Federer More Fun as an Underdog

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ROGER FEDERER USED to make it look too easy.

During his prime, most of his matches were boring unless you studied the majesty of his groundstrokes — which is about as exciting as NFL preseason games.

Now, though, it isn't so easy for Federer. This past year, he's become the crafty veteran who must win with his brains more than with his skills.

Not that Federer has fallen off the map, but Rafael Nadal is considered the best player in the world.

Federer, at the ancient age of 27, has yet to win a major and has lost a whopping 12 times on the ATP tour — and needed five sets to defeat Igor Andreev (who?) Tuesday at the U.S. Open.

The funny thing is that as Federer has worsened — we should all slip and still be second best at our jobs — I've come to admire him more.

I first noticed this at Wimbledon, when the former No. 1 had no business forcing a fifth set against Nadal, let alone pushing the championship to legendary status.

With his skills dulled, Federer seems more human. His desire is more evident the harder tennis gets for him. It reminds you just how great he was, even though it was boring to watch.

On Thursday, Federer kept his quest for a fifth U.S. Open title alive. I hope he gets it. The underdog is great to cheer for, especially when he used to be the top dog.

Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images