Novak Djokovic captured a first French Open at the 12th time of asking on Sunday, becoming just the third man in history to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time.
The world number one downed old rival Andy Murray 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to claim a 12th career Major and join Don Budge in 1938 and Rod Laver, in 1962 and 1969, as the only players to simultaneously possess the French Open, Australian Open, US Open and Wimbledon trophies.
Djokovic, 29, also put himself halfway to the calendar Grand Slam, last achieved by Laver 47 years ago.
But he did it the hard way as the final reached its conclusion, being broken in the eighth game of the fourth set as he served for the title and then squandering two Championship points in the 10th before he sealed victory when Murray netted a backhand.
"It's a very special moment, the biggest of my career," said Djokovic, one of only eight men to complete the career Grand Slam and who had lost his previous three finals in Paris.
"I felt today something that I never felt before at Roland Garros, I felt the love of the crowd."
Djokovic imitated former three-time champion Gustavo Kuerten by drawing a giant heart in the Paris clay before collapsing inside it.
"I drew the heart on the court, like Guga who gave me permission to do. My heart will always be with you on this court."
Playing in his 20th final at the majors and sixth in succession, the Serb superstar is the first man since Jim Courier in 1992 to win the Australian and French Opens back-to-back.
Victory also allowed Djokovic to stretch his winning record over 29-year-old Murray to 24-10 overall and 8-2 in Grand Slams.
Murray, the world number two and the first British man in the final in Paris since Bunny Austin in 1937, remains with two Grand Slam titles as he failed to become the first winner of the French Open since Fred Perry 81 years ago.
(REOPENS DEL 68)
The Delhi lad was fighting hard but struggled to contain unforced errors and had to save breakpoints in the sixth game for his second hold.
While Yuki was fighting it off to keep the Indian challenge alive in the tournament, a few fans rooted for Paire with the shouts of 'Lets go Paire, Let's go Paire'. Perhaps since Yuki had beaten local hero Ramkumar on Tuesday, they decided to support Paire.
Yuki had a chance to make a comeback as he had a breakpoint when Paire served for the set but the Indian hit his forehand wide. The plan was right but execution was not proper.
Some unusual unforced errors from Paire meant that he squandered three set points, serving double faults in two of them, but Paire finally took the set with an ace.
It was a decent start for Yuki in the second set as he served at love. Then he had three chances to break Paire in the second but converted none. The credit goes to the Frenchman for serving well in crisis moments.
Paire was now feeling the heat with Yuki coming up with some penetrating strokes. Yuki was down a breakpoint in the third but saved it. Frustrated to let go the chance, Paire threw his racquet when Yuki served out the game.
The Indian did not help his cause by conceding a break in the fifth as Paire opened up a 4-2 lead by holding his serve in the sixth game.
Yuki had a chance to break in that game but did not cash in on. He saved two match points in the ninth game but Paire served out the match in the next.
