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In Another Epic, Djokovic Outlasts Federer
The Journal provides minute-by-minute analysis of this U.S. Open semifinal between Roger Federer, the world's No. 3 player, and top-seeded Novak Djokovic. Carl Bialik, Jim Chairusmi, Jason Gay and Tom Perrotta offer commentary on the match from Arthur Ashe Stadium and the CBS telecast.
This year's U.S. Open has seen many unusual events—player unity against slippery courts, two straight days and nights washed out by rain, a mixed-doubles title won by two American teenagers who had combined for 10 singles match wins on tour this year. But one feature has arrived right on schedule: The Big Four are playing in the men's semifinals on Super Saturday. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, the world No. 2, plays No. 4 Andy Murray, the 2008 finalist, later today. First up: No. 3 Roger Federer, the five-time champion, vs. No. 1 Novak Djokovic, twice a runner-up.
For Federer and Djokovic, this weekend wouldn't feel right without a match against the other. This is their fourth straight U.S. Open semifinal meeting. The year before, they played in the final. Federer had owned Djokovic until last year's semi, when the Serbian upended the script of a Nadal-Federer meeting here for the first time by saving two match points and winning in five sets. Federer admitted he was looking ahead to the next day's possible meeting with Nadal. This year, he won't have to because he plays first, and there is a scheduled day off before the final.
Since then, Djokovic has been by far the best player on tour, particularly this year, when he is 62-2. A win by Federer today would be an upset and would upend a possible rematch of the Djokovic-Nadal Wimbledon final and four other finals between the world's top two players this year, all won by Djokovic. That's just what Federer did at the French Open, ending a 43-match winning streak by Djokovic. Partisans of Djokovic can point to his wins in their three meetings before that, all on hard courts. But Federer won the three matches before that.
Really, their recent head-to-head record proves nothing. Nine of their last 11 meetings have been closely contested, with the winner taking just 53% or fewer of all points. Nor can much be gleaned from their play in Flushing. Djokovic has been solid but not the dominant force he was in the spring, playing three tiebreak sets and losing one of them in his last two matches before sprinting to the finish line. Federer dropped just 13 games in his last two matches but looked beatable in the third round a week ago, the last time he played under the sun.
Seldom do the Big Four lose to anyone but each other these days. And when one does, another generally picks up the slack. Between them they have hogged every finalist spot and all but two semifinalist berths at the year's majors, as well as every title and all but two finalist spots at the Masters 1000 events, which are just a notch below the Grand Slams. At this year's Open, especially, all four are playing well enough to win yet have looked vulnerable at times, making for an unusually suspenseful climax to the tournament.
The larger storyline is that Federer represents the best attacking tennis of the last decade, and possibly of the sport's history, while Djokovic has melded offense and defense during his nearly perfect season. He's lamented that he played his last match too passively, while Federer said he expects both men to play aggressively. This match could be another classic encounter between the man with a strong claim as the best tennis player ever and one making a bid for the best season ever.
There's a small drizzle falling in Ashe Stadium. Players haven't taken the court.
And so a tennis live blog becomes a weather live blog. Rain looks heavier from the 7 stop. It looks like about 25% of arriving fans thought to bring umbrellas. Some are making a dash for it, others waiting under cover at the station.
And when it rains, it pours: The skies just opened up. Fans are quickly scrambling for cover. Fire up the replay of the Connors-Krickstein match.
It's pouring in Queens. Where have we seen this before? My best guess is this match won't start for an hour.
Rain slowing down. Weather.com's mobile site says it's cloudy now in Flushing, which is true but incomplete. The forecast for the afternoon is clear, at least.
Are the Mets playing?! Signed, Jerry from Queens.
Attention U.S. Open fans on the grounds of Billie Jean King National Tennis Center! Now you may think a rain delay is a wise time to just go for a nice lunch, maybe have a couple Heineken Lights and a corned beef triple-decker from the New York Deli. But you have a loooooong day of tennis ahead of you. You don't want to food coma—fall asleep in your chair in the first set of Federer-Djokovic, wake up midway through Serena-Wozniacki.
Rain still falling steadily. This could spill over into the night session, pushing back the Serena-Wozniacki semi scheduled to start after the men's semis. The winner could finish a tough match after midnight, then have to play the final tomorrow at 4 p.m.—if it's not, say, delayed by rain. Advantage, Stosur-Kerber, who play at 6 p.m. in the Grandstand. It's an insulting venue for a women's semi but it could prove a favorable one. Meanwhile, Andy Roddick stuck around for an extra day so he could yell at Bryan Earley right now.
Instead of framing a picture of this year's men's and women's champions in the hallway of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the USTA will commemorate this tournament with a photo of tournament director Brian Earley standing in the rain.
It's amazing that during a rain delay, there are always a few fans, thrilled by their intense foul-weather preparations (poncho, umbrella, rain hat, scotch), stick it out in their seats, refusing to seek shelter.
Years from now, anthropologists will be grateful for The Wall Street Journal's detailed, running account of the men's semifinal rain delay.
The lines at the food court are short and moving but not everyone got Jason's memo. There are a half-dozen people swarming the pastrami line. The sandwich was a top contender in The Journal's food open last year, losing in a disputed decision to Ben & Jerry's.
The rain vacuums are now on the Ashe court. Blue and bulbous, these vacuums look like steroidal Rascals driven by aggro dudes at an assisted living home.
For maximum endurance, I recommend bird-like consumption: small mini meals, once an hour.
Jason, they may be holding their ground to cover their seats and keep them dry. Past experience at this year's Open—and we all have too much of it—suggests the machines drying the court won't be sent into the stands to dry the seats. Meanwhile, an informal count on the grounds shows shirts and hats emblazoned with RF are outnumbering ND apparel 50 to 0.
Long lines at the Nike booth, which carries big Rafa and Roger posters and lots of their official apparel. If it's a Djokovic-Murray final, will the Nike booth shut down? Based on the ubiquity of Federer TV ads after he exits tourneys, I'm guessing not.
Jason, those machines are called Slambonis, apparently.
I'm guessing fans haven't gone to Novak's website to buy his exclusive T-shirts?
Slamboni is my new favorite word.
A Slamboni also sounds like The Worst Spring Break Drink Ever. "Hey! Two Slambonis over here!"
There's a question from a reader about why Djokovic, seeded No. 1, is playing Federer, seeded No. 3, rather than the No. 4 player (Murray). Answer: At the Grand Slams, the top seed is at the top of the draw and the No. 2 seed at the bottom. Then the third and fourth seeds are drawn from a hat, one for the top half and one for the bottom.
If, for some reason, Ashe has water bubble up to the surface, and Fed-Djoko and Nadal-Andy have to play in the Grandstand, does that move Stosur-Kerber to Flushing Meadows Corona Park?
Or, if you are a conspiracy theorist: It's because officials still want a Federer-Nadal final. The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam where these two rivals have never met.
Similarly for the other seeds — distributed around the draw in a way that is meant to combine balance and randomness to ensure you don't constantly have the same matchups. It's been lamented that this system nonetheless has produced lots of Federer-Djokovic matchups lately in the semis at Slams, but keep in mind that they haven't always been Nos. 1 and 3. Also, I'm not sure Federer would rather face Nadal, considering his head-to-head record against him. (Djokovic might prefer to see Andy Murray in his half of the draw, though.)
Jim, don't feed the conspiracists. CBS is killing time by showing highlights from the 2008 semi here between Djokovic and Federer. Surprised to see how much and how successfully Djokovic came to net in that match. And how similar the players looked then compared to how they look now. Will CBS preempt scheduled programming from 6 to 8 if the men's semis run right up to the Williams-Wozniacki semi? Because it looks now like they will.
Well, since we are in a rain delay, and people talk about useless things during rain delays, I'll give an account of this morning's tennis match at the NYC red-clay public courts on 96th St.: the Journal's Carl Bialik and his partner prevailed in a not-so-closely-contested doubles match against my partner and me. The score was 6-0, 6-3. It was a rout. For a second match the group was rotated — with Bialik and me still on opposite sides of the net. This time, it was far closer: Team Jason won in a tiebreak 7-6 (7-4) in a set that was rife with double-faults. CBS will be showing highlights during the next rain delay.
Meanwhile, back to that other match: Djokovic told Mary Joe Fernandez in the pre-match interview that he was excited and motivated. Shocking! He also said it in a whisper, sounding like death. Ivo Karlovic tweeted earlier in the tournament about how awful the prematch interviews are, but I enjoy how much the players clearly can't stand them.
