Undefeated on grass since June 2002, and title holder of 4 out of the last 6 Grand Slams, Roger Federer is most clearly the No. 1 player in the world. His game is eerily similar to that of the great Pete Sampras, only better. His strokes are seemingly effortless with pinpoint accuracy that packs a punch.

The Swiss No. 1 has enjoyed immense success during 2004 in unheard of fashion, without a full time coach. He does have people around him, but nobody to officially call "coach", and for now he seems to like it that way.

Federer would count amongst his strongest rivals Americans Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, both of whom Federer has dominated in recent meetings. He's lost only once to Roddick, in a third set tiebreak, and while Agassi proves more of a challenge, Federer has won their last four meetings, including a 5-set thriller at Wimbledon.

It's hard to imagine that Fed Ex won't repeat as winner at the year ending Tennis Masters Cup Championship, and he's a sure favorite to re-capture the Australian title he lost in 2003. The French Open may still be out of reach (those clay court specialists come out of nowhere), but Federer owns the grass and hardcourt seasons. They may as well not even content those tournaments.

Whether you like Roger Federer, or not, you have to admire him for taking his game to a place where not many people will reach in their entire career.

Recommended Reading
The Agassi Story
Bad News for McEnroe
Jimmy Connors Saved My Life

Have fun on the courts!


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