Last Updated on September 1, 2022
Swiss Great, Roger Federer is considered a Gentleman maestro of the sport of Tennis. Federer’s way of playing tennis is simply pleasing to the eye. He is a master of drop shots, topspins, and trickshots, and he has a majestic single-handed backhand – all things a tennis crowd love to see.
But Federer is no mere showboater, no. He is more than a showboater. Federer has won twenty Grand Slams, and an impressive 103 ATP singles titles to back up his aesthetically pleasing playing style.
Federer as an athlete projects a majestic demeanor on a tennis court. Even his disagreements with umpires are a rarity and marvel to behold. At a 2009 US Open rant at an umpire who had deducted him a point, Federer flatly asked him “Are you comfortable with your decision?”
Many an ardent fan has been pulled into the world of tennis by the sporting phenomenon that is Roger Federer and his mastery of the tennis court. Federer on a tennis court makes the sport look effortless.
Roger Federer Grand Slams Titles
Roger Federer has played in a whopping 31 Grand Slam finals. His headband – Polo shirt-wearing combo has over the years been a constant attraction at the Grand Slam. If you are looking for Federer at a Grand Slam, most likely you will find him playing in Center Court – wherever the center court of that slam is.
The appeal to watching Federer play is massive and spectators of the sport turn out in droves to watch Federer play. Federer rewards the spectators for their admiration by constantly playing tennis that can only be defined as RICH – rich in form, ideas, techniques, combination, and execution.
Roger Federer as a Grand Slam men’s singles title champion was something that always looked like a definite possibility before it arrived. Federer had steadily built his game, advancing in the rankings, and had a reputation as a good all-round player from whom great things could be expected.
Federer had been a junior single & doubles Wimbledon champion in 1998 – he entered the top hundred ATP Rankings in 1999 at the tender age of 18 and reached the quarterfinals of the 2001 French Open, at which point he attained a top fifteen ATP Ranking.
Federer also earned a fourth-place finish at the 2000 Olympics, and at the 2001 Wimbledon Championship quarterfinals, Federer dispatched four-time defending champion Pete Sampras in five sets to end Sampras 31 match winning streak.
Federer’s First title – Wimbledon 2003 Men’s Singles title
“Pretty” was the word a commentator used to describe Roger Federer’s 2003 Wimbledon semifinal Championship win over Andy Roddick. Impressed, the commentator called it the prettiest tennis she had ever witnessed.
Federer had come to the Wimbledon Championship Ranked sixth in the world and seeded fourth for the tournament. Federer breezed through to the final of the 2003 Wimbledon Championship in blistering form.
The only set Federer dropped in his run to the final was in his third round against American Mardy Fish. Federer had taken the first two sets against Fish, but Fish rallied to win the third set 6 – 4 to set up a potential fourth set comeback. Roger Federer was having none of that, he strung out a commanding 6 – 1 win to take the match.
Federer cruised through his fourth round and quarterfinal matches in straight sets. Federer’s display against Roddick in the semifinal was so vigorous, that Roddick who was seeded fifth for the tournament could only shake his head wryly.
Federer’s Victory over Roddick meant he set up a final showdown against Australian Mark Philippoussis. Philippoussis had downed second seed Andre Agassi in a thrilling five-set showdown in the fourth round. Agassi’s loss and First seed Hewitt’s shocking first-round exit had thrown open the Championship race.
When Federer played Philippoussis, he became the first Swiss man to compete in a Grand Slam final. The first set went to a tie break, which Federer edged narrowly. But then Federer cruised to a 6 – 2 victory in the second set and Federer’s party was about to get started.
The third set went to another tie break though with Phiippoussis giving as good as he got. Federer took the tiebreak 7 -3, at which point, he sank to his knees in gratitude. The wait was over, Federer had won a Grand Slam – the first of many.
Video: Roger Federer vs Mark Philippoussis Wimbledon Final 2003
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Also Read:
- Jimmy Connors 1991 US Open Magic Run
- The 10 Oldest Grand Slam Winners
- Who has won the most Wimbledon titles?
- 10 The Youngest Grand Slam Winners
Federer’s Second Grand Slam – 2004 Australian Open
Roger Federer came into the first Grand Slam of 2004, the Australian Open, in good spirits. He had been knocked out in the fourth round of the event the previous year by David Nalbandian but things were different now.
Federer had won at Wimbledon in 2003 and although Nalbandian knocked Federer out again in the fourth round of the US Open, Federer had won the year-end ATP tour finals and allayed any fears his US Open exit had raised.
Federer faced American Qualifier A Bogomolov in the first round of the 2004 Australian Open dispatching him in 6-4, 6-3,6-4 straight sets. He cruised through the second and third rounds with straight-set wins too.
In the fourth round of the 2005 Australian Open, Federer found himself facing 2002 Wimbledon champion and former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt was seeded 15th at this tournament and took the first set 6-4.
Hewitt was looking to cause an upset and perhaps ghosts of fourth-round exits at other Grand Slams began to gnaw at Federer. Federer battled out the second set to a 6 – 3 victory and won the next two sets 6 – 0, 6-4 to claim the match and advance to the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinals, Federer faced a nemesis in the form of David Nalbandian. Nalbandian had knocked Federer out of the last Grand Slam and the previous year’s Australian Open. The match promised to be exciting.
Great serves and strong hits and consequently short rallies were on display as Federer battled Nalbandian in the first set of their quarterfinal match. Federer would edge their battle 7-5 and proceed to take the next set 6 – 4.
In the third set, a fierce battle ensued, Nalbandian edged this in a 7 -5 victory pushing the game to a fourth set. Federer composed himself in the fourth set winning the set 6 – 3 and advancing into the semifinals.
With the menace of Nalbandian behind him, Federer faced second seed and 2003 French Open Champion, Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, in the semifinals. A straights set victory ensued for Federer to set up a final match with Marat Safin.
