Roger Federer: Why Fed-Ex Needs a Strong Performance at D'Italia 2012

Upon winning the Madrid Open on Sunday, Roger Federer needs another victory at the Italian Open to keep rolling in 2012.

After losing to Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Australian Open, Federer has won four of his past five tournaments this year. As for right now, Federer is the No. 3 seed in Italy behind Novak Djokovic and Nadal but won his first match.

Considering his overall struggle at the French Open, the clay court at the Italian Open can only help him prepare for the remainder of the season.

Full view of Men's Italian Open bracket.

Momentum for French Open

Before 2005, Federer's deepest run in the French Open was Round 4 in 2000. He then proceeded to make the semis in 2005 and then the finals four straight times thereafter.

It wasn't until 2009 when Federer claimed his only French Open title, but Nadal was upset in Round 4 of that year. Then in 2011, Federer fell again to Nadal for a fifth time (four in the finals) in as many tries.

The good news about the Italian Open is that if Federer manages to make the final, that's where he'll likely see Nadal again. Regardless of the outcome if this happens, it's the potential preparation that this tournament is providing Federer for the clay in France.

We also have to remember that Federer hasn't met Nadal in the Italian Open since its 2006 final where Nadal won in five sets.

Stamina

This more so relates to Federer's age as time is of the essence for the 30-year-old Swiss. He'll be 31 later in the summer and all of his toughest competition are roughly five years younger.

To that end, Federer's best odds at building stamina despite his age are to balance even more as a player.

He's one of the greatest if not the best player ever so Federer does possess the athletic ability and tennis knowledge to adjust his game. Federer will need whomever his opponent may be to adhere to his style.

Whether that's sitting at the baseline to hit shots, attacking the net or playing the court as a volleyer, maintaining a balanced approach between those styles from match-to-match will help Federer in the long-run.

Confidence

Federer's last Grand Slam tournament win came at the Australian Open in 2010. It's been over two years since his last major victory, and the 2011 French Open was Federer's most recent finals appearance on the big stage tournaments.

Looking at the other Grand Slams, the Swiss was knocked out of Wimbledon in the quarterfinals the past two years and has not won the US Open since 2008. The good news, as previously mentioned, is that Federer has won four of his last five tournaments—Netherlands, Dubai, Paribas, Madrid—entering Italy.

Provided that he overcomes the clay in Italy, that only bodes well for success in France as it would be Federer's fifth win of the year and second consecutive on clay.

John Rozum on Twitter.