The Iron Lady Completes Career Slam

She came into Roland Garros with one thing on her mind: to conquer the crown. While most of her rivals crumbled under pressure, Maria Sharapova kept her composure and, after a fortnight of sensational tennis, she achieved her mission, becoming the 2012 French Open champion.

While many were questioning her ability to perform well on clay, the Russian produced a stunning clay-court campaign this season which saw her collect titles in Stuttgart and Rome, silencing thus some of the critics. Nevertheless, the biggest test was still ahead of her, as she never made it passed the semifinals in Paris. 

Maria was unreachable early on though, dropping just 5 games to reach the last 16th. Things got a bit tigher when trying to secure a quarterfinal berth, as she had to overcome what ended up being her toughest challenge, i.e. the stiff resistence of Czech Klara Zakopalova, the only player who managed to 'steal' her a set. It was game on from there onwards though, as Sharapova brough her A-level when it mattered most, easily disposing the likes of Kaia Kanepi in the quarterfinals and Petra Kvitova in the semis. 

Having secured a final showdown with Italian sensation, Sara Errani, the Russian sealed her return to the top of the rankings, as she is set to become the new number 1 as of Monday, June 11th. Nevertheless, never one to settle for less, Sharapova just couldn't let such an opportunity go by. Fuelled by her immense determination, she overpowered Errani in a one-sided encounter, obtaining one of the sweetest victories of her career and completing thus her Grand Slam collection.

Having emerged on the scene so early with ther sensational Wimbledon triumph at the age of 16th, Maria Sharapova has definitely had her share of trials and tribulations. However, she managed to bounce back after the major shoulder injury that threatened to end her career and, today, she has fully regained her place atop of the women's tennis. With a new Slam and the number 1 position under her belt, the Russian looks set to add many more successes in the years to come.

If on court she is the epitome of focus and determination, after sealing the French Open title, the Russian let out all her emotion. She celebrated her success like a genuine champion, charmed the crowd with her French and looked very much like the happiest woman on the WTA tour.

photos: GETTY IMAGES