Paris: On this day 2009, Roger Federer won 2009 French Open to complete career Grand Slam. After three consecutive runner-up finishes to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Roger Federer stood victorious to script his name in the history books.
The Swiss maestro claimed his only Roland Garros title to date by beating Robin Soderling in straight sets 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4, sealing what was at that time a 15th Grand Slam crown.
The final saw an unidentified supporter run on to the court to try and place a hat on the head of Federer before being tackled by security.
Soderling struggled to discover his best form in the early stages, as Federer charged through the first set after 23 minutes. Steady drizzle knocked Federer’s rhythm in the second set, as Soderling began to reduce his unforced error count and find success on his serve.
A tie-break was needed to separate the pair and, it was there that Federer stretched his advantage. With three aces and multiple winners, Federer cruised into a 6/1 lead. The second seed landed the fourth ace to claim the second set in emphatic fashion, as the French crowd roared in unison.
Into the third set, breaking Soderling in the opening game. Federer maintained that advantage to serve for the title at 5-4 and, after saving a break point, the Swiss claimed his maiden Roland Garros crown 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4 with a powerful serve into Soderling’s forehand.
In his 11th appearance at the clay-court Grand Slam championship, the Basel native had finally joined the exclusive club of Career Grand Slam winners.
