Federer and the ATP Race for WTF

by lydian Fri 15 Mar 2013, 11:33 am

First topic message reminder :

I ended another thread by saying I'd like to see Fed at the O2 this year (for my son...of course) before he doesn't make it there again.
2014 is likely to be much harder to qualify - however, could 2013 be tougher to qualify given his YTD has been as good as usual?

How many points does he need to WTF? Possibly around 4,000.
So far he has 1,170 pts and is 6th in the race.
He'll likely need another 2,800 pts to qualify from his remaining 2013 schedule:

6-May Madrid, Mutua Madrid Open
13-May Rome Internazionali BNL d’Italia
27-May Paris, Roland Garros
10-Jun Halle, Gerry Weber Open
24-Jun Wimbledon
5-Aug Montreal, Rogers Cup
12-Aug Cincinnati, Western & Southern Open
26-Aug New York, US Open
07-Oct Shanghai, Shanghai Rolex Masters
28-Oct Paris, BNP Masters

(maybe Basel if they agree his appearance issues)

Surely he gets 2,800 pts from above? Surely...?
However, lets say he flatlines 2013 and averages QF in all events - that gives him a total of around 3,400 pts going into WTF - probably not enough.
Making SFs on average would change that to around 5,600 pts - probably putting him midway in qualifying.

If he averages somewhere between QF and SFs then he's looking at 4,500! Which should be enough but goes to show it could be tight and he'll needs some good performances (finals) to probably offset going out early 2-3 times. However, it illustrates that a lacklustre (relatively) year could easily hurt him for WTF'13.

Anyone think that its possible he doesnt qualify or is it much ado about nothing and he cruises it?

by Jeremy_Kyle Sun 07 Apr 2013, 1:33 pm

Born Slippy wrote:Yeah, you'd have to be a strange individual to see this article as anti-Federer. Particularly ironic as it was kicked off again this week by a Federer fan worrying that he might not make it. That said, barring the back issue keeping him out for a large portion of the season, he will make it easily.

Let's not go personal here, if possible.

by LuvSports! Sun 07 Apr 2013, 2:49 pm

lydian wrote:

LS, this article does no such thing (exude what undertone? This is his worst start to a year). Please keep on reading negative bile about me elsewhere to colour your judgement. Birds of a feather flock together. I couldn't care less. I'm a fan of the game first and foremost, long before Nadal or Federer came along, and will be very sorry to see Roger leave the tour whenever he does because the way he plays the game is uniquely graceful, aggressive, effective and enjoyable to watch. Its the perfect bluprint for future players (if we can restore some variation) hence why I eulogise about Dimitrov (and Goffin, albeit he has DHBH). I guess that's also strange to admire Dimitrov's game when I'm a "Nadal diehard" right? I'm just not Fed's biggest fan, doesn't mean I don't admire and appreciate his game though.

Woah woah woah, hold the phone here. All i said was i understood JK's comment but I didnt actually agree with him.
My views of you have not changed from what others say. You know a hell of a lot more than me about this sport and I have learnt a lot from you among others.
If you are eluding to what I think you are, then you are wrong.

by lydian Mon 08 Apr 2013, 9:04 am

No LS. You said you thought this article may exude the same undertone JK was referring to - i.e. that I was "wetting myself" at the prospect Federer wouldn't make WTF. Sorry but that's tacit agreement. There is no such undertone on this thread and there was never intended to be any - the reason I posted was clear and has been repeated several times since. You also know the personal crap that is peddled about me elsewhere by bitter banned (banned multiple times I may add) ex-forum members. Yes its a free world...therefore I'm also free to gain impressions of those who choose to post amongst that crowd in the face of just about every member of 606V2 being slagged off without a word said to the contrary.

by CaledonianCraig Mon 08 Apr 2013, 9:14 am

I am flabbergasted. All that I have read on this thread are genuine posts discussing Roger's potential run to the WTF and over-whelmingly posters tipping him to qualify fairly cpmfortably as well. I see no digs, no sly shots and no insults aimed at Roger.

