A look at Roger Federer's greatest Grand Slam triumphs on his 37th birthday

1. 2009 Roland Garros

Roger celebrates his solitary win in Paris

The only title that had eluded Roger Federer till 2009 was the French Open. Having fallen at the final hurdle on three occasions before, people started wondering if Roger was ever going to get his hands on the coveted Roland Garros trophy.

During that period, Rafael Nadal was practically unbeatable on clay. A number of people, including Federer, had tried to usurp him as the King of Clay, but to no avail. However, in the 4th round of Roland Garros in 2009, Robin Soderling stunned the world and beat Rafa for the first time on clay. With Rafa out of the frame, Roger was suddenly the favourite in Paris, something which had never happened before.

Roger started off the tournament scratchily and endured a couple of 4-set battles before locking horns with Tommy Haas in the pre-quarter-finals. He took 5 sets before getting past him. He again went the distance in the semi-final against Juan Martin Del Potro.

With his place in the final booked, history lay in wait for the magician from Basel. If he beat Nadal’s conqueror, Soderling in the final, Federer would complete the ‘Career Grand Slam’. He did so with efficiency, winning in straight sets.

Many had believed that Federer could not be the greatest ever if he failed to win at Roland Garros. However, with the victory in 2009, he put to bed all those discussions.

While each of the 20 Grand Slam triumphs would have left a sweet taste, none would have tasted sweeter than the win in Paris in 2009.