I did not stay up to watch Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer in a five-set thriller to win the Australian Open. What has gotten the most attention, though, is Federer crying after the match and his statements about how tough the loss was. Nadal is now 13-6 in matches against Federer, and has beaten him in five of seven Grand Slam finals.
God, it’s killing me, Federer said, crying. He returned to congratulate Nadal within minutes, saying: ‘You deserved it. You played a fantastic final.’ …
In the first moment you’re disappointed, you’re shocked, you’re sad, you know, then all of a sudden it overwhelms you.
The problem is you can’t go in the locker room and just take it easy and take a cold shower. You’re stuck out there. It’s the worst feeling. … it’s rough.
People who saw the moment say they were moved, but on our Discussion Board came this dissenting view from longtime poster Munson Man:
We witnessed the beginning of the Rafael Nadal Era in men’s tennis, as well as the complete de-masculinization of Roger Federer. How disgraceful of him to mar Nadal’s moment with his theatrics. He showed on the court – especially in that fifth set – that he wasn’t tough enough to compete man to man with Rafa, but those histrionics were just too much – man up, you snivvly twat!
Pretty harsh words and I have no opinion having not seen any of it. It seemed as if Nadal understood how Federer felt as evidenced by the two of them embracing. For those who did watch, was Federer’s post-match reaction fair or did it take away from Nadal’s moment?
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 5:44 PM
Leave the guy alone, he composed himself and was determined to let Rafa have the last word as he believed rafa had earnt and deserved it. The game was amazing, Roger wasnt as good as he knows he can be and he lost. He was cross with himself for getting distracted by nerves or fear or the stress of the moment..He wanted to run away to the locker room, take a cold shower and cry in private but he couldnt. Give the guy a break, tennis is his life, he is a fantastic sportsman and a great sport. He cant help being human and overwhelmed by disappointment…it didnt detract from Nadals win, it made it sweeter for Nadal in many ways.
on Feb 1st, 2009 at 11:35 PM
My theory is that Roger has a lot of unresolved emotional issues. I’m not saying he is crazy or anything, I don’t know him of course, but I know that he used to be a very angry young player. Is there a chance that he may be bottling up all of the emotion and pressure with no outlet? Look how composed and emotionless he is on court, surely there has to be an outlet for this – a pressure valve release of sorts. I think that is what we saw last night, a frustrating 2008 and a heap of bottled up tension coming out. I’m sure we wanted to wait til he got to the locker room, but I guess it is like vomiting when you can’t help it – it just comes and you have no control!
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 1:04 AM
Jeez, if we’re going to have annual debates about possibly homophobic ads, we’d better have discussion about misogynistic postings. That last word used by Munson Man is totally classless.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 2:08 AM
I don’t know why anyone would criticize Roger Federer for his reaction. I think it’s awesome to see a person’s emotion after a marathon of a game that was simply amazing. I believe it was in the fourth set when they had that ridiculous volley of baseline shots… sensational!
He poured his heart and soul into it and unfortunately came away on the wrong end of the scoreboard. It’s natural to cry and be emotional after that.
BTW: Congratulations to Rafael Nadal
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 3:10 AM
Its the first time I see a comment by Munson Man and I think hes got no credibility and shows he think he knows a lot about tennis but he knows nothing about sportsmanship and is probably a fat prick looking at stats behind a desk and commenting on things he thinks he knows but is an ignorant on.
Federer is frustrated, he might have in that moment thought he could not beat Nadal ever again for the rest of his career therefore having slim chances of ever winning at Roland Garros or any final against Nadal.
I assure you that if it had been any other player last night Federer would have won or even if he was beaten you wouldn’t had seen yesterdays tears. He’s got now a mental barrier, yesterday is the worst I’ve seen him play a fifth set, his serve was not up to his standard, he is still broken from Wimbledon, I bet he still has nightmares from that day and surely will from last night.
What deserved a comment was how Nadal reacted to Federers burst, I don’t like him much even though I enjoy his matches but he has won many points for the kind of person he showed he is.
Well, we will see, Federer will surely reach 14 and even 15, but obviously the ruling of tennis is not his no more unless Nadal has physical problems in the near future which he might looking at what his body is sustaining.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 3:28 AM
In 2006 and 2007, Roger was winning 3 grand slams a year, only unable to win the French Open from Rafa. Roger kept telling the media how close he was in beating Rafa on clay, like it was just a matter of time, after all it wasn’t said but implied that Roger is the best tennis player and Rafa is just a clay court specialist.
