By Tony Fairbairn
- Rafael Nadal [5] def Casper Ruud [8} 6-3 6-3 6-0
- Nadal claims a 14th Roland Garros and 22nd grand slam title, as he moves two grand slams ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
PARIS, FRANCE – Rafael Nadal claimed a 14th Roland Garros title with a comfortable victory over Casper Ruud although the Spaniard admits the future is still unclear.
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Rafael Nadal [5] def Casper Ruud [8] 6-3 6-3 6-0
Rafael Nadal claimed a 14th Roland Garros title and more significantly a 22nd grand slam title after a dominant victory over Casper Ruud. The win means Nadal now sits at the top of the all-time grand slam titles won leader board as he extends his lead to two titles ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
It was a nervy start from both players with Nadal not reaching the highest of levels as his foot was still bothering him, while Ruud’s nerves took over as he was playing in his first grand slam final. After a share of breaks, it was the 13-time champion who took control as he targeted the Norwegian’s backhand and took a 4-1 lead. Ruud finally settled into a rhythm playing some aggressive tennis but couldn’t win the big points on return as Nadal took the opening set 6-3 in 51 minutes.
Ruud had to resist early Nadal pressure as the Norwegian’s serve was having no effect on the heavy Parisian conditions as the Spaniard’s spin was punishing Ruud’s passive play. However it was Ruud who would get the first break with some aggressive play from the baseline and some careless unforced errors from the fifth seed.
That was the kick the Spaniard needed as he went into the next gear and punished Ruud’s lack of intensity. Nadal was clinical as he put on a clay court masterclass to his Rafa Nadal Academy student as he took both of his next two break point opportunities for a 4-3 lead. The Norwegian tried different tactics but ultimately to no success as Nadal took his fourth set point to complete five games in a row and take the second set 6-3.
The Spaniard had never lost a Roland Garros final and he wasn’t going to go against the trend now as he steamrolled past an inexperienced and error-prone Norwegian. It was to be 11 games in a row as Nadal sealed a record-breaking 22nd grand slam title and 14th Roland Garros title in a historic tournament.
‘Most important court of my career’
Nadal reflected on his achievement in winning a 14th Roland Garros title and admitted it’s the most important court of his career but didn’t know what the future held for him, “For me personally, it is very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. It is something that I have never believed. To be here at 36, being competitive again on the most important court of my career,” Nadal told the ATP website.
“One more title means a lot. It means a lot of energy to try and keep going…I don’t know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try and keep going. Team, family, everyone who is there. It is amazing the things that are happening this year. I just thank you very, very much for all the things you are doing for me and over the years. Without you none of this would be possible, without any doubt. Especially in the very tough moments we went through with injuries.
“Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Without a doubt for me and for a lot of people who love the history of the sport, it is the best tournament in the world… You make me feel like home so I just want to say thank you very much everyone here and the French Federation.”
Nadal is now half way to a calendar grand slam having won the Australian Open in January and will be hopeful of his chances this year. However that will depend on whether Nadal’s needs surgery or whether he can have successful nerve treatment on his foot which he will find out over the next week.
As for Ruud it’s a learning experience to compete in a first grand slam final against one of the best players of all time in one of his favourite tournaments.
The Norwegian hopes is the start of many more grand slam finals as he thanked his family and team, “To my whole team, everyone involved. It has been a long road already… this is a road that is not possible without everyone,” Ruud said to the ATP website.
“You all know who you are. I hope we can continue this journey for many more years and you will be around me for many more years and hopefully more finals in Grand Slams. To you Rafa, your team, your family. You have taken me into your academy with open arms. So thank you a lot. You are a true inspiration to me and everyone who follows tennis around the world. We all hope you will continue for some more time.”
Ruud will hope for continued success as he aims to go deep at Wimbledon which starts on the 27 June.
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