Roger Federer has shattered most records in Tennis. However, there are a few that still elude him, the Olympic Gold medal, the calendar slam and most weeks at the top spot, he is currently a week short of Pete Sampras’ record of 286 weeks, among a few others (please pitch in the comments section).
The Olympic Gold medal and the calendar grand slam cannot happen in 2011, but he has a bright chance to regain the top spot sooner than most people think it is.
Let’s take a look at what Roger Federer has to defend and earn this year:
Tournament 2010 Points to Defend Potential Points to Gain
Indian Wells Lost in Rd of 16 90 910
Miami Masters Lost in Rd of 16 90 910
Monte Carlo Didn’t play – 1000
Rome Masters Lost in 2nd Round 10 990
Estoril Open Lost in Semi-Finals 90 160
Madrid Masters Lost in the Finals 600 400
French Open Lost in the Quarters 360 1640
Wimbledon Lost in Quarters 360 1640
Total: 1600 Total: 7,650
Now, let’s take a look at Rafael Nadal’s schedule till Wimbledon and the points he has to defend:
Rafael Nadal has a whopping 7,360 points to defend as compared to Federer’s 1600. Currently, Nadal has a lead of close to 4,000 points over Federer. If Nadal, loses 2000 points and Federer gains 2000, by the end of Wimbledon, Federer will reclaim the No 1 spot from Nadal.
Federer has to win at least two masters and win either the French or the Wimbledon to earn a solid 4000 points. The key here will be to win those Masters tourneys (Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome) that Nadal won last year, as this will result in Nadal losing a few points.
Once the Masters are done with, Federer has to win at least one Grand Slam and hope that Nadal falls in or before the semis.
Federer is still playing well enough to be able to beat most players on tour. His likely road blocks will be in the form of Djokovic and Nadal, but the best part is he won’t be facing Djokovic before the semi finals and Nadal before the finals of all the Masters and Slams. This gives Federer a chance to earn a few points before taking on Djokovic/Nadal.
Federer will need form, fitness and some luck to regain the No 1 by the time Wimbledon ends.
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