Comments on: ROGER FEDERER AND THE GOAT FACTOR http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/ Tennis blog. Tennis news. Tennis gossip. Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:26:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2460 freakyfrites Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:25:20 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2460 I hope that this transition period, where Roger is playing and dominating less, gets the Fedophiles to appreciate some of the other great players in the game, including Nadal! But now I'm feeling all sad about Safin retiring, and it's got me thinking more about how much it will suck when Federer leaves. Of course, I was bummed when Sampras started losing, and then Federer was nipping on his heels. So who's nipping on Federer's heels? I'm a big Tsonga fan, and I like watching Murray play, but I agree, there's no one around yet who matches Roger, in terms of my emotional connection to the player. I hope that this transition period, where Roger is playing and dominating less, gets the Fedophiles to appreciate some of the other great players in the game, including Nadal! But now I’m feeling all sad about Safin retiring, and it’s got me thinking more about how much it will suck when Federer leaves. Of course, I was bummed when Sampras started losing, and then Federer was nipping on his heels. So who’s nipping on Federer’s heels? I’m a big Tsonga fan, and I like watching Murray play, but I agree, there’s no one around yet who matches Roger, in terms of my emotional connection to the player.

]]> By: lk28 http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2457 lk28 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:53:26 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2457 Hi, ff. I agree that Roger does want to be considered the GOAT, but it's not really helpful to him to have that as a focus. It means that he puts a lot of pressure on himself when he steps on court, especially in the Grand Slams. As for your last comment -- I agree that he's brought a lot of new fans to tennis. I do wonder how many will stick around when he retires, though. A lot of the admiration seems personal to him. I'd love to see another Fed-style player start up the ranks. Of course, no one will ever match him... ;-) Hi, ff. I agree that Roger does want to be considered the GOAT, but it’s not really helpful to him to have that as a focus. It means that he puts a lot of pressure on himself when he steps on court, especially in the Grand Slams. As for your last comment — I agree that he’s brought a lot of new fans to tennis. I do wonder how many will stick around when he retires, though. A lot of the admiration seems personal to him. I’d love to see another Fed-style player start up the ranks. Of course, no one will ever match him… ;-)

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2454 freakyfrites Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:40:45 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2454 Well said, lk28. I think it was Martina N. or someone similar who pointed out how impossible it is to really crown a GOAT - especially considering that the obsession with racking up Major titles is a relatively new one on tour and great players like Rod Laver (who I never saw play but think is probably the GOAT) had to deal with the whole amateur vs. professional controversy back in the day. I think it's interesting, though, to see how the players, themselves, treat the GOAT recognition. It's pretty obvious that Roger really, really wants people like McEnroe and Borg and Sampras to consider him the GOAT, and that's what makes it matter to me. Roger also is my personal GOAT (although I admit to having a shorter frame of reference than you do.) I think this might be his biggest legacy to the sport: inspiring tennis fans to love the game as much as he does. Well said, lk28. I think it was Martina N. or someone similar who pointed out how impossible it is to really crown a GOAT – especially considering that the obsession with racking up Major titles is a relatively new one on tour and great players like Rod Laver (who I never saw play but think is probably the GOAT) had to deal with the whole amateur vs. professional controversy back in the day.

I think it’s interesting, though, to see how the players, themselves, treat the GOAT recognition. It’s pretty obvious that Roger really, really wants people like McEnroe and Borg and Sampras to consider him the GOAT, and that’s what makes it matter to me.

Roger also is my personal GOAT (although I admit to having a shorter frame of reference than you do.) I think this might be his biggest legacy to the sport: inspiring tennis fans to love the game as much as he does.

]]> By: lk28 http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2452 lk28 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:54:57 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2452 I don't believe in the idea of GOAT because I don't think it's possible to compare players from different eras (with different surfaces, equipment, competition, conditions, etc.). Even comparing players who played against each other at different stages of their careers is hard. I've favored lots of players over my tennis-watching life, from Ken Rosewall (yes, I'm that old) to Stefan Edberg to Roger Federer. What makes Federer my favorite player of all time is that I get so much pleasure from watching him play -- how he hits the ball when he's "on," how he moves on the court, the incredible shots he is capable of making, his sportsmanship, and his clear love of the game. To me, watching Federer is an aesthetic experience and I'm happy to have lived long enough enjoy it many times over. I don’t believe in the idea of GOAT because I don’t think it’s possible to compare players from different eras (with different surfaces, equipment, competition, conditions, etc.). Even comparing players who played against each other at different stages of their careers is hard. I’ve favored lots of players over my tennis-watching life, from Ken Rosewall (yes, I’m that old) to Stefan Edberg to Roger Federer. What makes Federer my favorite player of all time is that I get so much pleasure from watching him play — how he hits the ball when he’s “on,” how he moves on the court, the incredible shots he is capable of making, his sportsmanship, and his clear love of the game. To me, watching Federer is an aesthetic experience and I’m happy to have lived long enough enjoy it many times over.

