Roger Federer: Back Issues Will Cost Fed-Ex 2012 Wimbledon Title

Despite being one of the greatest players in the world right now, nagging back issues will be the ultimate undoing of the tennis legend Roger Federer at the 2012 Wimbledon.

The road to the finals would have been tough anyway with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal standing in the way, but the back flare-up during Federer’s 7-6 (1), 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Belgian Xavier Malisse is an ominous sign of things to come.

With so much stacked against him already, the health issues will be the tipping point for a Wimbledon loss; likely to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

Federer told Yahoo! Sports after his latest victory and his latest battle with back issues:

"

Honestly I'm not too worried. I've had bad backs over the years. They go as quick as they came. But of course I have to keep an eye on it now. Two good nights' sleeps, and I'll be 100 percent on Wednesday. I'm pretty convinced, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to pull out the match the way I did today.

"

While Federer has always been one that has faced questions with honesty, his increasing age and the toughness of the competition will force him to deal with the pain in relative silence.

If tennis greats like Djokovic and Nadal see that Federer is injured, they will be like sharks with blood in the water; Fed-Ex wouldn’t stand a chance.

The hope from the Federer camp is that they can get the star the treatment he needs to advance in the show, but the popular belief is that if he is not 100 percent, he will be sent home early.

Federer is not completely past his prime, but father time and nagging injuries are catching up to the Swiss star fast. Add in the rising competition in the men’s division, and the end of the reign for Fed-Ex is upon us.

Check back for more on tennis as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s Tennis page to get your fill of all things racquets.

Follow @Donald_Wood