Editing Roger Federer (section)

===1990s and 2000s===
====1995–1998: Junior years====
{{Main|Roger Federer junior years}}
In 1995, at age 13, Federer won the U14 Swiss national junior championship and was subsequently invited to train at the prestigious National Tennis Centre in the French-speaking [[Écublens, Vaud|Écublens]], where he enrolled shortly after his 14th birthday.<ref name=London/><ref name=bio>{{Cite web |url=https://history-biography.com/roger-federer/ |title=Roger Federer – History and Biography |website=history-biography.com |date=11 June 2018 |accessdate=16 December 2023 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528062500/https://history-biography.com/roger-federer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There, he had the opportunity to combine three hours of tennis training per day along with education, but Federer had little interest in studying and struggled to balance his education with his tennis commitments.<ref name=Making1/> Speaking little French and struggling with living away from home, Federer found his first months at Écublens depressing.<ref name=Making1/> He was the youngest player in the group and also felt singled out as the "Swiss German" by many of the students and staff at the academy, experienced mild bullying, and was often on the verge of packing his bags and returning home.<ref name=Making1/> Federer credits this difficult period of his life as the reason for his independent spirit.<ref name=Making1/>

Federer played his first ITF junior match in July 1996, at the age of 14, at a grade-2 tournament in Switzerland.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/roger-federer/800202678/sui/jt/s/activity/ |title=Roger Federer Junior Activity |website=www.itftennis.com |access-date=29 December 2014 |archive-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231120512/https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/roger-federer/800202678/sui/jt/s/activity |url-status=live }}</ref> He then played in the 1996 NEC World Youth Cup Final in [[Zürich]] against tennis players like [[Lleyton Hewitt]].<ref name=15anos>{{cite web |url=https://as.com/tenis/2019/07/02/wimbledon/1562058129_584294.html |title=Cómo eran Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Serena Williams y Venus con 15 años? |trans-title=What were Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Serena Williams and Venus like when they were 15 years old? |language=es |website=as.com |date=2 July 2019 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215023748/https://as.com/tenis/2019/07/02/wimbledon/1562058129_584294.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Hewitt>{{cite web |url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/federers-special-memories-of-hewitt/v6i1srzl4 |title=Federer's special memories of Hewitt |website=www.sbs.com.au |date=16 January 2016 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/federers-special-memories-of-hewitt/v6i1srzl4 |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 1997, at age 15, Federer won both the indoor and outdoor U18 Swiss national championship, defeating the [[Yves Allegro]] who was three years older than him, in both finals.<ref name=16anos>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/774 |title=Roger Federer As A 16 Year Old |website=www.worldtennismagazine.com |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011146/http://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/774 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May, Federer won his first-ever ITF junior title on the clay courts of a second-category tournament in [[Prato]], doing so without the loss of a set.<ref name=Prato>{{cite web |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/roger-federer-wins-his-first-itf-title-this-day-that-year |title=Roger Federer wins his first ITF title: This day, that year |website=www.sportskeeda.com |date=11 May 2020 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011146/https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/roger-federer-wins-his-first-itf-title-this-day-that-year |url-status=live }}</ref> In September, Federer earned the first 12 ATP points of his career in a four-week Swiss [[Satellite tournament#Tennis|satellite tournament]] in [[Bossonnens]], thus making his debut in the ATP rankings at No. 803, just five spots ahead of future rival Lleyton Hewitt.<ref name=16anos/><ref name=Prato/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/september-22-1997-the-day-roger-federer-earned-his-first-ranking-points-291511.html |title=22 September 1997: The day Roger Federer earned his first ranking points |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=22 September 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011145/https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/september-22-1997-the-day-roger-federer-earned-his-first-ranking-points-291511.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

His main accomplishments as a junior player came at Wimbledon in 1998, when he won both the [[1998 Wimbledon Championships – Boys' singles|Boys' singles]] final over [[Irakli Labadze]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/roll_of_honour/boys-singles.html|publisher=The Championships, Wimbledon|title=Boys' Singles Finals 1947–2011|access-date=5 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208094938/http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/roll_of_honour/boys-singles.html|archive-date=8 December 2014}}</ref> and the [[1998 Wimbledon Championships – Boys' doubles|Boys' doubles]] final, teamed with [[Olivier Rochus]], defeating the team of [[Michaël Llodra]] and [[Andy Ram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/roll_of_honour/boys-doubles.html |publisher=The Championships, Wimbledon |title=Boys' Doubles Finals 1947–2011 |access-date=5 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208095044/http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/roll_of_honour/boys-doubles.html |archive-date=8 December 2014}}</ref> Federer then reached the [[1998 US Open – Boys' singles|US Open Junior]] final, which he lost to [[David Nalbandian]]. This was the only occasion Federer lost a final on the junior circuit.<ref name=Prato/> He then brought his junior career to an end at the prestigious [[Junior Orange Bowl (tennis)|Junior Orange Bowl]] in [[Miami]], where he defeated Nalbandian in the semifinals and [[Guillermo Coria]] in the final.<ref name=Prato/> By the end of 1998 he had attained the No. 1 junior world ranking and was named ITF Junior World Champion.<ref name=Making2>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1251765-wimbledon-2012-roger-federer-the-making-of-a-champion-part-2 |title=Roger Federer: The Making of a Champion, Part 2 |website=bleacherreport.com |date=9 July 2012 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509143124/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1251765-wimbledon-2012-roger-federer-the-making-of-a-champion-part-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> He ended his junior career at the end of 1998 with a high ranking of No. 1 in singles and No. 7 in doubles (both achieved on 31 December 1998) and a win–loss record of 78–20 in singles and 36–21 in doubles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Roger Federer junior overview|url=https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/roger-federer/800202678/sui/jt/s/overview/|access-date=21 August 2020|website=ITF Tennis|archive-date=31 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231120523/https://www.itftennis.com/en/players/roger-federer/800202678/sui/jt/s/overview|url-status=live}}</ref>

