Tennis: Five most unexpected Grand Slam finals in the Open Era

Francesca Schiavone and Samantha Stosur pose with their trophies after their women’s singles final of the 2010 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (Getty Images)

5. Francesca Schiavone (ITA) beat Samantha Stosur (AUS) 6-4, 7-6 French Open 2010

It was a dream-come-true for the Italian veteran, who became the second oldest first-time Grand Slam winner in the Open era by defeating Australian Samantha Stosur in a match that took an hour and forty minutes.

Francesca Schiavone, a seasoned campaigner, was not the clear favourite in the final as Stosur looked the more powerful player throughout the tournament. Stosur defeated three world number 1′s – past and present – in the course of the tournament.

However, it was not meant to be.

Schiavone was the crowd’s favourite on the night and through much of the second set, failed to contain her emotions. The victory made her the first Italian to win a Grand Slam event since Adriano Panatta won the clay court slam in 1976.