Rafael Nadal may have flexed his muscles early in 2009, but by year's end his arch rival, Roger Federer, would cement his reputation as history's greatest ever player.
After equalling Pete Sampras' long-time record of 14 grand slam single titles at the French Open, Federer took one giant leap forward at Wimbledon.
But his record-breaking 15th major wouldn't come easily, with American Andy Roddick pushing him to a staggering 30-game deciding fifth set.
While Federer also fell tantalisingly close to a sixth straight US Open, Belgian Kim Clijsters stole the show at Flushing Meadows.
Five weeks after her return to professional tennis, Clijsters became the first wildcard and first mum since 1980 to win a major.
The Serena Williams show also rolled on, with victories in Australia and England taking her career tally to a phenomenal 11 grand slam titles.
