The Hindu : Front Page : Federer completes career Grand Slam

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Monday, Jun 08, 2009
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Federer completes career Grand Slam

S.Ram Mahesh

— Photo: AP

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: Roger Federer is overcome with emotion after winning his first French Open title. The Swiss master defeated Sweden’s Robin Soderling in straight sets in Paris on Sunday to complete a career Grand Slam and equal Pete Sampras’ record of 14 majors.

CHENNAI: Having already established himself in the pantheon of tennis greats, Roger Federer furthered a persuasive case to be considered the greatest ever when he won his maiden French Open title, defeating Sweden’s Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 in Paris on Sunday.

In claiming the only Grand Slam that had long eluded him – Rafael Nadal had outplayed Federer in three consecutive finals – the 27-year-old accomplished two feats of extraordinary significance. Not only did Federer equal Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major championships less than seven years after the great American set it, he also became only the sixth man to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi are the others to have triumphed at least once at each of tennis’ four most prestigious tournaments. Incidentally, Agassi watched the history-making triumph on clay from the stands of Court Philippe Chatrier before presenting Federer the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

Sampras, who watched Federer’s feat on TV at home in Los Angeles, said: “Now that he’s won Paris, I think it just more solidifies his place in history as the greatest player that played the game, in my opinion.”

Playing his fourth successive Roland Garros final, Federer got off to an authoritative start breaking Soderling’s serve in the first game. Taking advantage of his opponent’s unforced errors and maintaining a high level of play, Federer ran away with the first set in 23 minutes.

Soderling mounted stiff resistance in the second set, forcing it into a tie-break. But Federer shifted up a gear, serving aces at will to take the tie-break 7-1 for a two-sets-to-love lead.

Federer then broke Soderling in the first game of the third set to gain the decisive edge. Although he faced breakpoints for the first time in the match in the third set, he held firm to close the contest on his first match point.

“It might be the greatest victory of my career,” said Federer.

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