Roger Federer is a retired Swiss professional tennis player who held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks. He won 103 ATP singles titles, the second-most ever, including 20 Grand Slam titles and six year-end championships. He is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
1969: Benchmark for Statistical Dominance
Rod Laver's achievement of winning all four Grand Slams in 1969 serves as a benchmark for statistical dominance in tennis, with Federer's 2006 season considered a close second.
1974: Federer Becomes Oldest Man to Reach Major Final Since Ken Rosewall
Federer became the oldest man to reach a major final since Ken Rosewall in the 1974 US Open.
1974: Federer's Winning Percentage in Context
Federer's 2005 season, with an impressive winning percentage, ranks third in the Open Era, trailing Jimmy Connors's performance in 1974.
1974: Oldest Finalist Since 1974
Federer's appearance in the final of the Australian Open in 2017 made him the oldest player to achieve this since Ken Rosewall in 1974.
1976: Federer Wins Wimbledon Without Dropping a Set like Bjorn Borg
In 1976, Bjorn Borg won Wimbledon without dropping a single set. Years later, Federer achieved the same feat.
1980: Borg's Historic Achievement
In 1980, Björn Borg achieved a remarkable feat in tennis history.
1980: An Epic Wimbledon Final
The 1980 Wimbledon final is widely regarded as one of the most captivating matches in the tournament's history.
August 1981: Birth of Roger Federer
Roger Federer was born in August 1981 in Basel, Switzerland to a Swiss father and a South African mother.
August 1981: Birth of Roger Federer
Roger Federer was born in August 1981 in Basel, Switzerland.
1982: Surpassing Lendl's Win Total
Federer's remarkable 92 wins in 2006 surpassed Ivan Lendl's previous record of most wins in a season, set in 1982.
1984: Matching McEnroe's Title Count
Federer equaled John McEnroe's 1984 record by winning 12 singles titles in the 2006 season.
1984: Federer's Place in Open Era History
Federer's 2005 season resulted in the third-best winning percentage in the Open Era, following John McEnroe's performance in 1984.
1986: Dominant Season with 11 Singles Titles
Federer's 11 singles titles in a single season were the most in two decades, and his impressive 74-6 win-loss record was the best since Ivan Lendl's performance in 1986.
1991: Oldest Semifinalist Since 1991
In 1991, Jimmy Connors achieved the record for the oldest player to compete in a Grand Slam semifinal, a record that Federer surpassed with his performance in the 2017 Australian Open.
1992: Ball Boy at Swiss Indoors
Federer was a ball boy at the Swiss Indoors tournament in Basel in 1992 and 1993.
1992: Davis Cup Final Appearance
In 1992, the Swiss Davis Cup team, of which Federer was a part, made it to the final for the first time.
1993: Swiss National Junior Championship
At the age of 12, Federer won the U12 Swiss National Junior Championship in Lucerne in 1993.
1993: Record-Breaking Season
Federer's 81 match wins in 2005 were the highest since Pete Sampras's performance in 1993.
1994: Nike Signing
In 1994, a young Roger Federer signed his first deal with Nike for footwear and apparel.
1995: U14 Swiss National Championship and Écublens Training
At 13, Federer won the U14 Swiss National Championship, earning an invitation to train at the National Tennis Centre in Écublens. He enrolled shortly after his 14th birthday in 1995.
1995: Swiss National Tennis Center Training
Between 1995 and 1997, Federer trained at the Swiss National Tennis Center in Ecublens.
1995: Most Singles Titles Since Thomas Muster
Federer's 12 singles titles in 2006 were the most by any player since Thomas Muster achieved the feat in 1995.
July 1996: First ITF Junior Match
In July 1996, at 14, Federer played his first ITF junior match at a grade-2 tournament in Switzerland.
January 1997: U18 Swiss National Championship
Federer won both the indoor and outdoor U18 Swiss national championships in January 1997 at the age of 15, defeating Yves Allegro in both finals.
July 1997: Completed Compulsory Education
Federer completed his compulsory education and received his certificate in July 1997 from La Planta secondary school.
July 1998: ATP Debut and First Match Win
Federer made his ATP debut at the Swiss Open Gstaad in July 1998, and later that year, secured his first ATP match victory against Guillaume Raoux in Toulouse.
December 1998: Junior Wimbledon and US Open
Federer had a successful year in Junior tennis in 1998, winning both the singles and doubles titles at Wimbledon, but losing in the US Open Junior final to David Nalbandian. By the end of the year, he was ranked No. 1 in the world as a junior.
1998: Junior Grand Slam Results
Here is a summary of Roger Federer's Junior Grand Slam results in 1998: Australian Open - Semifinalist, French Open - Round 1, Wimbledon - Winner, US Open - Finalist.
1998: Early Grand Slam Appearances
In 1998, Roger Federer participated in three Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, experiencing both early exits and a notable win at Wimbledon.
1998: Wimbledon Junior Champion
In 1998, a young Roger Federer won the Wimbledon Junior Championship.
September 1999: First Professional Title and Top 100 Debut
Federer won his first professional title in doubles and his first singles ATP Challenger title in September 1999, propelling him into the world's top 100 for the first time.
1999: Lowest Ranked Player to Beat Federer Since 1999
In 1999, Roger Federer lost to Bjoern Phau, the lowest-ranked player (No. 407) to beat him since 1999.
1999: Choosing Peter Lundgren as Coach
In 1999, marking a pivotal step in his professional journey, Federer decided to work with Peter Lundgren as his coach instead of Carter. This partnership lasted until 2003.
1999: Military Service Discharge
In 1999, at the age of 18, Roger Federer was exempted from mandatory military service due to chronic back issues, a problem that would follow him throughout his career and lead to three walkovers.
1999: Federer drafted into Swiss military
Federer was drafted into the Swiss Armed Forces in 1999 but was discharged due to a chronic back issue.