<u>Junior Grand Slam results – Singles:</u>

Australian Open: SF (1998)<br />
French Open: 1R ([[1998 French Open – Boys' singles|1998]])<br />
Wimbledon: '''W''' ([[1998 Wimbledon Championships – Boys' singles|1998]])<br />
US Open: F ([[1998 US Open – Boys' singles|1998]])

<u>Junior Grand Slam results – Doubles:</u>

Australian Open: SF (1998)<br />
French Open: 1R ([[1998 French Open – Boys' doubles|1998]])<br />
Wimbledon: '''W''' ([[1998 Wimbledon Championships – Boys' doubles|1998]])<br />
US Open: 1R (1998)

====1998–2002: Early professional career====
{{Main|Roger Federer's early career}}
[[File:FEDERER Roger-24x30-1998.jpg|thumb|upright|Federer in 1998, the first year he joined the ATP Tour]]
In July 1998, an almost 17-year-old Federer made his ATP debut at the [[1998 Rado Open|Swiss Open Gstaad]], in his home country of Switzerland, losing to No. 88 [[Lucas Arnold Ker]] in the first round.<ref name=Gstaad>{{Cite web|title=7 July 1998: Roger Federer makes a debut on the ATP Tour in Gstaad|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/45135/july-7-1998-roger-federer-makes-a-debut-on-the-atp-tour-in-gstaad/|access-date=8 June 2020|website=Tennis World USA|date=7 July 2017|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608000056/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/45135/july-7-1998-roger-federer-makes-a-debut-on-the-atp-tour-in-gstaad/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennismajors.com/roger-federer-retires/august-1998-17-year-old-federer-makes-his-debut-in-a-tennis-world-almost-unrecognisable-compared-to-today-445963.html |title=17-year-old Federer makes his debut in a tennis world almost unrecognisable compared with today |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=15 September 2022 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210072132/https://www.tennismajors.com/roger-federer-retires/august-1998-17-year-old-federer-makes-his-debut-in-a-tennis-world-almost-unrecognisable-compared-to-today-445963.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that year, he won his first ATP match against [[Guillaume Raoux]] in [[1998 Grand Prix de Tennis de Toulouse – Singles|Toulouse]].<ref name=transformation>{{cite web |url=https://www.thelist.com/1022392/the-transformation-of-roger-federer/ |title=The Transformation Of Roger Federer |website=www.thelist.com |date=10 March 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=9 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609035556/https://www.thelist.com/1022392/the-transformation-of-roger-federer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He then received a wildcard to the [[1998 Davidoff Swiss Indoors – Singles|1998 Swiss Indoors]] in his hometown in Basel, where he lost in the first round to former world No. 1 [[Andre Agassi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/61301/october-6-1998-roger-federer-loses-to-andre-agassi-in-basel-debut/ |title=Roger Federer loses to Andre Agassi in Basel debut |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=6 October 2018 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115214241/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/61301/october-6-1998-roger-federer-loses-to-andre-agassi-in-basel-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished 1998 ranked 301st in the world.<ref name=Making2/>

In April 1999, Federer made his Davis Cup debut in a [[1999 Davis Cup World Group#Switzerland vs. Italy|World Group first round against Italy]], defeating [[Davide Sanguinetti]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/53386/april-2-1999-roger-federer-makes-successful-davis-cup-debut/ |title=Roger Federer makes successful Davis Cup debut |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=2 April 2018 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=5 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605212830/http://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/53386/april-2-1999-roger-federer-makes-successful-davis-cup-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In August, Federer won his first-ever professional title on the Challenger tour in [[Open Castilla y León|Segovia]], pairing with [[Sander Groen]] to beat [[Ota Fukárek]] and [[Alejandro Hernández (tennis)|Alejandro Hernández]] in the final, which was played on Federer's 18th birthday.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2445170-federer-won-eerste-titel-met-nederlandse-tennisnomade-hij-was-nog-een-kind |title=Federer won eerste titel met Nederlandse tennisnomade: 'Hij was nog een kind' |trans-title=Federer won first title with Dutch tennis nomad: 'He was still a child' |language=nl |website=nos.nl |date=19 September 2022 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103221748/https://nos.nl/artikel/2445170-federer-won-eerste-titel-met-nederlandse-tennisnomade-hij-was-nog-een-kind |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite losing in the first rounds of both the [[1999 French Open – Men's singles|French Open]] and [[1999 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|Wimbledon]] and having just turned 18, he entered the world’s Top 100 for the first time on 20 September 1999.<ref name=Making2/> Later that month, Federer won his first and only singles ATP Challenger title in [[Brest, France|Brest]], defeating [[Max Mirnyi]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/a-teenage-federer-wins-sole-atp-challenger-in-france |title=A teenage Federer wins sole ATP Challenger in France |website=www.tennis.com |date=24 October 2019 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115214332/https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?creatorScreenName=Tennis&dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1727015030955397140&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis.com%2Fbaseline%2Farticles%2Fa-teenage-federer-wins-sole-atp-challenger-in-france&sessionId=d667d039d213e02ef1da16e58cd5d368d65d0415&siteScreenName=Tennis&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px |url-status=live }}</ref> In his first full year as a professional, Federer jumped up to world No. 64,<ref name=bio/> and in doing so at 18 years and four months of age, he became the youngest player in the year-ending world top 100.<ref name=Card/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Federer |title=Roger Federer – biography |website=www.britannica.com |date=19 November 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=30 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630014032/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Federer |url-status=live }}</ref>

