2009 French Open Men’s Final

Roger Federer took another step toward cementing his place as the all-time best tennis player ever. Federer won the French Open in straight sets over Robin Soderling, who had been this year’s Cinderella story.

Federer, who has lost the last 3 French Open Finals to Rafael Nadal, showed his determination by beating the man who knocked Nadal out of the tournament.

The victory was Federer’s 14th career Grand Slam title, tying him with Pete Sampras for the most ever. It also gave Federer a career Grand Slam, making him one of only six men in history to accomplish that feat.

Federer showed little of the pressure that was placed on him after his top-ranked rivals were all eliminated in earlier rounds.  The whole world expected him to win and he did just that.  Federer personified the saying from Billie Jean King – “Pressure is a privilege.”   Federer is now privileged to be called the greatest ever.