Spanish ace Rafael Nadal defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets to win a 14th French Open and overall 22nd Grand Slam crown.
Spanish ace Rafael Nadal created history on Sunday after crushing Norway's Casper Ruud 6-3 6-3 6-0 to lift a record-extending 14th French Open title at the Roland Garros.
The 36-year-old won 11 games in a row to cruise through the second and third sets to take his tally to an all-time best 22 men's Grand Slam titles, two more than rivals Swiss Roger Federer and world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
The stage is yours again, pic.twitter.com/Nhp3e6wrwV
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros)"I don't know what can happen in the future. I will keep fighting to try to keep going," Nadal told the crowd at Court Philipp Chatrier.
"For me it is incredible to play here with amazing support from you to me," the King of Clay lauded.
"For me personally, it is very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. It's something that I for sure never believed, to be here at 36, being competitive again, playing in the most important court of my career one more final," Nadal remarked.
Also read: Nadal wins 14th French Open crown; fans applaud King of Clay's historic feat
At the final in January's Australian Open, Nadal, who turned 36 on Friday, came from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev and bag a second title there.
A couple of months earlier, he was even considering retiring after a foot problem that has troubled him throughout his career resurfaced, forcing him to miss much of the 2021 season, including Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open.
Nadal arrived in Paris with his own doctor to get through the tournament despite the injury. "Especially in the very tough moments we went through in terms of injuries, if you don't have great support from the team nothing of this would happen because I would have retired much before," the French Open 2022 champion added.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner is now the oldest champion at Roland Garros, eclipsing 34-year-old compatriot Andres Gimeno who took the crown 50 years ago.
Congratulatory messages flooded Twitter following Nadal's historic win at the Parisian clay. Several Indian sporting legends, including Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar and tennis ace Sania Mirza, wished the Spaniard on clinching his 14th French Open title. Here's a look at the reactions:
To go out there and win a record 14th & 22nd Grand Slam at the age of 36 is an incredible achievement.
Congratulations ! 🏆🎾 pic.twitter.com/MAxsEklfFQ
King of clay.
What a Champion.
NADAL
Number 14 at pic.twitter.com/KAp3aUraoo
FOURTEEN!!!!!!! take a bow .. what an incredible champion and ambassador to our amazing sport 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania)Congratulations on winning the French Open yet again
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1)What a match that was. Dominated Ruud totally to lift the 14th French Open. you’re incredible! Congratulations 🎉 Keep ‘em titles coming 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Re2XyPA6mx
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)It's Rafa....again! A historic feat served with passion! 👏🥳 Super Whistles to for the 1⃣4⃣th French Open title! 💛 🦁
📸: pic.twitter.com/SiIGME4MVl
Eat 🍽️
Sleep 💤
Dominate on clay 🏆
Repeat ♾️
What a champion, ! 🙌
📸: | pic.twitter.com/kOVO2jnJrB
A modern day Hercules who just will not melt in the hottest Claypot. Starts favourite to make it 15 only. Just insane. Salute forever pic.twitter.com/XXfMHRgmku
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc)Not just Indian sporting stars, but other tennis icons too congratulated Nadal. The likes of Rod Laver, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz and others applauded the Spaniard on his achievement.
- 14!!!!!
That’s the tweet.
The King of Clay Court Tennis does it again.
Congratulations to on his 14th French Open win and his 22nd major title! https://t.co/Z68xcNiUt6
Not many PLAYED 14 tournaments. He won it 14 times. There is no word to describe this feat. Don't think good old Phillippe would mind if his court changes the name to Rafael Nadal - statue is not enough
— Ivan Ljubicic (@theljubicic)Congratulations Rafael Nadal, 14 French Open crowns and 22 majors. A flawless performance caps off a grueling fortnight. I hope you get some rest now, half way to the Slam! 🚀 https://t.co/XXxj0uhjWU
— Rod Laver (@rodlaver)Congratulations on your outstanding achievement !
It just goes to show that hard work, passion, and a “never give up” attitude really goes a long way. You have put your time, heart, and soul into this, and your perseverance made this #14. https://t.co/9oe3pfA054