Safin was a former World Number one who had won nine ATP Titles in 2000 including the 2000 US Open. Safin had missed most of the 2003 season with a wrist injury and was unseeded at this tournament.
Safin had knocked out first seed Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals, and defending champion Andre Agassi in the semifinals. The unseeded Safin was now on the hunt for Australian Glory to add to his Achievements.
The first set of the Federer – Safin final went all the way to a tiebreak. Federer edged this tie-break 7-3. From that point Safin’s effectiveness seem to decline – Federer won the second set 6 -4 and then dominated the third set 6 -2 to win his first Australian Open crown and second Grand Slam.
Following his Australian Open triumph, Federer attained the ATP World No. 1 Ranking for the first time and would go on to hold that spot for 237 consecutive weeks.
Video: Roger Federer vs Marat Safin Highlight 2004 AO Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Third Grand Slam, 2004 Wimbledon
Roger Federer followed his Australian Open triumph with a dismal showing at the 2004 French Open. He got knocked out in the third round by 28th seed Brazilian, Gustavo Kuerten. Following his defeat, Federer soon turned his attention to the grass courts of Wimbledon that had been the scene of his first glory.
Federer began his 2004 Wimbledon defense in fine form. He cruised through his first three rounds in straight sets, his opponents never seeming to have a chance. His first stern test came in the fourth round when Federer faced Croat Ivo Karlovic.
Federer took the first set against Karlovic 6 -3, but Karlovic, a giant of a player standing at 6feet 11inches refused to be daunted by this setback. A great accumulation of points followed in the second set, Karlovic keeping up with Federer, the set eventually went to a tie break which Federer edged 7-3.
The third set ended with another tiebreak which Federer edged 7 – 5. Federer’s victory over Karlovic meant he set up a quarterfinal date with former World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt. 7th seeded Australian, Hewitt was Federer’s first seeded opponent at this Championship.
Federer made short work of Hewitt in the first set of their Quarterfinal match, 6-1, the set went in favor of Federer. Hewitt staged a fightback and took the second set 7-6. At which point, Federer responded emphatically winning the third set six – love, and the fourth set 6 – 4.
On to the semifinals it was for Federer. He faced the 10th seed, Frenchman Sebastian Grosjean. Grosjean was blown away initially losing the first two sets 6-2, 6-3. Grosjean put up more of a fight in the third set, he fought the match to a tiebreak but lost the tiebreak 8-6. And So Federer advanced to a second consecutive Wimbledon final.
Federer versus Roddick, First seed against Second seed in the final of the 2004 Wimbledon Gentlemen’s singles. These two had Wimbledon history – Federer had knocked out Roddick in the semifinal of the last year’s Wimbledon.
Roddick was in raw fighting form and came out the blocks swinging, 6-4, Roddick took the first set and that must have felt good to him – in his previous Wimbledon match against Federer, he had been unable to take a set. That probably still smarted Roddick, he wanted payback and a Wimbledon Crown.
The second set well went Federer’s way, 7-5 it ended in favor of Federer. The match now stood at one set a piece. The second set was played to a 6-6 standstill and a tie break was needed to settle it. Here Federer held his nerves and won the tiebreak 7-3.
The match advantage was to Federer and now Roddick was on the ropes. Roddick decidedly gave his very best in the final set but the brilliance of Federer proved too much for him once more and he lost the set 6-4. Federer was once more Champion of Wimbledon.
Video: Roger Federer vsAndy Roddick – Wimbledon Final 2004
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Fourth Grand Slam, 2004 US Open
Federer’s confidence was at an all-time following his successful Wimbledon defense. Next up was the last Grand Slam of the year- the US Open. Federer went through his first three matches of the 2004 US Open with little to no Drama.
Federer’s fourth-round opponent Andrei Pavel withdrew with a back injury and Federer was through to a quarterfinal date with 6th seed Andre Agassi.
Roger Federer and former World No.1 Agassi played a grueling five-set Quarterfinal match. It was a match involving periods of dominance and fightbacks. Federer took the first set 6 -3. Agassi steeled himself and easily took the second set 6-2.
The third set ended 7-5 in Federer’s favor. Agassi, refusing to be daunted took the fourth set 7-5. The match now stood at two a piece but Federer held his nerves and won the last set and consequently the match.
In contrast to the showdown that was his match with Agassi, Federer’s semifinal match against 5th seed Tim Henman was a straightforward affair – Federer won 6-3,6-4,6-4 straight sets to advance to a final against Lleyton Hewitt.
Federer against Hewitt was a repeat of the Wimbledon Quarterfinal. In this final match, Federer broke Hewitt’s serve three times to hand Hewitt a bagel in the first set. Hewitt would recover himself in the second set and try a comeback but he ultimately lost the set 7-6.
The third set of the 2004 US Open men’s singles final was another bagel in favor of Federer. Federer had produced a dominant display to win his first US Open Crown.
Video: Roger Federer vs Lleyton Hewitt 2004 US Open Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Fifth Grand Slam, 2005 Wimbledon
In 2005, Federer lost out in the semifinals of the first two Grand slam events to eventual champions Marat Safin and Rafa Nadal.
Federer returned to the All England club once more in search of his first Grand Slam of the year. What followed was another blistering run to the final in which Federer dominated his opponents. The only set Federer dropped en route to the final was a 7-6 second set loss to Nicolas Kiefer in the third round.
Even in his semifinal match against third seed Lleyton Hewitt, Federer was in control. He took the first two sets 6-3,6-4. Hewitt was better in the third set but it was a little too late with Federer winning the third set 7-6.
For the second straight year, Federer played in the Wimbledon Championship Final against 2nd seed Andy Roddick. In a reversal of their last Wimbledon contest, it was Federer who came out swinging. Federer won the first set 6-2.
The second set was more of a contest and went to a tie break but Federer still dominated the tiebreak 7-2. One final chance for Roddick to save the match but again Federer was better, winning the third set 6-4 to win a second consecutive Wimbledon final against Roddick.
