[Lurking]

^ So, what you're saying is that Fed knows himself well, and can pace himself so that he pretty much peaks in the GS events?

He knows what doesn't work, so while his rivals are tripping over themselves overplaying and experimenting with what's perfect he's following the same schedule and so is there to pounce should the opportunity to arise. Most of the time that's achieved just by a lite schedule, in the case of Doha which comes after the offseason it's beneficial to turn up undercooked, every other time I believe you have to be at a decent level in build up tournaments for you to play well in GS.

[Mark]

I think Murray's success at the AO could be a sign that his new approach to his scheduling has made a significant boost, I think he worked himself too hard last year.

It's clear Federer's had this approach for a while now, good to see Andy doing it too. The question is why Federer has changed in this way. I think it could be due to the better quality of field he now finds himself in, lack of motivation and a decline in fitness even though he is still super fit.

[Mark]

Fed's been like that for a long time...

I thought it's only been since his decline from utter inhuman dominance?

[Mark]

OK so I'm 1-2 years out then

[Philip]

Winning a "250" Series event takes quite a lot of effort for minimal return. The top players can skip the 2 "250" series event and would only lose 500 points max which is no great deal IMHO .

If Queens is not an important build up tournament to Wimbledon then it may not be worth turning up to give the body time to rest as this tournament occurs immediately after the FO.  I think Federer did not play Halle last year and still won Wimbledon.

Skipping the two "250" events will bring the number of tournaments down to 16 + Master Cup (WTF)

As Andy has skipped Rotterdam ("500" series event), and may miss Monte Carlo (another "500" series event although it can net him 1000 points) to prepare for the FO, I am not certain Andy can fit in 4 "500" series event this year.  I don't think it matters in the grand scheme of things.