The French Connection

Appreciating Rafa’s remarkable record at Roland Garros

- Ed McGrogan

Thirty-one different tournaments are represented among Federer’s 100 titles. In Dubai, where Federer owns property, he’s been a champion eight times. In Basel, where Federer grew up, he’s been victorious nine times—the same number of times he’s won Halle, where a street bears his name. These fastcourt venues, along with Wimbledon, which Federer has won eight times, have slowed down tennis’ once-rapid aging process by showcasing the veteran star’s astonishing longevity.

“Winning titles is not easy,” said Federer after winning his 100th. “You have to be fit on many fronts: mentally, physically, and your game has to translate. You have to be able to beat different types of players— not just the grinders, not just the big servers, not just the attacking players. You have to be able to beat them all in successive days.”