What Should We Expect from Roger Federer in 2017?

Durability is one of the most underappreciated aspects of Roger Federer’s greatness.

For all the praise heaped upon him for his myriad accomplishments and otherworldly racket skills, that he maintained such a clean bill of health in an era when the game became more physical is no less noteworthy.

Avoiding major injuries for his first 17 seasons, iron man Federer set a record by appearing in 65 consecutive Grand Slams between the 2000 and 2016 Australian Opens. That streak is astonishing.

As other chief rivals—namely Rafael Nadal—battled an assortment of physical problems, the Swiss’ agile, suave style of play spared his body unnecessary wear and tear and extended his shelf life. Even in his mid-30s, the dexterous Federer showed no signs of breaking down.

Until this year. 

Beginning 2016 with optimism following a campaign that saw him win six titles and reach the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals, Federer (along with new coach Ivan Ljubicic) set out to make inroads on world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and continue his quest for an 18th major.

In Melbourne, he coasted to the semifinals for the 12th time in 13 years, his run ended by none other than a red-hot Djokovic. Little did he know how dramatically things were about to change.

A day after that loss, Federer tore his left meniscus in a fluke accident while preparing a bath for his young twin daughters. Expected to be sidelined for a short period after minor surgery, the injury wound up sabotaging his campaign.

Federer only participated in five tournaments after the Australian Open, the pain in his knee lingering. In retrospect, he probably rushed back too soon and didn’t allow himself an extended recovery.

Also dealing with a back injury that forced him out of Roland Garros and ended his Grand Slam streak, Federer willed himself through the grass-court season at less than 100 percent. A five-set loss to Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semifinals proved his final match of the year.

During the fifth set, Federer’s knee buckled and he laid face-down on the lawn as he tried to collect himself. That would be the lasting image of his season to forget.

In late July, Federer announced …

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