Slowed down by mononucleosis!

When Roger Federer said he came down with a stomach flu before the AAMI Classic at Kooyong early in January it turns out that that was just part of a bigger picture.

A number of articles have begun popping-up all over the world-wide-web to report that the world number one had been ill with mononucleosis--and for at least six weeks according to doctors.

The New York Times described the disease as follows:

Mononucleosis is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It can produce flu-like symptoms and extreme, lingering fatigue. Physicians often discourage those with mononucleosis from taking part in intense physical activity because of the risk of rupturing the spleen, which can become enlarged because of the infection.

That sounds rather scary, doesn't it? Especially when one knows that Mario Ancic had to miss six months last year when he came down with the disease.

And to think Federer even played at the Australian Open up until the semi-finals, including that four-hour match against Janko Tipsarevic.

No wonder he looked sluggish and his shots were missing their usual fire and finesse!

But at least we finally have an explanation for his poor form on court though the Swiss graciously refuses to use this as an excuse for his recent string of losses.

For now Federer believes that he's over the disease because his body has begun creating antibodies against it. He seems relieved that he can prepare for the highly-anticipated exhibition match against Pete Sampras at the Madison Square Garden this coming Monday, 10 March.

Federer fans will certainly pray that he will get sufficient rest to avoid falling ill again. We can't afford to have him risk his health just for the sake of saving his number one ranking. We desire nothing less than for him to fully recover, if not in time for the upcoming ATP Masters Series tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, at least for him to feel comfortable enough to give 100 percent when he next gets back on the tour.

So once again, we wish Roger to get well soon!

UPDATE: Federer talks about his illness in a message recently posted on his website.

Photo credit: Hassan Ammar/AFP/Getty Images