Not only has Rafa continued to keep the French Open trophy away from Roger, but now that he has won both the Wimbledon and the Australian, both against Roger. Now Roger has to eat his words because instead of gaining on Rafa, the reverse has occurred and Rafa now owns Roger.
The same thing occurred with Agassi and Sampras. When Agassi was at his peak, Sampras would always find some way to be him. During that last US Open, Sampras wasn’t even playing well, but rose to the occassion, when he needed to.
After playing 5 hours match, Rafa wasn’t playing his best tennis, but mentally he still found some way to win during their 4 hour match. Roger was mentally beaten.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 4:28 AM
that’s the dumbest question I’ve read in a long while….’post-game cry fair or foul’…like Roger thought “I know I just lost the chance to equal Sampras’s 14 grand slam haul and I got beaten by a guy who’s got my number I know what I’ll do I’ll cry and focus everyone on my emotional upheavel instead”
purleeeeeeeeez
I agree with John who said the Roger was mentally beaten…he just wrapped up the 4th set and had the momentum with him, against any other player he would have killed of the game!!
I watched the presentation and Federer’s tears were geniunely tears of sorrow this was not a man who wanted to take Nadal’s thunder….remember he also lost to rafa at the French Open (3 times) and Wimbledon and did not cry in those presentations!
The annyoing thing for me is that technically Roger is a far superior all round player…what Rafa has though is a stronger WILL to win, he doesn’t care if he’s 2 sets down or 2 sets up he’s relentless….Roger needs to have a mini break concentrate on the upcoming Davis clash with the USA and then go for the French Open…minus the bagage
people are saying roger should volley more, work on his backhand more, do this do that, but I think the only thing Roger needs to change is his attitude I don’t want to see his shoulder’s slouch or him getting tettchy with crowd for makeing noise, or cursing hawk-eye when he makes mistakes, I want him to focus to immediately forget about the lost point and concentrate on the next….I think and don’t laugh when I say this he needs to work with BRAD GILBERT you know the dude who worked with agassi and roddick and wrote the book ‘winning ugly’…now I know Roger is a completely different mold to the type of players Brad is use to working with, But Brad will have to produce Roger the fighter as appose to accentuate Roger the artist…because that’s what roger needs to do, he has to toss aside the pretty tennis, he needs to do what ever it takes to beat Rafa that means playing like a machine…
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 4:34 AM
I am sure Munson does not even knows how it is to be the best tennis player of all times like Roger Federer. For Roger to have lost his wimbeldon and the ranking was a big blow of his career, having been the No 1 for the longest period in the history of tennis and one tennis player who makes Tennis so wonderful to watch. So it was but natural for Federer wanting to be back by winning the aussie open, be part of the history book and a step towards regaining his ranking, which means the whole world to roger or any great player in his place. Losing something which was yours makes anyone feel miserable and emotional and that is not an act of de-masculinization or dis-grace. It only shows the passion riger has for the game.
Munson’s remarks are not credible and he does not deserve to even pass a comment.
Congrats to Nadal though, he deserved it.
But then, the darkest hour comes just before the dawn. wait n watch roger would definitely pass sampras’ records for sure.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 5:09 AM
GOAT – the greatest ever ?
I have never bought the idea of Federer being the GOAT
You can only compare eras the judge you against your competition.
Would Federer be same if he had played in Petes prime – I dont know
Is Federer great because he was ahead of competition skill / talent wise
I remember the vacum before Agasi / samprass when JIm courier won slams – does Federer face the same faith
How can you great if cannot beat your main rival
Listening to so called expets comment on the games, they kept talking about the weak Nadal serves, why cant Federer run around and purnish them. The answer is simple – he cant
For all those who think it is easy, go out tomorrow and start hitting, shoulder high, top spins, back or forehand, see the effect it has on your shoulders and legs after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 hours
Ask any boxers about body slows – soon enough your ribs hurt
your hands & feet gets heavy, you cant think straight, thats when mistakes creep in – here comes the KNOCKOUT
Mike Tyson use to say everyone has a plan till they get hit
You will also hear “experts” says Federer is more talented
How they came to that conclusion I have no idea
I have always judged pro players first on MENTAL skills
Everyone at the any pro level has a level of physical skills
but the mental edge is mighty hammer the great divider
Between the Possible & Impossible resides MENTAL TOUGHNESS
For those who do not belive it, go replay Michael Chang win the FRENCH open
GUTS – its one thing to run around or jump any wall
its another thing to say I want to run through it even it kills me
The first two options are much easier, less painfull
NADAL has selected the later when playing his openents
Most of Federer’s oponents hope they can win before they step on the court, Federer has the same feeling about NADAL
TIGER WOOD effect – You wish most players & coaches will take a book from Tiger. Bruce lee once said “be water” so you can adapt to any situation.