Video: Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick Final Wimbledon 2005
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Sixth Grand Slam, 2005 US Open
Federer arrived in New York to defend his US Open title buoyed by his recent Wimbledon triumph and he got off to a successful start at the US open.
For the second successive Grand Slam, the first player to take a set off Federer was Nicholas Kiefer. Kiefer was also coincidentally the last player to take a set from Federer at a Grand slam.
In a near replica of Wimbledon, Kiefer took the second set 7-6 after Federer had won the first set – the glaring difference being Wimbledon had happened in the third round and the US Open encounter was a fourth-round affair.
After Kiefer, David Nalbandian fell to Federer in straight sets in the quarterfinals, following which Federer played Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinal of the second successive Grand Slam.
Federer pulled off a victory once more against Hewitt winning 6-3,2-6,7-6,6-1 with Hewitt only able to win a single set and Federer advancing to a final against Andre Agassi.
Agassi was a former World No.1, had won eight Grand Slam titles, and although he was getting on in age was still the Seventh seed at the tournament and was still an excellent tennis player.
Federer won the first set against Agassi 6-3 but the crowd at the 2005 US Open final was definitely on Agassi’s side. The Crowd cheered loudly when Agassi took a 2-0 lead in the second set and louder when he won that set 6-2.
In an attrition third set, the crowd cheered for every point Agassi made. The third set went to a tie break which Federer won. Federer then comfortably won the last set 6-1. The Crowd cheered for the Champion but not as loudly as they did for Agassi.
Video: Roger Federer vs Andre Agassi 2005 US Open Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Seventh Grand Slam, 2006 Australian Open
Federer was in good spirits for the first Grand Slam of 2006 – The Australian Open. Although he had failed to win the tournament the previous year, he had won the last two Grand Slams of 2005 and was in fine form.
Federer cruised through the first three rounds in straight sets and all seemed rosy. In the fourth round, Federer faced unseeded German, Tommy Haas. Federer continued an extension of his fine form and took the first two sets 6-4, 6-0. After the bagel of the second set, one would be forgiven to have thought that it was just another day at the office for Federer.
Tommy Haas started a fight back in the third set winning that set 6-3. After Haas took the fourth set 6-4, long-forgotten memories of fourth-round Grand Slam exits for Federer might have begun to resurface.
Federer though found strength from within to take the fifth set 6-2, for Haas was no Nalbandian, and Federer had been a Grand Slam champion now many times over. On it was for Federer to a quarterfinal match against Nikolay Davydenko.
5th seed Davydenko took the second set of his quarterfinal match against Federer after Federer had taken the first. Encouraged by his second set victory, Davydenko then fought tooth and nail over the next two sets – Federer narrowly edges the last two sets 7-6-,7-6.
Federer faced the now familiar face of Nicholas Kiefer in the semifinals. Adhering to their previous meetings Kiefer took the second set 7-5 after Federer had won the first. Federer would run out a 6-3,5-7,6-0,6-2 winner of the match.
In the final, Federer faced Cyprian Marcos Baghdatis. Baghdatis opened the final in impressive fashion winning the first set 7-5. Federer rallied and took the second set 7-5. Eventually, Federer’s tennis mastery came to the fore and he won the last two sets 6-0,6-2 to win his seventh Grand Slam title.
Video: Roger Federer v Marcos Baghdatis Final Australian Open 2006
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Eight Grand Slam, 2006 Wimbledon Championship
Federer returned to the Hallow and comforting grounds of Wimbledon for the third Grand Slam of 2006. At this point, Federer had won the last three Wimbledon Championship Gentlemen’s singles.
Federer’s Wimbledon defense began against Frenchman Richard Gasquet. Federer made short work of Gasquet dispatching him in straight sets. Federer’s seemed to cruise through the rest of his Wimbledon matches. He made it to the final without dropping a single set.
Here in the final, he met 2nd seed Spaniard Rafa Nadal. Nadal and Federer had recent Grand Slam history. Nadal had defeated Federer earlier in the year in the final of the French Open.
Federer roared right out the block taking the first set 6-0. Nadal recovered himself and put up a proper fight in the second set but Federer prevailed 7-6. In a now seemingly more balanced match, the third set went 7-6 but in Nadal’s favor.
Nadal was looking to push for a fifth set but despite his best efforts, Federer took the fourth set 6-3 to win the match and a fourth Wimbledon crown.
Video: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal 2006 Wimbledon Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Ninth Grand Slam, 2006 US Open
At this point, Federer was the dominant force in the ATP, the first among equals. The defense of his US Open title began very smoothly with straight-set wins in the first four rounds.
Fifth seed James Blake provide a sterner test for Federer in the quarterfinal. Blake made Federer work for his first set win of 7-6(9-7). It was all Federer in the second set which went 6-0 for Federer. But then Blake rediscovered his game to win the fourth third set 7-6(11-9).
A slight scare for Federer but nothing he wasn’t used to at this point, so he composed himself to win the fourth & final set 6-4 and advance to the semifinals.
Federer would cruise through his semifinal win over 7th seed Russian Nikolay Davydenko in a 6-1, 7-5,6-4 Victory. This victory meant that Federer would face Andy Roddick in another Grand Slam final.
Federer Versus Roddick, a tale almost as old as, well, Federer’s career. It seemed that more often than not, whenever Roddick was on the precipice of achieving greatness, he always seemed to have to go through Federer to get it.
Roddick stood in the way of Federer’s defense of his US Open title, Federer stood in the way of a second US Open title for Roddick but there could only be one champion.
The match wasn’t a dominant match for Federer, although he took the first set, Roddick took the second set and Roddick fought tooth and nail before Federer triumphed in the third set. Roddick only seemed to fall apart in the last and final set with Federer winning the match 6-2,4-6,7-5,6-1.
One more title for Federer to add to his impressive and steadily growing collection of titles. Federer was now up to nine Grand Slam titles, there are only a few men at that point who had ever achieved that.