by LuvSports! Mon 08 Apr 2013, 9:34 am

Ok lydian i apologise for my tactless, rash actions.

by LuvSports! Mon 08 Apr 2013, 9:35 am

LuvSports! wrote:Ok lydian i apologise for my tactless, rash actions.
Didn't think it deserved that response but oh well.

by Jeremy_Kyle Mon 08 Apr 2013, 9:57 am

lydian wrote:No LS. You said you thought this article may exude the same undertone JK was referring to - i.e. that I was "wetting myself" at the prospect Federer wouldn't make WTF. Sorry but that's tacit agreement. There is no such undertone on this thread and there was never intended to be any - the reason I posted was clear and has been repeated several times since. You also know the personal crap that is peddled about me elsewhere by bitter banned (banned multiple times I may add) ex-forum members. Yes its a free world...therefore I'm also free to gain impressions of those who choose to post amongst that crowd in the face of just about every member of 606V2 being slagged off without a word said to the contrary.

I think there is a fair quote of Federer fans who would agree with me, although they are unable to do so because they have been banned. Another share of Federer fans who have been peed off by the forum probably are no longer reading this type of articles or any other article on this forum.

by bogbrush Mon 08 Apr 2013, 10:01 am

I don't see a problem with this article myself.

Equally, I don't see a problem for Federer getting to the WTF. The competition after his three rivals is so useless I think he'll be getting to the WTF when he's 40 if he feels so inclined.

by banbrotam Mon 08 Apr 2013, 11:27 am

Jeremy_Kyle wrote:Another share of Federer fans who have been peed off by the forum probably are no longer reading this type of articles or any other article on this forum.

Strange isn't it, Fed fans "peed off" because of the "forum" and not because he is no longer the best current player in the world.

If he wins the next three Slams, do you think they'll all be back - puffing their chests out even more arrogantly than before telling how he's going to win 30 slams. And those banned, will simply re-join under new names? Wink

by kingraf Mon 08 Apr 2013, 11:46 am

The real question: Can Gasquet make the WTF? I think yes,no¿

by Jeremy_Kyle Mon 08 Apr 2013, 11:53 am

That would be a more sensible topic, and probably more interesting to debate.

I suggest this one: Will the WTF take place at all this year? Yikes

by lydian Mon 08 Apr 2013, 12:06 pm

Fair enough LS although I'm not seeking apologies, I know you're a pretty balanced poster. I just take exception to being labelled by others with an axe to grind (not you). Let's move on.

Quite banbrotam. JK, well at least your 9:57 post confirms your alignment with those 1 or 2 posters who were banned on multiple occasions from multiple forums. With that in mind you laughingly label me the player hater. Quelle surprise! Those banned posters you align with had no tennis forum left that would tolerate their views so they created their own haven of negativity where they could unite and rejoice in their hatred of one player - or "moribundus" as I see they call him - and exaltation of the other. Given your siding with those posters, who slag me off at every opportunity for having had the temerity to stand up to them in the past, its really no surprise you pop up to label me negatively.

BB, hope the skiing was good. Yeah you're probably right about Fed - I guess my view was that if the year carries on like it has so far (which no-one wants!) then his points total will be a lot lower than usual. However, he should of course pick up plenty of points across clay/grass and faster hard.

by banbrotam Mon 08 Apr 2013, 12:30 pm

lydian wrote:Quelle surprise! Those banned posters you align with had no tennis forum left that would tolerate their views so they created their own haven of negativity where they could unite and rejoice in their hatred of one player - or "moribundus" as I see they call him - and exaltation of the other

Given JK's adulation of all things Roger, I wonder who on earth the player "hated" could possibly be? I for the life in my can't think of a single player that's been responsible for Roger's failure to win more slams. Or anyone who might affect his GOAT status. Strange!! Laugh

It is quite funny, that the forum is now boring - simply because we no longer have the fawning articles about any player

For what it's worth, jsut the other week (following Murray's Aus defeat) I'd suddenly realised that the forum had improved significantly in comparison to a few months previously and couldn't understand why

Now I realise!!

