Three times Boris Becker reached the semifinals of the French Open, but each time he was soundly beaten to leave him one title short of the famous career grand slam.
Boris blues —
Three times Boris Becker reached the semifinals of the French Open, but each time he was soundly beaten to leave him one title short of the famous career grand slam.
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Becker's last appearance in the semifinals in 1991 saw him well beaten by Andre Agassi, who in the German's words was just too good on clay. The American went on to complete the career grand slam of four majors.
Reality check —
Becker's last appearance in the semifinals in 1991 saw him well beaten by Andre Agassi, who in the German's words was just too good on clay. The American went on to complete the career grand slam of four majors.
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Pete Sampras won 14 grand slam titles with his powerful serve and volley game but it was ill suited to the clay of Roland Garros and his semifinal appearance in 1996 -- easily beaten by Yevgeny Kafelnikov -- proved a one-off.
Sampras subdued —
Pete Sampras won 14 grand slam titles with his powerful serve and volley game but it was ill suited to the clay of Roland Garros and his semifinal appearance in 1996 -- easily beaten by Yevgeny Kafelnikov -- proved a one-off.
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Stefan Edberg looks on glumly as Michael Chang gives his victory speech after the 1989 French Open final. Edberg, who lost in five sets to the 17-year-old, never progressed as far in Paris during the rest of his glittering career.
Missed opportunity —
Stefan Edberg looks on glumly as Michael Chang gives his victory speech after the 1989 French Open final. Edberg, who lost in five sets to the 17-year-old, never progressed as far in Paris during the rest of his glittering career.
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John McEnroe was leading the 1984 French Open by two sets to love but his unpredictable temperament proved his undoing as opponent Ivan Lendl hit back to leave the American holding the runner-up shield. McEnroe admitted his failure to win that day at Roland Garros was one of his biggest regrets.
Mac's regret —
John McEnroe was leading the 1984 French Open by two sets to love but his unpredictable temperament proved his undoing as opponent Ivan Lendl hit back to leave the American holding the runner-up shield. McEnroe admitted his failure to win that day at Roland Garros was one of his biggest regrets.
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Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Rafael Nadal after losing to the "King of Clay" in the French Open final last year. The Serbian needs to win the title at Roland Garros to join the seven men, Nadal included, who have achieved a career grand slam.
Still waiting —
Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Rafael Nadal after losing to the "King of Clay" in the French Open final last year. The Serbian needs to win the title at Roland Garros to join the seven men, Nadal included, who have achieved a career grand slam.
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