Roger's long slog to glory

By Thibaut Fraix-Burnet

After 11 appearances at the tournament and three defeats in the final, Roger Federer finally claimed the French Open, the only Grand Slam title he had yet to win. In the women's singles Svetlana Kuznetsova saw off Dinara Safina in the second all-Russian final in the history of the event.

The leaden skies over Paris could not dampen the joy of the spectators gathered at the Philippe Chatrier Court on an emotional Sunday afternoon. Their joy was no doubt shared by millions of television viewers as a tearful Roger Federer beat Sweden's Robin Soderling in straight sets (6-1, 7-6, 6-4) to win the 2009 French Open, bringing the happiest of conclusions to a gloomy day.

Federer's satisfaction will be shared by many tennis lovers. His long-awaited Paris victory is well deserved, a rich reward for a champion player and his stylish way of playing the game. In finally completing his career slam, the Swiss has proved that he is the best all-round tennis player of all time, if not the greatest. Elegance and technical perfection personified, Federer has always sought to play a full and varied range of strokes rather than rely on one or two strong points. In winning his 14th Grand Slam title (three Australian Opens, one French Open, five Wimbledon titles and five US Opens), he has equalled Pete Sampras's haul (one that he would better at Wimbledon a few weeks later). He has also joined the select band of players who have won every Grand Slam championship at least once, the others being Fred Perry, Donald Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi, who, like Federer, completed his set at the French in 1999. Federer other records are almost as awe-inspiring, among them a run of 20 successive semi-final appearances (a record he stretched to 23 at the 2010 Australian Open).

A circuitous route to the final

Federer has enjoyed an up-and-down relationship with Roland Garros over the years, suffering three defeats in the final to Spain's Rafael Nadal, the man who relegated him to the world No2 slot. It was fitting then that the Swiss player's progress to the final should be far from smooth. Opening up with a straightforward win over the Spaniard Alberto Martin, Federer was made to work hard by the tenacious Argentinian Jose Acasuso before prevailing in four sets (7-6, 5-7, 7-6, 6-2). In his third-round match with Paul Henri Mathieu he conceded the first set before easing through 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. Then, the day after Nadal's stunning exit at the hands of Soderling, Federer experienced problems of his own, coming within five points of defeat against Tommy Haas. Two sets down and serving at 4-3 in the third, he saved a potentially decisive break point with a flashing forehand. Danger averted, Federer hit back in style to win the set and the match (7-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-0, 6-2).

After easing past Gael Monfils in the quarter-finals, the Swiss endured another rocky ride against Juan Martin del Potro in the semis. His experienced proved crucial, however, as he saw off the big-serving Argentinian in five sets (3-6, 7-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4).

"These two weeks have been tough, especially the last one," said the maestro after taking the title against Soderling. "I feel like I've had to play lots of finals, and the pressure was intense. Rafa's defeat didn't change things that much, but it gave me a little more hope."

"It's true, I could pack up tomorrow," he added. "But I don't feel like doing that. I won't be able to play tennis forever but I'll try to take as much pleasure from it as long as I can." And in doing so, he is sure to give a lot more pleasure to fans around the world.