Well. Where do you start? Roger Federer has the potential to be the Pele of tennis. He may become the greatest ever player to hold a tennis racket. He already has three Grand Slam titles to his name and in the future he should add many more.

Roger Federer is a rather unique tennis player. In many ways, his game and style of play is so simple, which makes mistakes minimal and makes succes at the highest level much easier. However, his forehand is probably the best in the world of mens tennis and possibly the most unique. He has incredible supination around his wrist joint which allows him to generate incredible pace and power, as well unreal angles and accuracy. With this power and accuracy, Federer does have a huge amount of consistency. He doesn't give away many points to his opponents, making beating him that bit more difficult.

Federer was born on the 8th of August 1981 in Basel, Switzerland. He made his ATP tour debut at the tender age of 17. He made his first major breakthrough in 2001, reaching the quarter finals in both the French Open and at Wimbeldon. In reaching the Wimbledon quarter finals, he caused one of the biggest upsets in the history of tennis. He knocked out defending champion Pete Sampras, who was unbeaten in 31 matches at WImbledon. This did seem to be the beginning of something special and Wmbledon, for the Swiss player. Federer had to wait until 2003, where he lifted the trophy becoming the man from Switzerland to hold the Wimbledon mens title. Federer beat Australian Mark Philippousiss in straight sets.

Earlier this year, Federer won the Australian Open at Melbourne park to secure his second major Championship. This confirmed his position as the best player in the world at the time. He failed to make an impression in the Australain and US Open Championships, turning in disappointing performances. He slumped to a straight sets defeat, in the third round at Rolland Garros, to clay court specialist Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil.

Having got the 2004 clay season out of the way, Federer turned to the grass, arguably his favourite surface. Here, he posses a huge unbeaten record, stretching from his 2003 Wimbledon victory. Federer chose not to take part in the Stella Championships at Queens, in favour of the Gerry Weber Open. He won the tournament, beating American Mardy Fish in the final. He held the number one spot in the rankings and Champions Race and seemed in ominous form, going into Wimbledon where he would look to defend his title.

Federer opened up the Wimbledon Championships on centre court against the young Briton Alex Bogdanovic. He won in straight sets and went on to reach the final. Here he met the American Andy Roddick. This was the final that the tennis world wanted to see. The world number one and two and also the number one and two seeded players. Roddick played the set of his life to take the first set 6-4. An exciting tussle unravelled in the second set, before Federer broke Roddick late on to win the set 7-5. The third set went to a tie-break and Federer won it fairly comfortably, 7-3. It was a big ask for Roddick to come back from two sets down and sure enough Federer wrapped up a four set victory, winning the set 6-4. He retained his title, the first to do so since Lleyton Hewitt.

From what I have seen of Roger Federer so far, he comes across very well. He seems very polite both on and off the court. He conducts himself well and seems keen to participate in media activities. He isn't overly cocky about his talent and abilities as a tennis player and appreciates his opponents. He also said that he thinks Tim Henman still has a chance of winning Wimbledon, if he continues in the form he is in. He is the sort of player that young hopefuls should aspire to be like. He is the ideal ambassador for the mens game and he will reap the benifits of it.

Federer is sponsored by both Nike and Wilson. His footwear, socks and clothing are provided by NIke and his rackets by Wilson. The shoes are called Nike Vapor S2's and he uses the Wilson ProStaff Tour 90 racket. This equipment isn't available in the UK as racket sizes vary between the US, UK and mainland Europe. He certainlty looks the part on court.

This afternoon, Roger Federer won yet another title on the ATP tour. He won his home tournament in Switzerland. He overcame Igor Andreev in four sets the final to secure the title in front of a jubilant crowd. The Swiss public will be glad to see that they have a truly world class tennis player, after the sad retirement of female star Martina HIngis. Federer is probably the biggest sportsman in Switzerland and looks set to be for the long term future.

*STATS*

---Career---

Federer has won a total of 17 singles titles and 6 doubles titles in his short career. He has earnt nearly 4 million US dollars on the tour plus more from sponsorship and endorsements. His overall match record is played 396, won 282.
His record this year is astonishing. He has played a total of 50 singles matches on the ATP tour and has won 46 of them. He has secured 6 singles titles and earned over 3 million US dollars. The year is far from over and it is already his most successful year. He should win the Champions Race, having already built up a huge lead.

*STATS COURTESY OF ROGERFEDER.COM*

Born :August 8, 1981 (08.40 a.m.) in Basel, Switzerland
Residence: Oberwil, Switzerland
Plays: Right handed (single-handed backhand)
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Hair: Dark-brown
Eyes: Brown
Hobbies: Sports (Golf, Soccer, Skiing), Friends, Playstation, Music, Playing cards
Former Idols: Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg

--Favourites--
Food: Tomatoes & Mozzarella di Buffala, Gnocchi & Gorgonzola, sausage & cheese – salad
Colours: Blue, Red, White
Animals: Lion, Tiger
Country: Switzerland
Flower: Rose, Orchid
Musisians: AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz
Soccer Club: FC Basel