Roger Federer reveals what inspired him to do this ONCE during tennis career
ROGER FEDERER has revealed what spurred him onto to win his solitary French Open title in 2009.
The Swiss maestro has picked up 20 Grand Slam titles during his glittering career - the most of any men’s player in history.
But the French Open has long proved a blotch on the fluid right-hander’s record.
The clay court at Roland Garros belongs to long-term rival Rafael Nadal, against whom Federer has lost four finals in the competition.
Federer pulled out of the French Open - and entire clay court season - in 2018 for the second successive year.
If you ask me what was the most important tournament: the win in Paris, at the French Open
As speculation rouses over whether the 37-year-old will make the same decision as he enters the twilight of his career, Federer has reflected over his solitary win at the tournament in 2009.
After three losses in the final by that point, Federer stormed past Swede Robin Soderling - who beat Nadal in the fourth round - in straight sets.
Reminiscing about that special title, Federer said: “They often ask me, when a top player loses in a Grand Slam, does he feel the pressure, the obligation to win.
“The truth is that it happened to me just once: at the 2009 French Open.
“And thanks to God I managed to win. Yeah, that was a big influence for me because I was aware of the big opportunity I had.
“The defending champion Rafael Nadal had lost, but at the same time I had to get worried about my game and opponents.
“That mix of things had a such strong impact on me. But, then, I won.
“But if you ask me what was the most important tournament, I have no doubt: the win in Paris, at the French Open.”