By John W. DenBoer, Ph.D., U.S.P.T.A., P.T.R.
Will Roger Federer go down as one the best tennis players ever? Maybe, but probably not. Hi main rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, are still playing – and playing well – and look to surpass him in the majority, if not all, applicable “GOAT” metrics. So, at least for the time being, it looks as if he will solidly be at the #3 spot.
Although he will not necessarily go down as the undisputed #1, in many more qualitative ways Federer will be better remembered than Nadal and Djokovic. Why? Certainly Federer transcended the sport with multinational endorsement deals and brought presence and charisma unmatched in the sport prior, but what truly was awe-inspiring was the grace and fluidity in which he mastered the sport. This was equally true for both beginners and elite players, both groups who marveled at the degree that he made very difficult things like footwork, transition tennis, and dominance, possible. Perhaps the only other player that came close was Rod Laver, one of Federer’s idols, although to compare the two is fool hearty, as Laver is no comparison – Federer faced more pressure, played significantly better players, and transcended a more diverse and overall higher quality level of tennis.
As I thought back to Federer’s career, it is very difficult to choose his best moments. That being said, the following are my Top 10:
- Wimbledon 2003
– Federer beats Aussie Mark P.
- Australian Open 2018
– Federer beats Marin Cilic in one of latest and best final.
- Wimbledon 2009
– Often some of the best matches in Federer’s career have come at Wimbledon. One can wonder why this is, but Center Court at Wimbledon appears to be Federer’s crowing achievement.
- French Open 2009
– Federer conquers his part-time nemesis Robin Soderling to win the French Open for the first time. Soderling had defeated Nadal earlier in the tournament through a dangerous combination of long, flat, ground strokes.
- Madrid 2009
– Win against Nadal on clay in this lead-up to the French. One of Federer’s few wins against Nadal on clay. Excellent victory at an important time in Roger’s career.
- Masters Cup 2003
– Fed dominates Agassi in Masters Cup event. Federer was on his way up, Agassi on his way out. This victory helped begin Federer’s record,
- Wimbledon 2009
– Federer beats Andy Roddick. While not one of the best matches played by Federer, a very exciting and dynamic fight by both players.
- Wimbledon 2001
– Another great Wimbledon match and anther great win by Roger.
- Wimbledon 2007
– Roger continues to dominate in this Wimbledon victory.
- Wimbledon 2008
- Considered one – if not the – greatest tennis matches of all time. Played at a level that was unprecedented and has yet to be replicated. This match defined and re-routed both Federer and Nadal’s career paths. The level of play at times was perhaps the highest level of tennis ever played.
