PARIS: Rafael Nadal of Spain won his 14th French Open title after he defeated Norwegian Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the men’s final on Sunday.
Nadal, 36, won his 22nd Grand Slam title, two more than Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most men’s singles major titles. He also won the Australian Open this year.
The Spaniard has won 26 consecutive tour-level finals in which he’s won the opening set. The last time he lost a tour final after winning the first set was 2014 in Rome against Djokovic.
He also became the oldest men’s singles champions (since 1925) at 36 years, 2 days.
“We haven’t seen the limp on the clay courts. But he was limping in Australia. The problem is worse on hard courts, but maybe clay and grass – he can play. I do hope his career can continue. He is one of the greats of our game,” said Greg Rusedski, former British number one.
Nadal struggled with foot injury that has dogged his career, but he has been absolutely superb at the Roland Garros.
He came from behind to defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime in round four, eliminated Novak Djokovic in a late-night thriller in the quarters, then was ahead against Alexander Zverev, who had to withdraw after a horror injury, and has been way too good today for eighth seed Casper Ruud in the final.
