Tennis legend Rafael Nadal reiterated his status as the “King of Clay,” winning the French Open title for the 14th time on Sunday. The 36-year-old Spaniard defeated Casper Ruud, the first Norwegian to reach a Grand Slam singles final, in straight sets (6-3, 6-3, 6-0).
With his latest victory at Roland Garros, achieved in 2 hours and 18 minutes, Nadal became the oldest man to win a French Open title.
He broke the record held by Andres Gimeno (also from Spain), who was 34 years and 305 days old when he captured Roland Garros in 1972.
Nadal’s terrific win on Sunday was his 22nd Grand Slam title, extending his lead over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who have 20 Grand Slams each.
The Indian cricketing fraternity was in awe of the Spaniard after he lifted yet another French Open crown. Here are some Twitter reactions:
To see you come back year after year and perform the way you do is just magical.Congratulations on winning your 14th @rolandgarros win Rafa. You’re an inspiration for every kid around the world. https://t.co/6s7OD5WMqg
Apart from the Indian cricketers, Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and former South African batter AB de Villiers also congratulated the Nadal on his fantastic achievement.
– Congratulations @rafaelnadal on winning the #RolandGarros for a record 14th time & on clinching your 22nd Grand Slam!Mate you defy the odds every-time, age really is just a number for you! Keep going strong champion 🏆 #RafaelNadal𓃵 https://t.co/fgW7DwfCaD
“I’m going to keep fighting” – Rafael Nadal
Reacting after capturing his 14th French Open title, Nadal asserted that he will keep fighting to keep going.
The 36-year-old has been suffering from a chronic left foot problem. Earlier this week, he conceded that he wasn’t sure over how long he could continue.
Speaking after yet another memorable win at Roland Garros, the Spaniard said:
“I don’t know what can happen in the future, but I’m going to keep fighting to try to keep going. For me, it’s incredible to play here. It’s an incredible feeling.”
Expressing gratitude to everyone who has helped him deal with injury issues over the years, he added:
“I don’t know what I would do in terms of injuries if it wasn’t for the team, my family and everyone around me. I would’ve already retired much before if it wasn’t for you.”
Nadal added about his French Open triumph on Sunday:
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“I never believed I would be here at 36, being competitive again, playing in the most important court of my career one more time in a final. It means everything to me. It means a lot of energy to try to keep going.”
Nadal won his maiden French Open crown back in 2005, defeating Argentina’s Mariano Puerta 6–7(6–8), 6–3, 6–1, 7–5.