You watch Federer destroy Roddick over and over again, it makes you wonder who his coach is. He keeps talking about how hard he trained, his service was better, he is more fit
then he run in the Federer wall
The question should be – why not chage your game ?
This applies to all players including Federer to go pass the NADAL WALL
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I thought it was kind of hot. Like Roger has been resisting Rafa but now knows it is over and he is his. At the end of it I was hoping Nadal would walk up, brush the tear off Roger’s cheek with his thumb, put a bog collar on Roger take him in his arms, lean him back and give him a deep kiss. “I own you now.”
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I think someone else summed it up perfectly in the Discussion Board thread on this subject:
>>>Still, to be blunt, it’s time for these ceremonies to stop being all about Roger. (I can see Munson Man’s and George’s view a bit better now.) It’s detracted from some of Nadal’s wins at the French, and he’s been classy about it. Today it really threw some cold water on Nadal’s victory.<<<
That’s my point. Federer is ostensibly a professional. He needs to learn that sometimes he WILL lose. I think it’s fine to be a bit teary immediately afterwards, but the guy completely lost it. “Oh God, this is killing me” were his words. Come on, that’s just calling attention to yourself and your feelings when all the attention should be on the victor. Nadal was very classy, and I’m sure wound up muting his celebration out of deference to Federer’s meltdown, but he should not have had to.
Federer needs to grow up and control himself better – he does it on the tennis court, so he can certainly do it off. I think back to the Evert-Naratilova rivalry, and how both women have said that after some of their more hard-fought matches the loser could not wait to get into the locker room to have a good cry. That’s what Federer should have done; instead he carried on sobbing at the trophy presentation like he was at a funeral. It was unprofessional, and incredibly immature, and I have no respect for him after that.
Your mileage may vary, of course………
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 11:44 AM
In reply to Carlos, every player goes through patches – even from tournament to tournament. Nadal playing Federer in Oz three years ago would not have stood a chance. Now Roger is going through a spell of disbelief that he can make that leap into history and be the first to surpass 14 Slams, especially against an improved Nadal.
Greatness is not necessarily how many Slams you win but, as they say, how you win them. Roger has shown he is a true competitor and has a heart as well. How many players could have shown such emotion to the watching world?
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 AM
I think some of you are being way too cynical. The guy was clearly emotional – and sometimes you just can’t control emotion. I would be too if I had totally blown that third set the way he did.
He was gracious in his words, and he spoke for half the time that Nadal did.
I’ve posted the video here so everyone can see it.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Gosh I almost split my sides laughing at the comments written here.
You guys are funny and I love what is written here
Anyway, back to some comments on “teary” Federer.
I don’t mind him crying a little, but maybe he went a bit too far.
After all he is a pro player and doesn’t he know that he can’t be wining all the time. Or is he too arrogant to realize that?
I guess in his opinion he is the GOAT for sure.
I’m glad that Nadal came along to prick Federer’s over blown ego.
I always had my niggling doubts about Federer’s personality. This proves it. Unable to be humble and realize that a better player beat you and that there can be a better player other than you!!!
Fedrerer should learn to cop things on the chin and move on, and not be “crying” like in Kindergarten when another chap runs away with your ball!!!!
Nadal is a classy character, humble and full of tact.
Vamos Rafa!!!
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Roger is human, and humans will cry when their emotions overtake them, the comment he said on the mic however was uncalled for. He may not have meant any harm but he took away from nadal’s celebration no doubt.
