2009 French Open Winner Roger Federer Ties Sampras’ Record

With his latest performance at the 2009 French Open, Roger Federer tied Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major singles titles and became the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam. Federer was at his best, completely outplaying No. 23-seeded Robin Soderling of Sweden en route to a 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 victory in the French Open final.

“Maybe my greatest victory _ or certainly the one that takes the most pressure off my shoulders,” Federer said in French, moments after dropping to his knees, caking them with clay, as his 127 mph service winner ended the match. “I think that now, and until the end of my career, I can really play with my mind at peace and no longer hear that I’ve never won at Roland Garros.”