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Rafael Nadal secured the 22nd Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, pulling away two from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal achieved another perfect fortnight in Paris despite severe foot pain, undergoing injections and overcoming all challenges to lift the 14th trophy in his beloved Major.
Athletes from around the world have congratulated the Spaniard on his enormous achievement, and Serena Williams and Roger Federer were among them. Serena tweeted Rafa's name in a short message, while Roger texted her great rival and congratulated her.
At 36, Nadal became the oldest Roland Garros winner, almost two decades after winning his first title as a teenager! Arriving in Paris with a problem foot and no matches, Rafa showed his Roland Garros magic and improved on his incredible numbers that no one will ever repeat.
Nadal kicked off his 18th campaign at Roland Garros with solid wins over Jordan Thompson, Corentin Moutet and Botic Van De Zandschulp, allowing him to keep his energy up. The Spaniard faced his first serious opponent in Felix Auger-Aliassime in the fourth round.
After winning sets one and four, the Canadian forced Rafa's rare fifth set in Paris. The most experienced player got going to prevail and reach the round of 16 after almost four and a half hours. Things were about to get even tougher for Nadal, with World No.
1 Novak Djokovic waiting on the other side of the net. After a huge battle, Rafa prevailed 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 in four hours and 12 minutes to dethrone the Serb and meet in the semifinals.
Rafa Nadal traveled to Barcelona
Rafael Nadal won his 14th French Open title on Sunday, beating Norway's Casper Ruud in straight sets in the final.
“One of the keys to success was to stay at home. I never had any doubts about that. My career would have been very different if I hadn't had my family. I am no longer a child! But it's as if we all live in the same village.
Everyone talks to each other and everyone knows each other. I am very close to my father, my mother. It is obvious when you see us together," Nadal said. "The Spanish Tennis Federation offered to move me to Barcelona. But my uncle – who was my coach – knew that in Mallorca, I was playing with a good group, surrounded by good players, and that everything was going well," Nadal said.
Just two days after winning his 14th Roland Garros title, Rafael Nadal traveled to Barcelona to undergo treatment for his long-standing foot injury.
