Federer's 28th Consecutive Major Quarterfinal Shows He's Not in Decline

This weekend at Roland Garros, Roger Federer comfortably defeated Swiss compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka to advance to the quarterfinals 6-3, 6-2, 7-5.

As seen in the match statistics, Federer was able to capitalize on five of six break point chances. He easily won the first set in 25 minutes, and he won the second set in 31 minutes.

Wawrinka was only able to convert one of two break point chances, which he took in the third set. Wawrinka did put up a challenge in this extended third set (51 minutes), but Federer was able to break back and go on to win the match.

While the tennis world is focused on Novak Djokovic's impressive 40-0 winning streak this year, Federer made history of his own. As The New York Times points out, his fourth round victory marks the 28th straight time he has advanced to the quarterfinals of a major. This is a streak that goes back to Wimbledon 2004.

This year, Federer has had to answer to suggestions that he is on the decline. In March, tennis legend Martina Navratilova suggested he would have a very difficult time regaining the No. 1 ranking. She discussed Djokovic's improved form and the fact that Federer had lost to him three times this season as well as last year's U.S. Open.

Federer, however, pointed to his recent ATP World Tour victory over Rafael Nadal as evidence that he could continue to produce great tennis.

Federer's victory today on clay, his least favorite surface, shows he is still capable of maintaining a consistently high level of play. If anything, Djokovic's recent hot streak is not a sign of Federer's decline. It's merely a sign that there are now three players at the top instead of two.

And tennis is a sport that is ever-changing. In 2008, pundits were tempted to write Federer off when he burst into tears after losing to Nadal at the Australian Open. Yet he went on to complete his career slam the following year.

In 2009, pundits were ready to write off Nadal after he struggled with injuries and lost to Robin Soderling at Roland Garros. Yet in 2010, Nadal went onto win three of the four majors.

This year at Roland Garros, Federer has slipped under the radar, as the conversation seems focused on Nadal and Djokovic. Yet this could work to Federer's advantage, as he could quietly advance through this tournament without the pressures of media scrutiny.

And although Federer will turn 30 this year, his style of tennis is conducive to longevity. I would not be surprised to see him as a major factor at the slams for several more years. Having achieved nearly every historical record in tennis, he is playing with house money.