To thoroughly enjoy the accomplishment of the winners, a look back through the draw not only enhances the meaning of the trophy but also offers a look at all the accomplishments and disappointments that made the tournament such an emotional and sporting success. In the end, an athlete’s ability to put it out there, everything on the line, and perform at the highest level is a quality we all admire.

A look back at each draw will tell us who may have exceeded their expectations and may also tell the fans who might have been most disappointed. Those are the memories and emotional experiences that will drive these players through Wimbledon, our next Grand Slam.

Men’s Draw

Roger Federer - Winner of French Open 2009 Men's Title

The most compelling moment in the tournament may well have been the brief emotional response by the game’s greatest player. When Roger Federer fell to his knees and released the pent-up emotion that marked his two-week march through the field, it said volumes about the demands of a Grand Slam.

While the terre battue has proven to be the most elusive surface for the 14-time Grand Slam winner, this championship attests to Roger’s determination, work ethic and stamina. When this regal tennis competitor sets his mind to the task, he has the unique ability to convert hours of training into titles and dollars.

Unquestionably Roger Federer was the star of the Men’s 2009 French Open. Many other players provided exhilarating thrills while playing to a higher level than might have been expected. The success of the many French entrants kept the local crowds turning the turnstiles and providing excited roars from all corners of Stade Roland Garros. While Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s tournament ended abruptly at the hands of Juan Martin Del Porto, Gael Monfils established himself as player to be reckoned with. His semifinal straight set loss to the eventual Champion did not overshadow his thrilling and popular win over 6th seed Andy Roddick.

However, the tournament’s most unexpected performer was tournament runner-up Robin Soderling. Sweden’s hard-hitting 23rd seed, surprised everyone with his dominance of four-time French Champion Rafa Nadal.

That match threw the field into a state of frenzy and is the only singles match Nadal has lost at Roland Garros. His follow-up win over Nikolay Davydenko and thrilling five set comeback victory in which over a tough Fernando Gonzalez padded his resume. Trailing 1-4 in the fifth, Soderling showed his grit by rattling off the last five games against the fierce Gonzalez.

Women’s Draw

Svetlana Kuznetsova Won Women's Title at French Open 2009

There can be no dispute that Coupe Suzanne Lenglen winner Svetlana Kuznetsova was the best clay court player at the 2009 French Open. Not only did she outplay all comers, but also she bested number two seed Serena Williams and number one seed Dinara Safina along the way. Svetlana displayed the disciplined game plan and controlled execution of power backhands and forehands that won her the title. Despite a mediocre serve, Svetlana played within herself and in the moment. She played to her strength and successfully directed her play at her opponent’s weaknesses. For Svetlana, it was a heroic return to the Grand Slam winner’s circle.

There were many outstanding performers in this year’s draw and, of course, just as many unsettling performances. Despite reaching the finals, no player is more disappointed than Runner-up Dinara Safina, who marched through the field en route to the finals. Neatly overcoming quarterfinalist Victoria Azarenka in three sets and semifinalist Dominika Cibulkova in two sets, Dinara seemed poised to capture her first Grand Slam. Once again, her tentative play in a finals marred the way.

Fifth seed Jelena Jankovic had things going her way until she ran into a determined Sorana Cirstea. The unseeded Romanian put Jelena on the sidelines with a surprising three set win. The final set was 9-7.

Perhaps the most gratifying performance was turned in by Australian Samantha Stosur, who seems to have regained her form after an extended medical leave from the tour. The 30th seed knocked off 4th seed Elena Dementieva, France’s Virginia Razzano and the testy Cirstea before succumbing in three tense sets to the Suzanne Lenglen winner. Stosur will bemoan her inability to convert opportunities but performed well and will certainly be a player to watch at Wimbledon.

Maria Sharapova marked her return to the tour with a solid performance that should inspire her for England. Despite being blown out in the quarters by the diminutive Cibulkova, Sharapova etched three victories. If her legs get in tournament shape, Maria Sharapova will be a force at Wimbledon.

Men’s Doubles

Lukas Dlouhy & Leander Paes Won Doubles Title

The Draw held form for most of this event. The top seed, Nestor and Zimonjic, the three seed, Dlouhy-Paes, the two seed Bryan-Bryan all reached the semifinals. Only fourth seeded Bhupathi-Knowles faltered, losing in the second round to Acasuso and Gonzalez.

Seventh seeded Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman were the event’s over-achievers topping Bryan and Bryan in a thrilling three set semifinal, 0-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. This may well have been the match of the event and was the best-ever Grand Slam performance by either winner.

For Americans Bryan and Bryan, it was another bitter loss and one that continues their slide from the top ranking to which they have become accustomed.

