The sixth-seeded Myskina breezed past No. 9 Dementieva 6-1, 6-2 in less than an hour to become the first Russian woman ever to win a Grand Slam tennis title.
"It's a Grand Slam. It's a French Open against my friend," Myskina said. "It's too much going on for me right now."
Anastasia Myskina is the first Russian woman to win a Grand Slam championship. (CP Photo)
Dementieva looked out of sorts Saturday, piling up 10 double faults and 33 unforced errors. Her serve was unreliable and shaky, as she lost her first four service games and won only two in the match.
Dementieva uncorked her final error of the afternoon, a long forehand on championship point, to secure the win for Myskina.
"It was the dream of my life to win Roland Garros, and it's a shame that I lost today," said Dementieva, who admitted to being nervous in her first career Grand Slam final.
"I hope to come back and win next year."
Myskina had a subdued celebration by Grand Slam standards, perhaps out of respect for Dementieva, her friend since childhood. The two players embraced at the net before Myskina raised her hands to acknowledge the French crowd.
The 22-year-old Myskina entered the 2004 French Open with a 1-4 career record at Roland Garros. However, upsets over Venus Williams and former champion Jennifer Capriati set up Saturday's date with Dementieva.
Myskina will move up to No. 3 in the world when the WTA releases its new rankings on Monday.
Myskina earned $1.02 million US for Saturday's triumph, while Dementieva received $510,000.
The all-Argentine men's final between Guillermo Coria and Gaston Gaudio is scheduled for Sunday.
with files from Canadian Press
