Despite Obstacles, Federer Still The Man for Many at Wimbledon

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Getty Images

(June 26th, 2012) Take a quick glance around the tennis pundit world and you will see a familiar name popping up as many's pick to win the Gentlemen's Singles title this year at the All-England Club. But while No. 3 seed Roger Federer shouldn't be favored during this fortnight, there does seem to be more hype surrounding the "Swiss Maestro" and his chances than in the last two years.

But why is that? Federer is currently the most successful active grass court player in terms of matches won and just captured his 107th grass court victory in his match against Fabio Fognini in the second round. But let's also remember that Federer hasn't won a Major since Melbourne in 2010 and hasn't gotten past the quarterfinals of Wimbledon since he won his last title back in 2009. Factor in that Federer will likely have to defeat both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, the men who have faced off in the last four consecutive Grand Slam finals, and suddenly it looks like a very difficult but again not impossible task for Federer.

"I'm sort of picking him to win this year at Wimbledon, even though it looks like the gap has grown between the other two and him," said John McEnroe."But to me Wimbledon is his best chance to win another major. He seems to still want it as much as he'd already won. He's a lot better athlete than he's given credit for. His movement has allowed him to remain incredibly healthy for the most part."

Note the use of the phrase "sort of" in McEnroe's not exactly ringing endorsement of Federer. Though one can agree that Federer's health and longevity is never really given its due. Federer's more frequent lapses in concentration and that forehand of his that while magical at times can also be his own worst enemy that throws a wrench in Federer's quest this fortnight. Many pundits who pick Federer are suggesting he needs to serve and volley more on the grass. Though that does sound logical, Federer has never been known to be a constant net rusher, so why are people suggesting he start now? Such suggestions, though interesting, almost have a twinge of panic in them from those who say them. Is it because they're concerned if Federer doesn't make more changes Djokovic and Nadal will leave him behind?

But there's also something at work with so many in the tennis world predicting Federer will hold up the golden men's trophy on the final Sunday. Federer almost seems to embody the tradition and feeling that Wimbledon exudes from its ivy-covered English lawns. Federer himself embraces and appreciates what Wimbledon represents and relishes the atmosphere of the event. When asked what makes it special when the moment he walks in, Federer said, "Absolutely special, because you do realize the moment you walk onto the court that it is a different place here than any other. Just the respectful clap, no music. The whole thing is very much focused on the players and on the sport, which is beautiful."

For many, Federer is tennis. The possibility of Federer winning his seventh Wimbledon title speaks as much to his abilities as it does his influence and longevity in a sport that he has dominated for over ten years now, even if he is no longer No. 1. It's probably appropriate that the Prince of Wales will be in attendance on Centre Court to watch Federer play throughout the tournament. Though Federer will make the customary bow to the royal box before he starts his match, it remains to be seen if the man viewed as tennis royalty will once again be crowned king on the lush lawns of Wimbledon.