PARIS – Roger Federer gloriously completed a career Grand Slam yesterday by capturing a first French Open title, and a record-equalling 14th major, with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 win over Robin Soderling.
The 27-year-old world number two finally won a Roland Garros crown at the 11th attempt and in his fourth successive final having come up heartbreakingly short in the last three showdowns against Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal.
His victory, ironically over the Swedish 23rd seed who shocked four-time Nadal in the last 16, took him level with great friend Pete Sampras as the holder of 14 Grand Slam titles.
He also moved into a select group made up only of Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi as men who have won all four of the Grand Slam events.
‘It was probably my greatest victory, I was under big pressure. I did it and it’s phenomenal,’ said Federer who broke down in tears after being presented with the trophy by Agassi, the 1999 champion, and while the Swiss national anthem was played.
‘It was great to be on the podium as a winner for a change. Andre said it was my destiny to win this and that I deserved it.
Federer, who sent down 16 aces in the final, added: ‘Until the end of my career, I can play peacefully knowing that I will never again hear it said that I never won Roland Garros.’
Soderling, who has now lost 10 times in 10 meetings with Federer, admitted the Swiss was a deserving winner. – Nampa-AFP
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