Long live the 2013 version of 606v2 Wink

by Jeremy_Kyle Mon 08 Apr 2013, 12:37 pm

lydian wrote:Fair enough LS although I'm not seeking apologies, I know you're a pretty balanced poster. I just take exception to being labelled by others with an axe to grind (not you). Let's move on.

Quite banbrotam. JK, well at least your 9:57 post confirms your alignment with those 1 or 2 posters who were banned on multiple occasions from multiple forums. With that in mind you laughingly label me the player hater. Quelle surprise! Those banned posters you align with had no tennis forum left that would tolerate their views so they created their own haven of negativity where they could unite and rejoice in their hatred of one player - or "moribundus" as I see they call him - and exaltation of the other. Given your siding with those posters, who slag me off at every opportunity for having had the temerity to stand up to them in the past, its really no surprise you pop up to label me negatively.

BB, hope the skiing was good. Yeah you're probably right about Fed - I guess my view was that if the year carries on like it has so far (which no-one wants!) then his points total will be a lot lower than usual. However, he should of course pick up plenty of points across clay/grass and faster hard.

I have always been saying vocally that the forum is missing posters like Tenez, NITB etc. so nothing to add there, really. Kicking posters out from one side, and, in the meantime, letting stay others even more biased (I am not necessarily thinking of you here) has the consequence that the most preposterous theories become mainstream only because they are repeated ad nouseum without any contradiction.

by kingraf Mon 08 Apr 2013, 12:52 pm

Interested to hear what theories you find ridiculous LK, as a quick glance shows that recent threads have been about
Womens tennis
Heather Watson
Favourite match ups
Sexiest males tennis players
Davis Cup
Court speeds

by Jeremy_Kyle Mon 08 Apr 2013, 1:03 pm

kingraf wrote:Interested to hear what theories you find ridiculous LK, as a quick glance shows that recent threads have been about
Womens tennis
Heather Watson
Favourite match ups
Sexiest males tennis players
Davis Cup
Court speeds
Golden era
Golden era
Golden era
Golden era
Weak era
Weak era
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

by lags72 Mon 08 Apr 2013, 1:19 pm

CaledonianCraig wrote:I am flabbergasted. All that I have read on this thread are genuine posts discussing Roger's potential run to the WTF and over-whelmingly posters tipping him to qualify fairly cpmfortably as well. I see no digs, no sly shots and no insults aimed at Roger.

A wholly realistic observation here from CC, and one that that certainly struck a chord with me. It's so disappointing that even a well-reasoned, straightforward article which for the most part has generated mature and balanced contributions can still somehow provoke an unwelcome distraction from the main topic in the shape of veiled sniping at other posters. Nothing new I guess - but sad nonetheless.

Anyway, firmly back on topic : I am interested to see that most folk believe Federer will qualify, and in fact comfortably so. On balance I would agree, albeit perhaps not with quite the same conviction. But I hope that he does make it because in common with so many other tennis fans - including many who may not be his biggest supporters - I admire his playing style and what he brings to the sport even in his advanced years. I have said more than once that I don't think he will be on the main tour much longer.

I detect a remarkable similarity between Federer's record at the WTF and that of Pete Sampras.

- Sampras qualified for 11 straight WTF's, beginning with his first appearance in 1990, and ending in 2000. From those appearances he won 5 titles. He then began his 2001 season ranked Number 3, competed in 15 events that year but did not qualify for WTF that year, having fallen to No. 10 by the time it came round

- Federer has so far qualified for 11 straight WTF's (first appearance 2002) and has a total of 6 titles to his name. He began this year ranked Number 2, is now at 3 of course and according to an earlier post is scheduled to compete in 15 events over the season.

