Federer's Grass Now Nadal's Shade of Green

(NEWSER) - The late David Foster Wallace once marveled at a Roger Federer forehand, saying, “It was impossible. It was like something out of The Matrix.” And now that Federer has passed Pete Sampras and holds the Grand Slam record, it’s time to wonder if Wallace was on to something. “Let me put this bluntly,” writes Roger Cohen of the New York Times. “Is Roger Federer part of a Matrix-like artificial reality or is he flesh and blood?” More»

Tennis was sometimes sloppy, but drama always finely tuned

(NEWSER) - Roger Federer fell short of a record-tying 14th major title when his final shot went long, giving the game, set, match, and Australian Open title to Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard's third straight finals victory over Federer came in a tough and sometimes sloppy five sets, and marks his first Grand Slam title on hard courts, reports the AP. More»

Defending champ Federer falls in 5-set nail-biter

(NEWSER) - Rafael Nadal edged out defending Wimbledon champ Roger Federer today in a five-set nail-biter, NBC Sports reports. Nadal clinched the 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 upset by breaking Federer four times; Federer broke Nadal only once in 13 chances. Today's match was the sixth Grand Slam title match between the pair, a record in the 40-year open era. More»

World No. 2 isn't done improving his grass game

(NEWSER) - Those who dismiss Rafael Nadal's grass game forget that the 22-year-old has improved every year he's been on the scene, and his growth as a competitor is far from finished, writes Greg Garber for ESPN. "Give him time," says Nadal's uncle and coach. In Sunday's Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, his time may finally come. More»

World's top two players each cruise through semis in straight sets

(NEWSER) - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will meet in their third consecutive Wimbledon final after commanding semifinal victories today. Federer outplayed Marat Safin 6-3, 7-6 (6-3), 6-4 with a nearly flawless performance, leaving him one win from his sixth consecutive Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Slam championship. It was his 65th straight win on grass and 40th in a row at the All England Club. More»