Nadal

But he brushed aside the Norwegian eighth seed to claim a 22nd grand slam victory to take him two ahead of great rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer at the ...

With a regular donation to our monthly Fighting Fund, we can continue to thumb our noses at the fat cats and tell truth to power. The Morning Star is unique, as a lone socialist voice in a sea of corporate media. The Norwegian also trained at Nadal’s academy in Majorca, regularly playing sets with his hero.

The Spaniard makes more tennis history by becoming the oldest player to win the French Open as he dispatched Norwegian Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0.

“It’s amazing the things that are happening this year,” Nadal said, before the Spaniard revealed that he has been receiving pain-killing injections in his foot to allow him to play. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Once again, a corner of Paris was transformed into Spain. “For me, it’s hard to describe the feelings I have. By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice. “There have been many more.”

Despite questions about his age and injuries, Rafa Nadal steamrolled through the French Open final to win his 14th title. Here's how he did it.

I am just enjoying every day that I have the chance to be here, and without thinking much about what can happen in the future." He insisted after his victory over Djokovic on Tuesday that he wasn't focusing on anything beyond the French Open and was just trying to appreciate every moment. Nadal has said he doesn't know how long he'll be able to play tennis and has said every match he plays in could very well be his last. But Nadal's status for Wimbledon, or the rest of the season, is unclear, despite winning the first two majors of the year for the first time in his storied career. "Today I got to feel what it's like to play against you in the final, and it's not easy. It seemed unlikely Nadal would be able to get past Djokovic in the quarters once the draw was revealed -- if he were even able to get to that stage. Ruud, who grew up idolizing Nadal and was able to rattle off with ease all seven of Nadal's previous French Open final opponents, is further proof of Nadal's legacy in the sport. "He raised his level when he needed to," Auger-Aliassime said after the match. Nadal announced he would be out recovering but hoped to be back in time for the clay season. For the latter part of the 2021 season, even Nadal wasn't sure about whether he would be able to play again due to his foot. "Rafa getting to 22, and with 14 titles at Roland Garros, is one of the greatest accomplishments in sports," said Pam Shriver, the 21-time major doubles champion and ESPN analyst. Instead, he raised his arms over his head and gave an emphatic fistpump to the adoring crowd.

Rafael Nadal captured his 14th Roland Garros title and a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam trophy Sunday, overcoming Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, ...

"You are a true inspiration to me and everyone who follows tennis around the world. Nadal continued to have all the answers in the third set as he looked imperious on a court he has tasted so much success on. I hope we can continue this journey for many more years and you will be around me for many more years and hopefully more finals in Grand Slams.” “The most important thing is to congratulate Rafa. It is your 14th time here and 22nd [title] at Grand Slams,” Ruud said during the trophy ceremony. The 36-year-old scrambled around the baseline to force Ruud into hitting extra shots, before he pushed the World No. 8 deep into the backhand corner with his own power, rolling off five games in a row to move to within one set of victory. Following his triumph over the Norwegian, the Spaniard has become the third player to earn four Top 10 wins at a Grand Slam since the Pepperstone ATP Rankings started in 1973. After breaking for a 2-0 lead, the Spaniard suffered a slight dip in his second service game, double faulting twice, to give Ruud the opportunity to move onto the scoreboard, which he took. “Casper, it is a real pleasure to play a final with you here at Roland Garros,” Nadal said when addressing Ruud. “You are great. He cut down on errors and demonstrated great footwork to start to dictate on his forehand once again. “I just thank you very, very much for all the things you are doing for me and over the years. He hung in points, won the longer exchanges and produced an array of stunning passing shots off both wings to take further control, before racing clear in the third set to secure another memorable victory after two hours and 20 minutes. “Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.

Rafael Nadal says he will play at Wimbledon later this month if his body allows after the Spaniard won the French Open for the 14th time on Sunday.

If that does not work, then it's going to be another story. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes," Nadal said.