Rafael Nadal wrote himself a little more in the history of tennis by defeating Casper Ruud in the final. A fourteenth title on clay at Roland-Garros.
Another historic victory. On Sunday, Rafael Nadal won the Roland-Garros final, beating Norway’s Casper Ruud 6-3/6-3/6-0. This is his fourteenth victory on clay at Roland-Garros, in 18 appearances, and his 22nd trophy in a Grand Slam tournament. After a quiet first game of the tournament, Nadal emerged victorious from a grueling second week. Before the final against Ruud, he fought more than four hours against Félix-Auger Aliassime (N.9) in the round of 16 and Djokovic in the quarterfinals, then sweated profusely for more than three hours in the heat of the Central against Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, before the abandonment of the world No.3, twisted right ankle.
The Spaniard, 36 years old since Friday, yet hampered by pain in his left foot, has become the oldest winner in history on Parisian clay. In the race for the record of major crowns, the Spaniard now has two lengths ahead of his two historic rivals, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic (20 each).
“I will fight to continue,” said the Spaniard, visibly very moved, putting a (temporary) end to the rumors of an announcement of a retirement due to Müller-Weiss syndrome, the degenerative disease from which he suffers and which causes him intense pain in his left foot. But this disease, which he was able to silence thanks to a continuous treatment decided with the doctor of the Spanish federation, could have to force him into a potentially risky surgery for his career. “Every match I play here, I am aware that it may be my last in this tournament,” said the Mallorcan during the tournament.