Jun 30, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
When Roger Federer is playing at his peak, no one can touch him. When he is playing under pressure, he is still too strong for even the best. And when he is not playing well, he just refuses to be beaten.

Federer was simply magnificent as he marched past Lleyton Hewitt 6-1, 6-7, 6-0, 6-4 to reach the semi-finals. Hewitt may have raised his game by several notches now that he is back at the All England Club, and he may be the best counter puncher in the business, but he could do nothing against the defending champion. He tried, he always tries, but Federer was simply too good.

The first set came and went in the twinkling of an eye - 22 minutes, if you prefer bald facts - as Federer served with aplomb and returned with authority. In between, he was lashing his forehand and planting his backhand. He could do no wrong and much as the crowd wanted their money's worth, they could only marvel at the magical powers of the champion in front of them.

A rain delay at the start of the second set slowed the Swiss slightly and, returning to work under leaden skies, he started to make a few more mistakes than in those opening 22 minutes. Then again, he had only made two unforced errors in the first set so a fluffed backhand here and there was hardly going to make him panic. All in all it allowed Hewitt to keep pace with his rival until, at 5-5, the rain returned.

These delays were becoming a nuisance. If Federer was aiming for perfection, the least the weather could do was try and follow suit. Both interruptions lasted around an hour and that was just long enough to disrupt the Swiss movement. Coming back for the third act of this quarter-final, Federer made a hash of the second set tiebreak - he won just one point - but that was the last error he was prepared to countenance.

At the start of the third set, the champion saw his chance. Three sloppy shots from Hewitt presented Federer with a break point. This was too good to miss and, pouncing with a backhand, Roger was himself again. From taking that 2-0 lead, he took off, running away with the set and wrapping it up in 26 minutes. Back to his majestic best, not even Hewitt's swift legs could come anywhere near him, much less catch him. Hewitt then needed treatment on his right thigh at the changeover but it didn't affect his determination to hang in against the champion.

Hewitt was not going to give up without a fight and, launching one last assault, he ran himself ragged in pursuit of Federer's serve. He chased, he scampered and ran after lost causes until finally, he got his reward: a 4-3 lead. It was the first time Federer had been broken at The Championships since the quarter-finals last year. Hewitt's moment of celebration was not to last, though, and with a double fault in the next game, he dropped his serve to relinquish that hard earned advantage. It was the final straw and, asked to serve to stay in the match a few moments later, he threw in another double fault on match point to send Federer through.

Jun 28, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
Defending champion Roger Federer continued his seemingly inexorable progress through the tournament today when he disposed of Ivo Karlovic to reach the last eight. The Croatian provided Federer's toughest test yet, but like so many others he could not crack Federer's serve and the Swiss extended his winning streak on grass to 21 matches.

Karlovic did not do too much wrong, and produced some good touches. As ever for the tallest man on the tour at 6ft 10in, his height worked both for and against him. It helped inject power into his serves but also inhibited his movement around the court, especially by comparison with the nimble Federer.

Karlovic's average speed of first serve easily exceeded Federer's very best delivery, with the champion's aces the result of placement rather than pace. But although Karlovic ultimately produced 14 aces to Federer's six, it was interesting to note that the Croatian could not match the champion for unreturned serves because Federer's returning was so good.

That was what helped the Swiss break for 4-2 in the first set, only for his touch to go awry just for a few exchanges, long enough to grant Karlovic two points for the break back. But by this stage Federer had already clocked up 40-plus games since he last surrendered his serve to anyone, and he was not inclined to do so today. He held, before closing out the first set in 26 minutes.

It turned out to be the most straightforward set of the match for Federer. The second was deadlocked until the tiebreak, when the mini-break came unexpectedly. Federer chose to lob Karlovic, not a tactic that is famously reliable against such a tall opponent. But the Croatian somehow muffed the smash, and it sealed the set.

Of course around these parts they have known since last year that Karlovic can do serious damage. Twelve months ago Lleyton Hewitt became the first top seed and defending champion in the Open era to go out of the tournament in the first round, thanks to the Croatian. Federer has already said he enters every match against comparatively low-ranked opposition fearing that this will be his opponent's day in the sun. Karlovic is ranked 62.

Today Federer prevented such a catastrophe, if not quite at a stroll then by no means at a stretch either. In the third set tiebreak, he hammered a crosscourt forehand for the mini-break, and that was that. He won 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-5) and is still on course to make Wimbledon his sixth title of 2004.

from The Guardian:
The retiring and wonderful Goran Ivanisevic, who duelled with Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi among many others in a protracted career, said in his valediction address: "Roger Federer is the biggest talent from all the players I ever play in my career. I don't know if he's going to win so many grand slams like Pete but definitely he's the most talented. On court he's like a magician. When you look at him you think tennis is a very easy sport, but it's not."

from Eurosport:
Since Roger Federer's victory at Wimbledon last year, the Swiss' time had been somewhat precious, with a series of media engagements and time to practice to fit in. So when he attended Sir Elton John's white tie and tiara ball, it must surely have been the decision of his girlfriend, Mirka Vavrinec. As Federer's media agent the prospect of meeting Ozzy Osbourne , was surely too great, especially as Vavrinec had spent thousands of pounds on a Valentino party frock. Sir Elton, a tennis enthusiast, was "delighted" that Federer made an appearance at his Berkshire mansion, complimenting the defending champion on his grass-court form.

Jun 27, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
Roger Federer still has to drop a set at this year's Championships after sweeping into the fourth round with a confident 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Sweden's Thomas Johansson in one hour and 37 minutes. Because of the weather, Federer has been idle for two days and perhaps this explained his untypically hesitant start.

However, once he hit his stride, the defending champion unwrapped another display of classic tennis that routed an opponent who was good enough to win the Australian Open two years ago.

The 29-year-old Johansson missed all of the 2003 season after surgery on his left knee and was accepted into Wimbledon with a protected ranking of 23. He knows all about the power and presence of Federer, having lost to him six times in succession now. This defeat followed another one on the grass of Halle which was even more one-sided.

The only time Federer looked remotely vulnerable was in his opening service game. His first serve, a fault, struck a female line judge a hefty blow and he only held serve after a deuce game in which what he twice thought were winning shots were overruled by the umpire.

His own slightly faulty timing, plus some excellent shotmaking from Johansson, had Federer's followers in the Middle Sunday crowd on Centre Court looking anxious, but the 22-year-old Swiss was not long finding length and accuracy.

When he broke the Johansson serve for a 4-2 lead, the foot went heavily on to the accelerator pedal and he rounded out the opening set in 31 minutes with a pair of aces.

The second set followed a similar pattern to the first. Federer was occasionally forced on to the defensive by Johansson's spirited tennis but he simply bided his time and struck for a service break that put him 4-3 ahead before going two sets in front, again with an ace, his seventh.

The world number one was now comfortably in charge and when he again captured the Swede's serve midway through the final set with a forehand pass of utter genius it looked all over for Johansson. Not quite, as it turned out. For the only time in the match, Federer faced a break point in the next game, but brushed it aside.

The end came when Johansson was broken for the fourth time. The Swede saved one match point with his fourth ace but then Federer promptly manufactured another one. He rounded out a solid, assured win with a stunning forehand service return that scorched past his opponent. "Come on," roared Federer. Come on indeed.

Jun 24, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
As the champions of the past were putting on the sort of performances that have made them both great and famous, the present incumbent was showing just why he is the world No. 1 and why he is the favourite for the title again this year. Roger Federer was in majestic form out on Court One, sprinting into the third round with the simplest of 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 wins over Alejandro Falla of Columbia.

The first set took just 17 minutes and the only surprise was that the second took a little longer - a drawn out 23 minutes - as the Swiss shredded Falla's limited defences. In all the match took just 54 minutes and the only thing to slow Federer down was a brief rain delay in the third set. By then, though, he was already 3-0 up and, nipping back to finish the job, he wrapped things up without delay, the final set timed at just 14 minutes.

Falla had never been to Wimbledon before but, having come through the qualifying competition, he grabbed his chance with both hands and found his way past Julian Knowle, another qualifier, in the first round. But just in case the Colombian was getting ideas above his station, Federer was on hand to put him firmly in his place.

There is an unrestrained joy in the way that Federer plays tennis. There is nothing he cannot do with a ball and racquet and he knows it. At one point he played a clean winner while running, hell for leather, towards the backstop and striking the ball with his back to the court and his opponent. Spinning round to see where this moment of inspiration had landed, he broke into the broadest of grins as the ball went cross court like a bullet and then skidded out of Falla's reach, no more than a handful of inches above the grass.

His only moment of weakness came on match point - well, he did have two of them to play with - when someone from the crowd pleaded with him to 'Give him a chance, Roger'. So Federer did. He double faulted. But he was not about to do it twice and with another belting delivery, the champion was through to the third round.

Roger Federer and girlfriend Miroslava Vavrinec pictured June 24, 2004 as they arrived at Elton John's home in Old Windsor for his annual White Tie and Tiara ball. (Photo by David Long/Camera Press)

Jun 22, 2004 from PR Newswire:
Roger Federer is nominated for the 12th Annual ESPY Awards in Best Male Tennis Player category, other nominees are Andre Agassi, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Andy Roddick. The 2004 ESPY Awards will be televised from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre on ESPN Sunday, July 18 at 9 p.m. ET (four days after taking place on Wednesday, July 14). Nominees were announced for all 36 categories, which for the first time will be voted on completely by fans. Voting has begun at espn.com and will continue through July 9. Winners will be announced on the telecast.

Jun 21, 2004 from Wimbledon Official Site:
Roger Federer opened the defence of his Wimbledon title in impressive fashion with a straight sets victory over the British wild card Alex Bogdanovich. The Swiss won 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the traditional men's champion's match, which marks the curtain raiser for Wimbledon's Centre Court.

Although aged 22, Federer is only two years older than Bogdanovic, who came to Britain from Belgrade as an eight-year-old, but there was a vast gulf in ability, experience and confidence.

The British left-hander is ranked 295 in the world and hard though he laboured, in the end it showed. Federer has expressed confidence in his ability to win two successive Wimbledon titles and he certainly made a bright start with this victory, solidly and professionally achieved with not too much energy expended.

The Swiss was also lucky in the matter of weather. Morning rain ceased just in time for him to appear on schedule and the rain held off until a minute or so after he had wrapped up a win, which was never in doubt from the moment he broke serve for a 3-1 lead in the first set, on the gift of a Bogdanovic double fault.

Federer, who struck six aces and won 86 per cent of his first serve points, was a set ahead after 27 minutes and promptly received a further boost by breaking Bogdanovic in the opening game of the second set.

On only one occasion did the Briton look like staging a recovery, holding two break points at 2-3 in that second set. Federer overcame that mini-crisis and reeled off the last eight games in a row. The third set lasted only 19 minutes.

from Sportal:
Defending champion Roger Federer's confidence is very high ahead of his opening round match at Wimbledon. Federer will appear first up on Centre Court on Monday against Britain's Alex Bogdanovic.

"I feel I am playing better now than 12 months ago," Federer said on BBC Radio. After retaining his title in Halle last week, the world number one added: "Every match had something really good about it which gave me a lot of confidence."

"As the number one in the world and the defending champion I am definitely one of the favourites. But there are a lot of other players like Andy Roddick, Tim Henman and Lleyton Hewitt. These are the main rivals and then Goran Ivanisevic... you never know."

Jun 20, 2004

Defending Wimbledon Men's Champion Roger Federer smiles during a press conference the day before the start of the 118th Wimbledon Championships at Wimbledon, London. (Photo by AFP/AELTC)

from Independent:
Tim Henman's thoughts on his prospects are outlined opposite, but Roger Federer's opinion of our hero is interesting. "Because [Henman] has made it so many times to the semis and quarters, anything is possible. I admire his attitude on and off the court, and I have the feeling that at last he knows his potential and that is why he has become a better player. I understood this early in my career, maybe him a little bit later."

