Federer Rests for Aussie Open—Nathan’s Blog

Written by: Staff on 12th January 2012

Federer Rests for Aussie Open—Nathan’s Blog |

By: Nathan M. Cuny

When Federer pulled out of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open semifinals the earth quaked, volcanoes erupted, and storms brewed. His withdrawal in Doha was the second in his 13 year career. The first happened four years ago in 2008 also because of back injury at the Paris Masters. The forces of nature and fans alike soon quelled their fury after seeing Federer’s wisdom in withdrawing from the minor event in Doha so he could be ready for the big one in Melbourne.

Federer undertook a number of treatments prior to his withdrawal but none worked as well as he hoped. Following his withdrawal Federer stated, “I don’t feel a whole lot of improvement for today, and I just don’t think it’s the right time to risk anything more right now. I still have pain and that’s why it was the only right decision, a difficult one for me … so it’s a sad moment for me and for the tournament and for the fans, but health goes first.” Federer has 3 days left in the 9 days of recovery he afforded himself by withdrawing from the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Even though his back pain is chronic Federer should be in fine form for the Australian Open on the 16^th.

Playing the Australian Open marks Federer’s participation in 49 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, placing him seven tournaments away from breaking the record. In 2011 Federer broke his habit of winning at least one Grand Slam a year by losing to Nadal in the Roland Garros finals. Many believe his 2012 start will not be as rough as his 2011 start was. Hopefully Federer will carry over the same great performance he showed by the previous season’s end, winning three back-to- back titles: Swiss Indoors Basel, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Paris, and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Even with the nine days of rest Federer has leading up to the Australian Open he’ll have trouble against the biggest man in his way, Novak Djokovic. Djokovic has spent the entire beginning of the season resting and practicing for the first Grand Slam of the year while Federer has competed with his sore back. Even so Federer’s skillful footwork, solid stroke, and capacity to put Djokovic on the defensive should give him the ability to shoot through Djokovic. As long as Federer’s back spasms have quelled by the tournaments start he’ll have no issue serving well against Djokovic.

Federer has no doubt in his mind that he can overcome Djokovic and his back will be ready by the Australian Open’s start. Following his withdrawal from Doha Federer stated, “For Australia, I’m optimistic, just because it’s not very good but it isn’t crazy bad. I have had bad backs in the past. This is definitely not very good, otherwise I would be playing. But I feel without play and the right treatment, I will get through it in the next few days.” The Australian Open begins in a mere four days with the main draws being released on Friday January 13^th.

Topics: Australian Open, Roger Federer