The 2017 french open is about to start and for the second year in a row Roger Federer won't be in its main draw. As in 2016, the stage should learn how to ensure its own survival without one of its great symbols. Federer had no plans for the clay court swing as he put his run on hold following the success in Miami. After beating Nadal in the final at Key Biscayne, when asked, Federer said that he has the French Open as part of his plans. But, his statement left plenty of room for further interpretation, casting a shadow of doubt about him competing at Roland Garros.
As it turned out the other day, he won't be in the main draw of the second Grand Slam of 2017. His goals are mostly linked with the idea of longevity and productivity on his favorite surfaces like grass courts. A lot of these opportunities lie ahead during the summer season. If he can deliver a similar level of high-precision tennis as he did during the first three months of the season, Federer will put a few more titles under his belt and maybe another Grand Slam too.
French Open might be a closed chapter for Federer
Roger Federer accumulated a total of five finals at the French Open winning the 2009 edition. It's the Grand Slam where he has the lowest numbers and it's a natural consequence to cut it off the list of priorities.
He will turn 36 years of age later this year, and a shortened schedule is not surprising. The current trend of his schedule could elude the French Open for the next seasons too. It means that 2015 might have been the last appearance for Federer at Roland Garros. Two years ago, in an ATP circuit totally under Djokovic's will, Roger Federer signed up for Paris reaching the quarterfinals stages where he had no cure for a highly-motivated Stan Wawrinka.
That year, his fellow compatriot went all the way, stunning Novak Djokovic in the final despite being a set down. That match having Federer playing against Wawrinka could gain historical meaning for his career. The first time Federer ever made it into a Grand Slam main draw was at the French Open. It happened back in 1999 and it says a lot about the tremendous sense of longevity this guy has under his shell.
Federer gearing up for the grass court swing
Roger Federer has big goals for the upcoming months as the grass season is now only weeks away. The Swiss tennis legend will have two warm-up parties before Wimbledon Championships. He will enter the Mercedes Cup, an ATP 250 event and Gerry Weber Open in Halle, an ATP 500 tournament. These two will be just enough for him to make the final adjustments. The right framing of his game is crucial if he wants to have a decent shot at Wimbledon. Once again, he is taking few months of time off, a dangerous but necessary choice.
