Roger Federer dedicated 23 years to competing on the ATP Tour against some of the finest players in tennis history.
The Swiss tennis icon secured an impressive total of 20 Major titles throughout his career, holding the record for Grand Slam victories for many years.
Between 2003 and 2010, Federer dominated the men’s tennis landscape, achieving 16 of his 20 Grand Slam wins during this period.
However, in a six-year span afterwards, he managed to clinch just one Major title at Wimbledon in 2012, as his opponents began to improve and close the gap.
Making a comeback, Federer regained his form and won three additional Major titles in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, notably excelling at the Australian Open. In 2017, he reflected on whether he was appreciating the game more than in the early stages of his career.
Roger Federer Describes His Early Career as the ‘Most Exciting Times’
In an interview with the Tennis Channel after a stellar start to the 2017 season, Federer was questioned if tennis had improved over the years. He responded, “Possibly, you know?” Reflecting on his early experiences, he expressed how thrilling it was to share the locker room with tennis legends like Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, and others, calling it perhaps the most exciting phase of his career.
Federer also noted the contrast in professionalism during his early career compared to today, likening his initial experiences to being “like a kid in a candy store.”
Federer’s Head-to-Head Record Against His Icons
In 2017, he named eight players who were significant during his thrilling early years. His performance against them is notable:
- Federer 1 – 0 Sampras
- Federer 8 – 3 Agassi
- Federer 7 – 0 Moya
- Federer 7 – 6 Henman
- Federer 1 – 2 Kuerten
- Federer 0 – 3 Rafter
- Federer 2 – 0 Ivanisevic
- Federer 2 – 2 Rosset
Federer triumphed over seven of the eight opponents but notably never defeated Pat Rafter. Rafter commented, reflecting on his retirement just as Federer was entering his peak years, illustrating the respect he has for Federer’s journey.
Additionally, Federer struggled against Brazil’s Gustavo Kuerten, losing all two matches out of three played, including a memorable Grand Slam encounter at the 2004 French Open.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2004 French Open – 3R | Kuerten | Federer | 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2003 Indian Wells – 2R | Kuerten | Federer | 7-5, 7-6 |
| 2002 Hamburg Open – QF | Federer | Kuerten | 6-0, 1-6, 6-2 |
Notably, Federer enjoyed success against Sampras and Agassi, winning nine out of twelve matches against the two. Their solitary encounter at Wimbledon showcased Federer’s remarkable potential as he edged out Sampras in a thrilling five-set match.
As Federer bid farewell to tennis in 2022, he left behind a legacy marked by victories over players across various generations, captivating millions throughout his illustrious career.
