Roger Federer: 3 Reasons Fed-Ex Will Destroy Australian Open 2012 Competition

Roger Federer is one of the greatest tennis players of all time—if not the best—so when it comes time for the 2012 Australian Open to kickoff, Federer has to be a favorite.

The 16-time Grand Slam title winner has also won the Aussie Open four times over his career and would like to finish up his storybook career with one last big win.

All of the following factors will play into what will be Fed-Ex’s final major victory.

Newfound fuel

There is a new feud brewing on the tennis circuit, and the first shot has been thrown by Rafael Nadal. Nadal accused Federer of playing the good guy while others take the heat from the media.

While Federer has been notorious for playing and acting clam in the face of adversity, the hope is this kind of blatant slap in the face will ignite the warrior inside Fed-Ex.

I would love to see an angry Federer playing like he did when he was younger, but I’m sure cooler heads will prevail. I would love Fed-Ex to go all John McEnroe on Nadal, win the Aussie Open and retire.

Epic.

Health concerns aren’t as overwhelming

There have been several occasions over the last few years where Federer would be hampered by a nagging injury, but their frequency has increased year after year. Luckily for Federer, nothing is hurting too much to really hamper his efforts.

At least that’s what he is saying.

Despite the injury to his back that had him sidelined less than a week ago, Federer said he feels as ready to play as ever. While many stars would not participate in the event, a Federer at 50 percent is better than most tennis players on their best day.

Curtain call coming fast

Federer will be 31 this year, and for those in the know, that’s like 80 years old in people years.

While the star is still in solid physical health, injuries have slowed Federer lately and will eventually slow him to the point of no longer being dangerous. With a legacy that is comparable to the game’s greatest, the last thing he should do is sully it by staying too long.

There is a wife at home with twin newborn babies that wouldn’t mind having Federer around more, so this Australian Open may be Federer’s last hoorah before he hangs his racquet up for good.

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