The Men’s Doubles Champions, Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes played like champions, overcoming the top seed 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5) in the semis before turning back Moodie and Norman in the three set (3-6, 6-3, 6-2) finals.

The defeat of India’s Bhupathi and Bahamian Knowles by Acususo and Gonzalez (7-5, 4-6, 7-5) in round two was another fierce match. The upset will serve to get the four seed back in form for Wimbledon.

Women’s Doubles

Garrigues & Pascual Won Women's Doubles Title

Despite the ease with which Spain’s Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual dominated the finals (6-1, 6-1) the Women’s Doubles Tournament provided high-level competition, plenty of thrills and loads of upsets.

The top half of the draw featured top seeded Black and Huber who walked to the quarters with ease. Their match (7-5, 5-7, 6-2) with third seeded Garrigues and Pascual was the match of the tournament. With everything at stake, these experienced doubles teams held nothing back. Virtually every point in the two hour forty-five minute battle was contested. Play was filled with sharp volleys, crisp serving and in your face net play.

The lower half of the draw was filled with upsets. Second seed Peschke-Raymond lost in the second round where fourth seed Stosur-Stubbs also failed. Upstarts Azarenka and Vesnina overcame Hsieh-Peng in the semis (6-3, 7-5) to claim a berth in the finals. Azarenka may have been suffering from her singles defeat and never really got into the final match. However, the hard-hitting right-hander is a serious doubles player and may well advance on the Wimbledon grass.

Azarenka-Vesnina’s final effort was the most disappointing of the event, but their play achieving the finals was the most unexpected.

Mixed Doubles

In 2009 at Roland Garros, only the Mixed Doubles winner was the number one seed. Hats off to hard core American doubles performers Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan who overcame surprising eight seed Vania King and Marcelo Melo in a tight 5-7, 7-6 ((5), 1-0 (7) thriller.

King and Melo get kudos for over-achieving while the major disappointments were registered by India’s doubles specialists Mirza and Bhupathi who were turned away in their first round match. The experienced doubles team had trouble with the red clay and could not get their game together against Ram and Dechy.

For the Champions, it was another steady title and leads followers to believe they play as well as it takes to win. What a great two weeks in Paris. See you at Wimbledon!

Roger Federer With Trophy After Winning French Open 2009

On Sunday afternoon, Stade Roland Garros rocked with the enthusiasm afforded the 1927 Mousquetaires as the Champion fell to his knees and shed tears of accomplishment. Roger Federer is the French Open 2009 winner of the revered Coupe des Mousquetaires and no man on the planet deserves it more. At every moment of his unparalleled career, Roger Federer has remained a beacon of the tradition and sportsmanship that characterizes the game he loves; and that loves him. Roger Federer not only has won 14 Grand Slam tennis tournaments, he has been true to himself, true to his fans and true to the sport.

Yes, Roger Federer is the 2009 French Open Champion and no player on the planet has ever deserved it more. In an age where professional and amateur athletes bend rules, have temper tantrums, intimidate officials and have wild outbursts of gamesmanship Roger Federer ties on his sneakers and lets his game do the talking.

Roger Federer is a tennis champion’s champion!

His newest title is Federer’s first Coupe des Mousquetaires and makes the Switzerland’s graceful hero just the sixth player to win all four major championships. In Paris, Roger has been a perennial bridesmaid to four-time champion Rafael Nadal and other clay geniuses. But, bridesmaid no longer, Federer now shares the record for most Grand Slam Championships with American Pete Sampras. The way Roger is playing, he could well set the record at the 2009 Wimbledon Championship or at the U.S. Open.

In a tournament marked by the absence of form, the greatest player of the generation took on sturdy challenges and prevailed with consistent serving, the most deadly forehand in the game and with an abundance of personal fortitude. The 27-year old’s legions of fans began the celebration early on Sunday as “Rogere” never let the outcome be in doubt.

The Coupe des Mousquetaires was presented by American star Andre Agassi whose wife, Steffi Graf, did similar honors for the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen yesterday. For Federer, Agassi had lavish praise; “That’s the true test of a champion and it’s so fitting that he won here. He deserved it, earned it, he’s come across in a generation where he was the second greatest clay courter for five years and earlier this year took six weeks off to focus on his fitness and also put hundreds of practice hours on clay courts. He has improved on the surface. Adding a nifty drop shot that earned him dozens of points during the tournament and seems more confident sliding into his ground strokes.”

Roger Federer

In the finals, Sweden’s Robin Soderling never mounted a challenge, losing 6-1, 7-6 (1), and 6-4. His previous record against Federer proved true to form. Federer had won all nine previous matchups and had only lost one set along the way. On Sunday, the moment was bigger than Soderling and he was unable to play to the level that just one week ago had led him past the tournament’s top seed, Nadal.