His first Grand Slam win came at the [[2000 Australian Open – Men's singles|Australian Open]], where he defeated former World No. 2 [[Michael Chang]].<ref name=15anos/> His first singles final came at the [[2000 Open 13|Marseille Open]] in February 2000, where he lost to fellow Swiss [[Marc Rosset]].<ref name=Card>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/playerCard?player=Federer |title=ESPN.com: Federer PlayerCard |work=ESPN |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=26 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126043409/http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/playerCard?player=Federer |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer then entered the Top 50 in March and ended 2000 ranked 29th in the world.<ref name=Making2/> Federer made his [[Summer Olympics|Olympic]] debut at [[Tennis at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's singles|Sydney]], where he surprised many by reaching the semifinals, where he lost to [[Tommy Haas]] and then to [[Arnaud Di Pasquale]] in the bronze medal match.<ref name=Card/><ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC World Service – Sportshour – Federer on his fading hopes of Olympic singles gold|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/kvZ2BNMlgnWvvt845sS53P/federer-on-his-fading-hopes-of-olympic-singles-gold|access-date=7 June 2020|website=BBC|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608185915/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/kvZ2BNMlgnWvvt845sS53P/federer-on-his-fading-hopes-of-olympic-singles-gold|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2001, Federer won the [[2001 Hopman Cup|Hopman Cup]] representing Switzerland, along with world No. 1 [[Martina Hingis]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hingis, Federer win Hopman Cup title over U.S.|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/2001/01/06/hopman_saturday_ap/|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|date=6 January 2001|access-date=12 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029190622/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/2001/01/06/hopman_saturday_ap/|archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Owen|last=Daniel|title=Hopman Cup: Hingis ends jinx|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/2996087/Hopman-Cup-Hingis-ends-jinx.html|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=7 January 2001|access-date=12 July 2012|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518072307/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/2996087/Hopman-Cup-Hingis-ends-jinx.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The duo defeated the American pair of [[Monica Seles]] and [[Jan-Michael Gambill]] in the finals. Federer later said that his experience with Hingis "definitely helped me to become the player I am today."<ref>{{cite web|title=Roger Federer, Belinda Bencic claim the Hopman Cup for Switzerland with victory over Germany|url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/tennis/roger-federer-puts-one-swiss-hand-on-hopman-cup-with-win-over-alexander-zverev-ng-b88707385z|publisher=Perth Now|date=6 January 2018|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=8 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108063100/https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/tennis/roger-federer-puts-one-swiss-hand-on-hopman-cup-with-win-over-alexander-zverev-ng-b88707385z|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2001, Federer won his first singles title at the [[2001 Milan Indoor]] tournament, where he defeated [[Julien Boutter]] in the final.<ref name=Card/><ref>{{cite web|title=Federer beats Boutter in Milan for first title|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=federer-beats-boutter-in-milan-for-first-title-2001-02-06|work=[[Hürriyet Daily News]]|date=6 February 2001|access-date=3 November 2014|archive-date=3 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103171219/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/default.aspx?pageid=438&n=federer-beats-boutter-in-milan-for-first-title-2001-02-06|url-status=live}}</ref> Federer then reached his first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the [[2001 French Open – Men's singles|French Open]], losing to former world No. 2 and eventual finalist [[Àlex Corretja]].<ref name=65streak>{{Cite web|title=Looking back at each step of Roger Federer's 65-Slam run (Part 1)|url=https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/07/ailing-federer-pulls-out-french-open-ending-run-65-straight-slam-appearances/58565/|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Tennis.com|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608000057/https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/07/ailing-federer-pulls-out-french-open-ending-run-65-straight-slam-appearances/58565/|url-status=live}}</ref> His international breakthrough came at the [[2001 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|Wimbledon Championships]], when the 19-year-old Federer faced the four-time defending champion and all-time Grand Slam leader [[Pete Sampras]] in the fourth round. Federer defeated the No. 1 seed in a five-set match to snap Sampras' 31-match win streak at Wimbledon before losing in the quarter-finals to [[Tim Henman]].<ref name=Card/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/474863/roger-federer-s-list-of-achievements |title=Roger Federer's list of achievements |website=www.rnz.co.nz |date=16 September 2022 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/474863/roger-federer-s-list-of-achievements |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Selena|last=Roberts|title=Sampras, King of Wimbledon, Is Dethroned|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/03/sports/tennis-sampras-king-of-wimbledon-is-dethroned.html|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=3 July 2001|access-date=2 November 2017|archive-date=3 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103045439/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/03/sports/tennis-sampras-king-of-wimbledon-is-dethroned.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Roger federer 2002 2.jpg|thumb|upright|Federer at the [[2002 U.S. Open - Men's Singles|2002 US Open]]]]
In 2002, Federer reached his first Masters final at the [[2002 NASDAQ-100 Open – Men's singles|Miami event]], where he lost to [[Andre Agassi]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Miami 2002, Roger Federer recalls best second win ever|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/53298/miami-2002-roger-federer-recalls-best-second-win-ever/|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Tennis World USA|date=April 2018|archive-date=8 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608000058/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/53298/miami-2002-roger-federer-recalls-best-second-win-ever/|url-status=live}}</ref> but then won his first Masters title in [[2002 Hamburg Masters – Singles|Hamburg]], defeating [[Marat Safin]] in the final; the victory put him in the top 10 for the first time.<ref name=Hamburg02>{{Cite web|title=Hamburg 2002: Roger Federer beats Marat Safin for first Masters 1000 title|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/49381/hamburg-2002-roger-federer-beats-marat-safin-for-first-masters-1000-title/|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Tennis World USA|date=22 November 2017|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803095749/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/49381/hamburg-2002-roger-federer-beats-marat-safin-for-first-masters-1000-title/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 August, Federer suffered the devastating loss of his long-time Australian coach and mentor, [[Peter Carter (tennis)|Peter Carter]], in a car crash in South Africa.<ref name=Making2/> Although he suffered first-round losses in the three tournaments he entered immediately after Carter's death, Federer gathered himself and began playing with more determination than ever after that.<ref name=tragic>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/august-1-2002-the-day-federers-former-coach-peter-carter-passed-away-tragically-440983.html |title=The day Federer's former coach Peter Carter passed away tragically |website=www.tennismajors.com |date=1 August 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=12 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112202553/https://www.tennismajors.com/atp/august-1-2002-the-day-federers-former-coach-peter-carter-passed-away-tragically-440983.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After reaching the fourth round of the [[2002 US Open – Men's singles|US Open]], he won the [[2002 CA-TennisTrophy – Singles|Vienna Open]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/sports/2002/oct/14fed.htm |title=Federer overpowers Novak to capture Vienna title |website=m.rediff.com |date=14 October 2002 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=15 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015095819/https://m.rediff.com/sports/2002/oct/14fed.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> jumping from No. 13 at the end of September to No. 7 in the rankings by early November, which allowed him to qualify  for the year-end [[2002 Tennis Masters Cup – Singles|Masters Cup]] for the first time, where he won all of his matches in the round-robin stage before losing to then-world no. 1 and eventual champion Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/124660/atp-finals-flashback-roger-federer-falls-to-lleyton-hewitt/ |title=ATP Finals Flashback: Roger Federer falls to Lleyton Hewitt |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=26 November 2022 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205111823/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/124660/atp-finals-flashback-roger-federer-falls-to-lleyton-hewitt/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At age 21, he ended 2002 ranked as the world No. 6.<ref name=Hamburg02/>

