An Olympic gold for Federer at last

Beijing, Aug. 16: Roger Federer took out his frustration on the doubles court as he claimed Olympic gold with partner Stanislas Wawrinka on Saturday.

The Swiss ace and world number 10 Wawrinka pummelled Sweden’s Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3 as Federer claimed his first Olympic medal in three attempts.

Federer, who loses his number one ranking on Monday and was upset in the singles by James Blake, was vigorously pumped up for the final and roared in Swiss German at every important point.

The Swedes had won a record 59-game marathon in the semis and they did not come to life until the third set. The Swiss immediately broke back but wilted in the tense tie-break as Wawrinka netted on the second set point.

But the decisive break came at 2-1 on Aspelin’s serve. With Federer serving for the match, Johansson hit a return wide sparking delirious scenes between the Swiss pair who hugged and cavorted on the floor.

Earlier Novak Djokovic claimed Serbia’s first ever tennis medal. Djokovic won a slug-fest with US number one James Blake 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to clinch men’s singles bronze. — AFP