Jason and I were scouting each other's game ahead of the Open's annual media tournament tomorrow. Tip to whoever draws him: Hit to his backhand. Tip to whoever draws me: Hit to my backhand. Tip to Djokovic: Hit to Federer's backhand. It's usually a good tip in tennis generally, though not so much when playing Djokovic.
Some random tidbits from the media notes for the men's semis:
- It's the sixth time the Big Four have reached the semis at the same tour-level tournament. Federer's won three times, Nadal once and Murray once. Djokovic never has. One of his two losses this year came in a similar scenario at the French Open.
- Federer and Djokovic are meeting for the ninth time at a Grand Slam tournament, tied for second-most behind Lendl-McEnroe's 10. (Expect a million retrospectives on that rivalry once the Borg-McEnroe nostalgia fades.) If Nadal and Federer meet here in the final, they'll tie the record of 10.
They start! Federer opens with a service winner.
As Federer puts away a short ball to go up 30-0, CBS's John McEnroe says the key for Federer in the match is to be aggressive on short balls. When Federer gets to 40-0, McEnroe says it's like Custer's last stand, which seems premature.
1-0, Federer
He holds at love. Federer's serves and groundstrokes were moving quickly through the court, which looks to be playing faster than earlier in the tournament—a normal trend as play reduces friction on the courts and perhaps one explanation for how well Fed has played in his last two matches.
1-0, Federer
Carl'ss prediction of a Djokovic triple-bagel win now appears off.
Djokovic holds at love. Both players are seizing the initiative and playing aggressively.
The crowd applauds politely, but I sense it's pulling for Roger.
2-1, Federer
IBM stats suggest each player would do well to win more than three quarters of his points on first serve. That's not very helpful. Interestingly, the stats also suggest Federer hit a third of his serves to Djokovic's body, which doesn't happen on any of the first three points of the game. Federer wins them all easily. Still waiting for the first return point.
2-1, Federer
The loudest cheer so far goes to Justin Timberlake, who was shown in the crowd on the scoreboard as "Sexy Back" blared.
2-1, Federer
Fed gets to 15-15 when Djokovic hooks a forehand into the net. First point to returner after first 13 go to server.
2-1, Federer
McEnroe says you don't often hear a crowd so quiet, because they are so into the match. Is that your guys' sense? Seems like it might be because there have been very short rallies and no close games.
Djokovic holds at 15 with an inside-out backhand winner. Has the longest point so far been four strokes? This is Federer's pace but Djokovic is playing it just as well so far.
Federer appears to start with an ace but Djokovic successfully challenges. He was confident despite a very small margin. Impressive eyesight. Federer wins the point anyway behind a strong net approach.
A longer exchange at 15-0 ends with Federer winning with a drop shot that Djokovic gets to but can't nudge over the net.
Federer's first backhand shank—and it falls on the line. A good omen?
3-2, Federer
The sun just broke through the clouds for the first time in the match. But the wind appears to be less of a factor today. Worth noting that the U.S. flag at the top of the scoreboard in Ashe is not swirling as much as it has been during the tournament.
3-2, Federer
Djokovic wins his first two points on Federer's serve. Djokovic tries to get to Roger's weaker backhand side, but Roger runs around it, so Djokovic changes direction and wins the point with a backhand down the line. We may see that pattern again. In fact, we do on the next point, with Djokovic stretching Federer again to the backhand side of the court and then pulling the trigger on a backhand down the line that goes just wide. Federer closes with an ace. But that was a closer game, and a better one.
3-2, Federer
Broadway actor Sean Combs is sitting in Djokovic's box with his young daughter. Michael Douglas is also here, looking good in a pink shirt. Also just felt a couple rain drops!
3-2, Federer
Early returns: slight edge to Djokovic. He started to lengthen the points during Federer's last service game. He's even and not playing that well yet. He has to feel like he can open things up a bit once he gets a little looser.
3-2, Federer
Tom, I see it even so far. Federer is amping up the aggression on the return. He's mostly missing now, but if he connects on a couple of big returns, he could get the first break.
Also in Djokovic's box: mogul and international Zelig Ron Burkle, who's been known to fly Bill Clinton in his jet and sit courtside at Celtics games with Tom Brady.
And on cue, Fed takes a big cut at a return and hits it into the net. He mixed some slice in on his backhand side in that game, which changes the pace but didn't trouble Djokovic much.
I counted 12 bounces of the ball for Djokovic on his first serve and nine on his second serve on the one point he lost before holding serve. McEnroe even observes that Djokovic doesn't look comfortable.
Federer not doing much with his returns. No pressure. Forehand shank for 0-15.
Discomfort was a theme when Fed beat Djokovic at the French Open. Jason, while you're on the box watch: Think Djokovic had any big names in his box at prior U.S. Opens? And are Burkle and Co. wearing T-shirts with Novak's face on them? Meanwhile, trouble for Fed at 30-30 after Djokovic rips a backhand crosscourt winner with Fed at net.
4-3, Federer
This time, Federer has the eagle eye, corroborated by Hawk-Eye. His serve is in by a smidgen and he holds. I just got a text message from the U.S. Open saying this match has started on Ashe. That's been the typical time lag on these text alerts. I expect the next message will tell me that Nadal beat Roddick yesterday.
4-3, Federer
Djokovic quickly goes up 30-0 as Fed misses another forehand return. How did Djokovic win the first point? Not sure. CBS was still on commercial. (I'm blogging from the media room under Ashe but will enter the stadium soon.)
I like that Federer is trying to be aggressive on his returns. But if you don't get any in play, you have to do something else. Djokovic isn't working at all on his service games.
Djokovic holds after sending a backhand deep into Federer's backhand corner. Federer hits a hard backhand down the line that McEnroe and Dick Enberg think lands in but is called out and Federer doesn't challenge.
Federer goes up 30-0 after serving Djokovic out wide with a kick serve, then hitting it behind Djokovic so well that even the most elastic man on tour can't contort his body to return it.
Fed goes up 40-0 and then gets sloppy, sending an easy forehand wide and then hitting a lousy drop shot that Djokovic covers well.
5-4, Federer
Dick Enberg on CBS mentions everyone anticipating this matchup. The fans have certainly packed into Ashe. I think this is a strong argument that a Super Saturday of men's semifinal matches works.
5-4, Federer
He holds by adjusting to a ball that clips the net cord and sends a forehand winner deep into Djokovic's backhand corner. Jim, on Super Saturday: I don't think that clinches the argument. Do we know that Ashe wouldn't have been packed for Friday semis? I think other majors are, though other majors don't have 23,000+-seat behemoths such as Arthur Ashe Stadium.
5-4, Federer
The first point of Djokovic's service game is the best of the match. Djokovic pounds Federer's backhand side but Federer hangs in there and has a shot at a pass but instead hits right at Djokovic at net. Djokovic steps aside and watches it sail just long.
5-4, Federer
Agreed, Tom. Fed is now making Djokovic work, and he sprays a backhand wide. Still up 30-15 as he serves to stay in the set.
McEnroe commented that both players are bringing their B games. But Djokovic brings his A game to hold, including moving Fed all over the court at 30-15 and then finishing with a forehand winner.
One thing you can't tell from television: The lights are on here.
6-5, Federer
Terrific point for Federer to get to 40-15. Federer was on the defensive but sends a forehand down the line to take control. Djokovic retrieves some shots few others would, but Federer finally gets an easy ball at net and smashes it away. This feels like it's headed to a tiebreak.
6-5, Federer
Federer's best game there. More firepower, better anticipation. Needs to hit more forehands.
6-5, Federer
Federer draws an error to win the first point in Djokovic service game for the first time. But Djokovic quickly goes up 30-15.
6-5, Federer
Best part about a ball flying into stands? The look of pure innocent joy on the face of a guy who spent $7,000 on his seat.
6-6 (1-0, Federer)
Federer makes a series of errors and we head to a tiebreak. Fed won both at 7-5 in their last meeting, at the French Open, with some terrific serving. He may need great serves to win this one. Though he opens by missing a first serve yet gets a rare unforced error from Djokovic on the first point of the tiebreaker.
6-6 (1-0, Federer)
Novak's shoulder, injured in Cincy, is fine, I'd say.
