Roger Federer has finally captured the one thing that used to hold him back from true greatness. Sure, he had the world number one ranking until he lost that to Rafael Nadal. And his quest for winning more Grand Slam titles than Pete Sampras seems well within reach as well. All of this is because Federer finally made the clay courts, which were once his fiercest nemesis, of Roland Garros his salvation.
Roger Federer took home the 2009 French Open title. Although, defending champion and tennis world number one, and all around Federer rival Rafael Nadal was not in tip top shape due to some knee injuries. Roger took home the trophy that for so long had eluded him.
Could he have pulled it off if Nadal had been in complete health and tip top match form? Probably not, but one players falling from grace is another’s opportunity for victory.
Federer now ties American tennis ace, the king of swing, Pete Sampras for most Grand Slam titles. Despite Sampras never winning a French Open title he still has held the record since his retirement in 2003.
Wimbledon is starting up here soon and Nadal has rested his knees and says he is ready to play again. So it remains to be seen who the stage belongs to this year on the grass court. If Nadal is really in the tip top form like he claims then it could be another chance for Federer to have a 15th title and the passing of Pete Sampras’ record elude him once again. If Nadal is not in prime condition it could be the stage where Federer, most likely, will win Wimbledon and cry like a baby afterwards because he has finally achieved his ultimate goal.
The grass courts of Wimbledon will be a place for either history or comebacks to happen this year.
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