Federer wins French Open

By lifting the Coupe de Mousquetaires, Federer - who has lost just one set to Soderling in 10 meetings - became only the sixth men's player to win all four of the Slams and equalled Pete Sampras's 14 Major victories.

"It was really not easy to deal with my emotions," said 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 world number two raced through the opening set in just 23 minutes as Soderling's nerves sent his unforced error count rocketing.

A double fault from Soderling to concede the opening game was just the beginning of the Swede's problems in the first set as he was also broken again in the third game, when Federer produced a forehand service return winner, and in the seventh game, when Federer sealed the set with a backhand down the line.

The second set was more competitive as Soderling regained his confidence, helped by a small lapse in concentration from Federer after a man ran on to the Philippe Chatrier Court and approached the Swiss.

The man, wearing Swiss colours and carrying a red and black hat and flag, first tried to put the hat on Federer before leaping over the net towards Soderling.

He was soon tackled by Roland Garros security officers and carried off the court.

Federer promptly lost three points in a row and Soderling held to love, but he recovered quickly as both players continued to hold to force the tie-break.

The world number two re-established his dominance in the breaker though, firing down three aces before setting up five set points with an inch-perfect forehand drop shot.

Federer sealed the set at his first attempt once again, firing down another ace out wide.

The Swiss extended his lead by breaking in the opening game of the third set when Soderling hit wide, before easing to victory in less than two hours.

Federer suffered a small blip when serving out for the set and missed a forehand long, but once again he recovered quickly and went on to close out the match on his first attempt when Soderling hit a forehand wide.

"To me, he is the best player in history," the Swede said after a teary Federer received a standing ovation from the 15,000-strong crowd.