Roger Federer: Legend Will Relish Role as Underdog vs. Djokovic

The role of underdog is one that is very unfamiliar to all-time great Roger Federer, but it's the role he will play in his upcoming semifinal match against Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic has had such an incredible year on tour that he will be favored against any player, no matter how impressive their resume might be.

The role is one that Federer will relish as he sets out to prove that he still has what it takes to win Grand Slam events.

The times when he has been the underdog have been few and far between, but the most recent time went well for him.

At the French Open, he took on Djokovic in the semifinals. It was in that match that Djokovic was dealt one of his two losses on the season.

Federer deals with adversity and long odds as well as anyone on tour. His calm demeanor serves him well and he looks as focused as he has ever been.

To be frank, Federer has played just as well as Djokovic so far in the US Open and maybe better. He has only dropped one set in the entire tournament and he absolutely dismantled Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in their quarterfinal matchup.

The competition will take a huge step up for Federer in semifinals, but he seems to be up to the task.

The all-time leader in Grand Slam tournament victories somehow finds himself as the underdog in the semifinals. The role is unusual for Federer, but it's one that suits him well.