Hmmm ..... spooky or what .... Erm

by bogbrush Mon 08 Apr 2013, 1:25 pm

banbrotam wrote:
Jeremy_Kyle wrote:Another share of Federer fans who have been peed off by the forum probably are no longer reading this type of articles or any other article on this forum.

Strange isn't it, Fed fans "peed off" because of the "forum" and not because he is no longer the best current player in the world.

If he wins the next three Slams, do you think they'll all be back - puffing their chests out even more arrogantly than before telling how he's going to win 30 slams. And those banned, will simply re-join under new names?

What nonsense - where do you invent this rubbish bantroban?

by Born Slippy Mon 08 Apr 2013, 1:54 pm

Interesting comparison Lags - although I'd argue that Pete's first few events of the season were considerably more worrying than Fed's. Roger has suffered one "bad" defeat (Benneteau), whereas Pete was losing to the likes of Chris Woodruff. Ironically, the death knell in Pete's WTF plans in 2001 was probably the relatively early exit from Wimbledon, at the hands of Roger Federer.

Looking at Pete's performances at this stage in 2001, he would have about 800 points based on today's ranking points. He then only collected 50 points on clay. In addition, the fact that no player(s) particularly dominated 2001 meant that all the top 10 were relatively close which is very unlikely to be the case this year.

I don't, as yet, see enough evidence that Fed is suddenly going to start losing early in events regularly. If he does have a poor clay season (say an early exit in Madrid; SF in Rome and QF ar RG) then it may start to look a possibility. However, even if that happened, I'd still expect him to collect points on the grass/hard to be no lower than 5th.

by lydian Mon 08 Apr 2013, 2:22 pm

JK, those posters you mention have nailed their colours to the mast on that other forum, it is no surprise their views there weren't tolerated by Admin here. This forum has moved on and the things you mention are somewhat dated in my opinion. Besides which, feel free to open up meaningful new posts or topics yourself if you feel you can do better rather than being the seagull following the proverbial trawler.

Good points lags and BS. Federer's career does have some parallels with Pete's, although some argue Pete's decline was also hastened by his anaemia condition and the court slowing around 01/02. That aside, its interesting how we now have Dimitrov coming along (clear top 10 potential IMO) who like Federer was to Pete is 10 years younger than Roger. How spooky it would be if Grigor was posted alongside Federer in the Wimbledon draw this year! Of course, Dimitrov needs to start closing out the sets against the big guys.

BS provides good information and makes good points about the differences though. Roger is more adept on clay and is much fitter than Pete was around the same age plus Sampras' motivation to play the game was rapidly declining after 2000. I don't see that with Roger. As BB says, its likely he'll remain a contender for WTF as long as he wants to given no major no talent is breaking through. We even have Haas as a potential WTF contender at the age of 35 if he can continue this run. This next 2-3 months is going to be very interesting.

by Born Slippy Mon 08 Apr 2013, 2:30 pm

Trivia fact for 2001 - Haas was number 8 in the race but didn't qualify for the Masters Cup (or whatever it was called then) as Goran won Wimbledon but was outside the top 8. Haas has never finished a season in the top 8 before or since.

by banbrotam Mon 08 Apr 2013, 3:21 pm

bogbrush wrote:
banbrotam wrote:
Jeremy_Kyle wrote:Another share of Federer fans who have been peed off by the forum probably are no longer reading this type of articles or any other article on this forum.

Strange isn't it, Fed fans "peed off" because of the "forum" and not because he is no longer the best current player in the world.

If he wins the next three Slams, do you think they'll all be back - puffing their chests out even more arrogantly than before telling how he's going to win 30 slams. And those banned, will simply re-join under new names?

What nonsense - where do you invent this rubbish bantroban?

