Roger Federer has spent more than two decades on the tennis courts as a professional player. In his time, the Swiss maestro has seen players come and go from the tennis circuit. Players who have competed on equal terms with Roger have retired long before the Swiss hung his boots.
The 42-year-old’s durability is admirable and in one particular case, during the 2019 French Open, his endurance was highlighted when he encountered a familiar face during the third round of the tournament.
Federer’s French Open opponent revealed to be rival’s offspring
Roger Federer made his debut in a grand slam event in 1999, entering as a wildcard at Roland Garros in Paris, France. Unfortunately, he lost his first-round match against the third-seeded Pat Rafter, despite winning the first set.
Among the participants in the 1999 French Open was Norwegian player Christian Ruud. Christian retired in 2001, while Federer was just beginning his tennis journey. Over the years, Federer went on to claim an impressive total of 20 Grand Slam titles.
Fast forward to the 2019 French Open, and Roger Federer received a pleasant surprise when he learned that he would face Casper Ruud in the third round. Casper, the son of Christian Ruud, had risen to become the current world number 8 in the tennis rankings.
Roger Federer defeated the unseeded Casper in straight sets. He would go on to reach the semifinals but lost to the eventual champion, Rafael Nadal, in three sets.
The match between Roger and Casper highlighted Federer’s long-lasting career in the sport. The Swiss continued to play for another three years before retiring in 2022.
How many times has Roger Federer won French Open?
Roger Federer has won the French Open once, when he defeated Sweden’s Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4 in the 2009 Roland Garros.
Roger Federer won his 14th grand slam title, showcasing his peak performance during the late 2000s. He continued to dominate in the 2010s, even in his mid-30s.
His final grand slam victory came at the 2018 Australian Open. Despite coming close at several major tournaments, the Swiss maestro eventually retired after the 2022 Laver Cup.
In total, Roger Federer has won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 singles ATP tour titles. He has played 1526 ATP matches, and is placed second on the overall list behind Jimmy Connors. Federer also holds the record for most consecutive grand slam wins at a single major when he won five US Open titles from 2004 to 2008.
In his post-retirement life, Federer has made appearances at major tennis tournaments and is successfully juggling home life with his business ventures.
What are your opinions on Roger Federer’s longevity? Is he the GOAT of tennis? Let us know in the comments section below.
