The general public when they hear about the Greek who beat him Roger Federer his thoughts are turned to Stefanos Tsitsipas. And yet the first Greek to defeat the “legend” of world tennis was Sergios Papadopoulos. He is the same age as the Swiss and, as he stated in kathimerini.gr, he will tell his grandchildren that he defeated the man who changed world tennis.

In 1996, in the beautiful historical city of San Miniato, Italy, the best young tennis players of that time met at the European Championship in their age category. Among them are Roger Federer and “our” Sergios Papadopoulos. Both were 15 years old. The first number of Roger Switzerland, the first number of Greece Sergios. The two children met across the road. The match ended and Sergios Papadopoulos defeated Roger Federer 6-2, 7-5. The young Swiss, with his characteristic courtesy since then, shook hands with an opponent, and since then their paths have no longer crossed on the court.

“How could I then imagine that the guy I beat would become the best tennis player in the world. We were both children. What is certain is that one day I will tell my grandchildren that I beat the best tennis player of all time, Roger Federer,” Sergios Papadopoulos told kathimerini.gr.

Stergios Papadopoulos was one of the country’s greatest tennis talents. He participated in 60 official tournaments and reached the final in 58. At 49, he won the title. He played 321 official matches in the youth and men’s categories and won 304 (96%). He retired from active work at the age of 18.5.

“I memorized his name and followed his course. I went to many games and watched him, but never came down to talk to him. He is a prince. He will be remembered as a flawless tennis player. As the man who changed the world of tennis. It even affected the way the athletes talk after the match. Roger Federer was perfect. He never challenged and people love him. All tennis players try to imitate him. As we say, Nikos Galis changed basketball in Greece, and Roger Federer changed tennis in the world.”