PARIS (France): Rafael Nadal won the French Open at Roland-Garros for an unprecedented 13th time by crushing world No.1 Novak Djokovic.
The victory elevated him level with Roger Federer’s all-time mark of 20 major titles.
The Spaniard delivered one of his finest performances against arguably his toughest rival to prevail 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 on Sunday.
It was his 100th match-win on the clay in Paris and his 27th victory from 56 showdowns with the Serb.
Victory lifted Nadal to tie Federer’s record Grand Slam haul, the feat achieved in two hours and 42 minutes. It was the first time the 34-year-old had drawn level with the Swiss great’s tally.
“A very tough year but a win here means everything to me. It’s not the moment, honestly not for me, I don’t think today being the 20th, equalling Roger on this great number,” Nadal said.
“For me today this is just a Roland-Garros victory. Roland-Garros means everything to me. I’ve spent the most important moments, or most of the most important moments in my tennis career [here], no doubt about that… For me just playing here is a true inspiration and the love story I have with this city and with this court is unforgettable.”
Djokovic was again bidding to become the first man in the Open Era to win each of the four majors twice. It was his first defeat from his past six major finals, but his fourth in a Roland-Garros title decider.
It marked the first time Nadal had beaten Djokovic in a Grand Slam final since Roland-Garros 2014 and edged his nose in front 5-4 on their head-to-head ledger for major finals.
“What you’re doing on this court is unbelievable, not just this court, throughout your entire career you’ve been a great champion,” Djokovic said. “Today you showed why you’re King of the Clay. I’ve experienced it in my own skin.”
(Source: RolandGarros.com)
