Time passes, but some things refuse to change. Like Rafael Nadal who wins another final at Roland-Garros. For a fourteenth time. He easily defeated his worthy heir Casper Ruud in three sets of 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0.
Posted at 11:31 a.m.
Updated at 12:16 p.m.
There are very few certainties in this world. Death, taxes, sunrise and sports betting site advertisements during a hockey game are some of them. A Nadal title at Roland-Garros is another.
PHOTO YVES HERMAN, REUTERS
Rafael Nadal
Everything was in place for a tough final on Sunday morning. Nadal, rested thanks to Alexander Zverev’s package in the semi-final, against Casper Ruud, a 23-year-old Norwegian, eighth in the world and runner-up to the Spaniard on clay.
However, this final on the Philippe-Chatrier court was not as spectacular as hoped. Nadal has been smoldering, consistent and breathtaking. Nadal was a winner. As if he knew no other way to be on the beaten earth of Paris.
With this triumph, Nadal adds to his legend. This 14e title at Roland-Garros is his 22e Grand Slam title. He therefore takes a lead of two over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. A domination all the more astonishing because a few years ago, the health of the toreador was so fragile that one could believe that he would be the least victorious of the Big Three. It is nothing today. He also brings his record to 112 victories and only three defeats at the French Open since the start of his career. He won each of the 14 finals he played.
“You make me feel at home,” Nadal told the crowd during the presentation of the trophy.
PHOTO BENOIT TESSIER, REUTERS
Rafael Nadal
The word “incredible” is probably the most overused word in Molière’s language. Everything that has been described as amazing has been experienced. It is therefore believable, perceptible and truthful. This 14e Nadal’s title is therefore anything but incredible. Amazement has become admiration for many tennis fans in front of the greatest player in history on clay.
It’s hard to describe how I feel. I would never have thought possible to be competitive at 36 and to win, again, the most important title of my career.
Rafael Nadal
Especially since with his foot injury which caused him to miss the end of last season and which put an end to his tournament in Rome against Denis Shapovalov, it is difficult to know what the future holds for him: “I will continue to fight to try to continue. »
Unequivocal
Casper Ruud could very well have inflicted a fourth defeat on Nadal in Paris, but the task was colossal.
Ruud had had a very good tournament before the final. He had dangerous opponents and he already had two titles this season on red dust.
Ruud is a lover of the game, passionate about the history of tennis. It played tricks on him at the start of the match, because he seemed impressed, almost intimidated by the magnitude of the moment. To face his idol, in the final of his favorite tournament, in front of a crowd of which he was a part just a few years ago.
PHOTO CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Casper Ruud
His legs were limp and his reaction time was reduced. He regularly came late to Nadal’s balls, so he sent several into the net, or his attacks lacked punch. Still, Ruud has one of the hottest forehands on the tour. Considering that Nadal has his left foot in compote, the fact that the champion went without difficulty to each of his balls confirms the Norwegian’s lack of vigor.
He even led 3-1 at one point in the second set, but Nadal had seen others. He won the next five games to take the set.
Nadal was on a mission and all suspicions about his physical condition have been dispelled. He was on his feet, his strikes were heavy and precise. He won the third set 6-0.
“I absolutely have to congratulate Rafa. We all know what a great champion you are. Now I know what it’s like to play against you in the final. I know it’s not easy and I know I’m not your first victim either,” Ruud joked after the game.
After winning the Australian Open in January, the Spaniard grabs the second Grand Slam of the season. A first in his long career.