At the end of 2008, there was an undercurrent about the greatest player to grace the courts.  Perhaps, there were even some whispers.  Stern challengers like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray seemed poised to move Federer further down the ladder.

Needless to say, the whispers have stopped.  The retirement rumors have ceased and the best player in the world has clawed his way back to a heady, well-deserved top billing.

In the four 2009 Grand Slams, the Swiss star won in Paris and at Wimbledon and finished second at Australia and in the U.S. Open.  For some players, that would be a happy career.

His Grand Slam prowess is highlighted by his record 15 titles and six runner-up finishes.  Since 2004, The Swiss star has reached the semifinals or better in every Grand Slam event except the 2004 French Open.  While clay is his least-favorite surface, Roger showed his mettle with his first Championship at Roland Garros in 2009.  There is no question that Federer trains meticulously for the grueling two-week Grand Slam, events.  No player in history has a better record and more stirring wins over a bevy of up and coming younger challengers.  Truly, his mental preparation and durability give Roger the edge in tight matches.

Federer in 2009

2009 was a year of accomplishment for  Roger Federer.  Not only did he set the record for most Grand Slam victories but he also recaptured his number one ranking and dispelled rumors of retirement.  Faced with choices, the trim star worked on his foot speed and sharpened his game to new heights.  The results yielded big dividends.

Losing a gripping five set final to Rafael Nadal at Melbourne started the year with disappointment but that despair turned to joy at Roland Garros.  With that win, Roger became just the sixth player to hold all four major titles.  After capturing his 6th Wimbledon title, he set a new standard with 15 Grand Slam titles.  There is little reason to believe he will not add to the benchmark total.

In addition to his Grand Slam prowess, Roger finished the year as the top ranked ATP World player.  His 2009 match record stood at a remarkable 59-10.  On the hardcourts, Federer compiled a stirring 37-8 record compared to his 4-2 record on carpet, 10-1 clay record and 7-0 grass record.  This man does not go away and is just plain hard to beat.  Bring you’re A game or get out-of-the-way.  The express is en route!

In 2009, Federer added the Western and Southern Financial Group-Masters and the Mutual Madrilena Madrid Open championships to his two Grand to total 61 career titles.  With a bit of rest and a bit more practice and with endorsements following wherever he goes, Federer is already preparing for Melbourne in 2010.  Watch out Australia, the Cool Hand Roger Federer express is coming your way!