Federer, 36, has been managing a long-term back issue for years and carefully picks and chooses where he plays to avoid aggravating it.
There was talk on Saturday night that the Swiss had been struggling with his back during the three-set semi-final win over Borna Coric.
But Petchey has done some quick research which he believes shows that Federer is over the issue for the Indian Wells final against Juan Martin del Potro.
After five games of the match, the Sky Sports commentator said: “I was investigating the impact his back may have had on his performance yesterday.
“His backhand was substantially down pace-wise against Borna Coric – 65mph. Of course he was chiselling quite a few back to keep the ball into play.
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“Already today it’s up from his 2017 hard-court average of 70 but his forehand is at 80.
“That’s a big number against someone like Del Potro. Yesterday he was on 72.”
Del Potro got off to a lightning start in Indian Wells, taking the first set in little over half an hour after breaking Federer to love.
“Federer likes to play quick service games, quick points and he’s just not been able to do that.
“He’s got to improve his play. Federer is just not playing well enough.
“Del Potro is just so calm and at the minute he’s in the perfect space.”