French Open 2020: Rafael Nadal wins record-equalling 20th Grand Slam, beats Novak Djokovic in straight sets

Rafael Nadal has now equalled Roger Federer's record of most Grand Slam wins. With this win, he would soon rise to the top spot in the ATP Rankings. It was also Nadal's record-extending 13th win at the French Open and his 100th win at the event.

<p>Spanish tennis sensation Rafael Nadal created history, as he won the French Open for the record-extending 13th time. He beat world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets, in the final of the event, in Paris, on Sunday.</p>

Spanish tennis sensation Rafael Nadal created history, as he won the French Open for the record-extending 13th time. He beat world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets, in the final of the event, in Paris, on Sunday.

<p>In the process, Nadal also scripted history by winning his 20th Grand Slam title, as he equalled Roger Federer's record. Notably, it was also his 100th singles win in the tournament.</p>

In the process, Nadal also scripted history by winning his 20th Grand Slam title, as he equalled Roger Federer's record. Notably, it was also his 100th singles win in the tournament.

<p>As for the match, it was expected to be a tough encounter. However, Djokovic was under pressure right from the beginning. Nadal's lethal backhand, following by his already dangerous forehand, saw him take the opening set 6-0.</p>

As for the match, it was expected to be a tough encounter. However, Djokovic was under pressure right from the beginning. Nadal's lethal backhand, following by his already dangerous forehand, saw him take the opening set 6-0.

<p>Djokovic did manage to fight back in the second set but faced tough competition from Nadal, who was relentless, as the latter won 6-2. The Serbian upped his ante in the third set, making it 5-5. However, missing his mark by a millimetre, the Spaniard earned the sole break of the set to win his 13th title at Roland Garros.</p>

Djokovic did manage to fight back in the second set but faced tough competition from Nadal, who was relentless, as the latter won 6-2. The Serbian upped his ante in the third set, making it 5-5. However, missing his mark by a millimetre, the Spaniard earned the sole break of the set to win his 13th title at Roland Garros.

<p>As for other records from the match, this was the ninth slam meeting between the two, equalling the feat of Nadal and Federer. This was also the second-most meeting (3) between the two in the final of this tournament, while the record of the same is held by Nadal-Federer (4). Also, this was the record-extending 27th tour-level final between the two.</p>

As for other records from the match, this was the ninth slam meeting between the two, equalling the feat of Nadal and Federer. This was also the second-most meeting (3) between the two in the final of this tournament, while the record of the same is held by Nadal-Federer (4). Also, this was the record-extending 27th tour-level final between the two.

<p>“Winning here means everything to me. It’s not the moment to think about the 20th [Grand Slam] title to equal Roger. For me, today it’s about the Roland Garros victory. It means everything to me. Most of the most important moments of my career have been here. I love this city and this court," said Nadal after the win.</p>

“Winning here means everything to me. It’s not the moment to think about the 20th [Grand Slam] title to equal Roger. For me, today it’s about the Roland Garros victory. It means everything to me. Most of the most important moments of my career have been here. I love this city and this court," said Nadal after the win.

<p>“In Australia, [Novak] killed me, but today was for me. That’s part of the game. After all the things I have been through in my career, in terms of injuries, without a great team and family around me, everything will be impossible. I want to send a message to everyone around the world. We are facing one of the worst moments we can remember fighting against this virus. [We] just need to keep going, stay positive and we’ll get through this together," added Nadal.</p>

“In Australia, [Novak] killed me, but today was for me. That’s part of the game. After all the things I have been through in my career, in terms of injuries, without a great team and family around me, everything will be impossible. I want to send a message to everyone around the world. We are facing one of the worst moments we can remember fighting against this virus. [We] just need to keep going, stay positive and we’ll get through this together," added Nadal.