====2003: Grand Slam breakthrough at Wimbledon====
{{Main|2003 Roger Federer tennis season}}
In 2003, Federer won his first Grand Slam singles title at [[2003 Wimbledon Championships – Men's Singles|Wimbledon]], beating [[Andy Roddick]] in the semifinals and [[Mark Philippoussis]] in the final.<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 July 2003|title=Inspired Federer wins Wimbledon|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/wimbledon_2003/3049382.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=25 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425040349/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/wimbledon_2003/3049382.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=The big interview: Roger Federer|newspaper=[[The Times]]|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/africa-travel/south-africa/cape-town/the-big-interview-roger-federer-c090tpm600t|access-date=13 June 2021|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=13 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613175514/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-big-interview-roger-federer-c090tpm600t|url-status=live}}</ref> In doing so, he joined the likes of [[Björn Borg]], [[Pat Cash]] and [[Stefan Edberg]] as the only singles players to win both the junior and senior Wimbledon titles.<ref name=Prato/> In August he had a chance to take over the No. 1 ranking for the first time from [[Andre Agassi]] if he made it to the Montreal final. However, he fell in the semifinals to Roddick, in a final-set tiebreaker, leaving him 120 points behind Agassi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/rankings/singles|title=Rankings &#124; Singles &#124; ATP Tour &#124; Tennis|website=ATP Tour|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322123416/https://www.atptour.com/en/rankings/singles|url-status=live}}</ref> This, coupled with early losses to [[David Nalbandian]] at [[2003 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters – Singles|Cincinnati]] and the [[2003 US Open – Men's singles|US Open]], denied Federer the chance to become No. 1 in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Meadows|first=Stephen Bierley at Flushing|date=6 September 2003|title=Federer departs amid charges of American favouritism|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/sep/06/tennis.usopentennis2003|access-date=7 June 2020|website=The Guardian|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607234325/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/sep/06/tennis.usopentennis2003|url-status=live}}</ref>

Federer won his first and only doubles Masters event in [[2003 NASDAQ-100 Open – Men's doubles|Miami]] with Max Mirnyi, beating the pair of [[Leander Paes]] and [[David Rikl]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.rediff.com/sports/2003/mar/30paes.htm |title=Paes, Rikl beaten in final |website=m.rediff.com |date=30 March 2003 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011146/https://m.rediff.com/sports/2003/mar/30paes.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He then reached the singles final of the Rome Masters on clay, which he lost to [[Félix Mantilla (tennis)|Félix Mantilla]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3018455.stm |title=Mantilla masters Federer in Rome |website=news.bbc.co.uk |date=11 May 2003 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011145/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3018455.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer reached nine finals on the ATP Tour and won seven of them on four different surfaces, including the 500 series events at [[2003 Dubai Tennis Championships – Singles|Dubai]] and [[2003 CA-TennisTrophy – Singles|Vienna]], defeating [[Jiří Novák]] and [[Carlos Moyá]] in the respective finals.<ref name="RF2003">{{cite web|title=Roger Federer – 2003 Singles Playing Activity|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2003&m=s&e=0|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112034425/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2003&m=s&e=0|archive-date=12 January 2012|access-date=8 December 2014|publisher=[[ATP World Tour]]}}</ref> Lastly, Federer won the [[2003 Tennis Masters Cup – Singles|year-end championships]] over Andre Agassi, finishing the year as world No. 2, narrowly behind Andy Roddick by only 160 points.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Heritage|url=https://www.nittoatpfinals.com/en/heritage|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Nitto ATP Finals|archive-date=1 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801143405/https://www.nittoatpfinals.com/en/heritage|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2004: Imposing dominance====
{{Main|2004 Roger Federer tennis season}}
In 2004, Federer won three Grand Slam singles titles, becoming the first person to do so in a single season since [[Mats Wilander]] in 1988. His first major hard-court title came at the [[2004 Australian Open – Men's singles|Australian Open]] over [[Marat Safin]], making him the world No. 1 for the first time.<ref name=newno1>{{Cite news|date=1 February 2004|title=Majestic Federer takes title|publisher=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/australian_open_2004/3446761.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806172719/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/australian_open_2004/3446761.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He then won the [[2004 Pacific Life Open – Men's singles|Indian Wells]] on hardcourts and the [[2004 Hamburg Masters – Singles|Hamburg Masters]] on clay, beating Tim Henman and [[Guillermo Coria]] in the finals respectively, snapping the latter's 31-match winning streak on clay.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3719229.stm |title=Federer ends Coria run |website=news.bbc.co.uk |date=16 May 2004 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3719229.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer won his [[2004 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|second Wimbledon crown]] over [[Andy Roddick]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Newbery|first=Piers|date=4 July 2004|title=Federer fights back to retain title|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3865037.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002212243/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/3865037.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the [[Tennis at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's singles|Summer Olympics]] in [[Athens]], Federer was the clear favorite after claiming the world No. 1 ranking for the first time earlier in the year.<ref name=newno1/> However, he lost in the second round to 18-year-old [[Tomáš Berdych]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=17 August 2004|title=Federer crashes out|work=BBC Sport|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics_2004/tennis/3572960.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=28 August 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040828192321/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics_2004/tennis/3572960.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He then won the [[2004 Canada Masters – Singles|Canada Masters]], defeating Roddick in the final.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/118154/canada-flashback-roger-federer-wins-first-canada-masters-over-andy-roddick/ |title=Canada Flashback: Roger Federer wins first Canada Masters over Andy Roddick |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=4 August 2004 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/118154/canada-flashback-roger-federer-wins-first-canada-masters-over-andy-roddick/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[2004 US Open – Men's singles|US Open]], Federer defeated the 2001 champion, [[Lleyton Hewitt]], for his first title there.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/sep/13/tennis.usopentennis20044 |title=Federer proves a class apart in demolition job |website=www.theguardian.com |date=13 September 2004 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081059/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/sep/13/tennis.usopentennis20044 |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer also won his first tournament on home soil by capturing the [[Swiss Open (tennis)|Swiss Open]] in Gstaad and he wrapped up the year by winning the year-end championships for the second time after beating Hewitt in the final.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/nov/22/tennis |title=Federer is master of the world |website=www.theguardian.com |date=22 November 2004 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054527/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/nov/22/tennis |url-status=live }}</ref>