Video: Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick US Open 2006 Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Tenth Grand Slam, 2007 Australian Open
The hardcourts of the Australian Open readily welcomed tennis players to the first Grand Slam of the year 2007. None more so than the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer who was the Defending Champion.
Three Grand Slams in four attempts wasn’t a bad attempt, Federer would have been looking to equal or even better his exploits of the last year. For that to happen, he needed to claim the opening Grand Slam.
Federer set his mind to the task at hand very efficiently. Refusing to cede sets to his opponents, he stormed through a fielded array of players in straight sets. Federer once more found himself facing Andy Roddick but this time in the semifinal.
Federer decided to be imperious, he took the first set 6-4, the second set 6 – love, and the third set 6 -2. A result that left no room for doubt about his intentions for the calendar year.
Next, up in the final, Federer faced 10th seeded Chilean Fernando Gonzalez. A white headband wearing Gonzalez could have been mistaken for Federer as the two battled it out. So similar was their gameplay, their intensity, and the cheer of the crowd.
They mesmerized the crowd to a first-set tiebreak with Federer winning the tiebreak. They resumed battle in the second round with Gonzalez giving as good as he got but Federer showed his experience and took the second set 6-4.
Undaunted Gonzalez continued his ferocious gameplay, coming after Federer again and again, forcing Federer to draw continuously from his repertoire of tricks.
In the end, though, the maestro prevailed 6-4 but so competitive was Gonzalez’s play that Federer momentarily collapsed on his back, in mild exhaustion or relief – either way, the match was won and Federer was the Australian Open Grand Slam Champion again.
Video: Fernando Gonzalez v Roger Federer 2007 Australian Open
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Eleventh Grand Slam, 2007 Wimbledon Championship
Wimbledon Championships of 2007 welcomed its Four-time defending champion, Roger Federer, to the All England club. Federer opened his account with three straight set wins in the first three rounds.
Federer’s fourth-round opponent Tommy Haas withdrew due to a stomach injury and Federer had extra rest before facing Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarterfinal.
Ferrero, former World No.1, 2003 French Open winner, and 20th seed at this Wimbledon could easily cause an upset. He might have been thinking exactly that as he played Federer in the first set – with Federer unable to stamp his authority on the set and the set went to a tiebreak.
A tiebreak swings one way or another though and Federer took the tiebreak 7 – 2. Ferrero brought his experience to the fore and took the second set against Federer 6-3. The match is in the balance now though, Federer showed what he could do with a 6-1 third-set win.
Federer then followed up with a 6-3 fourth-set victory to set up a semifinal date with Richard Gasquet. Gasquet was swept aside in the semifinals in straight set victory by Federer.
The 2007 Wimbledon final was contested between Federer and second seed, Rafa Nadal. Nadal had faced and defeated Federer in the French Open final earlier in the year.
What ensued was something akin to a fierce battle. The first set dragged to a tiebreak with neither player willing to give an inch. Federer would edge the tiebreak but only narrowly, winning the set 7-6(9-7).
The second set ended with success for Nadal. Although Federer tried his best in the second set, events seemed to align for Nadal and he took the set 6-4. The third set was almost identical to the first, with both players not bulging – the telling difference being that during the tiebreak, Federer kept his composure to win 7-3.
Nadal responded to his third set loss and Federer’s lead emphatically. Nadal broke Federer’s serve multiple times to win the fourth-set 6-2.
With two sets a piece and the recent history between them, the crowd started to settle for the possibility of a new Wimbledon Champion for the first time in Five years.
But this was no French Open, Federer was charmed at Wimbledon, he had won his first title here and always seemed to play some of his best tennis on those grass courts. And so Federer kept his focus to triumph over Nadal 6-2 in the final and deciding set.
And so Federer was the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles champion for the 5th straight year.
Video: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal Wimbledon Final 2007
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Twelfth Grand Slam, 2007 US Open
Roger Federer came into the final Grand Slam of 2007, the US Open looking to equal his previous year’s record of three in four Slams and he was primed for it.
Straight-set victories in his first two games came willingly to Federer. In his third-round match, Federer was faced with American John Isner who had been granted a wildcard entry.
Isner fought Federer to a first-set stalemate and then proceeded to take the tiebreak 7-4. Federer. Federer responded with an emphatic 6-2, 6-4,6-2 victory in the next three sets.
In the fourth round, Federer for the second match running lost the first set. Federer was playing Spaniard Feliciano Lopez and seemed to wobble, losing 3-6 to Lopez in the first set. But again, the defending champion steeled himself to win the next three sets 6-4,6-1,6-4 and advance to the quarterfinal
Old foe Andy Roddick awaited Federer once more in the quarterfinals. Roddick true to his nature and play was industrious during this quarterfinal meeting. Roddick chased every ball Federer threw at him as the two battled the first set to a 6-6 standstill. Roddick held his own in the tiebreak but ultimately lost it 7-5.
The second set was similar to the first with Federer playing searching balls and Roddick bringing all his power and energy to the set. Another stalemate, another tiebreak which Federer won 7-4.
At this point, an exasperated Roddick prepared for the third set. But the third set flew away from Roddick with Federer showing mastery to win the set 6-2. Roddick had given it his all and lost all the sets but he could not be blamed for the genius of Roger Federer.
4th seed Nikolay Davydenko awaited Federer in the third set. Federer was a runaway winner here winning the three sets 7-5, 6-1,7-5. Up next for Federer was 3rd seed Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic vs Federer was as good a tennis battle as any. Back and forth went the tennis ball as the two players accumulated points and games in the first. The set went to a tiebreak which Federer won 7-4.
Djokovic would race into a 4-1 lead in the first set but Federer would claw the lead away to force a tiebreak. Masterfully, Federer would win the tiebreak 7-2. Federer had now won four of the five tiebreaks he had played at the tournament.
The third set seemed balanced until Djokovic had a chance to serve and tie the game from 5-4 to 5-5. Despite it being Djokovic’s serve, the game was at deuce-advantage Federer, Djokovic sent a ball into the net and once again Federer was Champion at The US Open.
Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic US Open 2007 Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Thirteenth Grand Slam, 2008 US Open
Federer’s dominance came to an abrupt end in 2008. Hampered by illness and injury, Federer was knocked out in the semifinals of the Australian Open by eventual Champion Novak Djokovic. Federer lost the French Open and even the Wimbledon finals to Rafa Nadal.
Federer came into the 2008 US Open with an air of uncertainty about him. He had also lost his top spot ranking to Nadal and was looking to come away with something.
Federer skipped through the first three rounds of the 2008 US open unscathed but as is sometimes the case with Federer, there was drama in the fourth round.
In the fourth round, Federer faced 23rd-seeded Russian Igor Andreev. The first two sets both went to a tiebreak. Federer took the first tie break 7-5, and Andreev also took the second tie break 7-5. 6-3 to Federer in the third set, 6-3 to Andreev in the fourth set.
Igor Andreev seemed to be matching Federer set for set in their fourth round 2008 US Open match. Unfortunately for Andreev, When Federer took the fifth set 6-3, there wasn’t a sixth set for him to match so Federer advanced to the quarterfinals.
Federer faced Luxembourg qualifier, Giles Muller, in the quarterfinal. Muller put up a good fight, two sets went to close tiebreaks, but Federer in the end won 7-6,6-4,7-6. Up next in the semifinals for Federer was Djokovic.
Djokovic had defeated Federer in the semifinals at the Australian Open and was at present the third top-ranked player. The Djokovic vs Federer match went four sets. Federer broke Djokovic early to race to a 4-1 lead in the first set eventually winning the set 6-3.
In the second set, Federer would be serving to take the set into a tiebreak but Djokovic would break Federer’s serve to take the set 7-5. In the third set, having won 5 games each, Federer broke Djokovic’s serve to get the opportunity to serve out the set.
Federer successfully took his opportunity winning the set 7-5 to set up a 2-1 set lead. Federer took the final set well winninG the set 6-2 and the match 3-1.
The final would be contested between Brit Andy Murray and Federer. Murray was hoping to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam in the Open era. Roger Federer cut short Murray’s and Great Britain’s hope for a men’s Grand Slam. He was unplayable at times in the final winning 6-2, 7-5, 6-2.
This was Federer’s fifth consecutive US Open title.
Video: Roger Federer vs Andy Murray – US Open 2008 Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Fourteenth Grand Slam, 2009 French Open
The 2009 French Open might have looked gloomy, Federer’s dominance had slipped, he had only won one of the last Five Grand Slams and he had never won on the Parisian clay courts
For three straight years, Federer had gotten to the final in Paris and three straight years, Rafa Nadal had stood between Federer and the Roland Garros title and for three straight years, Federer had faltered at the last hurdle in Paris.
Almost right out the door, Federer was in trouble, he needed a 10-8 tiebreaker to win the first set of his second-round match against Argentine Jose Acasuso. Acasuso did win the second set. Federer needed another tie break to win the third set, this time winning 7-2.
Things did seem to ease up from there and although Federer comfortably won the third set 6-2, he had looked wobbly.
This wobbly feeling came to the fore again when Federer lost the first set of his third-round match against Paul-Henri Mathieu. Now although Federer did win the next three sets 6-1,6-4,6-4, Many were not convinced.
Next in the fourth round, Federer faced Thomas Haas. Haas took the first two sets against Federer 7-6, 7-5, and once more the ghosts of fourth-round exits seemed to be rearing its head.
Federer had to find resolve from somewhere and he did, He took the next set 6-4. That seemed to improve his mood and he took the next two sets 6-love, 6-2. A slight scare passed and Federer survived the fourth round.
Frenchman Gael Monfils provided some competition for Federer in their 2008 French Open quarterfinal match. 7-6(8-6) – he made Federer work for his first set win. The next two sets were relatively easier with Federer winning 6-2,6-4 to advance to the semifinals.
Argentine Juan Martin del Porto’s giant frame looked at ease on the clay courts of Paris as he challenged Federer in the semifinals. On the day, del Porto went into a 6-3 lead in the first set leaving Federer in the dust.
Federer had to bring all his genius to bear to win the second set 7-6 but then del Porto responded emphatically, another convincing 6-2 win for the argentine. For the first time in the match, Federer responded in style to win the fourth set 6-1, the fourth set went in favor of Federer.
Now relaxed and feeling like himself, Federer was able to close out the last and final set 6-4. Federer had reached the fourth consecutive final at the French Open. There was just a slight difference from previous years – there was no Nadal to contend with in the final.
Robin Soderling who had knocked Rafa Nadal out in the fourth round faced Federer in the final of the 2009 French Open. Federer quickly took the first set 6-1 establishing dominance over the match.
Soderling played better tennis in the second set. He had earned his place in the match and he played to a tie break in this set. But then Soderling seemed to falter or Federer seemed to grow – the consequence of which was Federer winning the tiebreak 7-1
In the end, Federer was victorious winning the third set 6-4. By the time Federer realized he had won, he was on his knees and looked like he was going to cry in relief- it looked like an apt reaction to Federer’s first Paris triumph after so many close attempts.
Video: Roger Federer vs Robin Söderling Highlights French Open 2009
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Fifteenth Grand Slam, 2009 Wimbledon
When Federer returned to Wimbledon in 2009, it was the first time since 2004 that he wasn’t the defending Champion. Federer was on a high, He had just won his first French Open title and if that fell for him, then everything seemed possible.
The first two rounds were easy for Federer. In the third round, Federer won his first two sets but lost the third. He did recover to win the last set convincingly and set up a fourth-round match against his French Open final opponent, Robin Soderling.
Soderling vs Federer was as good a fourth-round match as could be wished for. Like at the Fench Open, Federer was able to win the match against Soderling but Soderling made Federer work for his victory. 6-4,7-6(7-5),7-6(7-5) was the score in Federer’s Favour in just under 2 hours.
