French Open 2016: Garbine Muguruza shocks Serena Williams to claim her first grand slam

Garbine Muguruza claimed the first grand slam title of her career with an upset victory 7-5 6-4 over pre-match favourite Serena Williams in the final of the French Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who was beaten by the American in the 2015 Wimbledon final, produced a spectacular performance under grey skies on Philippe-Chatrier Court.

Victory for Muguruza also denied Williams, 34, a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title. The world number one was bidding to equal record set by Steffi Graf in Paris 17 years ago.

Muguruza first broke Williams' serve in the fifth game of the first set, when the American committed a double fault. Williams returned the favour in the eighth game and appeared to be reasserting herself in the match. But she again slipped up in the 12th game, thereby allowing her opponent to take the all-important first set.

The Spaniard's eye-catching form continued into the start of the second, as she broke Williams' serve at the first time of asking. Subsequently, the duo exchanged breaks of serve in the next two games as Muguruza moved towards a match-winning position.

Williams, the defending champion, managed to survive four match points in her final service game, as the young Spaniard visibly wilted under the pressure. But Muguruza calmed herself and sealed the most spectacular victory of her career in the next game, holding her serve and her nerve to clinch the title.

"I'm so, so excited - to play in a Grand Slam against one of the best players, it's the perfect final," Muguruza said during the post-match trophy presentation, according to the BBC. "I'm so happy. I had to be very ready and concentrated on all the points and just to fight as much as I can.

"All the matches I've played against her helped me. It's our favourite tournament in Spain and I want to thank all my Spanish supporters."