His 11 singles titles were the most of any player in two decades, and his record of 74–6 was the best since [[Ivan Lendl]] in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=SeasonTitles |title=Most Titles in Single Season |website=www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=SeasonTitles |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2005: Consolidating dominance====
{{Main|2005 Roger Federer tennis season}}
In 2005, Federer failed to reach the finals of the first two Grand Slam tournaments, losing the [[2005 Australian Open – Men's singles|Australian Open]] semifinal to eventual champion Safin after holding match points, and the French Open semifinal to eventual champion [[Rafael Nadal]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bierley|first=Stephen|date=3 June 2005|title=Tennis: Nadal beats Federer in battle of wills|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/04/tennis.frenchopen2005|access-date=7 June 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305153154/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/jun/04/tennis.frenchopen2005|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Federer reestablished his dominance on grass, winning [[2005 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|Wimbledon]] for a third time by defeating [[Andy Roddick]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 July 2005|title=Federer seals Wimbledon hat-trick|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/4643611.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=2 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002213732/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/4643611.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[2005 US Open – Men's singles|US Open]], Federer defeated [[Andre Agassi]] in the latter's last major final.<ref name=RF2005>{{cite web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2005&m=s&e=0|title=Roger Federer – 2005 Singles Playing Activity|publisher=[[ATP World Tour]]|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709073147/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2005&m=s&e=0|archive-date=9 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=York|first=Stephen Bierley in New|date=13 September 2005|title=Federer beats Agassi to claim US crown|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/sep/13/tennis.usopentennis2005|access-date=7 June 2020|website=The Guardian|archive-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021044104/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/sep/13/tennis.usopentennis2005|url-status=live}}</ref>

Federer also took four Masters wins: Indian Wells, Miami and Cincinnati on hard court, and Hamburg on clay.<ref name=RF2005/> The win in Miami was particularly noteworthy as it was the first final contested between Federer and Nadal. Federer recovered from two sets down to take the final in five sets. Furthermore, Federer won two ATP 500 series events at Rotterdam and Dubai.<ref name=RF2005/> Federer lost the year-end championships to [[David Nalbandian]] in five sets while playing through a foot injury that sidelined him for almost the rest of the season after September.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/4336738.stm|title=Federer suffers ligament injury|date=13 October 2005|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=4 February 2018|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518115144/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/4336738.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He maintained his position as No. 1 for the entire season.<ref name=RF2005/>

That year, Federer won 11 singles titles, which tied his mark during the 2004 season. Federer's 81 match victories were the most since [[Pete Sampras]] in 1993, and his record of 81–4 (95.2%) remains the third-best winning percentage in the Open Era behind [[John McEnroe]]'s 1984 and [[Jimmy Connors]]'s 1974.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/bestSeasons |title=Best Seasons – winning percentage |website=www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208130508/https://ultimatetennisstatistics.com/bestSeasons |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2006: Career-best season====
{{Main|2006 Roger Federer tennis season}}
The 2006 season was statistically the best season of Federer's career. In November 2011, Stephen Tignor, chief editorial writer for [[Tennis.com]], ranked Federer's 2006 season as statistically the second-best season of all time during the Open Era, behind [[Rod Laver]]'s Grand Slam year of 1969.<ref>{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Tignor|title=Final thoughts|url=http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2011/11/final-thoughts/45347/|publisher=[[Tennis.com]]|date=28 November 2011|access-date=1 February 2017|archive-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629002127/http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2011/11/final-thoughts/45347/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Amazing Roger Federer.jpg|thumb|Federer hits a forehand at the 2006 US Open, where he became the first man in history to achieve the Wimbledon-US Open double for three consecutive seasons.]]
Federer won 12 singles titles (the most of any player since Thomas Muster in 1995 and John McEnroe in 1984) and had a match record of 92–5 (the most wins since Ivan Lendl in 1982). Federer reached the finals in an astounding 16 of the 17 tournaments he entered during the season.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=VAVEL.com|date=28 December 2015|title=Greatest Seasons: Roger Federer 2006|url=https://www.vavel.com/en-us/tennis-usa/2015/12/28/583678-greatest-seasons-roger-federer-2006.html|access-date=7 June 2020|website=VAVEL|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607215138/https://www.vavel.com/en-us/tennis-usa/2015/12/28/583678-greatest-seasons-roger-federer-2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006, Federer won three Grand Slam singles titles and reached the final of the other, with the only loss coming against Nadal in the [[2006 French Open – Men's singles|French Open]].<ref name=":2" /> This was Federer and Nadal's first meeting in a Grand Slam final. He was the first man to reach all four finals in a calendar year since Rod Laver in 1969. Federer defeated Nadal in the [[2006 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|Wimbledon Championships]] final. In the [[2006 Australian Open – Men's singles|Australian Open]], Federer defeated [[Marcos Baghdatis]],<ref name="RF2006">{{cite web|title=Roger Federer – 2006 Singles Playing Activity|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2006&m=s&e=0|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209225833/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2006&m=s&e=0|archive-date=9 February 2012|access-date=8 December 2014|publisher=[[ATP World Tour]]}}</ref> and at the [[2006 US Open – Men's singles|US Open]], Federer defeated 2003 champion Roddick.<ref name=":2" /> In addition, Federer reached six Masters finals, winning four on hard surfaces and losing two on clay to Nadal. Federer, however, consistently pushed Nadal to the limit on clay throughout the season taking him to fourth-set tiebreakers in Monte-Carlo and Paris, and a thrilling match in Rome that went to a deciding fifth-set tiebreaker.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bierley|first=Steve|date=24 May 2006|title=Tennis: Nadal blocks Federer's record hunting|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/may/25/tennis.frenchopen2006|access-date=7 June 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031659/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/may/25/tennis.frenchopen2006|url-status=live}}</ref>

