Wimbledon finalists win warm-up events

Roger Federer broke through a big barrier today to win his 77th title.  After not having won any in 10 months, and knowing he would tie John McEnroe's record, I believe it had become a bit of an obstacle trying to cross the finish line.  In this final match he looked to be starting off great with four break points in Youzhny's first service game.  However, he was unable to capitalize on any of them and eventually went on to lose the set in a tiebreak.  You could see his frustration at some of his errors, one time even hitting himself in the head with his racquet (bringing back memories of Youzhny's violent display several years ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi-CgSO9Evw).  He was eventually able to cut down on his errors, however, finding a way to break serve in the next two sets to win the championship, bringing his head-to-head record against Youzhny now to 15-0, and most importantly winning his first title of 2013.  
 

Usually I don't feel like these warm-up tournaments necessarily have a huge bearing on who goes on to win the upcoming grand slam, in this case Wimbledon.  I this situation, however, I feel it was very important, mainly because I think he really needed this confidence boost as he goes into this tournament as the defending champion with 2,000 points to defend.  As he said in an interview, winning is everything, and I think this really increases his chances as a big favorite to win his 18th major.

In other news, Andy Murray, who played Federer in the final of Wmbeldon last year, also won a warm-up tournament, taking out defending champion Marin Cilic in the final.  After not playing the French Open due to injury, this will also give Andy confidence that he could come out the winner instead of the finalist this year.  He also took part in a rally for cancer fund raiser, playing doubles against his coach Ivan Lendl.  Here's a fun video where Andy celebrates hitting Lendl during a rally:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mVVWa9GFM3I

And finally I always have to post some pictures whenever the Federer twins make an appearance.  Here are adorable Myla and Charlene at the trophy presentation: