Boris Becker (Germany)

Before we start describing Becker's good performances in Paris, it is imperative to state that in his 15-year long professional career the German never won a title on clay.

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And that very fact makes his three semi-final appearances at Roland Garros extra special. For a player whose career was marred by inconsistencies, Becker was a tad more consistent in Paris.

Between 1985 and 1991, Becker made it at least to the pre-quarter finals in five of the seven years. In 1987, he beat formidable players like Henrik Sundstrom, Jimmy Arias and Jimmy Connors before coming up short against Mats Wilander in the last four.

In 1989, what was by far the best year of his pro career, Becker's back-to-back triumphs at Wimbledon and the US Open were preceded by a second semi-final appearance at Roland Garros. Two years later he repeated the feat.

Becker didn't play in Paris owing to injuries (opting to keep fit for Wimbledon instead) in the in the latter stages of his career and that prevented him from having a shot at the elusive title.

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