6-6 (2-1, Federer)
Djokovic makes another unforced error. He's only 8-6 in tiebreaks this year and lost his last one, in his last match against Janko Tipsarevic. Djokovic wins his first point after Federer plays some of his underrated defense but can't quite get back one more great Djokovic shot.
6-6 (2-2)
This time a Federer backhand shank goes just wide. Nervous play so far from both men in the tiebreak.
6-6 (3-2, Federer)
Federer hits a terrific serve down the T to set up an easy winner. On serve in the tiebreak.
6-6 (4-2, Federer)
Federer takes the lead as they change ends, drawing an error with a terrific backhand down the line. He's changing pace well on his backhand. The stakes seem high for Fed here, as Djokovic has sprinted through the end of his matches here, even after occasionally shaky starts.
6-6 (4-2, Federer)
Don't often see Federer hit a backhand down the line that well. Perfect shot.
6-6 (5-2, Federer)
The five-time champ has two serves to win the tiebreak after Djokovic times his first double fault poorly.
6-6 (5-3, Federer)
"Tense stuff," says Enberg. Pure gold!
6-6 (6-3, Federer)
And Fed follows with his own double fault. Starting to feel like Jason's and my match this morning. Though neither of us hit a serve as good as Federer just did to get to triple set point.
6-6 (6-3, Federer)
Worth noting that Diddy got up and left his seat as Djokovic preceded to throw in a double fault.
6-6 (6-5, Federer)
Amazing point on set point. First a forehand crosscourt rally. Who can hit it harder? Djokovic. So they switch to backhands. Then back to forehands. Then a Federer shot catches the net cord, Djokovic approaches it and puts it away crosscourt with his forehand.
6-6 (6-6)
Djokovic saves three set points as they change ends. Lots of echoes in this tiebreak. In the last-set tiebreak at the French Open, Djokovic saved one set point with a lucky net cord. Then Federer served for the set at 6-5. There he hit a service winner. Here he missed his first serve, Djokovic took control and hit a forehand winner. Also reminiscent of how Djokovic saved two match points here against Federer in their semifinal last year.
6-6 (7-7)
Federer gets another set point with a serve-forehand combo to force an error. Djokovic responds with a terrific forehand crosscourt that Federer chases down but can't get back in the court.
6-6 (8-7, Federer)
Federer gets another set point on his serve by wrong-footing Djokovic with a terrific inside-out forehand.
7-6 (9-7), Federer
He closes it out with a great backhand down the line to draw an error from Djokovic. The play wasn't uniformly great in that tiebreak but the drama was top-notch. (Enberg might say you could cut the tension with a knife.)
Federer and Djokovic now have played 16 sets over the last five years at the U.S. Open. And 11 have been decided by a 7-5 or 7-6 count. Though none were as close as that one.
Two easy holds. No break points in the match. One thing I noticed in the first set: Djokovic isn't breathing or grunting as much as usual. Hey, Novak: loosen up!
Djokovic faces a break point at 15-40, the first of the match. If Fed breaks here, this will start feeling more like their last meeting at the French Open, where Federer won the first set in a tiebreak and the second at 6-3.
Djokovic saves two break point, the first two of the match. Second on a Federer error. I thought he was just being cautious, feeling out the match in the first set. I've changed my mind: He's a bit tight. Not playing freely. Another break point for Federer.
2-1, Federer
Forehand, forehand, forehand. That's the Federer plan. Once he sets up in the left-hand corner, he can take the ball in any direction. First break of the match.
2-1, Federer
Djokovic looks confused as he approaches the net and stands still as Federer passes him. Heard on the loudspeaker: "Andy Roddick, please report to Ashe to examine a water bubble in Novak's brain."
2-1, Federer
I count perhaps 200 or 300 empty seats in the whole stadium. Not sure I've ever seen Ashe so full.
2-1, Federer
It's full, especially for a hot afternoon. But I'd say Agassi's last match had more—and the Federer Agassi final here was electric. Old man put on a good show for a little while…
3-1, Federer
Umpire asks fans to take their seats. This is not a changeover, he says. With so few empty seats, surely some are filled by people with full bladders. "Please. Players are ready." Djokovic stares down the crowd, which is unwise as boos start raining down. Wait, no, Djokovic is pointing out the fans waving up there because someone needs assistance, which the chair umpire says will be sent. Not everyone understands, though, as whistling continues.
3-1, Federer
Play stops for a second so the chair umpire can call for help for someone who seems to have fainted in the upper reaches of the stadium. Federer noticed it. And you thought his eyes were getting worse! Take that, Hawk Eye.
3-1, Federer
Federer to ESPN last month: "I don't have a mentality block against Novak like maybe Rafa does." True.
3-2, Federer
Whispers in the media courtside box about the commotion Djokovic was pointing out in section 309 in Ashe. Police are spotted. Lots of people there to help within about 60 seconds, an impressively quick response.
3-2, Federer
Federer's having good success serving to Djokovic's forehand. Djokovic clearly isn't happy with his timing so far, but he's up 15-30 here. A break back and this match starts to look a lot different.
Fantastic stretch forehand return from Djokovic that forces a Federer error. First break point for the best returner in tennis… and he capitalizes. Bad forehand miss for Federer.
Djokovic breaks back with some sharp play and help from a sloppy Roger. McEnroe comments that Murray benefits if Djokovic extends this match. Murray had the longer match yesterday and will need more time than Nadal to recover. He also might rather see Federer than Djokovic in the final, if Murray can beat Nadal. Djokovic has a winning record lifetime against Federer but a losing one against Djokovic and may want to avenge his two straight-set losses in Slam finals to Federer, including one here in 2008.
CBS shows the dancing man: the guy who has been here every night, riling up fans. He was Djokovic's inspiration when he danced after a match earlier in the tournament. But I humbly ask: Is that guy a ringer, or what? He dances too well—and has too many tickets. Time for an investigation…
And just like that, Federer has 0-40. Another pretty one-handed backhand down the line and Djokovic can't believe it. Federer's hitting his backhand incredibly well.
4-3, Federer
Suddenly this server battle becomes a series of breaks. Federer gets three chances at 0-40 after ripping a backhand down the line and then finishing with a forehand. Enberg counts 15 bounces by Djokovic before his first serve at 0-30. Jeff Sackmann, a tennis-stats analyst and tennis blogger at heavytopspin.com, estimates that Djokovic takes six seconds longer than Federer at majors this year between serves. The bouncing tic makes it more noticeable.
4-3, Federer
Long rally and Federer is the steadier player. Djokovic's backhand isn't sharp.
4-3, Federer
Must be fan day at the Open, with thousands of fans waving around the stadium. It's hot and humid and sunny. Tom, how do conditions compare to their semi at the French?
4-3, Federer
Federer serving at 65% on first serves so far. Exceptional. He's also winning 71% of his second-serve points.
4-3, Federer
Big fist pump to his box from Rogah after he breaks Djoko back. Speaking of: Ron Rifkin is in house. Also Julianna Margulies, The Stiller, Bradley Cooper and CBS anchor Scott Pelley.
4-3, Federer
Jason, confirmed on Bradley Cooper. The woman behind me in the press box spends a few minutes of Fed's service game plotting up a question so she can go interview Cooper, her daughter's favorite actor. Then she nixes the idea, saying, "it goes against everything I believe."
5-3, Federer
Tougher conditions today, Carl. Much more humid. But I wouldn't call today's conditions terribly tough. Not a good sign for Djokovic fans: Their man is stretching his legs.
5-3, Federer
They showed Cooper on the big screen, but he didn't get the same applause as Timberlake. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is two seats to Cooper's left but not sitting in her pal Federer's box.
5-4, Federer
The radio a certain credit card gives to its members seems to have a built-in self-destruct mechanism. I just hit mine a couple of times and it reactivated. Radio—what a technology. At least it's instantaneous, unlike those match text alerts.
5-4, Federer
There is something masochistic about sitting at the Open live and listening in one ear to the TV audio feed.
5-4, Federer
The woman in distress is finally removed from the upper deck via a wheelchair carried by EMT personnel. She had her hand on her face and looked to be better than she was 15 minutes ago.
5-4, Federer
Crowd gives Federer a big cheer as he prepares to serve for a 2-0 lead. He quickly goes up 30-0.
5-4, Federer
Federer misses a forehand, but he's up 30-15. Loose forehand—not a bad time for it.
