RealClearSports: Federer Knows How it Works

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

WIMBLEDON, England -- He contends he knows how it works. "I think,'' said Roger Federer, "I have played over 100 matches on grass now.'' That is to his advantage. And perhaps, since he will be 31 in a month, to his disadvantage.

A year ago, two years ago, in consecutive Wimbledons, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals. So watching from afar, and knowing tennis is a sport of the young - Novak Djokovic is 25, Rafael Nadal 26 - we declared Federer a dinosaur.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

Newsday (N.Y.): Roger Federer calls first Wimbledon match against Novak Djokovic 'intriguing'

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

WIMBLEDON, England -- Intriguing. Roger Federer might have described his Wimbledon semifinal Friday against No. 1 Novak Djokovic as important. Or critical. Or possibly a last hurrah. But he called it intriguing.

They've played 26 times, Federer, the man with the record 16 Grand Slam titles, and Djokovic, who has replaced Federer at the top of the rankings. Federer has won 14, but Djokovic has taken seven of the last eight, including three straight.

Read the full story here.

Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.

Newsday (N.Y.): Serena Williams reaches 7th Wimbledon final

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

WIMBLEDON, England -- Venus Williams was in the stands nervously clutching her hands. Younger sister Serena was on Centre Court grabbing a place in a Wimbledon final for a seventh time in 11 years.

"No way," was Serena's response when told of the numbers. "I was working so hard. I really wanted it."

Read the full story here.

Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.

Newsday (N.Y.): Serena faces tough Azarenka in Wimbledon semi

By Art Spander
Special to Newsday

WIMBLEDON, England -- Everyone seems to have a label here. They've decided Serena Williams is the "Warrior Queen,'' and her opponent in this country with an imperial history, Victoria Azarenka, naturally is being called "Queen Victoria.''

Read the full story here.

Copyright © 2012 Newsday. All rights reserved.

RealClearSports: Serena - American Beauty of All England

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

WIMBLEDON, England -- These may be the All England Championships, but we pause more than a moment on America’s birthday to offer praise for Serena Williams, an American Beauty.

Waking up the echoes and smashing home the aces, she has become last U.S. player remaining in singles.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012