CONFESSION former American tennis player who once underestimated Roger Federer at Wimbledon. Mardy Fish admits that he regrets having underestimated the Swiss tennis player at the 2003 Wimbledon stage.
Former United States tennis player, Mardy Fish, recalled the moment, along with the announcement of Roger Federer’s retirement this week. Because, Mardy Fish had previously underestimated Roger Federer when appearing at Wimbledon.
The moment occurred when these two players met in the third round of Wimbledon 2003. At that time Federer was only 22 years old but his performance had surprised many parties.
For one, Federer had beaten defending champion Pete Sampras at Wimbledon two years earlier. Federer’s ATP ranking is still up until this match against Fish.
Before the match, the player who is now 40 years old was so sure he could overcome Federer’s resistance. To the point that he bragged to his friends that Federer wasn’t that great.
“Wimbledon 2003, 3rd Rd (third round) I played this guy. (Later) a friend called after the previous win and said ‘I think I got a good draw now. I don’t think this guy is that great!’” Fish wrote on his personal Twitter account.
But until the match, Fish was helpless. Federer’s quick play secured an easy 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 victory to advance to the fourth round. Fish was eliminated from the tournament.