7-6, 6-4, Federer
Federer holds and leads two sets to none. Djokovic hasn't played a five-set match this season. Here's what Federer had to say after he beat Djokovic in Paris this year: "I just felt you don't give me such a lead and then think you can crawl back into the match.â€
6-4, Federer
All around the Federerverse: Remember The Tsonga.
6-4, Federer
Summon the Djokoegg!
6-4, Federer
Federer holds and the crowd roars, then many go to stretch their legs. McEnroe mentions that Djokovic hasn't played five sets all year. Now he'll have to, to maintain his chance of winning his first career U.S. Open. Djokovic earlier in his career had trouble with conditioning. Jury's out on whether he's fully solved it or whether he's just been so dominant this year that he hasn't had to stay strong late in matches. If he mounts a comeback here, we may find out. Meanwhile, Federer will try to avoid exiting a second straight Grand Slam tournament by losing a match in which he'd led by two sets.
1-0, Djokovic
Enberg advises Djokovic not to try and hit two Grand Slam homers.
1-0, Djokovic
And let's not get started on all the problems with American tennis.
1-0, Djokovic
The state of men's tennis in 2011: Djokovic has a Federer problem. Nadal has a Djokovic problem. Federer has a Nadal problem. Andy Murray has a lot of problems.
1-0, Djokovic
I know this is premature and tempting Tsonga-like comeback, but: In the last five months, Nadal has owned Federer, Federer looks like he will beat Djokovic for the second straight time and Djokovic has owned Nadal. How do you explain this tennis triangle? What is it about their games that works that way? Well, not why on Murray. I know why he has problems — I've been sitting in the same row of the press room all week as the British writers who cover him.
1-0, Djokovic
Enberg predicting the future? He says Djokovic has a break point (it's deuce).
1-0, Djokovic
Djokovic does not have the body language of a world No. 1 who's 62-2 this year. Instead, he gestures to the gods in frustration when another Federer groundstroke catches the baseline. It's reminiscent of his attitude when he was world No. 3 last fall and Federer dominated him in the semifinals of the tour finals in London.
1-0, Djokovic
Two people who would not enjoy a Djokovic comeback: Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. Nadal and Murray, nah, that won't be a long match. Those women might not be out here until midnight. I hear the Grandstand is a pretty nice court…
1-0, Djokovic
And just as I write that Djokovic rips a forehand crosscourt return for a winner and a break point. Djokovic won the third set at the French after falling behind by two sets to love. Will the pattern hold?
1-0, Djokovic
A forehand winner return for Djokovic to give him a break point. But Federer saves break point with a big kick second serve that threw Novak off.
1-0, Djokovic
Tom, speaking of a midnight start for Williams-Wozniacki: I heard grumbling in the media room that the men got what they wanted and the women got the shaft with the new, rain-forced scheduling. What do you think? Is part of this a reflection of the men's game's ascendancy in the age of the Big Four and the women's game's decline with injuries and a No. 1 who's never won a major?
2-0, Djokovic
Djokovic's backhand is back, at least for a game. He rips a beauty for break point and then Federer nets a backhand. His first lead in any set.
2-0, Djokovic
Djokovic breaks on his third opportunity, taking control of rallies and pressuring Federer's backhand. Amid his disappointment, it looked to me like Federer started walking to his bag to grab a new racket even before the umpire called for new balls. He likes to get a new racket better tuned to returning when new balls are in play. Is his match awareness so good that he keeps count and knows exactly when he'll need to switch sticks? He wields the new one well, ripping a forehand return winner to get to 15-15.
2-0, Djokovic
My take is that television got what they wanted—and they don't want Sam Stosur and Angelique Kerber. And the fans probably don't, either (except for the Aussies and Germans). But I'm looking forward to that match. Stosur has been the Queen of the Grandstand. Lots of drama, and I like her style. Kerber is having an incredible run. No one—and I mean no one in the known universe—expected her to get this far.
3-0, Djokovic
It's shady and breezy now in Ashe. Maybe that helped rejuvenate Djokovic, who fell behind 2-1 in his opening match at the Open last year on a sunny day, then came back against countryman Viktor Troicki, comparing the feeling of the shade to sleeping with his girlfriend. Sunny again now, though.
3-0, Djokovic
Looks like Nadal and Murray don't need to start getting taped up yet.
3-0, Djokovic
When Federer fell behind in sets against Djokovic at the U.S. Open semis last year, he lost them quickly. He later admitted he was thinking ahead to a potential final the next day against Rafael Nadal. He shouldn't have that problem this time, with a day off before the final and without a clear final opponent set. If he does lose this set quickly it'll be because Djokovic is playing great—he just hit a drop-shot winner—and because Federer is missing his first serves.
3-1, Djokovic
We're a long way off from a Djokovic comeback, but I'll say this: Federer wasn't devastated when Tsonga broke his 178-0 record when leading by two sets in Slams. But a loss here, against Djokovic, knowing he would have a day off before the final—that would be painful. Oh so much.
4-1, Djokovic
Djokovic holds with ease. He's hitting hard, cleanly and confidently. During the break the PA announcer, perhaps mindful of the fainting incident earlier, cautions the crowd that it's hot and they should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of Evian (which is the official water of the Open; he didn't say that). Classy.
4-2, Djokovic
Federer holds at love.
4-2, Djokovic
Federer holds at love, in style. He closes it out with a forehand winner. I sense urgency in him to close this out in three.
4-2, Djokovic
The generation before Federer perfected the run around forehand, still the most important shot in men's tennis. Federer brought back all court tennis. Djokovic brings something new: I've never seen anyone change the direction of the ball as well as he does. Easier to hit a crosscourt shot back crosscourt, but he goes down the line off it like nothing. Pinball tennis.
5-2, Djokovic
Djokovic holds serve and begs to differ. I think the British journalists are rooting for a Federer straight-sets victory as much as Roger is.
5-3, Djokovic
McEnroe comments that Federer only gets himself up for the majors now. How can he get himself motivated for other tournaments at this point? I agree, to a point. It's important for him to get enough ranking points to stay in the top four, so he doesn't have to play Nadal/Djok/Murray before the quarterfinals. He could fall behind Murray into No. 4 this fall, but the rest of men's tennis remains a long way behind these guys, so it's not urgent.
5-3, Djokovic
Let's see how tense Novak is serving for the set. Count how many times he bounces the ball. Only eight on his first serve of the game.
5-3, Djokovic
Roger looks tired… or he's conserving.
5-3, Djokovic
Before this match, Federer said there were "no surprises" between these two. But his tactics have surprised Djokovic—at least they did for two sets. Djokovic has adjusted. So is Federer, the most versatile player in the sport, going to have to change again? More volleys?
5-3, Djokovic
Shade returns in time for Novak to serve for the set. Federer hangs on well, though, at 15-0, prevailing in a long point and yelling, "come on!" Brad Gilbert, the ESPN commentator and huge fan of fist pumps, would approve.
5-3, Djokovic
Did Federer surprise Djokovic or just execute well? He's executing well in this game, drawing an error from Djokovic for 15-30.
7-6, 6-4, 3-6, Federer
And we're headed to a fourth set. Djokovic polishes off the third set after forcing a backhand error by Federer.
6-3, Djokovic
Crowd gave a loud cheer. My sense: They're pulling for Federer but also want to see him longer. Every time he reaches a big match these days, there's some sense that we should savor it because he might not reach many more. Though he's been confounding that sort of sentiment for a while. Some were ready to write him off in early 2007 after back-to-back losses to Guillermo Canas. And again after he lost Wimbledon in 2008. And again after he lost the Australian Open final in 2009. Maybe we'll have Roger kicking around for a while longer.
Novak comes out firing and should have gotten to 0-30 but a bad call on his forehand made him challenge. After the reverse, on the replayed point, Federer fired a backhand down the line winner. But two errors later, Djokovic gets two quick break points.
Carl, I say surprise. He didn't play down the line as much in Paris. Let's see if he has another one.
1-0, Djokovic
He breaks by stretching for a great get, but Federer helped by netting a makeable volley. Federer hasn't broken since the second set, nor had many chances. He'll need to break to avoid a fifth set.
1-0, Djokovic
In fact, Federer has had no break points since the second set. And he falls behind 40-0 quickly. As McEnroe says, Djokovic's A game has come out, just in the nick of time.
2-0, Djokovic
Federer looks discouraged. He should be. He's looking at another fifth set against Djokovic in a U.S. Open semi. The last one didn't work out well for him.
2-0, Djokovic
Federer, so imposing early, doesn't have much to work with now. Djokovic's hitting deeper and missing less. He's reading Federer's serve incredibly well.