I think the 'wink' might give it away BB, i.e. I was half jesting. However, if you think that there are some Fed fanatics, who now, given his relative lack of success, no longer post, merely because they don't like the forum - then it is indeed "nonsense"

I think you forget how OTT some were when he won Wimbledon - it was as though the others didn't exist

You of course, still contribute as a fair minded Fed fan

by lags72 Mon 08 Apr 2013, 4:01 pm

lydian and BS - yep, although there are many career parallels Fed/Sampras, there are undoubtedly significant differences too, as you both have referenced.

Most notable of those differences is perhaps the speed of decline in Pete's career post-30 (his swansong USO triumph notwithstanding of course), as evidenced by what quickly became a pattern of consecutive losses to a series of relatively unheralded players, and the drop in motivation coupled with health-related factors mentioned by lydian.

It was ironically the greater level of fitness and health enjoyed by Federer (in part good fortune, in part good management & dedication) that enabled him to overtake Pete's record of weeks at Number One at such a late stage of his career. Pete had already watched Roger overhaul his Slam tally, and his WTF tally ; and was then no doubt a little disappointed to see the Number One weeks record fall too. IIRC he commented at the time that at least he still had the most consecutive year end Number One finishes. I think he even said that it was "about the only thing I've still got on him", in a tone that came across as much more rueful and warm than superior-sounding (of course the two families have socialised together quite often).

Meanwhile moving on and looking ahead ..... I guess a lot now depends on the extent to which Federer's back problem may - or may not - affect his ability to remain competitive at the highest level.

by TRuffin Mon 08 Apr 2013, 4:20 pm

banbrotam wrote:
Jeremy_Kyle wrote:Another share of Federer fans who have been peed off by the forum probably are no longer reading this type of articles or any other article on this forum.

Strange isn't it, Fed fans "peed off" because of the "forum" and not because he is no longer the best current player in the world.

If he wins the next three Slams, do you think they'll all be back - puffing their chests out even more arrogantly than before telling how he's going to win 30 slams. And those banned, will simply re-join under new names?

That seems kind of a meanspirited post. I don't know of any fellow Fed fan who ever said he's going to win 30 slams.

As a Federer fan, in a non arrogent way, I beleive Federer will qualify for the WTF for as long as he is on tour or cares too.. He's top 8 quality into his late 30's barring injury.
Certainly a reduced schedule can complicate things as we are already seeing when you start to add up the numbers, but you also have to look at the other guys in the top 8 and project. When Wimby, Cinci, US Open, In doors are factored in-- Federer will have plenty of points....

by Jeremy_Kyle Mon 08 Apr 2013, 4:37 pm

I know the guy, just a bit hard headed ( a quality which appears to be shared by many Murray fans on this forum) but all in all he's a good chap. Smile

by lags72 Mon 08 Apr 2013, 4:56 pm

TRuffin - Like you, I have certainly never seen anyone make even the most tentative claim that Federer could win 30 Slams. (If anyone did ever say anything remotely close, you would have to question their knowledge of the sport and just how much professional tennis they have watched). So yes, it was a rather mischievous comment.

Putting that irrelevance aside, I'm personally not at all convinced that any player - yes, even Federer - can maintain a consistent top eight position on today's demanding tour into "late 30's" - although in fairness you're not the only poster who feels that Fed is capable of this.

But I can't help wondering whether such assessments are based largely on the relatively disappointing depth of quality immediately below the 'traditional big four' If this changes and new 'emerging' talent finally (please ...!!) begins to step up to the plate, then Federer's age could surely soon become more & more of a significant factor. Admittedly, no clear sign of youngsters pushing him aside just yet, in fact he still seems able to take care of most of them ; but time will tell.

by lydian Mon 08 Apr 2013, 5:07 pm

Yes, new talent please...only Tomic and Dimitrov really stand out. Goffin isnt physical enough (height or breadth). Nishikori seems to have a glass back. We're going to have to wait for others like Berankis, etc, to step up.