February 2000: First ATP Singles Final
Federer reached his first ATP singles final at the Marseille Open in February 2000, where he finished as runner-up.
2000: Comeback and Withdrawals
Federer returned to tennis at the Monte-Carlo Masters after a break, but lost in the quarterfinals to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. He then participated in the Italian Open, where he lost to Dominic Thiem in the third round. Notably, his withdrawal from the French Open marked the end of his record 65 consecutive participations in Grand Slam main draws, a streak that began at the 2000 Australian Open.
2000: First Title-less Season Since 2000
Federer's withdrawal from the 2016 season due to a knee injury resulted in him not winning a title that year. This marked the first season since 2000 that he did not secure a tournament victory.
2000: Federer meets Mirka Vavrinec
Roger Federer and Miroslava Vavrinec met at the 2000 Sydney Olympics while representing Switzerland.
January 2001: Hopman Cup Victory
Partnering with Martina Hingis, Federer won the Hopman Cup representing Switzerland in January 2001.
2001: First ATP Singles Title and Wimbledon Breakthrough
Federer claimed his first ATP singles title at the Milan Indoor tournament and achieved a significant victory over Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001.
2001: First US Open Title and Home Soil Victory
Federer won his first US Open title in 2001, defeating Lleyton Hewitt. He also secured his first tournament victory in his home country of Switzerland.
2001: Federer Wins His Second Hopman Cup
In 2001, Federer won his first Hopman Cup title with Martina Hingis.
August 2002: The Loss of Peter Carter
August 2002 brought a tragic event that deeply affected Federer - the death of his former coach, Peter Carter, in a car crash. This loss had a profound impact on the young tennis star, who was reported to be devastated by the news.
October 2002: Start of Consistent Top 8 Ranking
Federer's consistent presence in the top 8 rankings began on October 14, 2002.
2002: First Masters Title and Top 10 Ranking
In 2002, Federer secured his first Masters title in Hamburg and broke into the ATP top 10 rankings. This year was also marked by the tragic loss of his coach, Peter Carter.
2002: Mirka Vavrinec retires from professional tennis
Mirka Vavrinec retired from professional tennis in 2002 due to a foot injury.
2002: Federer's First Grand Slam Title Drought
2002 marked the first time in Roger Federer's career where he did not secure a Grand Slam title.
July 2003: Drop in Rankings and Early Wimbledon Exit
Federer experienced back injuries in March and July of 2013, causing his ranking to drop from No. 2 to No. 6. His only title that year came at the Gerry Weber Open, where he defeated Mikhail Youzhny in the final, tying John McEnroe for the third-most ATP titles in the Open Era. However, his performance at Wimbledon suffered, with a second-round loss to Sergiy Stakhovsky, marking his worst Grand Slam defeat since July 2003. This ended his record streak of 36 consecutive quarterfinals at Grand Slam tournaments and dropped him out of the top 4 for the first time since July 2003.
2003: Transitioning to a Custom-Built Racket
In 2003, as Federer's career progressed, he transitioned from his junior racket, a Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 with an 85-square-inch head, to a larger, custom-built Wilson racket with a 90-square-inch head. This change reflected his evolving playing style and the demands of professional tennis.
2003: Fan Favorite
Federer's charisma and exceptional talent resonated with fans worldwide, earning him the ATP Fans' Favorite award for the first time in 2003.
2003: Federer deemed "unsuitable" for military service
Federer was declared "unsuitable" for mandatory military service in 2003 and instead served in civil protection, contributing 3% of his income.
2003: Roger Federer Foundation established
Federer founded the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 to support underprivileged children's access to education and sports.
2003: First Grand Slam Singles Title at Wimbledon
Federer achieved a career milestone in 2003 by winning his first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon, defeating Mark Philippoussis in the final.
2003: First Major Singles Title
At the age of 21, Federer won his first major singles title at Wimbledon in 2003.
2003: Parting Ways with Peter Lundgren
After years of working together, Federer and his coach Peter Lundgren decided to end their professional relationship in 2003.
February 2004: Federer's Record-Breaking Reign
Starting in February 2004, Federer held the No. 1 ranking for a record 237 consecutive weeks.
May 2004: Federer begins supporting IMBEWU charity
Citing his South African roots through his mother, Federer began supporting the South Africa-Swiss charity IMBEWU in May 2004, focusing on children's engagement in sports, social awareness, and health.
2004: Another 11 Titles and Impressive Winning Percentage
Matching his 2004 season, Federer won 11 singles titles in 2005. His 81 match victories were the most since Pete Sampras in 1993.
2004: 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and resulting tsunami caused widespread devastation.
2004: Federer's Triple Crown Years
Roger Federer achieved the remarkable feat of winning three Grand Slam titles in a calendar year for three consecutive years: 2004, 2006, and 2007, solidifying his dominance in the sport.
2004: Three Major Titles and ATP Finals
Federer had a very successful year in 2004, winning three of the four major championships and the ATP Finals.
2004: Federer's First Semifinal Miss Since 2004
In a surprising turn of events, Roger Federer failed to reach a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since the 2004 French Open when he was defeated by Robin Söderling in the quarterfinals of the 2009 French Open. As a result, he lost his No. 1 ranking, narrowly missing the opportunity to equal Pete Sampras's record of 286 weeks at the top.
2004: Federer's First Australian Open Victory
Federer's victory at the 2004 Australian Open led to him taking over the No. 1 ranking from Andy Roddick.
2004: Golden Age of Tennis and Rising Revenues
Federer's exceptional talent and captivating playing style contributed to a resurgence of interest in tennis in the early 2000s, leading to increased revenue for tennis venues and a significant rise in prize money. For instance, his Australian Open victory in 2004 came with a prize of $985,000.
2004: Start of Federer-Nadal Rivalry
Federer and Nadal began their rivalry in 2004, marking a significant chapter in both of their careers.
