French Open woe: The Grand Slam that got away
Tennis

French Open woe: The Grand Slam that got away

Published 1237 GMT (2037 HKT) June 7, 2013
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Three times Boris Becker reached the semifinals of the French Open, but each time he was soundly beaten to leave him one title short of the famous career grand slam. Chris Cole/Getty Images
Becker's last appearance in the semifinals in 1991 saw him well beaten by Andre Agassi, who in the German's words was just too good on clay. The American went on to complete the career grand slam of four majors. Bob Martin/Getty Images
Pete Sampras won 14 grand slam titles with his powerful serve and volley game but it was ill suited to the clay of Roland Garros and his semifinal appearance in 1996 -- easily beaten by Yevgeny Kafelnikov -- proved a one-off. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Stefan Edberg looks on glumly as Michael Chang gives his victory speech after the 1989 French Open final. Edberg, who lost in five sets to the 17-year-old, never progressed as far in Paris during the rest of his glittering career. Simon Bruty/Getty Images
John McEnroe was leading the 1984 French Open by two sets to love but his unpredictable temperament proved his undoing as opponent Ivan Lendl hit back to leave the American holding the runner-up shield. McEnroe admitted his failure to win that day at Roland Garros was one of his biggest regrets. Fage/AFP/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Rafael Nadal after losing to the "King of Clay" in the French Open final last year. The Serbian needs to win the title at Roland Garros to join the seven men, Nadal included, who have achieved a career grand slam. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images