Roger Federer recently revealed that his “favorite match of all time” was his five-set victory over Pete Sampras at the 2001 Wimbledon Championships. The 20-time Grand Slam winner explained that this game “had everything” a tennis match can offer.
An unforgettable classic
In the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2001, the then 19-year-old Federer, who was seeded 15th, surprised world number one and four-time Wimbledon champion Sampras with a thrilling 7-6(7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5.
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Sampras had triumphed on the grass court at the All England Club in seven of the last eight years. This victory enabled Federer to reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the first time, where he was defeated by Tim Henman in four sets.
Federer recalled that the match against Sampras was one of the first times he cried after a win. In an interview with Vogue, he explained that this match was “perfect” and had a special meaning for him.
A moment of emotions
“I don’t know the exact date – it’s not etched in my memory – but this match against Sampras is my favorite match of all time,” Federer said.
“It had everything: he was my hero at the time, and it was both my first and only match against Sampras. It was the first time I played on Centre Court at Wimbledon, and it turned into a five-set thriller.” Federer described the overwhelming emotions that ran through him during and after the match.
“It was like a fairytale. I don’t know if it was the first or second time I cried after a victory,” he added. “I cried when I beat the Americans 3-1 in the Davis Cup in Basel and helped our team win the title.
But I don’t remember exactly if that was before or after Wimbledon.” When Federer was on his knees after the decisive point and all the tension fell away from him, he could not hold back his tears.
“It was surreal – what is happening here? But I think Wimbledon, Sampras and Centre Court – all of that has that effect on you.” For Federer, this match was not only a significant success, but also a moment of validation.
“And then you realize, ‘Oh – the hard work is paying off. You’re on the right track.’ It’s a milestone win. It was like the perfect match.”
