Roger Federer made a name for himself at Wimbledon 2001 after defeating the legendary Pete Sampras in five sets on his way to the last eight at the All England Club. A year later Mario Ancic stunned Federer in straight sets in the first round, and the Swiss seemed eager to bounce back in 2003, especially after winning the first ATP grass-court title in Halle a few weeks earlier.
In the first round, Roger beat Hyung-Taik Lee 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 on court 2 and moved to center court for the next match against his good friend Stefan Koubek, whom he beat by 7-5, 6- 1, 6-1 in one hour and 17 minutes.
With 22 points from 13 service games, Federer needed some time to find his rhythm in the first set before dominating the Austrian, dominating in sets two and three and securing seven breaks in total while giving Stefan just three chances.
Koubek got off to a promising start and created a 5-2 lead with a single break before Roger rallied. The Swiss recovered the last five games and defended himself from a set point on serve at 3-5 to gain a huge boost that took him to 17 of the last 19 games and one place in the last 32.
There was a rain delay in the first set, and Roger used it very well to regain his game and have the advantage once they returned, leaving the opponent miles away and setting up the clash against Mardy Fish.
“It’s a significant change from playing on court 2 and suddenly on center court. Maybe it’s the best court on the planet right now, it’s exceptional to go out together with my friend Stefan Koubek. In the first set it took me a while to get used to to the biggest court.
After the rain delay, I went back, played more aggressive tennis, served better, and changed a few things that Peter and I had worked on during the break. At first, Stefan hit the ball very hard, and it was difficult for me to have an advantage in rallies.
I almost lost the first set and I am happy to pass. The grass is quite slippery and you have to be careful ”
Steve Flink reflects on Roger Federer
Recently, Hall of Famer and renowned journalist Steve Flink reflected on the Swiss’s upcoming campaign.
In essence, he revealed two scenarios with Roger Federer that would surprise him the most. “Can he get to 16, quarters, could he get into the semi-finals? Does he really have it to get to the final?” Flink said.
In addition, he added that he is having a hard time watching all seven games given how little he has played this year. Above all, it is one of the most anticipated feats of the year. And with the whole crowd coming to Wimbledon, it could actually improve his chances of winning. “
The Championship begins on June 28 and will conclude on July 12, 2021. Can Federer go all the way and lift his 21st Grand Slam at Wimbledon this year?
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