Rafael Nadal secured the 22nd Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, pulling away two from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal achieved another perfect fortnight in Paris despite severe foot pain, undergoing injections and overcoming all challenges to lift the 14th trophy in his beloved Major.
Athletes from around the world have congratulated the Spaniard on his enormous achievement, and Serena Williams and Roger Federer were among them. Serena tweeted Rafa’s name in a short message, while Roger texted his great rival and congratulated her.
At 36, Nadal became the oldest Roland Garros winner, almost two decades after winning the first title as a teenager! Arriving in Paris with a problem foot and no matches, Rafa showed his Roland Garros magic and improved on his incredible numbers that no one will ever repeat.
Rafael Nadal celebrated the 14th Roland Garros title
Nadal kicked off his 18th campaign at Roland Garros with solid wins over Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet and Botic Van De Zandschulp, allowing him to keep his energy up.
The Spaniard faced his first serious opponent in Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round. After winning sets one and four, the Canadian forced Rafa’s rare fifth set in Paris. The most experienced player got going to prevail and reach the round of 16 after almost four and a half hours.
Things were about to get even tougher for Nadal, with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic waiting on the other side of the net. After a huge battle, Rafa prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 in four hours and 12 minutes to dethrone the Serb and meet in the semifinals.
Djokovic gave his best in sets two and four and had two set points at 5-3 to force the decider. Nadal fended them off, broke again and closed out the set in the tie break to emerge on top.
Alexander Zverev put even more pressure on him in the semi-final, and the second set was still underway when the three hours of play were over. Nadal avoided four set points in the first set and eliminated the handicap in the second 7-6 6-6.
Zverev had to retire after injuring his right ankle, leaving the court in tears and sending Nadal to the 14th Roland Garros final. Casper Ruud tried to prevent Rafa’s 14th title, but it couldn’t be for him in his first Major final.
Rafa scored a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 victory in two hours and 18 minutes, mastering his shots very well and breaking his young opponent eight times to control the scoreboard and secure the second Major title of the season. .
“We have a good relationship and a special feeling with Roger. After the victory, he wrote me a message to congratulate me,” Rafael Nadal said.
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