“It was like disbelief, tears in my eyes,” mentioned Roger Federer of the upset that modified his profession.
By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Photograph credit score: Rob Newell/CameraSport
In a big generational conflict, Roger Federer discovered himself fueled by need and disbelief staring down his tennis hero on Centre Court docket.
Finally, Federer overcame “ice-cold” fingers and hero worship to topple Pete Sampras on the 2001 Wimbledon.
In a career-changing triumph, a 19-year-old Federer dethroned defending-champion Sampras 7-6(7), 5-7, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 to achieve his maiden Wimbledon quarterfinal.
The duel between Wilson Professional Employees champions was a passing of the torch match from seven-time Wimbledon winner Sampras to future champion Federer.
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“Once I noticed the attracts, I noticed perhaps there was an opportunity to play Sampras within the fourth spherical,” Federer tells the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame within the newest episode of its Street to Newport sequence. “Sampras, to me, was a type of heroes. I used to be additionally in comparison with him so much due to the one-handed backhands, the way in which we performed.
“However he had all of the data and I had none.”
Earlier than Federer is introduced with tennis’ final honor together with his induction into the hallowed Corridor of Fame this August in Newport, RI, the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame (ITHF) is highlighting his rise to tennis greatness on this yr’s Street to Newport video sequence.
On this six-part characteristic, Federer displays on a few of his greatest profession milestones and memorable moments from a younger participant in Switzerland to a worldwide sporting icon, giving an inside look into his most legendary moments showcasing his distinctive path to changing into a Corridor of Famer.
The Corridor of Fame introduced these episodes shall be launched weekly main as much as the 2026 Induction Celebration from August 27-Twenty ninth.
Wanting again on his lone professional battle vs. Sampras on the 2001 Wimbledon, Roger mentioned the warm-up incited pleasure, euphoria and jitters inside.
“I do not forget that hall stroll. That feeling [of walking on Centre Court] was loopy,” Federer mentioned. “That first second whenever you began hitting with Pete, I had ice-cold fingers.
“I bear in mind within the warm-up when Pete was hitting the ball again to me I used to be considering “that is so cool. That is unimaginable.”
Taking the first-set tiebreaker, Federer mentioned he felt assured he may topple the Wimbledon king on the courtroom Sampras famously referred to as a “tennis cathedral.”
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“I believed I’m taking part in effectively, something can occur. Then I had this dream of a return on match level,” Federer mentioned. “I felt if he goes large to my forehand, I feel he’s in large hassle. That’s precisely what he did.
“It was like disbelief, tears in my eyes. That second by no means will get forgotten. It’s unimaginable how vivid it’s. It was undoubtedly a milestone second and a break by way of in my profession, little question.”
Watch highlights of the 2001 showdown between Slam champions and notice the teenage Federer is serving-and-volleying regularly on each first and second serves. As his recreation developed and the Wimbledon grass modified to elicit a more true bounce, Federer performed extra of an all-court type.
The Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame’s Street to Newport sequence was directed by Katie Walsh, a Peabody and Emmy-award successful director and producer, with current tasks together with Simone Biles Rising on Netflix.
“Roger’s story extends far past his achievements on the courtroom,” mentioned Katie Walsh. “It was a privilege to sit down down with him and unpack the experiences,relationships, and defining moments that formed his journey.
“I’m excited to carry these moments to life for followers to expertise as soon as once more.”
After all, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer went on to eclipse his hero, Sampras, successful a file eight Wimbledon championships. One other champion who grew up wanting as much as Sampras, Novak Djokovic, went on to surpass each Federer and Sampras successful a file 24 Grand Slam singles championships, together with seven Wimbledon titles.
Richard Pagliaro. Richard Pagliaro is Tennis Now Managing Editor. He’s a graduate of New York College and has lined professional tennis for greater than 35 years. Richard was tennis columnist for Gannett Newspapers in NY, served as Managing Editor for TennisWeek.com and labored as a author/editor for Tennis.com. He has been TennisNow.com managing editor since 2010.
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