Former Wimbledon champion Lindsey Davenport has explained the real reason behind Australian Open champion Roger Federer’s decision to seek a wildcard to participate in the tournament in Rotterdam.
Davenport, a former women’s No. 1 claimed that Federer wanted to become the oldest World No. 1 in tennis and that’s why he has opted to participate in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in the Netherlands next week.
Federer, who trails current World No. 1 Rafael Nadal by just 155 points, is guaranteed to return to the summit of the men’s rankings if he advances to the semifinals or better at the 500 event. Nadal, who is not scheduled to play until the tournament in Acapulco at the end of February, lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
A thigh injury actually led to his defeat at the hands of the former US Open winner. However, he allayed the fears of any longtime injury layoff by announcing that his recovery was progressing well and he will be back in action in Mexico.
Nadal’s announcement of his participation in Acapulco perhaps forced Federer to take a wildcard for the competition in Rotterdam. According to Davenport, the Swiss legend is desperate to get back to number one in the world.
“This is big news and it certainly signals to everybody how big getting back to number one is to Roger Federer,” Lindsey told Tennis Channel.
“If he reaches the semi-finals next week in Rotterdam he will take over the top spot from Rafael Nadal.
“That would make Federer the oldest number one in the history of the ATP rankings.
“Right now [Andre] Agassi holds that at 33 years old.
“He has a lot of points to defend later in the year – 1000 points at Indian Wells where he won last year, 1000 points in Miami where he also won.
“So he might look at that as a window to get to that number one ranking.
“I’m thrilled that he is able to play in Rotterdam but it also shows that even after winning another major and playing seven matches, his body is healthy.
“It’s really great signs for Fed.”
