So far only two players have achieved the feat of holding the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open trophies at the same time.
They were Don Budge in 1938 of the U.S. and Rod Laver in 1962 and in 1969 of Australia.
By winning the French Open at Roland Garros’ world no. 1 Novak Djokovic will become the first man in 43 years to monopolize all four Grand Slams titles at the same time, but six-time champion Rafael Nadal has his own history to make of becoming the only man to win seven French Open titles.
Since Laver’s 1969 achievement, only Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Nadal have had opportunities to complete a non-calendar year Grand Slam.
Sampras lost to Jim Courier in the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 1994; Federer lost to Nadal in the final at the 2006 and 2007 French Open while Nadal lost to David Ferrer in the quarterfinals at the 2011 Australian Open.
Djokovic defeated Nadal in the finals of Wimbledon, the US Open and this year’s epic Australian Open to arrive at his date with destiny.
The Serb has yet to make the final in Paris, faltering three times at the penultimate stage, but the 25-year-old knows now is the prime time to strike.
‘I had the best year and a half of my career. I believe that I’m at the peak of my career at this moment,’ Djokovic said.
‘I definitely want to use this confidence that I have and try to make a good result here in Roland Garros.