And what would such a final be like, Roger? "I wouldn't call it a nightmare, but a nice experience to play him on Centre Court. But it doesn't make it any easier, because you always have the feeling he is going to take more risks because he is meant to be there." Having lost in four sets to Henman in the quarter-finals three years ago, Federer knows of what he speaks.

After what he confesses was a moment of disbelief when he won 12 months ago, Federer has quickly adapted to the changed life that being Wimbledon champion entails. "I wanted to play it low- key at first and pretend everything was still the same. But I have to say it is a different life, much more busy, especially since I also became No 1. I am well known wherever I go, it's a different life whether you like it or not.

"There is a downside to it, not being able to see enough of my family, but there are so many good things, I meet so many people, I can play in the most beautiful stadiums, I can do what I love."

So, then, what are the chances of Federer going on doing what he loves from the privileged status of Wimbledon's top man? He is optimistic: "My game is good, I am happy the way I am playing right now. It is going to be more mental than anything and hopefully I won't have to live through something like last year, the back spasm I suffered. Physically I am fit, mentally I think I am fine too, but until I am on court I won't know. But I feel better than last year because I know what I am capable of.

Jun 19, 2004 from The Courier Mail:
Former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek believes Roger Federer's superior athleticism will make it difficult for Lleyton Hewitt to regain the world No. 1 mantle. The 1996 All-England Club victor, Krajicek predicts Federer will notch his sixth title of the season at Wimbledon after establishing "the same aura of invincibility that Pete Sampras used to have".

"In many ways, the Swiss is a more complete player," Krajicek, now retired, said. "Federer is also a wonderful athlete, which is a side of his game that is often overlooked. He is always in the right position and somehow it never looks as if he is running because, unlike smaller players, like Lleyton Hewitt or Guillermo Coria who need more steps to get to the ball, Federer gets there almost without you realising. His only weakness could be that sometimes things seem to come so easily."

Jun 13, 2004 from Gerry Weber Open:
Roger Federer needed just 57 minutes to defend his GERRY WEBER OPEN crown as he canned sixth seed Mardy Fish from the US 6-0, 6-3. The defending Wimbledon champion displayed another smashing performance to put his grass court winning streak to 17.

Fish, in his first-ever GWO final, proved no match for the dominating Swiss. He lost his first three service games, and the crowd gave him an encouraging cheer when he finally won his first game to make it 1-1 in the second set. An invincible Federer used his great arsenal of weapons to leave Fish without a chance. He wrapped up the first set, 6-0, after just 23 minutes before breaking his opponent again in the sixth game of the second. Down 5-3, Fish saved two match points but an ace and a powerful top-spin volley gave Federer his fifth title of the season.

“It´s unbelievable,” Federer said after his title defence. “I came to Halle last year and just wanted to find my game, and I haven´t lost on this surface ever since. I still can´t believe it.” The 22-year-old, who dropped no set and only two service games during his campaign at Halle, said his condition could hardly be better ahead of the All England Championships. “This was definitely the best preparation for Wimbledon. This tournament means a lot to me. I am very proud to have defended the title.”

He travels to SW19 with a “good but uneasy feeling. There will be a lot of pressure on me as the reigning champion. I will play with confidence but sometimes it can go totally in the wrong way. I can win five matches rather easily this week and suddenly I´m down a set in my Wimbledon opener. Then you need the coolness to come back.”

Fish, the first American to book his ticket to the GWO finals, congratulated the Swiss on a masterful performance. “He played sensationally,” Fish proclaimed. “It was a combination of poor play and poor execution on my part and great execution on his part. I don´t make it to the finals too often, so this was a fun week. This match, however, was no fun at all.”

Federer is confident to return to the place where he last year started his smashing run to the top spot in world tennis. “I tend to defend my titles so I expect to come back next year.”