On the road to the finals, other high seeds like Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Fernando Verdasco and Andy Roddick succumbed. The Champion still had a rocky road to the finals going five sets against Tommy Hass, four sets against Jose Acasuso, five sets against hard-serving Juan Martin Del Porto and besting two locals heroes, Paul-Henri Mathieu (4) and crowd favorite Gaels Monfils.

The clouds emptied a steady drizzle during the match and Soderling seemed to suffer. His early effort was distracted by the crowd, the weather and his erstwhile opponent. Meanwhile, Federer picked holes in Soderling’s game that other players had been unable to find. The 6-1 first set took just 23 minutes before the handwriting was on the wall.

Both players held serve in the second set. The rain eased for the tiebreaker and the Champion seized the moment and the tournament by notching four aces, a piercing forehand winner and a spellbinding drop shot to notch the set 7-1. Midway through the third set, Federer had won an astounding 80% of his second serves.

Soderling had made his name in this event by serving hard and consistently and by pounding returns. Both qualities were missing on Sunday. He faulted more than in any previous match, his serves were lacking in velocity and kick and his returns were ineffective.

During the awards ceremony, Soderling graciously complimented the winner; “He’s a great player. He doesn’t have any weaknesses at all. He really deserves to be called the best player of all time.”

At 27, Federer is not finished. He met such success in his earlier years that fans tend to think he is past prime. Federer has revamped his game and has now won two consecutive clay tournaments to raise his total tour championships to 59.

Perhaps more meaningful is Federer’s sporting contribution to the preservation of the game. Great players make great shots look easy. Two weeks of competing against the greatest competition in the world on the courts at Roland Garros is enough to make younger men falter. They all did! When Nadal went down to Soderling, experts felt Federer might feel the pressure of being the tournament favorite. As he has done at every turn, Roger rose to the occasion, wore the favorite’s role well and beat back all challengers. Hail to a true Champion!

Robin Soderling

Wow! Two of the most emotionally grueling and physically demanding comebacks in French Open Tennis history played out to overflow crowds in the 2009 semifinals at Roland Garros. The charged gallery put its tennis mood on early and wore it passionately through two 3 hour 30 minute matches.

First, Sweden’s Nadal conqueror, Robin Soderling, bested Chile’s Fernando Gonzales in a contentious 5 set nail-biter, 6-3, 7-5, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4. Soderling trailed 1-4 in the fifth set before mounting a stirring comeback and running the table on the game drop-shotter.

When the match began, it seemed that the 12th seeded Gonzalez would not be able to answer the hard serving, power driving 23rd seed. Trailing two sets to none, the savvy Chilean dipped deep into his bag of drop shots and gamesmanship to turn the tide and gain the momentum after four sets.

Soderling’s successful run in Paris has been based upon his ability to serve and volley with abandon. The same strategy that kept Rafa Nadal 10 feet behind the baseline looked like a sure winner after two sets. Gonzalez showed his teeth in the second set when at 4-4 and love-40, he rattled off three winners en route to a key hold to go up 5-4. The Chilean court master then had a set point before succumbing.

Although broken at 5-5, the Chilean had learned something as he relentlessly hit the ball low to Soderling’s backhand. Throughout the match, Gonzalez kept working the Swede’s backhand.

The passionate Chilean had several confrontations with the chair umpire and linespersons. Most notable was a fourth set dispute over a line call at 4-4. Gonzalez marked his disgust by erasing the ball mark with his backside and then held serve and broke at 6-5 to grab the set.

After Gonzalez won sets three and four, he seemed to have the match under control. When he broke in the fourth game of the final set and then held to go up 4-1, the match outcome seemed a mere formality. But, Soderling held to close to 2-4 and then broke to get the match back on serve.

Gonzales continued to question line calls as the crowd swung towards Soderling. The Swede did what he does best and bullied his way past the Chilean, finally sealing the match with a ferocious backhand drive down the line.

The win marks the first time a Swede has reached the finals since his coach, Magnus Norman, accomplished the feat in 2000. Soderling has now won nine consecutive matches on clay and looks to become the first Swede since Mats Wilander to win at Roland Garros.

Federer Defeated Del Porto to Reach The Finals Of French Open 2009

No stranger to championship caliber competition, Switzerland’s Roger Federer rode a wave of French support to turn the tide on Argentina’s Juan Martin del Porto and pull out a tight 3-6, 7-6 (2), 2-6, 6-1, 6-4 quality semifinal win. The crowd loudly proclaimed Rogere! Rogere! with each winning shot.

A win by Federer will make him just the sixth man in tennis history to have won all four major titles and will tie him with Pete Sampras for the most Grand Slam titles at 14. With the semifinal win, Federer has now tied Ivan Lendl for the all-time Grand Slam record for appearances in the finals at 19.

