The ATP circuit is having what many might call a deja-vu moment, with Rafael Nadal storming through the clay court season, while Roger Federer dominated the first leg on hard court. The Swiss tennis star took an extended break after dropping out of the entire clay court swing -- including the French Open. Now that the season is moving forward, the grass season is almost knocking at the door. The grass season will kick off in the Netherlands at Ricoh Open and in Stuttgart at the Mercedes Cup. Roger Federer will be featured in the second event and will try to put things back on the right track in order to enter Wimbledon with a realistic chance to go all the way.
Federer is investing a lot in the healing process
The first part of the season was a busy one for the Swiss player, winning it all at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami. All of this eventually led to a certain amount of fatigue that required rest and time away from the competition, however. On the other side, the rest of the ATP elite got involved in the clay court season. Undoubtedly, during the past two months, players like Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, and Wawrinka put a lot of mileage on their bodies.
That will give Federer extra leverage going into the grass season. Targeting a potential 8th Wimbledon title is at the core of his upcoming schedule -- a milestone he will be quite happy to reach.
It also might work as a farewell tour of sorts. After all, he is turning 36 later this year in August. If he fails to win his 19th Grand Slam at Wimbledon, then the US Open is the next stop on the schedule. Although it seems that Federer is once again in prime condition playing faster surfaces, the miracle won't last for too long.
There are a lot of unknown factors that could interfere along the way.
Taking a long break in the middle of the season is just another example of Federer being aware of his fragility, and knowing that his body is getting older.
Life without Federer
Winning the 18th Grand Slam of his career at the Australian Open was something special for Roger Federer, and at the same time, for those watching his journey throughout the years.
Federer could easily retire after another Grand Slam success. Of course, it would be shocking, but everyone would respect that choice after all the things that he has accomplished. Whether he wins more titles or not, however, there is no denying that Federer will go down as one of the greatest tennis players of all-time.
