French Open: Schiavone accomplishes 'Italian Job'.

Schiavone with the French open trophy

With a performance of her lifetime, Francesca Schiavone became the first ever Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title by beating Samantha Stosur 6-4, 7-6 (2) in the final at Roland Garros on Saturday. With this victory, Schiavone (pronounced Ski-ah-vo-nae) became the oldest woman to win a first Grand Slam title since Ann Jones at Wimbledon in 1969 at age 30. Also, She became the first Italian Grand Slam champion since Adriano Panatta won the French Open men’s title in 1976.

Stosur went into the match as favourite after beating three current or former No1s – Justine Henin, Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic. but she had no answer to Schiavone’s timed charges to the net and her steady work over of Stosur’s weak spot, the backhand. Schiavone wrapped up the first set 6-4 where Stosur never looked at her best. But, in the second set, while leading 4-1, Stosur blew it up and the set went into a tiebreak. Here, Schiavone, once again proved that it was her day andnone could take the crown away from her. After 98 minutes, Stosur shanked a shot, and the moment of glory came for the Italian.

Later while collecting the Suzanne Lenglen Cup from all time great Martian Navratilova, Schiavone won the hearts of the spectators with a speech of touching sincerity. “I didn’t prepared nothing. If I prepare something in the future, it never happen. I have to say something. I watch every final of this tournament and I know what the big champions say, so I thank everybody here.”, she said. Stosur who too was aiming too end the Australian drought and become first ever champion since Margaret Court in 1973, broke into tears. “Well done Franc,” said Stosur. “You played a great tournament and good luck for the rest of the year.” Schiavone, seeded 17th also became the first woman since 1933, to win a French Open being seeded outside the top 10.

The Italian champ was very frank when asked about her celebration plans. She said, she plans to celebrate her crown with a French champagne though she also mentioned that she had tried it for the first time here only. So, this is a moment to cherish for all the Italians.

Now with this crown, can she inspire the football team to bring back the cup back home again?