:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2020/i/F/AHTCMlRmadSHWhCC7QmA/2020-10-11t160814z-2041666521-up1egab18tq7m-rtrmadp-3-tennis-frenchopen.jpg)
[ad_1]
The Clay King now also becomes one of the emperors of tennis. With a gala performance this Sunday, Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic by 3 sets to 0, partials 6/0, 6/2 and 7/5, in 2h41, won the 13th title at Roland Garros and also reached the 20th Grand Slam of his career, equaling Roger Federer’s record as the biggest winner in the most important tournaments on the professional circuit.
This Sunday’s victory was the 100th in Rafael Nadal’s career playing for Roland Garros. An expressive feat from one who was defeated only twice in 16 Grand Slam appearances – the Spaniard still had a retirement in 2016, when he suffered a wrist injury. It was also a kind of revenge on Novak Djokovic, who had beaten him in their last meeting in Paris, in the 2015 quarter-finals.
Rafael Nadal still has an impressive sequence of 26 consecutive victories at Roland Garros, guaranteeing the titles of 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, in addition to the two wins in 2016, when there was a retirement and the WO in the third round. The Spanish does not add points in the ranking, since he defended his achievement.
Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros – Photo: REUTERS
The campaign in 2020 was flawless from start to finish. Even with the different conditions for this season, with the colder weather, the heavy court and the balls considered slower, Rafael Nadal adapted quickly and achieved six victories without losing a single set. It was the fourth time that the Spaniard managed to reach the title without having a lost set at Roland Garros: 2008, 2010, 2017, 2020
Winning a tournament 13 times in tennis history becomes a unique feat in Rafael Nadal’s account. Never has a player, at any level of competition, be it ATP 250, 500 or Masters 1000, have managed to win so many times in the same position and the Spanish has reached the mark in a Grand Slam.
It was an overwhelming start for Rafael Nadal. Despite the strong rhythm of Novak Djokovic and looking for variations, shorts … the Spanish was in all the balls. There were only two unforced errors during the first set, 10 winners scored, and impressive play volume. Thus, he built a 6/0 victory, with three service breaks, something few imagined. The Serbian still had three break points, but failed to seize any of the opportunities.
Rafael Nadal against Novak Djokovic in the final of Roland Garros – Photo: REUTERS
The second set was a continuation of what was happening. Nadal’s tactic worked well, the backhand was strong and Djokovic’s short shorts didn’t bother him much. The mentally agitated Serbian began to make more mistakes, failed to reach any breaking point and saw the Spaniard walk again, making 6/2.
The title was on the way and Nadal managed to win another service break, but Novak Djokovic this time reacted. He tied 3-3 and lifted the crowd. The Serbian raised the bar, but it was not enough to upset the Spanish. With a poorly played service game, he double-faulted and saw Nadal serve with authority on 6/5 to guarantee the competition title.
