French Open: Here are the five greatest men's singles matches
The French Open is one of the most awaited Grand Slams of the year, owing to its long and rich tradition of being played on the clay court. Notably, it is the second Grand Slam of the year. Over the years, this very clay has witnessed several great singles matches. In the same light, we present to you five such matches to date.
Rene Lacoste overcomes Bill Tilden
A match from an era dominated by French players, Rene Lacoste overcame Hall of Famer Bill Tilden in the final of the 1927 edition. In what was a five-set thriller, Lacoste, who had an upper hand in the opening set of 6-4, fell behind in the next two sets by 4-6, 5-7. However, he held his nerves to win back 6-3 and 11-9.
Rod Laver's brutal battle against fellow Australian Roy Emerson
It is always thrilling to see two fellow countrymen battling it out for the top prize. The 1962 final saw two of the greatest Australians Rod Laver and Roy Emerson in a tough match. In another grueling five-setter, Lever fell behind in the opening two sets of the match 3-6, 2-6. However, he staged a historic comeback to win 6-3, 9-7, 6-2.
Ivan Lendl stuns John McEnroe in the final
John McEnroe was considered one of the greatest tennis players back in his days. Being backed to win his first French Open title in 1984, he faced Ivan Lendl in the final. However, Lendl stunned with an impressive show to win his first Grand Slam. Despite being down 3-6, 2-6 in the opening two sets, he managed to win next three 6-4, 7-5, 7-5.
Roger Federer's greatness gets him going
Roger Federer had already established him as the GOAT by winning 13 Slams. However, it was in 2009 he won his first and only French Open. After Rafael Nadal was overcome by Robin Soderling, Federer utilized the opportunity to the fullest. However, his best match came in the pre-quarters against Tommy Haas. Federer survived the five-setter, 6-7, 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2, to reign supreme.
Nadal fights it out against Nole
Nadal is well-known for his record reign at Roland Garros, but things were not so easy in 2013. Facing Novak Djokovic in the semis, who was enjoying the form of his life, Nadal had to fight it out in a five-setter. It started with Nadal winning the first set, Nole claimed one back, until the fifth set. It finished 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7.
