5 reasons Federer winning the Australian Open could be the biggest story of the year

It would mean more years of tennis from the legend

Federer turned pro in 1998 – when many of his current followers were not even born

At 35, Federer is not the youngest in the draw in Australia, but has regardless displayed the stamina and fitness of a player half his age. He has also had one of the longest, most successful careers in the business, with not much of a significant dip in form.

His only big dip in the rankings came last year following his 6-month hiatus, which was taken to stave off more serious complications from an old meniscus injury that has plagued Federer over the years.

Taking long recovery breaks has meant that Federer will have a longer, more sustained period in the sport. Given that 6 months off has still seen him drop inside the top 20, it is no mean feat for the ace especially given the quickly rising young crop of players aiming to get a move on in the ranks – some of whom Federer has fought successfully this year.

A win at Melbourne Park would definitively mean Federer is in the pink of health and at the top of his form – assuring fans of at least a few more years in sport.