Will Roger Federer Finally Come Through at Roland Garros?

Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras share something in common. These two players have all but one Grand Slam: The French Open.

Very soon, tennis aficionados are debating, Roger Federer could be going the same way, but I feel that's far away from the truth, or at least I am hoping it to be false.

It's only the French Open clay court that is eluding the former world No. 1. He has won the Hamburg Masters, which is a clay court ATP Masters event, not once, but four times  [2002, 2004, 2005 and 2007].

Remember, it's not as if Federer loses in the second or third round of Roland Garros. He fights his way to the finals, fights a gritty match and ultimately succumbs.

His game, therefore, cannot be termed as faulty. He has the best shots in the book, has an amazing adaptability and has relentless energy!

In fact, the drop in his ranking might be the secret enzyme. During the four-and-a-half years of his reign as the world No. 1, there wasn't much competition, although Nadal came very close.

But now, things have gotten spiced up, and the fans also have something new to see in their beloved Federer.

There is the way he responded to all those who were chanting that he had lost the spark. Maybe he will respond similarly to all those who think that he'll never win at Roland Garros.

There is the way he played at the Olympic doubles: Federer was the injured lion, playing for his pride and he won it! Hopefully, he will work some of his magic at Roland Garros, too.

For a person of his calibre, it would be very wrong to underestimate him. Most importantly, he is used to creating and equaling world records. Maybe (and hopefully), he will win a French Open and thereby create a record of winning all four Grand Slams.

On the personal front, I would like Federer to win the Australian Open 2009 first, equal Pistol Pete's record, and then win the Roland Garros 2009 and create a new world record of 15 Grand Slams.

I might sound like counting chickens before they hatch, but being a Federer fan, I guess I can afford to do so!