Sublime Federer writes his name into record books

ROGER Federer produced a impeccable display to capture his 14th Grand Slam victory and carve his name into the annals of history.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: Roger Federer finally gets his hands on the winner's trophy at Roland Garros

The world number two was flawless in his straight-sets victory over 23rd seed Robin Soderling and raced to a 6-1, 7-6, 6-4 victory to lift the French Open for the first time.

Federer sunk to his knees and kissed the red-dirt at Roland Garros - for three years his enemy as he had lost the previous three finals in Paris to Rafael Nadal - as he became only the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam.

He also equals Pete Sampras' record of winning 14 Grand Slams and on this form it will take something very special to deny him a 15th at Wimbledon next month. 

The former world number one was far from his best in the early rounds in Paris and was twice taken to five sets - by Tommy Haas in the last 16 and Juan Martin Del Potro in the semi final.

Federer's name has been on the trophy in the eyes of his adoring public ever since Nadal was dumped out by Soderling but it appeared he was doing his best to throw away his best chance to get his hands on the one that got away.

But against Soderling he was sublime. The liquid forehand was like quicksilver - the panache was back with a bang. 

It was Federer's 19th Grand Slam final and Soderling's first and the Swiss ace used all his experience to grab the early advantage.

Guessing his relatively inexperienced opponent would be nervous, Federer put the Swede in to serve first.

Sure enough, the 23rd seed double-faulted to lose his first game and looked no better as he lost serve again minutes later.

Although Soderling managed to hold his third service game, he showed no sign of breaking Federer and the world number two raced through the first set in 23 minutes.

The damp conditions were exactly what Soderling didn't want as the pace of his booming forehand - no doubt his biggest weapon - was drastically reduced, allowing Federer to reach shots that would have been sure-fire winners earlier in the week.

Nevertheless, the 23rd seed steadied himself and looked more composed, and after a serve-dominated set without a single break point, the two contested a tie-break.

But Federer had saved his best for the breaker, securing set point with the newest string to his bow, the forehand drop shot, before sealing it with a trademark ace.

Soderling was shaken by Federer's change of tempo and the Swiss maestro took advantage of a brief lapse in his opponent's concentration to take an early break in the third set.

And try as he might, the Swede could not make an impression in his opponent's serve, Federer looking the image of calmness - as though the heartbreak he had suffered on this very court 12 months ago had never happened.

The 23rd seed held his nerve to force Federer to serve for the set and although the world number two faced a break point at 30-40, it was the Swiss master's day and three short points later, Federer was French Open champion.