Roger Federer Reveals the Three Most Memorable Matches of his Illustrious Career

Tennis legend Roger Federer amassed 103 ATP titles in his more than two decade long career.

Roger Federer Reveals the Three Most Memorable Matches of his Illustrious Career

Roger Federer (images via Fox Sports/Tennis Point)

Roger Federer recently spoke to Eurosport Spain about his latest racket model, the Wilson RF O1 Pro Classic. Federer’s partnership with American sporting goods giant Wilson dates back to the late 90s— during the timeline that the Swiss turned professional, and together they’ve created many racquets over the years. Wilson intends a June 27 launch of two rackets linked to the nCode frame Federer used during his dominant run from 2004 through 2006.

In conversation with Eurosport Spain, Federer was asked an interesting question: With this new racket, which three matches from his career would he like to repeat? The 20-time Grand Slam champion who retired in 2022 chose matches across three different surfaces to answer this question. He started off with his fourth-round match against Pete Sampras at Wimbledon 2001.

Looking back on the feeling after certain matches, I’m going to pick three victories for the mark they left on me. The first one I’d like to repeat is clear: Wimbledon 2001 and my match with Pete Sampras. That match meant facing the hero of an entire generation, my first time on Centre Court at Wimbledon, not knowing everything this tournament would bring me in my career…

This match holds a significant place in Federer’s career, as he upset Sampras, the four-time defending Wimbledon champion. The Sampras–Federer match was the pair’s only professional meeting, with Federer being 19 years old and the American retiring from tennis the following year.

This marked the first Grand Slam in which Federer was seeded. Sampras was attempting to tally Bjorn Borg‘s record of five consecutive Wimbledon titles (which Federer would himself achieve in 2007) and clinch a record eighth Wimbledon title (which Federer would achieve in 2017).

Roger Federer vs. Robin Soderling: 2009 Roland Garros

Roger Federer then chose the 2009 Roland Garros final, where he defeated Robin Soderling and was crowned the Roland Garros champion for the first and only time, completing the career Grand Slam.

Roger Federer 2009 Roland Garros
Roger Federer (image via Rolex)

Second, I’d choose the 2009 Roland Garros final. I chased that tournament for a long time, until that season when the floodgates opened with Rafa’s elimination. I felt like the whole crowd was behind me; they really wanted me to win; that made me feel very special.

It was Federer’s fourth consecutive Roland Garros final, having lost the previous three to the ‘King of Clay’, Rafael Nadal. It also marked Federer’s 14th Grand Slam title, equaling Pete Sampras’ record.

Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal: 2017 Australian Open

Roger Federer’s last pick for a match he would like to repeat with his new racket was the 2017 Australian Open final. He defeated his longtime rival Rafael Nadal in an epic five-set battle in the final to clinch his fifth Australian Open title.

Roger Federer Australian Open 2017
Roger Federer (image via Australian Open)

Finally, I’ll stick with the 2017 Australian Open final, right after my knee problems. It was a complete match, it had everything. I’d love to relive all those emotions again, but… well, you know.

It was the then 35-year-old Federer’s first Grand Slam title since the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, marking a strong comeback after a surgery on his right knee in 2016. It was also Nadal and Federer’s ninth and last meeting in a Grand Slam final, with the first meeting taking place at the 2006 Roland Garros finals. Federer went on to successfully defend his Australian Open title the following year, marking his final Grand Slam title and yet another testament to his longevity and greatness in the sport.

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