Who became the first Italian woman to win a singles major at the 2010 French Open?

Francesca Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a singles major when she captured the 2010 French Open.

Schiavone defeated Australia’s Samantha Stosur in the final, 6–4, 7–6. The victory was her first major singles title and made her the first Italian woman to win one. She entered the tournament as the 17th seed and rose into the world’s top 10 after the triumph.

The championship was notable beyond Schiavone’s nationality. She became the first woman in the Open Era to win the French Open without being a top-10 seed. The final also matched two players seeking their first major singles crown, and Schiavone’s one-handed backhand stood out in an era increasingly dominated by two-handed backhands.

The other Italian names in the options achieved important careers but not this exact milestone. Roberta Vinci and Flavia Pennetta later won major doubles titles, while Sara Errani reached major singles and doubles finals. Pennetta eventually won the 2015 US Open singles title, but Schiavone reached the landmark first.