Men's Tennis: Roger Federer Update

What has happened to Roger Federer?

That's got to be a question plenty of people in the tennis world are asking right now, along with "Will Roger be able to take a major tournament this year?" and "How has Roger's sickness really affected his gameplay? Will he be able to recover?"

At the close of 2007, Federer contracted a series of illnesses and was finally diagnosed as mononucleosis. From my perspective, he has not yet fully recovered.

His poor showing at the Australian Open was just the beginning of a difficult year for Roger and his fans. Admittedly, it was exciting to watch Roger compete against Pete Sampras, and in that match, it looked as if he had finally overcome any lingering effects from his bout with mono in January.

But then came the Master's Series Open in Florida, where he was bested by Andy Roddick. It is a good thing for Americans, though, in that it gives us hope that, perhaps, Andy can take Olympic Gold this year.

Next came a near upset in Monte Carlo. Federer was trailed by Spanish qualifier Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 5-1 in the second set, stunning Roger's fans and tennis fans alike.  

In spite of beating both Djokovic and Nalbandian to face Rafael Nadal in the finals, this second round match spoke volumes about Roger's game at the moment. In all the years I have followed Roger Federer, I don't believe I've ever seen him have such difficulty with his footwork.

Next to keeping one's eye on the ball, footwork is the most important aspect of tennis—especially at the Master's level. And this has been Roger's signature strength throughout his career.

Still, his footwork (or lack thereof) was the contributing factor to every mishit he executed in that second round match.

It just looked like Roger was tired, bone tired. Even his serve was lacking its usual punch. What will happen to Roger's dream of finally besting the clay at Roland Garros with this setback?

It is my hope that Roger make a dramatic comeback and take the French Open for the first (and perhaps only) time in his career! If anyone deserves to win all four Grand Slams, it's Roger Federer.

Not only is his tennis game superb (like watching poetry in motion), his off-court involvement in charities and the promotion of the game for amateurs, like me, is impressive.

To me, Roger Federer is a gentleman in a gentleman's game. Roger, your fans are behind you. Get well, press on, overcome, and win!