Rafael Nadal made history on Sunday as he defeated Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the 2020 French Open maless last to make his 20th major title and 13th at Roland Garros. He is now connected with Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam success by a guy in the Open era (since 1968) and is just the fifth player– female or male– to reach the 20-major milestone.
It was an almost flawless performance by Nadal, who required simply 2 hours and 41 minutes to take apart the world No. 1 and earn his 100th win on the Parisian clay. It was the ninth profession meeting in a major last between the two long time competitors– and 56th clash in general– but among the more uneven outcomes.
2 Related” Today you showed why youre the King of Clay,” Djokovic stated to Nadal during the prize presentation. “Ive experienced it in my own skin. It was a really difficult match for me today. Undoubtedly, Im not so happy with the method I played. I was definitely overplayed by a better player today on the court.”
Nadal didnt drop a set during the tournament, and it marked the fourth time he won the title match at Roland Garros in straight sets. The 34-year-old Spaniard had simply 14 unforced errors on the day compared to 52 for Djokovic.
The limited but lively crowd revealed its adoration for the “King of Clay” following the match, and those watching from home were no various. Tennis legends, existing gamers– consisting of Federer and newly crowned ladiess champ Iga Swiatek– and other athletes and celebs from worldwide showered Nadal in praise after his astonishing screen.
the Mens Singles champion at #RolandGarros! 100 matches and 13 titles @rolandgarros.
And his 20th Grand Slam win! pic.twitter.com/qM72xsT4mG— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) October 11, 2020 Congratulations to the King of Clay @RafaelNadal.
@RafaelNadal you are a beast! Well done @RafaelNadal! Remarkable @RafaelNadal A legend on and off court.
Con esta exhibición te llevas tu 13º #RolandGarros … y ya van 20 Grand Slams en el bolsillo para igualar a Federer.
Eres muy grande, la palabra #Leyenda ya se te empieza a quedar corta!!!!! @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/M6ojVyZYnj— Pau Gasol( @paugasol) October 11, 2020 Congratulations to @RafaelNadal,
Congratulations @RafaelNadal! Its incredible to sort of share this experience with you. Am I even allowed to say this?– Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) October 11, 2020
Winning 13 Slams in Paris is amazing, a fitting Grand Slam finale to a difficult year. Youre a motivation Rafa, gracious and great. Heres to 20 majors.– Rod Laver (@rodlaver) October 11, 2020 Congratulations Rafa. Youre an example to everyone in our
sport and the very best weve seen. Most importantly, an excellent individual. Substantial regard. @RafaelNadal– Simona Halep( @Simona_Halep) October 11, 2020 ¡ Rafa, lo has actually vuelto a conseguir! Tu XIII #RolandGarros y XX Grand Slam te llevan a un terreno único.
13 titles there. VAMOOOSSSSS @RafaelNadal Enhorabuena https://t.co/yDnTsDXGGA— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) October 11, 2020
Love and regard for fantastic Nadal family. What an amazing achievement Congratulations to @RafaelNadal household, group and all the fans #RolandGarros promote– Jelena Djokovic (@jelenadjokovic) October 11, 2020
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) October 11, 2020
Congratulations to @RafaelNadal,
the Mens Singles champion guys #RolandGarros! Congratulations to the King of Clay @RafaelNadal.
VAMOOOSSSSS @RafaelNadal Enhorabuena https://t.co/yDnTsDXGGA— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) October 11, 2020
What a fantastic accomplishment Congratulations to @RafaelNadal family, group and all the fans #RolandGarros promote– Jelena Djokovic (@jelenadjokovic) October 11, 2020
