The French Open 2019 is upon us and players are getting ready to compete at their highest level for the second major tournament of the year. While Rafael Nadal is the favourite to win the tournament as always, all eyes will be on Roger Federer. The Swiss Maestro is making a return at the Roland Garros after 4 years.
Roger Federer last played the clay court grand slam in the 2015 edition of the tournament. He reached the finals of the French Open 2015 but was defeated by his compatriot, Stan Wawrinka in the finals to win his maiden title in Paris. Federer has conquered only one French Open title in the cabinet of 20 grand slam title. He won his only title in Paris in the 2009 season. The 37-year-old returns to the red-clay of Philippe Chatrier court decade after winning his only title on the court.
Roger Federer is undoubtedly the greatest of all in terms of grand slam titles. The Swiss has dominated the world of tennis from the past 16 years. However, one exception in his dominance has been the Roland Garros. With the likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer did not have the best of the results in Paris. The Spaniard won his maiden French Open title in his very first attempt in 2005. He defeated Federer in the semifinals en-route his first major title.
This was just the beginning of Nadal's dominance at the Parisian clay. The world witnessed the Swiss maestro bowing out to the Spaniard in the next three consecutive French Open finals in 2006, 2007 and 2008. However, in 2009, Roger entered the 2009 French Open after a spectacular European clay season. He outplayed Nadal in the finals of Mutua Madrid Open.
At the French Open 2009, the 4-time champion suffered a setback against Robin Soderling in the round of 16. Federer took advantage of the defending champion, knocking out of the event.
Federer cruised through the first three rounds of the French Open 2009 very easily. He was looking in great touch. The round of 16 was a test for Federer as he met Tommy Haas. His 6-7, 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2. The match turned out to be a turning point for Federer as after two sets down, he came back an won the next three to cruise through to the quarterfinals. The 37-year-old performed clinically against the local hero, Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals and reached the semifinals.
Federer faced a tough match against the Tower of Tandil, Juan Martin Del Potro in the semifinals. Del Potro was dominating the match with his big serves and forehands as he was leading the match with 2-1 after 3 sets. However, Federer was off the Argentine in the next two sets as he came back to win the match and reached his 4th Roland Garros finals.
Federer faced Robin Soderling who upset Nadal in the finals. However, The Swiss saved the best for the last as he defeated Soderling in straight sets 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 to win his maiden French Open title. Roger bagged his 14th major title equalling Pete Sampras record of 14 grand slam title. With this victory, he also won his career grand slam. The 2009 French Open title remains his only title in Paris and holds a special place in Federer's grand slam cabinet as, if he had never won the French Open title, it would have been a big black mark on his legacy.
