Roger Federer is one of the most decorated male tennis players of all time and the holder of practically every record in the game.
The holder of 78 ATP Tour titles – including an precedented 17 Grand Slams – Federer could be forgiven for letting the odd title victory slip from his mind.
However, not only can Federer recall each of his triumphs, but the Swiss Master has stored to memory what he believes are the three greatest shots of his career.
That's right; not just titles, matches or famous victories, but his best SHOTS.
Federer was talking after his 6-3 6-1 victory over Alexandr Dolgopolov in the semi-final of the BNP Paribas Open which set up a final showdown with Novak Djokovic.
"I do surprise myself sometimes," he said when asked about his astounding shot-making abilities. "Certain shots you cannot learn, you can't teach. It's just instinct."
When asked specifically what he considered his best thee shots, Federer barely hesitated before reeling off his list.
"I think smashing to Roddick in Basel, especially because it was my home city," he recalled of the incredible smash winner he hit from behind the baseline against the big-hitting American in 2002.
"Then I think the get I had on the break point against (Andre) Agassi in Dubai one time, where I flicked it behind me," Federer added of their match at the 2006 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
"I don't know how I did it. I think I couldn't even believe it. I looked back and it was over his head for a winner somehow."
"And the one against Djokovic through the legs at the US Open," Federer concluded. "Those stand out to be right now."
Incidentally, Federer will take on Djokovic for the BNP Paribas Open title on Sunday evening (early Monday morning UAE time).
The big question is: Will the Fed Express produce another spell-binding shot that can force its way into his top three? Tune in to find out.
