Endless debates have raged, lately, as a result of Roger Federer's unexpected decision to accept a last-minute wild card into the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam. One of the oldest indoor tennis events, the Dutch event's organizers served Federer with a chance to reclaim the world No. 1 slot in the general rankings.
With Rafael Nadal still recovering from an injury he received in Melbourne, the current world No. 2 only needs to reach the semis in Rotterdam in order to outrank his long-standing rival. It is indeed a golden opportunity for Federer, who would return at the summit more than five years after his last reign.
Roger Federer falls for the world No. 1 spell and has all the right to do so
Recently, when asked about any plans to chase down that top summit spot, Roger Federer pointed out that it would be a nice ride, but he wouldn't put it on his priorities list.But that was before he won another Australian Open. That success may have changed the equation. Sitting just 150 points behind Nadal, it's easy to understand the temptation to reach the men’s tennis summit once more. It would make Federer the oldest player to conquer the summit in what would be his fourth stay at the top.
Roger Federer's decision to go after the No. 1 spot led to some critics arguing that he is vulturing the spot. But let's remember that a similar course of action was taken by Rafael Nadal during the ending stages of 2017.
Then, despite him struggling with a bad knee, he went on to secure the world No. 1 by playing at Paris-Bercy which was the last Masters 1000 event of the season.
After amassing the necessary number of points, Nadal decided to withdraw from that tournament. Now, Federer is taking his chances too. Moreover, his presence at the upcoming event in Dubai would have been under question as the Swiss star has scheduled a charity event in the week after.
So, there should be no judgemental opinions on the matter.
Roger Federer and the possible route in Rotterdam
The 2018 ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam started today but the first of the event and two-time titlist (2005, 2012) has a little more time for last-minute adjustments. Federer will open his bid against Ruben Bemelmans (116 ATP).
If he encounters success in the opening round, the round of 16 will bring either Philipp Kohlschreiber or Karen Khachanov on the other side of the net.
The quarterfinals may deliver a high-caliber name as Stan Wawrinka looms in the same quarter. That would be the milestone to cross for Federer. Moreover, the draw consists of other big ATP names which means that an interesting week of tennis has just started.
Having already spent a record 302 weeks as the world No. 1, Roger Federer seeks an extension for that astonishing score. In fact, the past twelve months or so have been just that, Federer competing with himself to surpass his own records.
