Roger Federer congratulated Rafael Nadal. (Photo credit: Reuters)
Roger Federer congratulated Rafael Nadal on winning his 20th Grand Slam and equaling his record with an “incredible” 13th French Open victory.
- News18 Sports New Delhi
- Last update: October 12, 2020 1:49 am IST
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Roger Federer welcome Rafael Nadal warmly at the 20 Grand Slam club, where only the two of them are standing right now. Nadal equaled FedererThe Grand Slam record with a dazzling 13th French Open title, which he achieved on Sunday at the Philippe Chatrier with a straight sets win over Novak Djokovic. In what was arguably Nadal’s best clay court performance, the Spaniard edged Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in just two hours and 41 minutes.
With the title in Paris, Nadal also won his 100th game in Paris against just two defeats since 2005, when he won his first title at age 19. This was Nadal’s fourth consecutive game Roland Garros title with Djokovic being Rafa’s last non-winner in 2016. Since 2005, only three other men have been able to win the French Open besides Nadal: Federer (2009), Stan Wawrinka (2015) and Djokovic (2016).
HIGHLIGHTS of the 2020 French Open men’s final
As Nadal matched Federer, the Swiss took to Twitter to congratulate the King of Clay and his team and said it was his “true honor” to congratulate him on the achievement. “I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. As my biggest rival for many years, I believe that we have pushed each other to become better players. That is why it is a real honor for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory, “he wrote.
Federer also hoped that this 20 was a step in a journey that they would continue. “It is especially surprising that he has now won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times, which is one of the greatest achievements in the sport. I also congratulate his team, because no one can do this alone. I hope that 20 is just one more step in the onward journey. for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it. “
Nadal was exceptionally excited when the national anthem was played after he was presented with the trophy for the thirteenth time in his career. After winning the match, in the on-court interview, he said: “Today is not about matching Roger, it’s just a Roland Garros victory, it means everything to me. I’ve spent the most important moments of my career here and I can only thank everyone, the public. Just playing here is a real inspiration. The love story I have with this city and this court is special. “
He urged everyone to stay positive in these difficult times of coronavirus. He said that Roland Garros was “the most important tennis court of his career”, before adding: “I have really enjoyed here. Somehow this is not so happy because of the situation because we cannot celebrate normally, but thank you. “. to the public for their support. “
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