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Federer dominates tennis again in 2005
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-20 11:33
LONDON (AP) _ Roger Federer ruled men's tennis with panache for a historic
second straight year in 2005, while a string of old favorites split the major
titles on the women's circuit.
After three Grand Slam victories in 2004, Federer became the first man in 67
years to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in consecutive seasons. His six major
titles tied him with Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker for Grand Slam titles among
Open era players, and one behind John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
"I amaze myself that I can back it up one tournament after another, keep on
playing well," 24-year-old Federer said at the U.S. Open. "I wonder why I always
play so well, especially on the big occasions. It just seems to click for me."
But for losing the final of the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai _
ending a record of 24 successive finals victories since July 2003 _ Federer
would have tied McEnroe (82-3 in 1984) for the most dominating season ever.
As it was, all four of Federer's losses were memorable.
He had a match point on Marat Safin in the Australian Open semifinals, but
the Russian prevailed in 9-7 in the fifth set and beat Lleyton Hewitt in the
final for his second major title. However, Safin declined then disappeared
because of knee problems.
In April at Monte Carlo, Federer squandered three match points against
Richard Gasquet, who would go on to rise from out of the top 100 into the top
20, in which the French player was the only teenager beside Rafael Nadal.
Nadal matched Federer with 11 titles, and broke the season record of nine for
a teenager by Mats Wilander in 1983. By April Nadal and his fashionable
pantaloons were in the top 10, and after beating Federer on his 19th birthday in
the French Open semis, he became the first man in 23 years to win at Roland
Garros on debut.
Many observers hoped Federer's defeat to Nadal marked a budding rivalry.
Beside Nadal (2-1), only Nalbandian (6-4) in the top 10 had a winning record
against the Swiss.
Nalbandian burnished his credentials when he interrupted a planned fishing
holiday, trekked to China from Argentina, and came from two sets down to beat
Federer in a thrilling five-set season finale.
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