Nadal wins 13th French Open, equals Federer’s Grand Slam record
Rafael Nadal equalled Roger Federer’s all-time mark of 20 Grand Slam titles by winning his 13th French Open with an exhibition of clay-court tennis against great rival Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
Nadal moved level with the Swiss great for the first time in their long careers with a majestic 6-0 6-2 7-5 victory over the world No 1.
Point of the match so far. #RolandGarros
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic Men Single Final French Open. pic.twitter.com/UXBHSi1Dck
— Sen Petr Hills (@20thdisciple) October 11, 2020
The KING of Clay. 🙌🏽
Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-0; 6-2; 7-5 to win his 13th Title in Paris and equal Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand slam titles!
What a legend!#RolandGarros #FrenchOpen #Tennis pic.twitter.com/BjDopfYbwK
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) October 11, 2020
Nadal hit 31 winners and made only 14 unforced errors, leaving Djokovic, who had been hoping to become the first man in the Open Era to lift every Grand Slam trophy at least twice, unable to find any answers.
Rain in Paris meant the roof was closed on Court Philippe Chatrier which favoured Djokovic, who once won 38 straight matches indoors. The Serbian carried the confidence of knowing the only match he had not won this year was when he was defaulted at the US Open.
Nadal began the fortnight by claiming the cool and damp conditions, combined with heavier balls, would make this his toughest French Open to win. But he had made light work of it en route to the final, reaching the showpiece occasion in Paris for the sixth time without dropping a set.
Unbelievable, @RafaelNadal.
You now have 20 Grand Slam titles. #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/NkDPeAYC7F
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 11, 2020
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And the Spaniard continued his stunning form by breaking in the first game before sweeping to a bagel set with an exhibition of shot-making against his old foe.
Djokovic was not helped by his serve, landing his first delivery just 42 per cent of the time, and simply had no answer to the brilliance of Nadal.