Is the Fed Express out of steam?

Roger Federer's trek to Hisense Arena after 63 straight matches on Rod Laver Arena was symbolic of the changing circumstances. Picture: AFP Source: PAUL CROCK / AFP

IT was late this very afternoon six years ago that the cheap thrill of the impossible rippled through Melbourne Park.

His Elegance, Roger Federer, infallible in the first week of grand slam tournaments, had somehow stumbled.

In the fifth hour of gruelling examination, the ultimate power in tennis struggled to escape the clutches and the ratcheting pressure of Janko Tipsarevic.

The world No. 49 had in his sights one of the biggest upsets in history. The air was distinct at Rod Laver Arena.

It was documented as deeply absorbed, slightly stunned silence.

Hottest AO shots - Day 5

In such moments human nature tends to draw audiences to the quest of the underdog. But not here.

The quiet desperation for the champion to prevail was tangible. No one wants to see the gods made mortal.

By the time Federer finally extricated himself 10-8 from the decider, it was the longest fifth set he'd endured.

But the man himself didn't share the sense of relief. Instead he felt happiness to have partaken in something rare and wonderful.

"I'm glad I could deliver a five-set thriller," he told the crowd.

Switzerland's Roger Federer runs to return a shot to Blaz Kavcic during their second round match at Melbourne Park. Picture: AP Source: AP

"I don't have them that often, so it's nice to be part of something like this."

Such days of vulnerability are more common now as a 32-year-old.

While he hasn't missed the last four here in the past decade, Federer hasn't found his way to the final since winning the title in 2010.

Last year his startling second-round defeat by Sergiy Stakhovsky at Wimbledon ended the record streak of 36 consecutive quarter-finals at the majors. It was followed by a fourth-round exit at the US Open and evidenced as a veteran falling off the pace. Literally.

Federer would speak of the uncertainty of reaching a ball mid-rally where previously his only consideration was what shot he would play when he got there.

It brought to mind the observation of Greg Rusedski after losing to Pete Sampras in five sets at the 2002 US Open.

Rusedski noted Sampras was "a step and a half slower" than the model who'd ruled the circuit.

At 31 and seeded 17, Sampras went on to win the title - his 14th grand slam singles trophy - but never played on tour again.

Whether it's a burden or a responsibility, the great ones are charged with choosing the right time. That space between squeezing every last ounce of competitive juice and becoming a shadow of a once mighty force.

Federer has girded himself for this season, working relentlessly.

Yet when the draw put Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in his path from the fourth round, Federer was largely dismissed from title discussions.

The supremely popular Roger Federer acknowledges the adoring crowd this week. Picture: AP Source: AP

This week's trek to Hisense Arena after 63 straight matches on Rod Laver Arena was symbolic of the changing circumstances.

He turned on a regal performance. To sit in the crowd was to be reminded of the adoration Federer elicits.

His Elegance was immaculate as ever. He thundered forehands, slid for squash shots and rifled returns.

He inflicted a sense of helplessness on his rival. And, of course, rolled out the majestic backhand down the line.

It reminded you these days are precious for they are finite.

In this final phase, Federer appears undaunted by the trials.

If he's happy to embrace his mortality, then we shouldn't unduly fret on his behalf.

For while he's no longer the divine being that will live in legend at this tournament, he might still be capable of something rare and wonderful.