It was only the third time the champion had dropped the opening set of a final in Paris — in 2005 against Mariano Puerta and in 2006 against Roger Federer. PHOTO: REUTERS
Rafael Nadal clinched his ninth French Open and 14th career Grand Slam title on Sunday with a brutal 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 victory over a battling Novak Djokovic.
The world number one also became the first man to win five Roland Garros crowns in succession as the 28-year-old took his record at the tournament to 66 wins against just one defeat.
His tally of 14 majors equals the mark of Pete Sampras and puts him just three behind the all-time record of Roger Federer who is almost five years older.
Defeat was cruel for world number two Djokovic, the 2012 runner-up, who still needs a French Open title to become just the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam.
“Every moment was crucial, all the points were so hard,” said Nadal.
“Playing against Djokovic is always a big challenge; I have lost to him the last four times. I feel sorry for him. He deserves to win this tournament one day and I am sure he will.”
He added, “It’s an amazing, emotional moment for me. I lost the Australian Open final this year when I had a problem with my back. Today tennis has given me back what happened in Australia.”
The Serb dominated the early stages of Sunday’s final, the pair’s 42nd meeting, seemingly immune to the sweltering 30-degree heat on Philippe Chatrier court.
But Nadal, playing in his 20th Grand Slam final to Djokovic’s 13th, grew stronger as the final wore on as he ended a four-match losing streak against his old rival.
The three hour 31 minutes duel ended on a sour note when Djokovic double-faulted on match point, shaken by a shout from the crowd.
“Congratulations to Nadal. To win the French Open nine times is incredible,” said Djokovic.
“I gave my maximum with all my strength and force but Nadal was better on the court. But I will keep coming back and try to win it at least once.”
Last 15 French Open winners
2014 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2013 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2012 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2011 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2010 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2009 — Roger Federer (SUI)
2008 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2007 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2006 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2005 — Rafael Nadal (ESP)
2004 — Gaston Gaudio (ARG)
2003 — Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
2002 — Albert Costa (ESP)
2001 — Gustavo Kuerten (BRA)
2000 — Gutsavo Kuerten (BRA)
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2014.
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