In a confident display of passionate and aggressive tennis, the Italian 29-year old defeated Samantha Stosur in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(2) to become the first Italian female to win a major championship in the Open Era.
It was a memorable victory for Schiavone, who won the biggest title of her veteran career seemingly out of the blue in Paris. Seeded seventeenth in the women’s draw, prior to this week Schiavone had never even appeared in a Grand Slam semifinal.
“I felt amazing today. I feel like a champion,” said Schiavone during the trophy presentation. “I’m really happy today.”
At the age of 29 years, 11 months, 14 days, Schiavone is the oldest first time Grand Slam champion on the WTA Tour since Ann Jones won Wimbledon in 1969.
After beating three former world number ones in a row (Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic), Stosur was considered to be the favorite in the championship, but could not match Schiavone’s skill on court today.
“She played extremely well and never really let me get into my full groove,” Stosur told NBC Sports afterward. “I thought I played quite well, but she was just a little better today.”
As a result of her success at the French Open, Schiavone will leap into the Top 10 (from No. 17) when the rankings are released on Monday and debut at No. 6. Stosur will remain ranked at No. 7.
Sunny nine-formerly Sunny-someone on another blog has my name.
It was a very good match despite the fact that it only went two sets. Both played well but one played better. It wasn’t a blow-out. That I enjoyed. The difference in looking at the statistics was the unforced errors of Stosur(their winners were within 1-so close) and net percentage. They had the exact same first serve percentage. There was moments of nerves on both sides but as the match went on, Schiavone became more fearless. It was great to see the Open go to another all-court, variety player such as Henin in the old days. With that kind of game and a good serve, height doesn’t matter. Footwork, speed does. Schiavone was able to neutralize the weapons of Stosur. Enjoyable. Sometimes I have a personal favorite in a final. But this time I just sat back, relaxed and enjoyed a good match!
I was at the Roland Garros for most of last week – watched Stosur working out (great work ethic) and was so pleased to finally see her rise to her real level of ability. I was pleased as well to finally see two real athletes meaning fit, corrdinated, skilled women who have a feel for the ball at the net and baseline. These two women also understand the use of angles on the court. The rest of them with the exception of Henin all just hit the ball as hard as heck in a linear fashion – boring to say the least and not that skillful at all. Well done girls – you may have just saved women’s tennis viewership! JE Sleeth
Jane,
Enjoyed your comment!