Agassi stayed top 8 until 2 months shy of his 36th birthday in Feb 2006 - utterly remarkable.
Meaning he made WTF'05 at the grand old age of 35y 7m. Given he decided to retire in 2006 who knows if he could have gone on longer.
Federer and the ATP Race for WTF - Page 2 56145975_crop_650x440

Federer and the ATP Race for WTF - Page 2 56145975_crop_650x440

by invisiblecoolers Mon 08 Apr 2013, 5:29 pm

Federer might easily skip this entire year without much focus, I am not sure is focus is on the game now, may be he might take this year off and give it one big a shot in 2014 and call it off at Basel or WTF.

by The Special Juan Mon 08 Apr 2013, 5:43 pm

From L-R: Nalbandian, Nadal, ?, ?, Federer, Davydenko?, ?, Agassi

I'm dreadful with faces. I think Roddick and Hewitt should be there but neither of the "?" look like them.

by lags72 Mon 08 Apr 2013, 5:45 pm

lydian : other than the names you mention, the guy who I told myself (maybe I was the only one to think it ...?? Shocked

) showed signs of 'breaking through' was Dolgopolov.

I was very impressed with his run at the Aussie Open a couple of years back, when he would have been around 21. Have just checked the records by way of reminder and I see that in his route to the QF's he battled his way past Tsonga and Soderling, both in five sets. And Soderling was still ranked 4 at the time ! But apart from the actual stats I clearly remember thinking what a 'clean' get-on-with-it sort of player he was, no time wasting or affectation of any sort. I wonder could he yet move up ...?

On Agassi : agreed, making WTF aged 35y 7m is without doubt quite remarkable. He was a true great and a credit to the sport. But worth adding perhaps that (as we've said before) it's also very much about mileage on the clock rather than pure age. The official stats say that he finished with a total of 1144 career matches under his belt - which is just 51 more than Federer has already played.

by Born Slippy Mon 08 Apr 2013, 5:55 pm

The Special Juan wrote:From L-R: Nalbandian, Nadal, ?, ?, Federer, Davydenko?, ?, Agassi

I'm dreadful with faces. I think Roddick and Hewitt should be there but neither of the "?" look like them.

Ljubicic is the tall one third from left. I think he is standing next to Gaudio and Coria is the one next to Agassi.

by kingraf Mon 08 Apr 2013, 6:38 pm

Interesting point about mileage. Illustrated by the fact that while Tsonga and Berdych have similar career records and age, Tsonga has played nearly 250 matches less. Reckon this means Berdych will tail off before him?

by lydian Mon 08 Apr 2013, 7:05 pm

Yes lags, Dolgo was looking good - note he has an anemic blood condition also. He may still come good yet but his game needs to settle down a bit plus he's too skinny also.

Does body mileage work that way? Perhaps but it's probably also about how they look after themselves physically. Berdy is in better shape than Tsonga, IMO, and may last longer yet plus Tsonga's match total of 367 games is very low for a top 10er who's 10 days shy of 28 years old. Federer 1100 matches is huge but he's nearing 32 and another 50 matches with a reduced schedule will take him nearer to 33yo. Still, given his low injury rate he could go on another 3-4 yrs back and motivation notwithstanding.

by TRuffin Mon 08 Apr 2013, 9:02 pm

invisiblecoolers wrote:Federer might easily skip this entire year without much focus, I am not sure is focus is on the game now, may be he might take this year off and give it one big a shot in 2014 and call it off at Basel or WTF.

Federer has said in many interviews this year that he reduced his schedule in 2013 to create large training blocks. He's gone indepth in how he felt the last two years he played so many tournies and with his other obligations that he didn't feel he practiced enough. He's keeps saying basicaly the same thing in different ways- practice blocks in order to give myself more options next year- -hope to play many years to come and feel that the training I do this year will set me up for that... etc.... It's hard to know exactly what that means- but it's either- he's going to take it easy, prepare- and give it a real go next year.... or he's just transitioning into a smaller and smaller schedule. It seems to me though that he wouldn't be so intent on getting in extra practice if he planned on hanging it up.. What's he training for then?

