Quote:
> > > A collection of points in the Wimby 2001 duel that went to Federer's
> > > favor:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXUuYhecxQ8&feature=related
> > > Nonchalant forehand passes on the run whizzing past Pete at the net
> > > (down the line and crosscourt), quick hand and feathery touches at the
> > > net, casual backhand flicks for winners, good returns...
> > I don't understand why the crowds were on Federer's side at that time
> > even before Federer became Federer we know.
> > My guess they didn't like Sampras that much, true?
> Mainly pulling for the underdog. Pete did have some rocky moments with
> the crowd at Wimbledon, as he noted in his book. But overall he was
> liked and admired there in spite of a few bad feelings.
> Plus, that match was a long time ago, and events since then make it
> hard to remember Fed ever being an underdog, except at the FO.
> Rodjk #613
i think this is about right.
i think the "clean" (well played but relatively unspectacular) 95
match with boris went a long way to getting him admiration at
wimbledon, as well as respect. don't forget, he had beaten the
defending champs in 92 (stich) and 93 (agassi) and the 93 final
against courier on a hot, hard grasscourt showed he could play and
fight a little. unfortunately, the 94 final didn't do him too many
favours, crowd-wise, but boris' obvious respect for him the following
year helped bridge any gap. not loved in the way others were, but
respected very much, and his stock among the english (at least those i
speak to!) has grown since he retired.
all the best,
wenquan lee