And I still don’t get the big deal over this. What is so wrong with believing in yourself, preparing for success and taking pride in your accomplishments by wearing a commemorative jacket made just for him? The 15 was subtly hidden on the bottom right-hand corner of the back of his jacket, (not emblazoned in large typeface all over the back and front), and away from Roddick’s eyes and the camera’s view. If I had won this many titles, I would certainly want a memento of that moment and I would wear it proudly, and there’s no reason why Federer doesn’t deserve to celebrate this monumental achievement, one heretofore unequaled in the history of the sport. No one else has ever achieved all that he has. I also think it will be a wonderful treasure to hand down to his child someday, a talisman of one of the greatest days of his life.

I hope that people remember and realize that Federer is one of the few tennis players whose reputation and results warrant branding, and that he has put it to generous, philanthropic use throughout his years of success. It’s a shame people have to spin an innocent celebration into some hideous, tacky display of pomposity and arrogance. Frankly, i think the most painful thing Roddick saw Federer brandish after that match was the Champion’s trophy, not a jacket with a small 15 on it, which is why Roddick hasn’t said anything about this.

People, mostly rabid Rafa fans who refuse to accept that their hero’s style of play is conceptually limited and sure to burn out in the next few years, just need something to complain about, and here is their excuse to whine.

That’s all celebrating.

Having the ’15′ sitting in your bag waiting for the post-match celebration? That’s just patting yourself on the back and a bit tacky. Not sure how to explain it any clearer than that.

It was not used to promote his own logo or nike clothing line and non-Federer fanboys are rightfully unamused by Roger’s shameless act: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/columnists/giles_smith/article6652499.ece

It’s a good thing Roger is making the best of Rafa’s time away, cuz the “GOAT” is gonna get his ass handed to him when he does! BTW, what other “GOAT” had his ass kicked so thoroughly by a rival? Jordan? Gretzky? Montana? Nope. No one dominated over them the way Rafa does Roger. That’s why they are worthy of the “GOAT” title, and Roger isn’t.

I was surprised a bit by Federer’s post-match behavior. Usually he’s perfect in just about everything he says and does. The ’15′ on the jacket hit a sour note with me. As did his comments to Roddick during the post-match on-court interview with BBC. It was clear Roddick was just crushed and absolutely sick about the result. You could see in his face how devasted he was by the loss.

During Federer’s interview he told Roddick he knew how Roddick felt because he had been in the same position the year before. Then you could hear Roddick in the background saying something along the lines that since Roger already had 5 Wimbledon titles when he lost to Nadal last year it wasn’t exactly the same thing. I believe Federer’s intention was probably genuine and innocent, but it came across wrong.

I agree that great accomplishments in sports should be celebrated. But the celebration is a lot more fun and enjoyable for everyone when others are saying the platitudes (e.g., Nike commercial, Sampras interview) and making the gestures instead of the winner doing it himself (e.g., ’15′ on the jacket).