Almost 17 years ago, on 13th February 2000, a 18-year-old Roger Federer played his first ATP Final in Marseille, losing it 7-6 in the third set against his compatriot Marc Rosset. The following year, Federer won his first title in Milan.

Interviewed by Tages Anzeiger, Rosset spoke about that balanced match. 'Of course I was happy with the win, but I was sorry for Roger. When you play against a friend, it's a different match. It was his first ATP Final. I knew him well, we had played doubles together.

In the prize ceremony I told him, "'Don't worry, you will win other tournaments.' But I didn't definitely expect to see him winning 18 Grand Slams and many other titles. It's incredible what he did.

To me he is in the top-three or top-five of the best athletes ever with Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan or Michael Phelps." Which was the key moment in Federer's career? "I think Peter Carter's death (his former coach died in 2002) playes a fundamental role in his development.

He matured a lot." And who helped him to have a successful career after that? "His fitness trainer Pierre Paganini but his wife Mirka too. She is the half of his success. She understands and loves the sport. She knows what Roger needs and is always behind him.

Also, he has brilliant parents. That's why he is so humble. Do you know someone who doesn't like Roger? Maybe one says, 'I prefer Nadal more.' But I don't know anyone who doesn't love him. He is friendly with everyone, not because he must be like this but he is like this.

Because he loves people." How important for him was to win his 18th Grand Slam title? "If you wIn 18 Slams, not all of them have the same significance Three titles were the most important ones: the first title is always the sweetest one.

Then 2009 Roland Garros was special as well, and finally this 18th title because it came at 35 and after a six-month break." On the fast court of Rod Laver Arena, Rosset said, "Finally we saw some funny tennis.

And here you have Mischa Zverev in the quarters and (Denis) Istomin beating Djokovic playing very aggressive. That's the beauty of the sport! It's boring to watch 35-shot rallies. I hope the Wimbledon organizers say, 'In Australia it wasn't so bad, let's make the grass faster.' Then they could reduce the seeds from 32 to 16, and it would be perfect." ALSO READ: Roger Federer: 'The title in Melbourne is something unique, and they had written me off...'