Roger Federer: Swiss Indoors Perfect Setting for Return to Prominence

After losing three of his last four events, the world’s No. 1 tennis player, Roger Federer, will look to use his home-court advantage at the ATP Swiss Indoors to win the tournament and retain his spot atop the world rankings.

The Switzerland native and defending Swiss Indoors champion is looking to build off his tough semifinals loss to Andy Murray at the Shanghai Rolex Masters and his even tougher U.S. Open loss to Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.

While Federer has remained the world’s No. 1, another early exit will open the door for Novak Djokovic to sweep in and steal the spotlight.

Federer spoke to the media after his loss to Murray at the Shanghai Rolex Masters in early October:

"

I would love to finish No. 1 as well for the end of the year.  For that it's going to take a great stretch again, winning Basel, Paris and London I assume to give myself a chance.  We'll see how it goes.  Look, I'm relaxed about it.  I'll give everything I can.  I want to get through this season well and finish strong.  But it's not the number one goal right now.  Right now it's to manage my schedule, hopefully be in good shape for Basel, then kind of go from there.  Just to repeat, the goal was to become world No. 1 this year, which happened, not the end of the year.  But if that happens, that's a bonus.

"

As tough as Federer’s road has been over the last few months, the realization that he is essentially heading home for this tournament will ease his mind. Without the added pressure of being away from the people he loves, the veteran will return to the form that made him a legend.

The world’s No. 1 has been the top player for 16 straight weeks and 301 weeks total over his career, a feat that is stunning by itself.

With the pressure of Djokovic (11,970 points) and Andy Murray (7,690 points) bearing down on the star, Federer (12,165 points) is holding on to a slim lead that could be easily passed with another loss.

If staying the world’s No. 1 player is a huge priority for Federer, he'd better steal the show at the Swiss Indoors or he will no longer be the sport’s No. 1 men’s player.

Federer will win, though. That’s just what he does.

Check back for more on tennis as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s Tennis page to get your fill of all things racquets.

Follow @Donald_Wood