Paris, May 26:

When play starts at the French Open on Sunday Federer will be trying to become the sixth man with a career Grand Slam. He’ll also be bidding to win his fourth straight major championship, following Wimbledon, the US Open and Australian Open, which would make him the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four top titles simultaneously.

Sampras won a record 14 major titles, but only once made it as far as the semi-finals at the French Open.

But, Federer might very well have to beat the player who’s his chief nemesis: Rafael Nadal of Spain. Oh, right, and a 53-match winning streak on clay that ties Guillermo Vilas for the longest in the Open era.

Nadal, who turns 20 next week, will try to become the youngest player since Bjorn Borg in 1974-75 to win consecutive French Open titles. The kid known as “Rafa” provides a perfect foil for the Swiss. Federer plays a stylish, all-court game highlighted by spectacular shots that no one else would attempt. Nadal plays a counterpunching, power-based game that’s all about imposing his will. Federer rarely betrays a shred of emotion. Nadal is never too far from a celebratory uppercut.