TENNIS/ FRENCH OPEN: An emotional Roger Federertook particular pleasure in being able to share his victory with the last man to win the grand slam, Andre Agassi
ROBIN SODERLING hailed Roger Federer as the greatest player of all time after the Swiss completed the career Grand Slam and took his majors tally to 14 at Roland Garros yesterday.
Federer romped to victory over Soderling to clinch the only major which had eluded him in a glittering career.
The Swede, who beat Rafael Nadal and Nikolay Davydenko en route to the final, said: “I had the two best weeks of my career. Roger is a really worthy winner.
“To me he is the best player in history so he really deserves to win here at the French as well.”
When asked whether the second-set tie-break had been the turning point, he replied: “It’s tough to say, but he played better than me today.
“I had a few chances, but he came up with some extremely good shots at important moments.
“I’m still happy. I had a great tournament. Roger was too good for me today.”
Addressing Federer at the presentation ceremony, Soderling added: “You really gave me a lesson on how to play tennis today.
“For me you’re the greatest player in history so you really deserved to win this title.”
Federer told the BBC moments after his win: “The victory was a huge pressure for me today.
“It’s one of the best days of my life. Tennis is just my life.”
Federer, who was a runner-up to Nadal in each of the last three years on the Paris clay, could not contain his delight at having finally broken his Roland Garros duck.
“It’s nice to be up here on the podium as a winner this time!” he said.
“I would like to congratulate you, Robin, on an incredible tournament, you beat so many wonderful players on the way.
“It’s always hard to lose in the final, but it’s an incredible surprise.
“I hope you can keep it up for many years to come. All the best and congratulations.”
Federer joins the elite group of Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Andre Agassi as the only men to clinch all four major titles.
A tearful Federer was touched by the presence of Agassi.
“Of course I’d like to thank Andre for being here,” said the 27-year-old. “It means the world to me. We’ve had some great matches over the years. For you to be here, the last man to win all four grand slams . . . now I know what it really feels like.
“You’re a hell of a guy and I wish you all the best for your private life. It’s a pity you’re not playing any more, but I don’t miss you!”
Soderling was thrilled just to have reached the final and found time to issue a light-hearted warning to his rival after his defeat.
“You know, you beat me nine times in a row before this match, we were joking nobody can beat me 10 times in a row. We were wrong. But next time we play . . . nobody can beat me 11 times in a row, I promise you!”
