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The Greatest Of All Time?
On June 7, 2009, millions of spectators worldwide tuned in to see Roger Federer finally secure victory in the French Open, cementing his place as one of the greatest tennis player of all time.
The moment that Robin Soderling's cross-court forehand crashed into the net, Federer fell to his knees in jubilation, joining the elite club of five other tennis legends in securing a victory at each of the four Grand Slam events: the Australian Open, US Open, Wimbledon and the French Open.
Victory in the French will be as sweet as any other of his career. Over the past two years, commentators have questioned whether Federer's career was in decline; his position as the leading force in tennis usurped by Rafael Nadal. Indeed, this year's Australian Open seemed to show Federer handing over the crown to his young adversary, breaking down in tears of sorrow after tasting defeat yet again at the hands of the Spaniard.
But has victory at the French defied his critics?
Many will point to the fact that it was Soderling that Federer defeated at Roland Garros, and not Nadal. Some will say that only in beating Nadal in an Open final will the monkey on his back be lifted. True as that may be, you can only defeat the opponent in front of you. And lest we forget, just days earlier Soderling had played Nadal off the court.
It seems almost certain that the two will draw swords in a major final again soon, and fans of the sport will be treated to another incredible display of top-class tennis. Federer's victory only adds to the mouthwatering prospect.
Recent confrontations seemed to indicate that Federer was beaten even before going on court. His body language on court told the same story. With the French title firmly under his belt, perhaps the Federer of old will return, bringing the array of graceful backhands, magnificent forehands and delicate drop shots with him.
With Wimbledon 2009 just around the corner, we could be due a classic. Last year's final was undoubtedly the greatest of all time, with Nadal proving victorious over the course of five sets in an epic, rain-interrupted battle. Injury-permitting, Nadal will be back to defend his title, but the newly crowned French champion will be eager to reclaim the crown he had held for the previous five years, and surpass the record he holds with Pete Sampras of 14 Grand Slam titles.
It is probably the old adage that best sums up Roger Federer: 'form is temporary, class is permanent'. And there is no-one with as much class on the tennis court as Federer.
It is because of this that Federer deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with other titans of sport. Muhammed Ali, Diego Maradona, Tiger Woods and Michael Phelps were all blessed with supreme talent, elevating their respective sports to another level. Roger Federer has done the same for tennis. It is no wonder, therefore, that his peers regularly declare him the greatest of all time.
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