Yet that is the reality facing 84th-ranked Alexandr Dolgopolov when the Ukrainian faces one of Wimbledon's all-time favourite sons in Tuesday's first round match on Centre Court.
Things could not have been more different last July.
That painful tumble in Federer's semi-final defeat by Milos Raonic sparked a chain of events that many feared would end the Swiss great's storied career.
Just days later, he put a full stop to his 2016 season, saying he needed time to receive "more extensive rehabilitation" on his stricken knee which had required surgery months earlier.
But the man who is a month shy of his 36th birthday has been rejuvenated by the enforced six-month break.
After capturing a record 18th grand slam trophy at the Australian Open in January, he is once again proving to be a formidable force -- winning back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami for the first time since 2006.
While he shunned the entire claycourt season to give himself "the best chance for Wimbledon", a ninth title at the Halle grasscourt tournament has put him in the zone for Wimbledon.
"I don't want to be at the mercy of my opponent. I want to take charge, play aggressive myself," Federer, seeking his first title here since 2012, told reporters.
"So for that I need to be fast on my feet and quick in my mind. I just need enough rest so I can play enough inspired tennis."
Considering Dolgopolov has not taken a set off Federer in three meetings, the chances are he will be cannon fodder for the Swiss as Federer begins the pursuit of a record eighth Wimbledon title and a record 85th match win at the grasscourt major.
(Reporting by Pritha Sarkar, editing by Ken Ferris)
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