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Video: When Federer Came Of Age


Fourteen years ago today, a 19-year-old Roger Federer was Wimbledon's reign king.

In a classic Centre Court clash played on July 2, 2001, the 15th-seeded Federer dethroned seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras with a dramatic 7-6 (7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 7-5 fourth-round triumph.

Video: Federer Wows with Tweener Lob Over Querrey

Watch the match in the video above.

Federer matched Sampras with 25 aces and 42 winners and was a superb in significant situations saving nine of the 11 break points he faced.
 
"It was his moment," Sampras said. "It's grass-court tennis. One minute you feel like you have it, the next minute you're walking off the court."

Serving-and-volleying throughout the match, Federer snapped Sampras' 31-match winning streak at Wimbledon — a span that included four championships. Federer ended it with a flourish, slashing a forehand return winner down the line.

"I fought from the first to last point," Federer said. "It's a great feeling I've never had before."
 
Nearly three years to the day after Federer swept the Wimbledon singles and doubles junior titles, he registered a breakthrough. At 19 years old — the same age Sampras was when he won his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open in 1990 — Federer came of age.
 
Staring across the net, Sampras couldn't help but see the similarities between himself and Federer. From strong serve, the athletic, all-court attack, the fluid one-handed backhand, the understated demeanor on court and even the same Wilson Pro Staff racquet, there was a shared style between the shotmakers.
 
"He was very relaxed," Sampras said. "His demeanor on court is similar to mine. He has a great backhand, serves well and there are no holes in his game. He's a shotmaker."

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