2004: Three Grand Slam Titles and World No. 1 Ranking
Federer had a stellar year in 2004, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, a feat not accomplished since Mats Wilander in 1988. This led to him becoming the world No. 1 for the first time.
2004: ATP Player of the Year & ITF World Champion
In 2004, Federer won the ATP Player of the Year award for the first time in his career, marking the beginning of a dominant period. He also secured the ITF World Champion title the same year.
July 2005: Federer and Nadal's Reign at the Top
Starting in July 2005, Federer and Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour.
2005: Federer's Era of Dominance
From the 2005 Wimbledon Championships onward, Roger Federer embarked on an extraordinary run of success, reaching the finals of 18 out of 19 Grand Slam tournaments. This period of sustained excellence is unparalleled in the Open Era, showcasing his dominance and consistency at the highest level of the sport.
2005: Rod Laver's Praise
Legendary tennis player Rod Laver recognized Federer's immense talent in 2005, describing him as "an unbelievable talent" and a potential candidate for the greatest of all time.
2005: Laureus World Sportsman of the Year
Federer's dominance in tennis was recognized globally when he received the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2005, marking the start of a four-year winning streak.
2005: Collaboration with Tony Roche
Federer's coaching journey saw him team up with Tony Roche in 2005, a partnership that lasted until 2007.
2005: Federer visits IMBEWU beneficiaries in South Africa
Federer visited South Africa in 2005 to meet the children who had benefitted from his support through IMBEWU.
2005: Wimbledon Victory and Agassi's Farewell
Federer continued his success at Wimbledon in 2005, securing his third title there. He also won the US Open, defeating Andre Agassi in Agassi's last Grand Slam final.
2005: Federer organizes "Rally for Relief" and auctions US Open racquet
At the 2005 Pacific Life Open, Federer arranged 'Rally for Relief,' an exhibition match with top ATP and WTA players to benefit victims of the 2004 tsunami. He also auctioned his US Open winning racquet to aid Hurricane Katrina victims in 2005.
April 2006: Federer becomes UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Federer was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in April 2006 and participated in public awareness campaigns, including those focused on AIDS.
August 2006: Federer's Winning Streak Ends
In August 2006, Roger Federer's impressive winning streak came to an unexpected end.
December 2006: Federer visits Tamil Nadu after tsunami
In December 2006, Federer visited Tamil Nadu, India, one of the areas most affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
2006: Wimbledon Jacket
Nike designed a special jacket for Federer for the 2006 Wimbledon Championships, featuring a crest with three tennis rackets representing his prior Wimbledon wins.
2006: Federer's Statistically Best Season
The 2006 season stands out as statistically the best in Federer's career.
2006: Federer's Triple Crown Years
Roger Federer achieved the remarkable feat of winning three Grand Slam titles in a calendar year for three consecutive years: 2004, 2006, and 2007, solidifying his dominance in the sport.
2006: Three Major Titles and ATP Finals
Federer mirrored his 2004 success by once again winning three of the four major championships and the ATP Finals in 2006.
2006: Highest Win Percentage Since 2006
In 2017, Federer achieved his highest win percentage since 2006, underscoring the success of his comeback season.
2006: Federer's Dominant 2006 Season
In 2006, Roger Federer had a remarkable year, winning three Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon Championships, and the US Open. His only loss in a Grand Slam final that year came against Rafael Nadal at the French Open, marking their first encounter in a Grand Slam final. Notably, Federer achieved the impressive feat of reaching the finals of all four Grand Slams, a milestone not achieved since Rod Laver in 1969.
2006: Intense Grand Slam Finals Battles
From 2006 to 2008, Federer and Nadal faced each other in every French Open and Wimbledon final. Their rivalry continued with finals matches in the 2009 Australian Open, 2011 French Open, and 2017 Australian Open.
2006: Federer meets Pope Benedict XVI
Federer, raised Roman Catholic, met Pope Benedict XVI during the 2006 Italian Open in Rome.
2006: Federer Achieves Career-Best Season Start
Federer's win against Chung Hyeon at the Indian Wells Masters marked a career-best season start at 17-0, surpassing his previous best of 16-0 in 2006.
2006: Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year
Beyond his achievements on the court, Federer demonstrated his commitment to social causes by winning the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2006.
2006: Federer's Continued Success in 2006
Besides his Grand Slam victories, Roger Federer won an ATP 500 series event in Tokyo in 2006, and for the third time in his career, he emerged victorious at the year-end championships. He concluded the year as the world No. 1, showcasing his dominance throughout the season.
December 2007: Potential Onset of Mononucleosis
Roger Federer may have begun experiencing the effects of mononucleosis as early as December 2007.
2007: Federer featured on Swiss stamp
In 2007, the Swiss Post in Basel issued a special edition stamp featuring Roger Federer.
2007: Memorable Grand Slam Finals
The 2007 Wimbledon final, among other Federer-Nadal matches, was a memorable five-set match.
2007: Federer's Historic Start to 2007
Roger Federer commenced 2007 in exceptional form, reaching all four Grand Slam singles finals and securing victory in three. His win at the Australian Open was particularly noteworthy as he became the first player since Björn Borg in 1980 to win a major without dropping a single set. His victory in Dubai marked his fourth at the tournament and extended his winning streak to an impressive 41 matches, the longest in his career at that point.
2007: Federer's Triple Crown Years
Roger Federer achieved the remarkable feat of winning three Grand Slam titles in a calendar year for three consecutive years: 2004, 2006, and 2007, solidifying his dominance in the sport.
2007: Nicknames and Darth Federer
During the 2007 US Open, Federer's all-black attire earned him the nickname "Darth Federer" from the American press.
