A look at Roger Federer's greatest Grand Slam triumphs on his 37th birthday

3. Wimbledon 2007

Federer staved off a mighty Nadal challenge

Federer was in his pomp in 2007. At the start of the year, he had breezed past everyone to win the Australian Open, without dropping a set. Though he lost out to his nemesis, Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Federer arrived as the overwhelming favourite in London.

It was work as usual for Federer in the 1st week and he comfortably reached the quarter finals, where he faced Juan Carlos Fererro. A minor blip aside, Federer swept aside his challenge, coming through in 4 sets. He then proceeded to get the better of Richard Gasquet in the semis before a date with destiny awaited him. Federer’s partner for the date was none other than his arch nemesis, Rafa.

The 2007 Wimbledon final will go down as one of the best Grand Slam finals ever. It was a see-saw battle between two of tennis’ finest and went down to the wire. After a gripping 4th set, the momentum was with Nadal. He started the 5th set well before Federer found his moment of inspiration.

Roger clawed his way back into the match and started smacking winners off both wings. After a marathon, he finally finished off the match and equalled Borg’s record of winning 5 straight Wimbledon titles.

In terms of the finals Federer has played, this has to go down as one of the toughest. Despite looking like he would lose his 1st Wimbledon final, he never threw in the towel and emerged victorious at the end of it all.

This Grand Slam finds a place in the list for the grit and determination shown by Roger to not give his arch rival an inch in their battle for being tennis’ greatest.