Federer won one ATP 500 series event in Tokyo and captured the year-end championships for the third time in his career, again finishing the year as world No. 1.<ref name=RF2006/> Federer only lost to two players during 2006, to Nadal four times in finals, and to 19-year-old [[Andy Murray]] in the second round of the [[2006 Cincinnati Masters]], in what was Federer's only defeat before the final of a tournament that year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=August 16, 2006: Murray snaps Federer's 55-match winning streak at..|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/46423/august-16-2006-murray-snaps-federer-s-55match-winning-streak-at/|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Tennis World USA|date=16 August 2017|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607215137/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/ATP_Tennis/46423/august-16-2006-murray-snaps-federer-s-55match-winning-streak-at/|url-status=live}}</ref> Federer finished the season on a 29-match winning streak, as well as winning 48 of his last 49 matches after the French Open.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why Roger Federer's 2006 season beats Novak Djokovic's 2015 season|date=4 March 2020|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/why-roger-federer-s-2006-season-beats-novak-djokovic-s-2015-season|access-date=10 November 2020|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527113959/https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/why-roger-federer-s-2006-season-beats-novak-djokovic-s-2015-season|url-status=live}}</ref>

Near the end of the season, he won his hometown tournament, the [[Swiss Indoors]] in Basel, Switzerland for the first time, having finished runner up in 2000 and 2001, and missing the tournament in 2004 and 2005 due to injuries.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Basel 2006: Roger Federer wins first title at home to start the supremacy|url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/62317/basel-2006-roger-federer-wins-first-title-at-home-to-start-the-supremacy/|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Tennis World USA|date=30 October 2018|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807042915/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Roger_Federer/62317/basel-2006-roger-federer-wins-first-title-at-home-to-start-the-supremacy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2007: Holding off young rivals====
{{Main|2007 Roger Federer tennis season}}
In 2007, Federer reached all four Grand Slam singles finals, winning three of them again. At the [[2007 Australian Open|Australian Open]], he became the first man since [[Björn Borg]] in 1980 to win a major without dropping a set, beating [[Fernando González]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/aus07/news/story?id=2744992|title=Federer defeats Gonzalez for 10th Grand Slam title|date=28 January 2007|publisher=ESPN|access-date=13 April 2017|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116061428/http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/aus07/news/story?id=2744992|url-status=live}}</ref> Federer captured his fourth Dubai crown to extend his winning streak to 41 matches, the longest of his career and only five shy of the all-time record. Federer then entered [[2007 Pacific Life Open – Men's singles|Indian Wells]] as the three-time defending champion, but his streak ended in controversy when he was defeated by [[Guillermo Cañas]], who had failed a drug test for illegal doping.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bonnie|last=DeSimone|title=Canas keeps the ball in court in doping case|url=http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2819004|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=5 April 2007|access-date=22 October 2016|archive-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926114647/http://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=2819004|url-status=live}}</ref> This surprising first-round loss marked the first time that he was defeated since August 2006, a period spanning over seven months.<ref>{{Cite news|date=12 March 2007|title=Federer stunned by Canas on day of upsets|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-pacific-idUSL1002391020070312|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607213129/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-pacific-idUSL1002391020070312|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:The Mighty Federer cropped.jpg|thumb|Federer was called "Darth Federer" by fans and commentators at the 2007 US Open.]]

During the clay season, Federer snapped Nadal's 81-match winning streak on clay, an Open-era record, in the final of the [[2007 Hamburg Masters – Singles|Hamburg Masters]] after turning the match around from a set down, including a final set [[Bagel (tennis)|bagel]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=20 May 2007|title=Federer ends Nadal's clay streak in Hamburg|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-masters-idUSL2034409220070520|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607213126/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-masters-idUSL2034409220070520|url-status=live}}</ref> This win convinced some that Federer could win the [[2007 French Open – Men's singles|French Open]] to become the first man in almost 40 years to hold all four majors simultaneously, but instead he lost in a four-set final to Nadal again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/2007/520/MS001/match-stats|title=Rafael Nadal VS. Roger Federer – Paris 2007|work=ATP World Tour |access-date=29 October 2017|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424024338/http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/scores/2007/520/MS001/match-stats|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[2007 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], Federer defeated Nadal for a second consecutive year in the final, this time in a [[2007 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles final|thrilling five-set encounter]] that many analysts hailed as the greatest Wimbledon final since [[1980 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles final|1980]]. This victory equaled him with [[Björn Borg]] for the record of five consecutive Wimbledon championships.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 July 2007|title=Wimbledon: Roger Federer beats Rafael Nadal to win the men's singles final|url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/08/tennis.wimbledon7|access-date=7 June 2020|website=The Guardian|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607213142/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/08/tennis.wimbledon7|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the [[2007 Rogers Masters – Singles|Canada Masters]], Federer lost in the final to [[Novak Djokovic]] in a final-set tiebreaker upset. Federer rebounded in [[2007 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters – Singles|Cincinnati]] to capture his fifth title of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/09/tennis.wimbledon |title=Federer's fifth and finest draws level with Borg |website=www.theguardian.com |date=9 July 2007 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054527/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jul/09/tennis.wimbledon |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer entered the [[2007 US Open (tennis)|US Open]] as the three-time defending champion and faced Djokovic in the final. This time, Federer prevailed in a close straight-set match.<ref>{{Cite news|date=9 September 2007|title=Federer wins fourth US Open title|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/6985663.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116054648/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/6985663.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> This victory moved him ahead of Laver and Borg for third on the all-time list of major championship victories. He closed out the year with victories in [[Swiss Indoors|Basel]] and the [[ATP World Tour Finals|year-end championships]] in Shanghai.<ref>{{Cite news|date=18 November 2007|title=Supreme Federer destroys Ferrer|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/7100446.stm|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806203829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/7100446.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

