Top 10 wins of Roger Federer's career

It has been an amazing year for Roger Federer after a disappointing 2013 season. Federer reached 11 finals, won five of them, and helped Switzerland to win its first ever Davis Cup this year.Looking back at his stunning performances this year, it brings back memories of Federer of yesteryears. In the light of this nostalgic reverie, let us take a look back at Federer’s most memorable victories.

#1 Federer v Roddick, Australian Open SF 2007

Let us begin with one of Federer’s big wins over a top player.

It was one of those matches when Federer made a mockery of his opponent. Federer smothered Roddick’s big serve, overwhelmed him in groundstrokes, and toyed with him when Roddick aimlessly approached the nets. All that in Semifinal of a Major!

Federer def. Roddick 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-2.

#2 Federer v Nadal, World Tour Finals, Round Robin,2011

When doubts flared over Federer-Nadal rivalry as being highly lopsided in favor of the Spaniard, Federer came with this masterstroke which sees off Nadal in less than an hour. It wasn’t just how much Federer can look good in his top form; it was also how he can make his opponent look embarrassing with his “genius” moments.

Federer def. Nadal 6-3, 6-0.

#3 Federer v Murray, World Tour Finals, Round Robin 2014

It is important to note that this match happened just weeks ago, when Federer is aged 33. It was one of those special wins in which everything went according to his wish. The outcome was Murray’s worst loss of his career in front of his home crowd.

Federer def. Murray 6-0, 6-1.

#4 Federer v Hewitt, US Open Final, 2004

The match was expected to go down to the wire given the forms of both players. But Federer perhaps wanted to begin his vacations by an hour or two early.

Federer def. Hewitt 6-0, 7-6 (7-3), 6-0

#5 Federer v Roddick, Wimbledon Final, 2009

Even though he had many one-sided victories in his prime, it wasn’t always that easy. In matches where he had to fight hard to earn a victory, his champion character shone ever so brightly.

The Wimbledon 2009 final against Roddick was one such classic. Federer saved four set points in the second set and walked on the thin line throughout the match. In the whole match, Federer managed to break Roddick just once and that was in the final game of the fifth set.

Federer def. Roddick 5-7, 7-6, 7-6, 3-6, 16-14.

#6 Federer v Del Potro, London Olympics Semifinal,2012

Federer recorded another of his resilient victories in the longest match in Olympic history. The match lasted for over 2 hours and 30 minutes and Federer managed to hold nerves and gave del Potro one of the most heart-sinking losses.

Federer def. Del Potro 3-6, 7-6, 19-17.

#7 Federer v Benneteau, Wimbledon, Round 3, 2012

It was one of those Grand Slam fortnights in Federer’s career where he had to cope with injury. Federer survived a third round scarce against the unforgiving Frenchman, Julian Benneteau, who took a two set to love lead against the Swiss. But Federer won one of his most incredible comeback matches, and later took home his 17th Major.

Federer def. Benneteau 4-6, 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-1.

#8 Federer v Soderling, Roland Garros Final, 2009

In his long career, Federer had many memorable victories. One such victory came at the Roland Garros final of 2009. The Maestro won his first French Open title, completed his career slam, and matched his Grand Slam tally with that of Sampras. Federer heavily bolstered his image as the greatest ever with this victory.

Federer def. Soderling 6–1, 7–6(1), 6–4.

#9 Federer v Murray, Wimbledon Final, 2012

Federer struggled throughout the two weeks with back pain at Wimbledon in 2012. Federer had failed to win a Grand Slam for more than two years coming into this final. The Swiss ace was at his best against the Brit as he claimed his 17th Major.

Federer def. Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

#10 Federer v Sampras, Wimbledon Round of 16, 2001

On 2nd July, 2001, at the historic centre court of Wimbledon, a Swiss prodigy ended the long reign of seven-time Wimbledon Champion, Pete Sampras, in a five-set classic, and began his own glorious reign.

Even though it came at the twilight of Sampras’s career, the matchup incidentally gave us the rare opportunity to look at two of the greatest grass players of all time, battling each other at Wimbledon.

Federer def. Sampras 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, 6-7, 7-5.