Roger Federer was a teenager when he toppled seven-time Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras on the hallowed Centre Court in 2001. Soon enough, he rapidly ascended to the top, earning his first singles major at Wimbledon in 2003. Seven months after that breakthrough effort, Federer became number one in the world, a spot he would hold for a record 237 consecutive weeks.

Triumph after triumph ensued. Federer’s championship at Roland-Garros in 2009 completed a “career Slam” sweep of all four majors. The next month, a sixth of eight victories at Wimbledon was major number 15 – at the time, the most in men’s tennis history. In his 30s, Federer returned to the number one ranking several times, ultimately holding that spot for 310 total weeks through his career. At the age of 36, Federer earned his 20th and final major, taking the title at the Australian Open for the sixth time. He finished his career with 103 ATP Tour singles titles, second most in the Open Era, and was voted to receive the ATP’s Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 13 times.

Beyond mere statistics, Federer continually thrilled crowds with ballerina-like footwork and a dazzling range of shots, spins, and speeds. Arguably the most complete player in tennis history, he also was an exemplary sportsman.