Roger withdraws from Kooyong

After beginning the year by being recognized as a champion of champions by two voting bodies, Federer's preparations for the brand new tennis season has been temporarily derailed. Our dear Swiss tennis superstar has apparently fallen victim to a "terrible stomach virus" and has been advised by doctors to rest for a couple of days. As a result, Federer had no choice but to withdraw from the AAMI Classic Kooyong, in which he participates as warm-up to the Australian Open, in order to recuperate and regain his strength in time for the season's very first Grand Slam tournament. Naturally all of us fans are praying for his quick recovery and hoping that he'll be back 100% to defend his title.

Get well soon, Roger!

New year, more awards

Clocks have barely chimed in the new year yet with true Swiss precision Federer has already even won more recognition for his achievements without missing a beat!

First, the French newspaper L'Equipe overwhelmingly named him 'Champion of Champions' and then the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) voted him the world’s 'Top Sporting Champion of the Year'. This is the third year in a row that the world number one has won both awards. He's truly a great champion.

Congratulations once again to the King of Tennis! What a great way to start a new year.

CNN's Play of the Year

I was watching CNN International's World Sport: Best of 2007 earlier this evening and, surprise! Federer's amazing between-the-legs shot during his match against Bracialli in the early rounds of Dubai Duty Free Open earlier this year was shown. CNN International had just named it World Sport's Play of the Year! Another perfectly wonderful way to end the year. All bow down to King Roger the Great!

Seasons greetings from ATP tennis stars

Here's a hilarious video of a few ATP tennis stars singing (or at least trying to sing) Jingle Bells. Be sure to watch it til the end!

Federer on CNN's Talk Asia

Roger Federer took some time out during his exhibition series with Pete Sampras to talk with CNN International's Anjali Rao on Talk Asia over the weekend.

In case you missed it (I watched the original airing and nearly all the replays because I kept getting called away from the tv), there is a transcript of the interview over at CNN's website. Another blog on Federer has also compiled the videos of the interview as well.