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2420 freakyfrites Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:50:42 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2420 Glad you enjoyed! I hope I can update the post soon - after Roger's won a couple more slams! Glad you enjoyed! I hope I can update the post soon – after Roger’s won a couple more slams!

]]> By: Ru-an http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2412 Ru-an Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:34:17 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2412 Oh please get a grip. Oh please get a grip.

]]> By: Ru-an http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2411 Ru-an Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:32:44 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2411 Lol very entertaining post! I have some qualities of all the categories but im probably a historian. Im the kind of fan that gives Rafa his due but im also pissed off that tennis favors his game these days. I do think Roger is the greatest of all time barring Laver perhaps because it's impossible to compare. I would give anything for Roger to win 15 slams but if he doesnt ill still like him just as much. But hopefully he'll win 18 slams LOL. Lol very entertaining post! I have some qualities of all the categories but im probably a historian. Im the kind of fan that gives Rafa his due but im also pissed off that tennis favors his game these days. I do think Roger is the greatest of all time barring Laver perhaps because it’s impossible to compare. I would give anything for Roger to win 15 slams but if he doesnt ill still like him just as much. But hopefully he’ll win 18 slams LOL.

]]> By: dolly http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2318 dolly Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:04:09 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-2318 gayist of all time-not that it mattersat all but who's kidding who- come out Roger gayist of all time-not that it mattersat all but who’s kidding who-
come out Roger

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1616 freakyfrites Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:24:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1616 Hi Mojirola - Thanks for posting and reading! I'm glad that my article made you feel good - as a Fed fan nowadays, we need all the help we can get.<br/><br/>Roger Mojirola has a nice ring to it! :) Hi Mojirola – Thanks for posting and reading! I’m glad that my article made you feel good – as a Fed fan nowadays, we need all the help we can get.

Roger Mojirola has a nice ring to it! :)

]]> By: mojirola http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1615 mojirola Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:55:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1615 i fancy myself an unconditional with a dash of historian and a smidge of flat earh. i think its cool that u did dis, it actually made me happier. and i love d article, r u a wrtier cause this is really nice. federer for life no matter if rafa wins 50 grand slams and roger never wins anything again. i will name my son after him when i have one i fancy myself an unconditional with a dash of historian and a smidge of flat earh. i think its cool that u did dis, it actually made me happier. and i love d article, r u a wrtier cause this is really nice. federer for life no matter if rafa wins 50 grand slams and roger never wins anything again. i will name my son after him when i have one

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1612 freakyfrites Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:14:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1612 Hi Anonymous. I'm assuming that these last two posts are from the same person.<br/><br/>Thanks for reading!<br/><br/>I did forget about Anna Wintour. (I live in Los Angeles, so I don't really have a good excuse.) But how should I categorize her? Unconditional, maybe - but something tells me that if Rog grew his hair out and started wearing FUBU, she'd be ringing up James Blake. Hi Anonymous. I’m assuming that these last two posts are from the same person.

Thanks for reading!

I did forget about Anna Wintour. (I live in Los Angeles, so I don’t really have a good excuse.) But how should I categorize her? Unconditional, maybe – but something tells me that if Rog grew his hair out and started wearing FUBU, she’d be ringing up James Blake.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1611 Anonymous Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:15:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1611 How the heck did you forget the Devil wears Prada herself Anna Wintour!<br/>You must live in a flyover state. How the heck did you forget the Devil wears Prada herself Anna Wintour!
You must live in a flyover state.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1610 Anonymous Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:08:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1610 "Hard line Flat Earthers fear change to the status quo like Pete Seeger fans feared Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival."<br/><br/>Brilliant.<br/>Funny read. I'm in full belief that fedophiles are the Claymates of tennis. “Hard line Flat Earthers fear change to the status quo like Pete Seeger fans feared Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival.”

