(Tennis news) Classy, elegant and a true maestro. Roger Federer is undoubtedly the most gifted tennis player of a generation, the likes of which might not be seen again. One of the most decorated players of the sport, the player leaves behind a legacy that will be unmatched and will inspire generations to come. Born in Basel, the Swiss player was recognized early on for his excellent hand-eye coordination and he went on to win the Wimbledon boys' singles title, lifted the prestigious Orange Bowl and finished World Number 1 in junior ranking in 1998.
Such was his potential that Federer broke into the top 100 in senior ranking just a year later, winning the Hopman Cup in 2001 alongside women's No 1 Martina Hingis. However, he truly gained worldwide attention at Wimbledon that same year, when he took on his idol Pete Sampras in the fourth round, defeating the seven time champion 7-6 (9-7) 5-7 6-4 6-7 (7-2) 7-5 at the tender age of 19. He went on to lift his first Masters 1000 title in Hamburg on clay the following year. It wasn’t until the age of 21 when Federer truly made a mark in tennis folklore, winning his first of many Wimbledon titles after defeating Mark Philippoussis 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 7-6 (7-3) in the final. At that point, there was no doubt that a true superstar had arrived and it was only a matter of time before he would cement his legacy as one of the all time greats.
In 2004, Federer asserted his dominance by winning three Grand Slam titles, becoming the first person since Mats Wilander in 1988 to achieve that feat. He then went on to secure the World Number 1 ranking for the first time in his career by defeating Marat Safin at the Australian Open final in Melbourne 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 6-2. That summer, Federer won his second Wimbledon title after overcoming American Andy Roddick 4-6 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 6-4. If that wasn’t all, he then won his first US Open title with a 6-0 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 victory over Australian Lleyton Hewitt in the final as well as Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells, Hamburg and the Swiss Open. That season was arguably one of Federer’s best as he won 11 titles with a 74-6 record. He topped that the next year with an 81-4 record and 11 titles.
In 2006, Federer had a near perfect season, winning 12 titles with an astonishing 92-5 record. A young Nadal, who had been a thorn in his side for the last year or so was finally defeated by Federer on the Swiss’ favourite grass court to extend his winning run to 48 matches. He became the first player since 1980 to win a Major without dropping a single set when he clinched the 2007 Australian Open title, beating Fernando Gonzalez in the final. After losing to Nadal at the Roland Garros final, Federer bounced back by winning his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title after an epic 7-6 (9-7) 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-2 victory against Nadal, equaling Bjorn Borg’s record.
An entire book can be written about Federer’s achievements and they still won’t be enough to capture the genius that he has displayed for fans over the years. It’s not just his on-field achievements that make him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, the Swiss player has conducted himself excellently over the years, showing exemplary professionalism befitting the champion that he is. His iconic one handed backhand made him a wonder for many fans who watched him move with grace, purpose and determination and it seemed like Federer was made to play the sport. Ultimately, the 41 year old was forced to hang up his boots due to recurring injuries but will be gracing the stage one last time at the Laver Cup in September which will be his final ATP tournament. In his retirement message on social media, Federer concluded by saying “"To the game of tennis: I love you and will never leave you."
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