2007: Rod Laver's Admiration for Federer
In 2007, Rod Laver praised Federer's exceptional talent and admirable sportsmanship, stating, "One thing is for sure: he's the best player of his time and one of the most admirable champions on the planet. That's certainly something worth crowing over. The beauty is, Roger Federer won't". This quote highlights Federer's humility and grace alongside his exceptional skills on the court.
2007: Three Major Titles and ATP Finals
For the third time, in 2007, Federer won three of the four major championships as well as the ATP Finals.
2007: Most Titles Since 2007
Federer's 2017 season was remarkable, as he clinched the most titles he had garnered in a single year since 2007.
2007: Time 100 Most Influential People
Federer was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2007.
2007: First Grand Slam Final Meeting
Federer and Djokovic met for the first time in a Grand Slam final at the 2007 US Open, where Federer won.
2007: Start of Partnership with Severin Lüthi
In 2007, Federer began working with Severin Lüthi, a collaboration that would prove to be long-lasting.
March 2008: Mononucleosis Diagnosis
In March 2008, Roger Federer announced he had been diagnosed with mononucleosis, a condition he may have been battling since December 2007, which significantly impacted his fitness.
August 2008: Nadal Surpasses Federer
After holding the No. 2 spot for 160 weeks, Nadal surpassed Federer in August 2008 to claim the No. 1 ranking.
2008: Federer's Health Challenges in 2008
In 2008, Roger Federer's performance was significantly impacted by a persistent case of mononucleosis that affected him during the first half of the year. This health issue hampered his performance and led to some setbacks.
2008: Memorable Grand Slam Finals
The 2008 Wimbledon final, among other Federer-Nadal matches, was a memorable five-set match.
2008: First Federer-Nadal Wimbledon Match Since 2008
The 2008 Wimbledon final was the last time Federer and Nadal played each other at Wimbledon until their match in 2019.
2008: Murray's Victory in Shanghai
Murray defeated Federer in the ATP Finals in Shanghai in 2008.
2008: Olympic Gold Medal
Federer won an Olympic gold medal in doubles with Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
2008: Federer Defends a Major Title for the First Time Since 2008 US Open
Federer's win at the Australian Open marked the first time since the 2008 US Open that he defended a major title.
2008: Federer partners with Mercedes-Benz
Federer's partnership with Mercedes-Benz began in 2008.
2008: Olympic Medals
Federer won a gold medal in men's doubles and a silver medal in men's singles in the 2008 Olympics.
2008: Federer's US Open Victory
Federer defeated Murray in straight sets at the 2008 US Open final.
2008: Brief Stint with José Higueras
Federer briefly worked with José Higueras in 2008, expanding his coaching experience.
2008: Personalized Wimbledon Cardigan
Continuing the trend from 2006, Nike designed a personalized cardigan for Federer for Wimbledon in 2008, this time featuring his RF logo designed by his wife, Mirka.
2008: Federer's Olympic Triumph and Ranking Change
At the 2008 Olympic Games, Roger Federer partnered with Stan Wawrinka to secure the gold medal in doubles, defeating the Bryan brothers in the semifinals and the Swedish duo of Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson in the final. However, Federer's singles campaign ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to James Blake, resulting in him losing the No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal after a record-breaking 237 consecutive weeks at the top.
April 2009: Federer marries Miroslava Vavrinec
Roger Federer and Miroslava "Mirka" Vavrinec wed on April 11, 2009, in Riehen near Basel.
May 2009: Forbes's Most Powerful Celebrities
In May 2009, Federer was ranked higher than Barack Obama on Forbes magazine's list of the most powerful celebrities.
August 2009: End of Federer and Nadal's Streak
Federer and Nadal's streak of holding the top two rankings ended on August 17, 2009, when Nadal dropped to No. 3.
2009: Federer becomes Lindt brand ambassador
Federer's role as Lindt's brand ambassador started in 2009.
2009: Cincinnati Masters and US Open
In 2009, Federer reached the US Open final for the first time since 2009, where he was defeated by Djokovic. Earlier in the year, he won the Cincinnati Masters for the seventh time, marking the first instance of him defeating the top two players in the world at the same event.
2009: Clay Court Victory and French Open Quarterfinal
May 2016 marked Federer's first clay-court title since the 2009 French Open with a win at the inaugural Istanbul Open. He then reached the Italian Open final but lost to Djokovic. At the French Open, Federer was defeated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Stan Wawrinka.
2009: Personalized Wimbledon Cardigan
Nike once again designed a personalized cardigan for Federer for Wimbledon in 2009, continuing the tradition.
2009: Career Grand Slam
Roger Federer completed the career Grand Slam at the 2009 French Open after being runner-up to Rafael Nadal for three consecutive years.
2009: Federer's Challenging Start to 2009
Roger Federer's 2009 season got off to a difficult start with a loss to Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open after a closely contested five-set match. This defeat seemed to impact his momentum, and he faced challenges in the early part of the season, entering the clay season without securing a title.
2009: Memorable Grand Slam Finals
The 2009 Australian Open final, among other Federer-Nadal matches, was a memorable five-set match.
2009: Dominance in Awards and Recognition
Federer's exceptional performance earned him both the ATP Player of the Year and the ITF World Champion awards for a remarkable fifth time in 2009.
2009: Tweener at the US Open
Federer showcased his remarkable shot-making ability during the semifinals of the 2009 US Open against Novak Djokovic. His skillful use of a "tweener," a shot hit between the legs, earned him triple match point, demonstrating his creativity and finesse on the court.
2009: Federer's Victory in London
Federer defeated Murray in the ATP Finals in London in 2009.
2009: Considered Greatest by Many
From 2009 onwards, Federer's dominance and elegant playing style cemented his place as the greatest tennis player in the eyes of many players, analysts, and fans.
2010: Federer initiates "Hit for Haiti" events
In response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Federer organized "Hit for Haiti" events during the Australian Open and Indian Wells Masters, raising funds for earthquake victims.