Brilliant.
Funny read. I’m in full belief that fedophiles are the Claymates of tennis.

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1608 freakyfrites Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:51:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1608 Hi Richa!<br/><br/>Welcome to the comments section! So happy to have you and I'm glad you enjoyed the post.<br/><br/>I still think Roger's saving up for the Olympics - everyone else will be exhausted and he'll be motivated and ready to go!<br/><br/>(I'm in a positive mood today :) ) Hi Richa!

Welcome to the comments section! So happy to have you and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

I still think Roger’s saving up for the Olympics – everyone else will be exhausted and he’ll be motivated and ready to go!

(I’m in a positive mood today :) )

]]> By: Richa http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1605 Richa Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:37:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1605 Hey! Really needed a bit of humour in my life today after what happened against Karlovic earlier. Stayed up till 2:30am Indian Time (on a weekday at that!) to watch that heart-breaking loss. I hereby declare myself a Fedophile and I don't regret it at all! Thanks a ton for this post!<br/><br/>Hail Federer! (this has been my standard "parting statement" for oh-so-many years now! Haha) Hey! Really needed a bit of humour in my life today after what happened against Karlovic earlier. Stayed up till 2:30am Indian Time (on a weekday at that!) to watch that heart-breaking loss. I hereby declare myself a Fedophile and I don’t regret it at all! Thanks a ton for this post!

Hail Federer! (this has been my standard “parting statement” for oh-so-many years now! Haha)

]]> By: van http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1600 van Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:51:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1600 Thanks FF! I'll take that! Thanks FF! I’ll take that!

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1599 freakyfrites Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:27:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1599 Hey Van,<br/><br/>I think you may not actually be a Fedophile, but a reasonable, rational fan that admires his game for what it is without crossing the line into unhealthy obsession.<br/><br/>That's a good thing!<br/><br/>:) Hey Van,

I think you may not actually be a Fedophile, but a reasonable, rational fan that admires his game for what it is without crossing the line into unhealthy obsession.

That’s a good thing!

:)

]]> By: van http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1596 van Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:11:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1596 Hey Freakyfrites, I don't know what I am: I'm so confused!<br/><br/>I want him to go on and make history, I'm kind of shocked when he loses—on any surface—and I enjoy watching him play. I won't drop everything when he's on, though. I think he's the most talented player I've ever seen, but I don't think he's had the best career yet.<br/><br/>See? Confusing, right? Hey Freakyfrites, I don’t know what I am: I’m so confused!

I want him to go on and make history, I’m kind of shocked when he loses—on any surface—and I enjoy watching him play. I won’t drop everything when he’s on, though. I think he’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen, but I don’t think he’s had the best career yet.

See? Confusing, right?

]]> By: freakyfrites http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1595 freakyfrites Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:05:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1595 Hi!<br/><br/>I was a Peteophile for sure, although I flirted with and Agassi crush for at least one U.S. Open.<br/><br/>Yogahz - Unconditionals are my favorite! I wish I was one. Hi!

I was a Peteophile for sure, although I flirted with and Agassi crush for at least one U.S. Open.

Yogahz – Unconditionals are my favorite! I wish I was one.

]]> By: yogahz http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1594 yogahz Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:51:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1594 I think I'm an Unconditional with Historian undertones. <br/><br/>That article about Bartoli crying after Fed lost Wimbledon makes me like her a little bit more. Also the pictures of her at a hospital - actually interacting with the kids. I think I’m an Unconditional with Historian undertones.

That article about Bartoli crying after Fed lost Wimbledon makes me like her a little bit more. Also the pictures of her at a hospital – actually interacting with the kids.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.gototennisblog.com/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1593 Anonymous Wed, 30 Jul 2008 03:04:00 +0000 http://www.gototennis.org/2008/07/30/fedophile-files-the-goat-factor/#comment-1593 Brilliant and so funny. <br/><br/>Sigh. I've been a Macophile, a Matsophile, a Edberaphile, a Peteophile. Live long enough and the broken heart does repair.<br/><br/>I fancy myself an Historian.<br/><br/>-- AliceMarble Brilliant and so funny.

Sigh. I’ve been a Macophile, a Matsophile, a Edberaphile, a Peteophile. Live long enough and the broken heart does repair.

I fancy myself an Historian.

– AliceMarble

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