Roger Federer is without any doubt greatest player in the history of tennis generally and sports particularly. He has become the symblol of tennis since last decade. Now with increasing age his capability of winning like a young Federer is decreasing(this thing happens to every great player). But despite his increasing age he cruises in early rounds in any tournament, and he is always threat to his opponent. No one can bet against him in any match without risk. He is facing some worst season of his career in 2013. He played four tournaments so far and did not move ahead of semi finals(Dubai, Australian Open). In other two tournaments he lost in quarters(Indian Wells, Rotterdam). Now these tournaments are the part of history. This is the time to move to european dust i-e Clay. This is the surface on which Federer has worst record as compared to grass and hard courts. But he has a good record here. He is probably second best player on clay courts after Nadal.
History shows that the only problem for Federer on clay was Rafael Nadal, who defeated Federer five times at French open and 13 times overall. Most of these matches were finals. If Nadal was not there. Federer would be greatest on clay also. But Federer is the only man including Djokovic who defeated Nadal in clay tournament final twice. No other man could achieve that fate. Even when Federer was in his prime, he could not catch Nadal at French open. The only French open title that Federer won was in 2009. In that French open Nadal suffered a 4th round exit by Soderling. If Nadal advanced in that tournament, Federer would never win a French open. However his overall performance at French open is very good as compared to other top players. He has completed his 50 wins at this tournament last year. I don't think French open is his best chance to win grand slam in 2013, but it is expected that he will go deep into the draw and he will always a threat to his opponents.
Now another question arises, can Federer win 2013 French open by any mean? The answer is Yes. He can stole this year's French open if he avoids Nadal in the draw. Also Nadal has to suffer an early exit. Which is not looking possible this year also. Djokovic and Murray are more commited than ever to win Grandslam on clay. So possibility is there, but very rare. If we assess Federer in other clay courts tournament, he defend his title at Madrid. He has won this title two times in his career. He will surely favourite there and he can win there if he avoids Nadal in early rounds and cruise in the early rounds. At Rome masters Federer never won, he lost to Djokovic in the semis last year. This year the result could be not any different. If he qualifies for the final here he will never miss a chance to add this remaining title to his history book. And Federer knows how to do it.
So we can say that Federer's fans should not hope high for his hero at clay courts. But thinking that he will take court after a loing two months rest. This idea that Federer will disappoint his fans loses his weight, because well rested Federer is threat to anyone in the clay court field. The tennis world knows his win against Djokovic in 2011 semi finals of French open when Djokovic was riding a 41 match winning streak Now he has to play at that level at least. Again the time will tell.
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