Why Roger Federer Will Fall Short at the Australian Open Despite 1,000th Win

Roger Federer hit the headlines yet again with his 1,000th career win on Sunday, but his form won't be enough to clinch the Australian Open. 

The Swiss star had a successful 2014. He won 73 of 85 matches and five titles, and he returned to No. 2 in the world. However, since his last Australian Open victory in 2010, Federer has won just one Grand Slam in 19 attempts.

Despite the impressive milestone, with Federer out of the habit of winning Slams and age catching up with him, the Open will prove a step too far.

Now 33, the 17-time Grand Slam winner is feeling the effects of a busy year.

According to the Australian Associated Press (via the Daily Mail), after his landmark victory, which won him the Brisbane International, Federer said: 

"

Clearly I am hurting from the last four matches and the last week.

...

The off-season didn't feel like an off-season to be quite honest.

And I am not saying that to joke around in any way. I only had eight days off and went back into practice.

"

And in those eight days off, he didn't exactly rest. What he did was play a charity match in his home country, Switzerland, either side of training trips to the Middle East.

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Federer's fatigue will prove a huge obstacle in Melbourne. The potential of playing five sets in the summer heat is a daunting one for most, let alone a 33-year-old who has barely had a break in the last year.

As important as it is that Federer remains fit in order to keep up with his younger opponents, he's at the stage now where it's equally important he manage his body correctly. This means taking the time to rest and recover, which he hasn't done.

Ashim Sunam of the International Business Times reports that Federer is the No. 2 seed, as the top eight seeds mirror the ATP rankings. 

This will prevent the Swiss maestro from meeting No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic until the final, but will start meeting seeded players in Round 3. Friday's draw will determine which of the top seeds Federer is likely to face as he advances through the tournament.

The Serbian is always at his best in Australia, and he will be looking to avenge last year's quarter-final exit.

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With Federer's fitness set to be an issue, the chances of him outlasting the tireless 27-year-old after six Grand Slam matches is almost unfathomable.

The Djoker isn't all he needs to worry about, though. There are, of course, sixth seed Andy Murray and third seed Rafael Nadal, either of whom are capable of defeating Federer on any given day.

Defending champion and No. 4 seed Stanislas Wawrinka is in good form, having just won the Chennai Open. Stan the Man is a strong contender to win the tournament outright, and his determination to repeat 2014's victory could give him the edge to overturn Federer's one-sided 15-2 record against him should they meet.

Fifth seed Kei Nishikori is also a threat. The up-and-coming 24-year-old enters the tournament after a big year, in which he defeated the fifth, third and first seeds to reach the U.S. Open final.

With so many strong threats and potential five-setters, Federer's stamina will be more of a problem as the tournament wears on.

Federer's confidence and experience will undoubtedly carry him through the first few rounds, but a fifth consecutive semi-final exit seems likely.

Federer's pursuit of that elusive 18th Grand Slam title will continue beyond the Australian Open.