Tennis

Schiavone becomes first Italian woman to win Grand Slam title

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-06 09:03

Schiavone becomes first Italian woman to win Grand Slam title

Francesca Schiavone of Italy poses with her trophy after winning the women's final against Samantha Stosur of Australia during their women's final at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris June 5, 2010.[Agencies]

PARIS - Francesca Schiavone became the first ever Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title as the 29-year-old defeated Samantha Stosur from Australia 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the women's singles final at the French Open on Saturday.

"I felt amazing today. I feel like a real champion," Schiavone said in front of a cheerful crowd.

In the semifinals on Thursday, the 17th seed Schiavone won the first set 7-6 (3) before the fifth seed Elena Dementieva from Russia chose to withdraw from the match due to injury. Schiavone then became the first Italian woman reaching a Grand Slam final.

Facing a strong rival who had knocked out four-time French Open champion Justin Henin, top seed Serena Williams and the fourth seed Jelena Jankovic in a row to the final, Schiavone kept aggressive all along. She took a vital 5-4 lead when Stosur double faulted, then grabbed victory in the first set 6-4.

Schiavone suffered service break first in the second set, but managed to claw back in the seventh game. Then the Italian veteran dominated the tiebreak to wrap it up 7-2.