Up next for Federer was big-serving giant Ivo Karlovic in the quarterfinals. In this match, Federer kept his composure to take 6-3, 7-5,7-6, and advance to the semifinals where he would face Tommy Haas.
Haas would provide adequate Competition for Federer but Federer was on a roll now, he was feeling good, grinding out wins irrespective of the situation, and never seemed to let a match slip out of his control. Federer defeated Haas 7-6, 7-5, 6-3 to set up a final with Andy Roddick.
The grass courts of Wimbledon tingled at another Federer and Roddick final match for their encounters were always a spectacle to behold.
Federer would have thought it was business as usual – ‘ a very grueling match against an industrious Roddick where I have to bring all my genius to bear and then I would triumph’. Federer would have thought this, that is until Roddick suddenly broke Federer’s serve to take the first set 7-5 and the crowd roared.
Federer was definitely taken aback when Roddick raced to a 6-2 lead in the second set tiebreaker and was one point away from leading Federer 2-0 at the Wimbledon final. Roddick let this advantage slip though and ended up losing the tiebreaker 8-6 with Federer winning six straight points.
Roddick kept going at Federer and Federer now had to survive another tiebreaker in the third set winning the tiebreaker 7-5. Again Roddick refused to lay down, he won the fourth set and Wimbledon settled in for a fifth set.
No tiebreakers at Wimbledon so the fifth set went long, With Federer leading 15 – 14 and Roddick serving, Federer did something he had found difficult to do all day he broke Roddick’s serve to win the set 16-14 and end the match.
Federer might have just won his fifteenth Grand Slam but the crowd serenaded the court with chants of “Roddick, Roddick, Roddick”. Roddick hadn’t played badly, he had performed better than he ever had against Federer and had lost gracefully.
Video: Roger Federer v Andy Roddick: Wimbledon Final 2009
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Sixteenth Grand Slam, 2010 Australian Open
Federer came to the 2010 Australian Open reeling from disappointment, he had lost the final of the 2009 US Open and not to a player called Nadal or even Djokovic. Juan Martin del Porto had prevented Federer from his sixteenth Grand Slam title.
Igor Andreev gave an intensive opening shot across the bow when he took the first set of the first round on the hardcourts of the 2010 Australian Open against Federer. Federer must have thought “what is going on here?”
Federer’s second set was something more like himself – a simple 6-2 win over Andreev. Andreev was looking to stay on the courts as long as possible and played his heart out in the third set. Andreev was rewarded with a tiebreak but more often than not Federer comes out ahead in tiebreaks and this he did here.
A bagel in Federer’s favor was how the fourth – final set ended. That last set was a resounding statement to all challengers.
Straight set victories followed for Federer in his second and third rounds. Federer came up against Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round. Hewitt at this point was the 22nd seed at the tournament. A comfortable 6-2,6-3,6-4 victory sent Federer into the quarterfinals.
Federer started this quarterfinal match poorly. Nikolay Davydenko of Russia claimed a 6-2 first-set win over Federer. Federer was able to redeem himself with a 6-3,6-love victory in the next two sets. With the fourth set of the match tied at 5-5, Federer was able to break Davydenko’s serve and win the set 7-5.
Federer achieved a straight-set convincing victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinal. Federer broke the 10th-seeded Frenchman multiple times in each set to win the match 6-2,6-3,6-2 and advance to the finals
Federer faced Brit Andy Murray in the final of the 2010 Australian open. Murray was still searching for Great Britain’s first Grand Slam for men in the Open Era, a quest Federer had foiled at the 2008 US Open.
Whatever outcome Murray had hoped for and whatever expectations Britain was holding, it didn’t start well when Federer broke Murray’s serve early to take a 2-0 lead in the first set. Murray broke back immediately and held his serve to level the set at 2-2 and it seemed a match was on.
Federer was ahead 4-3 in the first set when he broke Murray’s serve again to extend to 5-3. Federer held his serve to win the first set 6 games to 3.
Having broken Murray early in the second set to take a 3-1 lead, Roger Federer hit a lot of good first serves to maintain momentum and see out the set 6-4.
In the third set, Murray would break Federer to take a 5-2 lead and start to light the flames of hope. A barrage of good serves from Federer in the 8th game, good athleticism in the 9th, and another barrage of serves in the tenth game would see Federer claw the set back to a 5-5. The players held their serve to send the game into a tiebreak.
No inch was given in the tiebreak. With both players keeping up, the points steadily accumulated until it happened. Federer was leading 12-11, it was a Murray serve, Murray returned a Federer forehand with a two-handed backhand that did not clear the net.
Federer was the Champion in Australia.
Video: Roger Federer vs Andy Murray 2010 Australian Open Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Seventeenth Grand Slam, 2012 Wimbledon Championship.
“Here at Wimbledon, Federer has rediscovered glory” – There aren’t more apt statements than this. In nine Grand Slam tournaments between the 2010 Australian Open and 2012 Wimbledon, Roger Federer hadn’t won any of them. It was a bleak season for the Swiss Maestro.
When Federer faced Andy Murray in the final, it must have felt surreal because it had been a while. Federer hadn’t fallen off the earth, he regularly played at the Slams but always seemed to falter, He had only played one of the last nine Grand Slam finals, a 2011 loss to Nadal at Roland Garros of all places.
Federer had played three four-set matches on his road to the final, the most recent being his semifinal against World No.1 Novak Djokovic.
Federer would have been forgiven for being both mentally stimulated and anxious after Murray went ahead with a 6-4 win in the first set of their match. But Federer did not collapse. It had been so long but it was so near and Wimbledon was special to Federer.
And so Roger Federer played a better game in the second set breaking Murray’s serve at the very end to win the set 7-5. What followed was a classic, controlled Federer like of Yesteryears, setting the tone, and dictating the pace of the game. The last two sets ended in a 6-3,6-4 victory for Federer to hand him his first Grand Slam in two years.
