Before Roger Federer became the king of Wimbledon, he was simply a talented young Swiss player trying to find his place among tennis’ biggest names. His breakthrough at the Wimbledon came in 2001, when
he stunned seven-time champion Pete Sampras in the fourth round. Two years later, Federer went all the way. In the 2003 final, he defeated Mark Philippoussis 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6(3) to win his first Grand Slam title. He lost just one set throughout the tournament and that victory changed his career.
Federer returned in 2004 and successfully defended his title. Then came 2005, 2006 and 2007. Four Wimbledon titles became five and the fifth was particularly significant because Federer had to beat Rafael Nadal in the 2007 final. He won 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 to equal Björn Borg’s record of five consecutive Wimbledon championships.
“At my age, you’re never sure what’s around the corner”
It’s been a pleasure as always, @RogerFederer ☺️
#Wimbledon https://t.co/vPIDnxeRK3
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2021
For 5 years in a row Roger Federer was unbeatable on grass courts
His game seemed made for Centre Court as the serve was precise, the forehand was devastating and his movement allowed him to turn defence into attack almost effortlessly. Then Nadal finally stopped him and it was an epic battle. In the 2008 final, Federer lost to Nadal in one of the greatest matches Wimbledon had ever seen. The Spaniard won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 9-7 after four hours and 48 minutes.
Federer returned to the final in 2009 and won an extraordinary battle against Andy Roddick, 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14. That victory gave Federer his sixth Wimbledon title and his 15th Grand Slam, moving him past Pete Sampras’ previous record of 14 majors. He won Wimbledon again in 2012, defeating Andy Murray in the final.
But perhaps the most remarkable chapter came in 2017. At 35, after missing much of the previous season because of a knee injury, Federer returned to Wimbledon and produced a near-perfect fortnight. He did not drop a set throughout the tournament and defeated Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in the final. It was his eighth Wimbledon title, a record in men’s singles. Federer’s Wimbledon record eventually stood at 105 wins and just 14 defeats. He won five consecutive titles from 2003 to 2007 and lifted the trophy eight times overall. And by the time he lifted that eighth trophy in 2017, Roger Federer was the ultimate player in the history of Wimbledon.