"Of course I am really surprised at how this series of wins on grass is continuing," Federer said modestly. "I have played really well here in the last few years," the 22-year-old added. "For me it's fantastic that I was able to end the tournament in this way. Being able to dominate the match of course is very, very comfortable."

Roger Federer holds the 'Gerry Weber Open' trophy in Halle, after the final of the ATP tennis tournament. (Photo by AFP/DDP)

Jun 12, 2004 from Gerry Weber Open:
Top seed Roger Federer closed in on his second straight GERRY WEBER OPEN title following an impressive 6-3, 6-4 trashing of Czech Jiri Novak. The Swiss needed just 52 minutes to notch his 16 straight victory on grass. In the final Federer faces Mardy Fish from the US.

Federer, never in danger of losing his serve, broke the third seed in the fourth game and then wrapped up the first set after just 22 minutes. He converted his third break point in the first game of the second set to put the issue beyond doubt early. The 22-year-old, who still has to drop a set in Halle, wrapped up the one-sided encounter on his first match point.

“It was a strange match. Everything went very quickly,” Federer said afterwards. He now comes face-to-face with the last man he dropped a set against. “Mardy Fish is the only guy who took a set off me last year in Wimbledon. I´m not surprised he is in the final because he is a good grass court player. He will be a tough opponent. He plays quite risky and serves well.”

The Swiss, who underlined the GERRY WEBER OPEN are “more than just a Wimbledon tune-up”, is already full of confidence for his title defence at Wimbledon. “Win or lose tomorrow, I would say it doesn´t change much for the preparation for Wimbledon because I have played so well in the last matches. This is now about collecting titles, which is very important for me now. I am the number one already so I can´t improve that. I want to maintain it and that´s why I have to keep winning titles.”

Jun 11, 2004 from Gerry Weber Open:
Roger Federer cruised to an uncontested 6-3, 7-5 victory over Frenchman Arnaud Clement to set up a semi-final meeting with Jiri Novak, who ousted local fan favourite Tommy Haas. In a match dominated by ground strokes, Federer twice turned his game on at the right time. He used his first break point of the match – a hard-hit backhand return to Clement´s feet – in the eighth game.

Both men kept serving well until the 11th game of the second set. Clement came back from 15-40 but sent a forehand volley wide as Federer converted his fourth break point of the match. With the Basle-born star serving for the win, Clement fired a backhand wide to put Federer´s grass winning streak to an impressive 15.

“It really took some hard work,” Federer stated. “I didn´t feel too well physically so it was good to keep the right mental focus. I allowed two breaks against Youzhny and Johansson, so I´m glad it didn´t happen today. I´m pleased with my performance.” Federer admitted he will have revenge on his mind when he comes face-to-face with third seed Jiri Novak on Saturday. “He defeated me at Wimbledon some time ago so I´m glad to get a re-match,” the 22-year-old said.

Jun 9, 2004 from Gerry Weber Open:
The world's number one Roger Federer continued his success story on grass when he outclassed Russia´s Mikhail Youzhny 6-2, 6-1 and reached the quarter final of the GERRY WEBER OPEN 2004. Now the defending Champion will meet Arnaud Clement from France. The Swiss used his impressive all-around game to grab an early 4-0 lead. He lost serve in the next game but soon gained his third break of the set to make it 6-2.

Youzhny, who struggled with his service games throughout, found himself one break down again as he failed to cope with Federer´s powerful ground strokes at the beginning of the second set. The Swiss sensation never looked back and after another break in the sixth game, he eventually converted his first match point when Youzhny fell victim to another powerful backhand shot. Federer, a huge fan favourite in Halle, has not lost any of his last 14 matches on grass.

“I don´t think I could play much better at this stage,” Federer said after his second uncontested straight sets victory, “although I could need some more confidence for my serve and when coming in.” The 22-year-old, a huge fan favourite in Halle, enjoys playing in front of an amicable crowd. “The fans are very fair and they support me well. It´s good fun to come here and play on the Center Court.”

