On this day: Roger Federer makes Grand Slam debut at 1999 Roland Garros
On this day 20 years ago, Roger Federer played his first Grand Slam match in a career, making a debut on the big scene at Roland Garros. The 17-year-old Swiss talent was the youngest player in the draw and was already ranked 111th after reaching two ATP quarter-finals and three Challenger semi-finals earlier that year, kicking off the season from just inside the top-300! His rival in the first round was world no. 3 Patrick Rafter who played his best tennis in those years, conquering two US Open titles and claiming Cincinnati and Canada Masters 1000 events last summer.
The youngster made the best possible start, taking the opening set 7-5 before Patrick seized control, delivering a 5-7, 6-3, 6-0, 6-2 triumph in two hours and 13 minutes for the tenth triumph at Roland Garros, reaching the semi-final there two years ago. The more experienced player did just about everything right on the court, committing a fewer number of errors and keeping his second serve safe to fend off seven out of nine break points and mount the pressure on the other side of the court. Federer's shotmaking abilities were already well-known in the world of tennis although he lacked stamina and patience, especially in the best-of-five matches like this one that required more experience.
Also, the conditions didn't work into his favor either with the sun becoming stronger as the encounter progressed, waring the court and making it faster and more suitable for Rafter's attacking serve&volley style. The Aussie held the strings of the match in his hands after the second set and dropped only five games in the next three sets, leaving the young Roger with no answer on the court. Patrick stormed to win the third set 6-0 in 23 minutes and sealed the deal with a service winner in the eighth game of the fourth set to move into the second round.
The Aussie was pleased with what he saw from Roger, saying he could become a great player if he continues to work hard. As well all know, Federer did manage to lift the trophy at the Roland Garros ten years later, finally winning the elusive title that was running away from him in the last half a decade or so and completing a career Grand Slam.
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2EyoOud
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