Capriati's delight is infectious

But Capriati's win over Clijsters, which included the longest deciding set in the history of women's tennis at Roland Garros, more than made up for that.

The joy of Capriati and Kuerten was mirrored by the disappointment of Pete Sampras and Martina Hingis, who once again missed out on the only Grand Slam title to elude them.

Britain can take some heart from the performances of Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, however, even if both fell in the first week.

The pair won tricky matches they might have lost in years gone by, and will be optimistic going in to Wimbledon.

Mention too must go to Andy Roddick, who showed the potential which one day may see him step into the shoes of Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras as the standard bearer of American tennis.

Suffering from cramp, he pulled off an amazing fifth-set win over Michael Chang, with serves so powerful they almost knocked the 1989 winner clean off his feet.

Battle of the Belgians

Belgium will certainly remember this year's tournament with the success of Clijsters and Justine Henin, but few here will forget their fans.

They had plenty to shout about, and that they did, both in the all Belgian semi-final, and in Clijsters' brave challenge in the final.

Red, gold and black tricolors were everywhere, on flags, hats, scarves and faces, and the tournament would not have been the same without their noise and colour.

But, if anything, Guga's fans were louder, bedecked in the obligatory Brazil shirt and cheering every sublime touch.

The French fans, meanwhile, were not slow to show their appreciation - or their disapproval for that matter.

Hingis suffered when she threw a tantrum after losing the 1999 final to Steffi Graf, and despite the Swiss' best efforts, the crowds have still not quite forgiven her.

And Roland Garros itself and its beautiful red clay courts will also live long in the memory.