Federer proves he is the greatest

By Pritha Sarkar

PARIS (Reuters) - If there was any lingering doubt about whether Roger Federer was the greatest player to pick up a tennis racket, he provided the answer at 4:09 p.m. British time on Sunday.

The stylish Swiss showed his versatility by getting his hands on the Musketeers' Cup at the French Open to complete his collection of grand slam titles. Job done, Federer started to rake in the records and the accolades.

He was the proud owner of a record-equalling 14th major trophy, drawing level with Pete Sampras, and he joined Don Budge, Fred Perry, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi as the only men to win all four slams.

Only American Agassi had succeeded on three different surfaces since until the 1970s, all the slams barring the French Open were played on grass.

"It ends the discussion of where he fits in the history of the game," said Agassi, who handed over the trophy to Federer.

"This is going to mean so much to him, to have that hole filled. I think it will change his life."

His fellow American Billie Jean King shared the admiration.

"His win today at the French Open, tying Pete Sampas's record for major titles and the completion of a career grand slam firmly places him in a special place as the greatest player of all time," she told Reuters in an email.