Roger Federer competed in the Queen’s Club Championships for the first – and only – time in 1999.
Back in 1999, Federer was recognised as one of tennis’ next big talents.
After all, he had finished the 1998 season as the junior world number one.
However, the 17-year-old Swiss star had yet to truly announce himself to the tennis world when he stepped foot in West London.
What would have happened if Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played at the same time as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
He did little to strengthen his standing in the tennis world while competing at Queen’s, losing in the very first round.
Byron Black defeated Roger Federer at the 1999 Wimbledon Championships
Black, from Zimbabwe, was seeded 13th at the 1999 Queen’s Club Championships.
The Zimbabwean wasted little time advancing to the second round in London, comfortably defeating Roger Federer 6-3, 6-0.
The occasion marked Federer’s first ever loss on a grass court on the professional circuit.
Black continued to perform well in the second round, beating France’s Arnaud Clement 6-4, 6-3.
The Zimbabwean’s run came to an end in the third round with defeat to third seed Tim Henman.
Henman, who defeated Black 6-1, 6-4, went on to reach the final in London – beating Karol Kucera and Sargis Sargisian en route.
Pete Sampras beat Henman 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 in the final, winning his second and last Queen’s title.
Byron Black’s excellent doubles record
It is fair to say that Black was more accomplished in doubles than singles during his playing career.
The Zimbabwean achieved the world number one ranking on February 14, 1994 and went on to become one of the best doubles players of his generation.
Black won five Masters Series titles: the 1993 Paris Masters, 1994 Canadian Open, 1996 Italian Open, 1999 Cincinnati Open and 1999 Stuttgart Open.
Black’s crowning achievement took place in 1994 when he won his one and only Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
Black and Jonathan Stark defeated Swedish duo Jan Apell and Jonas Björkman 6-4, 7-6 in the Parisian final.
The Zimbabwean qualified for a further three Grand Slam doubles finals during his career, but was defeated on each occasion.
Black also famously defeated former world number one singles player Marcelo Rios during Zimbabwe’s match against Chile at the 1999 Davis Cup.
Black, who defeated Rios 7-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6, helped Zimbabwe secure a 4-1 victory over Chile.
