 Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 05 Jun 2010 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 05 Jun 2010 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 05 Jun 2010 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 05 Jun 2010 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 05 Jun 2010 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 05 Jun 2010 |
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| 07 Jun 2010 | |
| Fed Cup helps Schiavone's Roland Garros success |
Francesca Schiavone was crowned Roland Garros champion on Saturday, becoming the first ever Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title.
In a final that not many would have predicted at the start of the tournament, Schiavone recorded a 64 76(2) win over Samantha Stosur, another Grand Slam final debutante.
“I prepared the final mentally and tactically very good,” explained Schiavone. “I was so concentrate on my serve… just to feel my play and try to be aggressive as much as I could.”
“For me is an honour to be champion and to be a person that maybe someone can take like example.”
Schiavone began her campaign by battling past Regina Kulikova 57 63 64 in the first round, but proceeded to win her next six matches without losing a set as she marched to glory in Paris. Each victory was marked with a trademark kiss of the famous red clay.
Schiavone is now expected to join compatriot Flavia Pennetta in the world’s Top 10 when the new rankings are released on 7 June, the first time Italy has had two female players at this level.
’Fed Cup helped me to play good’, says Schiavone
Corrado Barazzutti would have been a happy spectator on Saturday. The Italian Fed Cup captain is taking his team, spearheaded by Schiavone and Pennetta, to USA in November for the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final.
“We can be an amazing team,” said Schiavone, speaking after defeating Stosur. “Now is the moment, maybe, to go to USA and try to win another trophy.”
The tie is a repeat of last year’s Final, when Italy comprehensively triumphed 4-0 on clay in Reggio Calabria. The home advantage this time, however, will be with the Americans. The venue and all-important choice of surface are due to be announced next week.
Schiavone is a Fed Cup stalwart. She played in both of Italy’s title-winning teams, in 2006 and 2009, and is quick to point out the impact the competition has had on her individual career and this year's memorable run at Roland Garros.
“For sure, Fed Cup helped me to play good, better," revealed the Italian. "Everything is good.”
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