Roger Federer: Swiss Legend Will Surprise Younger Favorites in Paris

Roger Federer has not won a major in his last eight tries, but he will surprise the French Open's younger favorites.

Federer begins the tournament against Germany's Tobias Kamke. Kamke will not provide much of a challenge, and Federer should plow through the tournament's opening rounds.

The French Open's two favorites, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, are expected to blaze through every round because of their youthful endurance, powerful shots and recent success. But these two would be stupid to sleep on Federer.

Federer is considered one of the greatest players to ever step foot on a tennis court for a reason. He has maintained his elite status for 10 years now, rarely wavering from his flawless, graceful play.

Granted, he is 30 years old. He has taken a small step back, and other talented players have closed the gap. But Federer's crafty shots, deft touch and experience will make him extremely dangerous in Paris this year.

Let's take a look at Federer's game and where we can expect him to wind up in this year's French Open.

Has Federer Really Taken a Step Back?

Federer has won 48 of his last 52 matches. Does that look like a step back to you?

Yes, Federer has failed to grab a major in two years. For a 16-time Grand Slam champion, losing on tennis' grandest stages on any type of consistent basis can be considered a setback.

But Roger is still Roger. He still plays the same graceful, poetic game even though it may be a half-step slower.

Federer's laser-like precision is still accurate enough to keep the world's best players scampering from line to line, frantically trying to keep up.

Part of the reason behind the tennis world's sudden souring toward Federer favoritism lies in the world's other players. Djokovic and Nadal are two elite players. Djovokic is entering his prime, and Nadal is on the back-end of his.

Djokovic has flourished during Federer's recent shortcomings, winning the last three Grand Slams.

Federer has faltered in tennis' biggest tournaments as of late, but that does not mean he isn't winning matches. He is still playing well. 

He will be fine as long as his stamina, health and unforced errors are kept at bay.

What to Expect in Paris

Federer is a winner, through and through. He does not back down from challenges, even if they are self-imposed problems. Djokovic, Nadal and any other contender can expect Federer to be there until the bitter end.

Federer has won the French Open once, in 2009. He is not the same player he was three years ago, but he is more than capable of challenging again.

Roland Garros' clay courts have been dominated by Nadal in the past, and Djokovic has been absurdly hot this past year. Federer will be fighting an uphill battle, but he is up to the task.

Federer knows what it takes to win tennis' biggest competitions. He knows he has a chance to solidify his legacy over the next four months, with three Grand Slams and the Olympics on the horizon.

Don't ever count out an experienced veteran, especially when his painstakingly built reputation is questioned by some.

Federer is good enough when he just plays. Cynics, and Federer's opponents, do not want to see the result of Federer with a chip on his shoulder.