When Federer did not think about being number 1 in the world

The 2003 season was a key year in Roger Federer's career. The Basel tennis player began to carve out a niche for himself in the elite world tennis that year after entering the Top-5 of the ranking despite being only 21 years old.

At that time Federer was not thinking of being number 1, but of continuing his progression on the circuit to improve his level and, once established, assault the world tennis throne. “I still have to work very hard physically to reach the level I want and luckily, in a couple of years, I can become number 1 in the world. I'm not thinking about that right now, I think more about being consistent and being better mentally, “he said at the 2003 Rome Masters 1,000, a tournament in which he stayed at the gates of the title after falling in the final against Spanish Félix Mantilla.

At that time Federer felt very observed by the public for his talent, although the Swiss revealed that he still had to improve in many aspects. “I feel better on the court because I've been working hard lately. A few years ago, everyone was talking about my talent and my ability to hit. That makes you feel like you have to do miraculous punches to please the public, but I've stopped with that. I want to get victories and not have … of the tournament every time. I know the ideal times for the right shots and that is important to my game. I've been in the Top-5 for six months and now it's a big step for me. I feel that I can change physically and mentally, and I am waiting for my opportunity. “An opportunity that would come to him a few months later with the conquest of his first Wimbledon in which it would be the first of the 20 Grand Slam that 'His Majesty' has on his record.