So now that's official. A slam less year for the once mighty Federer. Now there will be questions raised again about Roger's future. Whatever is the answer lets face it. He is no longer the emperor he was. He turned 30. Yes he is old enough to compete with players in their early twenties. 5- setter were once Roger's strength. After watching yesterdays match I felt like 5-setters are too much to handle for him. Suddenly the 178-0 record seems less convincing. The back to back two set lead defeats paint a grimmer picture.
But the silver lining is Federer is to be blamed for today's loss. He was always up in the game. With 2-0 lead he should have easily wrapped up the game. At 5-3 and 40-15 an ace could have changed the whole equation and there would not have been all these hang-up-the-boots talk. Though Federer might not do a 3 slam year he can at least add one slam and make the tally to 17. The forehand is still powerful and service is unquestionable. Only the fitness level can determine his success in the future grand slam events.
So the question again: is it time to write him off? May be yes or may be no. I hope this is probably the rough patch in his career. Next year will be the deciding factor whether Roger still has any gas left out in him. Till then all I can say is win or loss RF rocks. At 30 you may not see the Djo's and the Rafa's hitting powerful forehands and lurking around in the semi finals.
