Roger Federer wins French Open

Roger Federer kisses the French Open trophy after his victory.
(AP photo/Michel Euler)

Federer won the match in straight sets, 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4, over the number 23 seed, Robin Soderling. As tennis legends like Bjorn Borg, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe watched, Federer hit blistering serves and penetrating forehands that his opponent was unable to match.

 

"It's maybe my greatest victory, or certainly the one that removes the most pressure off my shoulders," Federer said. "I think that now and until the end of my career, I can really play with my mind at peace, and no longer hear that I've never won Roland Garros."

 

As Soderling hit his forehand into the net on match point, Federer dropped to his knees on the red clay, shedding tears of joy and relief. Federer’s emotions continued to overwhelm him as the Swiss national anthem was played during the trophy ceremony.

Roger Federer hits a forehand.
(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

 

The French Open title represents the 14^th Grand Slam title he has won, tying the all-time men’s record held by Pete Sampras. In the post-match interview, John McEnroe called Federer the “greatest player of all time”. He cited Federer’s ability to win all four of the Grand Slam titles over the course of his career as unquestionable truth of this statement.

"Now the question is: Am I the greatest of all time?" Federer said. "We don't know, but I definitely have many things going for me because I've finally won all four Grand Slams, and I'm particularly happy reaching Pete's 14."

 

Federer won an astonishing 85% of points on his first serve and 67% of those on his second serve. He also served 16 aces compared to Soderling’s 2 aces.

 

The Swiss world number 2 now moves on to the grass court season, en route to the beginning of the next Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon. At Wimbledon, Federer will be attempting to reclaim the title he has won five times, relinquished last year to Rafael Nadal.