Rafael Nadal has added to his historic title tally by defeating Casper Ruud to claim a 14th French Open trophy.
Nadal, who turned 36 two days ago, overcame an inexperienced Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0, to become the oldest man to ever win the tournament. Breaking a 50-year-old record which had been held by 1972 winner Andres Gimeno. En route to his latest major title the Spaniard defeated four top 10 players which has only ever been previously achieved by two other players at a Grand Slam since the ATP ranking system was introduced in 1973. He has now won a record 22 major titles in his career.
Amid speculation over how much longer he may continue playing for, Nadal illustrated why he is still the man to beat on clay with what was a clinical win over Ruud. A 23-year-old who was also making tennis history by becoming the first Norwegian man to contest a major final. In total he produced 36 winners against 18 unforced errors as he broke his rival eight times in what was their first Tour meeting.
“For me personally, it is very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. It’s something that I never believed; I would be here at 36, being competitive again, playing in the most important court of my career one more time in a final,” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony.
“It means everytrhing to me. It means a lot of energy to try to keep going. I just want to say merci, merci beaucoup.”
Coming into his latest match, Nadal held a perfect 13-0 record when it came to playing in French Open finals. Taking on Ruud, the world No.5 started in blistering fashion by dictating rallies from the onset. Nadal broke his opponent in only the second game with a cross-court forehand winner. Prompting a huge roar from the crowd. The only blip he encountered in the opener was in the third game where two double faults and a forehand unforced error resulted in him dropping serve. Nevertheless, Nadal regained his focus and intensity in the match as he fought his way to a 5-3 lead. The first set was then sealed with a 178mph serve out wide which Ruud failed to return into the court.
After clinching the opener, Nadal found himself tangled in a roller-coaster second set which featured changes of momentum between him and Ruud. After failing to convert a trio of break points at the start, he soon found himself trailing 1-3 with his rival winning seven points in a row at one stage. But once again, he found a way to fight back as he gradually tamed a lackluster Ruud by winning four games in a row. He then went on to seal the two-set lead on his third set point opportunity at the expense of a double fault from across the court.
In a league of his own, Nadal stormed to yet another French Open title by ending the match with a bagel over Ruud. Something he had only ever done in a final at the tournament against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard dominated the third set by winning 24 out of 32 points played. On his second championship point victory was achieved with a perfect backhand winner that painted the line.
“It’s amazing the things that are happening this year. Without you it would not be possible. I would have retired long ago if it had not been for you.” The 14-time champion said during his personal tribute to his own team.
There is some consolation for Ruud who will rise to a career-high of sixth in the Pepperstone ATP rankings on Monday. Nine years ago the Scandinavian attended the French Open final as a spectator and watched his idol Nadal win. The two often hit together with Ruud training at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca with his team since 2018.
“The first and most important thing is to congratulate Rafa. It’s your 14th time, 22nd all around in Grand Slams. We all know what a champion you are,” said Ruud.
“Today I got to feel how it is to play against you in a final. It’s not easy and I’m not the first victim. I know there have been many before!”
“To you Rafa, your team, your family, you have taken me into your Academy with open arms, also my family. You are a true inspiration for me.” He added.
Having also won the Australian Open prior to Paris, it is the first time in Nadal’s career he has triumphed at both Grand Slams within the same season. Throughout his career, he has recorded 112 wins at the French Open which is 27 more than any other male player in history.
