Roger Federer recalls: 'I have an outside chance to win Wimbledon'

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

At 19, Roger Federer stunned the seven-time champion Pete Sampras in five sets in the cathedral of tennis at Wimbledon. The young Swiss reached the quarter-final and became the one to watch at this event in the years to come.

Federer had a short trip to London in 2002, though, losing in straight sets to a qualifier Mario Ancic in the first round and returning as one of the favorites in 2003 after conquering the first ATP title in Halle. In the first round at Wimbledon, the Swiss toppled world no.

55 Hyung-Taik Lee 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 in an hour and 45 minutes. Federer fended off seven out of nine break chances and delivered five breaks from 11 opportunities to seal the deal in straight sets and advance into the next round.

The Swiss stormed over the Korean in the first set, taking it in 24 minutes and rattling off five consecutive games in set number two from 3-1 down to open a massive advantage ahead of an enormous battle in set number three.

Roger wasted no less than seven match points, allowing Lee to bounce back and reach the tie break. Federer grabbed it 7-2 to move over the top and avoid spending more time on the court.

Roger Federer spoke about his Wimbledon chances in 2003.

"The first round is always difficult, but I felt good on the court today.

I'm happy to have sealed the deal in straight sets because it got tight in the end. Lleyton Hewitt may be out, but that does not change much from my perspective; I still have to beat five players from my half to reach the final.

There are more than enough guys who can beat anyone at the moment; I could not think about the semi-final clash with Hewitt. It's essential to find the right feeling at the start of the tournament. I'm trying to hit my second serve harder than usual, but it is not easy to rush to the net after it, with so many great returners around.

It was a pleasant experience from the baseline as well. I have an outside chance to win Wimbledon but can not focus on that; the road is too long. Andre Agassi is still among the favorites, and we will see what will happen," Roger Federer said.