2010: Start of Stylish Decade
This marks the beginning of the decade (2010-2019) during which Federer was recognized for his style.
2010: End of Nadal Rivalry
The intense rivalry between Federer and Rafael Nadal on the court ended in 2010.
2010: Nadal-Federer "Match for Africa"
The 2010 "Match for Africa" in Zürich and Madrid, featuring Federer and Rafael Nadal, raised over $4 million for their respective foundations.
2010: Murray's Early Dominance
Murray dominated the early part of his rivalry with Federer, leading 8-5 in 2010.
2010: Austria honors Federer with stamp
In 2010, Austria's Postal Service issued a special edition stamp to honor Roger Federer.
2010: Joining Forces with Paul Annacone
Federer's pursuit of excellence led him to collaborate with Paul Annacone as his coach starting in 2010.
2010: Federer's Victory in London
Federer defeated Murray in the ATP Finals in London in 2010.
2010: Mercedes-Benz endorsement expands globally
Federer's endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz became a global partnership in 2010.
2010: Time 100 Most Influential People
Federer was again named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2010.
2010: Federer's Consistent Top Performance
Federer maintained his high level of performance, finishing within the top two rankings for eight consecutive seasons, a testament to his consistency.
January 2011: Federer participates in "Rally for Relief" for Queensland floods
In January 2011, Federer joined "Rally for Relief," an exhibition to raise funds for victims of the Queensland floods.
November 2011: Historical Ranking of Federer's 2006 Season
In November 2011, Stephen Tignor, a prominent tennis writer, positioned Federer's 2006 season as the second-best statistically in the Open Era, following Rod Laver's Grand Slam sweep in 1969.
2011: Federer's Challenges in 2011
Roger Federer had a relatively less successful year by his high standards in 2011. He faced defeats in the semifinals of the Australian Open and the US Open, as well as a quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon. This marked the first time since 2002 that he did not win a Grand Slam title in a calendar year.
2011: Federer's Challenges in 2011
Roger Federer had a relatively less successful year by his high standards in 2011. He faced defeats in the semifinals of the Australian Open and the US Open, as well as a quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon. This marked the first time since 2002 that he did not win a Grand Slam title in a calendar year.
2011: World's Most Respected Personalities
In 2011, Federer ranked second, only behind Nelson Mandela, on the Reputation Institute's list of the World's most respected, admired, and trusted personalities.
2011: Federer Turns the Tide
From 2011 onwards, Federer took control of his rivalry with Murray, leading 9-3.
2011: Sportsmanship Award Recognition
Federer's commitment to fair play and respect was acknowledged in 2011 when he received the tour Sportsmanship Award, a recognition he continued to receive in the following years.
2011: Federer's Victory and Djokovic's Revenge
Federer ended Djokovic's 41-0 winning streak in the semifinals of the 2011 French Open. However, Djokovic won against Federer in the 2011 US Open final.
2011: Federer's Victory and Djokovic's Revenge
Federer ended Djokovic's 41-0 winning streak in the semifinals of the 2011 French Open. However, Djokovic won against Federer in the 2011 US Open final.
2012: Olympic Medals
Federer won a gold medal in men's doubles and a silver medal in men's singles in the 2012 Olympics.
2012: Murray's Olympic Victory
Murray defeated Federer in straight sets in the final of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
2012: Halle names street after Federer
In 2012, the city of Halle, Germany, inaugurated "Roger-Federer-Allee" to acknowledge Federer's achievements at the Gerry Weber Open.
2012: Wimbledon and Olympics 2012
In 2012 at Wimbledon, Federer won a challenging five-set match against Julien Benneteau in the third round. He went on to defeat Djokovic in the semifinals and Murray in the final, securing his seventh Wimbledon championship and tying Sampras' Open Era record. This victory propelled Federer back to the top spot in world rankings, surpassing Sampras' record of 286 weeks in the top position. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Federer won a silver medal after a grueling semifinal victory against Del Potro (lasting 4 hours and 26 minutes) and a final loss to Murray.
2012: First Grand Slam Win Since 2012
Federer's victory at the 2017 Australian Open marked his first Grand Slam title since his win in 2012, marking a significant comeback.
2012: Olympic Silver Medal
Federer won a silver medal in singles tennis at the 2012 London Olympics, where he lost to Andy Murray.
2012: Federer's Wimbledon Victory
Federer defeated defending champion Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2012 Wimbledon.
2012: First Appearance in Forbes' Top 10
Federer made his first appearance in the top 10 of Forbes' highest-paid athletes list.
2012: Federer's Wimbledon Victory
Federer defeated Murray in the 2012 Wimbledon final, although Murray won the first set.
2012: Start of 2012 Season
Federer began the 2012 season by reaching the Australian Open semifinal, where he lost to Nadal. He then secured victories in the Rotterdam Open (his first since 2005) and the Dubai Championships, defeating del Potro and Murray in the finals, respectively. He also triumphed at the Indian Wells Masters, overcoming Nadal in the semifinals and John Isner in the final.
2012: Federer's Humility
Despite the widespread acclaim, Federer remained humble in 2012, acknowledging the difficulty of comparing players across different eras and emphasizing the contributions of past champions.
2012: Federer Seeded First at Grand Slam Since 2012 US Open
At Wimbledon, Federer was seeded first at a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2012 US Open.
2012: Return to Grand Slam Wins
2012 saw Federer return to winning Grand Slam tournaments, a feat he replicated in his impressive 2017 season.
May 2013: Return to No. 2 Ranking and Tournament Wins
In 2014, Federer's performance at the Shanghai Masters, where he saved five match points against Leonardo Mayer and defeated Djokovic (ending Djokovic's 28-match winning streak in China) and Gilles Simon, propelled him back to the No. 2 ranking for the first time since May 2013. He continued his success with a record sixth Swiss Indoors title, defeating David Goffin. Although he reached the finals of the 2014 ATP Finals, he had to withdraw due to a back injury.
