Roland Garros—Paris, France
Legendary Spaniard Rafael Nadal captured his 14th career French Open title on Sunday in Paris, France, defeating No. 8 seed Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3. 6-0.
Needing two hours and 18 minutes to prevail, Nadal used his supreme experience on Court Philippe Chatrier over his unheralded opponent. Breaking serve in the first game of the match, Nadal breezed through the first set and never look back.
Never facing Ruud on Tour, Nadal has practised with his younger opponent on many occasions as they are both based out of the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain.
Striking one ace and winning 82 percent of his first serve points, Nadal broke serve on eight occasions.
With his victory, Nadal now owns 22 career Majors. He increased his lead over current world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Swiss great Roger Federer by two Majors. Nadal defeated Djokovic in the quarterfinals in Paris this year, and Federer has not played since losing in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2021.
Capturing the first two Grand Slams this season for the first time in his career, Nadal will now have to make the decision on whether or not he will play at Wimbledon later this month. The Spaniard last played at the All England Club in 2019, where he lost to Federer in four sets in the semifinals.
Ruud, who continues to show improvement with each passing year, has won eight titles in the past three seasons. Defeating former US Open winner Marin Cilic in the semifinals and No. 12 seed Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round, Ruud will be ranked No. 6 in the world when Monday’s rankings are released. Nadal will move up to No. 4 as a result of his victory.
The year’s third Grand Slam at Wimbledon will begin Monday June 27th.
