French open 2013 Features

Making his way back this year after an injury lay-off, Rafael Nadal has been on a campaign to get his game back on track. He had said that French Open was his title and many saw his win at Rome Masters as a sign of things to come.

Passion on the court has often landed Serena in trouble. It is however the same that has also led Serena Williams to glory, honour and titles galore.

If variety is the spice of life, then we should be sick by now of Rafael Nadal, with his seven titles in eight years at the French Open and another waiting for him in Sunday's final. Perhaps tennis and its only Grand Slam tournament played on clay could do with a change, a new champion.

Haas is keeping his achievements in perspective knowing that despite his injury-plagued past, he has little to complain about having once seen his parents battle for their lives following an horrific motorcycle crash.

Youzhny boiled over after he slipped a set and 3-0 down to Tommy Haas in the last-16 at Roland Garros with the random act of violence becoming an instant YouTube hit.

Serena Williams believes that coming to Europe, and especially to her favourite city Paris, is helping her to calm down and control her own natural impetuousness.

Widely-regarded as currently the best player -- and nicest -- never to have won a Grand Slam, but with the misfortune to be plying his trade in an era dominated by Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, the 31-year-old feels no bitterness.

Age hasn't dented either Haas's or Robredo's title-winning capabilities, with the Florida-based German capturing his 14th career trophy on clay in Munich, while Robredo celebrated an 11th title in Casablanca.

Never pulled out with injury. Never sent in a sick note. Never couldn't be bothered. Not only is Federer the most successful male player ever, he's also becoming one of the most durable, the iron man of his, indeed any, generation.

Fifteen American women, more than from any other country, were in the French Open, an indication that the development of young players has improved.