Roger Federer won his first Grand Slam title in 2003, when he captured the men's singles championship at Wimbledon. He defeated Australia's Mark Philippoussis in the final on July 6, winning 7–6, 6–2, 7–6.
The victory was a major breakthrough after Federer had already established himself as a talented young player. He had reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2001 and the fourth round in 2002, but the 2003 tournament was his first appearance in a major final.
Federer became the first Swiss man to win a Grand Slam singles title. Wimbledon also suited his attacking game: his serve, quick movement and especially his precise all-court play were highly effective on grass.
This was the first of Federer's 20 men's singles major titles and the first of his record eight Wimbledon championships. It is sometimes confused with his first French Open victory, which came in 2009 and completed his career Grand Slam.