When do you think Federer will start struggling in early Grand Slam matches?

[McEnroeisanartist]

As Federer completely destroyed the 34th and 66th ranked players in the world in the first two rounds of the U.S. Open, it made me wonder, when will Federer start struggling in early Grand Slam matches?

"Struggling" like having to play a 5 set match in the first three rounds of a Grand Slam.

The only time I can ever remember him truly struggling was the 2010 Wimbledon, winning in 5 sets in the first round and 4 sets in the 2nd Round.

Since that tournament, he has played in 20 Grand Slams, being extended to 5 sets once in the 2nd Round, one in the 3rd round, and one in the 4th round.

Compare that to Sampras' 20 Grand Slam Peak - 1992 US Open to 1997 Wimbledon, and Sampras was extended to 5 sets 3 times in the 2nd Round, twice in the 3rd round, and 5 times in the 4th round.

 

[dondropshot]

He's gonna default from the heat this January in Oz. First, 2nd, or third round. Or just get his ahss kicked, then blame it on the heat, his back, up all night with a set of sick twins (18 year old boys), what ever he/Mrs. Federer come up with.

 

[Deleted member 293577]

He will retire before he reaches that point. Next year are the Olympics and he'll be ready for that. After that, I think retirement is right around the corner. He's a class act that will go out on top (or very near).

 

[NatF]

Well he lost to Seppi in the 3rd round at the AO this year. So he's not immune to tough early matches.

 

[Fedfan34]

Well he lost to Seppi in the 3rd round at the AO this year. So he's not immune to tough early matches.

I was gonna say, a loss to Seppi qualifies as "struggling" lol

 

[spirit95]

Sometime mid 2013 I'd say.