Tennis 2009: The year that was

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2009 has been an incredible year for tennis. As the season closes, let us reflect on what had happened in the 4 Grand Slam tournaments. In Australian Open, Rafael Nadal continues to dominate Roger Federer but this time on Federer's favorite surface, the hard courts. After playing in over 5-hour semi-final against fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, Nadal beat Federer in 5 sets after more than 4 hours marathon. Then, at trophy ceremony, where Laver's opponents when he achieve the calendar Slam was present, Federer reduced to tears. On the woman side, Serena Williams survived facing match point against Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semi-final. Then, downed Safina in one of the most lopsided final. In French Open, Roger Federer won his 14th Grand Slam title and completed his career Slam over Robin Soderling. He was heavily tested by Tommy Haas in the 4th round when he came back to win from being 2 sets to love down. He is also a set down against Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals but able to escaped. As for Soderling, he reached his first Slam final when he upset Rafael Nadal in 4th round, ending Nadal's 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros. On the woman side, this was supposed to be Safina's moment to finally claim her maiden title and cement her status as No.1, but was lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova for her 2nd Grand Slam title. In Wimbledon, Roger Federer defeated Andy Roddick for their 3rd meeting in the final to win his 15th Grand Slam title and finally overtake Pete Sampras in terms of number of Slam titles. With a win, Federer regain his world No.1 ranking from Rafael Nadal. On the woman side, the sibling rivalry continues. This time Serena Williams outplayed Venus Williams to claim her 3rd Wimbledon title and 11th Grand Slam titles overall. In US Open, Roger Federer faced Juan Martin del Potro in the final. He was two points away from winning the title, but lost his nerves and lost the match in 5 sets. On the woman side, the semi-final match between Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams drew much controversy when Williams was penalized a point for her unsportsmanlike conduct after a lineswoman called a foot fault on her 2nd serve while trailing 6-4, 6-5 (15-30). Williams eventually lost the match. Clijsters then beat Caroline Wozniacki in the final and became the first wildcard champion in US Open history and the first mother to win the title since 1980 when Evonne Goolagong Cawley won Wimbledon. We are lucky to witnessed the history made, great matches as well as great upsets. Which of the 4 major tournaments showcased great championship match, both men and women? Do the Grand Slam winners were included in your 2009 predictions? As new season approaches, can you predict who will win Grand Slams in 2010?