Now we can all say Federer has achieved everything. The career grand slam. Tying Pete Sampras's 14 grand slam record. He can now be legitimately be called the greatest player of all time.
Roger Federer def. Robin Soderling 6-1, 7-6 (1), 6-4
The “greatest of all time” debate goes on endlessly in every sport, but in tennis, the debate is over. One can’t compare players of previous generations, and there’s no doubt that a player like Federer owes a lot to the greats who came before him (they served as his models). There’s no argument about this, however: No tennis player has dominated the game as convincingly (and with such artistry) as Federer. We might never see anyone do it again.
11:35: Federer tells McEnroe this is “the most satisfying victory” of his life.
11:29: Federer also thanks all the legends of tennis and the fans, who fervently backed him these past two weeks. The rain is coming down now–good thing they finished this match earlier.
11:27: Federer, speaking in French, basically says, “It’s nice to win for once.” Indeed.
11:26: Soderling started off great with his speech (some humor), but he’s going on too long. The crowd wants Federer…
11:19: Fitting that Andre Agassi will present the winner’s trophy to Federer. Ten years ago, Agassi won his first French Open to complete a career Slam. When he lost to Federer in the 2005 U.S. Open, he called Federer the greatest player he had ever seen. Four years later, there is no doubt. Federer has never looked happier, and at the same time, never more relieved. After four years of crumbling against Nadal, first in the semifinals and then three straight years in the final, Federer has reached the peak.
11:10: It’s over, Roger Federer is the French Open champion, and the greatest player in the history of the game. He drops to the court in tears. NBC’s broadcasters have gone silent; a classy way to handle this historic moment.
Let the photos do the talking.
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