2-1, Djokovic
Federer serves and volleys on second serve, a bold move that works. But I doubt that's the long-term solution, especially against Djokovic's blistering, accurate groundstrokes. Federer holds and throws out another "come on." More hopeful than confident.
2-1, Djokovic
Calls of "Let's Go Roger" don't phase Djokovic, who opens his service game with an ace.
3-1, Djokovic
Djokovic holds again at love, closing it out with an ace. Federer has completely lost his read on Djokovic's serve, much like he did against Tsonga at Wimbledon when he lost a two-sets-to-none lead.
3-1, Djokovic
Everything working for Novak. Forehand. Serve. Maybe it's the baseball cap? He hasn't missed since he put it on.
4-1, Djokovic
Federer is broken again and all but out of the fourth set. He falls behind 15-40, then at 30-40 sends an easy backhand into the net, not halfway up. He looks shaken and confused. He might need a rain delay to regroup.
4-1, Djokovic
Djokovic goes up 40-0 and hasn't dropped a point on his serve in the set. He won the second point of the game by ripping a crosscourt forehand, a shot you only hit that hard if you feel you can't miss.
5-1, Djokovic
Novak's holding too quickly for this live-blogger to keep up. Only question on his serve is whether points will end with an ace, winner or Federer error. McEnroe said a fifth set is what we all wanted, but at present form, the fifth set won't be close.
5-1, Djokovic
Djokovic goes up 15-30 on Federer's serve. If he breaks, he serves first in the fifth set. Federer shanks and now it's 15-40, two set points for Djokovic.
5-1, Djokovic
Djokovic channeling Juan Martin Del Potro. Forehand winner that sounded like an exploding tire.
5-1, Djokovic
Federer saves two break points but misses a chance to win the game when he bails out of a point with an awful drop shot that Djokovic rips. Amazing how quickly form can change. Federer looked like his vintage best over eight sets through the first two of this match. Djokovic, at the start of this match, looked like his self-doubting self circa early summer 2010. Now he looks like his unbeatable incarnation this spring.
5-2, Djokovic
End of the set has gotten exciting, if irrelevant. Djokovic rips a winner to save a game point. Federer challenges, since he has three, but lines up to serve knowing it was good. Then he hits several lines on his way to setting up a forehand winner for a game point and closes out the game. Now he has a shot to open the last set with his serve, which is a good thing because he hasn't won a return point in this set.
5-2, Djokovic
As if to say, don't get any ideas, Djokovic rips an inside-out backhand winner on the first point of his service game. Then Federer shanks a forehand on the second. Djokovic is 14 for 14, two service points from a perfect set on serve.
5-2, Djokovic
Djokovic double faults at 40-0 and saves tennis's addled stats keepers from checking McEnroe's claim that Federer has never lost every return point in a set.
5-2, Djokovic
Now Federer has a streak of three straight return points, pushing the game to deuce. Too little, too late? Or, as McEnroe suggests, is he letting Djokovic know the fifth set won't be as easy for him as the fourth?
6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, Djokovic
Djokovic wins his sixth set point with a big serve down the T. Both players have been shaky closing out sets at time today, and of course Federer couldn't convert his two match points in the fifth set against Djokovic last year. Something to watch for as we enter a decisive set in this U.S. Open semifinal for the second year in a row.
Predictions, gentlemen?
Big roar from the crowd, which is getting its money's worth. My prediction: Federer in a fifth-set tiebreak. (Or maybe just wishful thinking.) Federer is flustered by a great Djokovic get and loses the first point of the set. Djokovic nets his own shot to lose the second.
1-0, Federer
Federer gets to 40-15 with a rare Djokovic unforced error and a big serve. Then he takes advantage of a lucky netcord to pass Djokovic at the net. He lost the fourth set last year to Djokovic, 6-2, just like today, then came out a new player in the fifth set, getting to match point. Crowd cheers loudly, with more Rogers than Novaks.
1-0, Federer
Loud in here! Just what this tournament needed. Rather than a prediction, a hope: fifth-set breaker.
1-0, Federer
Federer rips a forehand winner to get to 15-15 on Djokovic's serve. The match feels tied, which it is. I agree, Tom, this match is just what the Open needed. If only someone had written an article suggesting that today.
1-0, Federer
One-word strategy for Federer now: risk. He has no choice. He must play big. Love that step around return winner. Djokovic is going to win the rally game.
Agreed, Tom. Federer takes a risk at 40-15 on Djokovic's serve, chipping and charging net. He gets passed as someone behind me in the press box says, "That was stupid." But he has to try to put pressure on, and there's no danger in doing it when your opponent has two game points anyway.
Federer gets to 30-0 with some spectacular, aggressive shots. The crowd is urging him on. They need a better showing from him to keep this set close.
2-1, Federer
Prediction: Djokovic is ready to break out. So we've played and we've live-blogged for 3 hours and 5 minutes and we haven't mentioned Novak's egg yet?
2-1, Federer
Federer holds at love. If he keeps serving like that and returning like he has been since the second set, we may be headed to a tiebreak, as I predicted and Tom wishes for.
2-1, Federer
This is Federer's third fifth-set match since these two played one here last year. Troublingly, it's also the third time he had held a two-sets-to-none lead. The first time, he held on in Australia. The second time, as you may have heard at some point today, he lost to Tsonga at Wimbledon. Remarkably, this is Djokovic's first fifth-set match since this stage a year ago.
2-1, Federer
2-1, Federer
Federer gets ahead on Djokovic's serve, 15-30, ripping a forehand winner. The crowd is firmly in his camp.
2-1, Federer
Terrific point for Djokovic to get to 30-30. Federer makes a great return of a tough serve, hangs in the point but Djokovic sends him side to side—and, finally, flailing fruitlessly for a backhand he can't connect on.
Djokovic scrambling and pumping his fists. This tournament, at long last, has a potential classic in the making.
Crowd rises to a cheer a spectacular point, as Federer: returns a tough serve; stretches for a squash-shot forehand; stretches for a backhand; and gets to a drop shot; before Djokovic volleys away the winner. The replay on the video board gets almost as loud a cheer.
Federer gets to 30-15 with a forehand winner. He looks somewhat fatigued, though, after that tough return game, and Djokovic pounces with his return of a tough second serve, setting up a forehand winner. 30-all.
Federer's forehand looks great. But his serve has to get better. He's not making enough of them. Several well long, a sign of tiredness. Not getting adequate lift.
3-2, Federer
Federer hits a big serve to set up a forehand winner at 30-30, then closes it out when Djokovic's forehand sails just long. Djokovic takes a long look at his box before deciding not to challenge.
3-2, Federer
It's 4:40 p.m. and another semifinal, quite possibly another five-setter, awaits. Maybe Williams-Wozniacki really does start at midnight.
3-2, Federer
Crowd boos fans who take their time heading to the exits as Djokovic readies to start his service game. Who would dare leave this match now? Do they have reservations at a restaurant with an early-bird special?
3-2, Federer
4:41 in the afternoon. Court in shade, no need for the hat, but Djokovic is keeping his good-luck charm.
3-2, Federer
Djokovic himself may be fatigued, hitting one double fault in this game and almost another. He's still at 40-15, though.
3-2, Federer
Federer rifles a forehand winner. McEnroe mentions that both of these guys are scheduled to play in Davis Cup starting Friday. So are the next two men to take the court. I wonder how many drop out. None of their team captains are happy about this fifth set.
Djokovic not missing that backhand down the line. Best shot in his arsenal? Discuss.
Djokovic holds with a down-the-line backhand winner. Both men managing to hold comfortably. Federer gets to 30-0 with an ace.
4-3, Federer
He holds at love. The down-the-line backhand definitely is Djokovic's best shot. Even when he's not hitting it, Federer has to respect it by not cheating too far to his backhand side, which also opens up Djokovic's crosscourt backhand—maybe his second-best shot?
4-3, Federer
Federer skipping near the baseline. What he's thinking: "Keep moving."
4-3, Federer
Keep moving he does, dancing around the first point to set up a forehand winner. Then Djokovic nets a forehand and crowd rises. Huge game—if Federer breaks he gets a chance to serve for the match and a spot in the final.
4-3, Federer
Love-30. Best chance Federer is going to get. Looking for forehands.
