Rafael Nadal has become the first player in history to win the same Grand Slam for the 13th time after crushing world No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
The clinical display from the Spaniard saw him prevail 6-0, 6-2, 7-5, over Djokovic in what was one of the most one-sided clashes between the two in their extensive rivalry. The showdown saw Nadal hit 31 winners as he capitalized on a costly 52 unforced errors produced by his nemesis. He also broke seven times and won 67% of his first served en route to his latest title.
“Congrats to Novak for another great tournament. Sorry for today but in Australia he killed me a couple times (on the court). For me that is part of the game. We have played each other plenty of times and one day I win and then he the other,” Nadal said during his on-court interview.
“After all the things I have gone through in my career in terms of injuries without a great team and family around me everything would have been impossible. I just want to say thank you very much to all of my team.” He added.
Locking horns for the 56th time in what is an Open Era record for men’s tennis, Nadal got off to a near-perfect start by bageling his rival for only the second time in his career. Despite the score being one-sided, the opener showed glimmers of world class tennis from both men with four out of the six games going to deuce. Nadal showed off his signature forehand shot against Djokovic’s emphatic defence. Although it was the Spaniard who dominated when it came to the important points as he broke three times in a row. Meanwhile, a perplexed Djokovic struggled with his first serve as he only managed to win four points which was three times less than his rival. Resulting in Nadal sealing the 6-0 lead with the help of a 177KMH serve out wide on set point after 46 minutes of play.
The problems continued for the top seed in the second frame. Three games in, Nadal extended his stronghold to a set and a break after a Djokovic forehand slammed into the net. Prompting the Serbian to drop his head in a sign of both disappointment and frustration. The reigning champion continued to reign supreme on Court Phillippe Chatrier with answers to every question that his opponent asked of him. Battling his way to the two-set advantage, a time violation did little to disrupt Nadal’s momentum as he extended his lead with the help of another loose shot from across the court.
Astonishingly Djokovic didn’t draw blood from his rival until two hours and 10 minutes into the final. After producing an error-stricken game where he got broken to love, he broke back instantly to level 3-3 in the third set. Prompting a huge roar from Djokovic who tried to orchestrate the crowd to give him extra support.
Despite the mini comeback, it wasn’t enough to deny Nadal title No.13 at Roland Garros. A Djokovic forehand error followed by a double fault rewarded the world No.2 another break but more crucially the chance to serve the match out. A task he passed with flying colours following another love game that concluded with an ace.
“It was a very tough match for me today. Obviously I am not pleased with the way I played but I was definitely overplayed by a better player,” Djokovic commented on his performance afterwards.
“It’s been a fantastic couple of weeks. This situation is very difficult for everyone worldwide but we have the possibility to play the sport that we love and I am very grateful for everyone who has organised this tournament.”
Djokovic’s mention of playing during the current climate was also echoed by Nadal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year’s event is taking place later than usual following a five-month break with players being regularly tested for the virus.
“I want to send a message to everybody around the world. We are facing one of the worst moments that I think we will remember is this world fighting against the virus. Just keep fighting, stay positive and all the best. We will go through this and win soon.” He said.
Sunday’s win means that Nadal has drawn level with Federer for most Grand Slam titles won at 20 each. Furthermore, six of those titles won have occurred after his 30th birthday in what is an Open Era record on the ATP Tour. Nadal has also become the first man in history to have won four Grand Slams without dropping a set. He also achieved a clean sheet at the French Open in 2008, 2010 and 2017.
“It’s been a very tough year but being here (at Roland Garros) means everything to me,” Nadal reflected. “For me, I am not thinking today about equalling Roger with this great number. Today is just a Roland Garros victory and that means everything to me.’
“I have spent the most important moments of my tennis career here, no doubt. The love affair I have with this city and this court is just unforgettable.”
Nadal is the first player – male or female – to have won 100 matches at the French Open.
