Roger Federer at the Isère Tennis Open! Yes, but in 1999 at the very beginning of the immense career of the Swiss, who has just announced his next retirement at 41 years old. In March 1999 Roger Federer 17 years and therefore arrives on the courses of the League in Seyssins. He won his first round match against Frenchman Rodolphe Gilbert in straight sets, and faced Julien Boutter in the next round.
“We had broken two or three rackets” – Julien Boutter opponent of Roger Federer at the 1999 Isère Open
More than twenty years have passed but the Moselle still remembers this meeting: “we are not the same age but we were both young players, because it had been two years since I started a professional career. We were doing our classes and we were very upset. I remember that in this match both of us had to break two or three rackets!” In the end Julien Boutter won in three sets (4-6, 6-2, 6-3), out Roger Federer and even won the tournament.
“It was already his tennis” – Jean Lovera, organizer of the Open de l’Isère
“We could see that he was a young man steeped in talent“recalls Julien Boutter, a sentiment shared by former tournament director Jean Lovera:”it was already his tennis, he had his technique, his grace, his way of moving.” A good move for the tournament, which will then surf on the passage of the Swiss. “QWhen we presented the tournament and said that we had welcomed Roger Federer, our eyes shone!” Jean Lovera still remembers.
Roger Federer will find Julien Boutter twice, in Milan and Basel in 2001, two meetings won by Federer. The Swiss will not return to Isère. He had become too strong for the local tournaments.