Unlike the previous 15 years, Rafael Nadal had to face difficult conditions at Roland Garros last October. The Spaniard came to Paris with only three games played before since late February and he faced new Wilson balls, cold and rainy weather as well as a brand new roof over Philippe-Chatrier court.
Delivering his best tennis and passing all obstacles, Rafa won his 13th Roland Garros and his 20th major crown, thus equaling Roger Federer and entering the record books. Speaking of the Paris fortnight, Nadal recalled how difficult it was to play at a high level in such difficult conditions, which was unheard of in Paris before.
Rafa lost just 23 games in the first four meetings and toppled Jannik Sinner and Diego Schwartzman to establish the title match against world number one Novak Djokovic.
One of the most important clashes of the 21st century has taken place with a roof over their heads, which is never the perfect scenario for the Spaniard. Still, Rafa was ready to give his all and beat his big rival in his favorite major tournament, and he made it clear to Carlos Moya and Francisco Roig when they informed him that there would be a roof.
True to his words, Rafa proved too strong for Novak that day, beating the world’s best player 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 on clay, to grab yet another major major trophy.
For Rafael Nadal Roland Garros 2020 is his greatest success
In Paris, Nadal has won the 100th triumph of 102 Parisian matches since 2005, a true testament to his unparalleled dominance over the Major on clay.
Having suffered only eight breaks in seven games, Nadal delivered one of his best performances in service in Paris, while pushing his rivals to their limits on the return and winning all matches in 3 consecutive sets!
Rafa became the third oldest champion in Paris, extending his dominance on the slower surface and winning the 60th ATP title on clay. Rafa lost his serve only once, which was not enough to make Novak feel comfortable and relaxed on the court.
Without taking into account that the Serbian was doing almost nothing on the return trip and that he could not find a solution to surpass the Spaniard in the shortest rallies up to four strokes, where he should have had the advantage.
Nadal then delivered a bagel in the first set against Djokovic, as against Roger Federer in the 2008 final, and he served well in the second set to build up the pressure on Novak’s side and break him twice for an advantage of. 6-0, 6-2, in just over an hour and a half!
They remained neck and neck until 5-5 in the third set after traded breaks before Novak hit a double fault in the 11th game to lose the serve and propel Rafa to the title, after another reliable take from the Spanish.
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