Federer’s rise to greatness

Roger Federer celebrates a record-equaling seventh Wimbledon triumph, a 17th grand slam title and a return to the top of the world rankings.

Federer enjoyed his first success at the All England Tennis Club in 1998, beating Georgia's Irakli Labadze in the boys' final. The Swiss turned pro later the same year.

Five years later Federer picked up his first men's singles title at SW19, defeating Australian Mark Philippoussis in straight sets.

Federer dominated men's tennis following his 2003 triumph, winning Wimbledon in each of the following four years. His run was brought to an end in 2008, when rival Rafael Nadal edged a five-set thriller which is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches of all time.

Federer bounced back from his defeat to Nadal in typical fashion by winning the U.S. Open for a fifth consecutive year.

By 2009, despite all of his success, Federer was still to claim the French Open title. But after Robin Soderling eliminated Nadal in the fourth round, Federer beat the Swede in the final to complete a career grand slam.

When Federer beat Andy Murray in the final of the 2010 Australian Open, it put him two past Pete Sampras' next-best 14 grand slam titles. He would have to wait until July 8, 2012 before lifting another, beating Murray again in the Wimbledon final.