4-3, Federer
Least-classy tennis-crowd reaction: the cheers for a missed first serve. That they do when Djokovic misses his first at 0-30. Perhaps wanting to live up to his reputation as a crowd-pleaser, he misses the second, too. Three break points for Federer. Fan yells, "Finish hm."
5-3, Federer
That missed forehand from Djokovic counts as a choke. Got tight. Not enough spin.
5-3, Federer
Federer does finish him—or Djokovic finishes himself, at least in that game, with an error to get broken at love. That came out of nowhere: Federer's first break opportunity since the second set. Can the best returner in tennis break back? He wins the first point when Federer sends a backhand long.
5-3, Federer
I agree, very chokey game. Federer fires an ace. If he gets to match point here, Djokovic might want to try what he did at this point last year: close his eyes and hit as hard as he can. Another nervous error from Djokovic, and it's 30-15.
5-3, Federer
Kick serve forces a Djokovic backhand into net. 40-15, two match points.
5-3, Federer
Can he do it again? Djokovic rifles a forehand winner to save the first match point, just like he did when facing match points last year. Then he turns to the crowd asking for applause, and smiles when he gets the love. Then he saves the other match point as Federer's forehand hits the net cord and bounces off onto his side. Deuce.
5-3, Federer
Now Federer is choking! Nothing he could do on that Djokovic winner, but he misses two forehands to yield a break-point chance. Crowd chants "Novak, Novak." Federer fires an ace. Deuce. He couldn't recover from blowing match points last year. Can he this year?
5-3, Federer
No, seriously. Seriously. Did that just happen? Crazy return winner followed by a smile and boast, amazing return and great point, then break point…
5-3, Federer
Federer nets another forehand. He must hate this feeling of deja vu.
5-4, Federer
Federer double-faults to lose the game. He challenges but the second serve was just long. These blown match points will hurt more than last year's, because these were on his serve. On the second, in particular, he had a short ball to his forehand and his attempt to hit it aggressively bounced off the net cord. It could have gone for a lucky winner, which Federer would have taken. Instead, it landed on his side and what may have been his last match point was gone. But not so fast: Djokovic has to serve to stay in the match, and he just got broken at love.
5-4, Federer
There's guts, and then there's what Djokovic just showed. Never seen a break like that. Great serves from Federer, but Djokovic was dialed in.
5-4, Federer
Djokovic hits an error on the first point—his fifth straight lost on his serve. Federer gets into second point, too, but he sends a backhand long. It was in this game last year that Federer got to 15-40 before Djokovic stormed back.
5-4, Federer
Federer is playing tight and Djokovic moves to 40-15.
Federer hanging his head a bit. Break watch…
Djokovic closes with a forehand winner. Now Federer needs to shrug off those two lost match points. Last year he couldn't and was broken here. Federer forehand goes just wide for 0-15.
Djokovic makes Federer hit two overheads just to get to 15-15. Djokovic is looking fresh and spry. Federer not moving as well.
Djokovic gets to 15-30 as Federer sends a slice backhand into the net.
Federer needs his first serve but can't find it. After a cautious rally, Djokovic opens it up with a big forehand to set up a forehand winner as a plane passes overhead, midpoint. 15-40, two break points.
Djokovic has escaped what looked like certain defeat—worse position than last year. And he's playing like he knows this. Everything. On. The. Line.
6-5, Djokovic
He breaks at 15 after a long rally. Federer is no longer taking risks but just trying to hang in there. He can't as Djokovic won't miss and stretches Federer to set up a forehand winner. Djokovic to serve for the match and an amazing comeback in what would be a crushing defeat for Federer.
6-5, Djokovic
Djokovic = scary. Best three games of his career. Can he make it four?
6-5, Djokovic
Federer helps Djokovic out with a bad backhand miss. 15-0.
6-5, Djokovic
Federer fights off a barrage to his backhand and then Djokovic commits the error. Federer needs his opponent to cool off here if he is going to break and force the tiebreak. 15-15.
6-5, Djokovic
Djokovic misses his first three first serves but Federer lets him off the hook, hitting a backhand into the net. 30-15.
6-5, Djokovic
Djokovic misses his first three first serves but Federer lets him off the hook, hitting a backhand into the net. 40-15.
6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5, Djokovic
Djokovic wins. Beyond incredible comeback, and beyond crushing defeat from Federer. Stunning.
7-5, Djokovic
He wins it with a big serve that draws an error, then celebrates in his customary, fist-pumping way. Federer clears out quickly, gets a nice ovation and tosses out his headband and wristband to the crowd while giving a thumb's up on his way out. Will this be the last time we see him here on the U.S. Open's final weekend?
Djokovic says he was gambling with his huge forehand at match point. Understatement. He gives a nod to the biggest stadium in our sport, saying this Grand Slam is special for the noise. We at the Journal have hated a bit on the enormous Ashe and its distant back-row seats, but Djokovic is right: The atmosphere was amazing today.
Asked by Mary Joe Fernandez if he'll dance, Djokovic says he will if rest of crowd does, too. He asks for some music. Please don't be "Party in the USA." It's "Everybody Dance Now." Djokovic shimmies and claps, and the crowd does too, cheering. Not the best dance ever, not good enough to beat tennis star and guest Journal blogger Andrea Petkovic in her proposed dance-off, but good enough to earn Djokovic a place in the New York crowd's heart. He's had some tension with them in the past, but they loved him today, even changing their rooting preferences after Djokovic ripped that forehand return to save a match point.
Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, you have a tough act to follow. And one of you will have a very scary, though possibly tired, opponent in the final.
For the second straight year, Novak Djokovic has come back from the dead to beat Roger Federer in a U.S. Open semifinal.
In 2010, Djokovic's five-set win was an upset that disrupted a potential Federer-Nadal final. This time, Djokovic is the world No. 1 who was 62-2 heading into this match yet somehow found a new, richer vein of form than he or maybe any player had ever shown before. Last time, Djokovic faced two match points on his own serve, swung away and saved them. This time he was facing two match points on the serve of Federer, one of the best attacking players ever, and he swung away again and connected.
This is the fourth time in five majors, and the fourth straight U.S. Open, that these two have met in the semifinal stage. Each time they've produced great tennis. Three times, they've been classics—Djokovic's two Lazarus acts here and Federer's win at the French Open to end Djokovic's 43-match winning streak. That felt like a statement by the 16-time major champ that he is still the best player today, and not just a champion with a good case for best of all time. This Federer loss, though, feels like a changing of the guard.
Shortly after the match, Federer sat slumped in a press conference under Ashe, looking defeated and dejected. This is not the press conference he thought he would give when he led 5-3, 40-15. But he never had another game point after he lost those two. It's an open question whether he will have a chance to win another match this big. He still has the shots, the fitness and the intelligence. But he's now exited two straight majors after leading his last match by two sets to none. Such losses, and the questions that accompany them, can wear down players. Last year Federer recharged with a great fall that included three victories over Djokovic. It will take some doing to repeat that this year.
For Djokovic, the win gives him one of the sport's best comebacks of all time—from two sets down, and from two match points down. It gives him the U.S. Open crowd that has loved, and still loves, Federer. It gives him a chance to win three majors this year and strengthen his case for the best season of all-time. And it brings him another step closer to building a career record that even approaches Federer. Djokovic is shooting for his first U.S. Open title. Federer won five straight. Djokovic has a lot of work to do, starting Monday against the winner of the Rafael Nadal-Andy Murray semifinal. But tonight, he can dance and celebrate his amazing win, and the guts it took to swing away when he was staring at the abyss.


text:
Abbott wants commentariat to say "good bloke"
Andrew Bolt
–, Thursday, January, 31, 2013, (11:21am)
Tony Abbott seems at times to worry too much about not being liked. But no one likes someone who seems needy. He should worry more about being respected:
In an email entitled "First draft for NPC [National Press Club] speech", Mr Abbott asked his "team" to provide feedback on a draft in which he outlines his desire to be liked.
He appeared to dismiss the need for policy content, claiming it contained enough to stay "on message" with the release a campaign booklet last Sunday which contained no new policy.
But then he suggests that the speech contained enough personal stories "that's personal for the commentariat to say…yes he is a good bloke, and yes he is more fair dinkum..".
The email was sent to his key staff including chief of staff Peta Credlin, media advisors Andrew Hirst and James Boyce, his wife Margie, party director Brian Loughnane and several other key staff.
