4 Reasons Roger Federer Is Poised to Return to Form in 2012

Earlier this week, Roger Federer dismantled arch-rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Indian Wells tournament final.  One thought ran through the heads of everyone watching: "He's back!"

In 2012, Federer is poised to return to form as one of the biggest forces in the sport.  He is playing his best tennis in years and his chief rivals are struggling. 

So, what are the main reasons Federer is likely to regain his perch as one of the most feared players in the game?

Federer Is on a Momentum Roll

Federer is on a serious roll this season!

Since losing a tough four set Australian Open semifinal to Rafael Nadal in January, Federer has not lost a match.  He is a perfect 15-0 with three wins over Juan Martin del Potro and one each over Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.

That makes him the hottest player on tour right now!

Federer Has a More Versatile Game Than Ever

Federer may be ageing but his game is now more balanced and versatile than ever.

Up until 2007, Roger got his wins with amazing, transcendent talent and ability.  Then, he aged a bit, lost a step, and struggled to maintain his dominance.

But now, years after many said he was finished, Federer has reemerged because he has added nuance to his game.  He no-longer tries to pound with the forehand all the time and his veteran mix of forehand and backhand strokes took Nadal aback at Indian Wells.

Equally important, Federer has added some variety to his serve and is coming to the net more to throw off opponents.  All of that is adding up to wins, consistency, and a better game.  

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal Are Struggling

Since winning the Australian Open in an epic final over Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic has slowed a bit.

Perhaps it is winners fatigue, or maybe he has a nagging injury, but Djokovic looks more beatable than he has since mid-2010.

Nadal is also struggling, still at the top of the game but unable to totally dodge the nagging injuries that continue to threaten the rest of his career.

Federer does not have either significant wear and tear or winners fatigue (surprisingly, he still has amazing drive) and seems capable of taking his newly balanced game and putting himself back on top of the tennis pedestal with Djokovic and Nadal.  

Federer Hungers to Be the Greatest

Many people ask: Why is Roger Federer still playing tennis?

He is over 30.  He has won everything there is to win.  He is no-longer considered the best player in the world.  So why keep doing it?

Simple: Federer wants to retire as the undisputed best of all time.

Right now, many observers consider him the best already.   But many (myself included) don't because you cannot be the best if you have been dominated head to head by your only great rival.  That's Federer's problem: Up until now he has beaten everyone consistently but Rafa.

Now, Nadal is slowed by nagging injury.  He looks beatable.  If Federer can hold on a bit longer and start inching towards a positive rivalry record, the perception of him will change forever.

And he knows it.