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Federer: Tiebreak No Longer Necessary Jul 6, 2009
He gave a regal performance in front of Pistol Pete and fellow tennis royalty, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. In fact, Roddick pushed Federer, who last month completed the career Grand Slam with his straight-set victory over Robert Soldering at Roland Gaross, all over the court, holding serve until the final game. (Multichannel News)
Federer rules the record book with 15th Slam Jul 6, 2009
The tennis gods as well as Sampras, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg, all in front-row seats must have enjoyed every moment of the 4-hour, 16-minute tussle ... July 5: John McEnroe asks Pete Sampras, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg if they believe Roger Federer is the best of all time. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Celizic: No doubting Federers place in history Jul 6, 2009
July 5: John McEnroe asks Pete Sampras, Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg if they believe Roger Federer is the best of all time ... Rod Laver, who played 40 years ago, is the only man to win the Grand Slam all four majors in one calendar year twice and won a total of 11 majors. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Powell: Tiger vs. Roger: Advantage, Federer Jul 6, 2009
Thats 15 Grand Slam tournament titles now, one more than Woods and also Pete Sampras, who watched history unfold from the Royal Box at Centre Court with Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg and gave the marathon win over Andy Roddick an enthusiastic thumbs-up. He could get 17, 18 Slams when hes done, gushed Sampras, who anointed Federer the best tennis player ever. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Federer captures 15th major title Jul 6, 2009
With lodge brothers - former champs Rod Laver, Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg, Manolo Santana - peering over his shoulder from the Royal Box, Federer felt extra juiced to win, thus eclipsing Sampras s record for majors that had stood since 2002. But to keep up with the new Roddick, Federer needed the prime serving matinee of his career: 50 aces, one short of the house record held by the Leaning Tower of Zagreb, 6-foot-10-inch Ivo Karlovic. (Boston Globe)
Tennis legends gather in praise of Federer Jul 6, 2009
At 70 and clad in suit and tie, in a return to Wimbledon, Rod Laver wasn t physically imposing. Then again, he never was. (Boston Globe)
Laver: Calendar-year Grand Slam could happen Jul 6, 2009
Rod Laver says true Grand Slam is still possible - Tennis - SI.com ... Rod Laver won all four of tennis' Gand Slam events in 1962 and 1969 ... Rod Laver won all four of the sport's most prestigious tournaments in 1962 and 1969, and he said Sunday at Wimbledon that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are both capable of matching the feat. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
Federer makes Grand Slam history at Wimbledon Jul 6, 2009
The issue will always generate debate and argument, especially in trying to compare players of different generations, such as Rod Laver and Bill Tilden ... Accompanied by his wife, Bridgette Wilson, he sat next to Spanish great Manolo Santana and a few seats from Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. (Anchorage Daily News)
Federer outlasts Roddick for record 15th Grand Slam Jul 6, 2009
Also on hand were Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver ... Rod Laver 3 2 4 2 11. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Epic win over Roddick gives Federer record for major titles Jul 6, 2009
Also on hand were Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver. "It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but man, it's been quite a career and quite a month," Federer said. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Small army sets stage for great golf Jul 6, 2009
And McEnroe kept from going overboard afterward, joking to the victorious Federer that he should "throw a bone" to Roddick in some future major and, when spotting Wimbledon champs Rod Laver, Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg together, saying he "felt like diving in like they do at a concert." That would have been good TV.. Wimbledon P.S. ESPN Classic will replay Sunday's final three times today in 15 hours of total coverage starting at 9 a.m. ET. The overnight rating for NBC's coverage Saturday of the... (USA Today -- Sports)
Lords of the ring Jul 6, 2009
Non-fans, for example, may have missed the fact World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the world's largest pro wrestling company, regularly tours Australia "playing" to packed-out stadiums; in 2007 they broke wrestling attendance records at Rod Laver Arena with a crowd of more than 15,000 fans ... In Melbourne this week for a performance at Rod Laver Arena, Cena been a pro wrestler for eight years and, l 00004000 ike most of the current generation of wrestlers, grew up watching WWE. ... John Cena... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Laver: Fed would have true Slam if not for Rafa Jul 5, 2009
Wimbledon: True Grand Slam is still possible, Rod Laver says - ESPN ... Rod Laver won all four of the sport's most prestigious tournaments in 1962 and 1969, and he said Sunday at Wimbledon that and are both capable of matching the feat. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Laver: True Grand Slam is possible Jul 5, 2009
Rod Laver won all four of the sport's most prestigious tournaments in 1962 and 1969, and he said Sunday at Wimbledon that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are both capable of matching the feat. Invited by the All England Club to attend Sunday's Wimbledon final between Federer and Andy Roddick, Laver said Federer "would have won a Grand Slam if Rafa wasn't there.". (Anchorage Daily News)
Federer the unbackable favourite Jul 5, 2009
Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg will be there. So too Ilie Nastase and Guillermo Vilas. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Federer Faces Roddick In Wimbledon Finals Jul 4, 2009
Then he gave a little wave of his racket in the direction of his pregnant wife, his parents and other supporters in the guest seats above a scoreboard, before making the same gesture toward the Royal Box, where past greats of the game Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver were among the invited guests. Winning a Wimbledon semifinal - indeed, any Grand Slam semifinal. (CBS News)
Federer smashes into final Jul 4, 2009