Mr Hirst wrote back to Mr Abbott claiming he liked the speech but wanted him to be more visionary…
Mr Hirst also strongly advised Mr Abbott to drop a reference to the axing of a major – but as yet unidentified – program…
Mr Abbott will address the nation today in a speech to the Press Club in Canberra at 12.30pm.
In an email entitled "First draft for NPC [National Press Club] speech", Mr Abbott asked his "team" to provide feedback on a draft in which he outlines his desire to be liked.
He appeared to dismiss the need for policy content, claiming it contained enough to stay "on message" with the release a campaign booklet last Sunday which contained no new policy.
But then he suggests that the speech contained enough personal stories "that's personal for the commentariat to say…yes he is a good bloke, and yes he is more fair dinkum..".
The email was sent to his key staff including chief of staff Peta Credlin, media advisors Andrew Hirst and James Boyce, his wife Margie, party director Brian Loughnane and several other key staff.
Mr Hirst wrote back to Mr Abbott claiming he liked the speech but wanted him to be more visionary…
Mr Hirst also strongly advised Mr Abbott to drop a reference to the axing of a major – but as yet unidentified – program…
Mr Abbott will address the nation today in a speech to the Press Club in Canberra at 12.30pm.
If I may add some advice of my own - less of the hand chopping. A more conversational tone. Be careful what you put in emails. And never hope for the Canberra commentariat to hail you as a "good bloke".
Abbott has kept the reference to a spending cut - scrapping the cash-splash schoolkids bonus. Handchopping is kept to a minimum. The commentariat is as unfriendly as ever, with little sign of awarding the "good bloke" award.
I thought his delivery at first a little stilted, but eventually warned to it. Abbott indeed does seem a good bloke. But the difference is that I know him, I guess. Much mention made of Margie Abbott.
Abbott says he's "not persuaded to support" a blanket compensation scheme for the "Stolen Generations", rather than facilitate individual claims.
Have Your Say
People who worry about what others say about them are not fair dinkum, they just want to be seen that way.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:34am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:13pm)
So i must be the most fair dinkum person on this blog?
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:47pm)
Another McTurd trick to make Abbott look bad........there are a large number of people making their way to the press club
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:22pm)
Only a psychopath doesn't care what other think of them. Lots of people pretend they dont care....they are all liars.
Well, I see that we can expect no policy (or very shallow policy) from the opposition and pretty much just spin. It is clear as day here. We already get enough from the Labor party. It is time both parties stopped it and table some proper, detailed policies rather than staying 'on message' and being portrayed as a 'good bloke' and to be more ambiguous about the dropping of something major… doesn't this sound like spin to you?
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:37am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:12pm)
Why don't you visit the Liberal party website AT and read the detailed policies there?
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:34pm)
drop by the liberal website and you'll find a detailed policy document.
the "policy" we get from labor tend to be reactions to their previous blunders. that, and to divide and conquer among the community.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:11pm)
@Micko I have, it outlines outcomes, not strategies. IE: where the road get to but not how. And why don't they speak about it? Why don't they answer questions about it? If they had solid, researched policies like they say they do they should be able to answer a few questions on them, not fill up speeches with rhetoric such as this.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:27pm)
Haven't you and Mick got short term memories, AT?
In an election in the last decade or so, the Coalition announced some of its policies months ahead and they were promptly stolen by Labor. This meant that Labor was seen to implement some sensible policies, which was rare enough in itself, and it took away the a potential voter-sway point point of differentiation between the two parties.
The Labor policies have been kept under wraps this time, partly to avoid them being nicked and partly to keep the (very weak) media spotlight on Labor incompetence. Mind you some mainstream journalists haven't recognised that incompetence but I reckon said journalists would have trouble finding their backsides if they didn't use two hands.
Bring back the tough Mr Abbott. Men desperate to be liked are just pitiful.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:37am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:19pm)
Exactly. He needs to say that there will be some tough decisions to bring the budget back into surplus and pay off the debt.
He will do this by delaying some policies and scrapping the Labor garbage policies. Even the Carbon tax can be phased out slowly soas not to hurt the needy.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:22pm)
I agree Candy.
All Abbott needs to do is come across as business-like in fixing the huge mess Labor has made.
Abbott should have the simple message under all his deliveries -
"You might not like me but I lead a team that can manage an economy properly and has done it very well before. You're not inviting me to a birthday party, you are wanting me to get my team to sort out Labor's mess.
Australia's economy needs help - this is a time to be serious, not play childish celebrity games."
May I add to that, change the walk, you walk like a hoodlum, change it to a more natural walk and you'll be good.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:38am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:10pm)
I strongly agree with TERMINATOR. Get rid of the swagger Tony (it can be done).
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:34pm)
This was clearly an internal email, so how did it become public? Does Tony have a leak in his inner circle. If so, he needs to fix it now.Timing seems a little odd as drafts like this usually get polished up much earlier.You have of course confirmed its authenticity and timing?
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:04pm)
Seem to remember "bovver boy" Keating had the spivs swagger..Even the $3000 Zegna suits couldn't hide that.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:07pm)
Yes you are right. If he changes his swagger to a mince, maybe he will pick up more of the SA vote.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:13pm)
I always chose my PM's on how they walk! Good advice!
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:35pm)
I do not care how he walks…
May be' s got an arthritis like me, believe me it's painfull.
Love you, Tone, you are real.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:59pm)
And you think that changing someone walk will make a difference ? Julia has changed her hair style , her clothing , her glasses , her promises etc yet she is still the same person with the same beliefs (for today). Why not just present yourself as you are and be judged on your actions. Pretty simple i would think
Also, if it is true that the press gallery doesn't like him as AB keeps suggesting, then this is the reason. He treats the journalists like idiots; simply tools to pass on his message and avoids any sort of difficult scrutiny on any of his policies. They have a reason to dislike him!
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:39am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:03pm)
I totally disagree. I think he is very respectful to people, more so than the Labor feminists. I think he is given a really hard time by the Left Media and no matter what he says or does, they treat HIM like an idiot and try to show him in a poor light. I also think he is not keen to unveil his policies to the media too early because Labor will nab the ones they like. I think he will make a fine PM.
I hope he finds who leaked his emails to the press and gives them the boot.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:36pm)
They sure do AT
1. He's Catholic
2. He's married to the mother of his grounded and mature young adult children.
3. He has an intellect greater than most (including journalists and my humble self)
4. He keeps himself physically fit
5. he is neither a fashion plate nor a pretty person
6. He does more for his community than most without the photo op.
They must hate him actually
Peta Credlin should have been all over this. Sometimes I get the feeling she is being out-punched and outscored too much by McTernan.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:50am)
It seems that there is a rat in the ranks. It doesn't matter what he does someone, somewhere is sabotaging him. Let's hope he delivers an excellent speech at the press club to silence his critics.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:55am)
Tony also needs to lighten up, he is always so serious it feeds into Labor's accusation of being negative.
After all, Labor gives us all plenty of black humor with their constant bungling and lying. He should even use some sarcasm to bring the masses along with him.
Oh, and I totally agree - it is far better to be respected than liked and that goes for all walks of life and especially leadership.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:56am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:34pm)
- it is far better to be respected than liked and that goes for all walks of life and especially leadership.
- it is far better to be respected than liked and that goes for all walks of life and especially leadership.
Agreed. John Howard was a case in point. Even his political foes respected him.
Obviously this negative image that Labor are putting out is having an effect and this story will only encourage Labor to pursue this line of attack even more.
Tony Abbott isn't going to win many friends in the media no matter what he does. The only way he will ultimately earn respect from his critics is with runs on the board in government. Howard gained a lot of respect with his handling of the aftermath of Port Arthur. If Abbott can successfully roll back the Carbon and Mining taxes and make inroads into the boat people problem he will do just that.
I hope he's up to it, because we need him to be.
As an aside, you have no comment on how Simon Benson obtained the email, which was clearly not for him ?
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:56am)
Abbott will be liked the day he shows more sincere compassion and humility and far less arrogance.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:57am)
Nobody likes politicians. They can however, command respect… as did Mr. Howard.
How about trying for that.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:57am)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:46pm)
I had respect for John Howard…
He had respect for the scientist and the science on climate change and had an ETS policy…
I have NO respect for Abbott who called climate science a "load of crap"… Then supported a carbon tax in 2009 including on fuel, which he then scrapped for a Direct Action Plan on reducing Co2…
When we all know that the world is moving to a market based approach to reduce Co2 in the atmosphere..
