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拍品專文
"What a great start to the year. To win the Australian Open and become number one in the world is a dream come true." (Roger Federer, BBC Sport, 2004)
Roger Federer’s Grand Slam story is truly unique. Prior to 2003, Roger enjoyed mixed fortunes at tennis’ most famous tournaments, providing exhilarating performances, including his victory over Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001, yet also experiencing difficult moments such as his defeat to Mario Ančić in the first round the following year.
In 2003, however, the Grand Slam landscape would change forever. Roger swept to victory on the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s hallowed turf, producing a near faultless display to down Australian Mark Philippoussis in the final. He followed up this victory with an important win at the end of season Masters Cup in Houston and many commentators predicted that this breakthrough year could open the floodgates for future success. They could never have known how accurate a statement this would prove to be.
Roger's first Grand Slam challenge of 2004 would be the Australian Open. He defeated home favourite Lleyton Hewitt and Argentinean rival David Nalbandian en-route to a semi-final where he crushed Juan Carlos-Ferrero in straight sets. This victory was crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it set up his maiden Australian Open final and secondly, because it guaranteed him the Number 1 ranking for the first time in his career, a position in the rankings that would not be relinquished for a record breaking 237 consecutive weeks. Roger's opponent in the final would be Marat Safin but after coming through tough matches against Agassi and Roddick, the Swiss’ imperious form proved too much to handle for the Russian, with Roger prevailing 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 to win his first title down under. Roger was now a multiple Grand Slam winner and still only 22.
Roger Federer’s Grand Slam story is truly unique. Prior to 2003, Roger enjoyed mixed fortunes at tennis’ most famous tournaments, providing exhilarating performances, including his victory over Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2001, yet also experiencing difficult moments such as his defeat to Mario Ančić in the first round the following year.
In 2003, however, the Grand Slam landscape would change forever. Roger swept to victory on the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s hallowed turf, producing a near faultless display to down Australian Mark Philippoussis in the final. He followed up this victory with an important win at the end of season Masters Cup in Houston and many commentators predicted that this breakthrough year could open the floodgates for future success. They could never have known how accurate a statement this would prove to be.
Roger's first Grand Slam challenge of 2004 would be the Australian Open. He defeated home favourite Lleyton Hewitt and Argentinean rival David Nalbandian en-route to a semi-final where he crushed Juan Carlos-Ferrero in straight sets. This victory was crucial for two reasons. Firstly, it set up his maiden Australian Open final and secondly, because it guaranteed him the Number 1 ranking for the first time in his career, a position in the rankings that would not be relinquished for a record breaking 237 consecutive weeks. Roger's opponent in the final would be Marat Safin but after coming through tough matches against Agassi and Roddick, the Swiss’ imperious form proved too much to handle for the Russian, with Roger prevailing 7-6, 6-4, 6-2 to win his first title down under. Roger was now a multiple Grand Slam winner and still only 22.