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Monday, January 30, 2006

Roger Federer Wins Australian Open ...

"Melbourne: Roger Federer won his seventh Grand Slam final and his second Australian Open title with a commanding four-set victory over unseeded Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis here on Sunday.

The Swiss world number one overcame dropping the opening set against the rising 54th-ranked star to claim a 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 victory in 2hr 46min to remain unbeaten in all the Grand Slam finals he has contested since his first success at 2003 Wimbledon. Federer became the first player to win three successive Grand Slams since Pete Sampras won at the 1994 Australian Open.

The Swiss went into this year's Open having won last year's Wimbledon and US Open. He now joins other tennis greats John McEnroe, John Newcombe and Mats Wilander with seven major titles and is closing in on all-time leader Sampras with 14. It was the 24-year-old's 35th title and his fourth win over 20-year-old Baghdatis, who beat three top-10 players to reach his first Grand Slam final and only second tour final overall.

Federer pocketed 900,000 US dollars for his Australian victory, swelling his career prizemoney to 21,274,573 US dollars. Baghdatis was bidding to become the first unseeded player to win the Australian Open since 212-ranked Australian Mark Edmondson won here in 1976 and his ranking has now climbed to 26. "

Hope this hasn't spoilt the tennis for you, in case you are about to see the match on delayed telecast.

It was a wonderful game, with some amazing tennis played. What I thought was interesting, though, was the presentation afterward. Baghdatis was very humble, and excited (I thought) at just being there and having played in the finals, whether he won or lost. He is an upcoming force to be reckoned with, I feel, after what he accomplished during the Australian Open. He was a lot of fun to watch. His fan base was amazing ... Melbourne has a big population of Greeks and Cypriots, and it seemed like they were all there watching and cheering !!

Federer surprised me ... during the presentation he was trying to make a speech, but began bawling like a little boy. I found that so endearing ... there is something about a man who cries, particularly in public (only the whole world was watching him !!) that is so heart-warming. Made him seem more human, not the cool "ice-man" he appears to be on court.

There you go, that's me for the moment. Just felt I needed to share this stuff about the tennis (wanted to do it last night, immediately after, but I was so tired I needed to go to bed !). Hope everyone has a great day.

Take care,

MEOW

11 comments:

Jamie Dawn said...

Ohhh, what I could do with that $900,000. I will have good dreams about spending that.

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Yeah, that's an amazing amount of money. The stuff you could do with that would be amazing. That's nearly 1.2 million Australian Dollars. Wow !!

Michelle said...

Both are such wonderful sportsmen. Federer is so committed to the game and his appreciation of the history of tennis should be applauded. Saying that though, i wanted Baghdadis to win! Ah well he played 2 brilliant sets, Federer had too much class :)

eyes_only4him said...

didnt spoil it for me..I dont follow tennis;)...hahaha

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Michelle, yeah I was hoping Baghdatis would win too. But he was a worthy competitor ... Federer had to really work hard.

Christina, oh well, it was a great game anyway.

Susie, he is quite cute. Looks very young, I think. He was quite able to get away with it !!!

Connie, I agree, some travelling would be in order.

Take care all, Meow

JM said...

He's an amazing player. One of my favorites.

Meow (aka Connie) said...

He is pretty cool !!

Justine said...

you were so lucky to have been there! wasn't it fantastic.

bagdatis is funny and so light hearted!
can you believe federer is only 24?

Viamarie said...

Yehey! I watched the match and I rooted for Federer. He deserved to win.

Neo said...

Meow - That was so *sniffle* oh.... (Neo reaches for a tissue)

Oh God! It was beautiful.

LOL

So did Anna Sharpova win? *yummy*

Peace & Hugs,

- Neo

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Justine, Unfortunately I wasn't there ... did it sound like I was ?? Ooops. No, I watched it on TV, like you. Federer is amazing for a 24 year old ... so grown up !!

Viamarie, I was sort of rooting for Baghdatis, but also Federer, if that makes sense. They were both very good.

Neo, not sure about Sharapova ... didn't hear her grunting in the women's final !!!

Take care all,
Meow