Nadal wins record-setting 12th French Open title
It was a rematch of the 2018 Roland Garros final in Paris as once again Rafael Nadal took on Dominic Thiem in the title decider match on Sunday.
Nadal was once again in familiar winning streak, back at the clay court, a 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 winner to clinch his 18th Grand Slam triumph in total.
18 Grand Slams.
12 Roland-Garros titles.
1 @RafaelNadal.#RG19 pic.twitter.com/gWXeqGCZGd— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 9, 2019
The 33-year-old becomes the first player to win the same Grand Slam title 12 times, going past Margaret Court’s 11 Australian Opens. Now he sits just two major titles behind his great foe and men’s Grand Slam title record holder, 37-year-old Roger Federer.
Rafael Nadal played just three events in 2019 prior to the clay-court season.
“It’s incredible. I can’t explain the feeling,” said Nadal after winning the title.
Merci @rolandgarros for this amazing experience. 12!! Still can't believe it pic.twitter.com/iNj8Me4iRJ
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) June 9, 2019
“For me, it was a dream to play here in 2005, and I could not imagine I would be back here in 2019. It’s a very special moment for me.
“I want to say congratulations to Dominic. I feel sorry… he deserves it. He has absolute intensity and passion for this sport. I wish him all the best for the future.”
Rafael Nadal also said that winning his 12th French Open is extra special after a turbulent year where he considered taking an extended break because of injury problems.