Remarkably, this semifinal appearance marked Federer’s 20th consecutive semifinal and was his 200th Grand Slam match.

The revered Swiss star needed every bit of his composure and Grand Slam experience to withstand another steady barrage by another up and coming star. The 20-year old 6 foot 7 inch 5th seed got off the starting blocks quickly as he blasted first serve after first serve at Federer and followed up with piercing forehands.

When Del Porto was on, he was dominating. He eased through sets one and three, breaking Federer twice in the third set and seemed headed to the finals.

But, just when Federer looks most vulnerable, he finds a way to turn the momentum. He broke Del Porto early in the fourth set and Juan martin seemed to let down his intensity. In earlier sets, his serving velocity exceeded 130 mph.

With Nadal’s loss to finalist Robin Soderling, Federer has worn the pressure of tournament and fan favorite, a role usually reserved for four-time French Champion Rafa. Despite his stellar play, Roger had lost more sets than any other tournament semifinalist.

Federer’s comebacks are becoming regular. He seems to show early match jitters, then steadies the play and finally begins to dominate. This was the case against both Tommy Haas and Juan Martin. Del Porto was unable to sustain his go for broke style. When he needed big shots in the final set, Federer had the answers. Federer’s win was cause for celebration in Paris where the Swiss star appears to have been adopted.

Dinara Safina

If ever the time was right for Dinara Safina, this is it. In Paris, the stage is set for the top-ranked female player in the world to break the ice and master a Grand Slam tournament. At 23 years of age and with seven years of professional experience, the husky Russian brunette needs a major championship to relieve the self-induced pressure that was so evident in Melbourne earlier this year.

After her convincing triumph on the clay in Spain, Dinara professed newfound confidence derived from her elevation to the world’s number one seed. Dinara has earned her ranking. The 6 foot 3 inch right-hander has career earnings of more than $7.3 million and year-to-date earnings of $1.8 million.

Dinara has the game, has the fame and has the power, but does she have the nerves to survive two weeks in the Roland Garros spotlight? At the French Open, wins take time. Points and games grind forward. Perseverance and patience win matches. In the past, these qualities have not been Dinara’s strong suits.

Safina cruised to the finals in the year’s first Grand Slam at Melbourne. Once again, she stared success and her lifelong dream in the eye. And, once again she collapsed in the glare. Dinara’s 2009 record stands at an impressive 28 wins and 6 losses while her career won – lost tally is 256 – 128. The numbers are fair, not great.

Of more concern is Dinara’s Grand Slam record. Aside from her runner-up finish in Melbourne, her best tournament was last year’s French Open where she lost in the finals to Ana Ivanovic.

Bookmakers like Dinara’s 2009 progress. She is fit, she is ready and she has been tabbed the early 7/2 favorite. In a little more than two weeks, the tennis world will know how much progress Dinara has made since Melbourne.

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena Jankovic

Jelena is another tour veteran who racks up points on the ATP circuit but who struggles in majors. The former number one is now ranked fifth on the tour and has been on the injured list for part of the season.

Jelena arrives at Paris with only $359,000 in earnings this year. And, the Serb’s Grand Slam record is less than impressive. Other than her runner-up finish at last year’s U.S. Open, Jelena has only reached the semis in a major in the 2006 U.S. Open.

Jelena has been working hard and her two-handed backhand should work well on the Roland Garros clay, but her endurance will be tested. Players will be keeping the ball in play and to see if Jelena can overcome her impatience and go the distance. Even when she was the world’s top seed, Jankovic did not fare well in the game’s biggest tournaments.

In Jankovic’s 8-year career, Jankovic only has one runner-up finish in her Grand Slam career. Her 2009 won-lost record is a modest 23 – 8 and her career 274 – 148 record is certainly not overwhelming.

It just may be Jelena’s lack of predictability that makes her dangerous. With the feisty Serb you never know what you might get. At 7/1, Jelena shares the role of bookmaker runner-up with two of the tour’s shining stars.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams

Forget that Roland Garros is slow, red clay. At 7/1, fashion and tennis guru Serena Williams is hard to bet against. With a resume that makes the other contenders look like pretenders, it seems like Queen Serena deserves a bye to the semis.

Serena has the distinction of having won all four Grand Slam Tournaments. Even the distinguished Roger Federer cannot make that claim. In all, Serena owns ten, count that, ten Grand Slam Championships amassed over her 11 years on the circuit.

Her career 411 – 87 won–lost record is equally impressive. This year, Serena stands at 21 – 6 and has earned $1.8 million. Her career earnings of $23.8 million exceed the combined career earnings of top three contenders. Wow! Now, those are championship numbers.

