Former Wimbledon and US Open quarterfinalist Brad Gilbert believes reigning champion Roger Federer is the overwhelming favourite to win his sixth Australian Open crown in Melbourne.
Gilbert seemed to be in awe of the Swiss legend’s consistency and his imperious form at the same time. According to the former coach of triple Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, Federer is simply playing outstanding tennis right now and it will be extremely difficult to beat him in the Victorian capital.
The American told Omnisport: “It will be interesting to see how Novak [Djokovic] goes after what has been a very concerning injury and Rafa [Nadal] obviously had an amazing 2017, but Roger would be my clear favourite.”
“Having seen him at the Hopman Cup, he was looking great.”
“He is just amazing at the age of 36. Before the last couple of years he had never had time off, which is just remarkable.
“He is a very young 36 and you just marvel at his greatness. He is like a corporation with the way he plans his schedule. He is an amazing guy.”
Federer turned back the clock last year by capturing his 18th Major title in stunning fashion in Australia. After all the troubles he had experienced in 2016, the Basel native wasn’t expecting to win his 5th Norman Brooks trophy, but one masterclass after the other took him closer to the title.
In the final he met his nemesis Rafael Nadal, a man he had not defeated in a Slam final since 2007. However, with his confidence on the rise and a new tactic to employ against the Spaniard, Federer raced through to the opening set. And even though he was trailing in the deciding set, Roger never lost the belief that he couldn’t claw his way back. He did make a spectacular comeback to eventually outclass Nadal 6-3 in what turned out to be an absolute thriller inside the iconic Rod Laver Arena.
