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Silver for Sweden in tennis doubles

AFP/The Local
AFP/The Local - [email protected]
Silver for Sweden in tennis doubles

Sweden's Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson were the victims on Saturday as Roger Federer took out his frustrations on the doubles court as he claimed Olympic gold with partner Stanislas Wawrinka.

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

"We're a bit disappointed with our performance but come tomorrow we'll probably be satisfied," Johansson told public service broadcaster SVT after the match.

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.

"It's the moment you dream of being in, even though there is so much pressure to it," said Federer of the nerve-wracking match point.

"But it's exactly where you want to find yourself, facing the pressure and doing it. We played fantastic so it's a dream come true. It's almost disbelief to some degree."

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