At 7/1, Serena looks even better. What could possibly be the problem? How could Serena not triumph over the field of pretenders? Serena like Paris. Perhaps she likes Paris a bit too much. Once a fashion queen, always a fashion queen.

The world’s current number two seed will both enjoy Paris and be a formidable obstacle for all would-be challengers. When the title was on the line in Melbourne, Serena played her best. That ability to seize the moment is what separates her from the other contenders. Far and away, the most experienced and successful Grand Slam Champion, the winner will have to go through the Queen.

Svetlana Kuznetsova

Svetlana Kuznetsova

Now, here is a challenger with some mettle. The frisky Russian with terrific foot speed and relentless groundstrokes is clearly a threat in Paris.

Svetlana Kuznetsova was a runner-up in 2006 at Paris and reached the semis last year.

The 24 year old is at the peak of her game and with her tenacious, never-say-die style is well suited to chase balls down and prolong points. Bookmakers have listed the nimble blonde at 7/1.

Svetlana has approached the 2009 season with renewed vigor and carries a 21-7 record. Her career won – lost record is an impressive 315 – 135.

At one time Svetlana was the world’s second ranked player, but began the year out of the top ten. She has gradually moved up the seeding chart and now stands at number 7. If Svetlana is knocked out in Paris, the winner will know she has been in a battle.

Ana Ivanovic

Ana Ivanovic

The Paris fans like Ana.

She looks good, caters to the crowd and is the defending champion. Last year, the gorgeous Serb was a finalist in Melbourne before winning the Suzanne Lenglen Cup.

Since her impressive 2008 start, Ana has suffered service inconsistencies and her meager 15-6 won-lost record illustrates the problem.

As good as Ana looks and as much as the crowds will be pulling for her, the bookmakers list the defending champ at 10/1.

The tour pros do not give Ana much of a chance. Her game face is lacking.

Perhaps it is the media attention, the endless photo shoots or a general lack of interest, but Ana is not the driven personality that seemed ready top claim Maria Sharapova’s role. In any case, she will draw the crowds and the majority will be men.

Rafael Nadal

Has there ever been a more prohibitive favorite in any Grand Slam event ever than Rafael Nadal is in this year’s French Open? In any sport, ever, has there ever been another 4/11 favorite in a major championship?

Nadal has been so dominant and so overwhelming on clay that despite last weekend’s final match 4-6, 4-6 loss to Roger Federer, he has been installed as a shocking 4/11 bookmaker favorite. Nadal is in the unusual position of being a predominant favorite and a bad bet for the French Open at Roland Garros in Paris.

On paper, he has the credentials. On the court, he has the game. In front of the media, the muscular, 22 year old Spaniard has the answers, the confidence and the air of a champion. Rafael Nadal is clearly the best tennis player on the planet and on the red clay of Paris, he seems unbeatable.

With more than $24 million in career earnings, with more than $4 million 2009 earnings under his belt and with the last 4 French Open titles in his trophy case, Nadal will celebrate his 23rd June 3rd birthday during the May 24th – June 7th tournament. He would love to spoil the party by taking home the Coupe de Mousquetaires and the handsome check that goes alongside.

The feisty Spaniard is looking to capture leg two of this year’s Grand Slam after his impressive triumph in Melbourne. Even though the favorite lost in Madrid, he has impressed bookmakers and tennis experts with his 33 consecutive clay court wins and his 150 – 5 career record on clay. Nadal has not lost a match in four years at Roland Garros and as he prepares to pursue his fifth consecutive French Open title, the question is who will wrest the championship from him.

Roger Federer

Buoyed by his win in Madrid, Switzerland’s star seems more confident than in the past. Not that a winner of 13 Grand Slam tournaments needs a boost in confidence, but it is clear that Nadal’s success is wearing thin on the Swiss magician. Federer overcame tough opposition in reaching the finals at Melbourne and in the Australian heat put everything he had on the table in the finals. The loss seemed to take an emotional toll on the 11 year Grand Slam veteran.

Rather than pullback, Federer has worked hard on his game. He now boasts a heart-stopping drop shot that could well be the key to his success in Paris. The courts in Madrid were faster than the courts at Roland Garros, but clay is clay and a championship trophy deserves to be raised high.

With more than $46 million in career earnings and with $2 million banked this season, Federer knows what he has to do. All Grand Slam events are physically challenging and filled with distractions, but here is one player who has been there before. With one more Grand Slam championship, he will rise above Pete Sampras and claim the most Grand Slam Trophies of any player ever.

In addition to his 5 U.S. Open Championships, 5 Wimbledon Championships and 3 Australian Championships, Federer would like nothing more than to capture his first Trophy at Roland Garros. Roger’s resume also sports 5 Grand Slam Runnerup trophies.

