There’s only one place you can start, when you begin to look back at this year’s North American hard court swing – Roger Federer.

After fabulously triumphing in Australia in January and then Indian Wells last month, the Swiss Maestro incredibly completed the coast to coast sweep in Miami on Sunday, for the third occasion in his career and the first time since 2006.

After being out with injury for six months of last year, there’s absolutely no way Federer could have envisaged winning the first three prestigious tournaments of 2017, especially at the grand old age of 35.

Even more remarkable is the fact that he conquered his former nemesis Rafael Nadal in scintillating fashion in both Masters’ 1000 tournaments and displayed a game that seems to be evolving towards a supreme kingdom never reached before.

His backhand, usually seen as a weakness, has been transformed into a weapon of mass destruction and again disrupted the tactics of Nadal in the Miami final, who rarely put the champion under any kind of pressure as he was beaten for the third time this year by Federer.

In the lead-up to the two triumphs in the US, Federer’s movement, pace and energy saw him bamboozle tricky opponents like Stan Wawrinka, in the final at Indian Wells, and Juan Martin Del Petro and Tomas Berdych in the earlier rounds of Miami.

Whilst, the confidence, and belief oozing from his winning run, elevated him to grind out an intense and pivotal tie-breaking victory over an inspired Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals at Crandon Park.

The “Sunshine Double” means Federer is up to number four in the world and is leading the ATP race to London while his record of 19-1 in 2017 is his best start to a year since 2006.

“The dream continues,” said the 18-time major winner on Sky Sports. “I had a fantastic couple of weeks in Indian Wells and I've been coming here since 1988 when I became the world number one junior. It really is a beautiful stop on the tour.

“What a start to the year, I can't believe it. Thanks to everyone who has supported me this year and in the difficult times last year.”

The long rest from his lay-off last year and the opportunity to rejuvenate his game has given Federer a real shot in the arm and though the temptation would now be to keep going, the legend is conscious of maintaining his freshness for the tournaments where he has the best chances of winning.

Speaking to ESPN, Federer said: “I probably won’t play any clay court events except the French (Open).

“Wimbledon has to be the biggest goal now. I will stay on hard courts now for the next month and get on clay two weeks before the French.”

One man who will be relishing the clay court season is Nadal, as even though, he was beaten by Federer in both Indian Wells and Miami, the Spaniard will now believe he has firmly shaken off the injury niggles which plagued his career for the past 18 months.

The three finals he’s reached this year should offer him further encouragement and with Federer set to be absent from most of the clay court season, he will be hoping to finally get his first title of 2017 on the board soon and is probably favorite for a 10th French Open.

Although, Kyrgios will also be fancying his chances after reaching the last four in Miami where he nearly knocked out Federer with a ‘coming of age’ performance. The Aussie will be happy with the progress he has made these last few months with his game boasting more control, maturity, and confidence.

The accuracy and soaring pace of his aces makes him a dangerous opponent and the fact his serve never waned under the pressure will help him believe he can win something significant this season.

His young rival, Alexander Zverev was also impressive in Miami with a stunning win over Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round, his stand out result. The 19-year-old showed resilience and heart, however, he appeared to lack the variety of quality shots against Kyrgios in the quarter-finals to progress and really make his mark.

Perhaps, the German should look at the armory of his idol Federer. He certainly made his mark.