Federer back to his imperious best court is in session

Saturday, Feb 13, 2010

Gulf News

After winning the season-opening Australian Open for his 16th Grand Slam, Roger Federer ensured he had walked into the annals of tennis history. It will definitely take a long, long time for anyone to usurp Federer from that position.

His record in Dubai is equally compelling: Federer has won four times here — 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. In 2006, he was one set up in the final when he stumbled against Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal. And last year, he ran into Andy Murray and suffered a rare first round exit.

However, things are different now following his victory in Melbourne against Murray last month.

In more one ways, Federer, who has silenced his critics, has shown that he is in no mood to surrender his crown as the world's No 1 player. In fact, when asked about his goals for the year, the Swiss ace told media at in Doha that he wants to retain top ranking.

After his triumph Down Under, Federer, who has taken a well-deserved break to spend time with his five-month-old twin daughters, is ready to play in what he calls his "second home".

Nadal's absence

There is no denying that Dubai is one of Federer's favourite hunting grounds. Then of course, this year there will be no Nadal.

But Federer still is likely to face a stiff challenge from defending champion Novak Djokovic, Murray, Juan Martin Del Potro, Andy Roddick and Nikolay Davydenko among the few big names making it to Dubai.

Gone are the days when Federer looked invincible. Over a period of time, his rivals have managed to unravel the mystery behind the Swiss master's success, making Federer accept that "the gap is getting narrow".

Murray, who skipped the season opener in Qatar, was on the threshold of fulfilling a dream of a nation — to win a Grand Slam for the first time since Fred Perry achieved it way back in 1936. However, that was not to be as he lost the Australian Open final.

Roddick, on his day is capable of dismantling any opponent. But the question is will he be able to do it against the guily Federer, who holds a 19-2 record against the American in their head-to-head meetings.

Going by the record books, perhaps it is Del Potro who looks to be in pole position to have a crack at Federer even though the Swiss leads 6-2 in career meetings.

The lanky Argentine is the latest to taste success against Federer. In the last two occasions, first in the US Open final and then in the Barclays ATP Tour Men's Final, the Argentine has emerged victorious. While Russian Davydenko is the other player in the men's list to have won against Federer in the recent past.

Despite all these challenges, Federer looks at his best with an uncanny habit of churning out winners when needed.

By his own admission, there is just one person capable of beating him — Federer himself. Given his imperious form at the moment this seems most unlikely .

Novak Djokovic

Age: 22 (22.05.1987)

Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia

Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Weight: 176 lbs (80 kg)

Plays: Right-handed

Turned Pro: 2003

Coach: Marian Vajda

Website: www.novak-djokovic.com

Juan Martin Del Potro

Age: 21 (23.09.1988)