Olympic Tennis 2012: Roger Federer's Competitive Fire Doesn't Ebb for Games

Roger Federer is playing tennis just as tough now as before.

Down 1-0 to Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro in the men's singles semifinal of the 2012 Summer Olympics, Federer won the second set 7-6 and displayed an immense amount of sheer will in taking the third set 19-17.

The Wimbledon grass has clearly been a favorable surface to the Swiss, especially after having won that Grand Slam tournament in early July for a record-tying seventh time. And although his last Olympics were the 2000 Sydney Games where he lost in the quarterfinals, Federer wants gold in London.

Ahead, we take a look at why the maestro refuses to recede despite his age.

Confidence Playing in London

Roger Federer simply loves to win on grass and that even holds more true in London.

As previously mentioned, the Swiss won the Wimbledon Championship a seventh time in 2012, and courtesy of that victory he has returned to the No. 1 spot in the world.

In addition, it's not so much Federer's confidence when playing at Wimbledon or just on grass right now, as it is his recent production. From the French Open in 2010 through Roland-Garros in 2012, Federer made just one finals appearance and won zero slams.

On the brighter side, he did qualify for three consecutive semifinals beginning with the 2011 U.S. Open and the 2012 French Open. Lest we forget about other tournament wins in Dubai, Paribas and Madrid.

He's simply been playing much more consistent in 2012 and it's been proven through the Olympics.

No Pressure to Win

Already being considered the greatest tennis player to ever live, that also means there's no real pressure on Federer to win the Olympics.

Yes, it would complete his total repertoire of major tournaments, but it's not like a runner-up finish will damper his legacy. With 17 career grand slams and 24 total finals appearances, Federer has nothing left to prove.

Still, his competitive nature—like all elite athletes—is what's most impressive. Federer could have easily called it quits against Del Potro and no one would question him because of his career resume.

That said, the maestro is taking full advantage in capitalizing on what's left in the tank. And you have to love an athlete like that who is never satisfied with second best.

Hunger For Olympic Gold

There may not be any pressure on Federer to win but he's playing as if he has everything to lose.

Round 1, perhaps, was a reality check when he gave up a set to Alejandro Falla of Colombia. After winning 2-1, Federer then swept his next three opponents 2-0 with USA's John Isner coming the closest to winning a set (lost second set 7-6).

Federer's serve if anything, has been his most consistently dominant aspect. Against Del Potro, Federer had 24 aces (to only getting aced 11 times) and had a higher winning percentage on the first and second serves.

In the final, he's slated to face either Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray. Regardless of the opponent, even with no pressure, Federer will bring the pain. Interestingly enough, that "nothing to lose" factor only makes him that much more dangerous and tougher to beat. 

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