
Former WTA No. 1 Lindsay Davenport has tipped 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer to triumph at Wimbledon for a record ninth time later this year.
Davenport, a three-time Grand Slam champion also acknowledged that she had underestimated Federer last year when he won the Australian Open for the fifth time. Federer had made a spectacular comeback after spending six-months out of action due to a knee injury, beating arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the final in Melbourne to secure his 18th Major title.
Federer created history on Friday, becoming the oldest No. 1 in tennis history. The 36-year-old from Basel will replace Nadal at the top of the men’s rankings on Monday, when the ATP will officially update the new rankings. The reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion has surprised his fans, fellow players and the pundits alike with his mesmerizing play even in his mid-30s. Federer regained his No.1 rank after he came back from behind to defeat Robin Haase of the Netherlands in three sets in Rotterdam.
And Davenport insisted that Federer will not only lift another Wimbledon crown this summer, he will end 2018 as the No. 1 player in the world. Federer has been the most dominant player on the ATP tour in recent times, losing just the five matches since making his return to competitive tennis in January 2017. According to Davenport, Federer will continue to shine in 2018 due to his smart scheduling decisions.
Davenport told Tennis.com: “Roger will win at Wimbledon again and have a good fall and I can’t see anybody passing him.”
She added: “I underestimated Roger last year after he won Aus Open.
“I thought that was his moment of glory. I just don’t see it happening where he’s not successful.
“He’s so smart at managing his schedule – so happy playing now and so confident.
“He has the ability to play at such a high level, but also have a great maturity and great outlook.
“He knows exactly where he wants to play this year, where he plays well and what makes sense for his family.
“He puts a lot of thought into a lot of small decisions.”