Ana Ivanovic won the French Open title for the first time beating Dinara Safina 6-4 6-3 to consolidate her position as the new world No.1.

Memories of her nervy capitulation at the hands of the now retired Justine Henin in last year's final were banished as she produced an array of winners from the back of the court that the tall Russian simply had no answer to.

"I feel so happy; I have no words to describe that", said the delighted champion. "Winning a Grand Slam is something I dreamt since I was a little kid, so achieving that goal is very thrilling."

Ivanovic got off to a great start, breaking Safina twice with a barrage of winners, but the plucky Russian, known for her fighting qualities having twice come back from the dead to win first against Maria Sharapova and then Elena Dementieva, fought back to 4-4. However, she then threw away all her hard work with a loose service game and the 20 year old Serb served out the set; clinching it when a Safina backhand sailed long on the second set point.

The second set was more comprehensive for Ivanovic who broke for 3-1, and this time there was no comeback for Safina who complained of tiredness afterwards. With a second break of the Russian's serve, this time to love, Ivanovic shrieked with uncontrolled delight as she knelt victorious on the terre battue. She was a Grand Slam champion and world No.1; the world her oyster.

Ivanovic's  experience as a finalist here last year and also in Australia gave her a clear advantage, but she was always aware of the threat of another thrilling Safina comeback.

"I knew she was a great fighter, and I knew I had to take any chance I had. I had a lot of chances in the first set which I didn't use. She came back, and it was 4-4. It was tough because a lot of emotions build up inside. Double break, then all of a sudden you're equal again. So to keep my composure at that point, it was huge for me."

Her victory is another huge moment for Serbian tennis, and she now joins Novak Djokovic as a Grand Slam winner.

"It was an amazing achievement for Novak to win the first Grand Slam of the year for Serbia. Going into today's final I thought of it, and I said ‘Come on. He could do it, I could do it too.' So it's something that for sure motivates, and I hope also many young kids will get inspired from us."

Andre Jones

Roland Garros

Paris