We all know the greatness that is Roger Federer. We know that, at this point, literally every match he places bares some kind of historic significance.

“I think we’ve missed him,” said the Swede. “He’s the epitome of a professional athlete. He’s the guy that showed the way for people to become really fit. He changed his psychology in the game by becoming strong physically, and then mentally. He’s an unbelievable example. Everyone who plays now has him to thank for what they are doing, probably more than anyone else.”

Due to Lendl winning Down Under to start 1990, Pete Sampras became only the sixth man to win a hard court slam at the 1990 U.S. Open. It may just be me, but for Sampras to be only the sixth man to win a slam on hard courts despite 15 grand slam events having been contested on hard courts prior to the 1990 U.S. Open seems odd. Even more astounding to me is Patrick Rafter becoming only the tenth man to win a Grand Slam on a hard court when he won the 1997 U.S. Open title.