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Serena rules over Sharapova, Edmund British joy

Serena Williams has not lost to Maria Sharapova since 2004 © Getty Images

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Serena class above the rest

Is there any stopping Serena Williams?

This was the question posed to Maria Sharapova before the final, and this has been a question many have struggled to find the answer to over the last year, as Williams has brushed opponents to one side with consummate ease en route to winning three of the last four grand slams.

Though Sharapova lost in straight sets on Saturday to Williams in the French Open final, the Russian put up a brave defence of her crown in going down 6-4 6-4, and could not have played any more aggressive than she did.

Williams in her 20th grand slam final collected a 16th triumph, and the world No. 1 stepped up at crucial times to get the better of Sharapova.

So Sharapova got close to beating Williams, and can the American be thwarted ahead of Wimbledon?

Losing run for Maria continues

When Sharapova defeated Williams in the Wimbledon final of 2004 as a fresh-faced 17-year-old, Williams has been bitter ever since.

Saturday's win at the French Open meant it was a 13th straight victory for Williams over Sharapova in a run stretching nine years.

Sharapova is certainly paying the price for that win.

Something for the Brits to cheer about

When Heather Watson exited the French Open in the first round, Britain were without a player in the second round of either singles draw for the first time in six years.

However, Kyle Edmund ensured there was to be some success for Britain as the country prepares to host Wimbledon at the end of the month, as the 18-year-old won the boys' doubles title with Frederico Ferreira Silva on Saturday.

Edmund and his Portuguese partner claimed victory at last year's US Open, and the pair were 6-3 6-3 winners over Christian Garin and Nicolas Jarry.

"I feel very happy that we were able to win. It's a nice feeling to win at any level but after our win at the US Open it's great to be able to do it again at Roland Garros," Edmund, who has been given a wildcard to compete at the Aegon Championships next week, said.

"With a quarter-final in the singles and a win in the doubles, it feels like a good week. I always like to play on clay and I've always wanted to have success on clay, but for me and my partner to be able to follow up our win in New York with victory here on a different surface just shows how well we play together."

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