December 2013: New Coaching Team
On December 27, 2013, Federer announced Stefan Edberg's addition to his coaching team, joining Severin Lüthi.
2013: Gerry Weber Open Victory and Ranking Decline
In 2013, Federer's sole title win was at the Gerry Weber Open, defeating Mikhail Youzhny in the final. This victory tied him with John McEnroe for the third-most ATP titles in the Open Era. However, Federer struggled with back injuries throughout the year, leading to a decline in his ranking from No. 2 to No. 6.
2013: Philanthropic Recognition
Federer's dedication to philanthropy earned him a second Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2013.
2013: Conclusion of Partnership with Annacone
After three years, Federer's coaching partnership with Paul Annacone came to an end in 2013.
2014: Ranked Second by Frank Sedgman
In 2014, tennis legend Frank Sedgman placed Federer second only to Jack Kramer in his list of the greatest male tennis players in his autobiography, acknowledging Federer's exceptional talent.
2014: Offensive Game with Stefan Edberg
Under the guidance of coach Stefan Edberg, Federer adopted a more aggressive playing style in 2014. He frequented the net more often and improved his volleys, adding another dimension to his game.
2014: Learning from Stefan Edberg
The year 2014 saw Federer embracing a new coaching perspective by partnering with Stefan Edberg.
2014: "Match for Africa 2"
The "Match for Africa 2" in 2014, with Federer and Stan Wawrinka, generated £850,000 for educational initiatives in Southern Africa.
2014: Switching to a Larger Racket Head Size
In a significant shift from his long-time equipment, Federer transitioned to a larger racket head size in 2014. He began using a 97-square-inch racket, a change from his previous 90-square-inch frame, aiming to enhance his power and court coverage.
2014: Coaching Change
In December of 2014, Federer revealed that Stefan Edberg would be stepping down as coach after the 2015 season, despite initially signing on for just one season in 2014.
2014: Federer welcomes twin boys
In 2014, Roger Federer and Mirka Vavrinec became parents to fraternal twin boys.
2014: Tournament Wins and Back Injury
During 2014, Federer won the Shanghai Masters and the Swiss Indoors, achieving a record sixth title in the latter. However, he had to withdraw from the ATP Finals due to a back injury.
2014: Federer's Victory in Shanghai
Federer ended Djokovic's 28-match winning streak in China at the 2014 Shanghai Open.
2014: Federer's Victory in London
Federer defeated Murray in the ATP Finals in London in 2014.
2014: Australian Open and Davis Cup
Federer began 2014 with a strong showing at the Australian Open, reaching his 11th consecutive semifinal in Melbourne before losing to Rafael Nadal. He then won his sixth Dubai Championships title, defeating Djokovic and Berdych. Despite a loss to Djokovic in the Indian Wells final, Federer's Davis Cup aspirations were renewed with the rise of Stanislas Wawrinka. Their commitment led the Swiss team to the Davis Cup final for the first time since 1992, with victories over Serbia, Kazakhstan (where Federer secured his first deciding rubber win), and Italy.
2014: Switzerland Davis Cup Victory
Federer and fellow Swiss tennis player Stan Wawrinka led their country's Davis Cup team to victory in 2014.
2014: Federer joins forces with Sunrise
Federer partnered with Swiss telecommunications firm Sunrise in 2014.
2015: End of Collaboration with Edberg
Federer and Stefan Edberg concluded their coaching partnership in 2015 after a fruitful period.
2015: Federer's First Win over Djokovic Since 2015
At the ATP Finals, Federer beat Djokovic for the first time since 2015.
2015: Djokovic's Wimbledon and US Open Victories
Djokovic emerged victorious in the Wimbledon and US Open finals against Federer in 2015.
2015: Sunrise Advertisement
Federer starred in a TV ad for Switzerland's largest telecommunications company, Sunrise, showcasing his off-court activities.
2015: Coaching Change
In December 2015, Federer announced a change to his coaching team, with Ivan Ljubičić replacing Stefan Edberg. Severin Lüthi remained as his head coach. Edberg's departure came after he completed two seasons with Federer, exceeding his initial one-year commitment.
2015: Debut of the SABR
Never one to shy away from innovation, Federer introduced the SABR (Sneak Attack by Roger) at the 2015 US Open. This daring move involved charging forward during an opponent's second serve to attack the return aggressively, showcasing his willingness to take risks and dictate play.
July 2016: Most Recognizable Swiss Person
In July 2016, a poll declared Federer the most recognizable person in Switzerland, surpassing even Albert Einstein and William Tell.
October 2016: End of Consistent Top 8 Ranking
Federer's 14-year streak in the top 8 rankings ended on October 31, 2016, due to injuries.
2016: Biel renames street in honor of Federer
In 2016, Biel renamed the street housing the Swiss national tennis center where Federer trained as a junior to "1 Allée Roger Federer".
2016: Withdrawal from Olympics and End of Season
On July 26, 2016, Federer announced his withdrawal from the Summer Olympics and the remaining 2016 season to prioritize his recovery from a knee injury. This decision meant 2016 would be his first season since 2000 without a title and led to his exit from the top ten rankings for the first time in fourteen years. His ongoing four-year Grand Slam drought, coupled with this setback, fueled speculation about the end of his illustrious career.
2016: Teaming Up with Ivan Ljubičić
In 2016, Federer joined forces with Ivan Ljubičić, adding a fresh perspective to his coaching team.
2016: Brisbane International Win and 1,000 Career Wins Milestone
Federer commenced the 2016 season victoriously, clinching the Brisbane International title against Milos Raonic. This win marked a significant milestone as he became the third man in the Open Era to achieve 1,000 or more wins, joining Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. He also secured his place as the first man in the Open Era to win at least one title for 15 consecutive years. His success continued at the Dubai Championships, defending his title with a convincing straight-set victory against Djokovic. Although he reached the Indian Wells final, he couldn't overcome defending champion Djokovic.