Watched by Grand Slam greats Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver, comfortably installed in the Royal Box, the world number two put on a magnificent show of serving against the German 31-year-old, not giving up a single break point. "Tommy played great so I knew that there was a danger. I'm happy with my performance and it's unbelievable to be in another final," said Federer. (iAfrica.com)
Record-breaking man Federer blasts past Haas to book his 20th Grand Slam final Jul 4, 2009
Watched by Grand Slam greats Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver, comfortably installed in the Royal Box, the world number two put on a magnificent show of serving against the German 31-year-old, not giving up a single break point. Tommy played great so I knew that there was a danger. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Wimbledon Notebook: Venus, Serena team up Jul 4, 2009
Tennis legends Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver watched from the Royal Box. Roddick, a two-time Wimbledon finalist, has not won a Grand Slam since the 2003 U.S. Open and was 2-6 against Murray before yesterday. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Federer rolls into Wimbledon final Jul 4, 2009
That broke Federer's tie with Bjorn Borg (a finalist from 1976-81) who was one of the legends court-side, along with Australia's Rod Laver, another whom the Swiss now rubs shoulders in the game's pantheon. This will also be Federer's 20th grand slam final, one more than Ivan Lendl with whom had shared the all-time record. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Who's the greatest? Laver or Federer? Who better to ask thanMuscles Rosewall … Jul 3, 2009
KEN ROSEWALL saw Rod Laver from the other side of the net on 140 occasions. He's watched Roger Federer from the front row. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
US Open Ticket Packages to be Auctioned to Support GW Tennis Jul 3, 2009
Past attendees include Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Rod Laver, Stan Smith, John Newcombe, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Mary Joe Fernandez, Guillermo Vilas, Illie Nastase, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kirk Douglas, Robin Williams, Rob Thomas (musician, lead singer of Matchbox 20), Robert DeNiro and Diana Ross. BIDDING PROCESS. (Gwsports.com)
The poster boy for grace under pressure Jul 2, 2009
Rod Laver had the most complete game modern tennis had seen, but Federer is even better. He serves harder and runs faster, even if Laver s ground strokes were equal. (Boston Globe)
Roddick joins Federer, Murray, Haas in semifinals Jul 2, 2009
10 -- Rod Laver, 1960 Wimbledon-1962 U.S. Open. 8 -- Ashley Cooper, 1957 Australian Open-1958 U.S. Open. (USA Today -- Sports)
Hewitt: Women not fit enough to last five sets Jun 24, 2009
The country that dominated Wimbledon from the 1950s until the early 1970s by producing champions such as Lew Hoad, Ashley Cooper, Neale Fraser, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and John Newcombe is down to one representative in the men's draw for the first time at a Grand Slam since tennis turned professional in 1968. Despite flying solo, Hewitt was relishing the challenge of doing well at Wimbledon. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Roger Federer Jun 22, 2009
Posted: Saturday June 20, 2009 1:04AM; Updated: Monday June 22, 2009 1:21AM. Expect tears of joy if Federer wins. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Federer admits bid to break Sampras record is unnerving Jun 22, 2009
The 27-year-old is fascinated by tennis history and the feats of greats like Sampras, Rod Laver and Andre Agassi, so even such a cool customer as the Swiss star knows tension is bound to creep into his game if he get within touching distance of such a remarkable achievement. Light workout: Roger Federer training at Wimbledon on Saturday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
History Major Jun 22, 2009
Roger Federer seeks sixth Wimbledon title, 15thGrand Slam - Tennis - SI.com. Posted: Saturday June 20, 2009 1:04AM; Updated: Monday June 22, 2009 1:21AM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
22 and counting: U.S. men struggle to find Slam success Jun 22, 2009
That era was dominated by Australian greats such as Rod Laver, Lew Hoad and Roy Emerson. It was also a time when many top U.S. players stuck to collegiate competition or weren't inclined to travel overseas for events. (USA Today -- Sports)
History weighs on Federer Jun 21, 2009
The 27-year-old is fascinated by tennis history and the feats of greats like Sampras, Rod Laver and Andre Agassi, so even such a cool customer as the Swiss star knows tension is bound to creep into his game if he get within touching distance of such a remarkable achievement. "Right now regaining my Wimbledon title stands over trying to beat Pete's record, but I guess once I come down to the semi-finals or finals then the record is going to start creeping into my mind," Federer said. (iAfrica.com)
Becker captures first ATP title at Ordina Open Jun 21, 2009
Rod Laver and Pete Sampras were great, but here are 14 reasons why Roger Federer towers above them all. Roger Federer reached the Grand Slam summit by winning the French Open. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Razzano in Eastbourne final as Bartoli retires Jun 20, 2009
Virginie Razzano reaches Eastbourne final as Marion Bartoli retires in semi - ESPN. Updated: June 19, 2009, 2:32 PM ET. (ESPN -- Tennis)
Greatest Hitter: Roger Federer Jun 19, 2009
At his home in California, Australian tennis legend Rod Laver, who won 11 Grand Slam titles in the 1960s, set his alarm for 5 a.m. to watch the match. Not far away in Los Angeles, Sampras rolled out of bed in time to catch Federer's winning shot, and then tell journalists that he believes that the Swiss player should now be considered the greatest ever. (Time.com)
Breaking the silence Jun 19, 2009
The Age: national, world, business, entertainment, sport and technology news from Melbourne's leading newspaper. Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon have reunited in harmony. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Murray mountain? Brit must weather Wimbledon hype Jun 18, 2009
Trains still burned coal, "Gone With The Wind'' had just hit bookstores, and cheesy singer Engelbert Humperdinck was only two months old when a British man last won Wimbledon.Since that time, Australians have had the pleasure of seeing homegrown heroes such as Roy Emerson, Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver triumph at their major. American champions too numerous to mention - John McEnroe, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi etc. - have spoiled U.S. Open fans. France had Yannick Noah winning at Roland Garros in... (MSNBC -- Sports)
