Australian Open: Roger Federer looks poised to win 20th grand slam
Roger Federer just won his second Hopman Cup for his country and is looking completely relaxed and in command going into the Australian Open as the overwhelming favorite.
With so many big names calling it quits and Federer continuing to outperform in imperious fashion, odds are that the Swiss Maestro will likely collect slam No. 20 in Melbourne. The numbers are bleeding in the top ranks of the men’s draw, with Andy Murray withdrawing this week, Novak Djokovic in questionable shape and likely to withdraw, Kei Nishikori still out recuperating from injury, and Stan Wawrinka possibly coming back when he’s ready.
Sitting relaxed, rejuvenated from the back issues that nagged at him towards the end of the ATP Finals last year, and standing confidently above the fray is the tennis granddaddy of them all, Roger Federer, the reigning Australian Open champion.
And the 36-year-old just sent a message to the younger generation by defeating 20-year-old Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev in the process.
In the Hopman Cup final between Team Switzerland and Team Germany, Federer won his singles match against the German, 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-2, in a match that showed off the best of both brilliantly talented players, with the world No. 4 taking the first set in a tight tie-break that forced the 19-time slam champ to hit a ball loose into the stands out of frustration. Federer repaid the favor by stealing the younger player’s thunder, causing him to curse under his breath as the elder statesman took back the contest, blazing through the next two sets as the German’s will diminished.
Zverev’s teammate, former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber bested Federer’s partner, Belinda Bencic, winning their match, 6-4, 6-1. It was up to the mixed doubles event to break the tie between the two countries, where the Swiss partners prevailed, 4-3, 4-2.
This is Federer’s second Hopman Cup title, 17 years after his first, winning the event with then-partner Martina Hingis in 2001 (before his run of grand slam titles!). It is also a perfect start to the year to put him in the best position to win his sixth Australian Open crown—which would equal Djokovic’s record number of titles in Melbourne, the Serb’s most successful event.
Another Australian Open title would mean that Federer would share the record of most titles in Australian and U.S. Opens while holding the record at Wimbledon in the Open Era. He is just one AO title behind Djokovic’s record six, shares the five-record title with Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras at the U.S. Open, and holds a record 8th title at Wimbledon.
Federer 2.0 seems unstoppable going into the first grand slam of the year. While others in his age range are still dealing with injuries—including his great rival Rafael Nadal still out with knee recuperation, but scheduled to appear in Melbourne—the 95 ATP title winner seems to have a magic formula to keep adapting his game to deal with the younger players.
Not bad for a part-time old-timer.
The Australian Open starts Jan. 15 with Federer likely be the No. 2 seed.