Roger Federer is one of the most decorated players in tennis history, having won 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Federer, who held the world number one spot for 310 weeks, retired from the sport in 2022 following his appearance in the Laver Cup.
The Swiss legend’s retirement triggered an outpouring of emotion, not least from his good friend Rafael Nadal, who was a picture of emotion following Federer’s final match at the Laver Cup.
Federer contested many all-time classic matches during his career – including the 2017 Australian Open final, 2007 Wimbledon final, and the 2009 US Open final.
However, when asked to pick the match in which he played his ‘best tennis’, Federer had another occasion in mind.
Roger Federer chose the 2004 US Open final as the match in which he played his ‘best tennis’
Speaking to Eurosport’s Barbara Schett ahead of his retirement in 2022, Federer identified the 2004 US Open final as a highlight of his career.
Federer comprehensively defeated Lleyton Hewitt 6-0, 7-6, 6-0 in front of the New York crowd. Hewitt, a former world number one, won the US Open and Wimbledon during his career.
It really was a statement win for Federer, who captured his fourth Grand Slam title and his third that year.
Interviewer Barbara Schett began the discussion, asking Federer: “Which match are you the most proud of? And where [do] you feel like you played the best tennis ever?
As reported by Olympics.com, Federer said: “For me [the most] special is the US Open final against Lleyton Hewitt where I win 6-0 7-6 6-0.
“It doesn’t happen like this in Grand Slam finals that you take off like that for a set, (have a) little wobble in the second set, then you dominate in the third again.
“I showed the world that I was a deserving world number one, and against a guy who I respect so much. I feel like if I look back I was [would] almost like to play that match again.”
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Hewitt, 44, has been tipped to receive a 2026 Australian Open wildcard after competing alongside his son at the NSW Open in Sydney.
Roger Federer’s record against Lleyton Hewitt
Roger Federer had a rather dominant record against Lleyton Hewitt, having won two-thirds of his matches against the Australian.
Hewitt won their first three encounters between 1999 and 2000. Federer defeated the Australian for the first time at the 2000 Basel Open.
Federer went on to win 17 more matches against Hewitt, the last being in the 2011 Davis Cup.
However, Hewitt had the last laugh, winning his ninth and final match against the Swiss Maestro at the 2014 Brisbane Open. Hewitt defeated Federer 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 in the final.