World No.1 Rafael Nadal has become the first man in history to win the same grand slam title 11 times after defeating Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-3, 6-2, in the final of the French Open.
The 32-year-old, who has only ever lost two matches at Roland Garros in his entire career, thwarted the threats posed by his dangerous rival. Thiem is one of only three men in history to have scored three or more wins over Nadal on the clay. On the Philippe Chatrier Court, the Spaniard held his nerve against an animated Thiem, who was not afraid to show his emotions on the court. Blasting 26 winners along with 24 unforced errors to extend his reputation as the most decorated player in the history of the French Open.
“I’m very happy to have won the tournament. I played a very good match today.” Nadal said immediately after his win. “Well played today by Dominic. He has played a good week (at Roland Garros. I’m happy (for him) because he’s a great friend. One of the players that the tour needs.”
Gunning for his seventh win over the Austrian at Roland Garros, Nadal was tested from the onset. After getting off to a perfect start by breaking for a 2-0 lead, Thiem broke back instantly. The Austrian’s ability to combine power and slice rewarded him and earned him praise from the crowd. Nevertheless, a more composed and experienced Nadal remained on the offensive, forcing his opponent to come through some tricky service games. Including one where Thiem required 12 minutes to hold serve to level 3-3. It appeared that a tiebreaker could be on the cards, but a disastrous Thiem service game, consisting of four consecutive unforced errors, handed the world No.1 the first set. Providing an anti-climax to what was an opening set of high quality by both players.
Firmly in the driving position, Nadal gathered in momentum as the match progressed. Breaking immediately at the start of set number two following a Thiem backhand sailing beyond the baseline. The problem for the 24-year-old wasn’t his ability on the court, but maintaining it against a player as consistent as Nadal. As for Nadal, he too felt the pressure on the court. Receiving a code violation for breaking the 25-second rule between points. Still, it failed to hinder Nadal’s progress.
Continuing to dodge the threats coming from across the court, the Spaniard extended his lead to a set and 5-2. Two games later the two-set lead was sealed with the help of another Thiem backhand error, which landed in the tramlines.
The scare
Twice Thiem has managed to battle from two-sets down to win, but not this time. Once again another marathon service game concluded with Nadal breaking. Elevating him to just four games away from the title.
Even an unexpected issue with his finger failed to halt Nadal. Leading the third set 2-1, 30-0, he stopped play to undergo a medical assessment. The reason was due to the middle finger of his left hand, which froze in one place.
“It was a tough moment in the third set when I got cramp in my hand. I was very, very scared. But that’s sport. It was very humid today I was against a player that pushed me to my limits.” Nadal commented about the problem.
Storming towards the finish line with the help of a double break, Nadal finally sealed title No.11 at Roland Garros after 202 minutes of pulsating action. Four championship points came and went before he triumphed on his fifth after a Thiem backhand shot landed just beyond the baseline. Prompting a relieved Nadal to lift his arms in delight.
“I played my best match (of the tournament) today in the final. It is very important to play your best against Dominic. I had to be very aggressive because he is a difficult opponent.” Said the 17-time grand slam champion.
“It’s just amazing. I can’t describe my feelings because it’s not even a dream. It was impossible to think that I could win this title 11 times.”
Thiem’s tribute
Runner-up Thiem praised his rival following their clash in Paris. The Austrian is only the second male player from his country to contest a major final after Thomas Muster. He is the youngest Roland Garros finalist since 2010.
“I think what you are doing is one of the most outstanding things to do in sport.” He said to Nadal. “To win this tournament 11 times is amazing.
“For me this has still been two great weeks. I still remember when you (Nadal) won here the first time. I was 11-years-old and watching it on TV. I honestly never expected that I would one day be playing the final here, I’m really happy.”
Nadal is now the fourth player in the Open Era to win three grand slam titles after their 30th birthday. Joining Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall and Roger Federer. He exits Roland Garros with 2.2 million euros in prize money and 2000 ranking points. Guaranteeing that he will be world No.1 at the start of the grass season, which will officially get underway tomorrow.
