Roger Federer claimed his first Major title at Wimbledon 2003. The young Swiss did not have to wait for too long to add the second trophy to his tally, making a perfect start to the following season and conquering the Australian Open.
Roger kicked off 2004 without a coach, and it was hardly an obstacle for him in Melbourne. Federer used a favorable draw to reach the fourth round, and he toppled Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian to advance into the semis.
Roger had a negative score against both rivals at that moment, losing a set but controlling the pace in those encounters for his best result at Melbourne Park. Standing one triumph away from reaching the final and becoming world no.1, Roger toppled Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and a half for his second Major final and the ATP throne at 22. Federer defended all four break chances and earned his fourth victory over Juan Carlos. The Spaniard could not match Roger’s numbers, suffering four breaks to propel the rival into the title clash against Marat Safin.
Servers marched through the opening six service games, and Federer experienced the first troubles at 3-3. The Swiss repelled four break points in his only loose service game to remain on the positive side of the scoreboard.
He delivered a break at love in game ten to take the opener 6-4 and gain a boost.
Roger reached the final at the Australian Open 2004 without a coach.
Roger grabbed a break in the second set’s second game of the second set and clinched another at 4-1 to extend the lead.
The Swiss closed the second set with a service winner in game seven for a massive advantage. At 3-3 in the third set, Federer moved in front with the fourth and last break of serve and emerged at the top with a service winner in the tenth game to become world no.1 for the first time. Asked about the fact he came to Melbourne with no coach, Roger explained he was grateful to all of them for everything they had done. Still, he was the one who had to go out and compete, feeling proud about becoming the world’s leading player.
“This no. 1 honor does not just come like this. It has required a lot of work on the practice courts and other places. I have been working as hard as I could the last few years. All the coaches that have helped me deserve a part of this success.
But, in the end, it’s me on the tennis court and serving out the match, not the coach. I’m very proud,” Roger Federer said.
