Roger Federer made his first significant steps on the professional circuit in 1998, reaching the quarter-finals of the ATP tournament in Toulouse to enter the top-400 at 17. Thanks to remarkable results on the satellite circuit, Roger finished the season just outside the top 300, with many more in 1999 where he claimed 13 ATP victories and a Challenger title in Brest, becoming the force to be reckoned with. on the circuit.
The talented Swiss found a way to get into the top 30 in 2000 after 36 main level wins and two ATP finals, gaining confidence and feeling ready to give the final blow to reach the top 10 in 2001.
Federer had 49 wins that season and found himself in the top 15 in June before missing all the action between Gstaad and the US Open with a groin injury, unable to win more than points and continue to progress.
Nonetheless, Federer caught up in the first half of 2002, losing in the Miami Open final to Andre Agassi and conquering the first Masters 1000 title in Hamburg, earning 500 points and making his entry into the top. May 10, 20, still 20 years old.
After early outings in Monte Carlo and Rome, the Swiss played at a high level in Hamburg, beating Gustavo Kuerten in the quarter-finals and beating his good friend Max Mirnyi to secure his place in the title match against Marat Safin .
Roger took a 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 victory in just over two hours to earn those 500 points and find himself in the elite squad for the first time after spending nearly a year between the 11th and 15th position.
Annacone talks about Roger Federer
Against this backdrop, former Roger Federer coach and TV analyst Paul Annacone recently claimed that the 39-year-old’s return this year is unlikely to be the same as he made four years ago.
Annacone added, however, that Federer’s confidence level at Wimbledon remains higher than ever. “I think Paris is going to be a real challenge for him,” Annacone said.
“But if his body maintains good health and has enough reps, Roger isn’t going to start the grass season without thinking he can win Wimbledon. He’ll say whatever it takes, but deep down he knows he can win this tournament.
The less you dominate, the more that aura of invincibility starts to wear off a little bit, ”said Annacone. “And you just need to dissipate a little bit to make a difference”
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