Roger Federer: Why He Must Win World Tour Finals

Last year, Roger Federer won the World Tour Finals after having one of his worst years to date, taking only one grand slam title and not even reaching the finals in any of the other three.

This year has been even worse.

However, after winning the event last year, Federer began 2011 in solid form, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open only to lose a tightly contested match against a consummate Djokovic.

In order to start 2012 right, he needs to win this event again.

In 2006, Federer took the title in style, obliterating James Blake in the final.  The 2007 Australian Open was then the best Grand Slam tournament that he has ever played, taking the trophy without dropping one set the entire tournament. 

Playing the World Tour Finals well leads to confidence and form in the Australian Open, which is played in relatively close proximity.

Also, aside from the Grand Slams, the WTF is the most important event of the year.  It's weighted at 1,500 points and is composed solely of the eight best players in the world, meaning the level of competition is unmatched. 

When Federer took the event last year, it was significant in that he had won only one other event of importance during the entire calendar year.  This year he has not yet won any, so this would be a great way to prove that he still has the skills to take the most critical events of the tennis season.

It's obvious to say that Federer winning the event would lead to confidence and form in the year to follow.  But I believe that Federer needs this title now more than ever; a loss would be highly detrimental for his 2012, which is going to be a very important year for the maestro.