Not bad for the bookmaker’s 13/2 second choice. Federer is ready and is playing and practicing to win. Second place is not good enough this time around.

Novak Djokovic

This year the bookmakers like the number three seed. Also at 13/2 the tall Serb has come a long way since Australia, where he received plenty of criticism for withdrawing during his fourth round match. Analysts have long questioned Djokovic’s will to win, but his skills and potential have long been admired.

With the 2008 Australian Open in hand, Djokovic has a Grand Slam title to his credit and since 2007 he has reached the semis or finals 6 times. His big serve and powerful ground strokes make the big guy a threat, but his foot speed and endurance have never allowed him past the semis at Roland Garros.

Since the fiasco in Melbourne, Djokovic appears to have re-focused his game. In Australia, he appeared out-of-shape, out-of-heart and out-of-gas. Since then, he has improved each week. His four-hour marathon against Nadal at last week’s Madrid Masters was memorable, but as in so many of Novak’s memorable matches, the Serb came up short.

Djokovic needs a break-through win to unlock his vast earning potential and expand his trophy case. While clay is not his best surface, his Madrid performance suggests he is peaking at the right time.

Since 2005, Djokovic has won more than $12 million and this year has banked more than $1.7. The two-week Grand Slam schedule has never played to Djokovic’s hand. Analysts feel he is a weak 13/2 bet.

Andy Murray

Andy Murray is a fast court player with the serve, ground strokes and foot speed for grass and hard court success. Ever since his Runnerup finish at the U.S. Open, the world has been waiting for Murray to put his awesome shot- making skills together and emerge from the shadows of Nadal and Federer.

Bookmakers think he has a 10/1 chance to succeed. Avid tennis followers do not like his chances. Like his countrymen, tennis experts have been disappointed by Murray too many times and for too long.

The skills are there, the heart is there too, but there seems a self-destruct mode surrounding the Scotsman. Obscure points, momentary breakdowns and deep sulks always seem to get in the way with this guy. Sometimes Murray appears to be looking for a way not to win. Or, perhaps it is that Murray seems like he is looking for a way to pin his inability to win on some quirk of bad luck.

Over two weeks of Grand Slam competition, success has very little to do with luck. Grand Slam championships require two weeks of concentrated tennis. Winners get past the distractions, past the crowds, past the media coverage and on to the court with their best game in tact.

Murray has a 186 – 70 career won-lost record and a 31 – 5 year-to-date record. He is that good, he is that talented. With $7miilion in career earnings and with $1.7 million cashed in this year, 22 year-old Murray simply needs to get the game between his ears in line.

Fernando Verdasco

Ole! Can Fernando break through? He won the hearts at Melbourne, he is the world’s most improved player and he is the Horatio Alger of the 2009 season, but can he break through? Is clay his surface? Is Fernando a hard court specialist?

Bookmakers like him at 25/1, the gals love him on or off the court and the other players are now very aware of Fernando’s appeal and presence. 2009 seems like a hard earned dream for the Spaniard. Tennis enthusiasts would love to see a re-match of the stirring five-set Nadal-Verdasco matchup in Melbourne.

There is clearly no love lost between those two countrymen. Fernando has never escaped past the fourth round at Roland Garros, but he has never been in as good shape and played with such intensity as he has this season.

With $4 million in career earnings, Fernando is the bookmaker’s fifth seed and 8th ranked tour player. He is 23 – 8 this year, but his semi-final match in Australia has given his fans reason to expect a determined showing at Roland Garros.

Ole Fernando! All the way in Paris!

The King

As storied as the history of Roland Garros is, the French Open Champions carry the tournament’s colors well. French Open Champions are special. They must overcome lengthy, gut-wrenching points, matches that last inordinate amounts of time and survive challenges from the best players on the planet. Yes, The French Open champions are special, just like the red courts of Roland Garros.

Since the Roland Garros Championships entered the Open era, the undisputed king of the tournament has been the stoic Swedish star and consummate tennis competitor, Bjorn Borg. Current French Open Champion, Spanish superstar, Rafael Nadal, will be seeking his sixth consecutive title at Roland Garros Stadium this month, but for many, the hearts of Paris will always belong to Sweden’s six-time winner.

In Borg’s shortened career, he won 61 ATP singles titles and 11 Grand Slam crowns. The powerful Swede won six Coupe des Mousquetaires and five Wimbledon crowns. Only Switzerland’s Roger Federer has won as many times on the English grass.

Perhaps, it was Borg’s ability to win on the slow, red clay in Paris and then on the very fast grass of England that endeared him to tennis fans around the globe. Perhaps, it was the Swede’s ability to overcome odds and hold off American bad boys John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors that elevated his popularity with international fans. Or, perhaps he was seen as one of the games great talents and the defender of the game’s ageless etiquette.

