In Roger Federer's words: 'I'm famous in Switzerland; many people know me'

The 2003 season was almost a perfect one for the young guns. Five out of year-end top-8 players were younger than 24 and three Majors title went to the first-time champions, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. Those three would finish the year at the top of the ATP ranking, battling for the throne until the last tournament in Houston. Competing at the ATP Masters Cup for the second time, Federer went all the way to score five wins and lift the trophy, the second big one of the season after Wimbledon. Kicking off the season ranked 6th, Federer was among the players top beat that year, winning seven titles in total and finishing second in the standings behind Andy Roddick. Not playing at his best in Basel and Paris, Roger arrived in Houston to finish the run on a high note. His first rivals were the players whom he never beat before, Andre Agassi and David Nalbandian.

In that first encounter, Federer worked hard to topple the American veteran, fending off two match points and making a winning start. In the second match, Federer delivered a fantastic performance versus David Nalbandian, dropping only three games and storming over Juan Carlos Ferrero to advance into the semis. In the battle for the final, Federer defeated world no. 1 Andy Roddick 7-6, 6-2, setting another clash against Agassi in the last match of the season. Roger was the player to beat in the final, notching a 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 victory for his first notable title after Wimbledon.

Roger never faced a break chance, securing five breaks to control the pace.

Agassi grabbed 17 points in 12 return games and it wasn't enough to keep him safe, staying behind the rival's pace and having to settle with the runner-up prize. On the other hand, Federer took 46% of the return points, scoring one break in sets one and three and outplaying Andre in the second to claim a bagel. Answering some questions after the title match, Federer said he became famous in Switzerland, with many people recognizing him. Comparing with the USA's fans, Roger couldn't tell if he is famous like in his country, feeling that could be the case.

"I'm famous in Switzerland; everywhere I go, people know me. We are not a big country and I'm popular there. In America, it's tough for me to say; I don't read the papers too much. The longer the tournament gets, the better I play and the more famous I get. Still, that's secondary. In Switzerland, I feel people know me but they don't approach me. Here in America, it's different. I almost feel as famous here as in Switzerland," said Roger Federer.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/30ShKmn