Roger Federer (Photo : Getty Images)
Roger Federer could another major title to his all-time record 17 Grand Slam singles crown this year, despite coming off a lengthy lay-off to recover from a knee injury.
Federer could still be a force to reckon with this season, particularly at Grand Slam events, according to ESPN Tennis Analyst Peter Bodo, who predicted that the Swiss Maestro could bag another major title this season, considering the "altered and less formidable landscape" of men's singles competition.
"Federer has to be the youngest 35-year-old in human history. He's the all-time Grand Slam singles champ, and he's returning to an altered and less formidable landscape. Novak Djokovic, Federer's recent nemesis, looks vulnerable. Same goes for Rafael Nadal. Federer has usually throttled Andy Murray," Bodo wrote.
Federer last won a Grand Slam title back in 2012 at Wimbledon, where the Swiss defeated Murray in the final round. Since then, Federer had three opportunities to add an 18th major to his record, having made the final rounds of Wimbledon and US Open in 2014 and 2015. But Federer lost to Djokovic in all those events, creating one of the fiercest rivalries in the past four years.
But considering Federer's form coming off a huge setback, it is difficult to see the Basel native competing for a Grand Slam title anytime soon. Federer's much-anticipated comeback did not pan out as many expected, with the Swiss hitting a road bump following his loss to Alexander Zverev at the Hopman Cup 7-6 (1) 6-7 (7) 7-6 (4).
Nevertheless, Federer will have a chance to right his ship and achieve a historical feat when he competes at the Australian Open on Jan. 16, 2017.
With the likes of Djokovic, Murray and Nadal competing at the event, as well as some of the Tour's young talents, Federer may have a tough road for an 18th crown. But the Swiss has always been positive of his chances and this instance is no different from any of what he experienced before.
"After all these years, it would be nice to win another one," Federer added. "Of course I'd even take two or three or four."
Video courtesy: YouTube/MasterCard Hopman Cup
