Roger Federer: What FedEx Must Do to Capture 18th Major

The 2012 U.S. Open is Roger Federer's to lose, but that certainly doesn't mean he won't lose it. With Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray lurking, there is little margin for error. 

Federer hasn't had many errors of any kind recently as he rolls into this tournament. He has made the Finals in each of his last four tournaments, and in the last three he has won Wimbledon, taken the silver at the Olympics and won the Cincinnati Masters. He is obviously feeling good. 

Reuters shared this quote from Federer highlighting just how good he is feeling: 

"

It's going to take something special from my opponent to win. That's kind of how it feels right now.

"

When a quote like this comes from tennis' most decorated Grand Slam champion, it is not bluster; it is a warning.

If Federer can execute the following things, which I expect he will, he will win his sixth U.S. Open title. 

Serving Excellence

The service game is always a key at the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. It has also been a huge key to Federer's success.

While he is not one of the more dominant servers on the tour, he combines accuracy on his first serve with his precision ground strokes to make him nearly unbreakable.

With more performances like the seven ace outing and 70 percent first serve accuracy in his first-round match, Federer will be in control of every match.  

Quick Matches

Youth is not on Federer's side. As he's proven, it has not slowed him down enough to keep him from being ranked No. 1, but he would still be well served to limit the wear on his legs as he rolls through this tournament. 

Federer couldn't play anyone seeded higher than No. 23 Mardy Fish for the next three rounds. 

He needs to handle these matches like everyone knows he can: efficiently and quickly. The more he saves his legs, the harder he is going to be to beat. 

Play His Game

Rafael Nadal's body would not allow him to participate in they year's final major. In terms of Federer, this means there is not a player out there that is going to beat him if he plays his game. 

He doesn't need to alter his style to beat  Djokovic. He has beaten the former No. 1 the last two times they have met. 

Sure, Murray beat Federer in the gold medal match, but if Federer is on his game, is anyone really ready to say Murray can beat Roger in Flushing Meadows?

Federer needs to focus on his game and what he does best and everything else will fall into place.