French Open Women's Final: Finally, a Good Match

In the midst of a women's tour that has been fraught with inconsistent play, double faults, and doubtful service games, Francesca Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a Slam in the Open era in a close, well-played match that was decided by one break of serve and one tie break.

Schiavone (all of 5 foot 5) won by handling Samantha Stosur's wicked kick serve better than either Justine Henin or Serena Williams, and, unlike Jelena Jankovic, Schiavone did not let Stosur take over every point with her crushing forehands. Schiavone also had a brilliant serve, hitting it hard and fast and out-acing the "second best server" Stosur.

In all, this was a really good match for both players and was well-played (Finally!) on both ends; something that hasn't happened at the French Open Women's Final in.... well, I don't remember. But it's been a while. And even though I am a big fan of Stosur's, Schiavone, at 29, pulled off upset after upset by playing fearlessly and flawlessly in what she must know might be her best (and only) chance at a major women's tennis title, which Italy hasn't had at all since the 1950s.