"I did not think it was possible to win a Grand Slam"-Throwback to Roger Federer's speech after winning his first major
During an emotional speech after winning his maiden Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2003, Roger Federer said he never trult thought it was possible for him to win a Grand Slam. The Swiss was seeded fourth at Wimbledon 2003 and reached the tournament's quarterfinals following a four set win over Lee Hyung-taik and straight sets win over Stefan Koubek, Mardy Fish, and Feliciano Lopez.
In the quarterfinals, he beat Sjeng Schalken to set up a semifinal clash against Andy Roddick. The Swiss beat the American 7-6(6), 6-3, 6-3 to reach his maiden Grand Slam final.
The Swiss was up against the unseeded Mark Philippoussis and beat him in straight sets to win his first Major title.
"Thank You, no it's an absolute dream for me coming true, and I was always joking around when I was a boy you know, 'I'm gonna win this', now I have it," Federer said. "It's such a nice trophy and I am just so happy the way I played, and I never thought it was possible to win a Grand Slam."
"A lot of people came from Basel and home, and it's so nice to share this moment and thanks to everybody, it's great," the Swiss said before breaking down into tears.
#OnThisDay 2003_ Roger Federer wins his first GS titles in #Wimbledon
What a moment 💚 https://t.co/4matz6OmxM
Federer eventually won 20 Grand Slam titles, eight of them coming at Wimbledon. The 40-year-old's last Major came in the 2018 Australian Open, where he beat Marin Cilic in the final in five sets.
Roger Federer yet to play a match since Wimbledon
Federer reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon last year before losing to Hubert Hurkacz. However, this was his last bit of action in 2021 as he missed the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.
The 40-year-old did not compete in this year's Australian Open and is yet to provide an update regarding his return to court. He said that he is working on his fitness and that he has the drive to play tennis again.
"The question of [when I can return to action] is better answered maybe by April or May. For now, the drive [to play tennis again] is there. I am really motivated to do my work, what I am allowed to do. I did all the workouts again this morning and I am back in the gym again tomorrow," Federer said
"I am working as hard as I am allowed to, so it is still good times even though it is a bit slow. I would love to do way more but the doctors and everybody is holding me back a little bit," Federer said.
Federer on the situation now with his recovery
"I would love to do way more but the doctors and everybody is holding me back a little bit" https://t.co/QCY8nJppco