He finished the season as the year-end No. 1 for the fourth year in a row, compiling an impressive 68–9 record. After his phenomenal triple Grand Slam season yet again, Federer became the only player in history to win three majors in a year for three years (2004, 2006, 2007).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ausopen.com/history/great-champions/roger-federer |title=Roger Federer |website=ausopen.com |date=30 January 2017 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://ausopen.com/history/great-champions/roger-federer |url-status=live }}</ref> It was the third consecutive season that Federer held the No. 1 ranking for all 52 weeks of the year.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=J. A.|title=10 Records Roger Federer Will Never Equal or Break|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1371892-ten-records-roger-federer-will-never-equal-or-break|access-date=7 June 2020|website=Bleacher Report|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607213129/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1371892-ten-records-roger-federer-will-never-equal-or-break|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2008: Illness, Olympic gold, and fifth US Open====
{{Main|2008 Roger Federer tennis season}}
Federer's success in 2008 was severely hampered by a lingering bout of [[mononucleosis]], which he suffered during the first half of the year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clarey |first=Christopher |title=Federer battles off-court foe – mononucleosis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/sports/07iht-arena.3.10811374.html |date=7 March 2008 |access-date=25 October 2014 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=21 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421214008/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/sports/07iht-arena.3.10811374.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[2008 Australian Open|Australian Open]] Federer lost in the semifinals to eventual winner Djokovic, which ended his record of 10 consecutive finals.<ref name=RF2008>{{cite web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2008&m=s&e=0 |title=Tennis – ATP World Tour – Tennis Players – Roger Federer |publisher=[[ATP World Tour]] |access-date=8 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708055435/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2008&m=s&e=0|archive-date=8 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> He lost twice in Masters finals on clay to Nadal, at Monte Carlo and Hamburg.<ref name=RF2008/> Federer captured three titles playing in 250-level events at Estoril, Halle, and Basel.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Almeida |first=Henrique |date=20 April 2008 |title=Federer ends title drought with Estoril win |website=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-estoril-idUSL208446720080420 |access-date=7 June 2020 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607202856/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-men-estoril-idUSL208446720080420 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Federer wins fifth Halle title |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/federer-wins-fifth-halle-title/6732470 |date=15 June 2008 |access-date=7 June 2020 |website=SWI swissinfo.ch |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607202858/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/federer-wins-fifth-halle-title/6732470 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |agency=The Associated Press |date=26 October 2008 |title=Federer Beats Nalbandian in Swiss Final |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/sports/tennis/27sportsbriefs-FEDERERBEATS_BRF.html |access-date=7 June 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607202855/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/27/sports/tennis/27sportsbriefs-FEDERERBEATS_BRF.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer was defeated by Nadal in two Grand Slam finals, the [[2008 French Open|French Open]] and [[2008 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], which was regarded as the best match of tennis history by many, when he was going for six straight wins to break [[Björn Borg]]'s record. He came back from two sets down to force a fifth set, where he fell just two points from the title.<ref name=RF2008/>

At the [[Tennis at the 2008 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]], Federer and [[Stan Wawrinka]] won the gold medal in doubles by beating the [[Bryan brothers]] American team in the semifinals and the Swedish duo of [[Simon Aspelin]] and [[Thomas Johansson]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Federer_and_Wawrinka_golden_together.html?cid=62174 |title=Federer and Wawrinka golden together |access-date=16 August 2008 |archive-date=29 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429161551/http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/Specials/Roger_Federer/News/Federer_and_Wawrinka_golden_together.html?cid=62174 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Federer could reach only the quarterfinals in the singles draw, bowing out to then No. 8 [[James Blake (tennis)|James Blake]], thus ceding his No. 1 ranking to Nadal after being at the top for a record 237 consecutive weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2008&m=d&e=0 |title=Tennis – ATP World Tour – Tennis Players – Roger Federer |access-date=16 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222222852/http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2008&m=d&e=0|archive-date=22 February 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Federer captured his only Grand Slam of 2008 at the [[2008 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], defeating Andy Murray in the final.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/09/usopentennis.andymurray |title=Courageous Murray blown away as Federer claims his 13th major |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=17 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417134950/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/sep/09/usopentennis.andymurray |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the end of the year, Federer suffered a back injury, which caused him to withdraw from the [[2008 BNP Paribas Masters – Singles|Paris Masters]] and resulted in a poor showing at the [[2008 Tennis Masters Cup – Singles|year-end championship]], where he was eliminated in the round-robin stage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/federer-ousted-from-masters-20081115-ge7is7.html |title=Federer ousted from Masters |website=www.theage.com.au |date=10 November 2008 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011145/https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/federer-ousted-from-masters-20081115-ge7is7.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This marked the only time in his career that he was eliminated before the semifinals. Federer ended the year ranked No. 2.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Gaurav|date=2 November 2018|title=2008: The year that first poked holes in Roger Federer's aura of invincibility|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/2008-the-year-that-led-to-the-downfall-of-roger-federer|access-date=7 June 2020|website=www.sportskeeda.com|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607202857/https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/2008-the-year-that-led-to-the-downfall-of-roger-federer|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2009: Career Grand Slam and major title record====
{{Main|2009 Roger Federer tennis season}}

