Roger Federer has a tough decision to make in early 2010 as he debates the merits of fighting to continue his current ATP domination or trying to fill an empty space on his bulging trophy shelf.
Switzerland are drawn away to mighty Spain in the Davis Cup first round. The opening weekend in early March is inconvenient for Federer — coming on clay between ATP hard-court events in two deserts at Dubai and Indian Wells, California.
Federer, 28, knows that time is starting to slip away if he’s to lead Switzerland to the Davis Cup trophy, which would look good in his display case along with his 15 Grand Slam singles titles and Beijing Olympic gold medal in doubles.
“I truly enjoy playing for my country, but I’ll also have to see where I have my priorities for next season,” Federer said. “Of course, there are the Grand Slams, but there is also number one, which is a bit of a dilemma.
“If I want to play Davis Cup all the time, I might have to leave out some Masters 1000 tournaments. Like in the other years, I will see after the Australian Open how I feel and if I play the first round.” In recent years, the world number one has played in September’s inevitable relegation rounds to keep his nation in the elite World Group after usually avoiding the first-round ties.
He missed the loss to the United States in March in Alabama but saw his country safely through for 2010 as he led the side that beat Italy 3-2 last weekend.