Roger has grown accostumed to being the best, and while he remains the all-time best player, he currently is 2nd best to Nadal, and that he is having trouble dealing with. Back when he was still defeating Nadal, rafa knew he was still getting better, had time to improve. Fed on the other hand has already reached the prime of his career and if he cant beat nadal now, it will only get tougher for him down the road, this has to be true cause of his breakdown.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 PM
As a Nadal fan, I actually enjoyed seeing Roger being broken physically/mentally during the match and emotionally afterward. I don’t think it stole attention from Rafa because to me it just showed how much Roger wants to win and he didn’t! Seeing him cry was like getting candy at Christmas, it just added to the fun.
He was a bit immature in the 5th set and seemed to be complaining and questioning a lot of calls instead of just playing without excuse but that’s why I don’t like him as a player.
I do find the whole “twat” comment by Munson to be disturbing as well like Craig mentioned. If we are going to cry about fist kisses, why are we comfortable with insulting guys by calling them a vulgar term for female genitalia? Sexism is the root of homophobia people.
And I know at least 4 lesbians I’ve referred to this website who would find the comment annoying/insulting.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Beautiful display of vulnerability and humanity. Feds the man. And Nadal’s image was only enhanced in my eyes, with his considerate response.
Nadal wants to walk in this mans shoes and now he sees what it could be like for him one day. How should he respond any other way as a human being?
And after that incredible marathon with fellow Spaniard Verdasco.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Federer’s post-game cry displayed deep emotional immaturity, not vulnerability (he is, after all, one of the best athlete’s in the world and you don’t get to the top by being emotionally vulnerable). Until Federer’s childish display of emotions, he had been my favourite of all pro tennis players, past to present. However, unlike the humble Nadal, Federer is a narcissist. He even said in an earlier interview that he still doesn’t consider himself #2. Inappropriate emotions of any kind is not a “hallmark” of being human. Controlling one’s emotions, especially in social settings, is, however, a definite hallmark of growing up.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 5:21 PM
Munson Man’s comments reveal more about him than anything that happened in Australia. Fed and Nadal are both making history and Fed’s tears reveal just how much he wants to regain his #1 status. We’re lucky tennis fans to be able to witness this passing of the torch between two brilliant champions. Munson Man has proven many times that sensitivity is not his strong suit though of course his opinion is as valid as anyone else’s…
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 PM
And honestly, if you can’t appreciate Fed’s intensity and heartfelt emotion, something is entirely wrong with you…
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 5:54 PM
I have no issue with Federer’s tears. I think its unfortunate that he is being made fun of by gay men calling him a woman, a twat, a pansy, and a sissy for crying. We are not professional athletes. Federer will go down as one of the best ever to play the sport and he’s clearly an emotional guy. We’ve seen him cry tears of joy at various grand slams, and so why is it so bad for him to cry at this one. Seriously, some of these comments about it being all about him and the criticism of him for it are unfortunate and reveal more about you as a person than him as a champion.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Playing tennis is Roger’s job. If I had a melt down at work because I didn’t get what I want it would be, “typical woman,” “can’t take the heat,” “crybaby,” etc.
Grow a pair you sissy!
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 PM
He also plays a sport that he has dominated for YEARS!!! Nadal winning after his grueling semifinal match showed Federer that he gave up the last territory he thought he still had the advantage on Nadal. Come on…this is sports we are talking about. His job is also winning and it has become so custom for him that I am a bit more sympathetic in understanding his feelings. I don’t know…I don’t see the big deal. He got emotional for a few minutes, got himself together, and that was it. It sucks that he didn’t have time to go off court and get himself together. I actually think you can tell he was trying to keep it together but just couldn’t. Ugh…this American macho bullshit is so lame.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 6:06 PM
And lets not make any mistake about it…its an American thing. God forbid a man show emotion. Can’t have that!!!!
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Hmmmm…….some interesting comments. I actually love emotion in sports – I think it’s part of the what attracts me to athletics. But make no mistake: this was not emotion, this was a self-indulgent emotional meltdown that drew attention away from the one person who deserved attention at that moment.
As someone else said, we all have jobs where we’re expected to perform at a certain level. Some days things go horribly wrong, but those of us who are successful at what we do don’t sit at our desks and lose control in a most unbecoming, immature way the way Federer did. We soldier on, sometimes betraying disappointment, anger or sorrow. And when it gets to be to much we seek out some privacy, either alone or with loved ones, to just unload privately. There’s nothing wrong with that.