Video: Roger Federer vs Andy Murray – Wimbledon Final 2012
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Eighteenth Grand Slam, 2017 Australian Open.
An injury to Federer’s back compounded by a persistent Knee Injury was enough to seriously derail Federer’s career. For years, he played through his injuries and had surgeries to combat the hindrance. In 2016, Federer took off time from tennis to recover from surgery on his Knee that had not fully recovered.
Australian Open 2017 was special in that it showed a return to greatness. Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer rolled back the years with an epic five-set final that belied simplistic Greatness.
17th-seeded Federer produced an emotional rollercoaster on his road to the final. In a quarterfinal match against Japanese 5th seed Kei Nishikori, Federer let Nishikori equalize sets having led 2-1. In the deciding set though Federer did not look threatened winning 6-3.
In his quarterfinal against his compatriot, 4th seed Stan Wawrinka, Federer led sets 2-0 before Wawrinka took the third and fourth sets to force a deciding set. Federer claimed the deciding set and advanced to the finals but there had been jitters.
Here in the final was old Nemesis and Rival, Rafa Nadal looking to hinder the Federer party. Quality tennis was the order of the day as both players now in their thirties reminded the world why they had been so highly rated for so long.
Federer outlasted Nadal in a five-set final, something that hadn’t happened in a long while. The gritty Nadal was sent chasing after deep balls which he responded to with impressive long shots and returns that were met enthusiastically by Federer.
Back and forth the ball went as the players traded skill and experience, the points accumulated, and eventually, the match was tied at two sets each.
Nadal would race into a 3-1 lead in the deciding set but most extraordinarily, Federer would make his way with five straight games to win the final set 6-3. A first Grand Slam for Federer since 2012.
An emotional relief was how Federer described this success in his post-match media interview, comparing the feeling to the 2009 French Open where he had won after trying so many times.
Video: Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal – Australian Open 2017 Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Nineteenth Grand Slam, 2017 Wimbledon
Federer returned to the hallow grounds of the All England Club in 2017 well rested. Following his Australian Open triumph, Federer had chosen to skip out on the entire clay court season.
Now 3rd seed Roger Federer was in a party mood. Wimbledon had always seemed charmed for Federer – his first-round opponent retired in the second set even though Federer had taken the first and was leading the second – extra rest for Federer.
Federer then cruised through the next Four rounds without dropping a set, even in sets that had to go to a tiebreak – and there were quite a few of those, Federer always looked like he was in control of the situation.
Federer played his quarterfinal match against Czech Tomas Berdych. Federer and Berdych had some Grand Slam history. Berdych had famously knocked Federer out in the quarterfinal of both the 2010 Wimbledon and 2012 US Open. Federer had since redeemed himself by winning a spate of matches against Berdych including knocking Berdych out in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Australian open.
Berdych’s game plan seemed to be working as he matched Federer game for game until the first set came to a tiebreak but Federer was eating up tiebreaks at this tournament and took the tiebreak (7-4).
In the second set, another tiebreak, and Federer lapped up the tiebreak again with another (7-4) victory. The third set didn’t last to a tiebreak, Federer wrapped up the set 6-4 to advance to the semis.
Federer was up against Croat Marin Cilic in the semifinal. With the first set at two games each, Federer broke Cilic and maintained his serve to take a 4-2 lead. Cilic held his next serve but then Federer broke Cilic’s serve again to take the first set 6-3
Federer was simply unplayable against Marin Cilic in the second set of their 2017 Wimbledon semifinal. Cilic seemed to have no adequate answer to Federer’s serve and no appropriate response to Federer’s returns either and lost the second set 6-1.
The third set was leveled at three games each when Federer succeeded in breaking Cilic’s Serve and holding his serve to lead 5-3. Cilic responded with a string of impressive serves but it was a little too late. Federer confidently served out the match 6-4 for his 8th Wimbledon Crown.
Video: Roger Federer v Marin Cilic Wimbledon 2017 final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Federer’s Twentieth Grand Slam, 2018 Australian Open.
Federer returned to the Australian Open to defend his title in 2017. He was seeking to return to the full complement of his power. Federer had won two of the last three Grand Slams he had played.
So Federer with his improved ranking of 2nd kicked off his title defense without a hitch. 1st round, 2nd round, 3rd round, 4th round, opponents fell before the swiss like snows on the alps.
Tomas Berdych, now a recent familiar face for Federer attempted to cause a stir in the quarterfinals taking their first set to a tiebreak. Federer delivered an emphatic 7-1 tiebreaker. The next two sets went a little easier for Federer resulting in a Federer victory.
Chung Hyeon, the first South Korean man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal had to retire against Federer due to a blister. Chung had lost the first set 6-1 and was down 5-2 in the second but he couldn’t continue the game as he had difficulty moving at this point. And that is how Federer advanced to a second consecutive final in Melbourne.
In the final of the 2018 Australian Open, Federer was billed to face Croat Marin Cilic in a repeat of the 2017 Wimbledon final.
This final match played under closed roofs got off to a disappointing start for Cilic. Cilic quickly found himself trailing 4-0 to the defending champion in the first set. Federer would win the first set 6-2.
Cilic had warmed up by the time the second set kicked off and was able to keep pace with Federer. At 4-5 and with the game at 30-30, Federer double-faulted, and all of a sudden, Cilic had set points, Cilic, unfortunately, was unable to take advantage of the situation and Federer tied the game at 5-5. Both players held serve to take the game into a tiebreak.
Federer of recent had gained a mastery of tiebreaks but today wasn’t to be the day, Cilic won the tiebreak 7-5 to take the second set.
Federer would then break Cilic in the third set to take a 4-2 lead in the set. This was the only break in the set and Federer closed out the set 6-3. Federer was now leading in sets 2-1.
Federer uncharacteristically lost Five straight games in the fourth set. This would hand Cilic a 6-3 win and send the match into a deciding set.
