Charismatic Swiss Maestro Roger Federer is one of those players, who comes into a tournament not only as a player, but a heavy favorite. Looking at his results this year too, the World No.1 is back to his prime and has left everyone gasping for air. His racquet becomes his wand as he weaves magic on the court like a sorcerer as his opponents are hypnotized by his sheer class.

After a dramatic, desolating five-set loss to Novak Djokovic (he led two sets to love and had two match points in the fifth set) at last year’s US Open, Federer struck back with vengeance, winning titles in Basel, Paris and London to culminate 2011 and then commenced 2012 with a loss at the Australian Open to Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. 

Abhimanyu Nagpal has a different outlook and expects Djokovic to win the US Open---> click here to read his part of the debate!

With 6 titles already to his name, Federer has ruled the world of three set matches with 4 titles coming on hard courts (Rotterdam, Dubai and Indian Wells and the recently concluded Cincinnati Masters) along with one on clay (Madrid Masters). He also made an overwhelming comeback amongst the Grand Slam Winners as he lifted his record tying 7^th Wimbledon title, and in turn climbed to the Numero Uno spot.

On hard courts this year, Federer has won 93% of his service games, a figure intimidating to any player. With a win-loss record of 28-2 on hard this year, Federer has been in some awe-inspiring form on this surface in 2012. His knack to turn defense into offense along with the bag of tricks he always had lying, Federer is one of those players who can claw their way out of any situation by keeping their mind and emotions in check.

At the US Open too, Federer’s record stands apart from everyone. Since 2004, Federer has reached semi-finals or more including five straight titles from 04-08. Though he suffered a shocking loss at the hands of Juan Martin Del Potro in the 2009 finals, he would definitely be looking to avenge his loss that he has suffered at the hands of Novak Djokovic in the last two US Open semis. With the courts at Flushing Meadows being fast, Federer’s accurate serves and pouncing forehands will test the limits of every player present in the draw.

Well what else can I say about this epitome of perfection as he defies all logic about how turning 30 can lead to a player’s downfall. Roger Federer is one player to look out for at this year’s US Open.