Roger Federer was one of the favourites to win the men’s singles gold at the Beijing Olympics after a disappointing loss to Tomas Berdych. Roger then turned to doubles play with Stan Wawrinka after James Blake interrupted his plans in Athens 2004.
Stan and Roger went all the way to win the gold medal for Switzerland. The Swiss pair defeated Mahesh Bhupathi, Leander Paes and then stunned Bob and Mike Bryan at the semi-final. The Swiss duo won the title match against Thomas Johansson (Simon Aspelin) in just four hours 46 minutes.
Stan and Roger were both pumped after their thrilling win over the Bryan brothers. They wanted to give it their all and take home the gold on August 16. The Swedes were defeated 6-3,6-4,6-7, 6-3 by Roger’s service winner.
The Swiss couple won the opening game with a break in game four. This was after Roger had held well in game nine for 6-3. They were able to score a break in set number 2 for 6-4. The Swiss pair served better than the Swedes while making fewer errors.
Johansson and Aspelin broke at the start of the third set in an attempt to gain momentum. It was short-lived as Aspelin and Johansson lost serve in their next game following three double faults. To prolong the match for at least one set, the Swedes won tiebreak 7-4.
They could not do more as Federer and Wawrinka both scored breaks in the fourth set’s final game. They held on to the lead until the end, and won Olympic glory. Roger was just about to lose his no.
Rafael Nadal was awarded the 1 spot, two days later. He resigned from the ATP throne after four and a quarter years.
Stan Wawrinka and Roger Federer won the Beijing 2008 doubles gold medal. “It wasn’t the first time in my life or this tournament that I had to serve for a big game.
It was a little different in doubles where you can sometimes lose control due to the fact that guys are known for making huge returns. Stan held his serve perfectly to send Stan up 5-5, and I knew it was my turn if we didn’t win. It’s the moment that you long to reach, even though it is difficult.
To win the game, I had to play a few second serves. It was difficult. It was amazing tennis. I was always a team player growing up. I enjoy team competitions, especially basketball and soccer. It’s something I have always enjoyed.
When I was 16, it was the best thing that happened to me. A team with a great atmosphere is vital. Today on the court, and for two weeks afterwards, we had a great understanding of one another.
We have been working hard to achieve this goal for years. In particular, we’ve talked a lot lately about our desire to play doubles. It is a sweet victory, and it is amazing. It has always been a pleasure to play doubles.
It hasn’t been something I played as much in recent years because of the emphasis on singles. It is something I enjoy, especially on the important stages. Roger Federer explained that it is a whole different experience from just celebrating it at the pool.
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