Federer began the 2009 season with a loss to Nadal in the final of the [[2009 Australian Open – Men's singles|Australian Open]] in a hotly contested [[2009 Australian Open – Men's singles final|five-set match]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/01/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-australian-open |title=Australian Open: Rafael Nadal beats Roger Federer in five sets |access-date=1 February 2009 |work=[[The Guardian]] |last=Bierley |first=Steve |date=1 February 2009 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518120925/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/feb/01/rafael-nadal-roger-federer-australian-open |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer struggled following the defeat in Melbourne and entered the clay season without a title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bierley |first=Steve |date=16 April 2009 |title=Tennis: Roger Federer in shock early exit from the Monte Carlo Masters |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/16/roger-federer-stanislas-wawrinka-monte-carlo1 |access-date=7 June 2020 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607195806/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/apr/16/roger-federer-stanislas-wawrinka-monte-carlo1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Roger Federer at the 2009 French Open 6.jpg|thumb|Federer winning the 2009 French Open, and completing the career Grand Slam]]

Federer's season turned around in the final Masters event of the clay season when he defeated Nadal on clay for only the second time to capture the [[Madrid Open (tennis)|Madrid Masters]].<ref>{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=17 May 2009 |title=Federer Wins Madrid Open, Defeating a Run-Down Nadal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/sports/tennis/18tennis.html |access-date=7 June 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918232700/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/sports/tennis/18tennis.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Nadal's unexpected defeat to [[Robin Söderling]], Federer became the overwhelming favorite to win the elusive [[2009 French Open – Men's singles|French Open]]. In his next match, he came from two sets and break point down in the third set to defeat [[Tommy Haas]] in five sets.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/26850806/how-french-open-win-tommy-haas-cemented-federer-legacy |title=How a French Open win over Tommy Haas cemented Federer's legacy |work=ESPN |date=30 May 2019 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220011146/https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/26850806/how-french-open-win-tommy-haas-cemented-federer-legacy |url-status=live }}</ref> He also fought back from a two-sets-to-one deficit against a young [[Juan Martín del Potro]] to win a five-setter in the semifinals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 June 2009 |title=Roger Federer beats Juan Martín del Potro to make French Open final |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/05/roger-federer-french-open-del-potro |access-date=7 June 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607195702/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/05/roger-federer-french-open-del-potro |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[2009 French Open – Men's singles final|the final]], he defeated Söderling in straight sets to finally capture the [[Coupe des Mousquetaires]] and career Grand Slam.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/sports/tennis/08tennis.html|title=The Greatest? Federer's Victory Fills Last Hole on His Résumé|access-date=26 February 2017|work=The New York Times|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|date=7 June 2009|archive-date=23 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623044416/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/08/sports/tennis/08tennis.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This victory also tied him with Pete Sampras for the most Grand Slam singles titles at 14.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Flashback: Federer Completes Career Grand Slam In Paris {{!}} ATP Tour {{!}} Tennis|url=http://www.atptour.com/en/news/federer-soderling-roland-garros-2009-flashback|access-date=7 June 2020|website=ATP Tour|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607015949/https://www.atptour.com/en/news/federer-soderling-roland-garros-2009-flashback|url-status=live}}</ref>

In [[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|Wimbledon]], Federer faced long-time rival [[Andy Roddick]] in the final in what was their eighth and final meeting at a Grand Slam. The [[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|final]] was historic for being the longest Grand Slam final in terms of games played with Federer prevailing 16–14 in a record-setting fifth set, thus winning his 15th Grand Slam singles title and breaking the all-time record of Pete Sampras.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 July 2009 |title=Roger Federer wins Wimbledon after epic Andy Roddick battle |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jul/05/wimbledon-federer |access-date=7 June 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607195745/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jul/05/wimbledon-federer |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon09/news/story?id=4307143 |title=Federer triumphs in another English epic |work=ESPN |date=5 July 2009 |access-date=20 December 2023 |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120010923/https://www.espn.com/sports/tennis/wimbledon09/news/story?id=4307143 |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer continued his summer run by winning his third [[2009 Western & Southern Financial Group Masters – Singles|Cincinnati Masters]], defeating Novak Djokovic in the final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/24/roger-federer-wins-cincinnati-masters |title=Roger Federer beats Novak Djokovic to win Cincinnati Masters |website=www.theguardian.com |date=24 August 2009 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/aug/24/roger-federer-wins-cincinnati-masters |url-status=live }}</ref> For the third consecutive year, Federer defeated Djokovic in the semifinals of the [[2009 US Open – Men's singles|US Open]]. On the penultimate point, he hit what many consider to be the greatest shot of his career, a [[Tweener (tennis)|tweener]] winner, to set up match points.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Novak_Djokovic/61767/novak-djokovic-recalls-roger-federer-s-2009-us-open-tweener-/ |title=Novak Djokovic recalls Roger Federer's 2009 US Open tweener |website=www.tennisworldusa.org |date=16 October 2018 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.tennisworldusa.org/tennis/news/Novak_Djokovic/61767/novak-djokovic-recalls-roger-federer-s-2009-us-open-tweener-/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Federer was defeated by del Potro in the final despite falling just two points from the title in the fourth set.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/sep/15/juan-martin-del-potro-us-open |title=Juan Martín del Potro shocks Roger Federer to win US Open title |website=www.theguardian.com |date=15 September 2009 |access-date=16 December 2023 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217054526/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/sep/15/juan-martin-del-potro-us-open |url-status=live }}</ref>

Federer finished the season as the year-end No. 1 for the fifth time in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Federer Will Finish 2009 Number One |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federer-will-finish-2009-number-one/ |access-date=7 June 2020 |website=www.cbsnews.com |date=25 November 2009 |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607195700/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federer-will-finish-2009-number-one/ |url-status=live }}</ref>