It was a result that well and truly released the shackles. Federer went on to win five consecutive Wimbledon titles, and eight overall, among his staggering eventual haul of 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Before winning Wimbledon 2003, the Swiss’ win-loss record in his first 16 Grand Slam main draws was 29-16 (64.44%).
His next 16, after Wimbledon 2003? He won 10 of them and built a win-loss record of 95-6 (94.06%).
Rafael Nadal d Roger Federer
Miami 2004 final
Like Federer, Nadal was a prodigious talent but was especially formidable on clay. So when he met Federer in the third round at Miami in 2004, aged 17, few expected him to beat the world No.1 – the reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion – on a quick hard…