Rafael Nadal overcame Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 Sunday to capture a historic 14th Roland Garros title and a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam trophy. ATPTour.com relives the two-hour, 20-minute clash through pictures.
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This was the first ATP Head2Head meeting between Nadal and Ruud, who has trained at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca since September 2018.
Photo Credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Nadal made a fast start on Court Philippe Chatrier, hitting through the Norwegian in the lively conditions with his heavy topspin forehands to clinch the first set 6-3 after 49 minutes.
Photo Credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
After the early setback, Ruud came out swinging at the start of the second set and gained momentum, breaking Nadal to move into a 3-1 lead as his consistent groundstrokes caused problems for the Spaniard.
Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
However, Nadal quickly regained control on a court he has had so much success on. The lefty fired his groundstrokes with more penetration to quickly move back level, before he put his foot down to race into a two-set lead and move to within one set of improving to 14-0 in Roland Garros finals.
Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Fuelled by confidence, the fifth seed continued to go on the attack, pleasing his fans inside the stadium.
Photo Credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Nadal raced through the third set, hitting 14 winners and outplaying the 23-year-old, who was competing in his first major final. The 36-year-old then broke for a final time to seal his landmark victory, becoming the oldest Roland Garros champion in history.
Photo Credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
This was Nadal’s 22nd Grand Slam trophy, 63rd on clay and 92nd tour-level trophy overall. The former World No. 1 is now 22-9 in major finals.
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