But to just sob and seek out sympathy with such hyperbolic twaddle as “this is killing me” is just a tantrum by an over-indulged, narcissist.
on Feb 2nd, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Thats right…because we are ALL the same. WE ALL KNOW how it is to be in Federer’s position. WE ALL have the same emotion and just because society dictates what is etiquette in a situation like that, or because you are such a macho man that you would’ve sucked it up, then no one else is allowed to do it. Please spare me that line.
This is just another example of society driven stereotypes. When Jana Novotna cried all over the Duchess of York’s shoulder after losing her match no one made a big deal about it. No one makes a big deal when the women do it. But ya know what…we all have our opinions on this and I will respectfully disagree with some. All I know is that when I’m not one of the sheep following along with one of the many ridiculous societal standards, thats good.
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 4:31 AM
It was announced on Saturday that Bruce Smith would enter the pro football Hall of Fame. He was clearly emotional when he was interviewed shortly thereafter, saying what an honor it was and how he wished his late father – who had contributed so much to his success – could have been alive to see the moment.
Smith, one of the greatest defensive ends ever, said about his emotions ‘I cry not because I am less of a man; I cry because I am a man.’
Personally, I don’t understand why some people are so turned off by Federer’s emotions. It’s funny how judgemental some gays are; you’d think they would know better from their own experiences.
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Well, first of all, What a game!!!!!!!
Nothing wrong with Federer’s crying , I think. It’s not like he cried on purpose. He just couldn’t control himself.
VAMOS RAFA!!!!
FORZA RAFA!!!!
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Someone earlier mentioned that Roger is a far superior all-around player than Nadal. Not anymore! In fact, Roger’s game has become static while Nadal’s game continues to expand.
As for Roger’s emotional display, he’s just going to have to get used to it. He may still reach and surpass 14 slams, but it now seems dependent on someone knocking Nadal out before the final. Barring injuries, it appears the next 3-4 years belong to Nadal. He might be able to reach 14 slams just by dominating the French open until he’s 30!
on Feb 6th, 2009 at 12:43 AM
I watched the match and I gotta say what an amazing match it was! I have a lot of respect for both players for their dedication and comittment to the sport they have their utmost passion for. As for Roger’s tears…well I don’t know what else he could’ve done in that moment. Perhaps there were many things he shouldn’t of said or done but I honestly think Federer though he had this match for sure and might’ve focused more on that next title and not really focus on the match. After that 4th set it seemed like he went to another place and completely dissociated from the game he was playing and then came the 5th set and lost it. My heart goes out to him for having lost and yes I do believe he is still a champion. So for Nadal to say that about him and to him, was very sweet and very humble of him…which I also think gives Nadal many points to his character. Without each other on the court, tennis wouldn’t be sport that it is for them now. Congrats to Federer y VAMOS RAFA! Good luck to both of them this year!
on Feb 6th, 2009 at 1:23 AM
Bully for Munson Man having his strong opinions about this but the tone of his own original post bashing Federer is way over the top. That post had its own inner histrionics (i.e. the careful choice of trigger words to draw maximum attention to the post). Beware theatre majors who live in glass houses.
on Feb 8th, 2009 at 4:53 AM
I detest judgemental armchair critics. I say leave him alone. Clearly the title meant so much to him and as he admitted, he was overwhelmed with being so close to matching Sampras’ record. I’m sure if he could hold back his tears, he would, because nothing in his past has he ever displayed anything resembling being an attention whore. When you are overwhelmed with defeat, or loss, stress, or sadness or whatever, sometimes you cry. It would be a great gift if we all could hold it in. Too bad we can’t. To say that he shed tears to take up all the attention from Raf, I’m sorry, is just stupid. It’s not like losing at monopoly. This is his life’s focus.
on Feb 8th, 2009 at 2:56 PM
The first time I ever saw Nadal play, I knew I had not seen anything like it since Borg. The power, grace, and stamina of such a young player was astonishing. Roger knows this as well. Certainly his emotion is just and understandable. He has watched over the last few years as Nadal continues to improve. Not only will Nadal overtake Federer’s accomplishments in tennis, but very likely Borg’s as well.
Roger wasn’t weeping as a sore loser, but due to this loss, more than any other, the realization that his best days are behind him.