Unlike the feisty McEnroe and the contentious Conners, Borg played hard, played well and played with dignity throughout his career. At a time when the sportsmanship of the game was being redefined, Borg was a beacon of the traditional value of the game of tennis. Borg won his first French Open at age 18 in 1974. Borg won his sixth title in 1981 before his career was cut short in 1982.

Borg remains one of the few players who had the power game to win on fast surfaces and the racket skills to win on clay. Now, the game is fortunate to have another player with the same skills.

In 2009, Rafael Nadal pursues his sixth title. While the tall, muscular Spaniard’s style is different than Borg’s, Nadal has an uncanny ability to grind out wins on the red clay. With a dynamic clay court record, the 2009 French Open is Nadal’s to lose.

The Queen

Hail to The Queen! American Chris Evert captured the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen seven times and is still recognized as the greatest clay court tennis player of all time. Evert won an amazing 18 Grand Slam championships and, like Borg, did much to boost the game that she loved and the game that loved her.

Evert’s cool, calm and poised demeanor endeared her to fans around the world. The trim American won hearts and titles twice in Melbourne, 3 times at Wimbledon and 6 times at the U.S. Open. Her 125 consecutive clay court triumphs over six years from 1973 until 1979 is a record that will stand forever.

In Paris, Steffi Graf won six championships and has been Evert’s only serious challenger. As testimony to her versatility and brilliance, Evert’s six U.S. Open titles set another record.

Unbelievably, Evert finished as the world’s top ranked player seven times between 1974 and 1981. During her professional career, Evert amassed 1309 wins against 146 losses for a .900 winning percentage. Hail to the Queen of Paris, she stole our hearts and, along the way, helped raise women’s tennis.

The Prince

Michael Chang turned professional at aged 16 in 1988. His two handed backhand and durable play gained a reputation on a tour that was loaded with hard-serving and hard-hitting veterans. His 5’ 7” stature made the young American an unlikely tennis superstar.

Once settled on the tour, Chang set about making his mark. He splashed to the forefront on the red courts of Roland Garros in the 1989 French Open. His tenacious style and never-say-die attitude carried him to a stunning five set triumph over top seed Ivan Lendl in a grueling four hour 4th round match and another five set four and a half hour upset of number three seed Stefan Edberg in the finals.

At age 17 years, 3 months, Michael Chang is not only the youngest player to hoist the Coupe des Mousquetaires but he may very well reign as the Prionce of the French Open forever.

Inn his sixteen-year tennis career, Chang went on to achieve a world number two ranking and was ranked in the top ten for seven years. Michael won 34 singles titles and reached the finals in 24 other tournaments. Chang won 7 ATP championships. The 1989 French Open was his only Grand Slam championship. But, he reached the finals at the 1996 Australian Open the finals in Paris again in 1995 and the finals of the U.S. Open in 1996.

Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the Prince of Roland Garros was his ability to represent the game itself. He championed the etiquette and integrity of the game and became a major influence on American tennis. Coincidentally, Chang’s 1989 French tile was the first by an American since Tony Trabert’s 1955 championship.

The Princess

French Open Princess, Monica Seles, joined the WTA in 1989, the same year Michael Chang won his French Open title. That same year, Seles reached the semis at Roland Garros and she was an instant teen sensation.

The next year at just 16 years 6 months, Seles swept through the tournament and raised her first Coupe Suzanne Lenglen. In fact, the Princess of Roland Garros would champion the red clay courts three successive times until 1992.

Between 1990 and 1993, Monica won 3 Australian championships, 3 French Opens and 2 U.S. Opnes. At age 21, her career was cut short when she was stabbed in the back by a spectator. Monica, the Princess of the French Open and the Queen of the Comeback, attempted to resurrect her career. Although never regaining her top form, Monica remained a top 10 player from 1995 until 2002.

In 1998, the Princess reached the finals at Paris. After the tragic stabbing, Monica needed two years of rehabilitation. The incident is one of the great tragedies of international sport. Monica’s reign as the Princess of Paris clay will most likely last an eternity.

First round action in the 2009 French Open will begin on May 24th and will conclude with the Men’s Finals on June 7th. With the top-ranked players in the world well into their seasons, the play will be intense, the prize money abundant and the crowds plentiful. This was not always the case. In fact, the French Open has evolved from rather modest beginnings to assume the role of Grand Slam spoiler for some of the game’s biggest names.

The home of the French Open is the Stade Roland Garros. Aptly named for the famed World War I fighter pilot, the stadium became home to the Open in 1928. The tournament’s stated name is the Les Internationaux de France de Roland Garros. Over the years, The Court Philippe Chatrier center court has featured storied matches and legendary matchups.

