Ruthless Rafael Nadal Secures French Open La Decima With Magical Win Over Wawrinka - UBITENNIS

Ruthless Rafael Nadal Secures French Open La Decima With Magical Win Over Wawrinka

By Adam Addicott
7 Min Read
Rafael Nadal (zimbio.com)

It was an outstanding performance for an historic achievement by Rafael Nadal as he brushed aside Stan Wawrinka 6-2, 6-3, 6-1, to become the first ever player to win a tenth French Open title.

Few could doubt Nadal’s form going into the final after he dropped just 29 games on route. Nevertheless, it was expected that the unpredictable Wawrinka was the one player that could trouble him. The expectation failed to occur as the 31-year-old hit a total of 27 winners and dominated his opponent during the majority of the rallies to become the first man aged over 30 to win a 15th major title. The relentless and audacity of Nadal’s play made the third best player in the world look somewhat ordinary.

“It’s really unbelievable. To win my tenth (title in Roland Garros) is incredible, it is very very special. I would like to thank everybody today. I’m very emotional.” The champion said following the win.
“The feeling I have here (in Roland Garros) is impossible to describe compared to other places.” He added.

On what was a crucial day for both men playing on Court Philippe Chatrier, nerves were visible from the onset. Nadal was bidding to become the first player in the Open Era to win the same grand slam event for a tenth time. Meanwhile, Wawrinka was aiming to become only the second man in history to win their first four grand slam finals after Roger Federer.

As the nerves resulted in a series of errors from both, it was Nadal that appeared the more consistent and settled of the two. In only his second service game, Wawrinka was forced to save a quartet of break points to level 2-2 with the Spaniard. It wasn’t long before the Swiss buckle under Nadal’s intensity, hitting a backhand into the net and allowing him to break for 4-2. With the Spaniard in control of the match, the superiority of his shot-making secured set point after just 40 minutes of play. The lead was then sealed following error No.17 from the Swiss.

Muscling his way through, Nadal continued to bully Wawrinka around the court with the help of his swift and deep shots. The performance drew admiration from the French crowd and moved Wawrinka, a three-time grand slam champion, to the brink of despair. This was illustrated when Wawrinka was seen trying to eat a tennis ball as he dropped his serve to love at the start of set number two.

Even Wawrinka’s signature backhand shot failed to derail the Nadal party. The fourth seed was a wall that refused to be broken, as he returned some impressive angle shots from his opponent back with extra interest. It wasn’t just Nadal’s defensive play on fire, his serving was also pivotal. On route to a 6-2, 5-2, lead he dropped just three points behind his first serve. Securing the two-sets lead was a walk in the park as a Nadal serve was too much for Wawrinka to handle, who received a warning for racket abuse on the previous point.

Charging towards the Roland Garros finish line, a forehand winner into the corner of the court secured Nadal an early break at the start of the third. It was only a matter of time before the ‘La Decima’ dream became a reality. Even 0-30 down in one of his service games, Nadal conjured up some magic to hold. In contrast, Wawrinka struggled to hold, firing a forehand beyond the baseline to secure a double break for 4-1 in Nadal’s favour. The emphatic victory was secured a fraction over the two-hour mark when an attempted drop-shot from Wawrinka backfired, prompting Nadal to fall to the floor.

Relishing in his latest triumph in Paris, a somewhat emotional Nadal paid tribute to the tournament. He is the first fourth seeded player to win the trophy since his maiden achievement in 2005 and has now won 79 out of 81 matches played at the tournament.

“For me the nerves, the adrenaline, I feel when I play this is impossible compare to another feeling.” He explained.
“It is the most important event in my career without a doubt. To win again here is something I can not describe.”

Wawrinka pays tribute

A bitterly disappointed Wawrinka hailed his opponent following their match. The rocky performance of the Swiss player saw him produce 29 unforced errors, more than two-times that of Nadal.

“Rafa, I have nothing to say about today. You were too good. You are a great example and it’s always been an honour to play against you. Congrats on your career, to you and your team.” Said Wawrinka.

Following the loss, the 32-year-old has also missed out of the No.2 position, which would have been a new high in his career.

During the trophy presentation, there was a feeling of nostalgia around the court with a video showing all ten of Nadal’s wins. It was a moment that will be embedded in the Spaniards memory for as long as he lives.

“It’s difficult to talk today but the only thing I can say is thank you. For me to be here for many years is difficult to describe. I come back and see people I have a good relationship with and it’s very special.” Said 10-time French Open champion Nadal.
“It’s difficult for me to compare this to any other event. You are always going to be in my heart.”

Securing 2.1 million euros in Prize Money, Nadal will rise to second in the world when the rankings are published on Monday. It will be his highest position since October 2014.

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