He's chucked reality to manipulate the electorate and scare them with Whyalla will vanish from the face of the earth…
Meanwhile inflation is less then market expectations regardless of the carbon tax… and the dollar is soaring.
Thats the reality verses the spin…
Spot on. Strange as it may seem, people don't necessarily vote for people they like - they vote for people who are strong and visionary leaders, and understand that a a certain degree of arrogance and aloofness comes with the territory
Thu 31 Jan 13 (11:58am)
On a scale of 1 to 10 for "utter no-hoper" to "excellent statesman" I'd give Gillard a 2 and Howard a 9.
The problem is that I'd give Abbot only a 5 when he should have at least a 7.
He's trying to hard to be an "average bloke" when what's needed in a PM is more towards a respected statesman with bold ideas.
My advice to him is to stop talking like a country hick - at least it's not a bogan! - and start acting like an elder statesman.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:00pm)
Excellent advice Bolt. I hope Tony is reading this.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:08pm)
I don't want to like him (mind you apart from the meeja / chattering chimps i think real people do like him) i want him to run this country properly, protect it , nurture it, take pride in it and if to do so means he has to bite the heads off fluffy kittens well i will just pass him the salt and pepper.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:08pm)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:17pm)
Polling would dictate that people do not like him…
I liked him more when he stated the truth with Fran Kelly in 2009.....
That is "that the best way to reduce Co2 in the atmosphere was with a carbon price… including on fuel".
Since backflipping on that positon… as he did on parliamentary reform, as negotiated with the independents in 2010,...he's lost me with his spin.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:09pm)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:00pm)
what? and Gillard is more credible?
Thu 31 Jan 13 (02:02pm)
As opposed to Julia's backflip on a carbon price i would say that Tony was as straight as a dye
I was very disappointed to read this - successful PMs are feared and respected and no Liberal should waste their time looking for love from Fairfax and ABC pinkos. Now I'm worried he's not really up to the job. Still, Julia never was and look how long she's hung in there.....
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:10pm)
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:13pm)
Agree they will never like any liberal their jobs depend on labor and the tax payers
Thu 31 Jan 13 (01:16pm)
Thats feared in a good way, not feared as in the Tea Party Kinda way that Mr Abbott is currently feared
Wonder who in the Libs wants to damage the Abbott and thus damage the Opposition by leaking the email to the media?
In any case, face it Mr Abbott, the fourth arm of government - the media - is never going to support you or the Liberals. It has been this was for years now. Better to just be yourself, not worry about the media, accept the media will trash you as is their mission, and just focus on real issues.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:15pm)
You are correct about the hand chopping Andrew.
Easily fixed - you stick one hand in your pocket and leave it there.
Its an old Army thing and works well.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:21pm)
Tony, loosen up… and wear a pair of fake black glasses with a big nose when you address the press conference.
Thu 31 Jan 13 (12:21pm)
Andrew Bolt
Andrew writes for the Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph & Advertiser and runs Australia's most-read political blog, On week nights he hosts The Bolt Report on Sky News at 7pm and his Macquarie Radio show at 8pm with Steve Price.
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作者 Ruffy 2005年1月21日
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Photo: Randy Peterson
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I've been trying to implement a Facebook share button (among others) on the header of every post on the home page. I've used the code specified on Facebook's own site, and am feeding it the permalink for the post and the post title. I've viewed the source of the page and verified that these are correct.
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My JS drop down menu was going behind the FLV video.
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Porter sets school record for 3's but Colonels fall to Troy State
Published: Sunday, December 16, 2001 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, December 15, 2001 at 11:00 p.m.
TROY, Ala. - In his first game back after being academically ineligible, junior guard Earnest Porter exploded for 36 points in his first game this season setting a new school record for his 3-point profiency as Nicholls State fell to Troy State, 98-86, before 1,050 people at Trojan Arena Saturday night in non-conference.
As a team, the Colonels set a new school record for 3-pointers in a game with 20, while Porter's 10 trifectas were the most by a Colonel player.
"I tried to do what it took to win, but it wasn't enough," Porter said of his effort. "It was very disappointing. It all starts with our defense. We need to play hard in both the first and the second halves."
Trailing 47-23 after the first half, the Colonels went on a 22-11 run to cut Trojan lead. Junior guard Beau O'Quin made a 3-pointer to start the run only nine seconds into the second half of the game.
The Trojans' Herbert Evens brought the lead back to 14 points with seven minutes left to play. Porter answered less than a minute later with a 3-pointer as did junior Damien Lennon.
Free throws by senior Shane Beaudean brought the Colonels to within five points with four minutes remaining. The Colonels would never get closer as a slew of free throws by Troy State sealed the 12-point victory.
"We dug ourselves too big of a hole in the first half," Nicholls coach Rickey Broussard said. "It was a valiant effort by our team in the second half, but we needed to have a stronger defensive effort. Earnest (Porter) was very impressive tonight. He came out in the second half and was on fire. Once we get the defense going, the wins will come."
Lennon made his Nicholls State debut in solid fashion scoring all of his 13 points in the second half. Freshman Ronnie Price continued on his hot streak scoring 12 points on four 3-pointers.
Porter and junior Dominque Geason each pulled down seven rebounds.
Nicholls State shot 52.6 percent from the field in the second half and forced five Trojan turnovers.
The Colonels will return to action Wednesday night as they play host to Southland Conference opponent Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m. in Stopher Gym.
Notes: Broussard is one win shy of career victory No. 150 . Nicholls State leads the series with Troy State, 10-3 ... Kelvin Hamilton held the old school record for most 3-pointers in a game with nine against Air Force on Feb. 9, 1991 ... Porter's 36 points overcame his previous career high of 22 points . Price has now scored in double figures for the last six games ... Houma native and former Ellender Memorial High School standout Brandon Rutley was declared eligible in time for the game but didn't see any time on the court.
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A classic for forty years! It's the game where the original battling robots try to knock each other's blocks off! Red Rocker and Blue Bomber battle it out in the arena, with realistic sounds and jaw-jolting action. When a robot lands that blockbuster punch to his opponent's jaw, the losing robot's head pops up with that Rock 'Em Sock 'Em "gotcha" sound.
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Olive Trees Nursery, Growquest, Surf And Sierra Nursery134 Davis St. Santa Paula,, California U.S.A.
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The Good
It's been a few months since fans have gotten to read about the adventures of this very dynamic family, and the story has jumped ahead a few years. Alana, Marko, Hazel, Izabel, and Klara are all hiding out on Gardenia, where Hazel is a toddler, and everyone is laying real low, except for Alana who has become a stage actor.
Here's where this book truly shines. This is issue 19 and writer Brian K Vaughan pretty much hit the reset button on the book by thrusting it into the future a few years and moving the characters to a brand new location. Doing this makes this book pretty accessible to new readers and makes this book feel really fresh and new for those who have been reading since day one.
This issue is pretty much 20 pages of set-up, which is fine, in one aspect. If you're expecting the more dynamic storytelling BKV and artist Fiona Staples have been doing in this book, since issue one, you're not going to like the issue, since this story is really building towards something else within the family. The new direction, as long as that final page is any indication of where this arc is going, is interesting. It's different, but it works for the characters and feels organic.
Fiona Staples does what she does best: Tells a beautiful story, through art, filled with emotion and suspense. And there is a lot of emotion towards the end of this issue and Staples does a great job at putting that into the character's faces. The reader will feel what Alana and Marko feel. Staples continues to makes this book eye candy. Every page is utterly brilliant.
The Bad
The book jumps a few years into the future and it's left up to the reader to piece most of the puzzle together, which is fine because readers don't really need everything spelled out for them, but because the science fiction elements in this series can be a little unfamiliar, this issue has so many new concepts and elements and it can be a bit much to take in. Basically, what you're getting in this issue is a ton of set-up. It feels like reading the first issue to a new series.
There's no real connection between what's happening between Alana, Marko, and company, and the Robot Kingdom. It may be true the reader doesn't need a strong connection, but the opening doesn't bookend the issue nor does the opening lead into anything else.
The Verdict
SAGA returns, but it isn't with a bang because the direction of the book is a complete 180. The book has slowed down and very clearly focused on family and the family dynamic; however, when you look back at previous arcs, that's what this book has always been about. This is a great place for new readers to jump on, but the problem lies within the new concepts and elements being dumped on the reader. It's a lot to take in and BKV expects readers to understand everything. However, SAGA is still a brilliant book and a series more people should be reading.


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