It all began in 1891 when a national tennis tournament, the Championat de France, was first created. This event was limited to male players who were licensed to play in France. The first Women’s National Championship was held in 1897. The tournament remained a national event through 1924.

In 1912, tournament organizers made a decision that still characterizes the unique playing style of the French Open when they converted the grass court playing surface to the terre battue or red clay surface. The original surface was composed of crushed, red brick. Previously all French tennis and most tennis around the world was played on grass courts.

The Championat de France gained momentum as the quality of French tennis rose along with the stature of the national event. In 1925, the French Championships became an international event with players participating from outside the country. The event was alternately hosted on grass courts at the Racing Club de France and the Stade Francais.

French tennis stunned the world by upsetting the heavily favored American Davis Cup Team in 1927. Les Mosquetaires Rene Lacoste, Jean Borotra, Henri Cochet and Jacques Brignon ventured across the water and returned with the country’s first Davis Cup Championship and much international acclaim.

When France accepted the invitation to defend and host the 1928 Davis Cup, the Stade de France agreed to provide three hectares of land for a new tennis stadium at Porte d’Auteuil. A provision that the new facility be named for the World War I pilot, Roland Garros, was attached to the land grant.

After World War II, the French Open was held at Wimbledon from 1945 through 1947. The tournament was then the third Grand Slam of the year.

In 1968, the French Championship became the first Grand Slam tournament to open for professional play. Ever since, the event has been dominated by professionals, but the French have sought ways to keep sportsmanship and national pride at the core of the tournament.

In 1981, new prizes were added to the championship. The Prix Orange is awarded to the player who is the most press-friendly and who demonstrates the truest sense of fair play. The Prix Citron designates the player with the strongest on-court character and personality, while the Prix Bourgeon is awarded to the most surprising player.

In 2006, another novel feature was added. The French Open commences on a Sunday with 12 singles matches all played on the three main courts. On the eve preceding the opening matches, exhibition matches for the benefit of designated charities are played. In March 2007, The French Open determined to award equal prize money for both singles draws.

The distinctive red clay courts provide a unique style of play for a Grand Slam event. Being a slower surface, where the ball typically bounces higher, points take longer and emphasize the player’s ability to hit effective groundstrokes and a willingness to retrieve shot after shot. Matches take longer and players either arrive at the French in top shape or soon go home.

Serve and volley specialists have not fared well on the Paris clay surface. Like the city itself, a win at the French takes heart as aces do not come easily and short rallies fall by the wayside. Some the game’s greatest stars have been unable to conquer the clay courts. Of late, sure-to-be tennis hall of famers Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, who have won more Grand Slam events than any other male players have been unable to master the red clay.

Legendary serve and volley specialists like Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and John McEnroe all failed to triumph in Paris. Lean and mean ground strokers Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl and Mats Wilander seemed to rally for the French.

The Men’s Championship is named the Coupe des Mouquetaires, whose 1927 Davis Cup upset put France on the world tennis scene. That triumph is equated to the American hockey victory over the Russians in the 1980 Olympic games.

The Women’s title is called the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, who won more mixed doubles championships than any other competitor and who won six singles championships from 1920 – 1926. Suzanne led French women’s tennis players onto the international scene. One of the main courts at Roland Garros is named in her honor.

After World War II, the Americans and the Australians dominated the tournament. Perhaps the most amazing triumph belongs to Australian Ken Rosewall who won the title in 1953 and then amazingly duplicated the win fifteen years later as a professional in 1968.

After 37 years of frustration, Yannick Noah captured the title for France in 1983. The much-celebrated win burned brightly throughout France and especially in Paris. This feat has not been duplicated since, although the 2009 home country’s team, led by Jo Wilfried Tsonga, looks to be the strongest it has been in years.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal will arrive at this year’s event as the number one seed and deservedly so. Rafael Nadal has become the man-to-beat on either grass or clay and, like Bjorn and Lenglen, has won four consecutive titles. Nadal’s game is well suited for clay and his personality is just feisty enough to intimidate lesser players.

Historically, Bjorn Borg is generally regarded to be the modern-day French Open marvel. Borg won 11 Grand Slam titles, five championships at Wimbledon and six at Roland Garros. In doing so, he displayed a unique ability to win on grass and on clay.

On the women’s side, American Chris Evert’s French Open accomplishments are still storybook. With her graceful game and calm on-court demeanor, Evert endeared herself to the Parisians. Evert won 125 consecutive clay court matches, a record that will most likely rein forever. Evert had the perfect temperament and strokes for clay, yet was able to win on grass as well.

The tournament’s youngest Men’s winner was American Michael Chang who was 17 years 3 months when he captured the title in 1989. The youngest women’s winner was Monica Seles who emblazoned her run and grunt style on Roland Garros annals at 16 years of age in 1990.