Jun 8, 2004 from Gerry Weber Open:
Defending Gerry Weber Open and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer made a first step towards another unbeaten grass court season by edging 2001 GWO winner Thomas Johannsson 6-3, 6-2 in their first-round clash. The charismatic Swiss left little doubt why he will again be the man to beat at the two tournaments he dominated last year.

Against Johannsson, Federer dropped the opening two games but soon found rhythm and range to win five straight. "I was a little worried. That's not how you build your confidence on grass,'' Federer said. "But after that I showed the right reaction.'' Up 5-3 and serving, he saved a break point before wrapping up the set with a smashing backhand stop. Federer displayed his huge arsenal of weapons when he gained breaks in the fifth and seventh game of the second set. Up 5-2, he twice saved break points in spectacular fashion before icing the match with two aces.

All in all, Federer "enjoyed a wonderful day with wonderful weather” on the Center Court. “It could not have been better,” he smiled after the match. “There were a couple of spectacular rallies down the stretch and they all went my way. That really got the crowd into it.” Federer stated he was “happy with his game” but warned that the “grass court season can be over in no time.”

Afterwards, the 22-year-old received the Michael Westphal-Award, for which he was chosen by the readers of the German "tennis magazin" - thanks to his exemplary behaviour on and off the court.

"I feel good, even in training I hit a good level," Federer said. "It was a perfect day, perfect weather, great spectators. The great shots were nice for the people. I surprised myself," the Swiss said. "Fortunately I won all those points, so I got all the applause."

"There were some unbelievable points out there and all of them went my way which is, of course, fantastic," the Swiss said. "But it was a hard match and I had to really fight at the beginning. l feel there is more potential in my strokes and there are some parts of my backhand that I can improve and my serve could be a bit harder," he said.

The top seed will next play Mikhail Youzhny, who was beaten in the semi-finals here by the Swiss 12 months ago. "It was a close match last year but I am looking forward to playing him as he is very good on grass," Federer said

Jun 4, 2004 from Gerry Weber Open:
Roger Federer is eager to put together another unbeaten grass court season after winning both the Gerry Weber Open and Wimbledon last year. “It´s one of the biggest challenges of my career to stay unbeaten on grass again,” he stated at a pre-tournament press conference. “But I think I can get it done.” Federer was happy to return to the place where it all began. “I have so many good memories from this tournament,” he smiled. “Everything started here.”

After his perfect grass court season (12-0), the 22-year-old continued his success story when he went on to win the Masters Cup and the Australian Open to confirm his status as the world’s best tennis player. The Swiss called the 2003 Gerry Weber Open finals win over Nicolas Kiefer, as well as Wimbledon victories over Andy Roddick (semi-finals) and Mark Philippoussis (finals), the “best matches of my career”.

“I gained all my self-confidence for Wimbledon here in Halle. It was the break-through.” After a shocking first-round exit at least year’s French Open, he travelled to Halle early to start a long preparation. “I found new power and concentration,” he said. “The first couple of rounds were pretty hard but I got through. It was important to know that I could still win important matches.”

Federer, who opens his campaign against 2001 tournament winner Thomas Johannsson, regards local hero Nicolas Kiefer and Dutchman Martin Verkerk as the biggest threats to a successful title defense. The Swiss is also looking forward to the Olympic Games in Athens: “I’m proud to represent my country and it´s a big issue for me.”

Jun 1, 2004 from Maurice Lacroix:
Zurich/Basel - Roger Federer and Maurice Lacroix Swiss Watches signed a close partnership contract in Zurich. As the official ambassador, the Swiss tennis player will represent the watch brand around the world. Maurice Lacroix, one of the most successful rising players in the market for high-quality timepieces, is the exclusive watch partner and one of the official top sponsors for Roger Federer. The five-year contract begins on June 1, 2004.

“Maurice Lacroix is a young, dynamic and ambitious company strongly anchored in the traditions of the Swiss watch industry which makes top-quality timepieces with a passion for detail. These values are a perfect fit for me. I am really looking forward to working with Maurice Lacroix.”