Inspired Federer ends long wait for French title

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Roger Federer swept past Swede Robin Soderling 6-1 7-6 6-4 to clinch his first French Open title on Sunday and complete the full set of grand slam crowns.

The Swiss equalled Pete Sampras's record of 14 grand slams, becoming only the sixth man to win all four major tournaments after sealing victory in just under two hours.

"It was really not easy to deal with my emotions," said the 27-year-old Federer, who lost to world number one Rafael Nadal in the three previous finals.

"It might be the greatest victory of my career."

The 23rd-seeded Soderling had ended Nadal's four-year reign on the Paris clay in the fourth round.

"To me, he is the best player in history," the Swede said.

Federer, the second man after Andre Agassi to win all four grand slam titles on all surfaces, started the match confidently by racing into a 4-0 lead.

Soderling held serve for 4-1 but Federer, who had never lost to Soderling in nine previous matches, kept up the pressure and clinched the first set on the Swede's serve with a crosscourt passing shot.