Following his shambolic end to that fourth set and with everything on the line in the deciding set, Roger Federer would break Cilic early and roll all over him storming to a 6-1 resounding victory that would echo through the ages and hand him his 20th Grand Slam title.
Video: Roger Federer v Marin Cilic – Australian Open 2018 Final
Roger Federer’s Road To Title
Roger Federer hasn’t won a Grand Slam title since his 2018 Australian Open. He has had some near misses like the 2019 Five set Wimbledon Final against Djokovic- which was the longest men’s final in the history of Wimbledon.
Great player that he is, Federer has been seriously impeded by his Injury problems, he has had multiple injuries and surgeries on his knees. Federer has only played in three of the last eleven Grand Slams and he hasn’t played since the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. Nevertheless, Federer plans to make a comeback after he recovers fully from his surgeries and who knows, there might be more greatness in store.
Roger Federer Grand Slams List
Roger Federer is widely considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Between 2003 and 2009, he won at least one grand slam singles tournament every year, with his best years coming in 2004, 2006, and 2007 when he won three out of the four grand slams. In total, Federer has won 20 grand slam singles titles. You can see the full list of Federer’s Slam wins in the table below.
| # | Year | Grand Slam | Age | Federer’s Ranking | Opponent in Final | Opponent’s Ranking | Score in Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003 | Wimbledon (1) | 21 | 5 | Mark Philippoussis | 48 | 7-6, 6-2, 7-6 |
| 2 | 2004 | Australian Open (1) | 22 | 2 | Marat Safin | 86 | 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 3 | 2004 | Wimbledon (2) | 22 | 1 | Andy Roddick | 2 | 4-6, 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 |
| 4 | 2004 | US Open (1) | 23 | 1 | Lleyton Hewitt | 5 | 6-0, 7-6, 6-0 |
| 5 | 2005 | Wimbledon (3) | 23 | 1 | Andy Roddick | 4 | 6-2, 7-6, 6-4 |
| 6 | 2005 | US Open (2) | 24 | 1 | Andre Agassi | 7 | 6-3, 2-6, 7-6, 6-1 |
| 7 | 2006 | Australian Open (2) | 24 | 1 | Marcos Baghdatis | 54 | 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 |
| 8 | 2006 | Wimbledon (4) | 24 | 1 | Rafael Nadal | 2 | 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 |
| 9 | 2006 | US Open (3) | 25 | 1 | Andy Roddick | 10 | 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 |
| 10 | 2007 | Australian Open (3) | 25 | 1 | Fernando Gonzalez | 9 | 7-6, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 11 | 2007 | Wimbledon (5) | 25 | 1 | Rafael Nadal | 2 | 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-2 |
| 12 | 2007 | US Open (4) | 26 | 1 | Novak Djokovic | 3 | 7-6, 7-6, 6-4 |
| 13 | 2008 | US Open (5) | 27 | 2 | Andy Murray | 6 | 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 |
| 14 | 2009 | French Open (1) | 27 | 2 | Robin Soderling | 25 | 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 |
| 15 | 2009 | Wimbledon (6) | 27 | 2 | Andy Roddick | 6 | 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14 |
| 16 | 2010 | Australian Open (4) | 28 | 1 | Andy Murray | 4 | 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 |
| 17 | 2012 | Wimbledon (7) | 30 | 3 | Andy Murray | 4 | 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 18 | 2017 | Australian Open (5) | 36 | 17 | Rafael Nadal | 9 | 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 |
| 19 | 2017 | Wimbledon (8) | 36 | 5 | Marin Cilic | 6 | 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 |
| 20 | 2018 | Australian Open (6) | 37 | 2 | Marin Cilic | 6 | 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 |
FAQ
Has Roger Federer won all 4 Grand Slams?
Yes. Federer has won all four Grand Slams. He achieved this feat when he won the 2009 French Open. The French Open crown was the only title that eluded Federer during the start of his dominance. He had previously reached the Fench Open final three consecutive years but had been defeated each time by Rafa Nadal. When Federer defeated Robin Soderling in the 2009 French Open final, he completed his career Grand Slam.
Has Federer won all 4 Grand Slams in one year?
No, Federer has never won all four Grand Slams in a single year. For three years( 2004, 2006, 2007), Federer won three of the four Grand Slams that held but each time the French Open seemed to elude him.
How many Grand Slams has Federer played in?
Roger Federer has played in the main draw of EIGHTY ONE (81) Grand Slam Events and has reached the final at 31 events. From the year 2000 to 2015, Federer made an appearance in all Grand Slam events held – 64 consecutive appearances.
Who has won more Grand Slams, Serena Williams or Roger Federer?
Serena Williams and Roger Federer are both good players who have made their respective marks in the world of Tennis. Serena Williams has won 23 WTA Grand Slam singles titles in comparison to Federer’s 20 singles titles. So Williams has more titles than Federer.
Which Grand Slams did Roger Federer win?
Roger Federer has won all four Grand Slams. Federer won the Australian Open – ( 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018), The 2009 Fench open title, The Wimbledon Gentlemen’s title (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017), The US Open in – (2004, 2005,2006,2007, 2008).
What Was Roger Federer’s first Grand Slam?
Federer’s first Grand Slam and his introduction to Glory came when he won the 2003 WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIP.
How old was Federer when he won his first Grand Slam?
The 2003 Wimbledon Championship Gentlemen’s final where Federer won his first Grand Slam was played on the 6th of July 2003, only about a month shy of Federer’s 22nd birthday. So Federer was only 21 YEARS OF AGE when he won his first Grand Slam.
How many times has Roger Federer won Wimbledon?
Roger Federer has come away as champion of the Wimbledon singles EIGHT times, his most recent being in 2017.
Has Roger Federer won the French Open?
YES – the 2009 French Open. Throughout his illustrious career, the French Open was the most resistant of all the Grand Slams to Federer’s charms. Although Federer did eventually win at Roland Garros in 2009, after three consecutive finals defeats. That was his only French Open crown to date.
