Roger Federer had gained a huge boost in confidence in Halle after his first ATP title, which made him one of the players to beat at Wimbledon 2003. The Swiss had reached the quarter-final two years ago and was looking forward to it. to do better after twelve months of waiting to return to a winning streak.
When Ivo Karlovic surprised defending champion Lleyton Hewitt on Matchday 1, Roger remained the highest seed in this part of the draw.
He performed well in the first two rounds and secured a spot in the second week for the second time in three years at the All England Club. In the first round, Federer stormed Hyung-Taik Lee before ousting Stefan Koubek in Game 2 and toppling Mardy Fish in two hours and four.
His next rival was Feliciano Lopez, and Federer won over the latter by a score of 7-6, 6-4, 6-4 to take a place in the last eight.
Federer suffered a back injury ahead of Lopez’s shock at Wimbledon 2003
During a routine warm-up Roger felt a sharp pain in his back and called a trainer, hoping to get good news as he had never experienced anything like this in his career. .
Barely moving in the game, Federer was lagging behind in the first set, and things could have been over for him if Lopez had converted any of the three set points in the tenth game, but the Spaniard wasted his opportunities and thus allowed the Swiss to bounce back and win the set in the tie break.
With his body getting hotter and hotter, Federer maintained a high level in sets two and three, quickly sealing the game and hoping to get back in shape before the next game against Sjeng Schalken.
“The injury happened during the warm-up, and I can’t explain what happened. I couldn’t move anymore and had to call a trainer and hope for a wonder.
It was very difficult for me, and I don’t know how I won today, because it had never happened to me before. It bothered me during the service and my back was completely blocked.
I still had a lot of pain. It got a little better as the game went on because the body was warming up, and you go in there trying to forget about the issues.
I didn’t think I would be here as a winner today after this shock I got today. I have to try to take this game where I was lucky and get rid of the pain before the quarterfinals.
I have a great opportunity and will try to use it. I’m a bit exhausted after everything that’s happened, ”said Roger Federer.
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