In 2003, we saw chaotic Wimbledon in the first round, as defending champion Lleyton Hewitt was knocked out in his first match against Ivo Karlovic.
Eight players then reached the quarter-finals without ever having won Wimbledon before, which paved the way for something that had not been seen since 1973. One name had to stand out from the rest at the end of the competition, and that was that of Roger Federer.
The Swiss defeated Andy Roddick and Mark Philippoussis in the semi-finals and final respectively to win his very first major crown at the age of 21. Federer was a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon 2001, defeating seven-time champion Pete Sampras in an exciting five sets before losing a close battle to Tim Henman.
Two years later, Federer was among the favorites for the title, having overcome a back injury in the fourth round against Feliciano Lopez and while no longer looking back to grab the first of 20 major crowns he owns today.
In the final, Federer had beaten Mark Philippoussis by 7-6, 6-2, 7-6, in one hour and 56 minutes, without ever facing a point of break and while doing everything right in both tie-breaks to lift the trophy.
The Swiss had lost just 19 points on serve, and he was increasing the pressure on the other side of the net, playing at a higher level to leave the Australian behind.
Serbian Open finalist Aslan Karatsev recently spoke to Championat, where he revealed he “idolized” Roger Federer during his early years.
Karatsev praised Federer’s unique game and also expressed his desire to play against the Swiss legend in the future.
Karatsev on Roger Federer
“I love Agassi, Sampras,” said Aslan Karatsev.
“When they left, I looked towards Roger Federer. The game it shows, I think it can’t be compared to anything else. It’s not that he remains an idol, ”said Karatsev.
“But I would like to play against him. I’ve watched him since childhood, the way he played. So I’m interested in playing with him myself. ” The Russian also claimed he had no idea how Federer managed to keep himself in good enough shape to actively compete with the young players on the tour.
It’s phenomenal (playing until he’s 39), I would say, ”added Karatsev. “And as far as the form in which it is maintained, it is a rarity.
I don’t know how he can keep himself in such physical shape. He moves very well. Moving like that at 40 is phenomenal, I think! ” Roger Federer is not playing for Madrid or Rome this season.
He will just play in Geneva to train on clay before going to Roland-Garros 2021.
–
