Roger Federer: Why Victory Isn't Guaranteed for Tennis Star in Australian Open

Things usually come fairly easy to Roger Federer, but the road to greatness in the 2013 Australian Open is full of twists and turns for the four-time Aussie Open winner.

Federer will get Frenchman Benoit Paire in the first round, whom he easily handled at the 2012 Basel Open, where Federer won in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

But Paire shouldn't be counted out.

The French tennis player reached the third round at Wimbledon in 2012 and could give Federer some trouble.

While I think Federer will handle Paire rather easily, it doesn't get much easier for the Swiss player after the first round, as ESPN UK writes:

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Federer's path to the semi-finals is littered with pitfalls from the third round onwards, following an opener against Benoit Paire. The Swiss master is likely to meet home favourite Bernard Tomic - who has already beaten Djokovic this year - in round three, before power-hitters Milos Raonic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lie in wait.

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The fact that Tomic has already taken down one of the favorites to win the tournament (Djokovic) is one thing, but Tomic being a home favorite could also prove to be dangerous for Federer.

Though he has fallen off a bit, Tomic proved his worth at Wimbledon in 2011 by reaching the quarterfinals at the mere age of 18.

If Federer does reach the third round, he'll draw a tough matchup no matter whom he faces, especially if it's Tomic, who uses his large frame to his advantage.

Despite all of the road blocks that lie ahead, you'd be crazy not to think Federer can't accomplish his fifth Australian Open title despite his recent struggles being brought to light.

Even though he holds 17 major titles, Federer has won just one in his last 11 attempts, leaving doubt in the minds of many.

Luckily for the Switzerland star, doubt has yet to enter his mind, as ESPN UK reports:

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If I'm second favourite, fourth favourite or eighth or whatever it might be it doesn't change much for me. I know if I'm playing well I can win tournaments.

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Whether you're on board with him or not, Federer is arguably the best men's tennis player to ever take the court and still has the necessary talent to eclipse his opponents by playing mistake-free tennis.

In no way, shape or form am I saying that Federer will not win the 2013 Australian Open.

What I am saying is that his potential opponents should not be overlooked due to Federer's past success.

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