With a phenomenal start to the calendar year, Roger Federer has shown that there is still life in him yet. After winning the Australian Open in January, he has followed his 18th major title with victories at Indian Wells and the Miami Masters.
After winning the Australian Open in January, he has followed his 18th Major title with victories at Indian Wells and the Miami Masters.
Federer is now due to rest before recommencing his season, with the French Open fast approaching.
The Swiss superstar is unable to compete as frequently as he could in his prime, but this will not lead to any doubting his ability.
The 35-year-old renewed his rivalry with old friend Rafael Nadal in Australia, and he was able to come through another epic five-set match with the victory.
However, as we head towards the summer tournaments at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Federer is not taking his competition lightly.
Constantly aware of the threat from within the ‘Big Four’, Federer will be wary as Murray and Djokovic look to replicate the form they have shown in recent years.
Also, Federer noted that competition outside of the favourites is strong, discussing a trio of players who are yet to truly assert themselves among the top players in tennis.
Following his most recent win, the world number four said: “I know that is going to be difficult because at one point Murray or Djokovic or Nadal or Stan or Thiem or Nishikori is going to be in very good shape and hard to beat.”
The inclusion of Thiem and Nishikori and even Wawrinka may surprise many tennis fans, but Federer seems to have predicted who the next challengers of the tennis thrown will be: Nishikori, 27-year-old Japanese, and currently ranked at number seven, has already reached one Grand Slam final; and Thiem, a 23-year-old Austrian who sits at ninth in the ATP rankings.
Federer will have to be on top of his game if he is to continue to climb the rankings, and he has made it clear he is not willing to underestimate anybody in his pursuit back to the top.