Roger Federer conquered every Grand Slam during his phenomenal career, winning major titles on every surface.
Federer retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams to his name, with the majority of his titles arriving at Wimbledon.
He won the grass-court Grand Slam eight times, more than any other man, followed by his six wins at the Australian Open.
The former ATP number one also emerged victorious at the US Open on five occasions, and lifted the iconic French Open trophy once during his time on the court.
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Back in 2003, the Swiss legend was put in the rather unenviable position of having to compare the four events.
Asked for his opinion of the atmosphere at the US Open, he said: “It is different, definitely. I think it’s maybe closer to the French.
“To the other two, it’s different, you know. I have no problems, you know. I’ve played in so many surroundings.
“But it can get… I think the problem is if you play on a smaller court, like I’ve experienced in junior times or a few years back, then you tend to get some people who can get on your case, you know, who just decide to be for the other guy. So I’ve experienced that. But on the bigger courts, not much can happen really.”
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And when asked if he thinks fans are more knowledgeable at the New York tournament than fans at other Grand Slams, he said: “I don’t know. I think the opposite, really.
“Not to criticize them, but like Wimbledon crowds and Australian crowds, they, to me, it seems they really come for the tennis. Here, the people come more to just enjoy the show.”
Andy Roddick takes over from Pete Sampras at the 2003 US Open
The fans certainly enjoyed the show at the US Open that year, even with defending champion Pete Sampras choosing not to play.
The American had decided to call time on his glittering career at that stage, paving the way for a new champion.
And that is exactly what happened, with his compatriot Andy Roddick superbly lifting the trophy in New York.
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He defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final, and remains the last American man to win a Grand Slam title.
Federer meanwhile suffered a shock exit in the fourth round of the 2003 US Open, losing to David Nalbandian.
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