Posted on 06/05/2010 8:06:33 AM PDT by mlizzy
Francesca Schiavone defied all odds and became the first Italian Grand Slam singles champion by defeating the Australian powerhouse Samantha Stosur in the final of the 2010 French Open, the year's second major being held in the historic Roland Garros.
Schiavone started the match on a good note and kept avoiding any breaks of serve against her till the ninth game when Stosur lost serve and gave the Italian a chance to seal the opening set 6-4.
Stosur made a mini-comeback to race to a formidable 4-1 lead in the second set which was soon squandered by Schiavone's strong baseline game. As the set went into a deciding tie-break, Schiavone took matters into her own hands and completed the straight sets 6-4, 7-6(2) victory for the biggest prize of her sporting career.
Francesca Schiavone is 29 years old and from Italy. The Italian women have *never* won any of the four majors in tennis, so she is beyond excited. She is enormously likable (great personality!), and what an infectious smile! Her net play is so much fun to watch. Plaudits to her. Schiavone’s opponent, Samantha Stosur, played well, and is as strong/fit a tennis player as I’ve ever seen. She’ll no doubt be back (playing a semi/final) soon. Nadal and Soderling meet up for the men’s final tomorrow.
NOT GUILTY.
Anybody watching? You bet! Great moment for Schiavone, Italy and tennis! Well done, young lady!
Great moment for Schiavone, Italy and tennis! Well done, young lady!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.