Roger Federer was a teenager when he toppled seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras on the hallowed Centre Court in the fourth round of The Championships in 2001. Soon enough, he rapidly ascended to the top, earning his first singles major at Wimbledon in 2003. Seven months after that breakthrough effort, Federer became No. 1 in the world, a spot he would hold for a record 237 consecutive weeks.
Triumph after triumph followed. Federer’s championship at Roland-Garros in 2009 completed a “Career Grand Slam” sweep of all four majors. The next month, the sixth of eight victories at Wimbledon was Federer's fifteenth major title—at the time, the most in men’s tennis history. In his 30s, Federer returned to the No. 1 ranking several times, ultimately holding the spot for 310 total weeks. At the age of 36, Federer earned his 20th and final major, taking the title at the Australian Open for the sixth time.
Beyond mere statistics, Federer continually thrilled crowds with ballet-like footwork and a dazzling range of shots, spins, and speeds. Arguably the most complete player in tennis history, he was also an exemplary sportsman, known for his grace and kindness even in defeat. Federer's kindness extended far off the court, dedicating his money and time to bettering the lives of children in Switzerland and South Africa through the Roger Federer Foundation, established in 2003. Federer's unique combination of pure tennis talent, charisma and charm, and global community-mindedness has earned him the reputation of one of the most iconic sporting figures of all time.
Notable Highlights
- One of only nine men to have earned singles titles at all four majors (joining Fred Perry, Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz)
- In the Open era, Federer’s 103 singles titles leave him trailing only Jimmy Connors (109)
- 13-time winner of the ATP’s Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award
- ATP Fan Favorite for a record 19 consecutive years, from 2003 to 2021
- 6-time champion at ATP Year-End Finals
- 5-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year honoree
- Competed as part of the Swiss Davis Cup Team for 15 years (1999-2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2015). RECORD: Singles 40-8; Doubles 12-10. Davis Cup Champion in 2014.
- Three consecutive calendar years since the beginning of ATP rankings in 1973 as the No. 1 player (2005-2007)
- Honored as the "perfect ambassador," and became the first living person in Switzerland to be featured on a coin (2019)
- 31 Major Final appearances (20 titles, 11 runner-ups)
- Founder (with partners) of the Laver Cup in 2017. (To learn more about the history of the Laver Cup, please visit our digital exhibit The Legends Behind the Laver Cup.)
