Roger Federer was thrilled to be alongside the likes of Pete Sampras after winning the Wimbledon title for the first time.
The Swiss Maestro announced himself to the world with a shock victory over Sampras in the fourth round at the All-England Club in 2001.
Just two years later, Federer joined the American on the Wimbledon honours board by winning his first title.
By the end of Roger Federer’s career in 2022, he sits at the top of the list of male players with the most number of victories at SW19.
Photo by Jeff Overs/BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty ImagesWhat did Roger Federer say about catching Pete Sampras’ record after winning Wimbledon in 2003?
Federer produced a dominant run to the 2003 Wimbledon title, dropping just one set on the way to his first Grand Slam success.
The 43-year-old eased through rounds one and two before needing four sets to beat Mardy Fish in the third round.
Federer then beat Feliciano Lopez, before recording victories over Sweden’s Jonas Björkman and Andy Roddick to reach his first final.
Standing in his way was Mark Philippoussis, who was also playing for his WImbledon title. Federer edged the first set on a tiebreak before breezing through set two.
The third set went to another tiebreak, but Federer stayed composed and went on to win 7-6(5), 6-2, 7-6(3) and become the first Swiss man to win a Grand Slam. He hit 50 winners against only nine unforced errors in the one hour and 56 minute contest.
Post-match, Federer was asked if he could be Samaprias’ record, to which he replied: “Oh, this is, you know, one of his seven, you know. I’m so far away, you know.
“I’m just happy, you know, to be on the board. It’s so nice, if I look at all the players who have won here, you know, a lot have been idols to me.
“Just to be on the board with Borg and these people, it’s just nice, to be a part of history at Wimbledon, you know – and in Grand Slams in general. And, you know, it’s incredible.”
2 Jul 2001: Pete Sampras of the USA congratulates Roger Federer of Switzerland following his victory during the men’s fourth round of The All Engl…What are Roger Federer and Pete Sampras’ Wimbledon records?
Along with seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, Federer and Sampras, who also has seven titles, are the two most successful male Wimbledon champions.
Federer overtook Sampras’ record by winning his eighth championship in 2017. He ended his career with 105 wins at SW19 and 14 defeats.
Federer won his first five Wimbledon titles from 2003 to 2007, equalling the record held by Bjorn Borg before Rafael Nadal ended his streak in 2008.
Sampras won 63 of his 70 matches at Wimbledon throughout his career, and has a perfect record in Wimbledon finals.
The American won three successive titles from 1993 to 1995, before winning another four in a row from 1997 to 2000.