Switzerland, August 8: Roger Federer celebrates his 38th birthday today. The Swiss great, considered by many as one of the greatest players to have picked the tennis racket, is going strong even at this age and came agonisingly close to winning a record extending 21st Grand Slam title when he played that memorable final against Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2019. Novak Djokovic Wins Wimbledon 2019, Beats Roger Federer in Thrilling Longest Men's Singles Final to Lift 5th Wimbledon Trophy.
However, it was only one of many great finals that the maestro was part of or featured in. His epic duel with Rafael Nadal in the 2008 Wimbledon final, is generally considered as the greatest final ever played. Federer has played a record 31 Grand Slam titles and has won a record 20 out of them. Roger Federer Calls For Respect for Tennis Ballboys and Girls After Fernando Verdasco's Video Berating Ballboy Goes Viral.
On the Swiss champion's 38th birthday, we recall the five great finals that he has played over the years. Roger Federer Meets Andy Roddick Off the Court, Shares Picture With a Special Caption Making Fans Nostalgic.
1. Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer, Wimbledon 2008 Final
Winner: Rafael Nadal
Match Result: 6–4, 6–4, 6–7, 6–7, 9–7.
Match Duration: 4 Hours, 48 Minutes.
2. Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon 2019 Final
Winner: Novak Djokovic
Match Result: 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 13-12 (7-3).
Match Duration: 4 Hours, 57 Minutes.
3. Roger Federer vs Andy Roddick, Wimbledon 2009 Final
Winner: Roger Federer
Match Result: 5–7, 7–6, 7–6, 3–6, 16–14.
Match Duration: 4 Hours, 17 Minutes.
4. Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic, US Open 2007 Final
Winner: Roger Federer
Match Result: 7–6, 7–6, 6–4.
Match Duration: 3 Hours, 28 Minutes.
5. Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal, Australian Open 2017 Final
Winner: Roger Federer
Match Result: 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Match Duration: 3 Hours, 38 Minutes.
These were five of the finals that we thought makes the cut when it comes to the amazing finals played by Federer in the Grand Slams. There are other memorable matches too, such as the 2009 Australian Open finals against Nadal and the 2014, 2015 Wimbledon finals against Novak Djokovic. We wish the Swiss great a happy 38th birthday and hope he has another Grand Slam in him. However, grand slam or no grand slam, Federer is evergreen and a mere chance of seeing him play is a pleasure second to none for tennis fans.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 08:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).