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Federer Wins 1st French Open

Swiss star's victory gives him elusive career Grand Slam

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 7, 2009 10:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – The fans at Roland Garros got what they were cheering for today: not a nail-bitingly close French Open finals match, but a definitive win by Roger Federer. After years of falling just short on clay, Federer finally can claim a career Grand Slam with his 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4 triumph over Sweden's Robin Soderling, MSNBC reports.

Federer has now drawn even with Pete Sampras with 14 Grand Slam tournament wins. Under a light rain and a torrent of "Roger, Roger!" chants from the stands, he maintained a dominating serve against the upstart who toppled world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals. Federer is the fifth man to win all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Sweden's Robin Soderling reacts after missing a point to Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final match of the French Open tennis tournament.
Sweden's Robin Soderling reacts after missing a point to Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles final match of the French Open tennis tournament.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
Switzerland's Roger Federer waves after defeating Sweden's Robin Soderling at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday June 7, 2009.
Switzerland's Roger Federer waves after defeating Sweden's Robin Soderling at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday June 7, 2009.   (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after winning his first French Open title.
Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates after winning his first French Open title.   (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Switzerland's Roger Federer can't believe that he's finally conquered that last remaining goal: the French Open.
Switzerland's Roger Federer can't believe that he's finally conquered that last remaining goal: the French Open.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
kokuaguy
Jun 8, 2009 1:08 AM CDT
And Tiger won today, too. Nice guys do finish first, sometimes.

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