Making History: The 2012 Roland Garros French Open

Paris - Roland Garros - Singles's Championships

Rafael Nadal (Spain, No. 2) defeated Novak Djokovic (Serbia, No. 1) in four rain-soaked sets over two days, 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to win the men's single's trophy at Roland Garros. 

It was Nadal's 7th title at the French Open - a record which beats Bjorn Borg's previous record of 6 titles on the famous red clay in Paris. 

It was also Nadal's 11th Grand Slam title, moving him to fourth on the all-time list, tying him with Borg and Rod Laver. 

"This tournament is, for me, the most special tournament of the world," said Nadal.

Djokovic remarked afterwards, "He's definitely the best player in history on this surface, and the results are showing that he is one of the best-ever players to play this game."

On the women's side, Maria Sharapova (Russia, No. 2), defeated Sara Errani (Italy, No. 21) in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2 to win the women's single's championship, her first ever Roland Garros title. 

With the win, she moves into World No. 1 rank, and also made tennis history - becoming only the 10th woman to achieve the "career" Grand Slam, winning each of the four majors in her career.

Working her way from shoulder surgery in 2008, she re-committed herself to the highest levels of the game. 

"I could have said, 'I don't need this. I have money; I have fame; I have victories; I have Grand Slams.' But when your love for something is bigger than all those things, you continue to get up in the morning when it's freezing outside . . . you can achieve great things."

Congratulations to all the winners, players, fans and supporters at the 2012 Roland Garros French Open.

See you next year!
Gary