Federer plays first ITF junior match

Roger Federer began his professional tennis journey by participating in his first ITF junior match at a grade-2 tournament in Switzerland. This event marked a pivotal point in his early career, as he was only 14 years old at the time. Following this initial match, Federer continued to gain experience and exposure in the competitive tennis landscape. He competed in the 1996 NEC World Youth Cup Final held in Zürich, where he faced off against notable players, including Lleyton Hewitt. This early involvement in junior tournaments was crucial for Federer, as it provided him with the opportunity to develop his skills and gain valuable match experience against other talented young players. By the age of 15, he had already achieved significant success, winning both the indoor and outdoor U18 Swiss championships, which further solidified his reputation as a rising star in the sport.