Roger Federer Faces Rough Road Ahead in Australian Open and Beyond

Superstar Roger Federer continues his legendary career at the 2016 Australian Open after an impressive four-set victory in the third round over talented Grigor Dimitrov.

The world No. 3 is 12 years removed from his first championship in Melbourne, but he is trying for his fifth trophy in one of tennis’ grandest venues.

Always regal in bearing, Federer’s smooth strokes and quick-strike mentality look as if he can win titles for years to come, but it’s just not that easy. The genius of the 34-year-old is touted, but hard work is his real secret.

Which is why Federer is ready to take on greater challenges in the road ahead.

There are fiercer opponents to topple in the arduous journey for major title No. 18, but the "Fed Express" keeps on rolling.

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This guy is good. Federer notches 300th career Grand Slam match-win, overcoming Dimitov 64 36 61 64. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/bITy86XuJX

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) January 22, 2016"

Next Men Up

Federer’s quest crosses into the second week where fourth-round opponent David Goffin awaits.

It’s a good matchup for the Swiss, who will have all of the serving and forehand advantages to dictate play. It will be crucial that he finishes points quickly rather than play extended rallies against the retrieving Goffin, because he will need extra energy for the rounds ahead.

Subsequent matches would be even bigger tests. He would probably prefer dueling a more familiar second-tier star like Tomas Berdych, rather than tangle with more lethal and unpredictable talents like Marin Cilic or Nick Kyrgios.

Cilic drilled Federer in 2014 for the U.S. Open final berth and likely cost the Swiss that title.

Kyrgios has intriguing power and athleticism. He loves the big stage and would have huge home crowd support. It’s the kind of cage fight that would call on his remaining youthful powers.

Then there’s the matter of a possible semifinal showdown against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and a possible final beyond that. It’s too early for these kinds of analyses, but the way ahead is like climbing through uncharted snowy peaks.

The road through Melbourne might be the most difficult one that Federer has had to travel for winning a major title. Think about that one. There are plenty of talented, hard-hitting challengers and the labor of trying to knock off an overwhelming major favorite like Djokovic.

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Swan Song

There’s no end in sight to more great tennis from Federer, but the seasons will matter more than ever. This could be the Swiss Maestro’s last great opportunity of competing on slower courts as a bona fide contender.

In early March, Federer will play at Indian Wells, where the grittier surface slows the pace more than he would like, but he will then check out of slogging trials like Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.

Tennis fans from Florida through Western Europe will miss his graceful theatrics. Millions of global viewers will have to endure a Federer drought from mid-March through mid-May until he returns for a long shot at Roland Garros.

This will present an alternative road, that—despite the rest and rejuvenation—is still a calculated risk. Will Federer have the timing and momentum he needs to peak at Wimbledon and conjure up a retro-spell of dominance through the Olympic Games and the U.S. Open?

Suppose he loses some of that attacking edge that saw him challenge Djokovic for the last two major titles in 2015? There’s the mentality of playing and winning that must still be filled. The road to the top requires bold strength and unfeigned confidence.

In 2013, when Federer struggled with injuries, there were fans and media who buried his chances to contend again.

Although Federer has since resurrected his fine form, he is always in a race against time. Every day is a fight against apathy and distractions, to say nothing about practices, fitness and more gladiator feats. Anything to keep the momentum going one more hour.

Who knew that rival Rafael Nadal would so suddenly drop from major contention following his 2014 French Open title?

With Federer, there’s been a more gradual regression from his dominant glory days, hardly perceptible from day to day, and not yet over. There’s still hope and belief that one more major title is within reach. His talent and superlative skills are honed and ready to take his fight to the next arena.

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Postcards from Beyond

Federer’s world-class efforts are picturesque scenes that link the present to his gallery of championship masterpieces. Each win is another postcard to every tennis dilettante who wants to enjoy one more delivery from the Swiss legend.

Federer’s tennis is a Swiss delight, sweet as milk chocolate and majestic as the Alps. It’s his fluid footwork, liquid-whip forehand and clockwork precision in cranking out several serving games that scarcely top one minute. Such apparent ease and natural imagery are crafted by his obvious dedication and love for tennis.

Watch the mighty Federer every chance that you get. Something special is always on the horizon, but even the sun must inevitably set.