Gaudio in A France Trance

Unseeded Gaston Gaudio fought back from two sets down and saved two match points before edging past fellow-Argentine Guillermo Coria 0-6, 3-...

Unseeded Gaston Gaudio fought back from two sets down and saved two match points before edging past fellow-Argentine Guillermo Coria 0-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 8-6 to win the French Open on Sunday.

Coria had dominated the opening two sets of the first all-Argentine final in Grand Slam history but he was struck down by cramps in the fourth set, which allowed his opponent back into the contest.

Although the fifth set was a tense battle of nerves, Gaudio had the final say after three hours and 31 minutes.

Story continues below this ad

“Since I was a kid, this was a dream for me but now that I’m here, it’s just too much for me and I don’t know what to say,” a stunned Gaudio told the Centre Court crowd.

“I was so scared in the first two sets but because of all the crowd support, I came back and was able to fight a little bit more.

“Coria played unbelievable tennis for the two weeks, I’m sure he’s going to get it next year.”

Gaudio, ranked 44th in the world, became the second Argentine to win at Roland Garros, 27 years after Guillermo Vilas.

Story continues below this ad

“I want to thank Guillermo Vilas because it’s thanks to him that we both started to play,” Gaudio said after being presented the Musketeers Cup by the 1977 winner and American John McEnroe.

Coria had entered the final showdown as the overwhelming favourite having lost just once in his previous 38 matches on the surface following his surprise defeat by Martin Verkerk at the French Open semi-finals last year. (Reuters)

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India2 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog