Spain’s Rafael Nadal has demolished world No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-0 6-2 7-5 in the French Open final to claim a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title.
With his record-improving 13th triumph at Roland Garros, the world No.2 is now tied with Swiss Roger Federer as the player with the most men’s singles major titles in the history of the game.
After one of his greatest performances, Nadal was left emotional by his victory. “It’s been a very tough year. Winning here means everything to me,” he said on court afterwards.
“It’s not about equalling Roger on 20. For me today, it’s just a Roland Garros victory.
“Roland Garros means everything to me. I spent most of the most important moments of my tennis career here.
“Thank you very much to everybody here. Just playing here is a true inspiration. The love story I have with this court.”
Nadal was the early aggressor as he choked Djokovic to win the opening set in brutal fashion having made only two unforced errors. He then kept a firm grip on a subdued Djokovic in the second set under the roof of Court Philippe Chatrier.
Djokovic, who was looking to win his 18th Grand Slam title, made a fight of it in the third set, breaking back for 3-3, only to drop serve on a double fault in the 11th game before Nadal went on to bag his 100th victory at Roland Garros with an ace.