2016: Knee Surgery and Hiatus
Federer underwent knee surgery and took a six-month break from tennis in late 2016.
2016: Mercedes-Benz Advertisement
Federer portrayed various tennis legends, including Rod Laver and John McEnroe, in a Mercedes-Benz advertisement released ahead of the 2016 US Open.
2016: Endorsements and Sponsorships
Federer earned £49.2 million from endorsements and sponsorships in 2016.
2016: Australian Open Victory and Return to Top 10
After withdrawing from most of the 2016 season, Federer's ranking slipped to No. 17 at the start of 2017, his lowest in 15 years. However, he made a strong comeback at the Australian Open. He reached the semifinals after beating top-10 players Tomáš Berdych and Kei Nishikori, becoming the oldest semifinalist since Jimmy Connors in 1991. He then defeated Stan Wawrinka in a five-set semifinal match, becoming the oldest finalist since Ken Rosewall in 1974. In a historic final, Federer came back from a break down in the fifth set to defeat Rafael Nadal, marking his first Grand Slam victory since 2012. This win was significant for several reasons: it was his 100th match at the Australian Open, his first Grand Slam win against Nadal off grass courts, and it brought him back into the top 10 rankings.
2016: Federer Plays Clay Court Season
After a break, Federer announced he would play the clay court season for the first time since 2016.
2016: First Knee Surgery
Federer underwent his first knee surgery in 2016, marking the start of a series of knee problems that would plague the latter part of his career.
January 2017: Most Marketable Sports Person
Federer was named the Most Marketable Sports Person of 2016 by researchers at the London School of Marketing in January 2017, earning him £49.2 million in endorsements.
September 2017: Federer and Nadal Back on Top
Federer and Nadal reclaimed the top two rankings in September 2017.
November 2017: Federer receives honorary doctorate
On November 24, 2017, the University of Basel awarded Federer an honorary doctorate for his contributions to Basel and Switzerland's global standing and his work with children in Africa.
November 2017: Federer's Preferred String Tension
In an interview in November 2017, Federer shared insights into his meticulous approach to equipment, revealing that his preferred string tension for his Wilson Pro Staff RF97 Autograph racquet is 26.5 kilograms for the main strings and 25 kilograms for the crosses.
2017: Sports Illustrated Cover
Federer graced the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2017 following his record-breaking 8th Wimbledon win, making him the first male tennis player to be featured since himself in 2009.
2017: "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" Performance
Federer, Grigor Dimitrov, and Tommy Haas, dubbed the "Backhand Boys," performed the Chicago song "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" at the 2017 Indian Wells Masters.
2017: Federer Defeats Nadal; Ties with Ivan Lendl
In 2017, Federer won his 94th career title at the Shanghai Masters, defeating Rafael Nadal. This win tied him with Ivan Lendl for the second most titles in men's singles.
2017: Memorable Grand Slam Finals
The 2017 Australian Open final, among other Federer-Nadal matches, was a memorable five-set match.
2017: Australian Open Victory and Eighth Wimbledon Title
After returning from his knee surgery, Federer won the Australian Open in 2017, defeating Nadal. Later that year, he won Wimbledon for the 8th time.
2017: Comeback Season
After a period of setbacks, Federer made a remarkable comeback in 2017, showcasing his resilience and determination.
2017: Resurgence and Statistical Success
Federer's 2017 season was remarkable, signifying a return to Grand Slam victories after a hiatus since 2012. He achieved the most titles since 2007 and his highest win percentage since 2006, making it statistically his most successful season since 2007.
March 2018: Uniqlo Deal
Federer's contract with Nike ended in March 2018, and he signed a new deal with Uniqlo, reportedly worth $30 million per year.
October 2018: Second End to Federer and Nadal's Dominance
Federer and Nadal's second reign at the top ended on October 15, 2018, with Novak Djokovic becoming the new No. 2.
2018: Greatest Male Player of the Open Era
Tennis.com recognized Federer's dominance and impact by naming him the greatest male player of the Open Era in 2018, a testament to his extraordinary career.
2018: "Match for Africa" in San Jose
The 2018 "Match for Africa" in San Jose saw Federer team up with Bill Gates to defeat Jack Sock and Savannah Guthrie in doubles.
2018: Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and Comeback of the Year
Federer's exceptional return to form after a challenging period earned him the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award in 2018, along with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year award.
2018: Continued Recognition as the Greatest
Federer's consistent performance and impact on tennis led many to consider him the greatest player even in 2018, highlighting his enduring legacy.
2018: 20 Major Titles and Oldest World No. 1
Federer won his 20th major singles title at the 2018 Australian Open. Shortly after, at the age of 36, he became the oldest ATP world No. 1 at the time.
2018: Increased Prize Money
By 2018, the impact of the "Golden Age" was evident in the substantial increase in prize money. Federer's Australian Open victory that year earned him a staggering AUD 4 million, highlighting the sport's growth and the financial rewards for top players.
November 2019: On Investment
In November 2019, Federer became a shareholder in On, a Swiss athletic shoe and sportswear company.
December 2019: GQ's Most Stylish Man of the Decade
GQ readers voted Federer as the Most Stylish Man of the Decade (2010-2019) in December 2019, surpassing other prominent figures in fashion.
December 2019: Federer featured on Swiss coins
In December 2019, Federer became the first living person honored on Swiss coins, with his likeness on the 20-franc coin.
2019: Djokovic Surpasses Federer and Emerson's Australian Open Record
In 2019, Novak Djokovic surpassed Federer and Roy Emerson's record for most Australian Open titles.
2019: Last Encounter between Federer and Nadal
The last match between Federer and Nadal took place at the 2019 Wimbledon Championship, where Federer won to reach the final.
