Federer back in game to grab world’s number one spot
Roar Guru By Ivana Krsteska, 23 May 2012 The Crowd is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- French Open, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis
Roger Federer is left to congratulate his Spanish rival once again AAP Image/Martin Philbey
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Starting the season off with three titles already in his pocket, former world no. 1 Roger Federer might have just what it takes to redeem his old title.
So far this year, Federer has won three titles including the most recent at Madrid on clay.
He also defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time since 2005, in a remarkable straight-set win and world no. 4, Andy Murray. With the French Open just around the corner, the fans are asking the question, can the Swiss maestro can do it again?
Beginng his professional career in 1988, Federer has accomplished achievements like no other. A holder of ATP’s (Association of Tennis Professionals) number one spot for 237 consecutive matches as well as a record of 16 Grand singles titles, the 30-year old says he isn’t ready to retire just yet.
“Some don’t understand how you can play tennis at 30 years old, which is shocking to me, because normally that’s still when you’re young enough to play some of your best tennis. I think I’m showing that since I turned 30 in August last year. That’s basically where my run began.” Federer said.
While other players may be taking some time off, it is all about practice makes perfect for Federer, who is constantly working up a sweat on the courts and has not had a break since early January.
However, there are some things that can’t be ignored. Beginning the season on shaky terms, due to unbearable back-pains, it was unlike Federer – who is praised for his strength and endurance – to pull out of the Qatar Open in the lead up to his semi-final match against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga because of his unbearable back pain.
It was this decision that raised concern amongst critics with regards to Federer’s long anticipated comeback.
However, as the season progressed, we see another great run from the ‘maestro’. Winning 39 of his last 41 matches, losing only to Rafa in the Australian Open and John Isner in Davis Cup, he is expected to perform just as well, if not better at the French Open in May.
It may be possible that instead of watching a new-age final between Djokovic and Nadal, we could witness another classic Federer-Nadal rivalry.
It will no doubt be another exhilarating tournament where we’ll see the top three fighting against each other, and it could be anyone’s guess as to who will be the winner.
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The Crowd Says (3) | Page 1 of Comments
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- Explore:
- French Open, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis
May 24th 2012 @ 6:32pm
zacbrygel said | May 24th 2012 @ 6:32pm | Report comment
Great to see an article on the great man that is Roger Federer. Bring on Roland Garros! I can’t wait!
May 24th 2012 @ 9:55pm
masterclass said | May 24th 2012 @ 9:55pm | Report comment
Corrections:
1. “So far this year, Federer has won three titles including the most recent at Madrid on clay. ”
No. Mr. Federer has won 4 titles this year so far. He won 3 straight hard court titles, including indoors at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, an ATP 500 event; then outdoors in another ATP 500 event at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, and then at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells a Masters 1000 event. Finally, he won his first Clay Masters 1000 event since 2009 at the Mutua Madrid Open on the new blue clay in Madrid.
2. “He also defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time since 2005″
No. Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal in 2 of the last 3 matches they have played. Federer defeated him last in the semifinals at Indian Wells 6-3, 6-4, lost to him at the Australian Open again in the semifinals. Before that, at the 2011 World Tour Finals, Federer beat Nadal easily in the round robin portion of the event, 6-3, 6-0. And he has defeated him 7 times prior to that since 2005.
May 25th 2012 @ 11:51am
ohtani's jacket said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:51am | Report comment
It’s a nice idea, but I just don’t see it happening. If he’d been able to retain the #2 seed and got lucky with the draw he might have caught a break in a Grand Slam, but he won’t be able to get through both Djokovic and Nadal.