On the flipside, it seems that so far- during the time he created for the training blocks- he's done more charity work and family vacation time than training- so maybe the idea was appealing but the motivation is starting to wan.........

by bogbrush Wed 10 Apr 2013, 1:56 pm

I think Federer went way out on a limb to get that #1 record, and got 300 into the bargain. The price was that he overplayed.

I think he's now going back to late career Plan 'A', where he does his big break training blocks - which for instance will protect and strengthen the back - with bursts of high value excursions onto the tour.

He could easily keep going for another 3-4 years on that basis. What he could never do is keep up what he did up to USO '12 much longer, if at all. I think that was all about #1, and then dragged on to the Olympics.

by lydian Wed 10 Apr 2013, 3:30 pm

BB, do you think Federer was spurred on further to get the 300 once he knew Nadal was out of the picture?

by TRuffin Wed 10 Apr 2013, 3:45 pm

lydian wrote:BB, do you think Federer was spurred on further to get the 300 once he knew Nadal was out of the picture?

I doubt it since he got back to #1 at Wimby when all we knew was Nadal had lost early to Rosol and was expected to be back for Olympics.. I'm sure Fed was intent on winning Wimby whether Nadal was there or not. He would have felt confident through Cinci with Nadal in the field who's never made it past the quarters there - which is where Fed locked up the 300 weeks.

The perfomances that got Fed back to #1 were nearly all with Nadal in the field or on tour.

by lydian Wed 10 Apr 2013, 3:49 pm

Fair points TR

by lydian Thu 11 Apr 2013, 8:58 am

Feds chances of making WTF just got better, he's finally agreed to play the Basel 500.

http://www.10sballs.com/2013/04/10/roger-federer-agrees-to-play-basel/

by bogbrush Thu 11 Apr 2013, 9:46 am

TRuffin wrote:
lydian wrote:BB, do you think Federer was spurred on further to get the 300 once he knew Nadal was out of the picture?

I doubt it since he got back to #1 at Wimby when all we knew was Nadal had lost early to Rosol and was expected to be back for Olympics.. I'm sure Fed was intent on winning Wimby whether Nadal was there or not. He would have felt confident through Cinci with Nadal in the field who's never made it past the quarters there - which is where Fed locked up the 300 weeks.

The perfomances that got Fed back to #1 were nearly all with Nadal in the field or on tour.

I agree with TRuffin; he got to #1 in the tournament that Nadal last played, after which I don't think Rafa being in or out made a lot of difference. In fact what made 300 close to inevitable was him doing better than Djokovic at the Olympics, after which winning Cincy just locked it in really.

by **laverfan** Fri 12 Apr 2013, 8:14 am

lydian wrote:Feds chances of making WTF just got better, he's finally agreed to play the Basel 500.

http://www.10sballs.com/2013/04/10/roger-federer-agrees-to-play-basel/

Absolutely bliddy marvellous. clap

by lags72 Fri 12 Apr 2013, 8:53 am

Hope there are no Tottenham Hotspur fans reading.

Basel will not be their favourite place right now ....... Sad

by LuvSports! Fri 12 Apr 2013, 9:16 am

laaaggsss why did you have to bring up footy?? As a leeds fan it pains me to hear about footy atm Sad

stupid colin

by **laverfan** Fri 12 Apr 2013, 10:33 am

Just a reminder - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=509JJkpvRDA

by summerblues Sat 18 May 2013, 10:17 pm

Fed will be back to #6 in the race irrespective of the result tomorrow. Given how little he has played thus far and given he is still able to reach the final in one of his least successful Masters tourneys (ok, his draw was not exactly difficult, but still he needed to win the matches to reach the final), I think he will likely be making it into the WTF quite safely.

I still think he will likely remain in top 4 at year end, though quite possibly at number 4.

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