Photo: Andy Cheung/Getty
Rafael Nadalmade history once again with his 14th French Open win.
The Spanish tennis pro, 36, defended his Roland-Garros record, while maintaining his men’s Grand Slam record with his 22nd title, during Sunday’s final againstCasper Ruudof Norway (6-3, 6-3, 6-0).
“It’s something I never believed,” Nadal said after the match, according toESPN. “Being here at 36, being competitive again, playing on the most important court of my career. Playing here one more time means a lot for me. I just want to say ‘Merci beaucoup’ to everyone here. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I’ll keep fighting to keep on going.”
Additionally, he became the tournament’s oldest champion, two days after celebrating his 36th birthday. Nadal’s first French Open victory came in 2005 when he was 19.
The oldest person to have previously won a French Open was late Spanish tennis player Andrés Gimeno, who was 34 when he took the title in 1972.
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Hewon the French Open semifinalson Friday after his opponentAlexander Zverevinjured his right leg during the match.
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Nadal, who is currentlyranked No. 5 in singles, was recentlysidelined for six weeks due to a rib fractureand hasdealt with an ongoing foot injurysince competing in the 2005 Madrid Open final, which forced him to end his 2021 season early.
“All the sacrifices, and all the things that I need to go through to try to keep playing really make sense when you enjoy moments like I’m enjoying in this tournament,” Nadal said Friday.
source: people.com
