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Maria Sharapova blasted her way to victory over Sara Errani in the French Open final to become the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam.
Sharapova, 25, claimed a one-sided 6-3 6-2 win to add to the Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open titles from earlier in her career.
The Russian overwhelmed her Italian opponent, who was playing in her first Grand Slam singles final.
Sharapova’s run in Paris has also moved her top of the women’s rankings.
At a time when the women’s game is lacking a dominant and consistent figure, Sharapova provided more evidence that she is capable of filling that vacuum.
Since she was last world number one in June 2008, the top ranking has been held by eight different players and exchanged hands on 15 occasions, while the last six Grand Slams have been won by six different women.
Sharapova produced a display of power and precision which will now see her head into Wimbledon as a strong favourite.
She and Errani had never met before and, while the Russian was the clear favourite, her opponent posed a threat having won three clay court tournaments coming into the French Open.
The red stuff can be a great leveller for the guile of a player to cancel out the muscle of a more bigger rival and the 5ft 5ins Errani was hoping that would be the case against the 6ft 2ins Sharapova.
