Federer has never won a French Open, the only Grand Slam title that has escaped him. If he emerges the champion in Paris this fortnight, he becomes only the sixth man to have won all four majors, and it would be a historic triumph since it would tie Pete Sampras’ record for most majors won in a career (14).
With Federer’s nemesis Rafael Nadal stunningly beaten on Sunday (his first loss ever at the French Open), history awaits Federer, and his experience dwarfs that of the other men remaining, so I rate him the edge to emerge the champion on the red clay. The other players will be inspired by Nadal’s exit, but Federer knows this is the chance of a lifetime for him.
Federer will have his work cut out for him. In the Round of 16, he had to rally after dropping the first two sets to veteran Tommy Haas. So his taking the title isn’t a given. He’ll certainly have to earn it. Federer is no longer the invincible player he was a few years ago, and clay is his least favorite surface.
Federer grew up on this surface, and over the years he has mastered what it takes to win on clay. There’s a patience, a tempo, and a rhythm of playing on the dirt. It’s different from the other surfaces because of the slowness.
It’s easy to see that Federer’s game has matured on clay. His losing to Nadal the last three years in the French Open final is more than proof of that. He knows how to play on the surface, and feels very comfortable doing so.
