Back in January, Roger Federer, a guy who seems to never get old or tired, simply decided to steal the golden pen with the sole purpose of writing his own addendum in tennis history. And what essay that was! Those who put the magnifying glass on Federer's frame, all came up to the same conclusion: Federer played as he used to back in his golden years having all wrapped up carefully and seasoned with a dangerously spicy forehand. What used to be his weakness reemerged as the secret ingredient of success.
Federer has reassessed his position during the 6 months break
Back in 2016, Roger Federer was forced to play merely a handful of ATP tournaments due to some injuries. Whether it was that knee injury or his back related problems, the Swiss was mostly off his regular course. Eventually, he dropped off the 2nd part of 2016 and, in that very moment, many have thought that Federer's illustrious career could be over.
But then it came 2017 Australian Open and its blaze full of upsets. With Djokovic and Murray being shuttered, Federer saw an opportunity and simply took it. No questions ask, no remorse or second thoughts, Federer managed to elevate his game level one match after another and despite playing 3 encounters of 5 sets each ( including the final against Rafa Nadal), he heroically survived in Rod Laver Arena's trenches especially in the 5th set of the final when he came back from a 3-1 deficit.
The 6 moths break had an impact on how Federer approach a tennis encounter. In Australia, even when the moment was not in his favour, Federer did not panic or anything similar. The game plan was never left aside and that paid off.
Federer will aim for biggest ATP events
Given his age, Federer is expected to play mostly on the big ATP events, namely Grand Slams, Masters 1000 events and perhaps some intermediate events like the one in Dubai.
He could learn something from Serena Williams who in the past years has been so clinical when the moment required. Also a 35-years-old athlete, Serena has shrunk her schedule as much as possible.
For Federer, there is no need of a long exhausting ATP schedule. If he'll play rarely, he'll buy some extra time, maybe 2 or 3 years of high-quality tennis and for the long-term, a dreamlike appearance for the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.
