Serena Williams has won her third French Open crown thanks to a dramatic three-set triumph over Lucie Safarova.
The American now has 20 Grand Slam titles to her name following a thrilling encounter on Court Philippe Chatrier.
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Williams admitted before the match that she was struggling with flu-like symptoms, but it did not take her long to assert her dominance over the world number 13.
An early break saw Williams power into a 4-1 lead, and from there she was able to hold steady and close it out 6-3 with some ruthless serving and heavy hitting from the baseline.
Both players battled doggedly at the start of the second before the world number one converted her third break point to land the first blow.
Williams broke again soon after to open up a commanding 4-1 advantage as Safarova struggled to find the kind of form that saw her beat the likes of Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic earlier in the tournament.
However, the tables turned soon after as Safarova won four consecutive games to go 5-4 ahead. The 28-year-old was able to capitalise on a slump from Williams, fighting back emphatically to get herself back in contention.
With the contest becoming more unpredictable, Williams pulled herself together and won the next three games. Serving for the match, the American was caught out by a couple of clinical winners from Safarova, who broke again to take the set to a tie-breaker.
Safarova went on to win the breaker in resounding fashion, eventually coming through 7-6(2) to take the match to a third set.
The Czech moved into a 2-0 lead at the start of the decider as she threatened to pull away from Williams, though it was at this point that Williams turned the screw and raced towards yet another major title.
Overwhelming Safarova to win the next six games in a row, the rejuvenated American sealed a 6-3 6-7(2) 6-2 victory to get her hands on the trophy for the first time since 2013.
Jack Prescott
