Federer wins first French Open title

Roger Federer has beaten Robin Soderling in straight sets to win his first French Open title and becomes only the 6th man in history to win all four Grand Slam tournaments.

Despite wet conditions in Paris, Federer took only one hour and 55 minutes to beat Sweden's Soderling in straight sets 6-1, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4.

Federer had lost the last three French Open finals to current number one, Rafael Nadal. However, Soderling, seeded 23, knocked out the Spaniard in the fourth round of the tournament.

The Swiss player has now equalled Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles and was relieved after the match that he had not given in to the pressure that came with the occasion.

"It was probably my greatest victory, I was under big pressure. I did it and it's phenomenal. It was great to be on the podium as a winner for a change. It takes away so much pressure. Now, I can play in peace for the rest of my career.

Fred Perry, Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver and Andre Agassi are the only other men to have won all four Grand Slam titles. After the match, Agassi presented the Coupe des Mousquetaires cup to Federer and the new champion was clearly touched that the former player had made it to the game.

"That he gives me the trophy, it's too much, it was very nice of him to come here this year. He told me it seems like it's destiny for you, you deserve it."

Federer has now beaten Soderling 10 times in a row and Soderling declared that he'd been beaten " by the best player in history."

"Roger was too good for me today, he played much better. He is a worthy winner he gave me a lesson in how to play tennis."

Federer has now won five Wimbledon titles, five US Opens, three Australian Opens and one French Open.