As the sand runs through the hourglass for Roger Federer, the questions continue to arise as to his chances of capturing another Grand Slam title. With Wimbledon approaching, could this be a golden opportunity to add No. 18 to his resume?

Certainly, Federer has not seen a dramatic decline following his stranglehold on world No. 1. He has remained a potent threat on tour, never falling further than eighth in the world and currently sitting at No. 4. One of the best grass players the game has known, Federer comes to London with confidence following his seventh title at Halle, “In the past when I played here, I usually have also done well at Wimbledon. These two months in the season have always marked the greater successes for me, so I hope today's victory will be a lucky charm,” he said after his weekend title.

The 32-year-old should not be waning in confidence, holding an 87 percent win percentage on grass, with 14 of his 79 titles coming on the surface. Moreover, it was at Wimbledon where he won his last Grand Slam title in 2012. This was also the last time that he contested a major final.

Recently, after his disappointing loss to Ernests Gulbis at Roland Garros, Federer quickly turned his attention to London. “I think when I’m healthy, like I have been now for the last six to nine months, I can also decide the outcome of the matches more than I could last year. So I’m very excited about my chances for Wimbledon now this time.”

Entering the third Grand Slam, Federer is projected as the fourth seed following Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. However, the Swiss star will not shy away from the competition, having defeated Djokovic in two out of their three meetings this year while conquering Murray in their only encounter. These results, coupled with Nadal's uncertainty as he nurses a back injury, open a window of opportunity for Federer.

On the other hand, it remains to be seen whether the success Federer has obtained in best-of-three matches will translate to best-of-five competition. He has lost his only five-setter of 2014, although he took two of three in 2013. The residual effects of these long matches have shown in the rounds following his five-set battles in the last few seasons. In Roland Garros in 2012 and 2013, along with the 2013 Australian Open, Federer followed up tough five-set wins with losses, two in straight sets. Aside from a five-set comeback against Julien Benneteau at Wimbledon in 2012, when he went on to the championship, five-setters have not been especially kind to him recently. This underscores the importance of easy early-round results and fast starts in matches

While Djokovic is the favorite to win Wimbledon, Federer was victorious in their only career meeting on grass, which also came en route to his title there two years ago. He has split two meetings with Murray there, while taking two of three against Nadal on the surface. However, one figure that certainly weighs against Federer is the number 32, his age. Djokovic and Murray are 27 years old and Nadal 28, and they are considered to be in their prime, whereas conventional wisdom shows that Federer is past his.

Federer has made his intent clear, though, insisting that he will continue to play as long as he feels he can succeed. Perhaps with age comes wisdom as he navigates the pressures of the Grand Slams. “I'm much more relaxed because I know my way on the Tour and know all the players. There are hardly any new things, which is exciting at the beginning but also a bit stressful,” he said after Halle.

Nevertheless, there should be no pressure on Federer entering Wimbledon, for he will not be among the top few picks to capture the crown. This could, in fact, work in his favor. The pressure on Murray to defend his title will be immense, as it will be on Djokovic as he seeks his first Grand Slam title since the 2013 Australian Open. There is pressure on Nadal, as well, for he could lose the No. 1 ranking with a poor result. Meanwhile, Federer's lower expectations could find him pressure-free, with a more to gain, less to lose mentality. After all, he has seven Wimbledon titles in his pocket already.

A relaxed Federer, approaching his 33rd birthday, will enter Wimbledon knowing he is in the mix for a title. And, although it may take a few dominoes falling in his favor, the Basel native is poised to give his all in pursuit of Grand Slam No. 18.