Roger Federer slipped under the radar once more as he has made the decision to skip the clay-court season entirely. Even after his decision, some may still think about a last-minute decision from Federer to participate in the french open. As a place where he suffered some of his biggest upsets in the past (all to Rafael Nadal), Roland Garros landed in Federer's pocket only once, back in 2009. That year, Robin Soderling stunned Nadal en route to the final where the Swiss prevailed. Roger Federer made his last official appearance in the tournament's main draw in 2015 when he reached the quarterfinals.
There, he ended up losing to the eventual winner, his fellow compatriot and friend, Stan Wawrinka.
The grass season is where Federer may shine
Roger Federer will try to improve his numbers and he's targeting a fruitful run during the grass segment of the calendar which comes immediately after the clay season. He will have to defend two titles as he's the reigning champion in both Halle and Wimbledon. Federer will turn 37 later this year in August. But he's still willing to improve and raise his game to new heights. The comeback he mounted back in 2017 is the best way to prove this argument.
The clay-court season includes several big tournaments and it's literally a shame that Federer will skip them all.
But the numbers don't lie as the red dirt is not a favorable surface for him. In fact, the only two Masters 1000 events he's never won are located in Monte Carlo (the ongoing tournament in the ATP circuit) and Rome. Back in 2006, Federer lost an epic battle at Foro Italico with Nadal prevailing in the end.
Roger Federer at the 2018 French Open would send shockwaves throughout the system
Let's remember how things changed once Federer announced his decision to play at Rotterdam back in February. Basically, the sale of tickets skyrocketed and the media was eager to cover every possible angle on Federer and his bid to regain the world No.
1 seat from Nadal.
The upcoming French Open awaits for an untouchable Rafael Nadal to claim his 11th crown in the French capital. Moreover, some of the Spaniard's biggest rivals are out of form or injured. Djokovic just lost earlier today against Dominic Thiem while Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray are still out.
From that point of view, Roger Federer's presence at the 2018 French Open would stir things up a bit. Besides, its been a while since these two met on clay. Still, Roger Federer made it clear that clay is no longer part of his schedule.
