After his loss in the first match of the Masters Cup to Fernando Gonzalez, Roger Federer said in the post-match interview: "Maybe it's the only loss you can have during a season and come back and win a tournament. I hope I can play well in the next two matches".

And so he did.

Not only did Federer crush his next two opponents, Nikolay Davydenko and Andy Roddick, to make it to the semi-finals, but once he got there he easily beat Rafael Nadal and then stepped over David Ferrer in the final, never looking back.

'The only thing that frightens Federer before 2008 comes around is once again failing to win the only title that he really wants and dreams about'


The lesson learned? Never underestimate Federer and even more – never get him angry or motivated. When the "money time" comes around, the Swiss master is sharp and still a class way above his main opponents.
Even though it seemed that Roger had nothing real to play for after securing top spot in the rankings for 2007 long ago, he showed once again that there is always a reason and a way.

Now he is the winner of the tournament for the fourth time, No.1 in the world, 10 million dollars richer (a record in one season) - and the owner of new Mercedes CLS 500.

Federer finishes 2007 with an amazing win-loss record of 65-9 . Eight titles, a third Australian Open, a fifth Wimbledon and four US Opens. I am sure that not one of the nine matches he lost made Federer miss any sleep. The only thing that frightens him before 2008 comes around is once again failing to win the only title that he really wants and dreams about – the French Open.

Federer might not win in France. Not because he can't (he played better on the clay this year), but because it seems that there is a mental block for him on the big occasion on the red dust. With a coach or without one, Federer needs to first believe in one thing - that he can beat Nadal on clay at the French Open.

Roger might lose a few additional matches in 2008 to the likes of Guillermo Canas and make a few lower-ranked players happy. That only shows he is human, and like any human he gets tired or plain bored.
He will still be the player to watch in 2008. Especially when the month of June comes around.

Other players to watch? If David Nalbandian can find a way to play like he did two weeks before the Masters Cup, he will finally be a force to reckon with. And Novak Djokovic is a great player who hasn't matured fully but is always fun to watch.

Ferrer might have something to say in 2008 like he did at the end of 2007. He is a great example for the hard workers of the game out there. Andy Murray, If injuries stop bothering him, will do well, though a Grand Slam in 2008 is not likely.