2019: Barilla Advertisement
Federer donned a chef's hat and showed off his cooking skills in a TV advertisement for Italian pasta-maker Barilla.
2019: Djokovic's Wimbledon Victory
Djokovic defeated Federer in the Wimbledon final in 2019, which lasted for almost 5 hours.
2019: Guinness World Record Holder
By 2019, Federer cemented his legacy with a staggering 30 Guinness World Records, 18 of which were directly related to his on-court achievements.
May 2020: Forbes' Highest-Paid Athlete
In May 2020, Federer topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, earning $106.3 million from salary, winnings, and endorsements.
May 2020: Federer 50-franc gold coin issued
In May 2020, Swissmint released a 50-franc gold coin with Federer's image.
May 2020: Ranked Greatest by Tennis Channel
In May 2020, the Tennis Channel bestowed upon Federer the top spot in their ranking of the greatest male tennis players of all time, further solidifying his legacy.
July 2020: "The Roger" Shoe Release
July 2020 saw the release of "The Roger," a limited-edition lifestyle shoe by On, designed in collaboration with Federer.
July 2020: Federer featured in Swiss history chronicle
On July 20, 2020, the Swiss National Museum included Federer in their 100-part chronicle of Swiss history and culture.
2020: Highest Paid Athlete
By 2020, Federer was consistently ranked among the top ten highest-paid athletes globally and held the top spot for athlete endorsement income, earning $100 million.
2020: Federer Undergoes Arthroscopic Surgery
Federer had arthroscopic surgery for a right knee injury in 2020.
2020: Second Knee Surgery on Left Knee
In 2020, Federer underwent a second procedure on his left knee, further highlighting the increasing toll his years on the court were taking on his body.
2020: Federer's Pasta Passion
In 2020, it was revealed that Roger Federer had a penchant for pasta, especially spaghetti pomodoro, which he made a pre-match ritual during the Australian Open.
January 2021: Withdrawal from Australian Open and Return to Tour
In January 2021, Federer withdrew from the Australian Open due to recovering from knee surgery and COVID-19 concerns. On March 10th, 2021, he returned to the ATP Tour at the Qatar Open, winning his first match in 14 months.
May 2021: Serena Williams' Praise
Tennis icon Serena Williams lauded Federer as a "genius" and "the greatest" in May 2021, highlighting his exceptional skills and impact on the sport.
October 2021: Basel launches "The Federer Express" tram
In October 2021, Federer's birth city, Basel, honored him with a new tram named "The Federer Express," featuring images from his career.
2021: Forbes' Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes
Federer has consistently ranked in the top 10 of Forbes' highest-paid athletes list every year since 2012.
2021: Federer Aims to Return in 2021
Federer vowed to return to tennis in 2021 after his knee surgery.
2021: On Shoes Partnership
From 2021 onward, Federer began wearing tennis shoes produced by On.
2021: Absence from Singles Tournaments
Federer did not participate in any singles tournaments after Wimbledon 2021.
2021: Switzerland Tourism Campaign with Robert De Niro
Federer partnered with Robert De Niro for "No Drama," an advertisement for Switzerland Tourism, in 2021, aiming to boost tourism in Switzerland.
May 2022: Federer surprises Swiss national team
In May 2022, Federer surprised the Swiss national football team with a visit, meeting players and coach Murat Yakin, and unveiled Puma's new jersey for the team.
June 2022: Drop in Rankings
Federer's absence from tournaments caused him to drop out of the top 50 rankings in June 2022.
July 2022: Unranked for the First Time
In July 2022, Federer became unranked for the first time since his professional debut.
September 2022: Retirement
In September 2022, Roger Federer retired from professional tennis following the Laver Cup.
September 2022: Retirement Announcement and Final Match
Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis in September 2022, with the Laver Cup as his final ATP event. He played his final match, a doubles match with Rafael Nadal, resulting in a loss.
October 2022: "The Roger Federer Effect" Publication
"The Roger Federer Effect, Rivals, Friends, Fans and How the Maestro Changed their Lives," a book by Simon Cambers and Simon Graf featuring interviews about Federer's impact, was published in October 2022.
2022: Third Knee Surgery on Right Knee
Federer's persistent knee troubles led to a third surgery, this time on his right knee, in 2022. This surgery proved to be a significant setback, ultimately contributing to his retirement.
2022: Laver Cup
The 2022 Laver Cup marked the culmination of Federer's illustrious tennis career, as documented in the film "Federer: Twelve Final Days."
2022: End of Eras with Lüthi and Ljubičić
Federer's long-standing coaching partnerships with both Severin Lüthi and Ivan Ljubičić came to an end in 2022, marking the conclusion of significant chapters in his career.
2022: Switzerland Tourism Campaign with Anne Hathaway and "No Drama" Award
Federer starred alongside Anne Hathaway in a 2022 Switzerland Tourism campaign and his previous ad, "No Drama," won Gold at the 2022 Effie Awards.
2022: Knee Surgery and Planned Return
Federer hoped to return to the tour in 2022 after undergoing knee surgery.
2023: Switzerland Tourism Campaign with Trevor Noah
Federer collaborated with comedian Trevor Noah on "The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland: The Ride of a Lifetime," another film for Switzerland Tourism.
June 9, 2024: Federer receives honorary doctorate from Dartmouth
On June 9, 2024, Dartmouth awarded Roger Federer a Doctorate degree in Humane Letters following his commencement address to the Class of 2024.
June 2024: "Federer: Twelve Final Days" Release
The documentary "Federer: Twelve Final Days," providing an intimate look at the last 12 days of Federer's professional tennis career leading up to the 2022 Laver Cup, was released on Amazon Prime Video in June 2024.
2024: Djokovic Breaks Federer's Record for Oldest ATP World No. 1
Novak Djokovic broke Federer's record of being the oldest ATP world No. 1 in 2024.