Today 20 years ago, on the 22nd.September 1997, Roger Federer entered the ATP ranking.
Everyone started out small, even Roger Federer.Today 20 years ago, on the 22nd.In September 1997, the Swiss rider was ranked 803rd at the age of 16 years and 55 days in the ATP ranking for the first time.Federer had scored the first twelve world ranking points with a total of eight wins at satellite tournaments in Bossonnens (Switzerland).Near Federer were two other future number-one players, Juan Carlos Ferrero in 756th place and Lleyton Hewitt in 808th place.
“The ATP ranking is the starting point for every player.It’s about getting your foot on the ladder and seeing your name on the computer world ranking list for the first time.I will not forget this moment and the excitement I had after the satellite.It was the start of a long journey to the top.I think that’s the great thing about our sport: the ranking is an accurate barometer where you stand compared to your colleagues.The computer doesn’t lie.It’s incredible that twenty years later I’m still in the game.I would not have imagined this longevity,”said Federer, who has achieved 121,092 career points throughout his career to date.
Federer’s ascent from top junior to world leader in the pros’ ranks was rapid.The Swiss player played only seven Challenger tournaments, some of them less than Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.Two years after his debut in the rankings, he moved into the top 100.After his Australian Open title, he was awarded the 2nd place.In February 2004, he became the world’s number one for the first time and stayed there for 237 consecutive weeks, leading the ATP ranking for a total of 302 weeks.