Roger Federer has had a career with few equals in the history of sport. The former Swiss champion has become a global icon who has transcended tennis, helping to take the sport to a dimension unknown before his rise.
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Although it was obvious to everyone that he was immensely talented, it took Roger a few years before he completed the puzzle and became a true dominator of the men's tour. Before the arrival of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the Swiss was unstoppable for everyone and his numbers in 2004-2005-2006 are truly impressive.
The rise of the Spaniard and the Serbian has forced Federer to improve some aspects of his game, such as the backhand, to find new solutions against two really strong opponents. The 20-time Grand Slam champion looked close to retirement in 2013 and 2016 the worst two years of his entire career before shining again between 2017 and 2019 thanks to Ivan Ljubicics incredible help.
The former world No. 1 won three more Major titles and came very close to triumphing at Wimbledon for the ninth time in his career, but failed to convert two match points in the 2019 final against Nole Djokovic. That was his last chance to win a Grand Slam title, as injuries have greatly affected him in the last two years of his career.
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As mentioned, Roger needed time to learn to control his emotions on the court and play his best tennis. Federer had many painful losses in the early years of his career and often didn't have a good attitude, but he learned from his mistakes and became a legendary athlete.
Rochus on his first match vs. Federer
During a recent interview with SRF, former ATP ace Christophe Rochus recalled his first clash against King Roger at the Wimbledon Championships: Roger was already world no. 15, so I knew it would have been a difficult match. Although my chances to win were less, I felt very happy to play that match. I always liked his game style.
He also added: You knew he was agenius. It was missing a little bit of experience, but I was convinced he could beat anyone.
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Although most of the Swiss's records have been broken by Rafa and Nole, Roger continues to be the most loved tennis player in every corner of the world. His style on and off the court has allowed him to become a unique athlete, which is why many believes that he is still the GOAT.
Roger's tribute to Rafa
A few days ago, the former Swiss champion sent a beautiful message to his former rival Rafael Nadal about his retirement from professional tennis. The Spanish legend played the last match of his career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, failing to help Spain in the tie against Netherlands. Fans and insiders hoped that Rafa's last dance would be longer, but some bad choices condemned the Spanish team to a premature elimination.
Within the message, Federer recalled the beginning of his iconic rivalry with Rafa: After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I wasuntil two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz Id been hearing about youabout this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major somedayit wasnt just hype.
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He continued: "We were both at the start of our journey and its one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run youve had. Including 14 French Openshistoric! You made Spain proud... you made the whole tennis world proud."
The rivalry between Roger and Rafa has thrilled millions of fans in every corner of the world and their clashes have truly marked an era. The Spaniard has always led in H2H against the Swiss, who has begun to develop psychological suffering towards his great rival (especially on red clay).
The inertia of their rivalry changed starting with the 2017 Australian Open final, in which the Swiss prevailed at the end of a five-set battle. The King has found new solutions against Rafa and his new backhand has made the difference in the last chapters of their amazing rivalry. Their last official match was in the 2019 Wimbledon Championships semifinal, won by Federer in four sets. Nadal was by Federer's side in the last match of his career at the 2022 Laver Cup in London.
